CAMPUS NEWS-WU MLK Day 2013

-WTF!CULTURE-Whose God?

-Bessie Moody-Lawrence Auditorium

STYLE-Must have beauty items

-Wowed by Wu-Winter Pudge Be Gone

LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT-Love at first Tweet

-Black Women in Media-Valentine’s Day Survival Guide

OPINION-My first time

-My Inauguration Experience: Willie Bush

-Popped a Molly... WU!

EXCLUSIVES:

Photo courtesy of The Azucarera NYC Gallery in HarlemMARTIN HAD A DREAM...

ISSUE 1, JANUARY 2013

“You should l ike us on Facebook and Fol low us on Twitter!”

Winthrop University students publish The Roddey-McMillan Record monthly during the academic year for students, faculty, staff and alumni.

A member of The Roddey-McMillan Record writes the staff editorial. Unsigned editorials reflect the opinions of the editorial staff. The opin-ions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the administration, faculty, staff or students.

Signed columns and cartoons and letters to the editor reflect the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the staff.

Letters to the editor may be e-mailed to roddeymac@winthrop.edu and must include the author’s name, telephone number, e-mail address and major or profession. The editor reserves the right to edit letters.

Katra Cunningham Editor-in-Chief

cunninghamk4@winthrop.edu

Billie Jean ShawAssistant Editor

shawb3@winthrop.edu

Dasia PayneCopy Editor

payned3@winthrop.edu

Raven GadsdenPoetry Editor

gadsdenr2@winthrop.edu

The Roddey-McMillan Record Specializing In Diversity Since 1986 P. 2 • January 2013

Antonette HuellWeb Content Editorhuella2@winthrop.edu

Brandon GrateLife and Entertainment

grateb2@winthrop.edu

Shaneequa EvansCulture/ Web Page Assistant

evanss10@winthrop.edu

The Roddey-McMillan Record wants you to be a part of our team! We

are currently looking for writers and a advertising manager. If you are

interested please contact us at:

roddeymac@mailbox.winthrop.edu

Brittaney MajorStyle

majorb4@winthrop.edu

Karly LongCopy Editor

longk6@winthrop.edu

Staff Writers:Kayla Brooks

Leslie Brown

Tabitha Corley

Aaron Fountain

Dana Farrior

Will Latimer

Harrison Garvin

Christina Houseworth

Kendra Wicker

Chelsea Brown

Crystal Booker

Ciapha Dennis

Victor Violous Willie Bush Tiana McGee

Photographer: Leslie Brown, Synera Inman Logo Designer: Helen “Shay” Malloy Illustrator: Abdul Shabazz Layout Design: Katra Cunningham

CONTRIBUTORS:

Raven BrownAssistant Web Editorbrownr26@winthrop.edu

Will LatimerSocial Media Specialist

latimerw2@winthrop.edu

Jasmine WoodberryCopy Editor

woodberryj2@winthrop.edu

Not Pictured

MEET OUR STAFF

What is the Roddey McMillan Record?

@TheRMR_

Letter From the Editor

The Winthrop UniversityAssociation of Black Journalists is open to students of all races and majors who want to see fair cover-age of minorities in the media.

Become a part of WU-ABJ and meet media professionals of all kind. For more information e-mail Billie Jean Shaw at shawb3@winthrop.edu.

Table of Content

The Roddey-McMillan Record Specializing In Diversity Since 1986 P. 3 • January 2013

Katra Cunningham

Katra Cunningham Editor-In-Chief

It’s a new year and the staff of the Roddey Mc-Millan Record would like to wish you good luck with all of your future endeavors. We know that you guys have set goals that you want to

accomplish this semester and resolutions that you are fully committed to achieving. There is not a soul alive who was born perfect. In your eyes, it may seem as though someone is living a care-free life, but in actuality, they may be experiencing more turmoil than you could ever imagine. The beginning of a new year is often seen as a opportunity for people, tired of the way their life has gone in the past, to take back control of their

life. Whether it be their weight, career choice, or a pesky bad habit they picked up, January 1st is often seen as a new plateau for greatness but without ambition greatness can never be attained.

Some would consider the act of setting a goal for a new year useless or unrealistic because people never stick to them, but we know that with strength and the right resources anything can be accomplished. We understand that tackling any task can be challenging, so we have decided to serve as a source for tips on how to achieve those common goals. This month we have addressed the issue of weight lost. We have included a few tips on how to tighten and tone up your body. We hope that you guys find this useful and overcome the act of falling victim to old habits that may stop you from progressing. It will be tough but in the end it will be worth.

campus news................ 4-MLK DAY REFLECTION

-LADY EAGLES WINNING STREAK/ WTF!

CULTURE................................ 6

- WINTER WEATHER GONE WRONG/ WHOSE GOD?

-BESSIE MOODY-LAWRENCE AUDITORIUM/ PHASE OF THE MONTH

STYLE.................................. 8 -BEAUTY ITEM SOULMATES/ WOWED BY WU/ NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

-AVOIDING “WINTER PUDGE”/GET YOUR SEXY BACK

life & ENTERTAINMENT................. 10

-GET @ ME/LOVE @ LOL

-FORGIVE ME/BLACK WOMEN IN MEDIA/REALITY T.V.

-DO’S AND DONT’S ON V-DAY/ HIGH HOPES/

-HOLD THE RESERVATIONS

-POETRY CORNER

OPINION................................ 14-MY FIRST TIME

-INAUGURATION 2013

-HOW LONG IS TOO LONG?/ IF I WAS YOUR BEST FRIEND

-POPPED A MOLLY... WU!

He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

“ ”

The Roddey-McMillan Record Specializing In Diversity Since 1986 P. 4 • September 2011 The Roddey-McMillan Record Specializing In Diversity Since 1986 P. 4 • January 2013

Campus newsMy MLK Day Experience

By: Shakora BambergContributing Writer

How can one small act of service impact several lives, possibly even a community? I ponder this question, because this is some of what I felt about MLK Day of service on January 21, 2013. This was thus far one of the very best ways to start the 2013 year off within the Winthrop and Rock Hill, York County community. Several students, faculty, staff, parents (and our community) got involved making

this day a true and efficient success. The purpose of MLK day is to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. it is also a day of reflection, as we look at our lives and the world around us to decide to get involve within our community and volunteer for others through different acts of service. The day began with a morning meet and greet and sign-in where the volunteers were led by Ms. Justine Knudson and Ms. Jill Wahlbrink. Knudson and Wahlbrink were the coordina-tors for this event. They served on the Planning Committee and were responsible for coordinat-ing the service projects and logistics of the day of service. They along with the entire commit-tee were responsible for getting in contact with the specific sites, and also trained thirty-two student leaders. Some of the schools who were also involved (along with Winthrop) were York Technical College, and Clinton Junior College. The keynote speaker was Mr. Angelo Jeter, who is an alumnus of Winthrop University. He is still very active with the campus (as he is often asked to host several events on campus , such as MLK Day of Service, to name one en-tity.) (While here he was a member of the MLK day of Service committee; DSU, CSL, Peer Mentor and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.) He is a professor at Clinton Junior College who spoke to the students about the significance of MLK day and the Civil Rights movement. “It’s time to deposit some change, because the dream won’t be fulfilled,” He also said, “Start living, and start doing.” He compared freedom and justice to that of a bank account with insufficient funds and being “Morally bankrupt.” Jeter also said, “Let us serve instead of criticize our community, inspire instead of perspire, start doing, and stop talking, start living and stop lying. A moral compass will keep us in the right direction. Dr. King’s dream may have occurred in a different climate and time period, but his efforts are still relevant today. Today things are about rights and wrongs instead of black and white. In order to fulfill the dream we must be willing to stand up for what is right and not sit and be complacent.” Photos courtesy of Kayla Brooks

and Katra Cunningham.

The Roddey-McMillan Record Specializing In Diversity Since 1986 P. 5 • September 2011 The Roddey-McMillan Record Specializing In Diversity Since 1986 P. 5 • January 2013

Double-double performances from Junior Dequesha McClanahan and Freshman Schquilla Nunn gave Winthrop their fourth straight Big South Confer-ence win over Presbyterian College Saturday. McClanahan finished the game with a season high of 25 points along with 10 assists, while Nunn nearly finished the game with a triple-double—a personal season high of 17 rebounds, 10 points and seven blocked shots. During the first half, almost half of the Eagle’s points were made in the paint. Winthrop shot 63 percent from the field, creating a 45-25 lead over PC heading into the break. Early in the second half, Winthrop scored five unan-swered baskets, getting Taylor Calvert and Samiya Wright pumped up. PC made an attempt for a late come back with about 5:14 still left in regulation. However, after several steals and free throw opportunities made by the Eagles, PC’s win-dow began to close as the game quickly became out of reach. The Eagles played outstanding defense, holding Presby-terian College to 32 percent shooting. Calvert finished the game with 17 points, and behind her was Wright with 10 Points.The Lady Eagles will be playing Charleston Southern at Charleston Southern on Feb. 2 at 2pm.

