RAMS PILLAGE THE VIKINGS
Time travel: Historical house celebrates holiday traditions across centuries
MAEVE BAUER
GHAILAH NYEANCHI
Contributing Writers
Agecroft Hall & Gardens will host its “Yuletides at Agecroft:
Christmas Open House” event on Sunday, Dec. 8 to celebrate Christmas in “17th-century England, 19th-century London, and 20th-Century Richmond,” according to its website.
Yuletides at Agecroft has occurred for over a decade, according to Sarah Yount, Agecroft Hall’s marketing and development manager.
See Yuletides on page 8
EMILY
MCCAULEY
Spectrum Editor
The CT’s Spectrum Editor details some of Richmond’s top winter events that are a must-attend!
See LIST on page 11
After former VCU legend Joey Rodriguez’s jersey was retired, the Rams beat the Vikings 103-58 in the Stuart C. Siegel Center.
See PILLAGE on page 7
VCU first-year guard Brandon Jennings dribbles past Elizabeth City State University defender. Photo by Jason Gallardo Gonzalez.
Agecroft Hall & Gardens in the snow. Photo courtesy of Agecroft Hall & Gardens.
illustration by Anika Hammel.
Stories of the week
national: President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden’s tax evasion and firearm charges on Dec. 1.
international: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Dec. 3 in a late-night address before reversing it hours later.
Giving holiday cheer:
VCU community members team up to donate winter clothing
ANNABEL GRANGER
HARSHINI KANALA
Contributing Writers
The College of Humanities and Sciences collaborated with the Latinx Student Association to hold its annual coat drive for Southwood Apartments, located at 4602 Southwood Pkwy.
They collected around 50 coats alongside sweaters and other winter clothing this past month, which will be delivered to the apartments on Friday, Dec. 6.
This coat drive is one of many community engagement opportunities for VCU students and faculty and it highlights the needs of lower socioeconomic communities, according to Anita Nadal, the faculty fellow for community engagement in the College of Humanities and Sciences.
Nadal worked with her Spanish 332 class and the LSA to organize the drive. This is Nadal’s third year organizing clothing donations to Southwood Apartments, and she plans to donate to them in the future.
“It is one of the lowest social economic communities in Richmond with a large Spanish-speaking community,” Nadal said.
The need for winter clothing is dire as the cold winter months get closer, and many residents are unprepared for it, Nadal said.
“Many residents come from warmer countries and they don’t have winter coats or other winter clothing items,” Nadal said. “The best way to help is to donate. Faculty, staff and students help.”
John Portillo, a fourth-year psychology student and one of the two service chair
members of the LSA, said the Southwood Apartments are a perfect place to send donations and extra support during the winter.
“We chose this area because we especially see that there are a lot less resources for this community,” Portillo said.
Portillo’s first-hand experience in this community gave him insight on the lack of resources and support that the residents struggle with.
This isn’t LSA’s first contribution to the community — it has previously held drives to support elementary schools and facilities like women’s shelters and mental hospitals, according to Portillo.
LSA’s school supply drives are very important to Portillo because back-toschool shopping is hard for students learning English as a second language — he had to translate his school supply list to his mother in third grade — and supplies aren’t cheap anymore, according to Portillo.
“This year I was shopping for my siblings, and I saw this little girl in the store doing the same,” Portillo said. “Our parents try so hard, making sure I have these supplies, making sure I have a good education, making sure I’m getting somewhat good supplies to get by in school — so it warms my heart to help ESL students.”
Holiday donations also give families a “light of hope,” and provide them with a supportive community and helpful resources, especially for children who cannot afford to have the “American experience” of celebrating holidays with gifts and toys with their families, according to Portillo.
Mariana Ramirez-Linares, a secondyear pre-clinical radiation student and the
other service chair of LSA, said appropriate clothing may not be as available to families in need around the holidays.
“The children and parents that come from these countries sometimes don’t have clothes that are good for the winter here.”
Ramirez-Linares said. “It’s very different from places like Mexico where it’s always hot and you come here and don’t realize how cold it gets.”
Ramirez-Linares said immigrants always build a tighter community because they left their families behind, just like her parents who had to build a community for themselves after coming to Virginia Beach.
“Some of us will never see our family again,” Ramirez-Linares said. “We come together and make a new family here, build on a dream we all have. But not everyone may be that fortunate with finding jobs and celebrating holidays.”
Students can follow LSA’s Instagram page or find posters to get updates on future drives and events.
Portillo said it’s important for people to recognize the work LSA does to create a community on campus and help others.
“The Latino community doesn’t often get a good rep,” Portillo said. “We are frowned upon or side-eyed because we don’t speak English or they see us as different and attach a negative stereotype or stigma. I’m really proud that we’re actually doing things that have positive outcomes.”
There are many opportunities for students and faculty to engage and contribute to the needs of Richmond residents. Volunteering and community involvement opportunities can be found on VCU’s community engagement page.
Many residents come from warmer countries and they don’t have winter coats or other winter clothing items. The best way to help is to donate. Faculty, staff and students help.”
and Sciences
Anita Nadal, faculty fellow for community engagement in the College of Humanities
VCU faculty and students teamed up to donate winter clothing to Southwood Apartments in South Richmond on Friday, Dec. 6. Photo courtesy of Thomas Kojcsich/VCU Enterprise Marketing and Communications.
