The Edge: Get Local Edition

edge the

NEIGHBORHOOD

FOOD & CULTURE p. 14

GET LOCAL

LETTER FROM IN THIS ISSUE THE EDITOR Welcome back to Elon for another fun, and crazy, school year! I for one am happy as to how this year has started out. Elon University creates an inviting home, both socially and academically, for each student.

And oftentimes, Elon is an oasis - a bubble, as many call it.

I love the Elon bubble. But what about the area that surrounds our picture-perfect campus? The local culture that’s around the university is something many students rarely experience. From the numerous restaurants to the local sports teams to cheer on, Elon and Burlington offer so much that can help students embrace the Alamance County culture.

I hope this edition of The Edge aids in that learning. This magazine is supposed to serve you, creating a beneficial guide to what to do around the area you live in, what to consider and, even in some cases, what to wear. I hope freshmen will find useful tips for their first semester of college, and seniors discover something they might not yet learned in their three years at Elon.

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ALBUM REVIEW

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ANIMAL LOVERS WANTED

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DANCING THROUGH LIFE GET LOCAL FALL FASHION VOTE SMART

Kate Riley | Editor of The Edge

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Table of Contents

COVER PHOTO BY CLAIRE ESPARROS BURGER COURTESY OF RED BULL TAVERN & GRILLE

THE EDGE

Editor of The Edge Kate Riley

Design

Kristen Case Madison Margeson Kyra Gemberling

Features Editor Kyra Gemberling

Entertainment&Travel Editor Stephanie Petrich

Fashion Editor Alison Ryncarz

Health&Wellness Editor Marisa Moody

Opinions Editor Ian Luther

Sports Editor Matt Dowdle

Photo Editor Merissa Blitz

Contributing Writers Merissa Blitz Kassondra Cloos Matt Dowdle Nicole Esplin Kyra Gemberling Anjelique Kyriakos Todd Leonard Chelsea Lindsay Ian Luther Katie O’Han Megan Porter Madelyn Smith Kacey Stark

Photographers Merissa Blitz Claire Esparros Cassie Grimm Shana Moss Madelyn Smith Erin Valentine

Editor-in-Chief of The Pendulum Caitlin O’Donnell

Managing Editor of The Pendulum Natalie Allison

The Edge is Elon University’s only general-interest magazine, published quarterly by The Pendulum student news organization. Students of all years and majors are encouraged to contribute.

View more content at elonpendulum.com/edge

Features Staff List

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Spotlight on a

college blogger Chelsea Lindsay

W Cinema

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Entertainment

ith the rise of computers, the Internet and smartphones, blogging- or posting written content online- is bigger and better than ever.

According to a report by The Nielsen Company, there are now more than 181 million blogs around the world.

Of these blogs, almost three-quarters of their authors, called “bloggers,” are under the age of 35, according to a study by Sysomos Inc. Blogs are very popular on college campuses, with blogs like #whatshouldwecallme and CollegeFashion. Since the only required materials for blogging are an internet connection and an idea, it’s possible for anyone to start a blog.

That’s how Kathleen Harper, a sophomore at Elon University, began to experiment with blogging this summer. Now, with over 5000 views and an award-winning blog under her belt, Harper is one of Elon’s hottest up-and-coming bloggers.

“People really do read it and look forward to reading it,” Harper said.

“It’s a powerful feeling.”

Harper is undoubtedly a fashionista. Her blog, “Kat’s Fashion Fix,” uses Harper’s own outfits to give readers fashion tips and help readers discover the best looks of the season.

“I take a lot of pride in my clothes,” Harper said. “I’m just one of those shoppers, it’s my thing... I get so into it.”

Harper began writing about fashion in the sixth grade, when she kept a journal of her outfits for school.

“It was like a blog, but on paper,” she said. “I would sit there and have a chart, for the entire year... and I would write down every single thing I wore that day and chart it out.”

Now, Harper shares her outfits through her blog. She explains what inspired each day’s look and how to make a similar outfit from what readers already have in their own closet.

Her readers take her words to heart.

On one post about wearing white pants after Labor Day, several readers voiced their similar support for

the fall fashion trend.

Since beginning her blog three months ago, Harper’s blog has been seen by thousands of people. Harper’s blog even won Blogspot’s Liebster Blog Award for up-and-coming blogs. Her commitment to her blog is the key to her success. Harper reads 50 blogs a day and works on her own blog for an hour daily. For Harper, that hard work has paid off.

“People on campus say, ‘Oh, look at Ms. Fashion over there!’” Harper said with a smile. “I’m so grateful to

people who just check it out.”

After the success of her blog, Harper recommends that other students follow in her footsteps. She says that her blog has given her a lot of confidence and is a great way to inspire others through her passion. Besides being a great form of self-expression she says a blog is a great way to network with others in your career field and looks impressive on an résumé. Harper hopes her own blog will lead to work at a major fashion magazine.

: how to Kickstart your own blog Pick a name

Choosing your blog’s title is extremely important. Harper recommends researching other blogs about your topic, and asking friends and family for advice about possible title ideas. One important aspect to consider is your audience.

Writing a post

e Choose a blogging sit of Blogspot is Kathleen’s site choice, but other options include Wordpress, Pinterest, Tumblr, and the microblogging site Twitter.

Experiment with aesthetics

Blogging is a visual medium.

Embrace this by using photos, colors, and graphics to make your blog shine. Harper features several photographs in each of her blog posts, along with a profile picture in her blog’s sidebar.

Harper also recommends incorporating “widgets,” or small modules with functions such as photo slideshows or social media updates, into your blog’s homepage.

Kathleen starts posts with several pictures of her outfits, followed by a brief paragraph about what the outfit means to her and how she put together the look. For nonfashion blogs, visuals are still important, but it’s okay to let your words take center stage. Regardless of your topic, Harper recommends keeping your posts brief and on-topic.

