FREE Winter 2013-2014
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Arielle Chambers Miss Capital City USA 2014
Breaking into
Modeling Buying Your
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An Interview with
Anthony Battaglia
Excuse-Free
Exercising Grammar Gaffes
The Triangle’s Student Magazine www.uthemagazine.com
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Table of Contents Features Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Winter 2013-2014 Volume 4, Issue 2
www.uthemagazine.com
Published by
Moonstone Studio, LLC
Managing Editor Pamela K. Marsh
Copy Editor Sarah Davis
Design and Website Moonstone Studio, LLC
Contributing Writers
Anne Brenner, Jennifer Brix Shannon Cuthrell, Meghan DeMaria Lindsey Johnson, Breana Jordan John Posthill, Casey Reep Amanda Thompson
Sales
Brittany Baird, Corey Boyce Jessica Henry, Alexis Holmes Ebony Thornton
Breaking into Modeling ............................................................................. 6 Buying Your First Car ................................................................................ 10 Grammar Gaffes....................................................................................... 12 Excuse-Free Exercising.............................................................................. 18 Pros and Cons of Living Off-Campus.......................................................22
DEPARTMENTS Dining: Best Hot Dogs near Campus.....................................................14 Arts: Jan French—Art Teacher with a Twist..........................................25 Sports: An Interview with Anthony Battaglia.......................................26 Books: Lean In......................................................................................... 28 TV Show: Community............................................................................. 28 Coupons.................................................................................................. 29 Check us out online at www.uthemagazine.com for more great stories!
U the Magazine is a college-lifestyle magazine published three times a school year, Back-to-School, Winter and Spring. Featuring articles, written by student interns and guests, from fashion and careers to relationships. Valuable coupons from local merchants are featured in the print version as well as the online version of the magazine. U the Magazine can be found on college campuses, apartment communities, retail stores and restaurants throughout the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Carrboro areas.
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U the Magazine | Winter 2013-2014
Miss Capital City USA 2014
Breaking into
Modeling Buying Your
First Car
Subscriptions
Arielle Chambers
An Interview with
Anthony Battaglia
Excuse-Free
Exercising Grammar Gaffes
The Triangle’s Student Magazine www.uthemagazine.com
Jennifer Brix lays out a guide to breaking into the modeling business on pages 6-9, with industry tips from professional model, Arielle Chambers, Miss Capital City USA 2014, pictured on the cover. Photo by Udo Spreitzenbarth.
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Breaking Into The Modeling Business
Firsthand tips from an industry professional on what it takes to be a model By Jennifer Brix
Photo by Jennie Nieves
Oh to be a model. Photo shoots in
exotic locations; seductive struts down the catwalk and insurmountable levels of fame are just a few of the conventional mental associations with the glamorous profession. However, while many long for the glitz and glam associated with modeling, few know what it truly takes to make it into a legitimate career. Strictly speaking, modeling requires much more than just a pretty face. Hard work, sacrifice and dedication are major components of making your mark in the industry.
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U the Magazine | Winter 2013-2014
Nowadays, whether we are watching television, flipping through a magazine or browsing our favorite social media site, we are inundated with images of women with nearly unattainable figures and ethereal beauty. While these images may make it seem as though modeling is uncomplicated or based solely on good looks, it is merely a misconception. Curious about the inner workings of the modeling industry, I decided to go straight to the source and get the truth about the oft-fantasized career path. Consequently,
I conducted thorough research, talked one-on-one to professional models and interviewed a veteran agent with over 15 years of experience. Ultimately, I got down to the nitty-gritty about the fallacies, realities and requirements of breaking into the modeling business. So, if you believe modeling is your calling— or if you are simply curious about what it takes to be one of the “pretty people”— check out these ten pearls of wisdom straight from the source.
1. Embrace your beauty, no matter how unconventional “When people envision a stereotypical model, they think [about] perfect facial figures,” says veteran scout Lindsay Truvett of Innovations agency in Chicago, Illinois. “I’ve been in this industry for nearly two [decades]. I can tell you that that mental image could not be further from the truth… Of course, classic beauty is sought after, but when I’m casting models, I look for imperfection…Your big lips, gappy teeth, freckles, prominent nose—embrace them. Perfection is not the name of the modeling game.”
2. Use social media to your advantage “Social media sites have opened up a door for those who previously wouldn’t have had the opportunity to get their foot in the door to pursue modeling, “ confesses professional model Arielle Chambers.
Photo by Michael O’Neill
Signed to Wilhelmina Evolution agency, Chambers has quite an impressive resume, including television, runway and print bookings. However, she confesses that without social media, she may not have been discovered. “I wrote in my status on Facebook in 2009 that I wanted a photographer for Christmas. My friend saw my status and referred [me] to a booker. I got called in for a meeting [and was signed] on the spot to my first mother agency… The rest was history.”
3. Do your research “It’s important to be knowledgeable about any career path before you pursue it; modeling is no exception,” explains Truvett. “Know the difference between the bogus bookers and the legitimate agencies. Do your research and avoid a potential scam…it’s unfortunate but deceit is rampant in the modeling industry.”
4. Have a thick skin “The industry can be very brutal,” admits Chambers. “Keep your head held high no matter what criticism you may receive. Know that the industry is forever changing, but the consistency that you need will be you remaining constant with yourself. Always be yourself, because there’s no duplicate of you. “
5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle “The weight thing—it is a huge misconception,” says former model Alana Stewart. After years of commercial modeling, Stewart is no stranger to watching her figure. “You have to take care of your appearance if you choose to model. Taking care of yourself means leading a healthy lifestyle replete with exercise and a nutritious diet…You will never be made to starve yourself by a legitimate booker.”
Photo by Michael O’Neill
6. Practice makes perfect “It may sound strange, but practicing all of your poses and expressions in front of your mirror is really effective,” says Stewart with a laugh. “People love to dance in front of the mirror too. Don’t be ashamed to do it! Any photographer will also recommend [practicing in front of the mirror] because it makes their job easier.”
U the Magazine | Winter 2013-2014
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Photo by Udo Spreitzenbarth
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U the Magazine | Winter 2013-2014
7. Keep it simple
an Concep
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“My strongest suggestion is for a model to bring her personal style to the casting call and maintain a good personality,” says Chambers. After attending a slew of casting calls and “go-sees” throughout the duration her modeling career, she acknowledges that she has become somewhat of a booking expert. “There are dozens of girls…all wanting the same job. You have to figure out what makes you different and accentuate that. My stylistic advice for a girl going to a casting is to stick to all black. Figure out what cut top you look best in and what pants or shorts, as well as shoes [look best on you]. “ Truvett agrees that simplicity is best. “Don’t get overly dressy for a casting call. Show up with little to no makeup on and be sure to keep the accessories to a minimum. Your prospective agent wants to see the real you.”
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“Our agency has actually dropped several beautiful girls because of their bad attitudes,” divulges Truvett. “Believe it or not, professionalism and a good work ethic will get you further than just good looks…Bad news travels much faster than good news in the fashion industry and if you have a nasty attitude, you’re putting your career in jeopardy.”