House holds hearing for free speech policies on Virginia campuses
MOLLY MANNING
MAX WALPOLE
Contributing Writers
The Virginia House of Delegates Select Committee on Campus Safety and First Amendment Expression held a hearing on Nov. 20 regarding the Virginia college protests last spring against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, as well as new policies introduced by many Virginia colleges in the months following.
The purpose of these hearings, as stated in the General Assembly listing, is to understand the free speech and safety policies at the different Virginia colleges and universities as well as “the part local and state police play in the security ecosystem; and to identify areas where we can improve state policies in order to mitigate the incidents of unrest and arrest that we have witnessed this spring.”
Scott Ballenger, a law professor at the University of Virginia, reviewed UVA’s free speech policies at the hearing, which were introduced in 2021 and previously reviewed this summer.
UVA is ranked No. 1 for free speech in the 2025 College Free Speech Rankings by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. VCU rose to number 32 this year from 184 on the previous year’s list.
Aaron Hart, VCU’s vice president of student affairs, said VCU’s new interim policies, introduced this spring but reviewed initially in the spring of 2023, were made to be more direct in addressing outdoor events and encampments.
The policies have been “tested and practiced” at the recent Board of Visitors meetings where students expressed their thoughts and opinions while complying with the policy, according to Hart.
Virginia Deputy Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Jonathan Scheffler shared at the hearing how students felt on college campuses as well as how campus law enforcement was needed. Scheffler said Jewish students now feel unsafe at their universities and that organizations, students and protests targeted Jewish students.
Scheffler also claimed Students for Justice in Palestine, a national and local student-led and founded organization, was funded by terrorists. Local SJP chapters are funded by student and activity fees, dues, local communities and fundraisers, according to the Anti-Defamation League.
“We know that SJP has roots and support for foreign terrorist organizations to include the country of Iran,” Scheffler said at the hearing. “This is a coordinated effort from overseas to disrupt activities in America.”
Kirk Marlowe, lieutenant colonel of the Virginia State Police, said they work as a supportive agency, and while they have the jurisdiction to act and respond on their own, they generally wait to respond until called by another police agency.
Kiera Schneiderman, president of the Jewish Student Union at Virginia Tech, detailed the encampment held there. She commended the lack of force needed by police to remove protestors and
claimed that student protestors targeted Jewish students.
“There is nothing wrong with criticizing Israel, there is nothing wrong with advocating for a better future for Palestinians and for wanting less of them dead,” Schneiderman said. “I want to be very clear when I say this is not what’s happening in our current state of campus protest.”
Following the invited speakers from colleges and state institutions, there was a lengthy public comment period of the hearing with 24 total speakers, some joining virtually.
It was very clear that three layers of armed police arrived to curb free speech and public assembly under the guise of maintaining safety and order.”
Sonali Gulati, VCUarts professor
One arrestee at the Virginia Tech encampment, Jack Leff, shared his experience.
“As a Jewish person, it’s horrifying to watch as speakers try to weaponize Jewish identity to engage in racism and genocide denial,” Leff said. “Let me just say as someone who was actually there every day of the Virginia Tech encampment, there was no antisemitism present, only inclusion
and community.”
Other students, faculty and community members from multiple campuses including UVA and VCU also shared their experiences with their respective encampments as well as their thoughts about the campus free speech policies.
Third-year VCU student and SJP officer Sereen Haddad said she felt the structure of the meeting itself was biased and reflective of how the system treats those who are oppressed. She also said that no matter what happens in the Senate or House meetings, she will continue to advocate against injustices.
“The universities had as much time to speak as they wanted, but when it came to the actual people that were affected by the university’s policies and by their repressive acts, we only got about two minutes each to speak,” Haddad said. “I don’t necessarily put my hope into the system because I think the system has failed us so many times. The government has failed us so many times, and they have never proven to protect us. And when I say us, I mean the pro-Palestinian movement and Palestinians.”
VCUarts professor Sonali Gulati said VCU students were fulfilling VCU’s mission statement of civic engagement, improving the quality of human life and community partnerships through peaceful public assembly on April 29.
“It was very clear that three layers of armed police arrived to curb free speech and public assembly under the guise of maintaining safety and order,” Gulati said during the public comment portion.
Gulati accused the hearing of bias, pointing to its agenda leaving certain groups out of the discussion.
“You have university administrators,
the police, and one student organization on this agenda,” Gulati said. “Why does t he agenda not have any students, including so many Jewish students, who were there at the encampments exercising free speech?”
I would like more people to be there who were actually present at the encampment, and people being affected by the policy changes from the student perspective.”
Cristina Sayegh, VCU student and SJP officer
Delegate Charniele Herring said this was only the beginning of the conversation, and that the House will hear more from student groups in order to have a more comprehensive understanding of protocol and policy at the next hearing, which will be the morning of Dec. 16 according to the Virginia General Assembly.
“I would like more people to be there who were actually present at the encampment, and people being affected by the policy changes from the student perspective,” said Cristina Sayegh, VCU student and SJP officer who was present at the meeting.
The Virginia House of Delegates held a hearing on Nov. 20 regarding the encampment protests this past spring on Virginia college campuses. A second hearing is scheduled for Dec. 16. CT File Photo.
VCU baseball 2025 predictions: The Rams look to pick up where they left off
Contributing Writer
The VCU Rams, who finished 38-23 last year, will play 55 regularseason games this upcoming season.