Eagles Grab... Fourth StraightConference Win

By: Kristina HouseworthSports Editor

Photos courtesy of Synera Shelton

Music was playing and friendly chatter could be heard through the room. Among the chatter, French was being spoken by foreign exchange students of the mass communication department. Winthrop’s Mass Communication Student Advisory Board hosted WTF (Welcome the French) on Jan. 15 2013 in Johnson Halls’ Dunlap-Roddey room. The purpose of the meet and greet was to welcome the French students studying abroad at Winthrop into the mass communication family. There was a group of American students at the front of the room doing a popular dance step called “The Wobble”, one brave French stu-dent who got up to learn this urban American is named Amandine. Friends Amandine and Margaux were chatting it up in French, of course. Amandine and Margaux said they are getting used to Ameri-can culture especially American food. Amandine said, “I love Burgers, Cookout is my favorite.” Margaux enjoys a special kind of American

WTF

cuisine, curly fries, “I love curly fries, like the ones at Burger Studio.” The French students are also learning the buildings that make-up Winthrop’s campus. Amandine’s favorite place on campus is Digs while Margaux’s favorite spot on campus is the West Center. French Student Maulvina is in her fourth year of studies, Maulvina lives in University Place and her favorite building on campus is McLaurin Hall, the Visual and Performing Arts building.Vanessa is a senior Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) major who is from the Republic of Cameroon, a French speaking country in Central Africa . She has been in the States for a year.Vanessa could not think of her favorite American food, she said, “Do desserts count, because I love red velvet cupcakes.” Jennifer Dean, Senior and representative of the Student Advisory Board said she was very pleased with the event which had a bigger turnout than the previous. “What more can you expect from the mass communica-tions department we are very sociable,”Jennifer said. Dean wanted to make the statement to the French students that the mass communications depart-ment is one big family. Most of the French students come from a school in Montpellier, a city in Southern France. The French students are here through a program called

ISCOM. Students studying mass communication stay for a semester while integrated marketing communi-cation( IMC) majors stay a year and a half to receive their bachelor’s degree .The purpose of the program is to allow French students to experience the culture here in the U.S. and how mass communication differs from France and the States, said Charles Dumulard who works with students from the ISCOM program . Integrated marketing communication (IMC) students are not required to intern however, many students do choose to intern. An internship in the U.S. makes students more marketable when looking for a job back home. “After students receive their degree they can opt to stay a year in the states and work in their field,” Dumulard said, “it is a great experience for them to return home with.”

What the French?By: Kayla BrooksStaff Writer

The Roddey-McMillan Record Specializing In Diversity Since 1986 P. 6 • January 2013

By: Aaron FountainStaff WriterBy: Antonette Huell

Web-Page EditorCULTURE

In December I was delighted that the Alphas held their “Whose God?” event and choose to talk about atheism in a more positive light. I was even more ecstatic that one of the members asked me to be the guest speaker. Since I conducted an event about the misconceptions of atheism in the spring semester of 2012, I figured that people

would be interested and ask critical and thoughtful questions. My optimistic views were shattered. Although I enjoyed most of the questions people asked me, I was annoyed that majority of the questions (except for two) were directed at my personal beliefs. In most instances it seemed that the questions were attacking me, while also defending what the person believed. When people ask personal questions, I can never answer with a response that will truly be a learning experience. My personal opinions are not a reflection of all atheists. I truly wanted to talk more about studies done on atheism and the political and social issues that atheists face, but at the end of the day, no one truly cares about an unlikeable minority. My purpose as the guest speaker was to educate and clear up any misconceptions that people held about atheism. I partially succeeded. People came up to me after the event and told me that they learned a lot (which still boggles my mind because for most of the questions I had to defend myself). I was also told that I “knew my stuff,” and some people complemented me for holding neutral ground. Sadly, there were others who looked at me with disdain and mumbled remarks under their breaths’ while I was talking. Those are reactions I have no control over and I expected it with a large crowd of people. It just upsets me that at a liberal arts university, students shy away from topics that make them feel uncomfortable. College is suppose to be the place where you hear alternative world views other than your own, and for someone to distance themselves from those views, has truly (at least in my opinion) wasted their time in college. The event I did last year brought a small crowd, but it was a true learning experience for the audience as well as for me. I lectured in the beginning, but unlike the Alphas’ event, I held a discussion and posed questions for the audience to discuss. It is said that atheist are the last group who is okay to dis-like. Even marginalized groups disdain atheist (which historical, is nothing new for minority groups to dislike other minority groups). Unless people of non-belief can stand up proud and declare how they feel, then stereotypes and fear will always persist towards non-believers.

Shaneequa EvansCulture Editor

The weather this year has been one exciting roller coaster ride. One day it’s in the mid to low 70’s and the next it’s raining a mixture of ice and snow. Some might ask how should they prepare for this bipolar winter weather. The following are just a few tips to make sure you are ready for any bumps in the road this winter may have in store.

Before a Winter Storm Threatens Know the terms used by weather forecasters: •Winter Storm Watch: Be alert; a winter storm is likely in your area. Tune into radio or television for more information.•Winter Storm Warning: Take action, the storm is in or entering the area. •Blizzard Warning: Snow and strong winds combined will produce blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill. Seek refuge immediately. •Winter Weather Advisory: Winter weather conditions are ex-pected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to motorists. •Freezing Rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on road, walkways, trees and power lines. If a ½ inch or more of freezing rain is forecast an Ice Storm Warning will be issued.•Wind Chill Advisory / Warning: Combination of wind and cold resulting in temperatures that feel -15F to -24F (Advisory) or -25F or colder (Warning) for more than 3 hours. Can be life threaten-ing conditions.

Have an Emergency Supply KitEveryone should have an Emergency Supply Kit which would prepare them to survive on their own for at least three days. There should be a kit prepared for your house, apartment or dorm and your vehicle. •For The House: There should be some non-perishable food, bot-tled water, flashlights and extra batteries around the house, along with a portable radio in case of power outages or other emergen-cies caused by a winter storm. Additional items that should be included are a freshly-stocked first-aid kit, essential prescription medicines, a non-electric can opener, baby-care items, extra blan-kets, sleeping bags and a fire extinguisher.•For The Vehicle: Mobile phone, charger and batteries, flashlight with extra batteries, a basic first-aid kit, necessary medications,

a pocket knife, booster cables, a blanket or a sleeping bag, extra clothes (including rain gear, mittens and socks), non-perishable foods, a non-electric can opener, sand for generating vehicle trac-tion, tire chains or traction mats, a basic tool kit (pliers, wrench, screwdriver), a tow rope, shovel, Compass and road maps a wind-shield scraper and brush or small broom for ice/snow removal, a container of water and a brightly colored cloth to serve as a flag, if necessary.

Dress in Layer of ClothingThis gives you flexibility to add or remove layers, depending on the weather and your activity. Putting on layers of clothing helps to retain more body heat. In general, the three main layers are wicking, insulating and protection. 1.Wicking layer: This is the layer worn next to your skin. To keep warm wearing thermals, tee shirts, tights, and long under wear are suggested under clothing. 2.Insulating layer: Known as the middle layer, the purpose of this layer is to keep heat in and cold out. Wearing sweaters, sweat-shirts, vests and pullovers will keep you warm. 3.Protection layer: The exterior layer, generally a coat and pants, serves as your guard against the elements of winter. Whatever kind of coat or pants you decide wear it should repel water from snow, sleet or rain and block the wind, while also letting perspira-tion evaporate.

AccessorizeAlong with layer your clothing it is important that you accessorize with the right items such as headwear, sunglasses, gloves and mit-tens.

•Headwear: Up to 60 percent of your body’s heat can escape from an uncovered head, so wearing a hat, headband or earmuffs is essential when it’s cold. (Tip: If you wear a hat, you may be able to wear one less layer on your body.)

