Inspired by the Avett Brothers and Mumford and Sons and winners of the “Rock the Block” band competition, SalemSpeaks is a local Winston-Salem band climbing the ladder to success.  Only two years in the making, the band has accrued loyal followers with its first CD, “Carolina,” and recent release of its second album, “Adversary.”  They’ve made a name for themselves with passion and dedication to music.  With the help of recording engineer and producer Mitch Easter at the Fideltorium recording studio and the band’s gift for entertaining, SalemSpeaks has become a musical sensation.  Recently, it has been attracting more and more fans.  The band’s live performances have showcased the unbelievable talent of each of the band members; SalemSpeaks is definitely an up-and-coming sensation.

The band members of SalemSpeaks bring together their individual, diverse backgrounds to create distinct sounds that appeal to a number of audiences.  Austin Hansen, originally from Ft. Launderdale, Florida, is a versatile musician.  He contributes to SalemSpeaks with his ability to play the drums, the guitar, and with his flawless vocals.  Brad Stokes, a Winston-Salem resident originally from Charlotte, uses the keyboard, accordion, and his gifted voice to wow the devoted fans of SalemSpeaks, while Cooper Lindel, another Winston-Salem local, supports SalemSpeaks with his bass skills.  Katherine Ririe, born in Winston-Salem and the only female artist in the band, has a passion for the fiddle, mandolin, and for singing.  She uses her creative talent to integrate these skills into the band’s musical array.  Lastly, Zach Britt, also born in Winston-Salem, plays the guitar, fiddle, banjo, and also sings.  The vast talent apparent in the members of SalemSpeaks makes it inevitable that they will see a bright future, with much success.

Although the members of SalemSpeaks have split up to attend college, they have been making a conscious effort to pursue their musical passion, and maintain the cohesiveness of their up and coming band.  They continue to write and record music in the midst of their college careers, and hope to expand to college towns outside of North Carolina.  The members of SalemSpeaks feel that they have already grown from their first album to their second. “The songs [from Adversary] are much less focused on the classic high school love stories and more focus on our current outlooks,” they said in a statement to WakeStudent.  ”Listeners can expect more of a mature sound from Adversary which was inherently developed through as we played more and more as group and experimented with new sounds.”

The band continues to play local shows, and hopes that they can organize a Spring Break tour for next year in college downs in the Southeast.  Two members of SalemSpeaks currently attend Wake Forest, and hope to gain popularity on the campus.  For more information about the band visit their website.

Next week is Wake’s Spring Family Weekend, which most students interpret as a time that they can score free meals at nice restaurants three times a day. Brunch is one of those meals that we do not often get to indulge in during the school year, and as my personal favorite meal of the day, I can vouch for the fact that Winston has some fantastic options. If you find yourself parentless for this less-publicized and less-frequented family weekend, a lot of these restaurants offer really cheap specials that are affordable on even a student’s budget.

Breakfast of Course, Downtown – I have to put this Winston hot spot first. It is absolutely incredible. The breakfast menu is extensive and is served at all hours of the day (including until 3 a.m. on Saturdays!) so you are not limited to eating here solely on a Sunday. I have never brought someone here who did not love it—they have something for everyone, with all the classics plus more unique items like breakfast nachos, cinnamon swirl French toast with Nutella and the Apple Butter Baby (look it up). Be forewarned: BOC draws big crowds, particularly on Sundays, so be prepared to wait. The one down side (for many of us over 21-ers)? No booze.

Simplyummy, Reynolda Village – I put this on this list for all you early risers on Saturday. Simplyummy is closed on Sundays but up until 10:30 a.m. you can catch them for breakfast, where they serve a killer (and cheap!) breakfast sandwich. This quintessential Wake café is sure to impress your parents, especially those coffee lovers.

Willow’s Bistro, Downtown – a lesser-known Winston gem, this fantastic restaurant is quaint and delicious. They serve creative dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients and all organic, free range, sustainable, and humane poultry, beef and pork. Their Sunday brunch menu, served from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. has all the delicious breakfast staples, as well as a plentiful supply of lunch options. The best part about Willow’s brunch? THREE. DOLLAR. BLOODY MARYS. AND. MIMOSAS. Can’t beat that.

Midtown Café, Stratford Road – This restaurant has one of the best pancake menus I have ever seen. From your classic buttermilk to pumpkin to delicious cornmeal, they offer it all. Serving up breakfast all day and all week long, your options are never limited here. For those crazy people that don’t like breakfast food, Midtown has a huge menu full of sandwiches, salads and entrees. Little-known fact: show your Wake ID and get a free cookie!

