August 2010

BLURB BLURB BLURB THE TOUGHEST

BLURB BLURB GIRLSBLURB IN TOWN

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WELCOME TO THE WORLDBLURB OF ROLLER DERBY BLURB BLURB HOW TO BEAT THE HEAT

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DELICIOUS DRINKS (and where to get them!)

AN INTERVIEW WITH ANCHOR TATTOO AUGUST 2010

BLVD AUGUST 2010

AUGUST 2010

Executive Director SARAH MADEBACH Assistant Director KATIE HART Creative Media Director PR Director Assistant PR Director Social Media Director

KELLYN EVANS KATIE HART MORGAN INGRAM LAUREN CLELAND

Production Coordinator KAMILAH LEWIS Executive Assistant AUSTIN DEFOOR Public Relations and Events IVEY HAMBY ASHLEY TANKS Advertising and Sales MATT CHEIJ ASHLEY SWEENEY Style Interns RACHEL BABIN CHRISTOPHER BENTON GEOFFREY BROWN KATE DAVIS JEFFERSON HOPKINS HOLLY JONES MEGAN KLUTTZ TIA NICOLAE Editorial Interns KATE DAVIS MYREDITH GONZALEZ ANNA HARMS MEGAN KLUTTZ ALEXANDRA LAING JESSICA ROBERTS LILLY WORKNEH ALINA YUDKEVICH Design Interns CATE HUGHES NATHAN PAK ASHLEY UDELL Photography Interns RENEE AYLWORTH CHELSEA GOFF MELISSA HARWARD JACQUELYNE PIERSON Web Interns JESSICA ROBERTS ALINA YUDKEVICH Cinematographers CAEL OLSEN RYAN PANNELL Production Assistant MEREDITH JONES

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BLVD AUGUST 2010

04 10 14 18 20 2641 32 46 4470

SUMMER SUITS ART: A SCIENCE FROM FARM TO TABLE HERBAL COCKTAILS SILKY SCREENING VENICE IS SINKING CLOCKED SHELTER TEN THINGS 3

A LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR...

Dear BLVD readers,

Welcome to BLVD’s August 2010 issue. The BLVD

arts exhibition aspires to promote the importance

upscale consignment shop, P.S. Too. Get there early

café in Brooklyn, N.Y.’s Park Slope neighborhood, I am

unique bus shelters placed in major transportation

ing August 28 at The Classic Center. Guests are en-

ter, BLVD stylists are influenced by the personality of

dance like there is no tomorrow. All proceeds benefit

team is thrilled to bring you what we believe is our

best issue yet. As I sit to write this letter in a corner

puzzled by my overwhelming sense of calm. I wonder how it is possible to feel more at ease in a bustling city like New York than in the sleepy summer town

like Athens. I imagine many Athenians have felt the

burden of this notion – the need to simply get away.

To that end, this issue celebrates rejuvenation of the town as the late summer months wane and fall creeps into our vocabulary.

Get to know the people behind Anchor Tattoo and

The Classic City Roller Girls in our profiles this month.

Each group is bringing something fresh to this com-

munity. The men behind Anchor Tattoo incorporate their artistic roots into their tattoo design aesthetic.

Learn how David Hale, Dustin Hill and Nash Hogan

are contributing their individual inspirations and tastes to the tattoo scene in Athens. The chicks behind The Classic City Roller Girls are establishing a

brand new niche in Athens. The CCRG invited BLVD into one of their practices to see what goes down when they let the good times roll.

This month in style, we celebrate the blending

of fashion and design. The Athens Area Arts Council

teamed up with Athens-Clarke County and Athens Transit to create You, Me and the Bus II. The public

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BLVD AUGUST 2010

of “utilitarian public services with artistic ingenuity

and inspiration” by commissioning artists to create arteries in Athens. Each bus shelter’s design is inspired by the context of its location. In Give Me Shelfour out of eight bus shelters. They assembled looks

that aim to enhance the artists’ meaning behind each piece.

In this issue, be inspired by BLVD’s Athens Bucket

List. We encourage you to create your own. Build

your own chilly soup concoction a la Myredith Gonza-

les’ Red Gazpacho recipe. Tap your productivity gene by designing a Creative Workspace. Alina Yudkevich gives you the tools to successfully organize your life.

Finally, grab your beau or lady friend and head to the gym. Nail down your own Workout Wednesday. Anna

Harms shows you simple exercises meant to be per-

formed in twos. The following regimens not only re-

sult in overall health and wellness, but may also turn up the heat in your relationship.

Be sure to check out what else is happening in

August. BLVD continues our support of Project Safe by collaborating with Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar

on August 5th to bring you P.S. It’s Happy Hour. Help

BLVD fight for their cause by bringing gently used clothing to this event to be donated to Project Safe’s

and sip on a BLVD Betty free of charge. Another event

worth noting is Project Safe’s Groovy Nights happen-

couraged to arrive decked out in 1970’s garb. Bid in their auction, compete in the costume contest and

Project Safe’s cause to educate and empower the victims of domestic violence. Join BLVD and the amazing

people behind Project Safe at both events and help fight the war against domestic abuse.

ON THE COVER...

As always, BLVD wants to connect with you. Post

your thoughts, inspirations and fancies on our Face-

book. Tell us what you are up to – shoot us a tweet.

Give us a tip via foursquare. We are genuinely interested. Check BLVD’s website often for the latest in

Athens news and culture. We are excited for the return of Athens Popfest. Follow BLVD’s web coverage of the festival the week of August 10-14.