•Sunglasses: Sunglasses do much more than make you look cool. They also protect your eyes from damaging solar rays. Snow, or any other reflective surface, makes ultraviolet (UV) rays stronger, while increased altitude also magnifies the danger.•Gloves and mittens: Look for gloves and mittens that use water-proof, breathable fabrics. Mittens, in general, are warmer than gloves, but offer you less agility.

How to deal with bipolar winter weather...

“Whose God?” Student reflection on religion panel discussion.

The Roddey-McMillan Record Specializing In Diversity Since 1986 P. 7 • January 2013

Shaneequa EvansCulture Editor

English- I love you!

Phase of the MonthWith Valentines around the corner there is no better way to let people know you care than by saying I love You!

By: Katra CunninghamEditor-In-Chief

Bessie Moody-Lawrence Auditorium Votes are still being casted as Win-throp University’s Council of Student Leaders have suggested that the Legacy of Bessie Moody-Lawrence be recognized on Winthrop’s campus by renaming Tillman Auditorium the Bessie Moody-Lawrence auditorium. Dillion Donolds, the chair of The

Council of Student Leaders’ Political Action Committee has been working directly with Winthrop officials to make sure that a woman who can be considered a legend in Winthrop’s history is commemo-rated accordingly. “Lawrence’s death was brought up at the CSL end of semester retreat because she impacted the Winthrop community and Rock Hill area greatly. We feel like someone of her statue should be honored on Winthrop’s campus,” said Donolds. Lawrence, better known as “the Velvet Hammer” served on the South Carolina House of Representatives’ Education committee for 14 years. She was the only black woman to ever be elected to the Gen-eral Assembly from York County, and who specialized in the better-ment of children, healthcare, our education system, and the deprived. This quiet yet tough democratic politician and member of the Legislative Black Caucus did not begin her career in politics. Law-rence served as an associate professor at Winthrop University while juggling commuting to Columbia to serve as a member of The General Assembly and is still the only faculty member in Winthrop’s history to hold a legislature seat. Lawrence dedicated over 30 years of her life working as a professor at Winthrop and was one of the first African American teachers to be tenured at the university. “Bessie was part of a generation of African-American leaders who re-defined what was possible, especially for African-American students, through her life’s example,” said Anthony DiGiorgio, Win-throp University’s current president. “She cared deeply about educa-tion, about equal pay for women, about her community and about the next generation of leaders emerging in South Carolina. That will be her legacy, both here at Winthrop and across the state.” Lawrence also served as a member of The South Carolina House District 49 for 8 years until deciding to let it go after battling and conquering breast cancer. Coming from a long line of successful African American women, Lawrence’s ambition and successful career will forever live on through her family, all rooted from Chester, South Carolina. Lawrence was married twice, first to the late Lindberg Moody, a basketball coach at Northwestern High School, later to Earl Lawrence. Lawrence’s daughter Leah Moody, currently serves as a lawyer in the Rock Hill community and as a trustee of the University of South Carolina. Law-rence also had 2 more children, Katrina, Lindberg Jr. and a Pulitzer

prize nominated poet/author as a sister, Vivan Ayers. Lawrence also had 2 nieces- Phylicia Allen-Rashad, who starred in “The Crosby Show” and Debbie Allen who appeared in and choreographed the movie “Fame”. Brain cancer claimed Lawrence’s life on December 18,2012 and while she may be gone her legacy of service within the Rock Hill community will flourish forever in the lives she has touched over the years. “Right to the end, she would not complain, saying what she said so often when problems needed solutions: ‘Are you going to cry about it or are you going to do some- thing about it?” said Leah Moody when asked about her late mother. “Her life was a celebra- tion, a testament to action and cour- age and strength and caring about the next generation. She was an inspiration to me and to many young people. She made her state a better place for all.” Lawrence dedicated her life to serving others, especially children. She served as a teacher in the Rock Hill community prior to becom-ing a professor at Winthrop University and it didn’t stop there. While teaching education, Lawrence impacted the lives of Winthrop Uni-versity’s education majors so that she could teach others how to do a craft that she dedicated her life to. “She was a champion of education, all her life and challenged South Carolina to educate everyone, every child,” said Ayers about her late sister. Since Lawrence’s death, CSL has begun the process of trying to get the name of Tillman Auditorium, located in Tillman Hall, changed to The Bessie Moody-Lawrence Auditorium. The auditorium was initially named after Benjamin R. “Pitchfork” Tillman, a democratic governor who publicly admitted to subjecting people of the African American race to harsh unjust treatment. Tillman, the 84th governor of South Carolina, a firm believer in “white supremacy”, an advocate against equal voting rights for

women, and supporter of lynching acts, helped establish Winthrop University when it was still an all-girls college. There are still frag-ments of stocks used to imprison the convicts who constructed Till-man Hall in the basement. The act of renaming Tillman will benefit the Winthrop com-munity’s newfound liberal image as a diverse academic playground for its students. It is a school that embraces diversity in race, politics, and religion, so when some hear of Tillman Hall’s history it is usually quite shocking. So far CSL has not received any negative feedback from anyone opposing their decision to propose the name change. While some would question changing the name of Tillman Hall as well, CSL has opted for only the name change of the auditorium. “We received a lot of positive feedback from everyone in the Win-throp community.” said Donolds. “Instead of trying to diversify the entire building, we wanted to make an inner impact.” This simplistic change has the possibility of effecting Winthrop’s campus forever and could serve as an excellent yet modest way for the Winthrop community to pay homage to a woman who spent nearly half of her life serving the Rock Hill area. CSL is now waiting on President DiGiorgio to notify them of the decision of Winthrop’s trustees. If the auditorium is renamed, they are planning on hosting an opening ceremony in Lawrence’s honor.

Members of the Council of Student Leaders ralley to pay tribute to former Winthrop professor and politician Bessie Moody-Lawrence.

Arabic for females- BahebekArabic for males-Bahebak

French-Je t'aimeSpanish-Te amo

Chinese - woani

The Roddey-McMillan Record Specializing In Diversity Since 1986 P. 8 • January 2013

By: Temily Wardlaw & Xenobiah Williams Staff Writers

The holiday season is the season of a lack of self-control. During holiday break, many of us uncontrol-lably indulge in our the home cooking of our family members up until we return to campus. Then, that’s’s when it happens! We finally notice that our bodies have begun reaping the consequences of our over eating; we now have what some would call a “winter pudge”. Below we have highlighted a few tips on how to hide the infamous pudge until your hard work in the West Center pays off.

1.) The first tip for hiding a recent weight gain is accen-tuating the things you love about your body. Whatever part of your body you admire most be sure to show it off. The pedestal you put this favorite aspect of your body on and confidence you have flaunting it will detract attention away from your extra pounds.

2.) If your problems area is your mid-section do not wear tops that swallow you whole. Despite popular belief, clothes that are too large and that give you too much wiggle room actually make you look larger than your actual size. Try tops with draping and subtle layers instead. Remember we want to hide a few extra pounds not your entire shape.

3.)It is a well-known fact that darker colored clothes make the body look slimmer. Thankfully after the holidays there are a few more months of winter that won’t make your deception too obvious. Stick to clothes in shades of black, gray, browns, & navy blues. How-ever don’t limit yourself to tops and dresses, dark wash denim also alludes to a slimmer body as well. Remember hiding the “winter pudge” is only a tem-porary solution. Spring break is quickly approaching. Keep up the hard work in the West Center and you’ll be back in shape in no time.

How to hide your “Winter Pudge”

Have the pounds you put on during Christmas break got you down?

G E T Y O U R S E X Y B A C K

Tummy:

http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/body+fitness/workouts/the+best+summer+body+workout,15055

Easy things you can do to get back in shape in time for bikini season.By: Brittaney MajorStyle Editor

Coming back from Christmas break, I’m sure the last thing any of us want to think about is hitting the gym to try and work off all the food we devoured during our winter hibernation. For some of us, this may be exciting, but for the ma-jority of college students, it may be just as frightening as finals. The question is: are you ready? The time is here, and now is a great time to make a plan to get that beach body back. While The West Center may be the last place you want to spend your oh-so-limited recreational time, here are a few workouts/tips on how to get your body ready for summer. The following focuses on three main troublesome areas: tummy, legs and butt.

