Local businesses offer green alternatives

Photo by Sara Spigener

Helix, a store on College Avenue in downtown Athens offers products made from recyclable materials.


















By Sara Spigener

Green businesses in Athens offer environmentally friendly alternatives, and University of Georgia students and faculty want to see more of them.

Helix, an eclectic gift store downtown on Clayton Street, features a wide array of products from jewelry to baby clothes made out of recycled materials, and the store’s employees make a point to recycle.

“We recycle everything: cans, bottles, aluminum, paper, cardboard.” said Steven Owen, an employee at the store.

An interesting thing about Helix is that a lot of the recyclable materials they accumulate on a day-to-day basis go to artists who turn them into something to sell, like a local potter who picks up their cardboard and packing materials to create his wares.

Their commitment to recycling is evident in their sales as one of their hottest items is the handmade cloth shopping bag that shoppers can reuse at the grocery store.

Going beyond basic recycling, Rialto Property Partners will open Hotel Indigo downtown on College Avenue. Hotel Indigo is considered a “green hotel” because it is certified by the Leadership in Environmental Design Green Building Rating System, said Amy Hibler, the marketing director for Rialto.

The new environmentally friendly hotel will feature a green roof, a rainwater collection system for irrigation, and elevators that regenerate power. They will also offer priority parking for hybrid cars, Hibler said.

When construction started on the hotel, Rialto decided to donate the money that would traditionally be used for a groundbreaking ceremony. The money will serve the Athens community with part of it going to the Athens Land Trust, she said.

University of Georgia student from Jamaica, Trudy Trail, supports environmentally friendly businesses. “It’s a good thing businesses are trying to be green,” she said. “I think more businesses should try to do it.”

Cathy Elrod, an employee at the University of Georgia Center for Teaching and Learning shares a similar opinion.

“I think environmentally friendly businesses are good.” she said. “We have to take care of mother earth, so she will take care of us.”

-Edited by Bailey Keiger







Photo by Sara Spigener

Construction is underway on Hotel Indigo at 500 College Ave. The hotel will offer a green alternative to the typical hotel.

UGA goes green

By Bailey Keiger

Green is the new red and black at the University of Georgia, as more and more people are taking an interest in recycling.

According to the UGA Go Green Alliance’s Web site, $196,645.46 has been saved in landfill tipping fees since 2001 by recycling an average 1,000 tons of material a year.

"Our main goal with recycling is to cut down on waste going to the landfill by recycling anything possible," said Dexter Fisher, service support director for the university's physical plant.

The physical plant offers various receptacles to collect recyclables all over campus, which are usually emptied on a weekly basis.

"We recycle anything," Fisher said. "A lot of office paper, bottles, construction materials, stuff like that."

To further the conservation efforts on campus, the recycling center offers educational programs to teach the benefits of recycling.

"Most people know about recycling before they get to college, so our job is easy,” said Fisher, “but we still have workshops for the housing department since that's our biggest area what with all the students."

The university has entered the 2009 Recyclemania competition for the second time, which tracks campuses' recycling efforts nationwide. In 2008, UGA placed 3rd by recycling 543,260 pounds of waste.

But despite the university's efforts to encourage recycling, some say it is still difficult for people to follow through.

"We ask people to return coffee cup sleeves, but they don't really," said Caleb Nipper, general manager of Jittery Joe's Coffee at the Miller Learning Center. "They see the sign, but don't do anything about it. There's one custodian who always finds the cardboard sleeves in the trash and will collect them for us."

Even conveniently placed receptacles next to the shop's drink stand weren't doing their job, he said.

"We talked to the learning center's manager about moving recycle bins closer to us,” said Nipper, “but a day after they were moved here they were full of trash, not recycling, so it wasn't worth it."

The store has modified the way it receives and serves products to further cut down on waste.

"Our pastries used to come in cardboard, but now they come in plastic containers that we can reuse," Nipper said. "We use paper to serve them too, instead of plastic or more cardboard."

Discounts are offered to customers who bring their own coffee mug to use.

"It helps everyone. The customer gets a discount and we save a cup," Nipper said. "Every little bit counts."

Some others also see the benefits of conservation, and help out by recycling their waste.

"I'm just doing what I'm told," said Leslie Carithers, a custodian at the Tate Student Center. "It does help to keep the landfills clean, and if you can reuse something, that's better for the environment."

Edited by Suha Zakiuddin

Jittery Joe's launches concert series

The cabin-like appearance of Jittery Joe’s roasting plant parallels the store’s affinity for making homegrown, natural goods. Photo by Alex McKelvey/Edited by Jordan Stover

By: Alex McKelvey

Jittery Joe’s roasting plant will be hosting a luau-themed concert this Sunday. The coffee plant has recently decided to integrate some live local music into its tasting room by launching a concert series dubbed “Pickin’ on the Porch.”

Sunday’s concert will feature the local band, Kinky Waikiki, a quartet that meshes traditional Hawaiian music with a dollop of Western swing. To compliment the tropical feel of the upcoming “Pickin’ on the Porch,” Jittery Joe’s will be serving in-house pineapple “spamkabobs” and a homemade apricot beer.

Keith Hendershot, owner of the café section of the roasting plant, is responsible for the birth of Jittery Joe’s “Pickin’ on the Porch.” He borrowed the name from a small coffee shop in Joliet, Ga. Hendershot was impressed with how well the live music enhanced his experience at the coffee shop.

Hendershot recognizes that live music has the potential to disrupt his store’s unique local identity. This is why he is very selective about the bands he books.

“I definitely wanted to do music, but I didn’t want to make this place a full-fledged venue,” Hendershot said. He is careful to maintain a sense of close-knit community and communal relaxation.

This Sunday’s concert is the third installment in the concert series. Other musicians who have performed at “Pickin’ on the Porch” are Vigilantes of Love and Curly Maple with David Blackmon. These ensembles produce relaxed music that compliments Jittery Joe’s atmosphere well.

Kinky Waikiki will do no different. Hendershot booked them because he believes they will enhance customers’ experience at the coffee plant.

When two-year patron, Parker Browne, was asked to describe what he liked about the ambiance of the roasting plant, he said, “It’s an open atmosphere with friendly people. There’s this old-world mentality here; people can barter for coffee with homegrown vegetables.”

Jittery Joe’s old-world, cottage-industry style is embodied in employee Evan Smith’s passion for homegrown products. This Sunday, Jittery Joe’s will be serving in-house “pineapple spamkabobs” and Smith’s apricot homebrew.

“He’s been brewing for about a year, and recently he’s been experimenting with fruit-inspired beers,” coworker and roaster Christian Hampton said. “We’re serving the apricot beer Sunday to compliment the bobs and the tropical theme.”

Sunday’s “Pickin’ on the Porch” is intended to create an atmosphere that reflects the personality of Jittery Joe’s, while providing the customers with quality entertainment.

Edited by Jordan Stover

Mind your manors

By: Leila Mattimore

A recent music venue is offering an alternative to the downtown Athens scene for local residents and students who want to enjoy the summer evenings outdoors while listening to great bands.

Ashford Manor, a bed and breakfast in downtown Watkinsville, Ga., is just over 20 minutes from the University of Georgia campus. This summer Ashford Manor will present their 2009 “Concert on the Lawn” series including bands such as Lazy B & The Recliners, Randall Bramblett, Grogus and The Highballs.

The Concert series was inspired by the Ravinia Festival of Chicago, where Mario Castro, one of the owners of the Manor, moved from. “People brought their sterling silver and china and ate their picnic suppers by candelabra,” Castro said. “The idea has really caught on here at Ashford Manor.”

According to Castro, the concerts began with about 50 people attending, and it has now grown to an average of 700.