I hope your summer vacations were enjoyable and

refreshing experiences. Now that you are rested, it is

time to get back to where you once belonged. Welcome back, Athens.

Enjoy the issue,

Sarah Madebach

Executive Director of BLVD

On this month’s cover, we feature the Classic City Roller Girls. From right to left: Rudy Huxtabrawl, Mosh-ya Brady, and Chokecherry (awesome). Read more about them on page 31.

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LOOKS SELECTED BY KATE DAVIS FETISH

MARGOT MINX

PITAYA

MCCOLLEY’S

FLAUNT

ENCORE

MCCOLLEY’S

FLIRT

It’s a familiar and foreboding scene: a skyline of empty

While we are quick to point the finger at procrastination (the ubiquitous

coffee cups litters a landscape of dirty dishes that lie beneath dark fruit fly clouds. Post-It notes, crumbled and illegible, cover the empty wall spaces that are otherwise plastered with crinkled magazine cutouts and beer posters from the early ‘90s. Nothing about this display is evocative of your personality. It smells of sour milk.

You simply cannot be blamed for not getting anything done here.

1)Organize.

This part is so basic we considered leaving it out,

killer of productivity), it may be more worthwhile to

but its implementation is paramount. A workspace,

much time as possible, performing other vital tasks

spreading themselves out. Invest in a desktop orga-

ask what causes it. Certainly, a common first instinct

in the face of an unending to-do list is to waste as

in that time such as watching Internet videos of clumsy animals. However, small and concrete changes in

something as seemingly unimportant as one’s workspace can make a dramatic impact on the things that

get done there –be it homework or an artistic masterpiece –and this guide will do its best to show you how.

by definition, has many things in its vicinity that are used for work, and office supplies have a way of

nizer as well as drawer organizers for things you do

not need constant access to. A desktop shelf for larger items such as books can also completely change a

once-chaotic climate and leave maximum room for your notebook or laptop.

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY ALINA YUDKEVICH

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BLVD AUGUST 2010

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2)Decorate ...and not in the store-bought Pier 1 Imports way,

either. Surround your work area with items that are

aesthetically interesting or even curious; thrift store

4)Create ambience.

The link between sense and associative memory

frames used to house modern prints, homemade

is one based in science, and incorporating that as a

kaasu.org/rasterbator). Living (or convincingly fake)

your study/art/writing aroma, and tell yourself that

stencils, or even a wall-sized version of your favorite photograph (create one for free at http://homo-

florals in the right display can also reframe a space for the better. For more art ideas, check out Megan Kluttz’s article on the BLVD website.

3)Inspire.

Sometimes even the most mundane of tasks beg for

a reminder of greatness in the form of other people’s

weapon against procrastination seems prudent indeed. Establish a scented candle or stick of incense as anytime it is lit, you must work. The connection also

works with flavors, particular lamps, lotions or perfumes, and so forth. Be creative in your selection and the creativity you produce will follow.

5)Isolate.

Think of what impedes and nourishes your ef-

achievements. If you are using that mahogany desk

ficiency, and remove it or augment it, respectively,

up every now and then to take in a whiff of that old

a program that disallows access to specific websites

to finally finish penning that novella, stack your shelf with antique books. Don’t be ashamed to open them

book smell or, hey, maybe even read them in their obscurity. Similarly, a giant dry erase or bulletin board

covered in your favorite literary quotes can serve as

where you work. If your ability to surf the Web and

chat with friends is the demon in question, download for an allotted period of time. SelfControl for Mac OS

comes recommended. Alternatively, if you can easily

recall instances in which you spewed out works of poetic genius over a Frappuccino, recreate that setting to the best of your ability. Having a cup of coffee,

tea or even an espresso machine at hand may be just the right touch, and it will lay to rest the excuses that

suggest more work would be done if you just packed

up your things and mosied to Starbucks. Needless relocation wastes time and goes hand in hand with further excuses.

As it has been shown, getting down to

business can often be a matter of manipulating the right variables at the right time. Possessing in your own room an area where you know work will be done no matter what it is or what state of mind you happen

to be in is a privilege long since ignored, whether out of disbelief over its existence or a denial of its importance. Make your workspace your own and you will

find yourself spending less wasted time, as well as less gas money on trips to places you had once convinced yourself you could never recreate at home. n

the whip on the back of writer’s block. Change up the letter size or word orientation and you’ve got yourself one visually pleasing quote board. If it’s that art

project you are having trouble starting or finishing, try to stock your workspace with the supplies you would be using on it. The sight of a goblet filled with

paintbrushes and a bottle of turpentine will act as a

handy visual reminder. On that note, the supplies you

display do not even have to be functional; think archaic quills or ornate brushes long past their prime.

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O O T T A T R O H ANC

’S

DUSTIN HILL, NASH HOGAN, and DAVID HALE, the owners of ANCHOR TATTOO, have their own opinions on what makes a tattooing experience PLEASURABLE or EXCRUCIATING. When asked for their definitions of the best and worst customers, Hill laughs. “That’s a good one,” he said.

opening show was our own work but from now on

that, and basically lets you do what you want.”

his seemingly tattoo-inspired watercolor paintings,

“The best customer would be someone that actually

looks at your work and style and picks you because of The worst customer? “Someone that thinks they

know everything about tattooing when they don’t,”

Hale said. “They have these ideas of grandeur that just aren’t possible.” They also both emphasize, “And they don’t sit still!”