9. Decide what makes you unique “…There are MILLIONS of girls [that are] 5’9-5’11, size 0, who have the same dream as you do,” proclaims Chambers. “You have to figure out what makes you stand out…and accentuate that.”
10. Stay in school “Depending on type of modeling you want to do, the career of most professional models ends by the time they hit their mid-twenties,” explains Truvett. “Even if you are in school when you get scouted, education is still very important… Yes, modeling can be a really fun career, but it doesn’t last forever.”
A Little More About Arielle Arielle, a senior, is a communication media major at NC State University, with a minor in english. Arielle chose to major in communications because “it has such a wide array of career opportunities.” Currently, she works as an assistant producer at UNC TV, which relates directly with her chosen field of study. She is a frequent flyer back and forth to New York, where she is an assistant in production and sourcing for SUNO NY (sunony.com). Arielle loves the fashion industry as well as the television industry. She grew up with both these industries playing prominent roles in her life. Arielle says, “This is mainly why I made the decision to make it a career choice.”
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U the Magazine | Winter 2013-2014
Everyone should buy a car as soon as they can in life in order to learn and experience the steps of an important business transaction. Transportation is almost as important as where you live. Buying a car involves making some decisions and executing certain activities in a logical sequence and here is a 20-point list of actions to consider. Most of these are mandatory, a few are optional. Doing all steps—in order—is highly recommended! It is also useful to talk to people who have purchased cars before and who want to help you because they like you, not because they want to sell you something. 1. Decide if you really need a (or another) car. Need or want? Why? What are your motivations? Be honest with yourself. Then proceed. 2. Decide roughly what kind of a car you want and can afford (make, model, year range, used or new, must haves, must not haves, etc.) Ultimately, get a good idea of what you initially think you want. It is OK to not know exactly, like if you said you want a used 2007-2010 Honda Accord or a used 2007-2010 Toyota Camry, that is good enough for now. 3. Go and test drive example(s) of such a car(s) early on in the process. Ergonomics, comfort and drivability are key at this stage. Used car lots are good for this but the salesmen will pressure you to buy a car from the minute you show up. Politely take their card when you leave but do not buy a car yet, you are not ready to do so. If the experience seems weird, move to another alternative. If your initial idea is not going to work for you, decide on a different type of car and go test driving until you have a good, practical idea of what car you really want. 4. Do further research into the make, model, year, etc. car that you want and the range of gas mileage you anticipate and price range. Is it a lemon? What do others say about it? Now is the time to develop a very clear focus of what you want and its price range. 5. Work out your financing before you actually start looking for a car to buy. If you have the cash, you are good to go. If you need or want a loan*, go work this process out first. Going to speak to someone at your bank is a good place to begin. At the end of this, having taken notes on all that is required, you need to have a very clear idea of the process to obtain the financing to buy the car and whether or not you will get the kind of loan you seek. Pre-approval is highly recommended—you don’t need a surprise later on when it comes to financing! 6. Speak to an auto insurance broker. Find out what rates you can expect to pay when you buy the car. Have them explain the various types of insurance to you, it is a bit complicated. Liability insurance is required by law but even here, many decisions need to be made (amount of liability insurance, deductible, etc.) that all affect the cost and risk you are willing to take. You may wish to also purchase collision insurance on the car if it is valuable enough to insure or if you take out a loan on the car—then the lender will mandate collision
Buying
insurance. Make sure to factor these costs into the car buying decision to ensure you can afford it going forward. You can comparative shop here to get a better price if desired. 7. Have a mechanic lined up to inspect the car you want to buy. Speak to that person about the kind of car you want (make, model, year range) and make sure they think it is a good type of car. Ask them what they have seen go wrong with them, are they problem cars, etc. If all looks good, tell them you will call when you find a car you want inspected. 8. Look for the car you want. Where to look is the issue. Better deals and often better used cars can be purchased from private parties. New cars, you can use the web or dealerships. Make sure you have cash (at least $100 is suggested) with you in order to put a deposit on a car that you want to buy from a private party. From here on, I will assume you are dealing with a private party but much also applies to a dealership. 9. Call the person who owns the car that you may want to buy and ask some questions. What is the mileage? Any major repairs? Do they like the car? Then why is the person selling the car? Is this person the original owner? If not, how long have they owned it? What is the history of ownership? Do the answers make sense to you and sound reasonable? If things are not adding up positively, politely say you will think about it and move on. If it sounds reasonable and consistent with all your other background research, then arrange to see the car. 10. Before you arrive to look at the car, have a clear plan in your mind (or on paper) of what you want to do to evaluate it. At a minimum, look around the outside of the car carefully, including the tires. Then—mandatory—test drive it where you can get the speed up to at least 50mph at some point. See if this car feels good to you. Often a new-to-you car will feel strange, that is OK, but if something is truly not workable, this is not the car for you. Odd noises or smells are not good. Some people will hand you the keys and expect you back in 15 minutes; some will want to ride with you. It is their car so they can do whatever they want. If anything ever feels wrong or weird, leave and look elsewhere. 11. Once you find a car that will work for you and you think you want to buy it, negotiate the price. Don’t be bullied into an above-market price (this is where prior research will pay off). It can be worth paying a bit more if the car is very low mileage or has some other features that are meaningful to you but be prepared to walk or you will pay too much. Also take stock of who you are dealing with. If the person is sketchy, acts weird, has strange requests (“I need to drive it to Florida twice this week before I sell it to you, is that OK?”), politely bow out of the situation and leave. Come to a mutual understanding on price. 12. Before handing any money over, make sure they understand that you must have the car inspected before the deal is complete and have a CARFAX done to know the history of the car.
Your First Car Most people understand this and accept this as part of the reality of a used car transaction. If they oppose or want to talk you out of this, politely excuse yourself and leave. 13. Hand write (or if you want, type one up in advance and leave places to fill in the blanks) two copies of a bill of sale document that you both will sign both copies, one copy for each of you. It will state your names, details of the car (make, model, color, license plate, VIN, copy it off the title that way you can see the person has a title and then make sure the same number is on the car, it is in several locations) and the price. It will also state the cash deposit made and received. It will also state that if the inspection or CARFAX reveals unacceptable/unrevealed problems that the deal is off and the deposit is to be refunded. (If the seller balks at this, walk away. The inspection and history is critical!) Both of you sign both copies and hand over the deposit money. Tell the person that you will get back to them to arrange for the inspection. 14. Get the CARFAX immediately and make sure it is OK. Work out the logistics and execute the inspection as soon as you possibly can, do not wait. It will cost about $60 but is essential. 15. If the car is basically fine from the inspection, proceed to #17.