For every concert the gates open at 5:30 p.m. The support act plays from 6:00 until 6:45 p.m., and the main act plays from 7 to 9 p.m. The time and space allows families to see some of the great music that they can’t bring their children to in downtown Athens.

“It also allows neighbors and friends to see each other during the summer, when they otherwise might not be able to.” Castro said. People can come and enjoy each other’s company without having to entertain at their own homes.

Monday June 8, 2009 will be the venue’s first concert. They will begin their “Concert on the Lawn” series with Sons of Sailors, a band known for playing Jimmy Buffett classics. Ashford Manor’s concerts are scheduled every other Monday evening until Sept. 21, 2009.

Recently, the Manor has teamed up with the University of Georgia Music Business Certificate Program to offer students an opportunity to gain valuable experience by working with a newer music venue.

“Ashford Manor is such a unique place, and we’re lucky to have it,” said Alexandra Irvin, a junior romance languages major who is also getting her certificate in music business and working for Ashford Manor this summer. “The closest outdoor venue before would have been in Atlanta.”

Irvin is one of many students who are interning with the Lawn series this summer. “I’d really like to see more students come out and notice this place,” she said. “It’s beautiful.”

“The only downside is the weather in Athens right now” India Waters, a junior speech communications major from Atlanta said. “We planned on going to the kick off with Packway Handle [Band] on Monday, but unfortunately it got rained out.”

Ashford Manor had to reschedule their first concert for later in the summer.

Tickets are $15 for adults, and tables are also available for purchase for 2-4 guests for a single night. A table for two is $125, and a table for four is $160 per night. Both include tickets, table, chairs and linens.

You can contact the venue by calling the Concert Hotline at 706-769-2633 or by e-mailing ashfordmanor@charter.net. Tickets are also available online.

Edited by Jordan Stover

Drought out, but conservation still in

This garden is one of many university projects that resulted from the drought in an effort to lessen its dependence on the municipal water supply.

Photo by Hal Tift

By Hal Tift

The northeast Georgia community can breathe a little easier now that rainfall is approaching normal levels for the first time in several years.

Most government water restrictions have been lifted or eased in the area.

As of early March only the Lanier and Hartwell basins are still classified as being in a drought, said David Stooksbury, assistant professor of biological and agricultural engineering at the University of Georgia.

But those two basins have recently been upgraded from “drought” to “mild drought” classification, and the rest of northeast Georgia is officially drought-free for the first time since March 2006, Stooksbury said.

Now that people have experienced the difficulties of an extended drought, Stooksbury is confident that they have come away with a new perspective.

“It has really made it clear to the general public that water is a valuable resource,” he said. “And it is finite.”

The Environmental Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources cleared Athens-Clarke County for more relaxed water restrictions beginning on April 8, according to the official Web site of the Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Department.

Specific information about the reduced water restrictions is available at www.accpublicutilities.com.

While the restrictions have lessened significantly, Stooksbury is hopeful that people will not abandon all the day-to-day concessions that helped them survive the drought. Such concessions include turning the water off while lathering in the shower, using electric shavers to conserve water and many others.

“I think there has been some change in people’s behavior that will last,” he said.

Heather Kinsaul, a senior history major from Thomaston, Ga., said that she reacted to the drought in several ways.

“At home we never had to worry about it,” she said, “but since the drought started I stopped flushing my toilet every time.” She also said she would occasionally shower out of the sink.

While sink-showering may not be a part of her regular routine anymore, Kinsaul said that flushing the toilet only when necessary may be a permanent habit.

It isn’t just individuals who contributed to the water-conserving effort. The University of Georgia responded to the drought in many ways, some of which resulted in permanent changes that will contribute to water conservation permanently.

“The major thing that happened as part of it was about a year-long project where we upgraded all the toilets on campus to low-flow toilets,” said Ken Crowe the director of energy services. “It took about a year to do that. Buildings like the learning center were built at a time when you had to put low-flow toilets in anyway, but the vast majority of our buildings were built way before that.”

Crowe said that most old toilets used roughly 3.5 gallons per flush while new ones use only 1.6 gallons.

Edited by Suha Zakiuddin

Yoga instructor opens new studio

Chet Thomas poses for a picture at his new yoga studio, Om Town Yoga. (Photo/Marcus Crawford)

A chart of the skeletal system at Om Town Yoga. (Photo/Marcus Crawford)

The door to Thomas' studio at Om Town Yoga. (Photo/Marcus Crawford)

By Marcus Crawford

What do an astrologer, a mechanic and Chet Thomas all have in common? All three individuals are concerned with alignment. And while Thomas might not be able to read your horoscope or align your tires, he can definitely give you a workout.

Thomas, the sole instructor at Om Town Yoga, has been practicing yoga for about 10 years. His background is primarily in Iyengar yoga, a method that emphasizes the alignment of mind, body and spirit, but Thomas teaches Hatha yoga at Om Town. Hatha yoga focuses on anatomical alignment in order to develop increased flexibility, strength and stamina.

Om Town Yoga, located at 190 Park Ave., is a relative newcomer to the Boulevard neighborhood that insulates the studio from the commercial cacophony of Prince Avenue. When Thomas opened Om Town Yoga six months ago, he hoped that locating his studio within a residential area would encourage his students to walk or bike to class.

Thomas’ emphasis on the Athens community is even evident in the studio’s name – “Om Town,” which is a play on words meant to remind the reader of “hometown.” Thomas’ communal and intimate approach to yoga has earned him a dedicated and diverse following.

“It’s kind of a mixed range of backgrounds and ages that come to class, ” Thomas said.

Helen Fosgate, the editor UGA Research Magazine, has been going to Om Town Yoga since January 2009. She has been practicing yoga for 10 years due to her desire to maintain flexibility as she ages. Fosgate also noted that students could glean an important life lesson from yoga’s more complex poses.

“The entire point is learning how to relax in difficult places,” Fosgate said.

Yoga poses, or “asanas,” offer different degrees of challenge. The shoulder stand, also known as “Sarvangasana”, can be particularly formidable for those new to yoga. Fortunately, Thomas encourages all of his students to work to their individual limits.

While beginning students at Om Town Yoga might be too exhausted to ponder life skills, Lynn Kovaciny, a longtime student of Thomas’, emphasized the importance of thought in the practice of yoga.

“It’s hard, but you use your brain and body at the same time,” Kovaciny said.

Throughout the class Thomas reinforced the necessity of conscious thought, instructing students to relax their face muscles and keep their limbs active whilst maintaining specific poses.

Thomas holds classes at Om Town Yoga from 6:15 p.m. until 7:45 p.m. on Mondays and from 5:45 p.m. until 7:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. For more information, interested readers can check the studio’s website at http://www.athensomtownyoga.com.

Edited by Lindsay Dobras

New athletic gear protects sick and injured

By Marcie Opraseuth

ATHENS, Ga.—A local sporting good company reinvents its product to serve the needs of special customers undergoing chemotherapy and other medical treatments.

Stan Kanavage, former University of Georgia football player, started Evoshield, a sports protection company. The company uses body-forming shields that mold into a unique fit for each athlete. The shield is lightweight, fits into an athletic shirt and disperses energy on impact.

According to Evan Dewalt, the creative and marketing director, the company is making special shirts in order to accommodate unlikely users of the product, such as people who have medical conditions and would not be able to play sports without protection.

Evoshield has made around 100 special shirts for people who have pacemakers, chemotherapy drips or need organ protection, said David Hudson, vice president and customer service manager. People find the Evoshield website and send requests for the special shirts. In order to make the shirts, the customer mails a sample shirt for sizing and marks where protection is needed.

“They’re all special. That’s why we started the company,” said Stan Payne, national sales manager of Evoshield. “It’s not only for athletes but for any child who wants to play sports.”