Anchor Tattoo and Gallery – located at 660 Broad

Street in Athens – is (unsurprisingly) covered in art.

Along with psychedelic portraits of Jimi Hendrix there are detailed, patterned pictures of savage animals in the entryway. Music is playing, and while it

definitely has an edge, it is still relaxing, not like some tattoo shops that blast nothing but jarring metal. The entire feel of the place is tranquil, which is interesting when you take into account the considerable amount of pain that is usually associated with tattooing.

Nash Hogan, one of the owners of the shop, is in

BY JESSICA ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY BY RENÉE ALYWORTH 18

BLVD AUGUST 2010

“We try to rotate out the artists,” said Hogan. “Our

the Anchor Gallery to the left of the entrance. Adorning the walls is art from various local artists, includ-

ing illustrations by Janie Askew and a giant blue piece

by Brian Hitselberger.

we would prefer to have other artists.”

Here in the gallery, Hogan later shows me one of

featuring a beautiful woman with flowers in her hair and the words “Hope for the best, expect the worst.”

Hill and Hale, the other two owners, are hanging

out by the bar area, where an old GE fan is blowing while they talk. The three guys met through Athens

avenues; Hale and Hogan were both art students at

UGA. “David and I were in school together,” said Ho-

gan. “And I used to work at a bar, which is where I met Dustin.”

The three embarked on the idea of opening a tat-

too parlor mainly because, said Hill, “We needed a

place to work and we weren’t happy with our current jobs.” The shop itself was practically built from the ground up by the three artists. “This place wasn’t

even usable for storage space when we started renting it,” Hill said. “There were leaks, the roof was cav-

ing in, and there were about three layers of vinyl and carpet on the floor.”

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Hill has been tattooing since 1998, and Hale has

been tattooing for two years. Hill, the oldest and thus

“...AMERICANA, old-time feel with a decidedly MODERN EDGE.” “It was purple and chrome,” said Hale. “We planned

There are obvious drawbacks to tattooing in a col-

on leaving it and calling the shop ‘Purple Rain’.”

lege town, since students can tend to ask for cliché,

scheme in the shop (blacks, reds, light blues), along

women ask for tramp stamps by name,” said Hale.

Their decision to abandon the “Purple Rain” idea

was a good one. The combination of the simple color with eclectic art and objects like jars lining the windows gives the place an Americana, old-time feel with

a decidedly modern edge. The space is entirely open,

and the tattooists’ stations themselves are relatively

unadorned, even though the surrounding walls are

covered in artwork (much of which is the tattooists’ own). Simple lamps hang from the ceiling, and the anchor theme is carried through to the swinging door

on the end of the bar that separates the tattooing area from the waiting area. Missing are the cheesy tattoo designs that all-too-often are displayed on the walls of most shops. This is real art, and it is obvious that

Hogan, Hill and Hale value their freedom as artists when it comes to tattooing.

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BLVD AUGUST 2010

crappy tattoos and do not necessarily have as much spending money as older folks. “Two times I’ve had

most experienced of the three, works in the “traditional American and traditional Japanese style.” Ho-

gan started apprenticing a little over a year ago, and the experience has impacted his aesthetic. When

asked to describe his style, Hogan’s immediate response is “I’m learning,” although he explains that

he is starting with the Americana-type style that Hill

specializes in, but he wants to work into Victorian illustration in the future. Hale describes his work as “strongly line-based, with some indigenous tribal work and folk styles.” Each tattooer creates unique artwork, and Anchor Tattoo is the perfect place for them to explore their individuality.

Summertime brings other challenges: “There’s a lack

of population, that seasonal aspect here,” said Hale,

in reference to the emptiness that summer brings.

However, Hale appreciates the youthful atmosphere

that Athens embodies. “The nice thing about a college

town is that here you have young people with some sense of creativity,” Hale said. “There’s that influx

that contributes to having culture.” Hill adds that the tattoo community “runs along the same lines as the

music scene” in Athens, with “the same avenues” as musicians and their fans.

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So why go to Anchor Tattoo instead of the bevy of

other tattoo shops in Athens? “We have a sterile practice,” said Hill. “The honest truth is that you can’t get that

everywhere.” Hale also adds that at Anchor Tattoo “We provide a relaxing environment.” Hill goes on to explain

that the people who should come into Anchor Tattoo are

those that “like the type of stuff that we do, who look at our artwork.” Tattoos in the shop are appointment-

based only, and daily numbers of customers can fluctuate between half a dozen to only one or two. “We have no standard here,” said Hale.

This attention to individualization that Anchor Tat-

too embraces – whether it be in terms of the tattoos

“Each tattooer creates unique artwork, and ANCHOR TATTOO is the perfect place for them to explore their individuality.”

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BLVD AUGUST 2010

themselves, or the willingness to individually cater to

patrons, without quotas to meet – has definitely shaped the atmosphere and product that the shop and its art-

ists have to offer. Check out Anchor Tattoo and decide whether a deviation from the norm is right for your next piece of body art. n

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1. ATHENS 2. BUCKET 3. LIST wrITTEN BY mEgAN KLUTTZ PHoToS BY mEgAN KLUTTZ

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BLVD AUGUST 2010

Athens is a city of endless entertainment and fun. There is almost too much to do – between all the bars, concert venues, restaurants, shops and boutiques – and most of those do not even take you out of the downtown area! Your time in Athens should be spent discovering most, if not all, that the Classic City has to offer. You can spend a few days hiking up and down streets, visiting the commonly talked about places between Broad and Prince, and end with a feeling of fulfillment. But why stop there? Some of the best things to do exist in atypical locations. This bucket list will fill your lazy summer days with adventures of discovery and joy.