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16. If the car has some significant problems, make sure the mechanic writes them down. If things are messed up badly, get this in writing for proof, return the car and get a refund of the deposit. If things can be fixed to your satisfaction, have him give estimates for fixing the problem. Then call the seller and say what happened, make sure to get a written copy of the problems with estimates to them so they know this is a real issue, not something made up by you. Maybe you renegotiate the price or let that person get the problems fixed. Renegotiation of the price is best because then you have control over the fixes. Modify and both parties initial the changes to reflect this new understanding. 17. Once the buy is a definite GO, call your insurance broker and lock in your insurance for this vehicle taking into account all the details you investigated beforehand. An exact price will now be available for you, and, again, you can comparative shop at this point, too. They will need details such a VIN and make the insurance effective on the date of title transfer or a day or two before. Tell them you need the form that shows you are insured which will be emailed to you. They’ll need some money to get going and you can arrange insurance billing for later. 18. If you are financing all or part of the purchase price, contact the institution you are
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dealing with and tell them you now want to proceed and make that happen. 19. Buy the car and transfer title to you. It is usually easiest to bring the balance of payment, proof of insurance, and plenty of additional money (this can exceed $500 depending on the car) for registration/title transfer with you to a DMV location where you meet the seller who brings the car and the title. No title, no deal. Then, they can sign it over, you can register the car in your name and get the new license plate in one fell swoop. Have someone drive you there because you will be driving away in your new car. 20. Remember: there are many cars out there and they are all supposed to do about the same thing (i.e., take you down the road). It is nice to have a nice car but don’t fall head over heels in love with one that you see out there, it is just a car. *Early in life, it is good to take out small loans even if you don’t need them so you can readily pay them off and establish a better credit rating. Hence, it may make sense to keep some of your cash in the bank and take out a, say, $2K-$5K car loan that is not absolutely essential and pay it off over a period of a few years just for the credit rating advantage. Make sure you are set up to pay it off—no excuses.
Volume 11 - Issue 44
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Amend it before you send it—
Ten Grammar Tips for a Successful First Impression By Casey Reep
A good first impression is a necessity in the professional world, as my mother constantly reminds me. In the case of employers, emails are often sources of first impressions. Nothing gives potential employers the sense that an applicant does not have the competence or intelligence for a job than little to no grasp of the nitty-gritty details of the English language, the textbook subject that lulls you to sleep, that torturous set of rules: grammar. Despite rumors you may have heard to the contrary, basic grammar is actually useful after elementary school. An understanding of “there/ their/they’re” and “two/too/to” makes you sound competent—even if your career choice has nothing to do with English or writing. “But grammar is so broad and so complex, how will I ever learn it all?” Well, you don’t need to learn everything about grammar. But I have compiled a list of the top ten tips that you should consider following before writing your emails.
1. Capitalization I realize that this sounds elementary. I just want remind you that professional emails are much more structured and formal than social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. In professional emails, you should make absolutely sure to use a capital letter for the very first letter in a sentence, as well as for proper nouns (i.e. names of people, cities, countries, and continents; titles and ranks of important governmental officials; and names of companies and consumer brands) and especially the pronoun “I.” For example: “Yesterday, James Nelson had an interview with Mr. Smith at the Red Hat office in Raleigh, North Carolina.” 2. Your and you’re These two commonly misused words, along with the next four in the list, are all called homophones, which are words that sound the same but have different meanings. Your is an adjective that is used to describe something that you own or possess; you’re is the consolidated form of you are. For example: “This sentence will be your guide if you’re careful to use homophones correctly.” Here, your describes guide. (What type of guide is this? Your guide, because it belongs to you.) And you’re can be simplified into “if you are careful.” 3. Their, they’re, and there Their, like the homophone your, is an adjective that describes something that they own or possess; and they’re, like the homophone you’re, is the consolidated form of they are. Now the word there is an adverb; adverbs answer questions such as how?, in what way?, when?, where?, and to what extent?. There answers the question where?, such as with a physical, mental, or emotional place. For example: “Jane and Lucy are going to the park to listen to their favorite band perform on the lawn, and they’re going to have a great evening there.” In this sentence, their describes Jane and Lucy’s favorite band. (What kind of band is it? It’s their favorite band.) They’re can be simplified into 12
U the Magazine | Winter 2013-2014
right, but Lucy defiantly tells her that she is wrong.”
“they are going to have a great evening.” Finally, there refers to the physical place of the park that Jane and Lucy are going to. 4. Its and it’s Much like your/you’re and their/they’re, its and it’s are homophones, an adjective and a contracted verb respectively. For example: “It’s a long walk for the bear to get back to its home between the river and the mountain.” It’s can again be simplified into “it is a long walk.” Its describes the home. (Whose home is it? It is the bear’s.) To simplify these last three tips, your, their and its are all possessive, which just means that they possess something, that they show the ownership of something. And you’re, they’re and it’s are contractions, meaning that they are consolidated forms of the noun-and-verb combinations you are, they are, and it is, respectively. 5. Contractions and apostrophes I have already mentioned that you’re, they’re and it’s are all contractions. These words are consolidated forms of nouns and verbs, and the verb has been shortened and marked with an apostrophe (‘). Contractions are only for nouns and verbs, so the contraction would’ve doesn’t mean “would of,” it means “would have.” (Let me digress for a moment by saying that “would of,” “could of,” and “should of” are INCORRECT. Although we often slur our words such that would’ve sounds like “would of,” it is incorrect when writing, because would, could and should modify verbs like “have” and “have been.”) For example: “This sentence would’ve been helpful for your grammar tests in the fourth grade if you’d only learned simplified grammar tips, but you’ll be better off now that they’re in your memory.” Since this entire sentence contains consolidated forms of nouns and verbs, I’ll write it out without the apostrophes and contractions: “This sentence would have been helpful for your grammar tests in the fourth grade if you had only learned simplified grammar tips, but you will be better off now that they are in your memory.” When in doubt about the use of contractions and apostrophes, it is better to spell out everything. 6. Affect and effect Affect is a verb, whereas effect is a noun. For example: “All-nighters affect your brain’s performance in daily activities. The effect of all-nighters on your sleep schedule is unhealthy.” Affect, the verb, means “to influence,” so the first part of the sentence can be rewritten: “All-nighters influence your brain’s performance…” An effect is a result of an influence. 7. Definitely and defiantly Definitely, with “-fin-” in the middle, is an adverb that means “without a doubt” and is often used for emphasis. Defiantly, with “-fian-” in the middle, is an adverb that means “boldly resisting.” For example: “Jane insists that she is definitely
8. Then and than Then with an “e” is used to show time progression, whereas than with an “a” is used for comparisons. For example: “This sentence will make sense if you see that grammar matters more than you think, and then you will be able to write more coherently.” 9. Subject/verb agreement If you’re like me, subject and verb agreement may bring back memories of difficult grammar lessons in middle school. So to help make this topic a little easier, I’ll explain how subjects and verbs match with a table:
PERSON
SINGULAR SINGULAR PLURAL NOUN VERB NOUN
1st person I 2nd person you 3rd person he/she/it
am are is
we you all they
PLURAL VERB are are are
This chart shows how the person and number (singular or plural) of a noun and a verb match up. In the first person singular, the noun “I” and the verb “am” agree. The same goes with the rest of the pronouns and the verbs in his chart. For nouns and verbs to agree, they must match in person and number. Also, the pronouns anyone, everyone, someone, no one and nobody are always singular. Some, none, and all are either singular or plural, depending on what they’re referring to. Either and neither are singular, unless they are close to an or nor in the sentence, in which case the verb agrees with the subject closest to itself. For example: “This sentence is a great example of how subjects agree with their verbs, but these explanations are by no means a complete list of all grammar tips that we need to know.” 10. Spelling Spellcheck does not often catch all the errors that you may make in your writing. My only tip is to take advantage of the Internet—there are multiple, extensive lists online of commonly misspelled words, in addition to resources such as thesauruses and dictionaries. Proofreading is the best tool to use when it comes to spelling. So these are the ten tips that I have compiled from my experiences with writing and helping peers proofread their papers. There are other helpful resources that I have come across. The “Associated Press Stylebook” is a great online and paper resource that I have used. “The Purdue OWL” (owl.english. purdue.edu) is an online site that explains and gives examples of perfect grammar and good writing. Finally, the Merriam-Webster dictionary is an online and a print resource for spelling. If you ever have any doubts about using a particular topic of grammar, don’t hesitate to use these resources. It is far better to ask for help from the right places than to guess.