Share your blog Te

lling others about yo ur blog is one of th e easiest ways to help your future readers disc over your work. Besides wor d of mouth, social media is a great way to take your blog to a glob al audience.

Harper advertises her blog on he r personal Facebook page, along with a Face book page made just for her blog. She also tw eets about her blog on her pe rsonal Twitter, and reposts her photos to Pinteres t and Instagram. Fi nally, Harper networks with fello w bloggers throug h the sites Bloglovin and Goo gle Friend Connect or.

Entertainment

PHOTOS BY ERIN VALENTINE

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reviews

ALBUM

Todd Leonard

Media Arts & Entertainment

“The Carpenter”

by The Avett Brothers FOLK ROCK

Release Date: Sept. 11 If you like: Mumford and Sons, The Lumineers Notable songs: Down with the Shine, The Once and Future Carpenter The brothers and company have returned with their seventh full-length album, and second album with notable producer Rick Rubin.

The album is filled with songs that exude a sense of poignancy and self-reflection. With the seriousness that several of the songs bring to the album overall, there is a fair share of rambunctious folk that will be sure to get you going.

{

“Centipede Hz”

by Animal Collective EXPERIMENTAL/PSYCHEDELIC

“Cruel Summer”

by GOOD Music HIP-HOP/R&B

Release Date: Sept. 18 If you like: Kanye West, Rihanna Notable songs: New God Flow, Clique Popular rap artists such as Kanye West, Common, 2 Chainz, Pusha T and Big Sean have come together for a collaborative studio album from the GOOD Music record label. Rappers on the label make prominent appearances on the album, alongside other guest appearances from the likes of Jay-Z, R. Kelly and others. West is the head of GOOD Music and makes his presence known on this album through uniformly strong production and memorable verses.

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Entertainment

Release Date: Sept. 4 If you like: Grizzly Bear, Fleet Foxes Notable songs: Wide Eyed, Amantia Following its widely-acclaimed 2009 release, Merriweather Post Pavilion, the four-piece experimental Animal Collective is back with an album filled with a notably significant jolt of energy and several unique sounds swirled throughout. The beauty of the album is recognizing the delight and catchiness of the songs amidst the chaotic and dense sounds that fill them.

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Megan Porter

Strategic Communications

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hile navigating through elementary, middle and high school, we learn a lot of things other than the year Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue. We all had a friend who was the best soccer player, or the one who was always in charge of dress-up, or the kid who seemed to know everything about dinosaurs. Still, we didn’t make it to college without learning some of these helpful life lessons from our childhood friends that still hold true today.

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Rock, paper, scissors solves all: From deciding who is going to be line leader to who is going to be the designated driver that night, this game is a simple way to determine once and for all the lucky, or unlucky, chosen ones. Rock, paper, scissors is still a valid way to make a decision because it reminds us to fight for what you want, and that with a little skill and a fair amount of luck, anyone can overcome the odds and be a winner.

What I learned on the playground:

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Life lessons from childhood friends

Sleepovers rule: Growing up, and possibly still today, sleepovers with your best friend ranked high on the list along with Saturday morning TV, the ice cream truck and recess. You were allowed to stay up late, or maybe not sleep at all, and got to know a person well from having deep, late night conversations with them. Sleepovers are the epitome of childhood friendships.

The memories created keep friendships alive for years and teach us what being a friend is all about.

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PHOTO BY CASSIE GRIMM

Sharing is caring: It’s lunchtime and you realize that your mom has packed you the ultimate prize: a fruit roll-up.

You are about to devour this delicious and fun-to-eat snack when your friend asks for a piece. The simple act of sharing has caused many conflicts throughout all of our childhoods because it is not always as easy as adults try to make it seem. Sacrificing your material objects to make someone else happy is hard to learn, but now in our wise college years, we have realized it is worth it for a friend.

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“Two, four, six, eight, who do we appreciate?”: Repeated after soccer, basketball or any other sports game, this mantra may have been something you once mindlessly chanted. We all had those friends who seemed to be the next Tom Brady or Mia Hamm, who are now stars of their own college teams, while the rest of us made circles in the dirt. But no matter whether you were the superstar or the last one picked, being on some kind of athletic team taught the values of being a team player and having a good attitude, whether it was a win or loss.

Features

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Animal Lovers Wanted:

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Features

Pet Adoption Center enlists volunteer help from college students Nicole Esplin

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Marketing & Journalism

ou’ve probably seen the commercials.

Those deep brown eyes that have cried countless puppy tears, the matted, flea-infested fur begging to be combed and rubbed, and the protruding rib cages, evidence of malnutrition and cruelty.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or ASPCA, is notorious for its heart wrenching commercials that may entice you to run out to your local pet adoption center or hug your own furry best friend a little closer.

You may even have an impulse to adopt a puppy, and while some may think this is the sole purpose of the commercials, the Burlington Animal Control & Pet Adoption Center urges you to think twice.

College can be lonely

at times, and a little TLC from man’s best friend can be uplifting, but puppies require a high level of care and funds, both of which can run low during the college years.

With these points in mind, Laura Michel, Burlington Police Department’s Animal Services Outreach Coordinator, encourages Elon students to volunteer at the center by walking, brushing and playing with the dogs instead of purchasing one.

Elon Volunteer’s SHARE program, run by sophomores Mary Young and Marissa Wertheimer, is a group that organizes groups of students to help out at the center.

“SHARE hosts an animal awareness week at Elon where we do a lot of fundraising for the shelter,” Wertheimer said. “In addition, the shelter does a variety of different things like hosting a rabies clinic, going to PetSmart and attending local carnivals to

PHOTOS BY SHANA MOSS

try and spread the word.”

