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Are you the type of consumer who upgrades their smartphone every couple of years or earlier? If so, you’re an early tech adopter who welcomes new gadgets with open arms (and you probably budget for the ever increasing price of our beloved handheld devices.) On the other hand, if you’re the type of person that only upgrades when necessary, you are probably clinging on to your iPhone 5…or 4?

The iPhone 7 released earlier this month. After a lot of speculation on the new generation, you have probably noticed your news feeds cluttered with mixed messages about its reception. With Apple pressing to increase sales, their campaign to build excitement has been evident this year.

www.apple.com

However, the release of this generation left many confused and distrustful of this year’s new iPhone. Despite a new list of updates such as its water resistance, impressive camera lens, and stereo, some things didn’t go over too well with consumers.

Arguably, the most notable change was the elimination of the headphone jack and the introduction of the wireless Bluetooth powered AirPods. The issue is that people who look forward to new Apple products are typically introduced to an addition rather than a subtraction from the design of the phone. Apple didn’t appeal to logos enough by convincing consumers that taking away the outlet feature is actually an advancement. They could have framed this “too much too soon” move by emphasizing that this change is leading up to something beyond what we know now- a completely wireless world.

“From the start we designed Lightning [iPhones charging portal] to be a great digital audio connector,” said Apple’s marketing chief Philip Schiller. His justification for Apple’s decision was one word: “Courage.” Instead, the former comment which attempted to appeal more to pathos doesn’t give consumers total confidence in the switch.

Ethos driven statements lacked in the company’s announcements and explanation of the new iPhone. It was unclear why they are “fixing” something that in our eyes isn’t broken. Regardless, if you are adamant about using your headphones and want the new phone, you can use the Lightning adapter. The catch? You can’t charge and plug up to listen to audio at the same time.

Josh Edelson/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

If you’re Team Apple and have the iPhone 6/6s, tech experts don’t think you should feel an urgency to buy into this next generation. If its time to upgrade, this may be the best time to take the plunge (no pun intended…because the iPhone 7 is water resistant.) What do you think about the move to wireless and parting ways with your headphones? Could you justify upgrading?

-Laura Rojas ’17

 

Social media usage has skyrocketed over the past decade, and it seems now that everyone is on at least one social media platform. What most social media users are not aware of however is the fake news epidemic that has been plaguing all forms of social media, especially Facebook and Twitter. Many users are unaware that they are reading fraudulent news and accept it as fact, causing massive shifts in popular belief. For instance, last month, Facebook promoted a fictitious news leak reporting that Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly had been fired from her position for supporting Hillary Clinton in the ongoing presidential campaign. Another, more laughable, example is depicted below.

Recently, Facebook and Twitter, joined a group of over 30 companies that have banded together in the fight against illegitimate news stories, and this coalition is titled First Draft. They define themselves as “experts sharing top tips and training in handling eyewitness media”. On their site they outline how to spot these fraudulent articles, fun ways to train your mind to spot them, and trending fake news.

These stories are often successful through their use of the rhetorical appeals ethos, pathos, and logos. They develop ethos through the impersonation of ethical and credible sources, such as major news outlets. They then utilize pathos in the hopes that your emotional response will cause you to overlook the fraud, most commonly harping on fear.  These articles also exhibit logos, as they must create a logical enough argument to convince the reader it is factual. In an attempt to help cut down on the impact these stories have on a daily basis, here are some helpful tips on spotting phony news stories on your social media feed.

• Check the date: Many fake news stories have been around for some time yet continue to circulate as new audiences view and repost the story, so make sure you investigate the links associated and manually check when the original story was posted.
• Look at multiple hosts: A common way to spot these news articles is to look at where the popular sites that host them get their information. When a multitude of these popular sites post the same breaking news and all of them only cite the same original source, it’s time for some vetting.
• Beware of Fear Mongering: Often times fake news will spread quickly due to fear of a recent outbreak or disaster, such as the Ebola outbreak of 2014 where various stories emerged falsely reporting the spread of the virus.
• Examine source URLs: Some of these stories may seem credible as they appear to be provided by major news outlets. However, upon looking more closely, users will often notice the URLs are spoofs and not to be trusted.
• Check the Images: Many fake news posts use convincing images to mislead readers, but a quick reverse image search (https://www.tineye.com/) can unveil any falsified imagery.
• Scrutinize the Geographic Location: The last tip in this list asks that you consider the geographical location the story takes place, as many of falsified reports tend to originate from locations where news reports can be difficult to corroborate.