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DINING: The Best Hot Dogs Near Campus By Anne Brenner
This time of year, it’s not too hot and not too cold, which makes it the perfect time of year for outdoor
festivals—and whether you’re headed for a ball game or a carnival, there’s nothing like a hot dog cooked to perfection with all of the fixings to enjoy any kind of event that might be taking place outside. Think about it; aside from being all-American outdoor pastimes, what do, say, a football game and the State Fair have in common? In all likelihood, both places, the hot dog vendors are readily available. There’s just something about biting into a good hot dog; for me, it just puts that last little all-American piece of perfection on an afternoon or evening under the sun. Unfortunately, between homework, part-time jobs, and family commitments, not many of us can find the time to attend one of these outdoor events every weekend. But, luckily for college students and residents in and around the Triangle area, that doesn’t mean you can’t still get some of the best hot dogs the state has to offer, and it just so happens that several of those options are just a short drive from the college campuses around town.
CHAPEL HILL
Buns 107 N. Columbia St. Chapel Hill, NC 27514 919.240.4746 If you’re a Tar Heel like me, one of the
best options is Buns, located in the heart of Chapel Hill on the corner of Franklin and Rosemary Streets. This is one of my favorite post-football and basketball game dining hangouts to grab a foot-long hot dog. Made with 100% beef, these dogs are even more sensational with relish and ketchup, and a side order of Buns’ signature chili fries provides the perfect finishing touch. If hot dogs aren’t your thing, though, that’s not a problem—Buns also has plenty of burger, salad, and sandwich options to choose from. But possibly my favorite aspect of
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Buns is the late-night hours; Fridays and Saturdays, when the town is really roaring into action, you’re welcome to stop by for a hot dog until 3:00 a.m. They’re open seven days a week, so swinging by for a mid-week treat isn’t tough at all, especially with the close proximity to UNC’s campus.
Durham
Five Guys 6910 Fayetteville Rd. Durham, NC 27713 919.572.1735 Down the road in Durham, if you’re
closer to Duke’s campus, Five Guys provides another tempting hot dog option. Personally, I like to add bacon and cheese to my bun, but you also have the plain dog option if you’re looking for a lighter snack.
Five Guys offers a unique assortment of toppings to choose from for hot dogs (and burgers, too!), so no matter what you’re in the mood for, chances are, they’ve got it covered for you. From grilled onions to mushrooms to green peppers, and pretty much everything in between— and the best part is, you can choose as many of those toppings as you want at no extra charge. This place is also well-known for its signature French fries; you can go with either plain or Cajun style, but either way, it’s a winner. And last but not least, Five Guys stands out by serving handfuls of peanuts with any of their orders. Located on McFarland Drive, you’re also conveniently near Blue Devil territory at the Durham location; the perfect spot for a Saturday afternoon hangout or a place to unwind after the big mid-term.
Raleigh
S aTion 8 Loc S ThE S acro gLE a i r T n
Cloos’ Coney Island 2233 Avent Ferry Rd. #102 Raleigh, NC 27606 919.834.3354 Of course, we can’t forget about the
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Wolfpack fans—and, as luck would have it, there happens to be a perfect place especially known for its hot dogs situated just mere steps away from N.C. State’s campus on Avent Ferry Road: Cloos’ Coney Island. The Coney Island hog dog, served with a delectable mix of chili, mustard, and onions, is their most famous signature specialty, but this place has pretty much every hot dog option you might be able to think of. Just a few of the many others that are worth trying out include the polish sausage, topped with sauerkraut and brown mustard, and the Chicago dog, served with tomatoes, mustard, relish, and peppers—you’ll feel just like you’re biting into a dog at Wrigley Field. But if you’re in the mood for something other than a hot dog, no worries; Cloos’ Coney Island has plenty of other options, too. They have a wide assortment of pitas, both for vegetarians and meat-lovers, or, if you’re feeling healthy, you can grab a Greek or chef’s salad. The Philly cheese steaks are some of my personal favorite non-hot dog creations here as well—they also are available with every topping imaginable, from mushrooms to mayo. You name it, they’ve got it. So, get out there and enjoy a good hot dog at one of the area’s many outdoor festivals, if you can—but if you can’t, there are still plenty of options for the best hot dogs near campus—no matter which campus it may be.
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Excuse-Free Exercises The feel of sweat dripping the colors of Gatorade you are drinking. The sound of thunder as you crash your Nike tennis shoes against the pavement in your “Just Do It” routine. Advertisements make exercise look fun, don’t they? Do you know what else they do for you? Convince you to sit on the couch and dive into a bowl of Waves potato chips (with a snazzy new bag design), drink white wine with dancing kangaroos and NOT use those shoes or have a need for a rehydrating sports beverage. A body at rest tends to stay at rest. And we fight to prove this scientific hypothesis every day of our lives. And we are busy, let’s face it. With jobs, study-sessions, class, and working hard to maintain some semblance of a social life, when is there really time to get that body in motion? There are some amazing exercise routines out there. But we always find a reason to say “I just can’t.” For instance:
Excuse #1: I JUST DON’T HAVE THE TIME. Let’s look at one of the more popular workout routines out there right now. P90X: A killer routine that combines cardio, martial arts, and weight training in 60-90 minute sessions six days a week for ninety days. But who has time for that? I’m with you! You have to really want a routine that requires extensive training on a daily basis with disciplined consistency. (And speaking from experience, it is not just a fitness program; it is a freakin’ lifestyle change!) But maybe there are some quick routines that can provide a mix of cardio and resistance training with a lighter time commitment. For instance: Conditioning workouts are a big part of playing any team sport. In many instances the pre-season conditioning routines are just as important as practicing on the court or field. And a lot can be accomplished in a relatively short amount of time. Try this routine out for a little change-up: The “Hops-a-lot” Routine (10 minutes total time) 1. Start by placing a piece of duct (or masking) tape 12-15 inches long on the floor where you plan on doing your routine. (Masking tape pulls up from carpet and most other surfaces with no trouble so you can convert almost any space into your gym!) Start with both feet together on the left side of the tape. Start your stop-watch, and hop, both feet, back and forth across the tape for 30 seconds. At the end of the time, step to the right side of the tape and repeat for 30 more seconds. 2. Drop to the ground for 20 regular (or modified) push-ups. 18
U the Magazine | Winter 2013-2014
Photos by Lindsey Johnson
By Lindsey Johnson
Hops-a-lot 3. Jump back up, this time starting with both feet behind the tape. Jump, with both feet together, forward and back across the tape for 30 seconds. At the end of the time, step to the front of the tape and repeat for 30 more seconds. 4. Drop to the ground for 15 regular (or modified push-ups). 5. Jump back up. Start with your right foot to the left of the tape and left foot up. Start the timer, and hop, right foot only, back and forth across the tape. At 30 seconds, switch legs without pause and hop, left-foot only, back and forth across the tape. 6. Drop to the ground for 20 reglar (or modified) push-ups. Repeat steps 1-6 for a total of 10 minutes.