One of the unique aspects of SHARE is the flexibility in volunteering hours. Students are welcome to go to the adoption center whenever they have time in their schedules and do not necessarily have to go with the rest of the SHARE group.

“We have a lot of dedicated members who participate frequently as well as some that just volunteer every now and then, but all types of commitments are welcome because some time volunteering is better than no time,” Wertheimer said.

Depending on the season, the Adoption Center holds anywhere from 100 to 200 animals in its nokill shelter, where full-time staff and volunteers care for the animals. Contact the center directly or go through the SHARE program if interested in volunteering.

Features

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PHOTO SUBMITTED

G N I C N A Dh r o u g h t

LIFE

Sophomore dance major gains inspiration from disability

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Features

Merissa Blitz

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Print & Online Journalism

ongs from her childhood blast from the speakers during a ‘90s-themed dance piece, one of many dances performed during Tapped Out! in January. Others join her on stage, all donned in overalls, neon, scrunchies and sweatbands. She’s the female lead, front and center with a giant grin on her face. As she does a few shuffles and riffs, her mother gazes at her from the audience, knowing she made the right choice to allow her daughter to keep dancing. She hears a sweet, old lady sitting a row behind her make a remark about her daughter: “Did you see that girl?

Her hand doesn’t move.”

Julie Crothers, a junior dance major and arts administration minor at Elon University, was that girl.

“I never thought of myself as different,” she said about her noticeably missing left arm.

Crothers was born in Nashville, Tenn., March 27, 1992, to her parents Janet and John Crothers. Most of her left arm was missing at birth.

Julie was breach before she was born – she was coming out bottom first instead of headfirst. The doctors were able to turn her around, but they still didn’t know what caused her to be breach in the first place.

Janet recalls her obstetrician being very calm and relaxed when he told the family what they were dealing with.

“He acted like it was nothing – ‘She’s fine, everything’s fine, she’s just a little different,’” Janet said. “I think his reaction helped us come to terms with it.”

It was discovered that Julie had amniotic band syndrome (ABS). According to amnioticbandsyndrome.com, “ABS occurs when the fetus becomes entangled in fibrous string-like amniotic bands in the womb, restricting blood flow and affecting the baby’s development.” If wrapped tightly enough around a limb, the band can amputate it.

Janet remembers the day she left the hospital. She was sitting in the waiting room with newborn Julie, waiting for her husband to bring the car around.

“I remember looking at some children playing and thinking, ‘My baby will never do

that, she will never be like these children,’” she said. “Which, of course, is ridiculous, but I just didn’t know what it was going to be like having a child with only one hand.”

Janet remembers when Julie’s oldest sister, Jenny – age six at the time – was holding her new sister for the first time and said matter-of-factly, “Mommy, that arm that didn’t grow all the way is poking me.” Jenny even begged to bring her little sister to her class for show and tell one day.

Telling others about Julie was hard on the family.

“Some people were really sad, and that was kind of hard because we weren’t sad,” Janet said. “We had a beautiful, healthy baby girl.I don’t want somebody acting like this is a tragedy.”

Julie was five months old when she got fitted for her first prosthesis at Myoelectric Arms of Houston, Texas (now called Pediatric Prosthetics), which was recommended to the Crothers family by some family friends whose daughter had an arm that needed to be amputated because of cancer.

“For the first 17 years of my life, I got my arms from a lady named Linda Bean,” Julie said. “Linda became very close with my family and me because she saw me through the whole process over the years.”

Julie said Bean even flew out to the Crothers’ home in Nashville a few times to fit her for a new arm.

“My initial reaction was, ‘Well, Julie has a problem and we’re going to go get it fixed,’” Janet said about getting Julie a prosthesis, but the Crotherses actually received negative reactions from some members of their community.

“That’s the way God made her,” and “She’ll be fine without it,” were just some of the comments.

“We never really felt that way,” Janet said.

“I look at it like, ‘God made you with eyes that aren’t 20/20. Are you not going to get a pair of glasses so that you can see better?’”

Julie’s parents just wanted her to have the opportunity to use a prosthesis to her advantage.

“I was really self-conscious when I was little,” Julie said, “I would wear (my prosthesis) all the time.”

One day, the Crothers family was going to church and Julie had forgotten to put her arm on.

“Some children forget to put their shoes on and she forgot to put her arm on,” Janet said with a laugh as she remembered the event.

Julie was embarrassed to be without her arm that day and wouldn’t go inside the church until her dad ran home and got her arm for her.

But now, Julie is much more confident – if she gets annoyed with her arm, she just doesn’t wear it.

Janet tried to treat her daughter as much like any other child as possible, but some people in their community didn’t realize Julie was capable of more than she seemed.

During a church gathering, some children were playing games and one child decided to play Twister – a game that requires the use of all four limbs. The mother of the child apologized and suggested the children play a different game, but Janet said not to worry and the game remained a go.

“Julie ended up doing really well in that game because when it would say left arm

“

Some people were really sad, and that was kind of hard because we weren’t sad. We had a beautiful, healthy baby girl. I don’t want somebody acting like this is a tragedy.”

-JANET CROTHERS, MOTHER

on red, she would take her arm off and put it on that color, so she ended up winning the Twister game,” she said.

Julie was never hindered by the protection of her parents because there was never anything they didn’t allow her to do because of her disability.

Julie even got her license at age 16 like everyone else, only needing a special knob that has been on her car since training, which allows her to make sharp turns and pull in and out of parking spots easier.

But the one thing Janet was a little wary of at first was allowing Julie to take dance lessons.

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“I mainly started (dancing) because my older sister danced and I wanted to be just like her,” Julie said.