Sixty percent of the people that request these protective shields need them to continue playing sports. Forty percent need them just to continue their lifestyles. The shield gives customers a second chance to live a normal life.

“The best part is when the parents call back and say thank you,” said Payne.

Frank Hodges, a Mississippi resident and parent of a 6-year-old boy with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma has ordered a special shirt for his son. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is a type of cancer that attacks the body’s lymph nodes and severely weakens the immune system. His son must undergo a 30-month chemotherapy treatment and has completed one year of the process.

“I was looking for some type of protection,” said Hodges. “It seemed the most customizable.”

For children who have a chemotherapy port, there is a fear that impact may cause serious complications, which will most likely result in surgery. By having protection, these children can live their lives normally without injuring themselves further or causing infection.

The special shirt Hodges’ son uses has a thumb guard that covers the left side of the child’s chest in order to protect the area where the chemotherapy is given.

Other examples of people using Evoshield to continue playing sports include people who were affected by a brutal crime. One man was shot in the chest with a shotgun and has no muscle or bone for protection over his lungs, according to Hudson.

Another example is a man who was stabbed from the heart down to his midsection. His muscles were destroyed, which caused the man to have no protection over his heart.

Edited by Lindsay Dobras

Green toilets help conserve water

Photo by Hal Tift

The Center for Continuing Education Conference Center and Hotel has green toilets in the restrooms to help conserve water during the drought.

Edited by Suha Zakiuddin

Coffee shop gets creative

Red Eye Coffee owner Gregg Carey prepares a shot of espresso to show how espresso and milk are added together to make latte art.
Photo by Courtney Smith/Edited by Jordan Stover

By: Courtney Smith

What: Thursday Night Throwdown
When: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Red Eye Coffee, located in the Bottleworks building on Prince Avenue.
Cost: $5

Coffee, competition and chess. Bottleworks-area coffee shop Red Eye Coffee is bringing together these three ingredients to create what he hopes is the perfect recipe for cash and community.

In an effort to muster up business and give customers a different kind of coffee shop experience, Red Eye Coffee owner Gregg Carey holds weekly barista throwdown competitions and chess nights to help his customers get to know one another in a comfortable and inviting environment.

“I want to create the kind of coffee shop that I would want to go to,” Carey said. “Most places around town are kind of get 'em in and get 'em out. They have this 'take your espresso and get out of here' attitude or everyone has their computer out typing away and no one talks to each other.”

Carey says he wanted to smash the idea of the quiet and isolated coffee shop and model his business after the bustling espresso bars in Europe where coffee is not just a drink, it is an art.

“I wanted my coffee shop to be a social hub where people can come and meet each other and talk or play games together,” he said. “A coffee shop should be based on customers and coffee as the most important things and the barista throwdown is about not only making the coffee good to drink but also nice to look at like a piece of art.”

According to Carey, the object of the barista competition is to mix the espresso and milk in such a way so that it creates a picture out of the different colors of foam.

“I am actually not very good at latte art myself because it takes a lot of practice but its kind of a fun thing for people to learn how to do and play with because, to my knowledge, no coffee shop in Athens does it so it is new for most people,” he said.

Depending on how the cup is swirled and turned when mixing the espresso with the foamed milk, the picture created can be anything from a heart to a palm leaf or intricate flower, he explained while showing pictures of expertly designed lattes on his computer.

“I think I would actually feel bad drinking that,” Daniel Grace, a psychology major from Macon and the sole customer in the otherwise empty building, said. “I really dont know if I could, I would feel guilty that the counter girl went through all that trouble to design it and then my first sip destroys it.”

According to Jittery Joes' employee Sean Lovell, such a community mentality coupled with group events is exactly what keeps customers coming back to the same coffee shop everyday and what has made Jittery Joes such a success.

"It [holding events] definitely helps business;" he said, "it builds a sense of community and gives the customer a distinct memory of a place so they're more likely to come back."

It is Carey's hope that students returning to Athens for summer session will want to participate in these events with their friends and that the events will build his customer base so that his business will be able to survive and reach the potential he dreamed about when he first opened 6 months ago.

Edited by Jordan Stover

Twitter attracts fans to secret show

By Jordan Stepp

All it took was a single Twitter entry to fill up local venue Tasty World on Wednesday night.

At roughly 4 p.m., people began “tweeting” the news about a secret show at Tasty World featuring Athens band The Whigs. When the band took the stage only a few hours later, it played to a packed house. Word got around quickly to fans through a variety of social networking websites, but the first to break the news was Twitter.

“I follow Flagpole on Twitter, and I got this message on my phone saying that there was a secret show coming up,” said Kayla Bishop, a freshman at the University of Georgia. “I knew I had to tell my friends so I Facebooked it.”

Morgan Klaus, a recent UGA grad, found out about the show in a similar fashion. She had checked her Twitter account moments before, but it took three other people entering the same message before she saw it.

“After that, I just grabbed some of my co-workers, and then they started tweeting about it,” said Klaus.

The Whigs had leaked news of the show only to a few friends and local publications. When Flagpole messaged its followers, they messaged their friends. What used to be called “word of mouth” has given way to the technological era of instant messaging and texting.

The emergence of online social networking has allowed bands like The Whigs to reach out to their fan bases in many new ways. Bands are now using Web sites like Twitter and Facebook to offer fans extra ways to interact with the bands. Besides uploading videos, giving away tickets and creating online forums, today’s bands are reaching out to fans through sudden events only available to Facebook “friends” or Twitter followers.

“We just thought it would be cool to play some new stuff at the show,” said Whigs frontman Parker Gispert. “It was great to see so many people come out for a secret show.”

Fans were thrilled to hear new material.

“I’m really looking forward to their next album,” said Bishop. “It’s awesome that we get a taste of it tonight and for free!”

Edited by Lindsay Dobras

Students aren't the only ones on summer vacation

(PHOTO/Imann Gad)
Outside of the Ramsey Student Center, there is far less foot traffic than usual during the summer.

By Courtney M. Holbrook

ATHENS, GA -- The Ramsey Student Center at the University of Georgia goes through many changes over the summer.

As students venture off to various summer activities, Ramsey adjusts to a new schedule and clientele.

“It’s much less crowded,” said Gretchen Kent, a graduate student studying accounting and a desk assistant at Ramsey. “We start to get new people and we plan a lot of new activities.”

Some of these new activities include summer camps for children that involve everything from swimming to dodge ball.

“Summer is the only time we see more kids than students,” Kent said. “Little kids go off to camp, and it’s in Ramsey.”

But that does not eliminate options for adults and students.

Ramsey offers summer membership rates for $50 – compared to the fall and spring rates of $75—and memberships for students taking classes in the summer are already paid for through student fees.

According to Kent, more non-students use the weight room in the summer. She says the lack of crowds gives adults more time to try new equipment.

Ramsey also begins a new selection of group workout classes including All Access Group Fitness sessions that customers can sign up for at the front desk.

The program provides a variety of options for group instruction including dancing, weight lifting and more.

“I love that I can keep taking dance classes over the summer,” said Maria Kelly, a third year art history major. “It’s so much less crowded. There’s more room to move around!”

Because of the decrease in summer membership, Ramsey’s hours of operation are altered. Monday through Friday, the hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday is 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday is noon to 9 p.m.

Despite a more restricted time schedule, the students who stay on campus don’t have many complaints.

“I love Ramsey in the summer,” said Nate Taylor, a fifth year biology major. “You can actually use the weight room without waiting for the equipment.”

Some people are even more inclined to go to Ramsey in the summertime due to the lack of congestion.