Head over to Terrapin with a group of friends for an evening

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Did you know that Athens has a zoo? Bear Hollow is a hidden

Wednesday through Saturday, with tours and beer tastings

from 5:30-7:30 p.m. $10- pays for eight beer tickets and your

need to be close to some furry (and scaly, feathery) friends.

Bears, bobcats and a bald eagle are just a few of the diverse

CooL off from A LoNg, HoT dAY AT TErrAPIN BrEwErY of fun and learning (if you want to inject some education into

your summer life). The brewery is open to the public every own personal pint glass. This is an inexpensive alternative to

your usual barhopping. Stay indoors and go on a tour of the

brewery while indulging in your choices from over eight beers, or hang out in the large yard while listening to a local band perform.

How to get there: Head up Barber Street for about five minutes, the

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VISIT gEorgIA’S NATIVE wILdLIfE AT BEAr HoLLow wILdLIfE TrAIL

treasure nestled in Five Points. This is a great place to go on a casual date or go with some of your friends and fulfill your

wildlife with which you can get up close and personal. If you go on a Sunday, you can enter the reptile house and hold snakes, pet owls, and look at tarantulas, turtles and alligators.

How to get there: At the Five Points intersection, take Lumpkin south

(the side where Barberitos is) and then turn left onto Gran Ellen Drive.

Follow the signs and make sure you pay attention to the one-way streets!

name will change to Newton Bridge Road. The brewery is on your left just past Chase Street.

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5

8

go To IKE & JANE NormALTowN CAfé ANd BAKErY ANd do wHAT- BE oNE wITH NATUrE AT THE rIVEr roCK PILE EVEr IT TAKES To gET 10% off A PEANUT BUTTEr & BACoN doNUT IN BEN BUrToN PArK The staff may ask you to impersonate Darth Vader, lasso some-

Amidst the chaos that Athens can provide, finding a beautiful

totally worth it. With a donut assortment of unusual toppings

leads to a small haven, a stack of rocks on a riverbank. Bring

one in line, or order while giving someone a piggyback ride in order to take 10% off your order. But the shenanigans are and flavor combinations, your taste buds will get taken on a delicious adventure.

How to get there: Head west on Prince Avenue for about three minutes and Ike & Jane will be on your left, across the street from Agua Linda.

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EAT AT wHITE TIgEr goUrmET IN THE BoULEVArd dISTrICT

Head over to Hiawasee Avenue for lunch or dinner Tuesday through Saturday for some gourmet food that will not break

the bank. White Tiger caters to vegetarians and meat eaters

alike. Do not leave before indulging in at least one of their

homemade chocolates while you take in the beauty of the onehundred-year-old building and the artwork within it.

How to get there: From Prince Avenue, turn onto Chase Street and head

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Put on your sunglasses and sunhat and walk through the six gardens that span across the 313 acres of this gorgeous area.

4

The lush plant life is a therapeutic change from the asphalt and

go BowLINg ANd ENJoY SomE CoLd BrEwS AT KINgPINS BowL ANd BrEw

swing hidden by the Middle Oconee River next to the gardens.

of retro bowling. Kingpins is the only bowling alley in Athens

brick that you are forced to look at every day. Wear or pack a

bathing suit, because you have to end your strolls at the rope

Grab seven friends and fill up one of the eight lanes for a night

Milledge Avenue, a few minutes past the intersection of the loop. After

down on a juicy burger after working up an appetite. This inti-

How to get there: The State Botanical Gardens is off the south end of

exploring the gardens, head toward the entrance and take the last left before you turn onto Milledge Avenue. Make another right and park in the gravel lot. The trail that leads to the rope swing is the leftmost one.

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BLVD AUGUST 2010

that has a full bar and fully staffed kitchen, so you can chow mate venue also hosts local bands—a triple threat!

How to get there: Kingpins is located in the Homewood shopping center on Prince Avenue right next to the loop.

River, Ben Burton Park provides miles of trails. One of which some beach chairs and enjoy a soothing picnic, surrounded by

the sounds of water falling, birds chirping and the sweet scent of muscadines.

How to get there: Ben Burton Park is off Mitchell Bridge Road. To get to the stack of rocks, follow the entrance trail until you come to a small fork. Take the left split, and stay close to the river until the rocks are revealed.

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SPENd A SATUrdAY or SUNdAY morNINg AT THE J & J fLEA mArKET

You have to experience Georgia’s largest flea market at least

once while you are in Athens. J & J is a melting pot of cultures and wares, with 1500 vendors and five restaurants. Walk

turn right onto Hiawasee, and White Tiger is on your left.

amongst hundreds of tables and you will find toys, clothes,

drINK ANd dANCE A NIgHT AwAY AT AN oUTdoor dANCE PArTY AT fArm 255

eat a cow tongue gordita from one of the two Mexican restau-

toward Boulevard Street. Take a left onto Boulevard and then shortly

ExPLorE THE BEAUTY of THE STATE BoTANICAL gArdENS ANd mAKE A SPLASH from THE HIddEN roPE SwINg AT THE NEArBY rIVEr

place to relax is a necessity. Nestled next to the Middle Oconee

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If you really want to stay in the downtown area, you must take advantage of the temperate summer evenings by partying out-

movies and music, furniture, antiques, live animals and exotic produce. You have to take a break from the cheap shopping and rants.

