"A Northerner's Thoughts On The South"

View from a rear view mirror
Photo Cred: Google

Just recently Total Sorority Move posted an article titled, "A Northerner's Thoughts On The South"
It's hilariously accurate in describing people all over the Southern states, and says everything I've undoubtedly experienced during my time down here in a quick and entertaining manner.

The blogger, also raised in Maryland, just like myself, had just returned from spring break in Myrtle Beach, S.C. a beach that is surprisingly pretty chilly down south during the prime spring break months.  Now this girl isn't one to consider herself a northerner or a southerner, since Maryland is below the Mason-Dixon line and NO ONE in these 50 states has ever clarified which side we belong too (not saying there are sides but for lack of a better word).

To sum it up, she starts her rant on the South by saying....

1. Southerners are all freakishly nice.  This could never be a bad thing, but it's completely different up North.  At school we have a Subway, and they call all the students "baby" or "darling" something sweet and definitely Southern and I genuinely think they enjoy their jobs dealing with ungrateful college students.  Up North at a Subway, people hate their jobs, and they make it known.  You walk in and you hear "yeah yeah welcome to Subway, what do you want today?" Talk about unenthusiastic and just plain BOOOOORING.

"Fly over states" Absolutely Stunning
Photo Cred: Google

2. There is no need to call me Ma'am.  I agree with this and I'm pretty sure my mother does too.  Though very respectful, we are all too young to be called Ma'am.  That's for someone who's just about done and seen everything their is to see, a seasoned veteran of this Southern world.

3. You keep up your appearance very well.  Yes, this I am learning.  I get judged when I don't dress in the morning or do my hair, but I'm in college.  I'll put all the effort in when I have a job.


4. You're kind of judgmental of people who aren't from the south.  I mean really, you call us all "Yankees" and it gives us a bad reputation down here.  Granted Northerner's can be rude and inconsiderate but hey that's not all of us.  I like to think of myself as a very genuine and respectful person, thank you very much.

5. Why say "Bless your heart" when there's another saying that's so much better at getting the point across.  Now, I disagree with this.  If you read a few posts ago where I mentioned a guide to becoming the perfect Southern Belle, you know us Belle's are not supposed to curse at all, or at least keep it to a minimum.  That is why we say "Bless your heart."  Geeze.

High Point University's Communication Week Presents: Rae Bazzarre

Crisis communication can be compared to putting out a fire, which needs three things to burn: heat (energy), fuel, and oxygen or a catalyst like oxygen.  In a crisis communications situation, something has gone wrong and your brand or company is metaphorically on fire.  There is something wrong (the fuel), there are negative public opinions (the heat), and then there’s your speed of reaction to the specific problem (the catalyst). 

And like real fires, if you deny it any of these sources, the fire will ultimately burn out. 

Rae Bazzarre
Photo cred: Linkedin

On Wednesday, April 2, in the Phillips School of Business room 120, Rae Bazzarre will be speaking at High Point University as a part of the now 2nd annual Communication Week.  

The lecture that Bazzarre with present is part of Communication Week, which includes six events hosted by the Nido R. Qubein School of Communication during the week of March 31.

Her topic? Crisis PR.  Bazzarre is a communications expert with more than 15 years of experience is media relations and public affairs for world wide known non-profits.   She was just recently named PRWeek’s “40 Under 40” list as a person who is leading the charger for the next generation of communicators, like myself. 

Rae Bazzarre will be speaking about how she most recently served as the Director of Communications & External Affairs for the LIVESTRONG Foundation among other things.  Also, How she built and executed a crisis communications and rapid response plan to help the organization move beyond the controversy around the career of Lance Armstrong. 

The School of Communications hopes to make Communication Week an annual week long event with other events this year like: the First Amendment Free Food Festival, a lecture by Pulitzer Center speaker Jason Berry, a video game tournament and the School of Communications awards banquet as the final closing event.