“I definitely go to Ramsey more in the summer,” said Kyle Loge, a fourth year microbiology major. “I’ve been going to Ramsey for over two years, and the summer is definitely the best.”

The less crowded, more easily accessible Ramsey Student Center should be taken advantage of immediately, as fall semester and the center's return to congestive normalcy are fast approaching.

Edited by Ben Bussard.

Mind your manors

By Leila Mattimore

A summer music venue is offering an alternative to downtown Athens for students and local residents who want to enjoy the outdoors and listen to great bands.

Ashford Manor, a bed and breakfast in downtown Watskinsville, is just over 20 minutes from the University of Georgia campus.

This summer Ashford Manor will present their 2009 Summer on the Lawn Series including bands such as Lazy B & The Recliners, Randall Bramblett, Grogus and The Highballs.

“Ashford Manor is such a unique place, and we’re lucky to have it,” Alexandra Irvin said, a junior romance languages major who is also getting her certificate in music business and working for Ashford Manor this summer. “The closest outdoor venue before would have been in Atlanta.”

Irvin is one of many students who are interning with the Lawn Series this summer. “We are really trying to get more students to come out and notice this place,” she said.

Edited by Jordan Stover

Correction: Ashford Manor was originally mispelled in the original posting.

Yoga instructor opens new studio (Brief)

Chet Thomas poses for a picture at his new studio, Om Town Yoga. (Photo/Marcus Crawford)

Question: What do an astrologist, a mechanic and Chet Thomas all have in common?

Answer: All three individuals are concerned with alignment. And while Chet Thomas might not be able to read your horoscope or align your tires, he can certainly give you a great workout.

Chet Thomas, the sole instructor at Om Town Yoga, has been practicing yoga for about 10 years. While his background is primarily in Iyengar yoga, a method that emphasizes the alignment of mind, body and spirit, Thomas teaches Hatha yoga. He has a new studio that is located on 190 Park Ave.

Edited by Lindsay Dobras

Staying in shape takes more than a gym membership

(PHOTO/Imann Gad)
The Butts-Mehre building, located off of Lumpkin Street, is where UGA athletes spend most of their time exercising and keeping fit.

By Imann Gad

ATHENS, Ga—Being in shape calls for more than just the frequent visits to the gym but a well-balanced diet as well.

A well-balanced diet depends on healthy but moderate eating habits. Eating smaller portioned meals more times a day is better for the body than a couple of big meals.

Former UGA football player Kelin Johnson knows the importance of a healthy well balanced diet.

“To look good is to feel good,” Johnson said. “In order to live a comfortable life you have to take care of your body.”

Johnson, who was a defensive back from 2004-2007, is currently serving the football team to help players maintain a healthier lifestyle.

“It’s not only about eating right or working out hard,” Johnson said, “it’s about a healthy balance between the two.”

Eating the right foods is a very important factor when it comes to maintaining one’s weight.

Rex Bradberry, strength and conditioning coach for the Georgia Bulldogs, knows that bad eating habits can affect your performance on and off the field.

“Eating a well-balanced diet,” Bradberry said, “increases your energy level on the field and in the classroom.”

Bradberry, who has been with the Bulldogs since 2003, and is currently working on his Phd in Kinesiology maintains a very strict diet.

“I workout everyday,” Bradberry said, “and I make sure that I have five small well-balanced meals.”

The benefits of maintaining a physical regimen are often lost without the combination of an appropriate diet.

Clay Walker, strength and conditioning coach for the Georgia Bulldogs, works with the larger framed players and is aware of the what those players are eating.

“Many of our linemen are big because of the position they play,” Walker said. “It’s more important for them to maintain a well-balanced diet for their position.”

A lot of the players have to adjust their weight depending on their position on the field. If a player needs to gain weight for his position, it is very important that they gain the right weight.

“People may think that gaining weight is easy,” Walker said, “but it can be hard when you place your body on a strict diet.”

Walker, a former Bulldog player who has been a coach since 2002, is currently working on his doctorate in kinesiology with an emphasis in motor development.

Both Bradberry and Walker would agree that eating healthy is a good start to a healthy lifestyle and incorporating a 30-45 minute workout a few days a week is a great way to maintain that lifestyle.

Edited by Ben Bussard.

Jittery Joe's filters trash (brief)

By Bailey Keiger

Jittery Joe's Coffee at the Miller Learning Center is trying to do its part to keep our environment cleaner.

"We recycle all our cardboard and use paper instead of plastic to serve food," said Caleb Nipper, Jittery Joe's general manager.

But despite the store's efforts to encourage recycling, Nipper said it is still difficult for some patrons to follow through.

"We ask people to return coffee cup sleeves, but they don't really," Nipper said. "They see the sign, but don't do anything about it."

Even conveniently placed receptacles next to the shop's drink stand were not doing their job.

"We talked to the learning center's manager about moving recycle bins closer to us,” said Nipper, “but a day after they were moved here they were full of trash, not recycling, so it wasn't worth it.”

Edited by Suha Zakiuddin

New kitchen launches cooking class series

(PHOTO courtesy of Alice Bender)
Alice Bender, the Nutrition Services Coordinator at the University Health Center, shows a student how to chop broccoli for a healthy snack. The class is part of a cooking series the UHC is hosting entitled "Anyone Can Cook."

By Miranda Stancil

The University of Georgia Health Center is offering students the opportunity to spice things up.

Offering $5 cooking classes with a registered dietician, University students will be able to learn how to cook healthily while adding some flavor to their diet.

The series, entitled “Anyone Can Cook,” began May 14 and is being taught in the new nutrition kitchen, which was built as a part of the addition to the University Health Center.

The kitchen is fully stocked with cooking appliances such as skillets, knives and cutting boards. It also has a dishwasher and its refrigerator is stocked with healthy food.

Alice Bender, the nutrition services coordinator at the University Health Center, is teaching the series and thinks the new kitchen is crucial to the education she is able to offer in the classes.

“This gives real life experience to students – they can chop and cook in a kitchen rather than just watching a video or someone else do it,” Bender said.

Bender, who offers individual nutrition counseling to students, thinks it’s beneficial to students to practice preparing healthy dishes.

“From my work with students over the past 15 years, I know that many are interested in preparing more of their own foods in a healthy way,” said Bender, “but most don’t know where to start or don’t have the food preparation knowledge and skills.”

Liz Rachun, health communications coordinator at the University Health Center, said the center is offering the classes because students have continually shown interest in the topic.

“Students are always requesting information about nutritious, inexpensive and easy ways to prepare meals,” Rachun said. “Cooking classes cover all these bases.”

According to the center’s Web site, the cooking class series kicked off with a class featuring the cooking techniques needed to prepare vegetarian meals.

The second class of the series, titled “You Can Take It With You: Eating on the Go,” took place May 20. Students in the class practiced preparing healthy lunches and snacks for days when they can’t make it home to eat.

According to Bender, food safety guidelines are addressed in the classes and students are taught basic preparation techniques like how to chop vegetables, how to sauté or stir fry, and how to modify recipes depending on what they may have on hand or what their preferences are.

Bender believes the series emphasizes the importance that students know certain cooking techniques in order lead a healthy lifestyle.

“It is much easier to have a healthy diet if you prepare your own foods, so having the ability to cook and prepare meals will serve students well not only while they are in college, but also throughout their life,” Bender said.

Kristyna Mauch, a senior majoring in publication management, has taken both of the cooking classes offered and has enjoyed the hands-on education she’s received.

“I moved into an apartment this past January, and I was off of the meal plan for the first time since leaving home,” Mauch said. “I had no idea how to prepare healthy meals, which is important to me because I like to stay fit. The classes have helped me out a lot.”

Mauch plans on attending the rest of the series, which includes a class on May 28 about preparing a balanced breakfast, and a class on June 1 that focuses on cooking with locally grown foods.