Janet was nervous about letting her daughter dance until Ann Carroll, the owner of Ann Carroll School of Dance in Franklin, Tenn., told her if Julie wanted to dance, she should let her.

Niki Pennington, the head instructor of the lyrical department at the school since 1999, had never encountered someone with a prosthesis before Julie enrolled in her class.

Pennington started teaching Julie around age 7 or 8. Neither Julie nor her parents ever asked for special treatment.

“She just kind of blended in with everybody and she was truly a phenomenal kid,” Pennington said.

Although Julie was determined to let nothing get in her way, there were still some things in dance that were difficult for her.

Nonetheless, in 2003, she was a toy soldier in the Nashville Ballet’s rendition of “The Nutcracker.”

“We had to dance with the cane, holding it together, for half the number and then once the rats broke it, we had to hold it in two pieces in both hands,” Julie said.

She was worried that she wasn’t going to be able perform the role to the same level as

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everyone else, but with the help of the choreographer, rehearsal director and a helpful amount of Velcro, they made it work.

Among Julie’s family, friends and professors, she’s known for three things: being determined, funny and caring toward everyone.

“I liked her immediately,” said Jane Wellford, professor of performing arts at Elon.

Wellford first met Julie at spring orientation before Julie’s freshman year at Elon. She described Julie as personable, outgoing, sweet and well mannered.

“Yes, I couldn’t help but notice that she had a prosthesis, but when I started teaching her in classes, I noticed there was absolutely nothing different about her than any other person at all,” Wellford said.

In a piece Wellford choreographed in the fall, she required the dancers to do a series of physical movements, including catching each other. It was a strenuous dance that involved a lot of contact improvisation.

“It was hard enough for someone with two whole arms,” Wellford said. “She was always so determined and wouldn’t let anybody down or show any sign of weakness,” Wellford said. “Never ever.”

For Pennington, it was tough when Julie graduated high school because the two had become so close.

“She inspired me on a daily basis with her positive energy and her perseverance,”

Pennington said. “She is an amazing individual and I am honored to have been her teacher and her friend.”

Elon alumna and fellow dance major Jess Duffy couldn’t stop praising Julie and her determination.

“It’s her attitude that shows me her drive and passion,” Duffy said. “It’s really inspiring.”

One time when Duffy was on tech for black box with Julie, they were cleaning up the set and Julie was messing around with the push broom, pretending to be struggling as she pushed with only one arm.

The stage manager noticed what Julie was doing and said, “You know it would help if you had two arms.”

“It was silent for a while but then Julie says something like, ‘I just have the one!’ and everyone started laughing, well, except for the stage manager of course,” Duffy said.

Julie shows her humor about her missing arm all the time. Sometimes she plays pranks on people – her youth minister at church would go around telling people that Julie only shook hands with her left hand. Once people would grab her hand, she would pull away so that her arm would detach itself.

As Julie grew as a dancer and showed her determination and love for the art, Janet grew out of her wariness of letting her dance and knew she made the right decision.

“I think initially I was scared her arm might fall off,” Janet said. “I love watching her dance, as any mother would. It’s an extra special level with Julie because her road hasn’t been as easy as some.”

Julie, who was the fastest typist in her fourth grade keyboarding class ,despite missing five fingers, never let her disability stand in her way. She even wants to open her own dance studio someday so she can teach others how to live the dream of being a dancer.

“Being different than everyone else, especially in the dance world, there’s tons of times I could have made an excuse, and been like, ‘I can’t do that because I don’t have an arm,’ but not letting anything stop me and not getting stuck when something isn’t going right is the thing keeping me going,” Julie said, as a smile spread across her face.

Fight the freshmen fifteen An all-access pass to healthy dining options

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS

Anjelique Kyriakos

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Strategic Communications

he freshman fifteen - these words are daunting enough to send girls bee lining from a dorm room to the next group fitness class.

All-Access can be lethal if you don’t know how to use it, but the meal plan also gives you all-access to healthy options.

You just need to know how to navigate the system.

As you walk into Colonnades, an overwhelming aroma of chocolate desserts hits you from the right as the smell of pizza wafts your way from the left. A word to the wise: keep walking.

Colonnades is your one-stop shop for every meal, starting with breakfast.

Among the array of chocolate muffins and bacon are plenty of healthy choices.

A good rule of thumb is to eat foods as close to their natural state as possible.

Opt for yogurt and fruit, oatmeal or a made-to-order omelet. Ask for egg whites or eggbeaters and pass on the meats and cheese. Pick up a slice of whole-wheat toast for some complex carbs to get your brain moving in the morning.

Lunch is the dining hall rush hour, as everyone flocks to squeeze a meal in between classes. This is where retail

meals come in handy. Pick up a veggie and hummus wrap from Varsity or make your own salad to go. Lower Colonnades’ Fountain Market is also a popular graband-go lunch spot, home to Croutons and Boar’s Head.

These made to order options put the power in your hands. Skip the cheese, bacon bits and fatty dressings. If oil and vinegar isn’t your thing, other dressings will suffice as long as you use them in moderation.

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be a complete diet makeover, but little changes will go a long way. Grabbing a banana in place of your daily bag of Lay’s potato chips will save you about 60 calories and 10 grams of fat. If you make that sacrifice five times a week, you are already down 300 calories and 50 grams of fat. If you can’t fathom giving them up, go for the Baked Lay’s instead of the classic counterpart.

Last stop for any combo meal is a drink. Water, tea or coffee is your best bet here. Soda and other sugary drinks will only lead to a mid-afternoon crash.

Dinner is typically where the endless, not-so-healthy options seem most tempting. It’s 7:00 and your stomach’s rumbling. The smell of hot pizza is almost impossible to resist, some kid just walked by with a cheesy quesadilla and your best

friend is calling you over to the pasta line.