Excuse #2: I DON’T HAVE THE SPACE. One of the coolest (in my opinion) new workout fads to come out in the past few years is Zumba. If you are unfamiliar, this method includes dance based cardio routines that allow for constant movement through different popular song mixes. These are reasonably accessible through the at-home DVD program or the Wii videogame console (plus you can probably find plenty through YouTube). These programs can be adjusted to fit your schedule with 15-60 minute segments. But the above excuse has merit. It is difficult to do at-home Zumba in your living room if you are living in a dorm or even a smaller apartment. Dancing routines can be tricky to fit in tight spaces, but not impossible. For instance, belly dancing routines provide killer core movement across a relatively confined surface area. And if you can’t fit Zumba in your apartment, take yourself to Zumba! Classes are popping up all over the place, including group fitness classes at your university gym! It is a great way to meet people, have a blast, and burn some
calories! If that fails, clubs on Friday and Saturday nights tend to have pretty awesome D.Js. Get dressed up, go out on the town, and dance your booty away!
Excuse #3: I’M TOO BUSY.
Well aren’t we all? When we are simultaneously accomplishing so many things at once already, it is tough to fit in anything else. Unless we just add one more thing to the pot and exercise while we are doing A, B, and C. Now I realize this goes against all of the new psychological mumbo-jumbo about how splitting our concentration makes the quality of each task diminish, but since we are all born of this new tech age and have practically been raised on texting while working while studying while listening to music while (gasp of breath here)…you catch my drift… perhaps there are some exercises we can do while checking off our massive list of to-dos. For example: 1. Stationary Machines: This is actually a necessity for me. I have never been capable of just running on a treadmill. I need to be doing something else to keep my mind occupied; listening to music, watching the news, counting the number of guys on the machines ahead of me that I would give my number to, etc. Stationary bikes, treadmills, and elliptical machines are all great places to read, study, balance your checkbook (as if people do that nowadays), grade papers or review research proposals. As long as you set your machine to a moderate program or pace, you won’t even notice how fit you are getting while at the same time kicking ass and taking names in all other facets of your life. 2. Floor work: Maybe you need to watch a lecture for your Distance Ed. class. Maybe you need to find something appropriate to wear from your favorite online boutique for a pending interview. Maybe you just really want to find out who that Bieber kid is dating now. All this and more can be done while also working on your rock-hard
abs for <insert closest break from school here>. Here are a couple of easy moves that you can sneak into the middle of your schedule: Around-the-World Bridges: 1. Start on the floor on your belly with your arms underneath you, elbows in, and legs stretched out behind you. Start your watch, and lift your bottom, balancing your weight between your toes and your elbows. Make sure your head does not sink into your shoulders, and hold the position so there is a straight line from your head to your toes. Keep your stomach held tight. Hold position for 1 minute. Relax.
Around-the-World Bridges
2. Turn clockwise so that your body is resting on your right side. Start the watch, and lift your body off the ground, stacking your feet and keeping your legs straight so that you are balanced on your right foot and right elbow. Hold for 1 minute. For an additional challenge, try lifting your free left arm straight up to maintain balance. Relax. 3. Repeat on left side.
Excuse #4: I HATE EXERCISE.
The trick is to do exercise without realizing you are exercising. This can be simple, and at the same time daunting. For instance, instead of taking the bus to class, walk. Yes, you have to give yourself a little more time. But just walking can be an amazing way to keep yourself healthy while maintaining your resistance to exercise. A one-mile walk burns approximately 100 calories. With a comfortable stride, one mile takes about fifteen minutes to walk. And depending on your bus route, this could actually be faster! You could also take the stairs instead of the elevator at your dorm or in your apartment building. I know this seems tedious, but trust me;
FREE Back-to-School 2013
the magazine
The Fashion Issue
Photos by Lindsey Johnson
This is a tough one. If you hate doing physical activity, it can be really difficult to see any need for it whatsoever. We have to do a lot of things we don’t necessarily like to do in our lives, why add one more?
getting stuck on one of those elevators once is enough to make you embrace the exercise of a stair climb. Plus, it can be a time saver. Those waiting for the elevator are typically still going to be waiting long after you are up the stairs and comfortably in your humble abode. And this one may sound silly. But if you hide your remote and are physically forced to get off the couch to change the channel, you may be
doing more than just getting the little exercise going up and down of the sofa. Granted you have to, at the same time that you hide your remote, set the television to a channel you despise so you will be willing to get up and change it. But you could be, in a small way, promoting additional movement (to the kitchen for a snack, maybe, but hey! Baby steps!) Remember, a body in motion…right?
We Made a Mistake! : 0 We apologize that we made an error when reporting that this dress was part of the “Wedding Can Be Every Day” collection by Megan Deutsch in our Back-to-School issue. Actually, Sarah Plaisted from NC State University designed this white satin and silver brocade dress on the cover of the Back-to-School 2013 issue of U the Magazine. The dress was part of Sarah’s “Black and White” Collection during Spring Fashion Week in 2013.
Featuring:
Five Fashion Shows Easy Snacks on a Budget Gun Control A Passion for Fashion
Plus: How to Find a Career you LOVE Retail Ready Dining, Books, Sports, Music & Coupons The Triangle’s Student Magazine www.uthemagazine.com
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The Pros and Cons of Living Off-Campus By Amanda Thompson For many people, college is a time for expanding horizons and stretching wings during those first years away from home. The archetypal college experience always seems to include moving away, joining sororities or fraternities, and the staples of living on campus. But is dorm life the best option? Or should more students consider living off campus? There is a lot to consider when it comes to choosing where to live during the four years most students spend earning a bachelor’s degree. Here are seven pros and cons of choosing to live at home during college.