The hope for this week is that numerous students, including communications students but also business or other majors who are interested in learning about multiple aspects of the communications field.

This year’s events, including the lecture from Bazzarre about Crisis PR are expected to have huge audiences.   So, be sure to mark your calendar for these events this week.  It’s not something you’ll want to miss out on.

 Details:

Who: Rae Bazzarre
What: Crisis PR Lecture
Where: Phillips School of Business, room 120
When: Wednesday, April 2 at 7:00 P.M.
Cost: FREE
Info: Michelle Devlin (336) 841- 9043

If Veronica Says It’s Good, It’s A Must See

The voice of "Generation Y"

Veronica Grossman
Photo Credit: Elite Daily

Day after day, Elite Daily posts blogs, articles and trailers about all sorts of up and coming movie and television premiers as well as some blog posts about what those stars are up to.  One of Elite Daily’s contributing writers, Veronica Grossman, posts a majority of the above-mentioned reviews and blog posts.  In my opinion, hers are the reviews we should be reading.  She writes them in such a way that reaches out to “Generation Y”.  Veronica knows what our generation wants to read in a review; instead of reading long boring reviews with no “umph” in them, she provides short, sweet and sometimes hilarious reviews.   She uses our language and not only writes what you would typically expect to see in a review but adds a little something extra.

"Light's Out" short horror film screenshot
Photo Credit: Elite Daily

She starts with drawing us in with clever, and amusing titles, like “This Short Horror Film Will Ruin Your Chance Of Sleeping InUnder 3 Minutes” (which it did, so she was right) and “These New Clips From‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2′ Will Leave You Either Really Excited Or ReallyConfused.”  Then most of her reviews have videos to go along with them, most of which are trailers.  Used to pull you in a little more and undoubtedly make you want to see the movie or TV show if you haven’t done so yet.  Those two features alone, especially the videos really resonate with Generation Y.  We’re a very visual generation, if we can watch a video about something rather than read about it, we’re all for it.

 

Spider Man 2 screenshot
Photo Credit: Elite Daily

When she finally gets down to it in her reviews, Veronica gives us everything from the story line, to character development and then even a little gossip from the sets here and there.  But with all of those elements, her reviews are nothing if not short, sweet and to the point.  I don’t know how she does it.  In her (short) reviews she’ll tell you her professional opinion about a film, “The “X-Men” franchise has the uncanny ability to make sequels, prequels and even prequels to sequels without ever ruining the series…The film series just keeps getting better and the most recent installment, “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” seems like it will be following in its predecessor’s footsteps.”  Then with the little something extra, she’ll add amusement and gossip, “I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every “X-Men” movie to date, from the very first all the way to “X-Men: Wolverine” (I mean who didn’t enjoy that one? Hugh Jackman was half-naked the whole time).”  This is something you don’t see very often in any normal review, which is why I choose reading hers over anyone else’s you might see on Rotten Tomatoes or a different website.  The fact that she writes her reviews in a way that reaches out to our generation is both different and significant.  I would suggest reading her reviews to anyone who doesn't enjoy reading those other long and unexciting reviews.

"Southernisms"

Ever taken a trip down South and have no idea what people are saying to you?  I know I have.  It seems as though the South has a language of their own and once you live here long enough, maybe you'll get lucky enough to figure out what some of it means.  I thought it would be helpful to explain a few of the most popular Southern expressions I've heard since moving down here four years ago.  Also, the picture below is linked with a hilarious youtube video just to show some examples of things Southern women say on a daily basis.