The Rams are currently ranked No. 64 out of the top 100 Division I college baseball program rankings, according to VCU Athletics. Throughout the season, the Rams will play meaningful games that will prepare them for the playoffs. Here are the top five series Rams fans should look out for:
VCU Rams vs University of Richmond
Spiders, May 9-11
The battle over who controls Richmond always feels like a playoff atmosphere during the regular season. The Rams will play the Spiders at home and fans should expect a bigger and more intense crowd for this series because of the rivalry. The Rams won two out of three games last year against the University of Richmond.
This is a critical time of year because the postseason will be right around the corner. Regular season games right near the end of the season start to matter even more. These two teams will play with intensity. The Rams are 2415 against the Spiders since 2010 according to VCU Athletics.
VCU Rams vs Clemson University Tigers, Feb. 21-22
The Rams will play a quick twogame series against the Tigers in the Clemson Baseball Invitational.
The Tigers went 44-16 last year, which was first place in the Atlantic Division in the Atlantic Coast Conference according to the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Playing successful teams like the Tigers early on in the season is beneficial because the Rams can make the necessary adjustments in the lineups or pitching going forward if necessary.
The Rams were No. 1 in the A-10 in pitching and the Tigers finished third in the ACC according to the Atlantic 10 and ACC so fans can expect this series to be low-scoring. Great pitching duels are always fun in baseball.
Stat of the week
VCU men’s basketball’s bench scored 51 of the black and gold’s 103 points in their win over Elizabeth City State University, according to VCU Athletics.
VCU Rams vs Saint Louis Billikens, April 18-20
The Billikens finished first in the A-10 and the Rams finished second, according to the A-10. This series will be one of the most important ones of the year for the Rams and the first time these two teams play each other since 2023.
If these two teams don’t have a drop-off in performance from last season, this series could decide who finishes first in the A-10. Fans should expect these games to come down to the final inning due to their high-performance history.
If the Rams can shut down the Billikens offense, which was No. 1 in the league last season, they should have a good chance to win this series. The Rams and Billikens had the best pitching in the league last season according to VCU Athletics.
VCU Rams vs George Mason Patriots, April 11-13
VCU will travel to Fairfax during the middle part of the season to face the Patriots. The Rams won two of three games last season against the Patriots — the worst team in the league according to the A-10.
The Patriots’ pitching was the second-worst in the league last year according to the A-10. If the Patriots can’t improve their pitching, fans should count on the Rams to score a lot of runs and win at least two of three games on the road against the Patriots.
The Rams are 20-32 against the Patriots since 2005, according to George Mason University Athletics.
VCU Rams vs University of Massachusetts Minutemen, May 15-17
The Rams will travel to Amherst, Massachusetts to play the Minutemen for their final three games of the season. These games could potentially be meaningful for the Rams if they are neck and neck with a team for first place in the A-10.
The Minutemen were 13-11 last season. This could be one of the tougher series for the Rams on the road since they are playing a solid team. The Rams should be the favorite to win this series because the Minutemen don’t score runs and they don’t pitch well enough to beat teams, according to the A-10.
DAN ELSON
CT file photos by Kaitlyn Fulmore.
CT file photos by Kaitlyn Fulmore.
Doyle’s dynasty: Women’s volleyball spikes upwards
MALACHI KEYS
Contributing Writer
Tim Doyle took over as head coach of VCU’s volleyball program back in 2023, and after a rocky initial start to his first season, the team has not looked back, finishing the 2024 season 18-9.
Doyle was an assistant coach for the Rams during former VCU head coach Jody Rogers’ tenure from 2014-2017.
His VCU coaching earned him his first head coaching position at the College of William & Mary from 2018-2022 before his return to VCU in 2023.
Doyle took over VCU after they finished their previous season with a record of 1417. In his first year, Doyle helped the team achieve a 17-13 record, according to VCU Athletics. However, it was not all sunshine and rainbows.
As one might expect, taking over for a long-tenured coach will come with some growing pains. Not only are there expectations to play up to a certain standard, but it can be challenging to manage a completely new roster. Doyle took up the challenge right away for the 2023 season.
The Rams started off their 2023 stint going with a 3-7 record, including a sixgame losing streak in their first 10 games. Although VCU got off to a slow start in out-of-conference play, it was in-conference games where the black and gold truly cut their teeth.
The connection between the Rams’ defense and their offense contributed to a sixgame win streak and a five-game win streak respectively towards the end of the season.
Doyle was bounced by Loyola University Chicago from the semifinal round of the Atlantic 10 Conference tournament to end his first season with VCU.
This past season, the Rams had a significant roster turnover from the 2023 season.
Doyle recruited a considerable number of international players to come play for his program, notably first-year Italian hitter Lana Del Core and second-year Serbian libero Anja Kujundzic who have played vital roles in the 2024 campaign. It takes time to build cohesion between players from around the world who have learned the sport in different ways.
Del Core played in the Serie A last year and helped her team reach both the Serie A final and the Italian Cup final, according to VCU Athletics.
Kujundzic is a member of the Serbian National team and won the World U18 Championship in 2021, according to VCU Athletics.
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Doyle has selected foreign players who have experience playing professionally and in high-stakes tournaments to join the black and gold and the results have shown on the court.
Again, the black and gold came out of the gates record-wise relatively slowly, but this time it was due to a tough slate of opponents to open the season.
The Rams, however, caught fire quickly and won 14 consecutive games to end the season and had a record of 16-2 in the conference — their best conference winning percentage since 2019.
One of coach Doyle’s philosophies is that he likes to test the waters in the beginning of games to see how his opponents react to his strategies. This philosophy is a microcosm of how it seems that VCU’s seasons have gone; they test the waters before asserting their dominance in the latter parts of the season.