Don’t let your growling stomach drown out the voice of reason.

To avoid sending your body straight into bottomless pit mode, check out the dining hall menu and nutrition information online before you head out to eat.

That way, you can pre-plan your meal and know what you are getting yourself into.

For the most part, stick to foods that are grilled or baked instead of fried. When choosing carbs, look for whole grains, such as brown rice or whole-wheat pasta and bread. Pick lean protein instead of highly processed fatty ones. Think turkey and chicken breast over the burger or fried chicken. Beans, chickpeas and nuts are also good sources of protein.

Speaking from experience, every walk past the dessert bar gets easier as your self-control gets stronger. But for now, hold your head high, drop your plate off and keep walking. Only pause momentarily to grab an apple or orange on the way out.

For more information on healthy dining options, CampusDish has daily menus and corresponding nutritional information for Colonnades, McEwen, and all retail locations on campus.

Health and Wellness

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Bon Appeti Kyra Gemberling

a i r o t t a r T Prego’s Print & Online Journalism

Serving friends, not customers After working in the restaurant business in New York for 21 years, Vincento Hernandez had finally had enough.

Hernandez, who now owns The Original Prego’s Trattoria on S. Church St., was tired of working for others. He had worked as a waiter for several years and as a manager for 10, but Hernandez said he always knew he wanted to own his own business and work for himself.

“I really enjoy not having a boss on top of me,” he said. “I do something when I want to do it and I don’t have to tell nobody.”

In his quest for independence, Hernan-

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dez moved to North Carolina and opened Prego’s Dec. 22, 2005. He enlisted the help of his 24-year-old son, Albert.

“He works here and does pretty much everything,” Hernandez said. “He waits tables and helps me cook sometimes. He helps me a lot. He’s my king.”

The combined efforts of the father-son duo soon turned Prego’s into a success – the restaurant’s corvina piccata dish was even voted the No. 1 “must eat” dish in Alamance County by “Our State” magazine in July 2010.

Hernandez said he values the number of locals who regularly eat at the restaurant. For him, service to his customers is personal.

“I don’t treat customers as customers – I treat them as friends,” Hernandez said. “I want people to know me. I want people to feel comfortable and have a dining experi-

ence that’s not just ‘going out to eat.’”

Grandma’s homemade recipes

Although Hernandez was born in Ecuador to Ecuadorian parents, his grandmother was an Italian immigrant, so the entrees on the menu at Prego’s are all dishes he grew up eating at home with his family, he said.

“These are Grandma’s recipes,” he said. “I try to make it as homemade as possible.”

The Gnocchi alla Sorentina ($12.95) is about as homemade as it gets, made from fresh potatoes and pasta topped with fresh pomodoro sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. The Ravioli con Salsa di Noce ($12.95) is also an excellent choice, comprised of homemade spinach and cheese-stuffed ravioli in a walnut cream sauce.

In addition to these homemade favorites, Hernandez takes pride in his weekly specials, which are chosen to reflect a variety of cuisine from all over Italy.

“I’ve worked for different people from different : d te a c o L parts of Italy,” he t.

Church S said. “When I pick 2740 S. Price: $$ my specials, I lian s u Type: Ita choose dishes mp s from ca te u if in r o m I’ve been ate e: 10 mantic d Distanc for: A ro o g collecting to ce ing Best pla ily is visit nta le m o fa p r through the u ry o y enta complim l, e a e th m p r u years; I don’t u yo ’t pass inning of g e b Tip: Don . e is th have just one rved at at polenta cubes se know wh ’t n : o dish.” s d d u n o e even if y ecomm e staff r and The Edg Sorentina a ll a i h c i Gnoc n Salsa d Ravioli co Noce.

it!

Local eats of the area L et’s be honest – even the best make-your-own wrap at Varsity can get old after eating lunch there every day for two weeks. Treat yourself to something different by venturing into the Burlington community to try one of these four delicious local restaurants, all conveniently located on South Church Street. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick taco salad for lunch or a decadent dinner of pasta primavera, these Burlington gems are sure to satisfy your appetite without draining your bank account.

Locals come for the party, stay for the food It’s hard to ignore that La Fiesta Restaurante Mexicano has been voted best Mexican food in Alamance County 14 years in a row by the Burlington Times News.

That’s why La Fiesta owner Homero Romo insists on maintaining good food, good service and good ambience to keep the reviews excellent and the customers coming.

“We have a history of clients who come repeatedly,” Romo said. “We want them to have a nice, clean place to come back to that is consistent every time.”

Romo opened the original La Fiesta on South Church Street in 1993 with his brother and brother-in-law. The three had moved around from Atlanta to Charlotte trying to find a good place for business, until they finally settled in Burlington.

There, they found success.

Since then, La Fiesta has opened four other locations in the Piedmont area, in Mebane, Greensboro, High Point and a second restaurant in Burlington on North Church Street.

“It’s been great seeing the fruits of our labor and the fact that we’ve been able to do something and have success,” Romo said.

cheap doesn’t mean it’s low quality, according to Jason Thomas, the restaurant’s business manager.

“We make all our stuff fresh every day with quality products,” Thomas said. “We wouldn’t try to skimp on anything – some other guys (in the restaurant business) may give more food, but it’s lower quality, so we try to make that distinction.”

Thomas said the Arroz con Pollo “ACP” special ($9.50) is always a popular hit with the locals – the dish features slices of grilled chicken topped with melted nacho cheese and a side of rice. The Fajita Taco Salad ($8.95) is also a classic favorite, featuring chicken or beef topped over salad served in a large fajita bowl.

Thomas said he believes La Fiesta

La Fiesta

does a good job of keeping customers happy with these frequently ordered dishes, and he thinks customers know they can depend on the restaurant to have a good time.