The University Health Center will continue to offer cooking classes on a wide range of topics throughout the fall and spring semesters, Rachun said.

Edited by Ben Bussard

Staying healthy takes more than a gym membership

By Imann Gad

ATHENS, Ga—Being in shape calls more than just the frequent visits at the gym but a well balanced diet as well.

A well balanced diet depends on healthy but moderate eating habits. Eating smaller portioned meals more times a day is better for the body than a couple of big meals.

Former UGA football player, Kelin Johnson, knows the importance of a healthy well balanced diet.

“To look good is to feel good,” Johnson said. “In order to liver a comfortable life you have to take care of your body.”

Edited by Ben Bussard.

A new parking lot is part of the health center's remodeling plan.

Photo by Bailey Keiger

Health center gets new wing

By BAILEY KEIGER

The University of Georgia’s health center has recently undergone a massive facelift to better serve the campus community.

“The consensus was that we needed to expand to serve a campus like this,” said Liz Rachun, health communications coordinator for the University Health Center.

The plans for renovations began almost as soon as the original health facility was built in 1997.

“Because of all the construction going on in the area during the Summer Olympics, the cost of building skyrocketed, so the plan had to be scaled down,” Rachun said. “Only now have we been able to get a plan for renovation together to add all the services we originally wanted.”

One of the reasons the remodel took over 10 years to plan and complete was the unique location of the health center.

“Our original plan was to extend the back of the facility, but we discovered that there are a number of historic, old trees back there that we didn’t want to harm,” Rachun said. “So we had to wait ‘til we acquired the money over the years to design a new plan that fit the area.”

According to the health center’s Web site, the new plan consists of a brand new vision clinic, expansions to the dental and women’s clinic, and relocation of the allergy and travel clinic and urgent care clinic to the first floor for easier patient access.

There will also be a health promotions department which will include a fully-functional nutrition kitchen to educate students about food preparation and food health.

“The health promotions department has been around, but the nutrition kitchen will be a new addition to that department,” said Alice Bender, nutritionist II for the health center. “We have not been able to offer classes before, so this will be a great opportunity to help students prepare healthy food and to educate them on food safety.”

Senior Barbara Uhler from Putnam County is looking forward to taking advantages of the new classes.

“I will probably use the classes, since I can’t cook at all,” Uhler said. “They sound like fun.”

Bender said that was the main goal of the nutrition kitchen, to teach those who may not have the skills to prepare healthy meals.

“Lots of people come to college not knowing how to cook, and one thing we’ve learned is that it’s difficult to have a healthy diet without proper cooking skills,” Bender said.

Bender said that this facility is unusual among college campuses.

“I haven’t heard of any other university that offers this. We have to give a lot of credit to our director for being so innovative and allowing us to build this,” Bender said.

The first phase of renovations, which cost $13.7 million, started in February 2008 with a remodeling of the parking lot, and ended in March 2009 when the main lobby area was complete. The full renovations will be complete July 2009 after the original areas of the facility have been remodeled.

Edited by HAL TIFT

How to keep your pets safe this summer

John Holden walks his American Border Collie into the university veterinary school.

Photo by SARA SPIGENER

By SARA SPIGENER

If you’re a pet owner, you should take extra precautions in the summer months to keep your pets healthy.

Overheating is one of the biggest concerns when it comes to pet health in the summer. Keep physical activity to a minimum in the middle of the day. Try exercising your pet in the morning or evening when it is coolest, said Kathy Kero, a veterinarian at the University of Georgia Community Practice Clinic.

Most pet owners know not to leave their pets in a car with the windows up, but animals should never be left in a car under any circumstance. Sometimes, especially in the hottest months of summer, all it takes is a few minutes for the temperature inside the car to reach 100 degrees, said Jeff Stortz, a veterinarian at Oconee Veterinary Hospital.

“You wouldn’t want to be left in your car in the summer, so you shouldn’t do it to your pet,” he said.

Outside pets need extra special attention in the summer months to keep them healthy. Make sure there is plenty of shade where your pet is kept outside, and make sure the pet can get to that shade, said Pat Rives, Athens Animal Control superintendent. If your yard is shaded, but your pet is in a pen or tied up and can’t reach it, it doesn’t do them any good.

Keep an eye on your pet’s food and water that is left outdoors. If you feed your pet outside, don’t let extra food just sit in the bowl. This draws insects such as flies and ants. Fly strike is especially common during the summer months when people leave pet food outside, Rives said. Fly strike is the irritation of animals’ ears due to biting flies that are often attracted by food.

Most owners know to keep a supply of fresh, cool water available to their animals. But a lot of times, pets can knock over their water bowls, Rives said. Make sure that the bowl your pet drinks out of is sturdy. Try using a heavy bucket or check the pet store for water bowls that are sturdy and hard to knock over.

Flies are not the only insects to worry about in the summer. Mosquitoes start to show up when the weather gets warm, and this means increased risk of heartworms for your pet, Stortz said. Dogs should be on preventative medication to guard against heartworms, so talk to your veterinarian if your dog isn’t.

Also, summer is the high season for fleas and ticks that can carry disease and cause irritation and infections. These pests can affect any animal, even inside pets, so it is important to keep your yard trimmed and talk to your vet about preventative measures, he said.

Stortz said that one problem that pet owners don’t really think about during the summer is allergies. His office sees a lot of instances of allergies during the summer when pollens and other allergens get worse. If your pet is scratching a lot, you might want to get it checked for allergies. Not only do plants cause allergies, but many of the plants in bloom during the summer are poisonous and can be fatal, Kero said.

Another problem that owners don’t typically think about is chemical ingestion. Some pet owners keep their pets out of the heat by putting them in the garage, but this can expose animals to hazardous insecticides and fertilizers, Kero said. She has seen numerous cases where pets were exposed to antifreeze when their owners were preparing for vacation.

“Just a couple of laps of antifreeze could kill an animal in only a few hours,” she said.

Keep an eye on your pet during the summer. If there is any sudden change in behavior or diet or if the animal becomes more lethargic than usual, make sure to get it examined by a veterinarian right away, Kero said.

Edited by HAL TIFT.

Fine Arts restoration underway

(Photo/Leila Mattimore)

Bailey Shutt, an employee of the University of Georgia Physical Plant, explains the process to repair the foundation of the Fine Arts Building on Wednesday, May 20, 2009.

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By Leila Mattimore

“To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,” said Macbeth. It always seemed like the Fine Arts Theatre would have to wait until “to-morrow,” but now the day has come, and the Fine Arts Theatre is finally getting the restoration students have been hoping for.

The University of Georgia campus may deceptively appear sleepy in the summer, but in many buildings, construction workers have replaced students. Rooms and doorways are blocked off, and sections of sidewalk are enclosed with chain-link fences.

Among the many buildings undergoing construction around campus, repairs are being made to the foundation of the Fine Arts Building on Baldwin Street, and the theatre within is undergoing the first phase of its restoration.

According to the status report on the Fine Arts Theatre renovation by the Office of University Architects for Facilities Planning, the purpose of the project is to “upgrade accessibility for [the] entire building, as well as mechanical upgrades to theater and academic wings.”

The report also states, “The project will be phased over many years,” but this “first phase of renovation, to include [the] theater mechanical system relocation and lobby renovation” which began Jan. 21, 2009 is not scheduled to be completed until Sept. 1, 2009.

The building in its present state looks as though they are digging it up.

“There is a leak in the foundation,” Rudy Vickery, an employee of the University Physical Plant, who is working on the project, said, “and it looks like this could have been going on for 20 years.”

“But the more eminent problem is mold,” Bailey Shutt, another employee of the University Physical Plant added. “With the mold problem the theatre department can’t even store their costumes.”