Ain't that the berries! - That is great!
Barking up the wrong tree - You are wrong
Chugged full - Full and overflowing
Don't count your chickens until they hatch- First know the results
Even a blind hog finds an acorn now and then - Everyone is sometimes lucky
Every dog should have a few fleas - No one is perfect
Fly off the handle - Angry and lashing out
Go hog wild! - Have a good time!
Got your feathers ruffled - Upset and pouting
Happy as a dead pig in the sunshine - Doesn't grasp or worry what's going on
In high cotton - Rising up in society
Like a bump on a log - Lazy and doing nothing
Like two peas in a pod - Act and think alike
Sight for sore eyes! - Nice to see you!
Stomping grounds - Familiar territory
That takes the cake - Surprised
Too big for one's britches - Someone taking themselves too seriously
Two shakes of a sheep's tail - Done quickly
Well, shut my mouth - Shocked and speechless

Hope this helps on your next visit to the South!

Carolina Cup: A Southern Tradition

Carolina Cup is this weekend.  Are you ready?

The cup is one of the most southern traditions in South Carolina.  It's an annual event hosted in Camden, S.C. and a place where mass amounts of college students love to enjoy a sunny day with friends food and drink.  Just about every greek organization from pretty much every school in the Carolinas will be there, including myself.  For those who have never had the pleasure of attending Carolina Cup, it's basically an all day tailgate party no matter the weather.  Even if your a seasoned attendee or a first timer, here are few tips for you to make sure you enjoy your time at Carolina Cup.

1. Dress Southern.  What you wear makes Carolina Cup the event that it is.  It's important for guys to show off their best pastels and bow ties. And for you ladies out there, it's your chance to show off your best Lilly dress and as always your Jack's or Tory's.

2.  Bring a cooler.  Whether you had a date paint you one or not, I suggest you bring a cooler packed to the brim with food and drink of all kinds (ESPECIALLY water).  It's a necessity.

3.  Have fun with your date.  Though its not necessary, most people bring dates.  It's important to make sure they have a good time.  If its your first time, chances are it's your dates first time as well.  So hangout with each other and party together guaranteed you'll have a blast.

4. Buddy system.  It's as easy as that, STICK TOGETHER and all will be right in the world

5.  Rep your school.  There is nothing wrong with having your organizations flag raised high (the higher the better).

6.  Remember it's a horse race.  Most people say that if you see a horse at Carolina Cup you're doing something wrong.  I disagree.  Try and go see the horses, I promise you won't regret it.  It's actually really cool to experience the event in it's entirety.

7.  Cookout.
 If you can, bring a grill and tailgate.  Chances are if you're in college park you won't have easy access to food and trust me, you'll need it!  Bring burger and dogs and everything in between, this is why you bring a cooler.  Got to have something to keep the food cold, right?

8.  Embrace the whether.  Recently at the Cup there has been nothing but rain, and the Cup has become a huge muddy mess.  So embrace it and enjoy it, it might not be sunny but it'll still be fun.

So for a quick review, get a date, dress like a southern gentleman or lady, and keep the food and drinks flowing and I can guarantee that you will have a memorable time at Carolina Cup.

A Guide To Being The Perfect Southern Belle

In the south, Southern Belles are apart of a certain tradition and have a definite charm that is unique and irreplaceable.  Southern Belles are some of the most well mannered sweet ladies you'll ever meet.  Here's a little guide to help those ladies who wish they could be a little more lady-like.  There's one thing you should always remember though, Southern Belles are born and not easily made.  It takes time and plenty of effort.  So here it goes:

Anatomy of today's Southern Belle

1. To be a Southern Belle, you must first be presented into society, which means debutante balls or cotillions. (Good thing I did that in middle school!)

2. A true Southern Belle has the most perfect manners.  Always say "Please" and "Thank you" and never forget to always be polite to everyone. (Yes, that means even if you're not too fond of them)

3. Respect your elders.  This means calling anyone you meet "Ma'am" and "Sir" unless they of course ask you to do otherwise.  (My mom thinks it makes her older than she is if she's ever called "Ma'am")

4. Make sure you always dress well, and are presentable at all times.  Clothes that are too revealing aren't attractive.  Southern Belles love wearing dresses, pearls and heels. (I know it's hard to do this in college, especially if you have an early EARLY morning class like myself, but hey, give it a shot.  Eventually we'll all have to wake up early and look nice in the real world so why not start now?)