How to get there: Take Highway 441 North, and the flea market is located on the right at the Newton Bridge Road intersection.

doors instead of getting sloshed and stinky in a crowded, dark bar. The patio outside of Farm 255 offers a great ambience

with stringed lights, picnic tables, and an always happy, more mature crowd. A different local band or DJ entertains every Wednesday through Sunday, so you have ample opportunity and little excuse to forgo Broad and Lumpkin Streets’ bars and head down the west end of Washington Street.

How to get there: find a parking spot on Washington Street, the west

end of Hancock Avenue, or Hull Street if you want your car to be close by. Farm 255 is between The Max Canada and Clocked.

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DATING ON A BUDGET: WORKOUT WEDNESDAY

BY ANNA HARMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEA GOFF

PARTNER EXCERCISES Abs: Twist ‘n Shout

Arms: Passionate Push-Ups

What you need: a medicine ball you can both easily

What to do: Have your partner lie flat on the floor

Hold the medicine ball while your partner waits to

of your partner’s feet. Complete 10 push-ups in this

maneuver (range from 4 to 12 lbs.)

What to do: Stand back to back with your partner.

receive the ball. Twist clockwise, passing the ball to your partner. Go around like this (still in a clockwise

direction) until you have completed 20 repetitions,

or however many each of you is comfortable doing.

and lean over him in a plank position, grasping your

hands together. Have your feet on the floor, outside position. Each time you dip down, go in for a motivational kiss!

Rest for a minute, then complete with 20 repetitions of the twisting motion going counter clockwise.

Legs: That’s So Hip!

W

orking out with your partner not only helps keep

you company, but exercising as a couple is fun and

can help stimulate relational growth. It can be rewarding to help each other gain strength, new skills

and learn a game or sport together. Try this specialized workout routine designed especially for one-on-

one action and exceptional calorie burning. Feel free to incorporate cardio into your exercise routine as well.

Get ready to take your physical relationship to a

new level. Be sure you and your partner stretch thor-

What to do: Lie with your back flat on the ground and

your legs up in the air pressed together. Have your

partner stand above you and hold onto both of your

legs from the inside with both hands just above your ankles. Slowly push your legs apart until you are in

a straddle position without help from your partner.

Pull your legs back together, again without any assistance. The resistance from your partner’s grasp will

provide a challenge for your thigh muscles, strengthening and toning them as you go. Do 10 repetitions.

oughly before any physical activity to avoid pulling

muscles or causing injuries. Stretching close together will help prepare your bodies for the workout and your relationship for an increased bond.

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BLVD AUGUST 2010

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CARDIO Running/Jogging Run on side-by-side treadmills, pedal on stationary bikes located next to each other or go for a jog togeth-

er outside or on an indoor track. Ditch the iPod and headphones and instead encourage and challenge your partner as you run, or, if you can manage it, keep

a conversation going. Bonus: If you tell a good joke, you can burn extra calories!

Swimming

A low-impact and cardio-intensive option: swim together for half an hour and bring out your competitive sides by racing each other.

MAKE A PLAYLIST For those of you who have a difficult time parting

with your beloved iPod, get your heart pumping and

make your ears happy with these upbeat, electro-pop tunes, perfect for playing while the two of you warm up or during your workout. n

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BLVD AUGUST 2010

“My First Kiss (Hollidayrain Remix)” 3OH!3 feat. Ke$ha “Touch Your Toes (Radio Edit)” Armand Van Helden feat. Fat Joe & BL “Love Struck (Dave Aude Mix)” V Factory “Tonight is the Night” Le Click “Good Girl, Bad Boy” JUNIOR SENIOR “Gettin’ Over You” David Guetta feat. Fergie & LMFAO “Shooting Star (Party Rock Mix)” David Rush feat. LMFAO, Pitbull & Kevin Rudolf “Keep Up (Tony Arzadon Remix)” Hyper Crush

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

BY ALEXANDRA LAING

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TEN pAIRS Of SkATES pOuND THE RINk AT THE SOuND Of THE wHISTLE. SOON, THE INDIvIDuAL pLAYERS BEcOME A BLuR Of DREADLOckS, RAINBOw SOckS AND LEGGINGS. THIS BLuR IS DISRupTED BY A MAjOR cOLLISION – A cATAcLYSMIc HIT pREcEDES A THREE-wOMAN pILE-up AND A cHORuS Of “OH’S!” fROM THE BENcH. AS THE “OH’S” DIE DOwN, A SMALLER wOMAN MAkES HER MOvE, BYpASSING THE cARNAGE Of BODIES STRuGGLING TO REGAIN THEIR pOSITIONS. THE SpEEDY pLAYER SHIMMIES pAST THE OTHER BLOckERS AND INTO THE LEAD, A SMILE SHINING BENEATH HER STRIpED HELMET. This is no Friday night middle-school couples skate.

This is roller derby – the cruisin’ for a bruisin’, all-contact, all-female sport as played by the Classic City Roller Girls.

Shelia McAlister, who is better known as Poke A. Dot on the rink, has been skating with the Classic City Roller Girls, or CCRG, from the beginning. In 2006, several women decided to bring derby to Athens. Roller Derby’s second-coming started in Austin, Texas in 2001.