Vickery and others are now working on digging down to the “foot” of the building, which is much deeper than the actual floor of the building, and then they must waterproof the foundation by applying a product called Bituthene®.

Jillian Baldwin, a sophomore theatre and film studies major says that it seemed as though the department would never get the funding to fix the situation. “No one has the money to really do much anymore, so we are really excited that the building is finally getting the attention it needs.”

The total budget stated for the project is $4, 206, 294. The University Project Manager is Scott Messer; the contractor is Peter Brown Construction, and.Lord, Aeck, & Sargent are doing the architecture and consulting for the renovation.

Edited by Alex Mckelvey/ Leila Mattimore

Karaoke draws crowds despite dismal economy

Wild Wing Café displays their drink specials. (Photo/ Marcus Crawford)

DJ Dime performs “Hey Man Nice Shot” by Filter. (Photo/ Marcus Crawford)

Chris Anderson drinks his beer after performing “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugar Hill Gang. (Photo/ Marcus Crawford)

By Marcus Crawford

The Cleveland Cavaliers are down by three when a man clad in a blue Polo and khaki shorts takes the stage. About half the crowd at Wild Wing Café cringes, bracing themselves for yet another country ballad. And then the magic happens. The facial expressions of the audience shift from grim anticipation to surprise as Chris Anderson launches into a spirited rendition of “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugar Hill Gang.

Anderson, a University of Georgia alumnus with a degree in environmental economics, is a regular at Wild Wing’s karaoke night. He goes to the restaurant about three to four times a month, giving him plenty of opportunities to perfect his performance of “Rapper’s Delight.”

“I almost have the whole thing memorized and it’s like a seven minute song,” said Anderson.

Anderson pauses to take a swig from his Yuengling lager, breathless from his epic feat. For him, the wide selection of music and quality sound system make Wild Wing Café an “above average” karaoke venue.

Wild Wing Café hosts karaoke night every Tuesday from 10 p.m. until around midnight. The event coincides with the “Two for Tuesday” wing special, a deal which allows customers to purchase two orders of chicken wings for the price of one. The karaoke night drink specials are a major draw for patrons.

Marlyce Stein, a bartender at Wild Wing and a UGA alumna, has noticed the effectiveness of linking vocals with value.
“We used to have karaoke on Thursdays,” Stein said “But when you give people both, it works better.”

The combination of wings and karaoke has served as a powerful one-two punch in Wild Wing’s battle for survival in a struggling U.S. economy. David Heenan, a manager at Wild Wing, noted that business was booming despite the lower demand for top-shelf liquor.

“Since Jan. 2009 we’ve been at 99.8 percent of our sales from last year. We’re a recession niche,” said Heenan.

Even the mass exodus of UGA students for summer vacation fails to discourage employees. Tilmon C. Greene, III better known as DJ III, has been working at Wild Wing for four years. Although he is an Augusta native, Greene mentioned that karaoke night at Wild Wing is well-worth the drive to 312 E.Washington St.

“You never know what to expect,” Greene said. “It’s always different.”

William “Brooks” Brown, also known as DJ Dime, is Greene’s business partner. Brown compared the club-like ambiance of Wild Wing’s karaoke night to the atmosphere of Level 131, an Athens nightclub where he also DJ’s.

Like Greene, Brown enjoys singing karaoke as much as he does watching it. On a night that has been dominated by country and R&B crooners, Brown rises from his seat onstage and belts out Filter’s “Hey Man, Nice Shot” – a fitting farewell as the audience’s attention shifts from the stage to the big screen TVs displaying the shooting prowess of LeBron James.

Edited by Marcie Opraseuth

Big City Bread Makeover

Big City Bread Cafe purchased the adjoining building in order to have room to expand their indoor seating. The expansion is set to be done by the end of June.

Photo By: Courtney Smith

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Local eatery Big City Bread Cafe is currently getting an uptown makeover that will furnish the cafe with new booths, more indoor seating and a lot more space.

The renovation, planned to be ready by the end of June, will change the look of the cafe slightly and make it “a little more comfortable” for customers to move around and sit, according to the catering manager Jeremiah Petersen.

“Right now, people have a hard time moving around to sit down and it is sometimes hard for the food-runners to squeeze between the cafe tables to bring out people's food because all of the tables and chairs are so close together,” he said. “Hopefully, having booths and more space will let us space everything out a little so people won’t have to squeeze by everyone else's chair just to get to the bathroom.”

According to cashier Katie Andrew, a psychology and pre-Grady double major from Nashville, Ga., the interior expansion will allow the cafe to seat more than four times the number of customers inside the building, which currently only has the capacity for about 25 patrons at a time.

“I think it will really help the cafe because, right now, most of our seating is outside so people won’t come when it is raining or bad weather because they know we don't have a lot of room inside and it can get crowded,” she said. “But, if they know that we have lots of seats inside as well as the entire patio, I think people will be a lot more likely to come even if it’s not bright and beautiful outside.”

Despite the current economic recession and University summer vacation, the weather is the most important factor that determines the cafe's daily business and revenue, according to long-time employee Whitney Miley.

“I have worked here longer than anyone, other than the managers, and I haven’t even really noticed a decline in business here; I think we get about the same amount of business as we did last summer and the summer before,” the 21-year-old international affairs major from Cartersville said. “We even just opened back up for dinner every night now that the weather is getting nice enough for people to enjoy sitting outside at night.”

According to Miley, even though the expansion is expected to be finished in the summer, they think business will remain slow on summer weekdays. However, they expect the expansion will help the café’s business in the winter, and during Saturday and Sunday brunch.

“The weekdays are always slow, so I don’t think it will get a lot of use, especially now when the weather is beautiful, because people want to be outside,” she said. “But, it is going to be a god-send on Sunday after people get out of church, because the line is always out the door and we never have enough room for everyone waiting to order, let alone sit down at a table and eat.”

By:Courtney Smith

Edited By: Alex McKelvey

UGA still ready for swine flu

By SUHA ZAKIUDDIN

Although the swine flu virus has not yet proved as dangerous as was once feared in the U.S., experts across the nation are still on alert, and so is the University of Georgia.

There are no reported cases of the virus at the university at this time, but officials are taking precautionary measures.

“UGA has a plan in place and has been working on it for a long time,” said Liz Rachun, the health communications coordinator at the University Health Center.

Some of the prevention steps the university is taking include following guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Public Health. In addition, researchers on campus are monitoring cases in the U.S.

Even though the number is growing, the cases are not terrible, Rachun said.

Researchers are also monitoring the southern hemisphere during their standard flu season for mutations in the virus.

Dr. Ralph A Tripp is a professor in the department of infectious diseases and the associate director at the Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS). He is an expert on the virus.

CEIRS is one of six national centers that researches the influenza virus and responds to pandemics. In order to learn more about the swine flu, Tripp tests strategies against the virus in animal models to study its transmission.

“Believe it or not, the best way to protect yourself is to wash your hands,” Tripp said. Both Rachun and Tripp emphasized that hand washing can help protect against the virus.

They also urge people who have influenza to stay at home.

In the Fall, two flu shots may be required, one for influenza and the other for the swine flu. If both are available then Rachun urges students to get vaccinated.

Some students are not as concerned since coverage in the media has slowed.

Gabriela Garcia, a senior double-majoring in public relations and history from San Juan, Puerto Rico, said that at first, she thought the initial outbreak of the swine flu was just a trend that popped up like the bird flu. Her views changed when she learned that people were dying, but she feels better in the months since the outbreak.

“Ask me [about the Swine Flu] two weeks ago, and I would have said I was worried,” Garcia said, “but not so much now.”