 

– Daniel Walsh

Over the last few weeks, The Washington Post has undergone an ongoing investigation on the Trump Foundation where they have found numerous violations. These possible violations are against IRS law, and appear to show various incorrect tax paperwork forms and even charity money being used to buy items for Trump himself. Donald Trump’s charity and his boasting of self-funding for his campaign have been a major part of his self marketing in the political race, and a big reason why many have come to like him. But with these recent allegations of fraud his credibility as a presidential candidate can potentially be harmed.

 (Donald speaking during a recent campaign rally in Wilmington, Ohio. Photo courtesy of the Washington Post)

Last week, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced his office had launched an ongoing investigation on the Donald J. Trump Foundation to see if the non-profit is “complying with the laws governing charities in New York” (Wilkie, Huffington Post).  This is not the first time Schneiderman has come into contact with Trump allegations, his first accusation came in 2013 against Trump University.  The university was being ran illegally according to New York education law. “We have a law against running an illegal unlicensed university. This never was a university. The fraud started with the name of the organization (Trump University)” said Schneiderman, it was“A fraud from beginning to end”.

(Trump stands proud next to his self proclaimed university’s logo. Photo courtesy of motherjones.com)

This is also not the first time the IRS has been involved with Trump’s business. In 2013 Pam Bondi, a Florida Attorney General, was considering an investigation under Trump University because of promises the university gave to students about classes that never existed, and refunds that were not given back to enrolled students. Coincidentally in 2014 Donald held a $3,000 per person fundraiser for Bondi in Trump’s Palm Beach mansion. This PR stunt by Trump was used not only to gain money towards Bondi’s campaign, but to also shed light and influence more popularity towards Donalds contribution to the Republican Party in Florida before his upcoming presidential campaign. Donald and his daughter, Ivanka, became Bondi’s biggest campaign funders as well, donationg hundreds of thousands of dollars to Bondi and the Florida Republican party.  The IRS became involved because Trump used his charity foundation to make a political contribution to the Florida General Attorney. Trump was charged only $2,500 by the IRS for this illegal contribution.

(Trump and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. Photo courtesy of the Miami Herald)

This sort of potential political bribing is contradictory to the Trump  campaigns rhetorical approach on self-funding and no outside source funding from political figures. This history of sketchy business schemes Trump handles has been pressed by the media for a long time, and it comes in no surprise that another investigation has come up into play amongst Trump’s charity foundation. During the investigation the Post was able to find that the Trump Foundation has been receiving donations from charities, writing his name on the check and sending it to another charity. This has allowed him to donate without much of his own money at all. The Trump Foundation “is a charity that allowed a rich man to be philanthropic for free” the Washington Post stated. In fact, it was found that Trump has not donated his own money to his namesake foundation since 2008 (Drew Griffin, CNN). In an article written by Harper Neidig on the Hill, the Trump foundation was also found to have been funneling money to fulfill promises made by Trump on his reality TV show “The Apprentice”. It is said that NBC donated $500,000 in 2012 to cover Trump’s “personal” contributions he pledged on air.

Throughout US history, there have been allegations and stories on corrupt politicians. And Donald Trump is not the only politician to blame here. It always seems to me that the rhetoric in politicians gets lost once money is involved, and they are able to get out of trouble because of the money they obtain and the power they have achieved. As free people of the United States we need to question the ethos and logos of these leaders, and find the truth in their political motivation. This year’s 2016 presidential campaign is one of the most important and controversial elections of our generation’s time. How can we make sure we vote for the most credible and valuable commander in chief for our country? Question those who think they know the answers, and we will make sure America stays as great as it has always been.