“I’m glad that we have a good name and seem to be spoken pretty highly of around town,” Thomas said. “It gives us a lot of pride.”

Located : 1824 S. Church S t.

Price: $ Type: M exican Distanc e: 15 min utes from Best pla campus ce to go for: Dinn friends o er with n a Frida Tip: Get y evening there earl y if you’r dinner – e going fo the parkin r g lot fills The Edg up fast. e staff r ecomme Arroz co nds: n Pollo “A CP” and F ajita Taco Sala d

Savory food at a cheap price Just because the food at La Fiesta is

Features

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Local eats Madelyn Smith

Print & Online Journalism

Sports watching, family bonding constitute atmosphere of Red Bull Just about two miles off campus, Red Bull Tavern & Grille has the ideal mix of family-style eating and a bar for nighttime sports lovers.

With large wooden tables and TVs in every corner, it’s a : Located t.

Church S 3402 S. Price: $$ erican Type: Am mpus s from ca te u in e m 5 e: food whil Distanc r: Good fo o g ce to sports Best pla re – if watching tty big he re p re a one rs appetize r ordering e id s n o Tip: The c gry, t too hun eal. you’re no s your m m of the a mends: ff recom ta S e g d and The E la Vodka Penne a s st Pa ta Southwe

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Features

perfect choice for large groups wanting to watch a game together.

The restaurant has been in Burlington for five years, and owner Sal Mazzurco said a wide range of customers stop by for a taste of their traditional American menu.

“Our customers range from a lot of students and families to the bar crowds that come on Mondays and weekends,” he said.

Mazzurco said their Monday Night Football-centered special has remained one of their most popular events. Red Bull hosts a “Monday Night Burger Night” where all burgers are $5, excluding their Big Bull Burger.

“We even tried to take away the Monday special at one point,” he said.

“But people really wanted it back. It’s a big night for people to come out to the restaurant.”

Other weekly specials include “Tuesday Family Night,” when kids

eat for free, and “Wednesday Prime Rib Night,” when a rack of prime ribs and a side is just $9.99.

Classic American favorites Burgers and steaks are a popular meal of choice at Red Bull, but Mazzurco said the Penne a la Vodka ($11.95) and Southwest Pasta ($11.95) have become more popular recently.

If you’re worried about getting value for your money, fear not – the restaurant serves complimentary bread with all meals and gives the option of sides and salads with most menu options. Sides include fries, coleslaw, the vegetable of the day and less traditional options such as a delicious, cinnamon-topped baked sweet potato.

Red Bull is a quick drive away from campus, and its group-friendly atmosphere is perfect for a game viewing or an outing with friends. What’s not to love?

of the area Hursey’s serves up a helping of Southern hospitality

vorites. There are also a few seafood and chicken dishes thrown into the mix.

Looking for some Southern hospitality and award-winning barbecue?

Look no further than Hursey’s Bar-B-Q, which has been around for more than 50 years. Its original location is in Gibsonville, and there are five restaurants in Alamance County. The closest is on Church Street, about four miles from campus.

Once you’re seated, it’s easy to settle into the warm atmosphere decorated with a touch of Southern charm – pig decor, brick walls, wooden tables and plaid curtains give it a country cottage feel.

Hursey’s main attraction is its barbecue, which ranges from chopped or sliced barbecue sandwiches – less than $4 each – to combo plates and trays. The sides, also called “Quick Pig-Ups,” include hushpuppies, homemade Brunswick stew, baked beans, Pig Tail Fries and potato salad, among other hearty Southern fa-

Kings of Catering Hursey’s not only has a sit down restaurant, it also has a take-out counter, an outside pull-up window and full-service catering.

Ellen Hursey, the wife of owner Chris Hursey, said the Church Street location does nearly two-thirds of the catering.

“We’ve always got people in the back preparing for those events,” she said.

“Just this week we’re catering a dinner for 425 people at the UNC-Chapel Hill Law School.”

Hursey said it’s hard to peg a favorite dish at the restaurant.

“It’s almost impossible,” she said.

“But the customers seem to love the homemade cobblers ($1.55) and the Flounder Filet Platter ($6.49).”

She said students often come by

Hursey’s Bar-B-Q

to grab a meal with roommates, and business men and women stop by on their lunch breaks. And one glance at the wall gives a glimpse at the high-profile customers who previously sat at Hursey’s wooden tables, including Ronald Reagan.

For a touch of family and Southern cuisine just 10 minutes away from Elon’s campus, a visit to Hursey’s Bar-B-Q should definitely be on your to-do list.

Located : 1834 S. Church S t.

Price: $ Type: Am erican (B Distanc arbecue) e: 15 min utes from Best pla campus ce to go for:A cas ual meal Southern of comfort Tip: This food restauran t sells a lo in-house t of its pro , so feel ducts free to bri of old-fas ng home hioned b a bottle arbecue The Edg sauce. e staff r e commen The hom ds: emade c obblers a Flounder n d Filet Platt er.

Features

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PHOTO BY KACEY STARK

Tour Hours Tuesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Kacey Stark

Media Arts & Entertainment

Progressive and modern might not be how you would describe a site rich in history, but that’s exactly how Blandwood Mansion’s Executive Director Benjamin Briggs said the landmark home was designed.

Former North Carolina Governor John Morehead was the most notable owner of the home, who completed the mansion in 1846. According to Briggs, Morehead chose the unique Italianate style for the villa to make a statement.

“At this point in history, other states had flourishing port cities,” Briggs said.

“Governor Morehead wanted to make a point that North Carolina was as modern and progressive as any other state on the eastern seaboard.”