The Pros 1. Personal Space
One of the hardest parts of the transition to college is sharing pretty much everything. Most freshmen start off sharing a suite with three other people. Hopefully these people become friends, but that’s not always the case, and even friends can become annoying after too much exposure. Living off campus means guaranteed space and personal time, which can be a blessing when school gets stressful, or personal relationships on campus become rocky.
2. Expense
For some students, living off campus isn’t an option. But for those who can, this is an easy way to save money on college expenses. In many cases, choosing to live at home can cut a college bill in half, removing the need to pay for housing and meal plans.
3. Familiarity
So much changes during college. It is certainly a stressful time, and having the comfort of home to return to at the end of a hard day can ease the load. There’s no picking and choosing what can be taken to school, no need to pack only some belongings. At home, all one’s clothes, books, movies, games, and more, are right where you left them.
4. Family
Of course, living at home means being able to see family on a regular basis. This can be a great benefit, especially for those who have younger siblings, who have families affected by tragedy or illness, or simply want to be close by just in case. 22
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Living with family on-hand gives students access to resources that on-campus students don’t have. Living at school, everything is on the student. When toothpaste suddenly starts running low or it’s time to do laundry, no one else is going to do it. At home, family members can be relied on for support, to help take care of more menial matters when school becomes too overwhelming. And unless you’re studying magic at Hogwarts, the fluffier members of the family aren’t allowed on campus. Staying at home also means no saying goodbye to four-legged friends.
conditions are exacerbated by being on campus. Living at home means being closer to people who know and understand students’ health and what is needed to make sure they are doing well day to day. For some students with anxieties or conditions worsened by prolonged social contact, being able to escape campus is not only helpful, it’s necessary.
The CONS 1. Distance
On campus, it can be easy to get distracted by all the fun that’s going on, especially when peers may be somewhat distracting or a negative influence. Studying might be difficult if the dorm isn’t a quiet, calm place to work.
Living off campus also means living away from school. Class is no longer a five minute walk, but is instead at least a twenty or thirty minute drive, if not more. This means waking up earlier, arriving home later, and having to work your schedule around your drive. Hate waking up for 8 o’clock classes? Imagine having to wake up even earlier to drive to school, in morning traffic.
Off campus, there’s a much smaller chance that studying will be interrupted or impaired by chaotic room-mates. Living at home means always the peace and quiet needed to study—not to mention parents whose presence might act as a reminder to work, and then play.
It also makes participating in events harder. Often, club meetings, speeches, and other special events happen hours after classes are over. Depending on the student’s schedule, this might mean driving back to school long after class, or waiting for hours for the event.
6. No Campus Rules
Arranging schedules is important for commuters, because there is no going back to the dorm between classes. Having a five hour gap built in a schedule quickly becomes wearisome.
5. Concentration
Students may be subject to school rules on campus, but at home, they rule the roost. The only limits are those imposed by parents or family members, and that’s only if the student lives at home. Living in an apartment off campus means being held to the rules of the complex, but more than likely they are much looser than any college dormitory.
7. Health
Getting sick is no fun. But at least at home, mom and dad are there to provide support and take care of you. Catching an illness that lasts a while or really drains energy, like a sinus infection or the flu, really requires the help of someone healthy to wait on the sick. Family members are much more likely to hang around and help out than dorm mates. If students are living with health conditions and disabilities that require daily care and concern, living at home may mean better health. This is especially true if these
2. Expense
While living off campus means there’s no housing fee, it also means paying for transportation. Whether that’s buying a car or riding the bus, getting to and from school can be costly. Add in gas and maintenance for a car, and transportation costs can be pretty steep.
3. Family
It’s a sad but true reality that not every family is a good one. For some students, college is the chance to escape an unhealthy or even dangerous situation at home. In much more mild scenarios, students may simply not get along with their family, or not want them hovering during the school year. Living on campus means being more independent, and having space and time away from family. Continued on page 24
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Continued from page 22
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U the Magazine | Winter 2013-2014
For students who live at home, being around family can become aggravating. The college years are a transition from youth to adulthood. This can be hard for students and parents, who may not be sure how to communicate with their almost-grown up kids. Parents may demand too much responsibility on top of school work; or act as if their kids are still in high school. Both of these scenarios can quickly become frustrating.
after-class events, are hard for off-campus students to make.
Living with family may mean weekly chores, babysitting younger family members, participating in family meals, events, and parties, or otherwise being obliged to be part of the family. This might conflict with school or make studying and participating harder. For students who want to do their own thing during college, it may be better to live on campus.
Most students have meal plans; but for many commuters, meal plans aren’t convenient. They aren’t on campus enough to warrant them. But that means commuters have to be responsible for their own meals, either by bringing food with them, paying out of pocket, or buying some form of partial plan. Commuters without meal plans can’t just run to the cafeteria for lunch. When schedules are tight or cash is low, eating during the day can be a struggle.
4. Friends
Many of the friends students make in college are dorm mates, suite mates, or people met in community events. For commuters, making friends can become impossible, because they are on campus much less often. Not living in a dorm means losing the camaraderie that comes from sharing a living space, or from being part of a sorority or fraternity. While many schools having commuter clubs and events, having to divide time between campus and home can make participating in even these events hard.
5. Community
Part of the college experience is feeling like a part of the school and being instilled with school spirit. Living off-campus makes feeling that spirit much harder. Many of the bonds that keep students together, such as sharing dorms, or participating together in
Less exposure to school life might mean missing certain traditions, or not learning about certain legends or stories students tell about the school. Simply the fact of living off-campus means commuters lose a big part of the “school spirit”: thinking of school as home.
6. Food
7. Availability of Resources
College campuses have a lot going for them. Libraries, gyms, art and dance studios, and more are available at most schools. Living at home makes access to these resources more difficult. Students either have to fit time for using them into their daily schedule, or come after or before class. For certain majors, a certain amount of studio time every week is required, and living off campus can make fulfilling those requirements impossible. Choosing whether or not to live on campus is a personal decision. It varies greatly on the student and their own situation, and it might not be an option in some cases. But if the pros outweigh the cons for you, living at home might be the best way to maximize your college experience.