5. To go along with that, keep yourself looking clean and neat.  Shower EVERYDAY, wear perfume so you're smelling nice, DO YOUR HAIR, keep your nails manicured and polished and never, I mean NEVER, cake on the make up.  Less is more.

6.  Southern Belles are very family oriented.  ALWAYS help out your family, spend time with them and love them.  Call your Mother, "Mama" and your Father, "Daddy", no matter how old you are.  (I always do this, though my Father passed, I'm still "Daddy's little girl", always have been and always will be)

7.  Take all compliments well.  When someone compliments you, do NOT try to shoot down the compliment.  When someone says "You look very pretty today!", smile warmly and say "Thank you!" with a compliment back to them.  Complimenting back shows them that you're a kind hearted person.

8.  SMILE.  A true Southern Belle always has a nice, warm smile on her face.

9.  Have southern hospitality.  Southern Belles are sweet, kind and generous to everyone they come across.  This is where "Southern Hospitality" comes in.  Like I said before, if you don't like someone, still be polite and sweet.  (Mama always taught me that if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.  This is where that comes into play)

10.  Learn how to make sweet tea!  The more sugar the better!  It's a southern staple and it tastes delicious.

11.  Do your "Mama" a favor, and clean the house.  Doing chores for your mother shows her that you care and respect all the sacrifices she does for you!  (I hated chores when I was little, but now that I'm at school and looking to rent my own house in a month or so, chores have really become way more important to me and I thank my mom for "making" me do them growing up)

12.  Finish school.  A Southern Belle has an education, and a good head on her shoulders.  (Don't just go to school to earn your Mrs degree, that's not very bright.  Southern Belles should be able to do just fine by herself, we don't need a man to make us happy)

13.  Don't drink excessive amounts of alcohol.  A Southern Belle would never be caught singing drunk at parties.  (Though I don't completely agree with this one, since I know we're all guilty of this at parties, A Southern Belle should just stay classy while doing so in my opinion)

14.  Never swear.  Use euphemisms instead.  Say "Darn" instead of "Damn, and so on.  You can guess the rest.  Swearing shows lack of intelligence, it sounds dirty, and is completely unnecessary.   ( I know for a FACT we're all guilty of this, even me.  I'm trying to tone it down a bit so we'll see how that goes)

15.  Never speak of using the restroom to anyone.  If you need to use the restroom, simple excuse yourself.  (As bad as it sounds I'm guilty of this too.  Something I'm not very proud of and working on as well)

16.  Southern Belles are very religious.  Respect your religion, and those of others, as well.  God is your number one go-to advice-giver.  (Side note:  I need to start going to Church more, New Years Resolution, anyone?)

17.  Have a genuine, sweet, down-to-earth attitude.  Plain and simple.  (Thankfully, everyone I know says these things about me, and that makes me happy)

Last, but certainly not least, to pull it all together I present you with the final rule:

18.  Pay attention to how you present yourself.  Hold your head up high, stand up straight, and have a neat, groomed appearance.

I believe every woman should strive to be as sweet, charming, and lady-like as Southern Belles.  It's a commitment, no doubt about it, but it's one we should all try to make.  Especially those of us that are from the north.  The Southern Belle doesn't have an off day, or an off moment for that matter.  Life's to short for unpleasant or bad behavior.  Ultimately, to sum it all up, the Southern Belle is all about self-respect.  She takes care of herself and makes sure people treat her right.  Some girls are brought up to be Southern Belles, but that's not the only way to get there.  I was certainly raised right by my Mama, but I keep working at it and I thank her everyday for raising me to be who I am today.  Just because you live north of the Mason-Dixon line doesn't mean you can't be a Southern Belle.  So put this advice to work, where ever you may be and I'm sure you'll accomplish everything you've ever wanted.