Comment below and let us know how you feel about this investigation and upcoming election!

-Chad Greenberg

As you probably know thanks to Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter- New York Fashion Week just wrapped up.  With the biggest names in the industry incorporating new ways of doing shows to stand out, there were a few highlights you should know about. Many brands used emotional and metaphorical concepts to inspire their audiences. They also raised awareness about current issues going on in America today.  What better platform to use other than the show stopping runways of New York City?

Christian Siriano, former “Project Runway” star and world renowned designer, turned heads on Saturday.  He featured five plus sized models in his pieces that night. He told Today Style, “I just wanted to have different sizes. That’s all it was. But it’s great that it made such an impact; that’s awesome. I’m glad people were excited. I really didn’t think people would even think about it!” High fashion is typically known for only using size 0 and 2 women on the runways. Most American women don’t measure up to that size, it is refreshing Siriano showcases that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

 

J. Crew also kept it real at their show featuring their classic style and “models” who were all friends, family, and co-workers of the brand.  Everyone who walked were of all shapes, races, and ages.  One model in particular that stood out was one J. Crew’s stylists Jenny Kang who was 7 months pregnant. In a recent J. Crew Instagram caption, Somsack the head of women’s design, said, “We were inspired by the real people who wear J. Crew.  People in the office, friends, family, who all bring the clothes to life through their own personal style.  And we wanted to honor that by doing the show with them, which is something that feels very us. And just is kind of fun.”

 

Another standout designer from Mondays shows was Anniesa Hasibbuann. Her collection made NYFW history since every model wore a full hijab. Gorgeous pastel and metallic kimonos, wraps, and pants in her collection.  In her Instagram post she said she got the inspiration for her line, D’Jakarta,  from the cultural, colorful, and vibrant world of the Capital of Indonesia. Hasibbuann told CNN, “I am so proud and thankful for everyone on the team who helped me so this event could happen, and I am thankful to international and local media from Indonesia for exposing my show. I did not realize the result can be this amazing, and I am thrilled and humbled by the welcome reaction given.”

 

Of course we did not forget the 15 year anniversary of our county’s most tragic event and neither did NYFW.  Celebrities and fashion icons bowed their heads or stood in remembrance for heroes and loved ones that lost their lives on 9/11.  At the Erin Fetherston show, the designer gave thanks and honor to the city by writing in her program, “And much love to the ultimate dream maker, the incredible city of New York. In your honor, we will be donating a portion of our sales to the 9/11 Memorial Fund.”

New York Fashion Week never fails to surprise audiences and make a statement on and off the runway. Hopefully we will continue to see the fashion industry incorporate diversity and American culture in its shows. Let us know what you think about NYFW in the comments below.

-Madeline Therrell

 

Credits: Christian Siriano, J. Crew, Anniesa Hasibuan, 9/11 article

 

 

Our university is one of those colleges that people from all over the country attend – Colorado, Oregon, California, Texas, the Midwest, the Northern New England states, and, of course, the south. We each have our own favorite football team that we take pride in and cheer for each week. We each have our own clique; whether you’re involved in Greek life, campus ministry, if you surf, or spend your time learning photography or studying film, you have it. You have your niche; you have your people. And those different groups, different peoples, they make up a body. We are all united by a common ground, a foundation. We are teal. We are the Seahawks. We find a shared meaning in that. It’s how we cultivate shared virtues that define and shape our community. We’ve grown our campus of yellow and teal over time through relationships and form a bond in those places.

With that I encourage you, whatever year you are, embrace the experience. Stop and look around. Take it in. Embrace the community of this university. This phase of life is special and sacred; you’re caught in the moments of “I can do anything, I’m so ready for the real world,” while still sometimes needing to hear your mom comfort you on the other side of the phone. We’re still kids and yet adults. We’re still learning and growing and embracing who we’re becoming.