Numerous teams, just like Athens’ own, have popped 32

BLVD AUGUST 2010

up all over the country as a result. The Austin skaters have become known as the “godmothers of the revival,” Poke said. Poke, who still regularly competes in the team’s games, called bouts, is also the league president.

“We do all the work to make the bouts happen,” Poke said, adding that each skater still has to pay to play.

Becoming a roller girl is not simply about paying a fee and joining the league – it is about serious skill.

Before becoming a derby girl, Poke had never been an athlete. More of an intellectual, Poke pushed herself to 33

DERBY DRAwS wOMEN Of ALL SHApES, BAckGROuNDS AND cAREER pATHS, AND THESE DIvERSE TEAMMATES HAvE BEcOME SOMETHING Of LOcAL cELEBRITIES. 34

BLVD AUGUST 2010

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The Classic City Roller Girls have been skating since 2006, when the derby was first introduced to Athens.

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BLVD AUGUST 2010

bout-readiness. Now 40, Poke is in the best shape of her life – practicing with the girls twice a week, and working out with a trainer several times, too. “I’m very much about my head and it’s neat to do something with physicality,” she said.

The physicality is no joke. Bruises and injuries are common in this contact sport of hits, falls and collisions. In each bout, there are a series of jams in which each team has five skaters. There is one jammer on each team and the rest are responsible for blocking. The objective is for the jammer to get out in front of the other team’s blockers. The task may sound simple, but these blockers are not your average damsels in distress. They are women of pure strength, capable of forming an immovable wall against the opposing jammer’s advances.

Jammers are often smaller than blockers but still just as tough.

Lacey King, also known as Chokecherry, just skated as a blocker in her first bout. She became a derby girl in January after seeing a flyer around town for the CCRG’s seasonal boot camp. She had always wanted to try out for derby but was intimidated. Cherry’s best friend urged her to go to the camp. Like Poke, she had never been very athletic and prior to joining the squad she had never skated outside of birthday parties. A mere six months later, Cherry is now good enough to be one of the 14 (out of about 30 skaters) bout-ready competitors for CCRG. Now, she blocks as good as the rest of the long-time members and “can play as hard as the boys,” she said.

Blocker Morgan Felder joined CCRG at the same time as Cherry. Felder christened the name Axtual Malice as a nod to her legal aspirations as a law student at the University of Georgia. She was looking for a way to break into the local community after getting her undergraduate degree at Wesleyan College and moving to Athens. She heard about CCRG and decided to give it

a shot. Malice has been competing ever since. At first, Malice’s family was worried about the strain on her schedule. With two practices a week, community events and eight bouts a year - the commitment is sizable. But so far, Malice’s coursework has not suffered. In fact, Malice’s instructors have become some of her biggest advocates. “My professors found out I was doing it and they were really impressed and encouraged it,” she said.

As Malice prepares to take the bar exam, she has started

“”

THEY ARE wOMEN Of puRE STRENGTH, cApABLE Of fORMING AN IMMOvABLE wALL AGAINST THE OppOSING jAMMER’S ADvANcES.

looking for jobs in Athens so that she can “stay here to skate,” she said.

The addiction the players feel to derby is matched by the devotion of their exuberant fans. At the last bout in Athens, CCRG broke their old record of attendance as over 600 rowdy fans cheered the ladies on, according to Cherry. Why all the attention? Poke said that the family-friendly atmosphere and female athleticism are major draws for the fans. And the ladies are well aware of the sense of empowerment they can provide for other women and young girls. Derby draws women of all shapes, backgrounds and career paths, and these diverse teammates have become something of local celebrities. Not only are they celebrities, but their boutfits are also causing a stir in the Athens fashion scene.

With fierce makeup, shredded tights and dyed hair, the women make a statement. But although they may dress theatrically, the ladies are no-nonsense when the first whistle sounds. Helmets on, skates tied, mouth guards in. It’s jam time. n

37

What is the perfect dish on a hot, summer day? Soup may be the last thing that comes to mind, but

try these simple recipes utilizing the cucumber to cool you down.

The traditional tomato-based gaz-

pacho gets a makeover in a white gazpacho with toasted almonds and white grapes, while the cu-

cumber melon soup is sweet with a little heat. These cold soups are a light and refreshing addition to your summer menu and can

be prepared ahead of time, mak-

COOL AS A CUCUMBER

ing them perfect for entertaining.

Article and Recipes by Myredith Gonzales Photos by Melissa Haward

CUCUMBER MELON SOUP Ingredients •1 cucumber, peeled and diced •1 medium-sized cantaloupe, chopped •½ a red onion, diced •1 jalapeño, seeded, diced •¼ cup olive oil •Juice of one lime •2 tbsp. mint, chopped •3 cloves of garlic, minced •½ cup of water •Salt and pepper to taste

Directions Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth. Place in the refrigerator for two to four hours. Serve chilled.

RED GAZPACHO Ingredients •1 cucumber, peeled and diced •3 large tomatoes, diced •1 red pepper, diced •½ red onion, diced •3 cloves of garlic, minced •2 cups tomato juice •¼ cup olive oil •¼ cup red wine vinegar •Juice of one lime •1/4 cup cilantro •Salt and pepper to taste

Directions Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth. Place in the refrigerator for two to four hours. Serve chilled.

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BLVD AUGUST 2010

39

Directio Combine cumber, wine vin cessor. S until soft processo ate for t thickene

Ingredi •½ cup s in a pan •2 cloves •1 ¾ cup •1 cucu •2 tbsp.