Doyle and his squad rolled with his winning streak all the way back to the semifinals of the A-10 tournament in 2024 where his team lost once again to Loyola Chicago.
There is no doubt that Doyle has done an exceptional job coaching this VCU team, showing steady improvement from year to year. If the last two seasons are any indication of the trajectory of where VCU volleyball is headed under Doyle’s tutelage, fans should be in for a treat in 2025.
Illustration by Killian Goodale-Porter.
Black Friday beatdown: Rams
pillage the Vikings, 103-58
continued from front page
ANDREW THOMPSON
ETHAN YORK
Contributing Writers
VCU handled business against Elizabeth City State University, winning 103-58, on a landmark night on Nov. 29.
The game also included the retirement of a VCU men’s basketball legend’s jersey and VCU head coach Ryan Odom getting his 200th career win.
Before the start of the game, VCU honored former VCU point guard Joey Rodriguez by retiring his No. 12 jersey.
Rodriguez played a crucial role in the Rams’ 2011 final four run and played a total of 174 games throughout his four years, according to ESPN.
“He’s such a humble guy,” Odom said. “No matter what he says, he’s well deserving of that honor. And I think we can all attest to that.”
VCU won the tip-off and immediately sank a three, courtesy of VCU graduate student guard Phillip Russell.
The first three minutes were all VCU as the Rams went on a quick 9-0 run to open up the game, with eight of the points coming from Russell.
The Rams’ aggressive play on both offense and defense saw them shoot out to a 13-1 lead which caused the Vikings to call a timeout in an attempt to regroup five minutes into the game.
The Vikings were unable to score a field goal for the first seven minutes as the Rams continued to hound them on defense, according to StatBroadcast.
VCU graduate student forward Jack Clark and first-year forward Luke Bamgboye linked up for a highlight alleyoop at the six-minute mark to extend the lead to 21.
The Rams went into halftime with a sizable lead of 49-26. VCU shot 55% from the field while holding ECSU to 28%, according to StatBroadcast.
Russell exerted his dominance offensively leading the Rams in scoring with 15 points, nine of which came from behind the threepoint line. Clark led the team in rebounds with six and in assists with two.
The second half started off with the Vikings in possession, and the drive ended with no points scored against the Rams.
After multiple possessions, the Rams managed to get the first points of the half from third-year forward Christian Fermin, according to StatBroadcast.
The Vikings delivered a level two flagrant foul to the Rams at 17-minute mark, which resulted in fourth-year forward Michael Eads Jr. being ejected from the game.
The flagrant foul was committed against graduate student guard Max Shulga, with graduate student guard Joe Bamisile taking the free throws. Shulga did not return for the rest of the game.
VCU second-year guard Michael Belle had a block against the Vikings offense, resulting in a fastbreak layup.
Bamisile received a technical foul following a steal and fastbreak dunk around the 12-minute mark.
Halfway through the second half, VCU had scored 31 points in the half, according to StatBroadcast.
Both teams showed aggressive defense with the Rams having tallied up six team fouls and the Vikings having nine at the seven-minute mark, according to StatBroadcast.
As the game winded down, first-year guard Terrence Hill Jr. scored a transition dunk to put VCU into triple digits for the second time this season.
“It was lit to be honest, all the seniors didn’t think I could dunk,” Hill said.
VCU’s play on both sides of the ball contributed heavily to the dominance, as they made 50% of their shots on the night while holding ECSU to only making 31% of theirs, according to StatBroadcast. The bench especially played an important role contributing 51 points to the triple digit total.
At the final buzzer, the black and gold won in dominant fashion.
Wins like this play an important part in making the A-10 in a multi-bid league, according to Odom.
“It’s not just about VCU,” Odom said. “It’s about the overall league, and strength of the overall league.”
VCU men’s basketball will play its next game at the Siegel Center against Georgia Southern University on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. he overall league, and strength of the overall league.”
VCU men’s basketball will play its next game at the Siegel Center against Georgia Southern University on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. NOVEMBER 29
Illustration by Gabriella Denney.
On this day
In 1954, the first Burger King fast-food restaurant opened in Miami.
YULETIDES
Continued from front page
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together,” Yount said.
Yuletides also offers an opportunity for locals to enjoy a little holiday spirit with a historical twist, Yount said. There are engaging activities for attendees of all ages.
The event will feature activities repeated throughout the day in the courtyard from 12:15 to 4:30 p.m., according to Yount. These activities include a “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” puppet show, Christmas carols, 17th century Christmas music and a reading of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens.
The event includes scheduled activities from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. where attendees can create their own Christmas crafts, visit with Father Christmas, meet with World War II reenactors and get free hot cider, according to Yount.
“We also have opportunities for attendees to take a peek in Agecroft Hall for self-guided tours,” Yount said.
One of the ways Agecroft is incorporating 20th-century Christmas celebrations is to display the library of
mobile coffee truck, and Shelly’s Kitchen, a cupcake vendor, will offer refreshments for purchase.
Agecroft is a “cool place where you can time travel without really leaving Richmond,” Yount said.
Looking back to the Tudor period, you can see a handful of differences in traditions, according to Anne Kenny-Urban, the executive director at Agecroft Hall.
The time before Christmas was a time of piety and restraint, as opposed to today where most start celebrating before Thanksgiving, Kenny-Urban said. Between Christmas and Jan. 6 was a time of feasting and celebration.