So, listen to that band playing in the amphitheater because chances are they’re actually really good. Stop and laugh at Brother Ross (don’t lie, we’ve all done it), engage him in a debate. Paint the rock. Spend the night in the library because you didn’t begin to study for your test until the day before. Walk to class in a hurricane. Go to all of the athletic games and loudly cheer on the players. Take a picture with Sammy the Seahawk. Run through campus and down chancellors at night when the lamps are on. I guarantee it’s more breathtaking than you realize.

Go to the beach at 3:00 in the morning with your roommates and admire the stars. Write a letter and put it in the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox. Get Kilwins and eat it on the river walk. Form a relationship with your professors because they have more resources than you will when you graduate and if you’ve formed a relationship with them and push through their classes intently, they will be willing to help you come graduation.

UNCW is where you grow from that nervous freshman to the confident, empowered (yet still nervous) senior with graduation in the near future. Take pride in our school. Your school. Take pride in UNCW. Take pride in where you came from and where you had those life-changing, gut-wrenching, absolutely beautiful moments. When you leave this campus with your diploma, cap and gown, whether that’s in a semester or three and a half more years, teal will be engraved on your heart. The Seahawk emblem will be engrained in your mind and, love it or hate it, you will find yourself taking pride in UNCW because it’s where you became someone ready to take on the world.

-Kaity Bryant ’17

Making the most of your time is always the best option. The clock is constantly ticking, and as the clock is ticking you are losing more and more time. Time has always been of the essence, dating back to the Greek mythology times when “Kairos” was introduced. Kairos “refers to the opportune time and/or place–that is, the right or appropriate time to say or do the right or appropriate thing.” We thought this was relevant especially for college students. It is so important to make sure you prioritize your time in order to get the most out of your college experience. Here are five ways to make the most of your semester!

1. Join a student organization

The time is now. The time to join something, be a part of something, belong to something. I’m sure at least one person told you before you began your freshman year of college to “get involved” once you arrived on campus. Well, as seniors, we have found enormous value in this advice and can assure you that working with a student org will make your semester more enjoyable. Luckily for you, UNCW houses 270+ student organizations, and it’s only the second week of September – the PERFECT time to join something new, whether it be academic, Greek life, performing arts, sports, service, or special interest related. By joining a student organization, you can make new friends, have great opportunities to grow personally and professionally, and have fun! So don’t wait – take action to join TODAY!

http://giphy.com/search/get-involved

2. Go to an event

Remember in your freshman seminar class when you had to go to x amount of on-campus events? Musical concerts, academic lectures, all kinds of fairs? There was good reason behind the attempt to get freshmen out there. UNCW’s campus is chock full (also, chalked full) of all kinds of events. Go to a concert, academic lecture, speaking event, or a production put on by ACE – the university’s student programming board. Broaden your horizons, learn something new, meet new people. Once the moment (or event) passes, it’s gone. So take advantage of all the great things happening on your college campus, get out of the apartment, and GO!

http://giphy.com/search/go-on

3. Enjoy the weather while it lasts

Being in Wilmington gives us a certain advantage when it comes to weather. Wilmington is notorious for its perfect weather, especially the months leading into fall. Its that time of year when tourist season starts to fizzle out and things become much less hectic. With tourist season being over, going to the beach and having your own space is finally a possibility! This is the time to take advantage of this gorgeous weather we are given most days here in Wilmington.

Head to Wrightsville Beach and visit a local surf shop so you can rent a bike and enjoy the breeze and grab a coffee or special treat while doing so. Fortunately, the water stays warm through November so if you’re able to, make sure to hit those waves without the crowd!

If watersports are not your thing, dust off those old rollerblades and drive to Carolina Beach for a nice scenic area that is perfect for rollerblading (and it’s a free workout, right?). There are so many things to do here in Wilmington so make sure to get outside and play before the chilly months sneak up on us!