Illustration courtesy of Abdul Shabazz

Reverse crunches: Lie on your back with your thighs vertical but knees slightly bent. Place your palms on the floor beside you. Squeezing through your abs, raise your tailbone off the ground and move your feet up. Be careful not to use momentum. Lightly touch your butt to the ground with control and repeat.Do 3 sets of as many as you can to get that flat tummy.Brazilians: Assume a push-up position with feet shoulder-width apart, chest over hands and your body in a straight line. Raise your right foot and draw your knee across your body towards your left elbow. Keep your torso long and control the amount of twisting. Keep your chest over your hands and your neck long. The pace should be slow—each rep should take 3-4 seconds. Alternate feet on each rep.Sets and reps: do 3 sets of as many reps as you can.

Step-ups: Place your right foot on a knee-high bench or chair. Push down through your right heel and stand up on the bench. Without stopping, move the left thigh forward until that knee is hip height and at a right angle (in a running style). Balance for a moment, and then slowly lower your left foot to the ground, touching lightly with your toes. Then push up for your next rep. Focus on maintaining your posture throughout. Keep your gaze fixed on the horizon in front of you and keep your right foot planted the whole time.

Do all the reps on one leg, then switch sides.Ball hamstring curls: Lie on your back, legs straight, with your heels on a Swiss ball. Keep your arms on the ground, palms facing up. Raise your hips so your body forms a straight line from shoulders to feet. Keeping your hips high, roll the ball in by bending your knees. Finish with the soles of your feet on the ball. Slowly extend your legs out straight and repeat. Do 3 sets.

With a bench about a meter behind you, stand on your right leg and reach back with your left leg. Place the toes of your left foot on the bench and position your foot so it’s vertical. Jump your right foot forward a bit if you feel cramped. Bend your front knee and lower your back knee directly down towards the ground. Aim to get your front thigh horizontal. Don’t let your front knee pass in front of your toe.Do all reps on one leg, then switch.Cranes: Balance on one leg. Keeping the knee of your grounded leg almost straight, bend forward, lowering your torso slowly to horizontal. Your other leg will extend up until it is also horizontal. Keep your back long and straight. Return to upright, lowering the leg.Repeat to fatigue then switch legs. You should feel this in the hamstring and glutes of the grounded leg.

Legs:

Butt:

Don’t think this will cut it for you? Go use your free gym membership at the West Center! You get up to 4 free training ses-sions with any trainer of your choice! Check out this website for more infor-mation: http://www.winthrop. edu/recservices/

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The Roddey-McMillan Record Specializing In Diversity Since 1986 P. 9 • January 2013

Hellloooooo Winthrop! Here are a few winter fashion trends to get you looking like the “new you,” you’ve been dreaming about for the new year. Let’s start with the most important, BRIGHT COLORS. Spring-like bright colors are a great way to bring life back to your wardrobe. The easiest way to do this is BRIGHT or PRINTED JEANS. Also, you can step outside the box with a pair of COLOR CORDUROY PANTS. Yep, those are back too! If you want to get on the more elegant side try a pair of FANCY PANTS, which are just pants that are typically high

to mid waist, long, and flared. They come in many different styles from classroom casual to interview ready. Add some edge to your look with a few LEATHER items and grace it with a BABY DOLL STYLE dress or skirt. You know, the ones that hug your higher waistline and gradually flare. Complement this or any other item in your closet with a pair of PLATFORM BOOT/BOOTIES. And finally for this winter every-one should have a great DENIM JACKET/SHIRT, INFINITY SCARF, and of course a BEANIE HAT for those long lazy days.

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU: Spice up your 2013 wardrobe

Grace Radler Sophomore Integrated Marketing Communication“Since I play soccer I don’t wear much make up, ” Grace said.Grace’s favorite beauty item is her Burt’s Bees chapstick. Favorite beauty brands: Neutrogena, Olay, and Clinique.When Grace finds time between playing soccer and class to put on make-up, she wears dark blue or green eyeliner to make her eyes pop.When Grace feels like wearing lip color she prefers Revlon bit-ten lipstain in a pinkish coral color.Grace keeps neutral when it comes to eyeshadow, “I love boring colors.” said Grace.

Sigourney WoodforkSenior Integrated Marketing Communication Shea Butter for hairLoreal volume lashNARS blush orangeE. L. F. eyeliner pencilDNC olive oil make-up remover(Sephora)Foundation from Sephora pressed powder Sigourney loves Revlon bombstain in Smitten, “It is the BOMB, ” She said.

Tina SorialSophomorePsychologyMAC studio liquid foundationTina said she cannot live with out her Neutrogena make-up removal facial bar. “It keeps my face clear of breakouts,” said Tina. To keep her face moisturized she uses Loreal moisturizer.When she goes out Tina wears her Loreal lipstick in British Red.

By: Tiana McGeeContributing Writer

By: Kayla BrooksStaff Writer

What’s your favorite beauty item?We highlighted some of the most popular beauty products being used on Winthrop’s campus. STYLE

Jason Wu times two

Easy tips on how to spice up your everyday attire for the new year.

Photos courtesy of Kayla Brooks

After we all listened in carefully to see if Presi-dent Obama would stumble over the words of his inaugural address, the next moment we waited for was to see which designer Mrs. Obama would choose this year. She has been often compared to Jackie Kennedy for her poise and fashion choices. At the first Com-mander-in-Chief ’s Ball in 2009, Mrs. Obama wore a white chiffon one-shoulder gown made by a Chinese-American fashion designer, Jason Wu, The first lady appeared in a ruby-colored chiffon and full-length velvet gown also custom made by Wu. While her new bangs made a name for themselves even before making a public appearance (and having an unauthorized Twitter account—First Lady’s Bangs—), the first lady is a classic mixture of designers and mass- market department stores. No matter what she wears she always looks radiant standing by her husband and two daughters with that beautiful smile and those amazingly toned arms we all love.

By: Brittaney MajorStyle Editor

All about Michelle Obama’s risky fashion choice for the Commander-in-Chief ’s inaugural ball.

Photos courtesy: Google Images

The Roddey-McMillan Record Specializing In Diversity Since 1986 P. 10 • January 2013

By: Will LatimerStaff Writer/Social Media Specialist

By: Chelsea BrownStaff Writer

“Hey, are you [insert twitter name]?” Have you ever experienced that moment, which

is probably quite awkward, when some-one you don’t know, knows you, or at least knows you from Twitter or another social networking site. With the popular-ity of social networks like Twitter and In-stagram, people have the chance to meet and talk to people from all over the world that they don’t know, but that isn’t where it stops. Some people make friends with people they see on an everyday basis, but never speak to in person, through social networks. Junior Sports Management major, Alex Headley says he’s had people who he didn’t know, meet him and refer to him by his twitter name. Headley thinks “it’s cool and it’s any easy way to meet new people.” While the answer why isn’t com-pletely known, there’s often that moment when you’re unsure of whether to actu-ally speak to someone you meet on a so-cial network. Junior Dance Performance major, Lustra Miller says it’s “childish” to speak to people on Twitter, or another social network that you wouldn’t speak to in person. Miller also says that she only says things on social networks that she would say in person and those others should do the same. Personally, I think sometimes it can be difficult to determine if a person is someone you know from a

social network, especially the first time meeting them (and depending on the fil-ters they use). I’m not sure if there’s really anything you can do about this, maybe a social networking class would help. Think about it: if you have a Twitter account, you’ve probably met at least one person with whom you would converse with on the site, but not as much in person, if at all. One thing about social networks which we all know is that people are allowed to create the person they would like to be by adding or sub-tracting any details they choose. Headley says, “What you put on twitter kind of shows your personality and interests,” but went on to say “Some people really have a lot to say on twitter, but in person they’re shy…that’s backwards to me.” With the rise in popularity of the MTV show “Catfish,” as well the Manti Te’o scandal, it is becoming more and more apparent that the people you find online are not always who they say they are, and sometimes, unfortunately, they are not people at all. The gift and curse of social networks are the facts that they allow people to connect, reconnect and meet people, who they would not have a chance to otherwise. Despite the benefits social networks provide, they will likely never be equivalent to face-to-face inter-action, or in other words; social networks do not replace the need to be social.

Get @ Me Meeting a soul mate for the first

time is becoming as easy as pressing “add as a friend.” Between instant message, tweeting and direct mes-

saging, people are developing a more confident persona when approaching people of interest.

With the use of new technology streaming around instant communication, it is becoming more common to meet people using popular social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter, or dating sites such as eHarmony. Why are people more comfortable with online interaction? It’s because there’s no awkward first date silence, and it gives people the freedom to look at the other person’s information before meeting them in person.

Vertina Davis, a sophomore human resource management major, said she believes that there are many advantages to meeting someone online.