•1 1/2 c •2 tbsp.

•2-3 slic •2 cups

WHITE

WHITE GAZPACHO Ingredients •½ cup slivered almonds, lightly toasted in a pan until fragrant •2 cloves garlic, minced •1 ¾ cup white grapes •1 cucumber, peeled and diced •2 tbsp. parsley, chopped •1 1/2 cup half and half •2 tbsp. white wine vinegar •2-3 slices of white bread, crusts cut-off •2 cups of water

Directions Combine the almonds, garlic, grapes, cucumber, parsley, half and half and white wine vinegar to the blender or food processor. Soak the bread slices in water until soft and add to the blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Refrigerate for two to four hours until soup has thickened slightly. Serve chilled. z

40

BLVD AUGUST 2010

CLASSIC CITY CONCOCTIONS

[ ]

by Myredith Gonzales photos by Melissa Haward

WALKER’S PUB [salty turtle]

Godiva Caramel liqueur, vanilla liqueur topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

Say hello to the adult version of the milkshake. This salty, sweet drink

is served as early as 7 a.m.—a per-

HIGH-WIRE LOUNGE

[piña limonada] Pineapple ginger reduction,

fect way to start any day! The mug

Pritchard’s rum, pineapple limeade

sweetness of the drink. Enjoy hot or

try High Wire’s Pina Limonada. This

is rimmed with thick chunks of salt,

If you are craving an exceptional, out-

cold, the Salty Turtle is as satisfying

sexy, chic cocktail is made with their

giving it a salty lick to cut the overall

as a scoop of ice cream but packs that extra kick.

of -the-ordinary cocktail, you have to house-made reduction that contains the perfect contrast of fresh pineapple juice and spicy ginger. It is a unique

and exquisite taste you won’t find in your average cocktail. z

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BLVD AUGUST 2010

43

[blueberry lemonade] Blueberry Stoli, lemonade, Sprite

This cocktail takes your average lemonade to a whole new level with a blue-

berry twist. The crisp, cool drink is sweet yet slightly tart from the lemonade. It

is splashed with a generous handful of

sweet, juicy berries and is reminiscent of a freshly baked blueberry muffin. It is light, refreshing and berrylicious!

[ripley’s peach tea] Jeremiah Weed Country Peach Sweet Tea liqueur, sweet tea, lemonade Named after Pauley’s bartender, Corey Ripley, this signature cocktail has summertime in the South written all over it. The

peachy keen cocktail will make you want

to sit back, relax and drink away ‘til the sun goes down.

PAULEY’S

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BLVD AUGUST 2010

SHOKITINI

[mojito]

White rum, Sprite, simple syrup, mint, lime Shokitini keeps this traditional Cuban highball simple and straight to

the point. Their addition of Sprite

adds a light, crisp sweetness to this minty drink. It is cool, refreshing and serves as a staple cocktail all summer long.

[white chocolate truffletini]

White Godiva chocolate, vanilla Stoli, Frangelico, Kahlua, cream Feeling luxurious? The name says it all. This rich, smooth cocktail is

sheer decadence in a sweetly deco-

rated martini glass. The combination of bold liqueurs with a hint

of cream gives it a velvety smooth texture that is sinfully irresistible.

45

GIVE ME SHELTER Who ever said waiting for

The Bus had to be boring?

Inspired by the bus shelters designed for the “you, me and the bus� contests, the BLVD Style team put together these bold looks. Design and fashion, hand in hand.

46

BLVD AUGUST 2010

AMPED designed by Armentrout Roebuck

49

ON ASHLEY White Nikes 49.99 Nike Outlet–Commerce Minute Pink Dress 56 Private Gallery Green Stud Clutch 54 Flirt Bubble Ring 15 Cillies Green Hoop Earrings 8 Cillies Blue Jelly Watch Cillies Purple spike Bracelet 5 Cillies Purple Stud Bangles 5 Cillies Yellow Stud Bangles 5 Cillies Green Bangle 8 Cillies Yellow/Orange Bangle 12 Cillies

51

Y A W H G I H Y R R E B S A L B ent

Departm n ig s e D s n e h t A y b designed

ON KRISTIN Minuet Yellow Bow 78 Flaunt Quipid Blue Platforms 30 Pitaya Rectangular Hammered Hoops 14 Private Gallery Susan Shaw Woven Gold Cuff 39 Private Gallery Gold Coil Bracelet 16 Private Gallery Gold Mesh Magnetic Bracelet 18 Private Gallery Tribal Beaded Bangle 16 Private Gallery ON ASHLEY AC Blue Cutout 40 Fetish Nicole LeeWhite Studded Belt 34 Flirt Baby Phat Silver Platforms 18 Agora White Square Hoops 12 Private Gallery Beaded Tribal Bangle 16 Private Gallery Oval Hinged Bracelet 18 Private Gallery

RECYCLED RAILS

designed by Joseph Mattox

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BLVD AUGUST 2010

ON ASHLEY White Nikes 49.99 Nike Outlet–Commerce Minute Pink Dress 56 Private Gallery Green Stud Clutch 54 Flirt Bubble Ring 15 Cillies Green Hoop Earrings 8 Cillies Blue Jelly Watch Cillies Purple spike Bracelet 5 Cillies Purple Stud Bangles 5 Cillies Yellow Stud Bangles 5 Cillies Green Bangle 8 Cillies Yellow/Orange Bangle 12 Cillies