ARTS:
Jan French: Art Teacher with a Twist
By Anne Brenner
Photo courtesy of Jan French
I’ve always had an immense respect for anyone who devotes his or her life to teaching. It’s my belief that education is the most important element to a promising future for society, and teachers are a crucial part of that equation. It’s also my belief that education in the arts isn’t just something that’s nice to have in our schools—it’s a must. Unfortunately, in today’s economy, the arts tend to be one of the first areas of education on the chopping block in most school districts. That’s what makes people like Jan French so important. Jan is a longtime Triangle resident, currently residing in Chapel Hill after having lived for many years in Durham. She’s also Duke alum, graduating with a master’s degree in environmental management. During her first several years out of college, she worked primarily in environmental consulting. Finding relatively little art in the Jan French scientific technical writing, she returned to NCSU School of Design where she learned how to draw her ideas into formal presentayoung professionals, at the Scrap Exchange tion boards. of Durham. Although Jan’s latest specialty is This led to a job in open space planning, projects that involve weaving, she’s exalthough she still made time for her artistic perimented with all different kinds of visual passions, weaving baskets in her backyard. crafts. “I work pretty much with anything But after her son was born 14 years ago, she fiber-related,” she says. started focusing exclusively on her career as For Jan, the artistic process is all about an artist in order to make more time for the learning to think outside of the box and getresponsibilities of motherhood. ting creative. “With weaving, for instance, When her son began attending a playwhy do our materials need to stay in strip group at Durham’s Emerson Waldorf School, form?” she says. “Why not make something Jan first got into experimentation with wool else entirely?” as an artistic tool. “I would go on field trips And, with some of her more recent to farms with some of the other mothers and projects, Jan has taught different age groups their kids, and we learned how to work with to do just that. This past winter, she coordifreshly shorn wool including cleaning and nated a project entitled “Service Grows From making roving, spinning yarn and needle Education.” This school-wide effort involved felting small toys,” she says. “That’s how I all of the school’s different age groups and really started getting into fiber art.” Shortly was made entirely from unrecyclable plastics thereafter, Jan moved abroad to Geneva for such as snack bags, lids, and markers. “With two years, where she decided to enroll her projects like this one, it’s about far more than son in another Waldorf School there. She just the art itself,” she says. “It’s also about says that institution also emphasized needle teaching these kids to be environmentally felting activities in French—and her interest aware and to understand the properties that took off from there. they’re working with.” Jan currently works as a substitute Jan has also dabbled in the performance teacher at Carolina Friends School, and she’s arts. (In fact, her website, which is called also lent her artistic teaching talents to the “HandwovenHarmony,” is so named because Durham Arts Council’s Creative Arts in Public she’s even been involved in choir singing with and Private Schools (CAPS) program. In Women’s Voices!) For one recent CFS project, addition, she teaches felting and knitting to Jan proudly poses in front of one of homeschoolers between the ages of 6 and the latest projects she coordinated, 13 and teaches a weaving class for adults “Service Grows From Education.” of all ages, including college students and
she oversaw a group of students create a collage entirely out of pizza boxes, and they then created an interpretive dance to go with the piece. “I really just love how I can give 20 kids the same group of materials and instructions, but they’ll all make different projects out of it,” she says. “It’s sort of like watching them work in their own little laboratory.” Although Jan teaches children and adults of all ages, she says she enjoys her students of different age groups for different reasons. “When they’re younger, you’re just trying to get them to understand what weaving is, and as they get older, they are able to develop more technique, which is always fun to see,” she says. “Around fourth grade or so, they’re just getting into the edge of their abilities, and that’s particularly fascinating.” It’s not hard to find Jan around town; she gives regular demonstrations and teaching sessions at art festivals throughout the Triangle area and the entire state, from Durham’s Centerfest to the Carolina Fiber Fest, formerly of Raleigh. She says for her, the purpose of attending these events is not to sell her creations, but rather to introduce local residents to weaving who might not otherwise become familiar with the craft. “It’s like an outreach for me, to work at these festivals,” she says. “It’s a great way to get people interested in the weaving process.” Jan says she’s not sure where her art will take her next—but she adds that with her career, that uncertainty comes with the territory. “I’m going in every direction at this point,” she says. “It’s the way of the artist.” For more information on Jan’s latest endeavors, visit her online at handwovenharmony.wordpress.com.
Photo courtesy of Jan French
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SPORTS:
An interview with professional hockey player, Anthony Battaglia
By Breana Jordan
Q: How many days was the show filmed? A: Twenty-five days. We started in LA and
ended up in DC and that alone was what took 25 days, to get around the world. It was 30,000 miles, 5 continents, and 10 countries, all of this included no sleep and hardly any food.
Q: How did you and your brother land a spot on The Amazing Race?
A: The casting producer called every NHL team and immediately my brother was one of the first candidates along with myself. We didn’t hesitate. They helped us make a three minute video and you know…I took my false teeth out and the casting producer loved it and got us on the flight soon after. During the final interview I just took my teeth out once again and had them sold. They definitely wanted someone different and we were it.
Q: Having been everywhere in the world, where is your favorite place that you’ve been? A: Honestly? Raleigh. I missed being home during the show and Raleigh is the place for me. I grew up in Chicago and went to Western Michigan there but those winters in Chicago are for the birds! Cold mornings trying to start the car isn’t for me anymore.
Q: When did you decide to finally call Raleigh your home? A: Well during my college career, I came down here during the summer to train with my brother while he played for the Carolina Hurricanes. That was about fourteen years ago and I finally moved down here and have loved it ever since. Q: Is the material on Amazing Race pretty close to what actually was happening on and off cameras or was there a lot more than what the viewers were seeing?
Anthony Battaglia
A: Going into the show we
Q: In that case…how did you lose all of your
watched old episodes beforehand and got the lingo down and my brother and I were like we’re going to kill it, this is going to be so easy and then once we got on the show it was a lot harder than it looked, one hundred percent. You have cameras in front of you at all times and you want to do everything so fast and you have sort of a tunnel vision during the obstacles that you miss things and pass them so it is definitely more difficult than it looked on television. There aren’t any second takes unfortunately.
A: Well, that probably was from my worst
Q: Toughest obstacle you dealt with during the show?
front teeth?
fight….fighting the puck when it hit me in the face! I’ve lost so many teeth from pucks and sticks and I’m not much of a fighter during the game and there’s other guys on the team that consider that their job, I’m just trying to score goals.
Q: What did you miss most about being home while you were away on the show?
A: Food and sleep! I mean we had bugs crawling up our legs when we were filming in Vietnam and sleeping on the hard floor wasn’t my favorite. Oh and washing machines, definitely washing machines! Doing laundry in the sink throughout our stay in different places was more than unrealistic. 26
U the Magazine | Winter 2013-2014
A: When we were in Ireland on the dry dock of the Titanic. We had to serve the ship’s patrons that were on the ship when it went down and we had to get all the meals right for each person and I couldn’t figure out the color chartreuse, which was the color of one of the entrees, and that’s the only time my brother and I didn’t get along. Trust me, I know what color it is now! Q: Any helpful advice to college students? A: Definitely don’t take my path because I
was going to school to play hockey and it soon comes to an end so get your studies done and get that degree and make sure it happens any
Photo courtesy of Anthony Battaglia
Keeping up with the the Kardashians? More like keeping up with the Battaglias! Anthony Battaglia tells me about his personal experience being on a reality TV show with his brother Bates and trust me when I say, I’d rather be behind the scenes than in the spot light. The Battaglia brothers starred in The Amazing Race on CBS last season and through sweat and hard work (maybe a little crying) they won the one million dollar prize by finishing first out of the 11 team duos in season 22. The Battaglia brothers during the show appeared to be the ultimate tag team. Both calling Raleigh their homes made them small town heroes (or Glenwood Avenue heroes) and I decided to find out what made the local professional hockey players tick. Anthony met me at the local Starbucks and we discussed some questions I had about the show and about his life when he isn’t being a professional hockey player or starring in reality television.
way you can. I played professional hockey for eleven years and now I don’t have a degree and it’s going to be tough for me to get and job when there’s not a lot offered as it is. So definitely get that piece of paper!