A Guide To Being A Southern Gentleman

Although Valentines Day was just last week, being a southern gentleman and knowing that we as ladies deserve to date southern gentlemen, never goes out of style.  A couple of days ago I found these two articles that provide today's generation of not so "polite" young men with a few tips to become a little more well-mannered in hopes of proving that chivalry isn't dead.  Unless you're extremely lucky, like I consider myself to be, to have a southern gentleman in your life, I suggest that you show these two articles to your boyfriend or guy friends.  They need to know that we're not going to lower our standards so they are going to need to up their game a little.

Here is the first article.  It's a video of the cutest little boy ever that shows college guys how to be gentlemen.  And it really is the cutest video.  This little guy was without a doubt raised right and though he may be young he is going to make one lucky lady very happy one day.

The second article is a little longer.  It gives a list of qualities that a real southern gentleman should have. However, it also goes into detail about the awful dating habits of men and women.  It discusses exactly what I said earlier, that women need to stop lowering their standards and men need to try a little harder.  We want to be taken out, wined and dined.  Granted you don't have to spend a ton of monday on us, but don't slack off especially after a few months into the relationship.  Sure, you might have impressed us on the first date, enough to go on a second and maybe even put a label on our relationship, but there should be many more dates after that.  Simply put: the romance should never stop.

So try a little harder guys, I promise it'll be worth it for us all in the long run.

This is my southern gent and I on Valentines Day 2014

38 Signs You're From North Caronlina

Since I'm not originally from North Carolina, some of the things on this list came as a surprise to me.  Only some though.  Even though I'm from Maryland, my mom is originally from North Carolina so big family dinners with greens, ham and beans have been apart of my life since I could eat solid foods.  I already knew I was a tarheel fan, GO HEELS! I already knew the Wagon Wheel song, and loved it, and sweet tea and Cheerwine... I've been drinking them for years now.  But when it comes to barbecues and pig pickins', I had no idea something so simple could be so delicious.  It blew my mind, all the different types of sauces, vinegar based and ketchup based, how did I live without these before?

One thing I discovered upon moving to North Carolina is Bojangles.  Talk about AMAZING.  I eat it way to much for my own good.  However, I'll always choose bagels over biscuits and football over ACC basketball.  When it comes to snow, I mean, come on I'm from the north one inch of snow is nothing to me.  I remember every winter at least getting a foot every once and a while but hey, one inch of snow here and they close everything down? I'll take it.

Looking at this list, I would absolutely love to visit the Grove Park Inn during gingerbread house season, I would love to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the leaves changes beautifully during the fall, and Christmas Town USA? I need to go there as soon as possible.

Without a doubt there's so much more I have yet to experience living in beautiful North Carolina, but living in Charlotte and soon to be moving to Wilmington, I can only imagine what else this state, and the south in general, has to offer and I can't wait to share my experiences.

"Because it’s home, and even with some of the more backwards aspects of it at times, it truly is fantastic and beautiful and has the best people ever."

So here’s to you, North Carolina. Thanks for being awesome.

Misty Copeland: She takes the cake

Growing up as a dancer, going to classes 4 days a week for hours on end is beyond stressful but when it's something you love to do the stress doesn't even matter.  Ever since I was little I dreamed about becoming a dancer and soloist for ABT (American Ballet Theater) but that dream was quickly taken away from me by injury and huge life changes.  Misty Copeland has faced adversity not only with her body and image but with her ethnicity as well and she has done more than over come it.

This is why she is my mentor.

Misty just recently wrote a memoir called, "Life In Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina" which talks all about her unique story.  She has been very open and willing to tell her story about how she became a part of history by becoming the third black female soloist in the history of the American Ballet Theatre.  It's truly amazing and inspiring, I'd really recommend reading it if you can.  You can tell just by reading bits and pieces of her memoir that she really opened up about her past.  She wants people to know why she is the way she is, why she made certain choices and most of all, she wants people to be able to relate to her.