59

ON KRISTIN Mesh Agora Top 28 Agora Celebrity Pink Acid Wash Jeans 36 Private Gallery Chain Detailed Booties 35 Cillies Bar Ring n/a Pitaya Zenana Black Bandeau Top 10 Entourage–Rachel Babin Snake Ring 12 Cillies Hinged Ribbed Bracelet 12 Private Gallery Stacked Silver Bracelets 18 Private Gallery Black Bangle With Studs 12 Private Gallery Triangle Bangle Bracelet 12 Private Gallery Studded Hoop Earrings 12 Private Gallery Bib Necklace 19 Pitaya

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BLVD AUGUST 2010

ON ASHTON 1969 Legging Jeans 69.5 Gap Purple Burn Out Tee 19.5 Gap Orange Stone Island Hoodie 243 CP Clothing Green Nike Shoes 39.99 Nike Outlet–Commerce

63

BUS SHELTER

designed by Craig Brimley and Stephanie Hui

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BLVD AUGUST 2010

ON ASHTON Varsity Sweater 49.5 Gap Brown Nike Shoes 49.99 Nike Outlet–Commerce Purple Luigi Bianchi Pants n/a CP Clothing White Hanes V-neck Tee 11 Target Leather Banded Watch n/a Geoffrey’s

ON ASHLEY Marc Jacobs Sweater 198 Heery’s Bacon Tie 32.5 Cillies Yellow Sunglasses 15 Cillies Red LV Bag 599 Cillies Brown Wedges 24.99 Target Gracia Grey Pleated Shorts 68 Heery’s Socks 3.5 Target Crest Bracelet 110 Private Gallery Locket Bracelet 18 Private Gallery

69

BEAT THE HEAT

By Jessica Roberts Illustrations by Nathan Pak

As the weather heats up, a few things start happening. Cuddling becomes less enjoyable, your power bills skyrocket and you sweat in awkward places. Instead of going with tried-and-true (read: boring) methods to combat the summer heat, try a few of these unique ideas and prepare to be admired for your ingenuity and assertiveness.

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BLVD AUGUST 2010

Go Naked

Mesh, Baby

Wearing clothing is probably the worst way to stay

If you must wear clothes, mesh is your best bet. Not

to indoor environments, be sure to steer clear of

a breeze in even the stillest air. Mix and match mesh

cool during the summer; why not feel the A/C on all

of your body? While this activity may be best suited

leather couches and/or shag carpeting while going natural (and in turn avoid painful extraction from the

leather and disturbing intrusion by the carpet). Societal norms aside, once the sun goes down anything

goes. Specifically, skinnydipping is a fun group activity that will ensure that every inch of your scorched

skin is being soothed and hydrated. Plus you get to see all of your friends’ awkward tan lines. Sweeeet.

only is it universally fashionable and always allur-

ing, but, in clothing full of holes, you’re sure to feel tops and bottoms to stay on top of fashion trends and

maximize the breathability on all of your parts. (Hint:

neon is always in.) Save money and take up time by creating DIY mesh pieces with old clothes and some sharp scissors, but be sure to keep holes relatively small. Combine this step with going naked by ditch-

ing underwear to shock your neighbors with your heat-savvy style and fearless confidence.

71

People Watch

Empty Your Fridge

What’s better than playing sports in the hellish sum-

Create the patented BodyCooler2000. Step one: Have

lounging in the shade while observing the spectacle

your very own home cooling chamber. Step five: Make

mer heat and sweating more than an overweight jog-

ger? Watching other people do so, of course. Enjoy of others becoming over-heated in their pursuit of

fitness, and relax. Additionally, seeing how sweaty and uncomfortable everyone else is will make you

feel even cooler and calmer. Make sure to signal often at the players and brandish your iced drinks, just

to increase the pleasure of this event. While public sporting events may seem like the best venue for this

plan, don’t be fooled. As with most things, a personal connection with those you are mocking will make 72

this experience even more satisfying.

BLVD AUGUST 2010

a fridge. Step two: Remove items from fridge. Step

three: Get into fridge and close door. Step four: Enjoy

millions. Even though all of your food will rot and your milk will go sour, your body will be encased in chilly

bliss. Cover yourself in aloe gel pre-entry and go numb with pleasure. Just make sure your roommates know

your plans before they go for a midnight snack, espe-

cially if they react violently to finding naked people in their fridge.

Redneck Pool Party Baby pool? Check. Cheap Beer? Check. A front lawn?

Check. Well, hot dang! You’re ready to have yourself a redneck pool party. Take turns in the baby pool to avoid confusion (or squeeze in for some romance), crack open some brews, and enjoy waving at the

startled drivers passing by. They may judge, but at least you’ll be embodying the essence of southern

charm while keeping yer buns from burnin’. Work

on your T-shirt tan while you are enjoying the lukewarm water and reassuring sense of degradation. n

73

presents

WE COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU. Anne Bickford of Arbor Salon & Spa Chris Evans of DSI Design and Construction Laura Nehf of the Athens Area Arts Council Athens Area Arts Council Athens-Clarke County government Armentrout Roebuck Matheny Design Firm Christopher Fennell Athens Design Development Joseph Mattox IV. GAP Nike of Tanger Outlets in Commerce CP Clothing, NY

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! 74

BLVD AUGUST 2010

Agora Cillies Private Gallery Heery’s Clothes Closet Fetish Boutique Flaunt Flirt Pitaya Ashton Sommers Ashley Jones Kristen Brock

benefiting PROJECT SAFE

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