Garcia owes this feeling to a “lull” in the coverage of the virus on news stations. She does think that if the threat becomes greater, then there should be more prevention awareness on campus.

The University Health Center Web site (www.uhs.uga.edu) has basic information about the virus and prevention tips. The Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness (www.uosp.uga.edu) has additional information.

Edited by HAL TIFT

Jobless grads turn to military careers

Brad Boaen, a UGA graduate entering the Marines, poses for a picture on North Campus. (Photo/ Lindsay Dobras)

By Lindsay Dobras

ATHENS, Ga. – As the nation continues to fall deeper into an economic recession, many recent graduates struggle to find jobs. With little options left, increasing numbers of students are turning to the military as a more stable career option.

University of Georgia graduate, Brad Boaen, from Savannah, Ga., began thinking about joining the military during his last semester at UGA. Boaen, who studied horticulture, says he thought more and more about joining the military after graduation because of the economy.

He signed with the U.S. Marine Corps in March.

Although Boaen had a horticulture-related job lined up after graduation, he worried about the stability of the career. According to Boaen, it is a seasonal job that offers little benefits. Joining the Marines would be his safest option right now.

“The military has some undeniably amazing benefits that I think will be very helpful in the future,” he said. “Whether our economy bounces back or not, I think I have made a really smart decision.”

Some of the benefits offered by the military include healthcare, which covers intermediate family, and guaranteed pay raises every couple years. Military personnel begin receiving retirement after 20 years.

Boaen explains that he has to pay off his student loans within the next five years, but will eventually be reimbursed by the Marines. They will pay his tuition if he decides to continue his education and complete a second degree. After retirement, he may choose to get an additional degree in teaching.

Amanda Schwartz, a 21-year-old accounting major from Duluth, Ga., and close friend of Boaen, says she is supportive of him and agrees that the military benefits may be helpful to him throughout his lifetime.

“I hate that he is joining the Marines because it is one of the most dangerous options he could have chosen for a career,” said Schwartz. “I’ll worry about him every day, but I support him in his decision. He will be going in as an officer, which is the best way to go in. I can’t really deny that it wasn’t a smart decision.”

Other students at UGA have chosen similar options. Paul O’Connell, a 23-year-old UGA graduate from Douglasville, Ga., chose the military when he couldn’t find a job. Much like Boaen, O’Connell worries about his future in this economy.

“I’m getting married in a few months, and I need to be able to support my family,” he said. “I joined the Army because I needed to. It was the best thing I could do for me and my fiancé.”

Boaen, who leaves for Officer Candidate School this week, says he never thought he would join the military. His decision to be a Marine has left him anxious, but excited for the journey.

“I didn’t choose the Marines just because it is a smart decision,” he said. “I joined because it is something I can be proud of. I am nervous about it all, especially about passing OCS. It’s going to be really tough. But in the end, I will be proud to be able to call myself a United States Marine.”

Edited by Marcie Opraseuth

Big City Bread Cafe

Big City Bread Cafe purchased the adjoining building in order to have room to expand their indoor seating. The expansion is set to be done by the end of June.

Shoppers choose used clothing stores for unique style and affordable prices

Vintage boots and shoes are displayed in the window of the Minx boutique, located in downtown Athens, Ga. (PHOTO/Courtney Holbrook)



Purses, jewelry and more are crowded around the check-out counter at Agora, a boutique in downtown Athens that sells vintage items. (PHOTO/Courtney Holbrook)

By Courtney Holbrook

ATHENS, GA --- Girls who want their clothing to stand out this summer – without breaking the bank – are shopping at vintage thrift stores.

A few boutiques stand out in downtown Athens, and they continue to draw customers in by selling used clothing for cheap prices.

But thrift stores are becoming popular places for shoppers to not only find a deal, but also to break away from typical Athens fashion.

“When you shop at vintage or consignment stores, you can find clothing no one else will be able to have,” said Emily Ferrari, a fourth-year Latin and classical cultures major and vintage buyer. “You won’t see 50 other girls on the street wearing the same dress as you.”

Airee Hong, owner of Agora, a thrift shop on Clayton Street, opened her store seven years ago and filled it with unique clothing and jewelry. Hong also sells antique furniture.

Hong said the store gave her the opportunity to have a creative outlet, something she wanted as an artist.

“I didn’t open this store for money,” Hong said. “I created this space to put out beautiful pieces of art. I probably buy more stuff than I sell!”

Agora is run as a co-op, with over 50 vendors showing their merchandise. Hong is in charge of selling their products.

“Because we have so many vendors,” Hong said, “there’s a little bit of everything here.”

Janice Bryan opened Minx, a boutique on Clayton Street, five years ago.

Customers at Minx can find different dresses and boots on display every few hours. All clothing is organized by decade and designer – easing the way for a first-time buyer to find their perfect item.

Bryan, a thrift store shopper herself, originally only wanted to sell her own outfits.

“I ended up with way too much clothing of my own,” Bryan said. “I started out wanting to get rid of some of it, and then it turned into a job that made me happy.”

Bryan continues to sell personal merchandise, but has branched out over the years. She travels to small towns in Louisiana, Virginia, Tennessee, the Carolinas and Georgia to find unique items to sell at Minx.

The numerous sales draw new customers, and keep current shoppers happy.

“I always have $5 sale racks on display,” Bryan said. “I want my customers to know they have a place to shop, no matter how they are doing financially.”

Apart from the funky clothing and low prices, boutique owners try to give customers something they can’t find elsewhere – a personal relationship with the store.

“I try to know the names of my customers,” Hong said. “I keep call lists, so that I can let them know when something comes in that I think they would like.”

Customers seem to appreciate the effort, praising the owners for their helpfulness.

“Airee and Janice encourage you to be bold with your style choices,” said Lauren Hook, a third-year international affairs major and long-time shopper. “They always make shopping a fun experience.”

Edited by Miranda Stancil

Security guards keep students safe

Troy Bowen takes a call from a fellow security guard, requesting his assistance. (Photo/Jordan Stepp)

Red shirts at the library security desk signify lower ranking guards. At the MLC, they signify managers. (Photo/Jordan Stepp)

By Jordan Stepp

They sit unnoticed by most of the students who cross their paths. And they like it that way.

The security guards at the University of Georgia have a tough, often boring, but rewarding job. It is their duty to make sure that the students, faculty, and staff at UGA are kept safe. Tucked behind their desks, these student workers may appear to not be paying attention, but they are actually watching far closer than anyone can imagine.

“We love to people watch,” said Danielle Kelley, a third year student who works as a guard in the Zell B. Miller Student Learning Center. “It’s kind of our job to pay attention.”

Troy Bowen, a graduate student and Kelley’s co-worker, agrees.

“Sometimes we get called to handle situations in other parts of the MLC, but if we catch a suspicious person before they do something, we can keep an eye on them and maybe prevent a situation,” said Bowen.

The common duties of a student security guard include patrolling the area, taking head counts and handling lost and found items.

“We get at least three or four items a day,” said Bowen. “Stuff like iPods, laptops, keys, sunglasses…pretty much anything that you can lose. We once found a tent!”

Something the MLC and the library security staffs have in common is the influx of homeless people during trying weather conditions.

Alexandria Floyd, a third year health major, has seen her fair share of homeless patrons in her nine months of working at UGA’s Main Library.

“They’ll come in wanting to just have a place to stay for a while,” said Floyd. “Sometimes we have to ask them to leave though. Especially when we’re about to close.”

Floyd is relatively new as a security guard, which is signified by her red security shirt. More experienced guards at the library wear black shirts and have extra duties such as opening and closing the library.

Inexperienced guards at the MLC wear gray when they first begin, but can move up to management level red shirts.