Being the first black female soloist for the American Ballet Theater in over 20 years takes an incredible amount of talent, hard work, determination, style and grace, which just scratches the surface of reasons why she is my mentor.  In my mind, when she talks about how despite all of her struggles, ballet is the one thing that got her through everything, I completely understand, though she's gone through way more than I have. Ballet is something that uses movement to express emotions that words cannot. 

Sites y'all should read

Elite Daily

Elite Daily is without a doubt the best online destination for aspiring men and women alike.  It is the first true editorial product that appeals to the entertainment and news aspects that “Generation Y” is all about.  Started in 2011, it’s no wonder Elite Daily’s articles resonate so well with today’s youth with  its combination of realness and it’s extensive scope of coverage.  This site sees anywhere from 120 to 150 stories cross the home page every day.  These stories can be about anything ranging from news to dating and entertainment, to humor and even motivational articles.  Readers are rarely ever disappointed with the articles published on this site no matter the subject matter, and just about anyone can relate to them. 

Audience

Two Words: Generation Y.  Elite Daily’s articles mainly appeal to men and women who fall into this generational category.  Usually in their late teens, early twenties.  Youthful people with a love for learning about entertainment news, national hard-hitting news or just those who need motivation or reassurance.

Pinterest

In just the past couple of years Pinterest has exploded into a site that everyone has to be a part of.  It’s one of the fastest growing social networking sites today, since it’s launch in 2010.  Pinterest is all about collecting and sharing all the different things you find on the internet.  Anything can be found on this website from Do It Yourselves’ (DIY’s) to beauty and fitness inspirations to some of the most delicious recipes found anywhere, all from links upon links connected to different blogs.  Although, just about anything can be found on the internet today, the creators of Pinterest want users to think of it as a “digital bulletin board” or “scrapbook” for collecting the vast amount of things found online. 

Audience

Pinterest has seen some of its largest growth from businesses and retailers all over the world.  However, women of all ages, hold most the most user accounts, but nothings to stop men from enjoying it just as much. 

Charlotte Observer

As the Carolina’s most visited news and information website, launched in 1996, the online edition of The Charlotte Observer provides extensive and hard-hitting national news, sports, entertainment, and classifieds.  It never fails to provide readers with local news, feature articles and even popular blogs and columns from local authors.

Audience

Charlotte Observer serves people of any age and at any stage of life all over the state of North Carolina, their certainly not just limited to Charlotte.

Southern Living

Southern Living rejoices in the best of life in the South.  Southernliving.com is the number one online resource for people who love every aspect of the Southern lifestyle.  It provides readers with wonderful national and local news, feature articles, and blogs on nothing but the best Southern food, gardens, home design, travel and healthy living (which is hard to believe with all the fried foods featured on the site).  Southern Living is the must-see readers guide to one of the most beautiful aspects of life in the United States.  This site is packed to the rim with tips, tricks, ideas, not to mention videos and so much other interactive content, it’s promise is to deliver the best of the South right to you.

Audience

Southern Living has more than 15 million devoted readers, most of which are women between the ages of 25-60 who live and breathe Southern hospitality, no matter where they may live.

What’s Up? Magazine

One of the Annapolis, Maryland area’s premiere publications, What’s Up? Mag online sheds more light on events, entertainment, and dining for the past, present and future Anapolitan.  Readers can find anything from health, shopping, dining, arts and entertainment to what’s the news in the local communities.  Every trendy Anapolitan finds a way to read this magazine whether it’s online or subscribing their print publications.  What’s Up? Mag shares opinions on just about anything especially at the Best of What’s Up annual gala, and it’s not something readers want to miss.

Audience

Everyone who reads What’s Up? Mag is undoubtedly a stylish and trendy Anapolitan no matter what age, male or female.  It’s a magazine that appeals to all audiences.