“For some it’s easier to approach someone online than if you are facing them. You may begin to have an online relationship for a while until you are ready to meet in person. This gives you the chance to see whether or not you like the person before you meet,” she said.

Davis met her significant other of five years on the African-American targeted social site, BlackPlanet. Da-vis said she believes that meeting online can only help in one’s chances of meeting someone special.

“It expands your opportunities of meeting people in different areas that you won’t normally see in your hometown for instance,” she said.

The new hit show “Catfish” on MTV has been high-lighting the rise—and fall—of couples that have met online. Based off of the documentary of the same title, “Catfish” follows Nev, a New York photographer, as he helps those who found love online see if the person they fell in love with is who they think they are.

“Catfish” has sparked a whole new conversation about the taboo topic of online dating—especially in the younger generation of college students.

“I think that this show is perfect for people trying to pursue online relationships,” Justine Zipp, a senior

middle level education major said. “It shows you that not everyone is who they say they are, so until you can get proof that the person they have in the pictures is really them (Skype, phone), you as a person shouldn’t start to have feelings for the other.”

According to an article written by Sean Poulter on Daily Mail Online, in a study done of men and women under 35, 62 percent stated that it was “easier to meet someone on a dating site than in other ways, such as in a pub or club, or through friends.”

The Internet is clearly becoming the new wave of first interactions. With the click of a mouse, one can find out all of the information that they may have found out during the first date. Online dating is allow-ing people to have the control to quickly and easily see if they are compatible with someone.

In 2007, a study at Bath University showed that people who met on dating web-sites are more than 90 percent more likely to continue seeing each other after the first date than other couples.

Zipp met her boyfriend, whom she has been dating for more than a year, on the social site Connecting Singles. Zipp said she believes that honesty is key when dealing with online relationships, as the stigma of it leads people to seem untruthful. Zipp also said she wasn’t worried about what others may have thought about her relationship that began online, because as fate would have it, the guy she met went to school right here at Winthrop.

“My parents didn’t know I was looking online, and it’s a possibility that they still don’t know. I was one of the lucky ones who found someone who went to the same school as me, and whom had some mutual friends,” Zipp said.

While many people are suspicious of online dat-ing, it is possible to create normalcy in such a new and improved world of love.

“If you find someone who is honest from the start, it doesn’t matter where you met them and that’s how it is with my boyfriend and me,” Zipp said.

Sometimes love just begins with a more wireless connection.

Love @ LOLLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

Have you ever had a fa-miliar face follow you on Instagram or Twitter and ignore you in person?

There has been a rising increase in the amount of people participating in online dating;

Illustration courtesy of Abdul Shabazz

The Roddey-McMillan Record Specializing In Diversity Since 1986 P. 11 • January 2013

By: Brandon GrateLife & Entertainment Editor

By:Tabitha CorleyStaff Writer Today it is common to be entertained by real-

ity television show. Over the years there have been thousands of these types of show that have people glued to their television screens wanting more. It seems the more outrageous the show, the better the ratings. Whether it is a show about finding love, be-ing a housewife, or just seeing our favorite celebri-ties participate in buffoonery, reality television will never go away. However, what’s being portrayed on these shows is slowly changing and equalizing.

For sometime, reality television has not been portraying African Americans in a positive light. Television shows like Love and Hip Hop, Best Funeral Ever, and Flavor of Love sets the race back as a whole. Sadly, some people view these types of shows and make negative generaliza-tions about black people as a whole. On these shows, black Americans are portrayed as loud, obnoxious, sex crazed, and have uncontrollable anger. In actuality, these shows represent only a skewed percentage of African Americans.

It is now safe to say that reality television is changing and equalizing. There are now more shows on television that portray other races in a way that is different from the norm. Some current shows are Swamp People, Jersey Shore, Buckwild, Hillbilly Handfishin’, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, and Teen Mom. These shows show other races in different forms. The topics on these shows vary from rednecks fishing with their bare hands, the young and wild party life, teen pregnancy, to young children growing up in the public eye. Along with that, these shows pull off sky high ratings. According to TLC, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo had a record 2.8 million people tuned in to watch her and her family. Throughout reality television shows African Americans are represented by some of those topics. With these shows out now, it is safe to say that reality television is equalizing the playing field when it comes to negativity represented by other races.There is now a balance in the level of buffoonery in reality television among different races.

Forgive Me

REALi t y Te le v is ion: Equa l iz ing and Changing

Is it okay to forgive abuse in relationships and take the abuser back?

As 2012 came to an end, the world saw rekindled romances blossom between two of pop culture’s most controversial couples—Rihanna and Chris Brown, and Evelyn Lozada and Chad Ochocinco. Although everything appears fine to the parties involved, many fans and crit-ics said they didn’t understand why these women would re-enter into relationships with these men after everything that transpired between them. Due to the high profile of these relationships, many have asked if there is a future for abusive relationships; is it ever okay to forgive the person and take them back? “It depends on the type of abuse,” sophomore Terlandra Buckner said. “Whether verbal, mental or physical, if you decide to take your significant other back, then they need to get help and make a sincere change for the better; once that has occurred, a decision can be made.” It is often that the abuser cannot see the severity of the situation. Whether one means to do it or not, abuse breaks trust, and in many cases cannot be regained. However, as the two previously mentioned couples show, many women do forgive men who have abused them. “We take them back after they lie to us. We take them back after they cheat,” sophomore Janelle Watson said. “Although abuse is a severe situation, everyone deserves a second chance, because you do not always know what is going on with your significant other.” Many times, the “power of love” draws people back to relationships repeatedly. “Love is very powerful and it can keep you in the deepest and darkest situations,” Moshario Morton said. “Is it okay for someone to put their hands on you, no, but love is blind-ing.” Even if love is blinding, some people don’t believe abu-sive relationships should continue; “Physical abuse should never make a woman want to return to that relationship because the rate of death when women return to abusive relationships is too high,” said Renna Hampton. “If they abused you once, they’re more than likely to do it again, said sophomore Andrew Miles. Ultimately, everyone has their own opinion about what should happen if abuse occurs in a relationship, but the decision is left up to the abused. “Forgiveness should take place whether the relationship continues or not,” Hampton said.

Once upon a time the characters Nikki Parker, and Shenaynay Jenkins were the most popular African Ameri-can women on television. Both chased after men, were por-trayed as undesirable, economically unstable, and unapproachable, with the working vocabulary of a grade student. Though these women may have been characters created for entertainment, they were the only characters accepted by mainstream media during their time. African American women have been depicted in a negative light in media for decades, serving as maids, vixens only regarded for sexual pleasure, or just plain old bit-ter and nasty. However times are changing. The African American women’s role in society has drastically transformed. Instead of known for cleaning houses, overly sexual, or boisterous; African American women now have the role of First Lady of the White house, wife of the president, and caring for our nation. Women such as Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Ursula Burns, Rosalind Brewer, and Beyoncé Knowles have shown the world that African American women are not to be subjected by ignorant portrayals in media and are capable of more than

ever expected or imagined. With women of color empowered it was only a matter of time before mass media fol-lowed suit. The black woman has recently been redefined in Kerry Washington’s role of Olivia Pope, in ABC’s prime-time show “Scandal” and Megan Good in NBC’s “Deception”. Holding its place as the No. 1 series in Thursday’s 10:00 p.m. slot, “Scandal” averages 7.9 viewers a night and continues to capture America’s interest with an African American women as a positive face of the show. Though Deception is a relatively new show, the buzz and ratings for the show are high as well, with 5.6 million viewers watching Good lead the series. Adding to the positive light on African American women in media is media mogul Oprah Winfrey. By broadcasting shows on her OWN network like “Iylana Fix My Life” and “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s” Winfrey shows the diversity and independence of African American women on a national stage. There has always been several shows on television that have depicted a positive family life for African Americans like the “Cosby Show” and “My Wife and Kids,” however, the same argu-ment cannot be said for shows with lead roles for African American women. Though some may

argue shows like “Girlfriends” and the character Joan Clayton portrayed by Tracee Ellis Ross have long existed, the depiction is the difference. The difference between Joan Clayton and Olivia Pope is that Olivia Pope is not driven by men, partying, or the advice of friends. She is driven by making a difference, helping others, and maintaining her success. Gaining the respect of media and society has been a long road paved with sacrifice and dedication for African American women. Moving forward, we as viewers must show gratitude to the women who walked that road by upholding a certain standard for the roles we choose to view African American women portrayed as. Viewers have already let their voices be heard by boycot-ting the airing of show “All My Babies Mama’s” and the cancelation of Evelyn Lozada’s show “ Chad and Evelyn” due to her violence on the show “Basketball Wives” Actions are not only taken place on a large scale with African America women’s role in media. Efforts have trickled down to Winthrop University with students Katra Cunningham serving as Editor and Chief of the Roddey Mc-Millan Record and Bille Jean Shaw serving as the President of Winthrop’s National Association of Black Journalist.