Oppositely, there are a number of traditions that started in the Victorian era that we still celebrate today, according to Kenny-Urban.
There are a handful of Victorian-era traditions still around, such as caroling, telling and retelling Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and Christmas trees, according to Kenny-Urban..
and decorations are all from our grounds,” Cunnigham said.
The practice of using resources found in the environment is similar to how Christmas decorations were made in past centuries, according to Cunningham.
Agecroft Hall opens their Sweet Shop annually at the Christmas Open House, according to Cunningham. The Sweet Shop is housed in a Tudor kitchen exhibition within the museum.
While other programs have a more structured approach to historical foods and recipes, the Sweet Shop offers more freedom, according to Cunningham.
“It’s a little loose and a little more fun than some of the other events,” Cunningham said. “It’s more about serving the people who come to see us and giving them fun treats.”
In addition to creating homemade, vintage-inspired goods, The Sweet Shop features a lot of items from bakeries around Richmond, according to Cunningham.
“We will be heavily featuring pastries and things from Sugar and Twine in Carytown and Whisk Bakery this year,” Cunningham said.
Yuletide uses baked goods from outside vendors to keep up with the demand for sweets from attendees, according to Cunningham. She’s seen attendance rates increase over her past five years at Agecroft.
“It is very exciting,” Cunningham said. “We love to see a big crowd and a good turnout.”
Festivities aren’t complete without baked goods, according to Cunningham.
“Baked goods add to festivities, as they always have throughout the millennium,” Cunnigham said.
“Something sweet never hurts.”
The Williams Library at Agecroft Hall & Gardens decorated for the Christmas season. Photo courtesy of Agecroft Hall & Gardens.
‘Celebration of her art’: Amy Winehouse tribute tour
CAROLYN SLINGLUFF
Contributing Writer
Longtime artist and producer Remember Jones brought “Back to Back to Black: The Amy Winehouse Celebration” to The Canal Club in Richmond on Nov. 30.
The show began as a one-night production eight years ago and has morphed into an annual tour, traveling to over 40 states and countless cities in the time since, Jones said.
The show gained traction when it debuted on the fifth anniversary of Winehouse’s passing as the first-ever live performance of her entire “Back to Black” album. It speaks to a mutual love of Winehouse that is harbored by both the band members and audiences all around the United States, according to Jones.
“People started to get nostalgic for the music, and Amy had been gone for a few years. We hit five cities, sold out all the shows and then it just became a thing that I produced and have been doing,” Jones said.
Renowned publications, such as Rolling Stone, now celebrate the tour’s success over the years and the resurgence of interest in Winehouse that it has sparked, according to an article published in April.
The current show consists of a 12-person band, including a horn section and five singers who each bring their own perspectives and renditions of the songs, Jones said.
“We don’t want anybody to compare us to Amy. We want everybody to hear the songs as if they’re hearing it for the first time,” Jones said.
“Back to Back to Black” remains the only tribute in the world of its kind, Jones said. Performers do not try to directly emulate Winehouse in appearance and sound, but instead lend credit to her brilliant poeticism and musicality, rather than just her iconic personality.
Saturday’s production drew fans from far and wide, including Màdelon and Deroen Baetman from the Netherlands. The couple found the show while exploring “Things to Do in Richmond,” and decided to come
because they love Winehouse’s music, Màdelon Baetman said.
The Baetman’s have been vacationing in the U.S. for the past two months, and a highlight of their trip has been a Motowninspired show they saw in St. Louis, Missouri, Deroen Baetman said. They look forward to seeing more good music from high-quality musicians at “Back to Back to Black.”
“They can take you into the music so that you really believe it,” Màdelon Baetman said.
Sheryl Scruggs, the founder and creative director of shop MEYVN, has been living in D.C. but traveled back to Richmond to attend the event with her friend, Lorna Kelley.
As a long-time fan, Scruggs was looking forward to seeing how the show would pay homage to Winehouse, she said. Scruggs even played Winehouse’s music at her wedding at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in 2021.
“Sadly, you don’t hear much about Amy anymore. You know, people just don’t understand her brilliance,” Scruggs said. “People that were present when she was coming up, you know, we knew, but the young people, they don’t. So it’s a whole lost celebration of her art.”
Ellie Allred, a Richmond local, attended Saturday’s show with her husband. For people like Allred, “Back to Back to Black” was an opportunity to experience music that may otherwise be lost to a different time, she said.
“I figured out about a year ago that I really missed out on Amy Winehouse because of my age and when she passed. I didn’t get to see her live. And I now appreciate her music more than before,” Allred said.
The show was different from what she expected, but she liked it — especially how the energy of the performers, who seemed to truly enjoy what they were doing, fed the energy of the audience in the room, Allred said.
“When the band is having a good time, it reflects on the people watching the show. It seems like they’re having a great time, and I like that,” Allred said.
Remember Jones performs on stage at The Canal Club for the ‘Back to Black to Black: The Amy Winehouse Celebration’ at The Canal Club on Nov. 30. An Amy Winehouse neon sign glows over the stage. Photos courtesy of Rodney Keller Photography. Collage by Zach Montgomery.
Remember Jones singing at ‘Back to Black to Black: The Amy Winehouse Celebration’ at The Canal Club on Nov. 30. Photo courtesy of Rodney Keller Photography.
FEAST YOUR EYES:
Art exhibition explores the role of food in holidays
LUJAIN MOHAMED
Contributing Writer
Crossroads Art Center held the opening night for their new juried exhibition “Feast” on Nov. 15, which will be open until Jan. 5, 2025.