At the time, there was only one other Italianate style home in America. Bland-

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L o c a la

wood Mansion is now the oldest standing example of Italianate style architecture in the United States.

The home maintains the majority of its original furnishings, which were considered fashionable for their time. They were hand selected by the home’s architect, A.J. Davis, and transported all the way from New York City by horse and cart to Greensboro. Morehead’s law library, office and even a handmade paperweight that was a gift from his daughter remain in prime condition on display.

The walls of Blandwood Mansion have seen pivotal moments of North Carolina history. Predating the city of Greensboro, during Morehead’s residency, one could look out the windows of the mansion and see the city coming to life. According to Briggs, Morehead designated that the railroad be built to travel through Greensboro, which is why one can note a curve in the map of the railroad tracks through North Carolina, and why Elon students hear the rhythmic song of the train as it

passes through campus like clockwork.

The house survived the Civil War, thanks to Jefferson Davis’s respectful decline of Morehead’s invitation to visit the home. Rather than accepting his hospitality, Briggs said the Confederate leader slept in a boxcar nearby, so the home was not at risk of being burned by Union soldiers. The parlor walls witnessed Morehead surrender to the Union, whose soldiers received the telegram that they were directed to arrest Morehead shortly after, barely missing their opportunity.

Briggs said the home was the first project restored by Preservation Greensboro, an organization that restores historic homes, churches, parks and cemeteries.

The program also promotes Architectural Salvage Greensboro, which repurposes relics from historic homes that are being torn down. Preservation Greensboro encouraged the restoration of what is now the campus of Elon University School of Law. Briggs said the building reflects the school’s perspective since it is progressive

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCTCAMPUS

la t t r a c t i o n s Sports

I

Matt Dowdle

Media Arts & Entertainment

t is no secret to any student that Elon is not exactly the stomping ground for major attractions. In fact, outside of the residents of North Carolina, I think it may be harder to find someone who knows where Elon is than any of us would want to admit. Regardless, that should not prevent anyone from enjoying sports around North Carolina. Take a look ahead at your calendar and reserve the following dates because these are events you will not want to miss.

Dallas Cowboys @ Carolina Panthers

When: Oct. 21 – 1 p.m.

Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte Why: The Panthers are poised to have a stellar season behind electric quarterback Cam Newton, fiery wide receiver Steve Smith and the ever-improving Panthers defense. Mix that team up with the Dallas Cowboys, or “America’s team,” and you are sure to find yourself watching a great game.

Both teams play in tough divisions and while this game does not feature one division foe versus another, it does bring two teams together who are trying to prove they belong. The Panthers want to stand up and climb the ranks past the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons, while the Cowboys aim to prove their preseason success is no fluke and with their level of talent, they can do more than just talk a big game. This is not a game you want to miss.

What: North Carolina ASA Softball Hall of Fame Where: 1419 Overbrook Road, Burlington Why: Well to be honest, why nof? Take the chance to go check out some of the best softball players around at the North Carolina Hall of Fame. Bring friends and then go grab a meal somewhere local in Burlington. It can be a relaxing afternoon during which you are able to see some interesting N.C. sporting history that you cannot find anywhere else. If you do not know much about softball, it’s ok — this trip will allow you to appreciate the sister sport to one of America’s greatest traditions.

Sports

17

Ariel’s Diner

Andrew Wilson

Print & Online Journalism

140 E. Davis St. Burlington, NC

ROOKIEEAORF THE Y

AMERICAN LEAGUE: MIKE TROUT LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM

Phone: 336-228-8833

I’m not very surprised the Washington Nationals won the National League East.

I am surprised the Phillies were so terrible, but that’s not the point. Harper had a pretty good rookie year.

Nothing close to Trout, but they’re in different leagues.

The average lacked a little bit and the strikeouts climbed a bit high, but what do you expect from a rookie? He’s certainly provided a lot of excitement and drama for Washington. Get used to it. He’s here to stay.

Hours: MON.-FRI. 6:30am-2pm Need an event catered?

CATERING AVAILIABLE! Contact: Bryce Wilson

Buy 1 Breakfast Platter, Get 1 Breakfast sandwich FREE!

NATIONAL LEAGUE: BRYCE HARPER WASHINGTON NATIONALS

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Ariel’s Diner 140 E. Davis St. Burlington, NC

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MLBPostseaAswoanrd:

Sports

There isn’t a chance anyone else wins this award. Trout has this on lock. Yu Darvish had a good year, but Trout is in MVP conversations.

Nobody in this category compares to the numbers Trout has put up this year.

What’s even more impressive is the fact that Trout spent the first month of the season in the minor leagues.

the seasons are changing

from summer to fall and so are your wardrobes. This year, autumn’s newest looks reflect the season’s aesthetic beauty through rich hues and fierce textures. Though the trends are timeless, here is a roundup of what should be in your closet when cooler weather hits.

Katie O’Han Strategic Communications ALL PHOTOS BY MERISSA BLITZ

Fashion

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leather Leather is making another debut as the texture of the season. Though leather jackets are a go-to piece, this look is going to be seen in more variety of ways.

From leather pants to dresses with leather detail, there are countless ways to rock this trend. To avoid a leather overhaul, integrate one or two pieces into your outďŹ t without going overboard.

Pair a leather skirt with a feminine blouse to add just the right amount of edge to your look, or bring out your inner rock star with some studded leather boots.

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Fashion

wine red

The color that is going to be a prominent staple in fall’s palette is wine red.

This deep red is a rich addition to a neutral look, or a powerful head-to-toe ensemble. Whether wine red is the color of your pants, dress or hat, make sure this shade makes an appearance this fall.