For now, Floyd, Bowen, and Kelley don’t mind being new to the game. Their responsibilities may be less, but they take them just as seriously.

“We just want to make sure no one is doing anything they shouldn’t,” said Bowen. “It’s for the good of the building and the people in it.”

Edited by Marcie Opraseuth

'Angels and Demons' fans enjoy book turned film

The film adaptation of Dan Brown's bestselling novel "Angels and Demons" has fans surprised because of its accuracy in following the story in the novel. (PHOTO/Imann Gad)

By Imann Gad

ATHENS, Ga— The novel “Angels and Demons” became an instant bestselling mystery-thriller when it was published in 2000, and when the movie premiered early this May, it was no surprise when fans lined up to see the story come to life on screen.

The novel follows Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon as he tries to unravel the mysteries of a secret society called the Illuninati, who are plotting to destroy the Catholic Church.

According to box office reports, “Angels and Demons” has brought in over $87 million in the U.S. and over $189 million worldwide.

#1 bestselling author, Dan Brown, teamed up with Academy Award-winner, Ron Howard, to produce the film, which has many novel fans flocking to theaters.

Jack Hermanski, a junior at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Ga., enjoyed both the book and the film. He said the movie was a good representation of the book and did a great job creating a sense of reality for the audience.

“I felt that the plot of Dan Brown’s novel was very much played out in the film,” Hermanski said. “The scenes fed into my imagination that was created through the novel.”

Although Hermanski enjoyed the movie, he did feel that the novel offered more detail and that the characters were developed more.

Still, he said that the film did a great job constructing the book through individual scenes of the movie.

“The scenes constructed in the film were more intense than the book because images portray reality and paint a better visual,” Hermanski said.

Felicia Chin, a student at the University of Georgia from Stone Mountain, Ga., is one of the many readers in Athens who have seen "Angels and Demons" at Beechwood 11 Cinemas on Alps Road. Chin said she liked the film because she felt that it brought the story to life.

“The scenes in the movie were very graphic and detailed,” Chin said. “Along with the sounds, it created motion and allows you to see everything that you imagines while reading it.”

Chin, who enjoys reading novels before they become films, liked the movie, but feels that novels are the best way to tell a story.

“With books you are always able to picture events the way you want and really use your imagination,” Chin said. “Because of this, I enjoy reading.”

Andria Williams, also a student at the University of Georgia, enjoyed reading “Angels and Demons,” and the “The Da Vinci Code,” a Dan Brown novel written as a sequel to “Angels and Demons.”

“I loved both books,” said Williams, from Stone Mountain, Ga., “but I also enjoyed watching ‘Angels and Demons.’” Williams saw the film at Beechwood 11 Cinemas as well.

As “Angels and Demons” continues to top the charts, fans of the movie and novel alike seem to look forward to future Dan Brown productions.

Fine Arts Building undergoes contsruction

The Fine Arts Building on Baldwin Street is undergoing construction to repair its foundation on Wednesday, May 20, 2009. (Photo/Leila Mattimore)

The new wing of the University Health Center hosts a new vision center among other additions.

-------Photo by BAILEY KEIGER

UGA taking no chances with swine flu (brief)

By SUHA ZAKIUDDIN

Although the swine flu virus has not yet proved as dangerous as was once feared in the U.S., experts across the nation are still on alert, and so is the University of Georgia.

“UGA has a plan in place and has been working on it for a long time,” said Liz Rachun, the health communications coordinator at theUniversity Health Center.

The university is following guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Public Health. They are also monitoring cases in the U.S. Even though the number is growing, the cases are not terrible, Rachun said.

There are no reported cases at the university.

Edited by HAL TIFT

Cancer patients play hard (Brief)

This is the logo of Evoshield, a sports protection company located in Bogart, Ga.

(Photo/Marcie Opraseuth)

By Marcie Opraseuth

BOGART, Ga.—A local sporting good company reinvents their product to serve the needs of young children undergoing chemotherapy and other medical treatments.

Evoshield, a sports protection company, was started by a former University of Georgia football player, Stan Kanavage. The company uses body-forming shields that mold into a unique fit for each athlete. The shield is light-weight, fits into an athletic shirt, and disperses energy on impact.

According to Evan Dewalt, the creative and marketing director, the company is making special shirts in order to accommodate unlikely users of the product, young cancer patients. The special shirt uses a thumb guard that covers one side of the child’s chest in order to protect the area where the chemotherapy is given.

Because chemotherapy can weaken the immune system and severely limit the activities of a child, they need protection from any type of injury. By having protection, these children can live their lives normally without further injuring themselves.

Tate II Opens At Last

Fences and signs surrounding Tate II construction are inconvenient

for some students walking to class
Photos By: Jordan Stover

After months of enduring dusty, noisy construction and detours through the Miller Learning Center, students are finally going to be able to enjoy the newly built Tate II.

Tate II, an extension to the existing Tate Student Center, opens June 1, and students are excited about the prospect of using the new building.

“I’m thrilled that Tate II is going to be open for my senior year,” Amanda Fleming, an international affairs major from Woodstock, Ga., said. “I was afraid that I wouldn’t be around to actually use it after I dealt with the construction for over a year.”

Fleming is not the only student that is relieved to see the construction come to an end. Jessica Zubrod, a senior from Locust Grove, Ga., said that she was tired of avoiding the construction around the Miller Learning Center every day.

“The construction blocked my path to class, so I had to take detours through the MLC and up beside the Fine Arts building to get to class everyday,” Zubrod, a business management major, said. “It took me two or three minutes longer to get to class, which is a lot if you’re running late.”

Construction started two years ago on April 19, 2007 when the University broke ground on the $58.2 million project. The project started with the construction of the two-story, 500-space parking deck that is now connected to the new Tate.

Before the deck was constructed, students were limited to a small parking lot beside the existing Tate Student Center.

“The old parking lot outside of Tate was always full and I ended up having to park really far away to go to the MLC,” said Zubrod. “I’m really glad they built the new deck.”

Although Zubrod said that she is excited to see the construction end, she said that the thing she is most excited about is the new food court that will feature Barberito’s Southwestern Grille, Larry’s Giant Subs and Hotei’s, an Asian-themed restaurant.

Barberito’s, Larry’s, and Hotei’s are all popular restaurant chains in Athens that students are now going to be able to enjoy on campus.

“I think it’s a really good idea to give students who are not on the meal plan more choices for food,” Zubrod said. “It sounds like they’re going to have a good variety.”

While Tate II will not feature closed study rooms, it will have lounge-seating areas where students can study or relax. The University believes that these areas will help thin out the crowds at the MLC.

“I think that these seating areas will definitely help take some of the heat off of the MLC,” said Zoe Johnson at the Campus Life Office.

Overall, Zubrod and Fleming said that they cannot wait to use the new Tate II building next year.

“My only complaint is that I’ll only get to use it for one year before I graduate,” said Zubrod.

By: Jordan Stover
Edited By: Alex McKelvey

DUI arrest toll jumps over holiday weekend

Various checkpoints set up around Athens before Memorial Day weekend yielded six student DUI arrests. The checkpoints are part of an effort by the Athens-Clarke County and UGA police to decrease the number of DUI arrests. (PHOTO/Ben Bussard)

By Ben Bussard

ATHENS, GA – Over three dozen people were arrested for driving under the influence at various checkpoints around the Athens area before the beginning of Memorial Day weekend.

The crackdown is one of many recent attempts by the Georgia State Patrol as well as the Athens-Clarke County and UGA police to prevent the reoccurrence of DUIs in Athens.

Included in the arrests were six University of Georgia students, which adds to the already high amount of student DUIs that have been reported over the past several years.

Full story to come.

Edited by Miranda Stancil.