Artists were encouraged to create pieces based on their interpretation of the theme “Feast,” which could include cultural celebrations, historical feasts, fantasy feasts, abstract interpretations or other interpretations suggested on the Crossroads webpage.
Jenni Kirby, the owner of Crossroads Art Center, said she and her colleagues were looking for a fun theme that worked for the holidays.
“This theme just seemed to be appropriate,” Kirby said. “There are lots of different ways you can take the theme and just run with it.”
They received art pieces with a variety of interpretations, which is what she was hoping for given the event’s broad theme, Kirby said.
Kirby said she was happy to receive pieces like those depicting Roman dinners, different holiday celebrations and animals feasting in the wild.
“It was great to have different interpretations of ‘Feast,’ and for the holidays, it just seemed to be the right choice,” Kirby said.
Three pieces from the show were named winners, and one piece was given the title of honorable mention.
First place was “Tomato Medley” by Mike Habenstock, which features a wide variety of tomatoes, creating a “tomato feast.”
“Blue Bird Feast” by Russell Brown, which depicts a family of bluebirds feasting on seeds, was given second place.
Third place was granted to “Feast Your Eyes on Nature: A Scene in Four Seasons at Hollywood Cemetery,” by Kristin Beauregard, who took a more abstract approach, by depicting animals “feasting” on nature with their eyes.
Richard Rowley’s “High Alert” was named as an honorable mention, which features a close-up painting of a vibrant blue crab.
“A crab is edible, but a crab is also looking for something to eat,” Kirby said. “And he looks
like he is on ‘high alert,’ so nobody eats him.”
Rowley’s piece was one of her favorite pieces from the exhibition, Kirby said.
“I’m really happy this piece was chosen as an honorable mention,” Kirby said. “He’s also just beautiful and the colors are gorgeous.”
“Feast” was juried by Alexis Shockley, the manager of the arts at VCU’s MCV campus, with whom Kirby enjoys working.
“She’s a good person,” Kirby said. “We have worked together before, and we work together well.”
Shockley said she enjoyed jurying a show with such a wide variety of interpretations.
“The artwork represented all different interpretations of what a feast could be,” Shockley said. “Whether it’s food itself, animals feasting or a bountiful amount of something. So it was really interesting to see what the word feast means to different artists in the community.”
Shockley said she kept the variety of interpretations in mind when coming up with criteria for jurying the pieces.
“I didn’t want it to be just a direct, someone sitting at the table feasting or necessarily just like a table full of food,” Shockley said.
It was important to keep an open mind when jurying this show, according to Shockley.
“I had to keep reminding myself that my own reflection on what something means isn’t necessarily what others, or artists think,” Shockley said.
Yomna Abdelkader, an attendee of the exhibition two weeks after its opening night, said she likes the simplicity of many of the pieces.
“I really enjoyed the fact that the theme ‘Feast,’ which usually implies abundance, can be translated into such effortlessly beautiful pieces,” Abdelkader said. “The artists didn’t take the easier route of leaning into maximalism.”
Abdelkader said the piece “High Alert” stuck out to her from the exhibition.
“It’s casual, yet captivating and vibrant, which invites you into the scene without overcomplicating it,” Abdelkader said.
Attendees observe the artwork at the ‘Feast’ exhibition presented at Crossroads Art Center until Jan. 5, 2025. Photos courtesy of Crossroads Art Center.
Continued from front page
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights 2024 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens opened to the public on Nov. 18 and will close on Jan. 5, 2025. The event features more than a million lights, botanical decorations, model trains, festive dinners, warming fire, hot chocolate, s’mores and more. Advance tickets, which cost $22 for adult non-members and $12 for adult members, are required and available online only. Starting Dec. 13 Tickets will be $25 for adult nonmembers and $15 for adult members on weekends starting Dec. 13. 1.
2.
CarMax Tacky Light Run takes place on Dec. 14 at the MidLothian Mines Park at 6 p.m. This 6k running course shows off Midlothian’s Walton Park neighborhood with the best display of tacky lights in the area. Tickets are $46 for adults and $27 for youth until Sunday, Dec. 8. Tickets are $50 for adults and $30 for youth from Monday, Dec. 9 through Dec. 15 and can be purchased online.
The Jasper in Carytown presents Miracle on Cary from Nov. 20 through Dec. 31. Miracle is a Christmas cocktail pop-up bar celebrated around the world. Miracle has a themed menu served in matching glassware. The bar is open seven days a week from 5 p.m. to midnight and until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Miracle on Cary will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on New Years Eve. 3.
4.
Carytown Holiday Artisan Market will be at City Stadium at 3201 Maplewood Ave. on Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The artisan market will feature over 150 vendors, unique handmade gifts and goods, craft beverages and food trucks, live music and more.
5.
The Ultimate Chanukah Drop with Jewish Life at VCU is on Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. in Monroe Park. The celebration will feature a DJ, take-home menorahs, donuts, raffles and more. All VCU students, faculty and staff are invited to attend for free and can RSVP on the Jewish Life at VCU website.
6.
RVA Illuminates will be held at Kanawha Plaza on Friday, Dec. 6 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event features the tree lighting, illumination of the Downtown Richmond skyline, live performances by Desiree Roots, AJ Jones and The Falcon Notes of Huguenot High, a holiday soundtrack by DJ Lonnie B, food trucks and extra sparkle from the holiday lights. This is a free rain-or-shine event.