Fashion

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Opinions

EL EC ON 20 12

TI

Don’t just vote,

vote smart

Kassondra Cloos

F

Print & Online Journalism

or the vast majority of current college students, the 2012 presidential election is a major first. Most of us were a few years or a few days too young to have a say in the historic 2008 election. But this year, for the first time, we actually have the chance to impact the race for the next president of the United States.

Take this opportunity and run with it.

North Carolina is a battleground state, which means its electoral votes could go either way. The state swung in favor of President Barack Obama in 2008, but it was only by a small margin. As a result, your voice is louder here than it may be in your home state, which may already be pegged as red or blue.

If you haven’t requested an absentee ballot for your home state, consider registering in Alamance County, where you spend most of your year. It’s legal for out of state students to vote here because it’s almost impossible to know for sure where they’ll head after graduation.

Unless you are 100 percent sure you are going to move back to your home state after you leave Elon, you’re not doing anything wrong by changing your registration and voting in North Carolina.

Your opinion really counts, and it’s both a privilege and a duty to use that voice responsibly. Don’t just listen to your friends or your parents, and don’t decide solely based on

political debates or the appearance of a candidate.

I’ve heard a lot of college students — and, sadly, tax-paying adults with full-time jobs — say they don’t vote because they don’t know what they’re doing. They say they don’t want to be part of the problem. It’s true that ill-informed voters are a hazard. But the answer isn’t to simply refrain from voting. The answer is to educate yourself. Don’t hold your vote hostage because you can’t find the time to research the people who make more decisions about how you are allowed to live your life than you do.

Take some time to think about what really makes you tick. Is it gay rights? Defense spending? Is it student loans, taxes, healthcare or foreign policy? Decide what you want from your president and congressmen and then determine which candidate can best give it to you.

Look at the candidates’ campaign websites, but don’t trust them.

They’re trying to appeal to moderate voters, and they’re intentionally vague about what they believe so they can get votes. Instead of taking what you hear or read for face value, do your own research and look up their voting records on important issues at votesmart.org or govtrack. us.

It’s easy to line up your core values with those in either the Republican or Democratic parties and then just vote a straight ticket. But remember, not every politician is the same, and we often see them cross party lines in a few significant ways.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCTCAMPUS

Not every Republican is against same-sex marriage, and not every Democrat supports abortion.

If you’ve never voted, make this your first election, and be sure it’s not your last. It’s easy to let life get in the way of staying informed enough to criticize your government. But keep in mind that while voting is a right afforded to every American citizen, complaining about the government is a privilege. And it’s reserved for those who have enough self-respect to exercise their right to cast a ballot.

Opinions

25

United, not divided by space exploration Ian Luther

Media Arts & Entertainment

26

Opinions PHOTO COURTESY OF IZTOK BONCINA | EUROPEAN SOUTHERN OBSERVATORY

A

few weeks ago, the United States and the world mourned the loss of a legend.

Aug. 25, Neil Armstrong died, 43 years after being the first human being to step foot on the moon. But as one of only 12 men to walk on the moon, and only a few dozen more to escape the Earth’s atmosphere, his death should serve to remind us of our place in the universe, and our waning attempts to change it.

America today is not the same country it was in the 1960s. We’re not trying to outpace a rival superpower, and we’re nowhere near as financially stable as we were four decades ago. Space travel, while once the collective vision of a nation, is now the casually ignored vision of the overly idealistic. NASA’s Curiosity Rover, a spectacular step forward in the understanding of Mars’s history, has recently been criticized as a misuse of funds, especially in the middle of a financial crisis.

Much of this is because of the multi-billion dollar budget NASA is allocated annually, a seemingly excessive number to those focused on earthly issues. But when compared to other US programs, it’s not only reasonable, it’s actually pretty small.

In 2011, NASA was given $18.7 billion, a seemingly vast sum of money.

But when compared to, say, a $738 billion defense budget, it suddenly becomes a bit more reasonable.

The positives of space exploration for society also far outweigh the rel-

“

It’s been four decades since a human being has stepped foot anywhere other than the surface of the Earth. Why?” atively small budget that we allocate for it. LED lights, improved roads, artificial limbs and scratch-resistant lenses are only a few of the countless advances in technology made

by NASA, let alone the technology used to actually transport human beings into space.

But the issue is not that we shouldn’t oppose space exploration.

We need to actively support it.

The last men to walk on the moon were Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmidt of Apollo 17, in 1972.

Since then, no one has set foot on the moon, or even left low Earth orbit. It’s been four decades since a human being has stepped foot anywhere other than the surface of the Earth. Why? We should want to see more than the few hundred million miles we can see already, in a universe that stretches billions of light years further than we can even begin to imagine. How can we be content with never looking beyond one planet out of billions?

Why haven’t we seen this strange, exciting new frontier not as an economic drain, but as a vast human step leap towards something

greater? Can we not, as a species, dream bigger than what we already started with?

In June of this year, Dutch entrepreneur Bas Lansdorp announced his latest business endeavor, which could potentially be the greatest achievement of the 21st century: the colonization of another world. Still in the investment stages right now, Mars One plans to place its first four colonists by 2023, and reach 20 by 2033.

For the first time in hundreds of thousands of years, humanity has its first opportunity to pick up and move from the small blue rock it started on, to the even smaller red one next door. And I, at least, can’t think of anything more exciting than that.

Lets put aside our differences, and look at the bigger picture. Regardless of race, political leanings, nationality or religious beliefs, there is one thing we can agree on: the universe is enormous. It is inconceivably huge, and from what we’ve seen from earth, far more mysterious and beautiful than we can possibly imagine.

In the face of adversity, humanity binds together. Only when confronted with a challenge do we truly overlook each other’s differences and look towards something greater.

Let’s look away from the day-today events of a fractured world and instead at the vastness of the universe, not as individuals but as one united species, and together, let’s take our next giant leap for mankind.

Opinions

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