Finnigan’s Wake, Downtown – Finnigan’s is better known around Wake campus as a bar, but many people overlook the fact that it is a really amazing restaurant, too. With incredibly affordable prices, this Irish pub makes all of its own sauces, has great vegetarian options and uses authentic imported Irish bangers (sausage), wild salmon and in-house roasted corned beef. The brunch menu is served on Sundays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and includes traditional (and hard to find) Irish breakfast fare, along with American classics and dozens of lunch options. It also boasts the perk of a fully stocked bar.

If you are anything like the average American, you spend one out of every seven minutes online on Facebook. The infamous social network that began in a tiny dorm room at Harvard University, has grown to an astounding 845 million users. Because of its incredible growth, Mark Zuckerberg and his colleagues at Facebook have finally decided to take the company public. They filed an IPO (Initial Public Offering) with the SEC at the beginning of February that is expected to be approved by this June at the latest.

Since Facebook’s decision was announced, users like us have become more than a little skeptical. With rumors of selling private information, and possibly monetizing the site flying everywhere, it is past time to consider how the company’s filing will impact the site, and more importantly, how it will affect us.

According to technology and finance experts alike, the change could take one of two paths. With new demands from stockholders, Facebook will face pressure to increase profits every quarter. This could lead to more concentrated advertising efforts, as Facebook currently earns 85% of its $3.7 billion revenue from advertisements. In order to do this, the company will have to release even more private user data to businesses so they can target consumer segments based on personal interests. The controversy of exploiting private information to obtain higher profits is the biggest concern for users. Facebook’s privacy controls have already been brought into question numerous times, and will continue to be heavily monitored by the public eye.

Despite the issue of losing even more privacy control, there is a benefit of the IPO to Facebook’s users. There will be heightened transparency, because as a public company, Facebook will be required to release its financial filings and reports. This will allow us to know what Facebook is doing behind the scenes, and where the executives see the company headed in the future.

In addition to questioning the business aspects of going public, there is some debate over how the IPO will impact the innovation that made Facebook into the success that it is today. One side of the argument feels that growing pressure from stockholders will stifle creativity. There will be too much risk that unpopular changes will decrease the stock price, and make the company less attractive to potential shareholders. The other side believes that Facebook will be able to test a wider range of innovative ideas as their funding from investors increases.

The thing that everyone agrees on, however, is that Facebook cannot lose hold of the relationship it has with its users. As the number one social network in the world, it has a reputation to uphold, and the last thing the company needs is a backlash from unhappy users like Netflix experienced when they attempted to restructure their service offerings.  Remaining true to the company’s core values is vital for Facebook as it looks to the release of its stock in May 2012. As CEO Zuckerberg stated in his letter to shareholders, “Facebook was not originally created to be a company. It was built to accomplish a social mission- to make the world more open and connected.”

The effects of the economic downturn have been ongoing and widely spread, receiving a lot of press and media attention particularly in relation to historical events such as the Olympic Games.  Specifically, the potential financial impacts of hosting the Olympics has become an extremely newsworthy topic with two opposing views of what it truly means for the host city and its country.  Is hosting the Olympics creating jobs while stimulating the economy, or is public funding simply being misused in a time of crisis and recession?

As the 2012 London Olympics approach, the controversial topic has gained much criticism from the British press as well as some members of parliament. The Olympic Delivery Authority projected that the Olympics would bring 10-15% employment opportunities directly to the residents of the 5 “host” boroughs in London.  In response to the ODA’s target, Diane Abbott a member of parliament, criticized the projected goal as “pitifully unambitious” and unproportional to the 42% migrant labor employment on the Olympic site.  An article from British Library refutes Abbott’s claims.  The article discusses academic studies funded by the Department of Culture Media and Sport and the London Development Agency suggesting that the total economic impact of London’s 2012 Olympics will be positive. Other experts also agree that based on studies of previous games such as the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the positive economic benefits outweigh the negative.

Leaders of the 2020 Olympic bid candidacy in Madrid seem to agree.  They believe that the games could help Spain recover from the financial crisis in which one in every four Spaniards is unemployed and 45% of the population’s youth is jobless as well.  In fact, this is the third consecutive Olympic bid coming from Madrid –finishing third in standing for the 2012 games and runner-up to Rio de Janeiro 2016.  With much support from the rest of the country, Madrid submitted its bid document to the International Olympic committee on February 15 and is running up against Rome, Tokyo, Istanbul, Doha in Qatar, and Baku, Uzbekistan.  The IOC will select its host city in September 2013.