7.
The 2024 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival will be held on Dec. 28 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. The festival has been hosted by the Elegba Folklore Society since 1990 and presents performances, workshops, children’s activities, The African Market, a cultural affirmation of values and more. Tickets are $7.30 for general admission, $6.25 for students 12-18, seniors 65-plus and for group rates and can be purchased online.
Studio Two Three presents Winter Market from Nov. 29 until Dec. 23. It’s open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The market features artwork, clothing, housewares, jewelry and more from over one hundred local artists. The Winter Market is hosted at Studio Two Three at 109 W. 15th St. and Shop Two Three at 1437 Hull St. 8.
Illustrations by Anika Hammel.
Quote of the week “Melancholy were the sounds on a winter’s night.” — Virginia Woolf
I can’t afford to regret my abortion
NATALIE MCEWAN
Contributing Writer
As I sat in the Planned Parenthood waiting room in February, I tried to distract myself from my growing anxiety by watching celebrity renovations on HGTV. A light rain shower kept any protesters away from the empty parking lot, but my hands still trembled as I filled out paperwork.
HGTV was a decent distraction and I managed to calm down a bit. I even found myself laughing under my breath at one celebrity’s suggestion to put a slide in the middle of a home. When I saw the couple’s renovation budget, though, I felt an irrational nausea so sharp I had to look away from the television. I knew if that imaginary television couple’s renovation budget was my salary, I would not have stayed in that waiting room.
When I found out I was pregnant, I juggled many conflicting feelings: stress, grief, comfort, confusion and guilt. A part of me knew I always wanted to be a mother one day. Another part of me struggled to fathom how I would afford daycare prices that were double my rent.
The more I tried to draw up budgets and research my options, the more I realized I faced a choice between having a child and continuing my education. I would not have been able to stay in school without significant outside help. I could not put that pressure on my family members, and I was unwilling to sacrifice my education.
I had many conversations as I tried to figure out my choice. I went back and forth about my feelings with my partner, friends, family, trusted professors and the Planned Parenthood staff. I spoke to a VCU crisis counselor who let me talk through all my options without judgement. However, because I live in Virginia, my conversations never revolved around whether I could make the appointment I needed.
My partner and the counselor both told me an eye-opening piece of advice I had not previously considered. My decision was not whether or not I wanted to have a child, it was whether or not I wanted to have a child now. I could always plan to have children later in life.
Abortion access allows people to start families when the time is right for them. It helps people break out of poverty, finish their education, buy a house or move to
a city that is right for them. For me, that time was not before I finished college. Though I did not choose to start a family then, I believe I made the choice that will allow me to have a stable, healthy family in the future.
People get abortion care for many different reasons. Some need an abortion to save their life. Some want to focus on their education or career. Some need to devote their time and resources to the children they already have. On the news, it may seem like a topic that is easy to generalize, but it is far from it.
By restricting abortion access, lawmakers take decisions out of the hands of pregnant people and into the hands of the government. Additionally, without social reforms like free school lunches, universal healthcare, maternity leave and affordable daycare, the choice to start a family in the United States is a large financial commitment. At best, these restrictions harm women’s mental health and financial security as they continue to seek abortions. At worst, abortion restrictions threaten women’s lives across the U.S.
The stigma around abortion, combined
with the legal restrictions passed after Roe v. Wade was overturned, leaves women little room to cope with the complex realities of having an abortion. The night I took Misoprostol was the most physically painful night of my life, a laying-down-onthe-bathroom-tile-floor kind of pain I had no way of preparing myself for. And for many months I had trouble letting myself grieve my abortion. I punished myself with guilt. I took the words of anti-abortion protesters to heart.
Now, almost one year later, I do not regret my choice. I feel relieved I can navigate my financial stresses without having to provide for another human being. I feel grateful I am still in college, with higher grades and closer to graduating than ever before.
My story is one of many. There are countless people across the U.S. who seek abortions for many different reasons. These reasons are complex, varied and deserving of respect.
To deny us choice over our body is to deny us autonomy over our health, our finances, our education, our happiness and our freedom.
Illustration by Killian Goodale-Porter.
CT seniors say farewell
KATIE FARTHING Managing Editor
Sitting here, in my warm, food-filled living room the night before Thanksgiving, I watch my mother prepare for guests and my father dread the loud company. All I can think about is graduation in two weeks and my final week at The Commonwealth Times.
It feels like just yesterday I was a naive second-year student — freshly transferred into the journalism program — nervously walking into the SMC for my first budget meeting with the news team.
Now, two years later, I’m the Managing Editor.
I’ve stared at my cursor for around 45 minutes now trying to think of something worthwhile to share — I can only say thank you.
Thank you to our readers. The press is and always will be for the people.
Thank you to my family. You blindly supported me through plenty of major changes and lots of confusing journalism lingo.
Thank you to my friends. You listened to endless rants about AP Style’s shameless Oxford comma erasure and missing periods
at the end of photo captions. I’ve been insufferable plenty of times, and you all stuck by my side.
Thank you to my friends, coworkers and occasional frenemies — when my boss hat is on, sorry — at The CT. Thank you for making my days long and my nights even longer. Thank you for making my Tuesdays a night to dread, but also one to giggle about the rest of the week. Thank you for challenging me at every turn and allowing me to be a leader, alongside my fearless Executive Editor, Peggy — love you, girl. Thank you for the surprisingly strong tea, shady 7-Eleven pain medication, tears and plenty of laughs in between.