By: Xenobiah WilliamsStaff Writer

B l a c k w o m e n i n m e d i aAfrican American women have been getting cast in more leading roles and are defying negative stereotypes.

The Roddey-McMillan Record Specializing In Diversity Since 1986 P. 12 • January 2013

By: Antonette HuellWeb Designer/Staff Writer

Photos courtesy of Leslie Brown

Don’t get in contact with your ex Romance may be in the air and everyone is coupled up. but for you single guys and girls, it is understandable that you may feel the need to find your special someone. However, although you may be tempted to get in contact with your ex, don’t do it. A day of romance is not worth months of heartache and headache. Instead spend this time to show yourself some much needed affection and attention. You don’t need someone else to remind you just how special you are.

Don’t overly analyze the gift Just because you don’t receive the gift you have been hint-ing for or thought you deserved, don’t base it on the value of your relationship. Even if he or she presents you with a cheap and ge-neric gift, that may mean that funds were limited and not that what you deserve is limited. It’s not about the gift, its about the thought that someone cared enough to want to show you with something tangible.

Don’t stress about ONE day We all want the perfect Valentine’s Day. However as vivid as our imaginations create them, remain realistic and open to the day. If you are single, remember it is not the end of the world. Don’t think that this one day is your only opportunity to find romance. There are many days in the future to find the perfect someone. For those who are in relationships, don’t stress or set expectations for the day. Be reminded that your relationship should be more impor-tant than just one day.

Do celebrate ALL day It’s called Valentine’s Day, not morning, afternoon, or night. You can make the day seem extraordinary starting with breakfast and/or sending simple texts throughout the day about how much you care. There are many small things you can do lead-ing up to your plans for later without breaking the bank or making the special day turn into just that special evening.

Do be creative Avoid crowds and bank overdrafts by thinking outside the box and being creative. You may think that reservations at a fancy restaurant will be the only options to a satisfied partner. If you re-ally want to surprise your partner, try planning something less ge-neric like dinner and blockbuster rentals at home or a homemade gift. Also, avoid dates that you have tried or been on with other partners. You want to make your current partner feel as though the date you planned is unique and special, just for them.

VALENTINES DAYDO’S & DON’TS As Valentine’s Day approaches, many lovebirds and romantics are prepar-

ing for a special night. For college students in particular, some already know what they would expect from their significant other. Here is what a few Winthrop students are anticipating for this upcoming February 14th.

By: Leslie BrownStaff Writer

HOPEFUL CAMPUS ROMANTICS

Whitney Rojas: Sophomore, Math Major from Columbia, SC – I would want to go to a nice dinner, take a late night walk in the park and then cuddle up and watch sappy movies like The Notebook.

Chris Lesesne: Sopho-more, Athletic Training major from Columbia, SC - I’d go see a movie [with her], hang out, and that’s it.

Emily Goodman: Junior, Mass Communication major from Greenville, SC – I would want to be taken out to my favorite restau-rant. Then go see a local band in downtown Charlotte. I wouldn’t want my boyfriend to spend a lot of money on the date; just getting to spend time with him would be enough for me.

Brandon Cassidy: Sophomore, Computer Science major from Blythewood, SC - I’m not a romantic, so I wouldn't do anything.

By: Antonette HuellWeb Designer/Staff Writer

HOLD THE RESERVATIONS...

Skip the generic dinner reservations and flowers that can leave you penny pinching. If money is an issue, try cooking a meal at home. Your partner will be more appreciative for the time you dedicate in making an even especially for them.

Menu: Cook your partner’s favorite meal or cook together to make it even more romantic. You do not have to spend more than necessary. There are many meals that you can find online under $20 that includes appetizer, main course and dessert.

Movie: It’s about your sweetheart, so snuggle up together and watch his/her favorite movies…even the ones you swore you wouldn’t watch.

Make It Special: Give your partner a gift that shows how much you care and something he/she will always remember and cherish.

Special Touches: Scented candles and props from the local dollar store can add to the romantic theme for the evening.

Illustration courtesy of Abdul Shabazz

The Roddey-McMillan Record Specializing In Diversity Since 1986 P. 13 • January 2013

I am the dream...Of a people like Rosa who took pride in doing what people told’em

They couldn’t, but I wouldn’tBe the dream if some didn’t endure nightmares

Of fright where, mistreatment and quiet tears, showed life wasn’t as fair

The promises that were broken like the backs of the slavesWho couldn’t read, so how can they expect blacks to turn the page

and act like, a man freed could simply lose the slave mentalityFrom cotton to football now we’re more slaves of vanity

The canopy can’t just be, something we’re forced to look atAll we needed was a shot so it’s bitter sweet

Martin took thatI am the dream...

Helping break down stereotypesThis the truth, not a pop song not quite the stereotype

Everything’s not where it should be, but things are better than they could be

And if you don’t believe it, just take a look seeA man from the south side of Chicago finally won the race

Forget rare that’s a sign you can make it from any placeWhether your family writes sentences or you got family serving life

sentencesYou have a chance to make things right, and I don’t mean penman-

shipBecause whether politician, rapper, doctor, lawyer or an athlete

It’s up to you to decide what you really want to beBlack male statically is the place for me

So feel free, I am the dream

Poetry Corner

What is New Years?By: Shakora Bamberg

Is it too late to Celebrate New Year’s?What is New Years?

Is it a celebration, or holiday? Is it as festive as all the others?

Is it really worth all the attention?I’d like to think so…

Is it made up of false resolutions?Maybe…

Do we put too much emphasis on New Year’s Day?Why wait until January 01 of every year to say

“This year, I plan to lose weight, or I plan to stop smoking, or I plan to travel more or I plan to find a new job.”

Why wait until this very day, to say these things, when you’re more than likely not to ACT on them.

Shouldn’t it be that every start of each New Year and the start of each day we should want to do great things?

We should always strive to be and do better than we did before.We should always strive to work harder and celebrate later, right?

Wrong, everybody doesn’t think this way.TO all those people who are still celebrating this New Year, happy New

YearIt’s not over yet, it is just Beginning.

We still have ten more months to fulfill our New Year’s Resolution’s---So Get to Work! Good luck

We’re in an era of,Trial and error when it comes to relationships

Cause real shit so hard to find that we learned how to fake itAlong the way wrongs were done by and to me

I let go of old grudges when I focused on a new meNo regrets, only lessons learned

And apologies to the girls that didn’t deserveUnanswered calls, ignored texts and etc.

And no hard feelings to the women that ain’t care enoughJust keeping it real no fantasy life

You cant see what a family like, from aSingle perspective so when I started dating

I couldn’t tell what were games and couldn’t tell who was playingThese girls don’t trust me because they been hurt, and I don’t

Trust them because, well, that love thing ain’t workAnd nobody want to lose so we quick to put a guard up

Living fake so we make finding something real harderBut its hard to change, forgive but don’t forget

… and some would say its too hardAnd time heals all but more times than not

Them girls in heels will two time you because one time they gotSome to break down the wall then made em break down

Never thought life was this hard when we were on the play-ground

We all trying to get ours or at least get someWe crush fast and wonder why our relationships die young

Holding onto nothing trying to make it into somethingBlurred memories of what we wished it was mixed with what it

wasn’tRarely on the same page so we’re quick to turn

Trial and error, I guess we all have things to learn

Trial and ErrorBy: Will Latimer

I am the dream...By: Will Latimer

New Year’s Resolutions ListCreated and Often Forgotten

By: Kristina M. HouseworthStaff Writer

Happy Resolutions everyone! With nearly a month into the New Year, gym memberships have increased and savings accounts have been created. Resolutions are at the peak of commitment. Making New Year’s resolutions lists is the easy part; however, staying committed to the goals you set is the true challenge. Most resolutions created for the New Year are broken after the first few weeks. For some, elaborate lists are created on Decem-ber 31 and are only looked at again 12 months later. New Year’s resolutions may seem hard to maintain, but here are some tips to keep you motivated and focused: 1.) Be realistic2.) Find a support group3.) Keep a journal of your success4.) Reward yourself for accomplishments5.) Don’t give up! Keep up that drive by staying focused on your goals! Remember, it’s still early in 2013. If you have created a resolution list and have already broken it, there is plenty of time to recommit. If you haven’t created a list yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? The key to keeping and maintaining your resolutions is to simply take it one month at a time.