Regardless of the extensive press criticism received in the Olympic host cities, it is evident that the exciting and competitive nature of the games has not been lost.  With emerging and ongoing bid campaigns for future games, it is clear that the economic downturn has not inhibited cities from competing to host the future Olympics.  Despite projected numbers and statistics for each host city, the final effects of the economic downturn in combination with the games will only be seen in the legacy of sustainable jobs and skills in the years following the Olympics.

By:  Carolyn Cargile, Leisure Co-Editor

From February 25 to March 11, about an hour and a half’s drive from dear old Wake Forest, the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival will be hosting its 8^th annual movie extravaganza. This event is a strictly volunteer-led festival’s mission is to illuminate the Jewish experience through film – including history, language, people, and the land of Israel and welcome all who strive for a better understanding of themselves and others.

This year the festival features eleven different films, including comedies, dramas, and documentaries–all presenting different aspects of Jewish life and culture. All of the films are critically-acclaimed and many have won very prestigious awards. They are in various languages, including English, Hebrew, Russian, German, French, and Spanish (most of the foreign-language films have English subtitles).

The following films will be shown during the festival (viewing dates listed following each title): La Rafle (2/25), Anita (2/26), David: The Movie (2/28), Eichmann’s End: Love, Betrayal, and Death (2/29), Sholem Aleichem:Laughing in the Darkness (3/3), The Concert (3/4), Violins of Hope (3/8), The Human Resources Manager (3/10), and Nicky’s Family (3/11).

The lineup also features two lectures. Dr. Eric Goldman will present his lecture, “A Lens on Israel: A Society through its Cinema,” on March 1, and Mike Reiss, one of the writers of The Simpsons will present his lecture, “Jews in Toons: An Animated Evening of Entertainment,” on March 11.

For those who just can’t get enough of the festival, there are also three bonus screenings on a first-come, first-seated basis. These films are Jews in Baseball: An American Love Story, to be screened on March 25; Lies My Father Told Me, to be screened on April 15; and Louder than a Bomb, to be screened on April 17.

Four different Charlotte venues will host the screenings for the entire festival; however a venue in Davidson will host Jews in Baseball. Ticket prices, lists of venues, and directions, and a comprehensive lineup of all the films (including descriptions and trailers of each) are available online at charlottejewishfilm.org

As a Wake Forest student, it is often convenient to fall into a routine that can be rather culturally, ethnically, and religiously homogenous at times. This film festival offers a great opportunity to celebrate the diversity of human experience. You may pass it off because you aren’t Jewish, but you don’t need to be Jewish to go watch these movies – they hold relevance to all humanity. It is a spectacular lineup that has been well-chosen and organized, and they are all being screened in a city less than two hours away.

Considering the drive time (there and back) would be more than viewing time, it would be easy to pass this opportunity up, claiming that it’s not worth it. But isn’t it? Isn’t it worth it to take part in an activity that broadens the mind and opens it up to new possibilities? Isn’t that what true leisure should be?

Read of the Week:  The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I’m sure you’ve all heard about the post-apocalyptic world presented in the popular new series, The Hunger Games. This new craze is being made into a major motion picture, to be released in March, and is sure to have pre-teens, teenagers and adults alike rushing to the theaters for its opening. This series takes readers out of our modern world and into the future, where destruction has transformed the way of life. It’s a mind-bending but fascinating concept and has, no doubt, captivated audiences of all ages. So if you haven’t already jumped on this bandwagon, hitch a ride and be transported into a world of violence, competition, and suspense. I guarantee you won’t be able to put it down, and you may even “hunger” for more.

Song of the Week:  “Stronger (What doesn’t kill you)” by Kelly Clarkson

“Stronger”, performed by Kelly Clarkson, has reached Billboard’s top 100 this week. This song is destined to be a girl-power classic for years to come. Its catchy beats and strong lyrics are easy to identify with and offer a sense of strength to the listener. Now, boys, don’t shy off too quickly, this song can work for you too! Just listen to it while you’re pumping some iron, and you’re sure to get a good workout in. This original American Idol star has made her biggest hit since her first single, “Miss Independent,” and it’s clear that she’s coming back with power.

Flick of the Week: “This Means War”

Oscar-Winning actress Reese Witherspoon stars in a new movie coming out this Friday. “This Means War” tells the tale of two spies who are best friends, until they realize they are dating the same woman. It is at that moment that the two CIA operatives, FDR Foster (Chris Pine) and Tuck (Tom Hardy), go head to head to win over Lauren (Reese Witherspoon). This romantic comedy is filled with action, drama, and of course laughs. Trish, played by Chelsea Handler, is sure to have audiences rolling over with laughter throughout the flick. Be sure to get your tickets for this weekend!