4. Take advantage of the student rec center

The land of all-nighters, non-stop studying, and some of the best parties you will ever experience, college can make it quite hard to find the time to exercise. Luckily for you, it’s not too late to stop by and utilize all of what UNCW’s Student Recreation Center has to offer! For starters, the Fitness Center houses 114 pieces of cardio equipment, alongside nearly 10,000 square feet of strength and conditioning equipment – all of which includes free weights, Olympic lifting platforms, and much more! View the Rec Center as a positive addition to your college experience, not something that is going to suck up all of your free time. With over 20 classes to choose from, begin by incorporating group exercise programs into your daily routine. Make new friends by joining one of the many sports clubs or intramural teams the Rec Center has to offer, such as basketball, volleyball and indoor soccer. Need to kill some time in between classes? Play a few rounds of racquetball, run a couple laps on the indoor track, or utilize the Rec Center’s climbing wall, standing 28 feet tall. Just 30 minutes of exercise can make all the difference. There’s something for everyone, so spend your time wisely!

http://giphy.com/gifs/gym-working-out-arrested-development-gif-QRUwaxAxYRl4Y

5. Reward yourself

The above tips are great, of course, but we all know there will come a point in the semester when things start to slip through the cracks. You’ll forget an assignment, or your detail-oriented, completely organized and color-coded, daily planner will get soaked at the bottom of your backpack after an unexpected storm. Some days will not go as planned; sometimes you will miss the mark. So, reward yourself after accomplishing a goal – even a small task during a stressful week.

Luckily, many great places in Wilmington offer fun opportunities to relieve stress. Jump around with friends at Defy Gravity on College Night (every Thursday). Take a walk downtown. Treat yourself to a late-night order from Insomnia Cookies. We often feel there are not enough hours in the day, but taking time for an important break can do wonders.

http://giphy.com/search/cookie

 

Source: http://grammar.about.com/od/il/g/kairosterm.htm

UNC Wilmington can be classified as the perfect sized school. It’s small enough so that when you’re walking on Chancellors you run into people you know. But it’s also large enough that you can meet someone new almost every day. One thing that doesn’t go with the size would be the parking. Whether you are a Freshman or a Senior at UNCW, one thing is for certain, you have most likely had an issue with UNCW parking. Here are some UNCW Parking moments that almost every student (and even staff members) can relate to.

1. When the school year starts and you think you can save some money by not buying a parking pass

2. But then you get your first ticket and realize you can’t pull one over on “the man”

3. When you pay $300 for a pass but still get one of the worst parking lots on campus

4. And realize you can’t find a spot so that said $300 parking pass is thus pointless

5. When you have to race to get a good spot in the library parking lot, especially during exam week

6. That small predator moment where you feel like a shark, circling the parking lot, to find a spot 

   

7. And then you spot someone walking towards their car so you slowly stalk them to their spot 

    

   

8. Having a nice new parking lot built (shwartz) but not being able to park there
9. And having a nice new parking deck built but not being able to park there, either

10. Unless you want to pay for a $480 premium pass

11. There being no cut-thrus on campus so you have to drive all the way around to get to a parking lot that was right next to your building

12. And no matter where you park you’ll be walking at least a mile to any of your classes. 

    

13. Which means being drenched from head to toe in sweat in the spring and summer months.

 

14. When you inevitably get a ticket so you have to go crying to auxiliary services 

    

15. But you know you have to pay or the next time it’s a boot

I’m sure UNCW realizes that our current parking situation isn’t the best it can be. When it comes to rhetoric and UNCW parking, their persuasion comes from their parking pass options. The more you pay and the more credits you have, the better the chance of getting a pass at a nice parking lot. They use IMC as well when creating more “pay for parking” areas along with the cheaper “park and ride” parking pass option. They communicate to students the understanding of a need for closer or cheaper parking and do their best to solve these options. Their use of logos over pathos in most situations is eminent as well. Logic for parking dictates, if you park in the wrong spot you will get a ticket. If you park in the lot that is assigned to you with your pass you will not be penalized.

While UNCW parking isn’t our best friend at times, they’re pretty lenient on when you get your first ticket along with pointing out where you can and cannot park. In the case of all the listed stresses above, there will always be flaws in system. But at this point in time, we have to work with what we’ve got. May the odds be ever in you favor