Here are 20 common resolutions:•Lose weight•Quit smoking•Exercise more•Manage stress•Save money•Get a job/better job•Eat healthy•Volunteer•Spend more time with family/friends•Get organized•Meet new people•Commit to a Bible reading plan•Travel to new places•Learn to cook•Get out of debt •Quit drinking•Become eco-friendly•Be more punctual•Take up a new hobby•Recommit to an old resolution!

The Roddey-McMillan Record Specializing In Diversity Since 1986 P. 14 • January 2013

By: Shakora BambergContributing Writer Like many new experiences, taking on a new environment can be a bit overwhelm-ing. For example, a person starting a new position at work or visiting a new place may experience “bad nerves” or “jitters” at first. This is what I expe-rienced during the first few weeks of my first college semester; it was the first time I’d been away from home for a long period of time. With the help of family, my own self-assurance and prayer, I was able to get through it. I can truly say the first few weeks were pretty hard. Some of the minor problems I faced were pretty simple things, like opening my P.O. Box, locating my classes and the cor-rect buildings and later just simply missing my friends and family. However, by the third week things started to get better. One of the greatest things about college is meeting people. Not only that, as a college student we are treated as the young adults that we are, so it is up to us to manage going to class, studying and hanging out with friends. College is truly freedom, but with it comes responsibil-ity. It’s important to remember your morals, as well as your own personal instinct. I can truly say I am enjoying my experience thus far and I see greatness in my future. One of the things I’ve already done is sign up for a tutor for my math and Spanish classes. It was probably one of the best decisions I have made thus far, because I am taking the initiative to do better in those courses. In my spare time I go to the gym and join the group fitness classes, such as box-fitness, yoga and rock-climbing. I have yet to try zumba but I plan to do so soon. Indeed, I am learning a lot on this journey called “higher educa-tion.” As a mass communication major I have already joined a few clubs/organizations, and I know where almost everything is on campus. I just recently visited Withers for the first time, and am also utilizing other buildings and resources on campus, such as Tillman, the West Center, McBryde Hall, Crawford and the DiGiorgio Center. As an honor student and the Valedictorian of my senior high school class, I plan to work just as hard in college—no short cuts. My short-term goal is to maintain a 3.0 GPA; this is something I plan and pray to obtain and maintain. The sky is the limit for me and I know with the grace of God and Christ, and my own hard work and determination, there is absolutely nothing that I cannot do. I am truly thrilled to see what my future holds as I continue to live in the moment. Go EAGLES!

M y f i rst t i m e . . .By: Victor VoliousContributing Writer

OPINIONStudent recalls the adversity she overcame during her first semester of college.

Student reflects on his first semester of college.

Embarking on my journey into the college life was a true eye opener. Me, an eighteen-year-old momma’s boy leaving my comfort zone and going into the deep abyss known as college was very scary for me. I pulled up in front of Richardson and was excited about what this new life had in store for me, yet this weird feeling was starting to consume me. I quickly recognized that it was the fear of being without my parents; the ones who loved and accepted me for me. I was leaving them and everyone else behind to go forth and make a name for myself at Winthrop

University. The first week was difficult for some but oddly fun for me. I was meeting new people with different backgrounds and experiencing freedoms that I could only dream of in high school and it felt so sur-real because being on a college campus was just a dream to me. School finally began on August 21, 2012, a day I will never forget and that is when that dream became reality. As the weeks went by I joined several different clubs and organizations, like the Council of Student Leaders, Association of Ebonite’s Gospel Choir, Video Production Club, and The Roddey McMillan Re-

cord. I decided to join these clubs and organizations because of my major, hobbies, and a promise I made to myself. Joining the Video Production and The Roddey McMillan Record are for my major, Mass Communication. I joined the Association of Ebonite’s Gospel Choir because I love to sing and love gospel music. Lastly, I joined the Council of Student Leaders because I made a promise to myself when I was little that I would be a part of student government in college. On this new journey I have met some amazing new people who have helped me through many situations much like the show Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, but this takes place in college not middle school. Now, I am not saying that every day was a ray of sunshine; there have been dark days full of stress, days that I did not want to get out of bed, days I was not prepared for a test, days where I felt like I did not give my best; but through it all I made it. Winthrop University is one of the best universities when it comes to assisting incoming freshmen adjusting to the college life and that is one of the main reasons I decided to come to this school. These new experiences will always be with me and I feel like I have already made lifelong connections. I would not change anything about my first semester here at Winthrop University.

Throughout the cam-paigning of 2012 for the presidency, I knew that this would be a pivotal election in our nation’s history. This would also be the first elec-tion that I would be of legal age to vote. When the results of 2012 Presidential Election were released, I promised myself that I would take the journey to Washington D.C. be in attendance of the Inauguration of our 44th president for his second and final term. With a sense of ur-gency I made proper plans and arrangements and made the trip. On the day of the Inauguration I was operating on about an hour and a half of sleep due to a NYC trip the day before. When I and Winthrop Alum La’Vinia Parker arrived in the nation’s capital it was about 30°F and 4:00 am. Needless to say, there had to be a lot of preparation and supplies to endure the morning ahead. The task seemed more difficult than possible, but soon we became a part of the crowd. Fellow attendants of the Inauguration were there supplying each other with energy, entertainment, and support, literally. An activity that caught on was having a “back buddy”. In order to allow each other to rest or maybe try to sleep in the midst of the crowd, two complete stranger would partner up to sit back to back; bringing an emphasis to and personifying support. About two hours into the wait, promotional videos of the Inauguration showed the likes of Ellen DeGeneres, President Obama, the Count from Sesame St. and others in an attempt to keep the crowd entertained and energized. As 11 a.m. slowly approached, the presidential box slowly began to fill with an endless list of delegates, Obama supporters and aides. As this happened, the electricity of the crowd increased ten-fold. With each following event the energy grew and grew until it was insurmountable. Flag waving united all, President Obama’s speech encouraged the feeble and strong alike and musical processions warmed our bodies from the heart out. Being a part of this experience is inexplicably one of the greatest things I have experienced and would only hope to have the opportunity to feel something similar to this again in my life.

Willie BushContributing Writer

Inauguration 2013: my experience

Illustration courtesy of Abdul Shabazz

The Roddey-McMillan Record Specializing In Diversity Since 1986 P. 15 • January 2013

According to my elders, if you are dating some-one, that simply implies that you and a friend are going out and enjoying each other’s company, but those in my age group classify talking as two people being exclusive with one another. After speaking with several females, if two people are dating then it is not acceptable for them to date anyone else, they apparently have entered the talking stage. The talking stage? What exactly does the talking stage constitute as, or how long is it acceptable to be “talking” to someone? When two people are talking to one another, it is originally presumed that they are holding a conver-sation together; but the original meaning is far from what is implied today. According to some individu-

Has the idea of “Cuddling Season” changed the meaning of dating? Is getting to know more than one person at a time no longer acceptable? What is the term “talking” defined as today? All these questions are raised when discussing the topic of “talking”.

als, when two people are talking they are “getting to know each other and seeing if they want to take it further”, but it is frowned upon to “talk” to more than one person. In relation to this definition, in my opinion, to be talking to someone is the same as dating, but other individuals concluded that dating more than one person is the forbidden fruit. After speaking with multiple females and getting a tongue lashing, if a male or female is dating two or more people that is unacceptable in any situation. With the topic of talking, people may feel pressured due to the amount of time they have been talking to someone. When should one take it to the next level and have a title for the established relationship, or how long should one take before they know that they no longer want to talk to the other person? My female sources and I have been able to

agree on one question; how long is too long to be talking to someone? Talking, based on the new defini-tion, to someone for a year is too long, but one or two months may be too short before establishing an official relationship. For many, twelve months is a long time to be with someone and not have a title, but there is no set time limit on how long you should talk to someone. That moment when someone decides that they want a title is based solely off that individual and their coun-terpart. Everyone I asked came to a consensus saying that time isn’t the true factor; it is dependent upon how you feel about the person you’re talking to and if it is time for the next step. A title between two individuals is a mature sign that express they are involved with one another and no one else. So how long is too long to be talking to someone? That answer depends on you and how fast you want a girlfriend or boyfriend.

By: Harrison GarvinStaff Writer

How long is too long?