Nearing Valentine’s Day, Wake Forest is wrapping up Tie-A-Yellow-Ribbon week. If you’ve been passing through campus and noted the yellow balloons, or have stopped by the Rape Awareness Wall outside the pit in curiosity, you’ve been unconsciously—or quite consciously—following the raised-awareness goal of Tie-A-Yellow-Ribbon Week. Tie-A-Yellow-Ribbon began in support of survivors and victims of sexual assault and rape, an issue that has grown in prevalence on college campuses. This year marks PREPARE’s 25^th year on campus, a student organization started by male students in response to a sexual assault on campus and the 20^th year of Speak Out. In union with supporting victims of sexual assault, Tie-A-Yellow-Ribbon week aims to inform students about the real facts and statistics surrounding sexual assault and rape. And about how much do you think you know?

Statistically, rape effects 1 out of every 4 women in their lifetime, and 1 out of every 10 men. These staggering numbers only overtly show the incident of rape and assault itself, excluding the emotional and mental repercussions that coincide. Groups like PREPARE work to “provide 20 trained student advocates who respond to student victims of sexual assault” and have ordered “mandatory sexual assault awareness and prevention programs for all incoming first-year students”. The aim of these programs is to lower these national rape and sexual assault statistics, one girl or boy at a time.

As students of Wake Forest University, familiarizing yourselves on the facts surrounding sexual assault on campus leads to greater protection of yourself, others, and the overall Wake Forest community. A PREPARE member shared,

“As a sexual assault survivor, PREPARE has allowed me to turn a traumatic experience into a passion for rape education, prevention and response. I fully understand the feelings victims go through and the effect it has on the rest their lives. Though unfortunate, this has helped me to better teach students about sexual assault, relate to victims, and make awareness and prevention an important part of my everyday life. Tie-A-Yellow-Ribbon week is incredibly important for our campus because sexual assault is a very prevalent issue here and everywhere, even though it is rarely talked about. The goal of our organization (PREPARE) and of this week is to spread awareness in hopes that students will realize all the resources available to them regarding this issue and that more instances of sexual will be prevented.”

So with Valentine’s Day sentiment in the air, let’s honor our responsibilities as both students and community members by making a renewed pledge against sexual violence, assault, and rape. Wake Forest has resources to offer students abundant information to familiarize the campus with the facts surrounding sexual assault. Look into applying for PREPARE membership, or simply spreading the word. Raising awareness can be as simple as a sentence, but the lasting effects are powerful, creating a safer college community and campus atmosphere.

Need help?
PREPARE phone line: (336) 671-707

I have always been a fan of Chicken Marsala, yet never actually ventured to make it myself. If any of you are like me and think of it as an intimidating, restaurant-only meal, check this recipe out. I was shocked at how easy and fast one of my favorite meals could be prepared. An added bonus is how healthy it is! This serves 4, so be careful if you’re trying to make it for fewer.

1/4 cup all-purpose flour for coating

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – pounded 1/4 inch thick

4 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1/2 cup Marsala wine

1/4 cup cooking sherry

Directions

1. In a shallow dish or bowl, mix together the flour, salt, pepper and oregano. Coat chicken pieces in flour mixture.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter in oil over medium heat. Place chicken in the pan, and lightly brown. Turn over chicken pieces, and add mushrooms. Pour in wine and sherry. Cover skillet; simmer chicken 10 minutes, turning once, until no longer pink and juices run clear.

You may have seen the catchy campaign advertisement, “Teens for Jeans” around Wake’s campus over the past few weeks. East Forsyth Middle School of Kernersville, NC held holding its 5^th annual Teens for Jeans drive from January 16 to February 7.  The middle school welcomed local supporters to hold donation sites and help to advertise the event.

“Teens for Jeans” is a national event that is held by dosomthing.org and the clothing company Aeropostale. East Forsyth Middle School was the first organization to bring the event to our area. Over the past four years, the program has brought in many supporters, including Wake Forest University.

When pairs of jeans are donated, they are distributed to local shelters throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. All sizes, brands, and styles are accepted and welcome. According to the Teens for Jeans official website, 1 in 3 homeless people are under the age of eighteen, and the program seeks to serve this population. Over the past four years, the organization has collected over 1.5 million pairs of jeans.