Q: Concluding our interview with my most
important question… if you were to marry one celebrity who would it be and why?
A: Hmm…Justin Timberlake. I’d love to marry that guy! I’m not lying, I’ve got a huge man crush on JT, he is so talented I can’t wait to go see his concert. Front row maybe, him sweating all over me, I don’t know! I can’t help myself when I see that guy! Before Anthony left Starbucks, promptly finishing his pumpkin spice latte (I took him for more of a black coffee kind of guy) he told me that being on that show was pretty incredible. Filming the show with his best friend doing challenges like water skiing with crocodiles isn’t something that too many people can say they have done, and winning the million bucks was nice too. But he made it a point to tell me to get a degree and finish out college. We discussed how hard it is to get a job without a college degree and considering my couple of weeks struggling in statistics (I know, weak) I realize you have to go through hardships in order to get the ultimate pay off.
Books: Lean In
By Shannon Cuthrell
Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s current Chief Operating Officer, brilliantly composed Lean In. This feminist manifesto is a vigorous guide to women’s professional prowess in today’s workplace. She begins by stating how far women have come as a gender. One example of this improvement is the fact that girls are perpetually outperforming boys in the classroom, obtaining about 57 percent of the undergraduate and 60 percent of the master’s degrees in the United States. However, there are generations of room for improvement. In the book, Sandberg brings to attention the main issues females face in the office. She accepts that she alone cannot offer universal solutions to these issues, but she opens them up for discussion. This, as she states in the book’s conclusion, is the point—to begin a conversation that will spark change. Sandberg brings forward a broad range of issues that inhibit women’s success in the workplace. For example, “If a woman is competent, she does not seem nice enough. If a woman seems really nice, she is considered more nice than competent.” Employers want and need a woman who is both competent
and nice, creating a conflicting image of the perfect female worker. In light of this, “Success and likability are positively correlated for men and negatively correlated for women.” The most positive solution is confidence and the elimination of fear. “Fear is the root of so many of the barriers that women face. Fear of not being liked. Fear of making the wrong choice. Fear of being judged. Fear of failure. And the holy trinity of fear: the fear of being a bad mother/wife/daughter.” The best way to achieve professional success is to completely annihilate fear. “Please ask yourself: What would I do if I weren’t afraid? And then go do it.” She goes on to say that writing Lean In is what she would do if she weren’t afraid. Other issues she tackles include the fact that women are less likely to use the word “I” and more likely to replace it with “we.” Women will often attribute success to a group around them, rather than attributing it to their own effort. “We” should include “me.” Subsequently, women are also reluctant to accept direct praise. In August 2011, Forbes ranked Sandberg as the fifth most powerful woman in the world. Instead of feeling powerful, she felt shy and
TV Show: Community
exposed. It’s a woman’s instinct to give credit to good fortune instead of their hard work as she writes, “I doubt a man would have felt so overwhelmed by others’ perception of his power.” Women tend to be more emotional about their success, than accepting of it. What is most strikingly encouraging is that Sandberg promotes women to embrace emotion in the workplace. “Sharing emotions builds deeper relationships ... Emotion drives both men and women and influences every decision we make. Recognizing the role emotions play and being willing to discuss them, makes us better managers, partners and peers.” Emotion is a beautiful common ground between men and women. It’s comforting to know that, contrary to popular belief, stiffness isn’t the best way to handle business relationships. The purpose of the book is to inspire the “Lean In” movement, which applies to women in all fields and all ages. Sandberg motivates women to “lean in” to their careers. This rallies women to stick together against detrimental stereotypes. Maturity as females comes through breaking down barriers and exposing the truth to the business world: that women are just as powerful, intelligent and able as men.
By Meghan DeMaria
Students often turn to TV and movies to escape from college’s pressure, but laughing at life’s familiarities can ease stress, too. Dramas like Greek and Gossip Girl found success in the college demographic, but NBC’s Community takes a lighthearted but poignant approach to college life. Now entering its fifth season, Community has a modest but dedicated audience eager to learn the goings-on at Greendale Community College each week. While there is a fair amount of character development across the series, each episode is its own distinct storyline —hence the appeal of a college-set sitcom as opposed to a drama—which makes it perfect for busy students seeking the occasional study break. (The half-hour format rather than an hour-long drama is an additional plus for multitasking students.) The cast comprises several big name stars, including Joel McHale, the host of MTV’s hit The Soup, Jim Rash, who co-won an Academy Award in 2012 for the adapted screenplay of The Descendants, and Donald Glover, who is also known by his rap stage name, Childish Gambino. (During the show’s fourth season, Chevy Chase famously left the show and has repeatedly insulted the show’s quality as well 28
U the Magazine | Winter 2013-2014
as its creator, Dan Harmon, in various interviews.) The majority of the cast, though, are up and coming stars who each shine in their respective roles. While each episode title is a clever riff on courses offered at typical colleges and universities (“The Politics of Human Sexuality,” “Contemporary American Poultry,” and “Messianic Myths and Ancient Peoples” are a few standouts), the show’s success relies largely on the characters’ interaction and relationships with one another. As Jeff (Joel McHale) tells the newly formed Spanish 101 study group in the show’s pilot, they are a community (and not just because they’re students at a community college). Though their experience is not the typical college one—and several episodes are devoted to explaining how, in fact, each of the various-aged group members wound up attending community college—the group exudes the trusting, tight-knit bond so many students hope to find in college. For all its differences, Community holds this in common with beloved college dramas. Though the show is applauded for its caustic wit and meta pop-culture references, the group members’ experiences—Annie’s financial troubles after disagreements with
her parents, Troy’s embarrassment in taking a dance class, Shirley’s struggle to balance her class work and personal life—can all be relatable for many students. Greendale is a community college in the Midwest, but in the end, this is a positive point for the show, as viewers can picture themselves on its generic campus. For students, Greendale is familiar enough to be comforting but still nonsensical enough to provide humor. Community’s greatest strength, however, is its seamless ability to blend highbrow and lowbrow humor. There are plenty of standard “old” jokes made on Pierce (Chevy Chase)’s behalf, with an abundance of physical humor, including one standout scene when he doesn’t realize the rest of the group is walking in slow motion. But in the same episode as Pierce faking a heart attack, the writers can plan an elaborate tribute to The Right Stuff, Pulp Fiction or Rope. Community is in the perfect sweet spot just between intellectual and relatable. If you need a study break this semester, turn to Community. You’ll quickly develop a favorite character, and no matter what your sense of humor, you’ll laugh out loud at least once per episode.
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