If I was your best friend...By: Ciapha “Ricky” DennisStaff Writer

“Popped a molly, I’m sweat-ing. WHOO”! This catchy phrase has ev-eryone wanting to pop a “molly.” Molly is consid-ered a pure form of ecstasy, and classified as an amphetamine drug. Drugs used to be a secret, people who do drugs never publicized their personal conduct, but today rap music makes it seem like you have to do drugs to be cool. In high school, it was the “Snowman” t-shirts that were banned from school for advertising the sale of narcotics, and students mostly wore them to fit in; and now the epi-demic of popping molly has taken the place of the t-shirts in society. Rappers like Trinidad James, Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Chief Keef, and many others have openly suggested the use of drugs such as molly, marijuana and other mind altering substances, but at what cost? Today rappers make it seem that the only way to make good music, have platinum albums and sell out shows is to promote the use of drugs to their audience members; and as followers of our fa-vorite artists, individuals of the urban culture has also indulged in “popping molly”. Rap music followers have become zombies to the lyrics of their favorite art-ists. “Molly” isn’t the first drug advertised in music and I’m certain it won’t be the last one. Certainly those who follow rappers and other music artist wish for the fame or glory that musician portray but are they willing to po-tentially damage their lungs, hearts or brain just to fit in with their friend. The usage of marijuana has reached students of middle schools nationwide and rap music has contributed to this use through artist lyrics. Apparently it is harder today to say no to drugs and peer pressure than it was when many of us was still enrolled in grade school. Sure all of our friends were doing it back then, and for some of us our friends are still doing it, so why can’t individuals find the courage to say no anymore?

Popped A Molly… WU!Is the music industry glorifying the usage of drugs?

By: Harrison GarvinStaff Writer

In the movie “Going the Distance”, Drew Barrymore is famous for her quote “the only way you’ll be happy in life is if you marry your best friend.” Whenever a happily married couple expresses their love for one another and the success of their marriage, one thing they never fail to mention is the special friendship they share with their partner. Now of course life is no movie, and our generation isn’t quite the same as those whom precede us, but is there not some truth to the theory that it’s best to start off a relationship as friends first? “It’s all about compatibility,” states sophomore business Administration major Elliott Cohen on the subject. “You make sure you’re friends with someone before you begin a relationship with them to make sure you compatible with them to increase your chances for longevity in the relationship.” Compat-ibility and longevity are definitely two words that come up quite often when discussing the idea of being friends before lovers. Psychologists state that relationships that start off as a friendship typically last longer because the friendship serves as a foundation for the romance that eventually evolves. In establishing a friendship, you develop a respect for one another like you’d respect any other close friend. Along with respect, you begin trust one another and are looking for each other’s best

interest at heart, thus providing a sound and stable friendship. Aquila Jenkins, sophomore English major, agrees that building a friendship is somewhat essential to building a relationship, stating that the friendship provides a sense of security. “Although I don’t feel it’s completely necessary to be friends before building a relationship, I do feel that the friendship helps pro-vides a sense of security amongst two partners.” A friendship allows for key foundational aspects to any relationship to grow and mature before the two persons decide to commit to one another romantically and emotionally. This is very important because emo-tions can sometimes help destroy a relationship, espe-cially if the relationship isn’t foundationally sound. For example, getting upset or angry in a relation-ship are natural and common. What’s key though, is the way we respond to our emotions. If a partner gets angry and they don’t have a strong sense of respect for their partner that a friend has for a friend, they might say something to their partner to intentionally hurt them in response to their anger. It’s always okay to express your feelings to your partner, but as a friend first, you wouldn’t say anything to purposely hurt or disrespect them. It almost seems that the friendship puts the “soon-to-be” couple a step ahead. While still in the process of building a friendship, this allows for the partners to really get to know and understand one another. You learn one another’s likes and dislikes,

preferences, natural tendencies, etc.; All of the things that one should know about their significant other. The only difference is that you’re learning these things before you get into a committed relationship, that way once you make the decision to actually take the next step, you then spend more time catering to these aspects rather than trying to figure them out.Risking a friendship to begin a relationship though, can be a concern for some. Junior Mass Communica-tion major and radio host for Winthrop’s Battle of the Sexes Chelsea Brown, expresses how taking that risk can sometimes ruin a previously good friendship. “Trying to go from a friend zone to a relationship when the feeling isn’t reciprocated can end a really good friendship.” Sophomore Psychology Major Paris Jones seems to agree that this could be a main concern when building a friendship and attempting to transition into a relationship. “Although it is ideal to begin a rela-tionship as friends first, sometimes the feelings aren’t mutual when trying to take the next step. One person might be comfortable in wanting to just maintain a friendship while the other wants to turn it into a relationship.” Crossing that threshold from friends to romance can be risky and even awkward. Nevertheless, it’s worth a try. From the looks of it, the potential good seems to outweigh the bad, so why not? Everyone wants and needs a best friend and a lover, so you mine as well find someone who can be both.

Does starting friendships prior to relationships make them last longer?

Illustration courtesy of Abdul Shabazz

VISIT www.theroddeymac.com

ENTERTAINMENT...Looking

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rBy: Brandon GrateLife & Entertainment Editor LOCAL EVENTS:

February 8, 2013: Charlotte Bobcats vs. LA LakersWhere: Time Warner Cable ArenaAddress: 333 East Trade St. Charlotte NC, 28202

February 11, 2013: Charlotte Bobcats vs. BostonWhere: Time Warner Cable ArenaAddress: 333 East Trade St. Charlotte NC, 28202 Phone: 704-688-8600

February 12-17, 2013: Les MiserablesWhere: Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts CenterAddress: 130 N. Tryon St. Charlotte NC, 28202

January 30-February 3, 2013: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey DragonsWhere: Time Warner Cable ArenaAddress: 333 East Trade St. Charlotte NC, 28202 Phone: 800-745-3000 For more information: www.timewarnercablearena.com

February 10-11, 2013: Interactive Comedy from Charlotte Comedy TheaterWhere: Wet Willies at the NC Music FactoryAddress: 900 Seaboard St. Charlotte NC, 28207 Phone: 803-548-6824 For more information: www.charlottecomedythe-ather.com

February 9, 2013: Soulful Sistas USA TourWhere: Bojangles ColiseumAddress: 2700 East Independence Boulevard Char-lotte NC, 28205 Phone: 704-372-3600

February 2, 2013: Pretty Things Peep ShowWhere: The Chop ShopAddress: 399 East 35th Street Charlotte NC, 28205 For more information: www.prettythingsproduc-tions.com/TourDates.html

Events courtesy of: Charlotte’s Got A Lot

February 26-March 2, 2013: 2013 CIAA Basketball TournamentWhere: Time Warner Cable ArenaAddress: 333 East Trade St. Charlotte NC, 28202 For more information: www.ciaatournament.com

For additional events, log onto: www. charlottesgotalot.com

Thursday, Jan 31: Singer/ Songwriter Ari HestTime: 8 p.m.Where: The Edge- DiGiorgio Center$5 with Winthrop ID, $10 without, Free with Spring Pass

Friday, February 1: Reggae Band Mystic Vibrations Time: 8 p.m. Saturday, February 2: Wreck It RalphTime: 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.Where: Dina’s Place- DiGiorgio CenterMonday, February 4: Beyond Rhymes and Beats with Byron HurtTime: 8 p.m.Where: Dina’s Place- DiGiorgio Center

Friday, February 8: Spoken Word Artist Buddy WakefieldTime: 8 p.m.Where: Dina’s Place- DiGiorgio Center $5 with Winthrop ID, $10 public, Free with Spring Pass

Saturday, February 9: Late Night TriviaTime: 11 p.m.Where: Dina’s Place- DiGiorgio CenterFree

Thursday, February 14: Valentine’s Day CraftsTime: 11 a.m.Where: Digs LobbyFree

Thursday, February 14: Violinist Lindsey StirlingTime: 8 p.m.Where: Richardson Ballroom- DiGiorgio Center$5 with Winthrop ID, $10 without, Free with Spring Pass

Thursday, February 21: Night of Originals- Chris Ayer, Jes-sie Ruben, & KawehiTime: 8 p.m.Where: The Edge- DiGiorgio Center$5 with Winthrop ID, $10 public, Free with Spring Pass

Friday. February 22: Open Mic NightTime: 8 p.m.Where: The Edge- DiGiorgio CenterFree

For more information: www.bojanglescoliseum.

Photos courtesy of Google images