While I could have done with a few more hours of sleep every week, I wouldn’t change a single second of it. We had fun!
I came to college unsure, and certainly a little afraid. It took me a while to find my passions, but eventually, I landed among the weirdos and nerds who enjoy discussions of commas vs em dashes.
I won’t tell you I’m not still unsure or scared — but I can tell you I’m also older, a little wiser, even more excited and officially SO.
PEGGY STANSBERY Executive Editor
I always knew I wanted to join my college’s newspaper. Growing up, I made newspapers in my free time, often answered “journalist” as what I wanted to be when I grew up and was obsessed with the American Girl Kit Kittredge, a young aspiring journalist; so, when I had the opportunity to join a newspaper, I did.
The Commonwealth Times has given me the experience I craved as a child and taught me more than I could have ever imagined.
I remember my first time writing an article for The CT. I thought, “Wow, this is hard work. I don’t know if I can keep doing this.” However, I stuck with it, got the hang of it and fell in love with it. I quickly began writing every week and became a staff writer for the Spectrum section.
The next year, I became the Spectrum editor, where I learned my love for editing and leadership and created meaningful bonds with others working at The CT. I loved it so much that I wanted to become more involved and aspired to become either The CT’s Executive or Managing Editor.
I vividly remember the day the previous executive and managing editors, Gabi and Hollyann, called me to let me know I would be the next Executive Editor after they graduated. It felt like a dream come true, and I couldn’t wait to get to work. I can’t thank them enough for believing in me and giving me the opportunity, as it has been an honor and privilege to be The CT’s Executive Editor.
Through being the Executive Editor, I have learned so much about myself, both professionally and personally, and created lifelong friendships with amazing and hardworking people.
I want to thank everyone I have worked with at The CT, as it’s truly a team effort. I want to give a special thank you to Katie Farthing, the Managing Editor, who has been the best wingwoman ever. It has been such a pleasure to work alongside her. I’m so thankful for all the support she has given me, all I’ve learned from her and the friendship we have formed.
The CT has been my most rewarding and transformative experience at VCU. I will forever be grateful for my time here.
EMILY MCCAULEY Spectrum Editor
Almost two years ago I shared a journalism class with my Executive Editor and friend Peggy Stansbery, and by the end of the year, she had recruited me into the Spectrum section of The Commonwealth Times. I cannot thank her enough! The CT reconnected me with storytelling and I became passionate about arts-culturemusic-feature coverage.
I have always been a people person, and writing and editing for the Spectrum section has allowed me to work with and learn from incredible artists, performers, writers, historians, biographers, foodies, creators, non-profit organizations, peacebuilders, museum-goers and more. Seriously, I love talking and learning from
all of these incredible and unique human beings. Every story is deeper than we think we know.
I have had one year of editing and overseeing the Spectrum section while working with incredible writers and I will have a big hole in my heart without it. I am so incredibly grateful for all the hard work and for what the team at The CT has taught me. Lots of big adventures, laughs, late-nights, 8-day work weeks and bonds I will cherish.
A special thank you to the whole team. Each team member brings a special element to our production and I am going to miss our dynamics. If I go into detail this will be too long, but thanks for putting up with my antics; I love you all. Cheers to reaching the end of an era.
Illustrations by Killian Goodale-Porter.
Joke of the week
“I put my air conditioner in backwards. It got cold outside. The weatherman on TV was confused. ‘It was supposed to be hot today.’”
— Steven Wright
Where in the world is Santa Claus?
DYLAN HOSTETTER
Opinions and Humor Editor
Christmas has always been a time for joy and cheer, but apparently this year it’s also a time for kidnapping.
Who was kidnapped, you ask? None other than Santa Claus himself. Who was hired to find him, you inquire? Yours truly. Where is he, you want to know? Well that’s a dumb question — if I knew, I wouldn’t be looking, would I?
To be fair, it wasn’t the actual Santa. That would be silly. After all, he stays at the North Pole until Christmas Eve, so it would be really hard to kidnap him. The mall Santa that VCU hired, on the other hand, was an easy target.
Apparently the VCU Commons thought it would be a nice end-of-semester morale boost to have a Santa Claus stationed by the ram horns. As soon as he sat down, a line of students was waiting to sit on his lap. Wishing for a professor to magically forget a dozen missing assignments is a little more far-fetched than an iPad, but they made their requests nonetheless.
The next day, though, Santa was missing. In his seat was a poorly-handwritten note that read: “Your Saint Nick has been Saint licked.” I didn’t take kindly to the pun — crime isn’t supposed to be funny. Alongside the message was a crudely drawn arrow pointing downward.
As the campus’ premiere private detective — and it’s only private detective — I was called immediately to join the investigation. The last time I handled a missing persons case, it was for Rodney the Ram. As it turned out, though,
he wasn’t actually missing — he was just taking the day off.
My first move was to interrogate one of my trusted sources. Well, trusted isn’t the right word. His name on the streets was Sleepy Simon — that was because he ran the racket that controlled access to the Commons’ new sleep pod.
He had that pod locked down. No student could take a nap in the Commons unless they went through him; they had to trade meal swipes for some shut-eye. As I approached the pod, I found none other than Simon laying in it.
“I guess ‘sleepy’ is more than just a nickname,” I said.
“What’s a good business for unless you can partake yourself?” Simon said. “What brings you here to interrupt my nap?”
“Santa has been kidnapped, and I figure you know something about it.”
“Have you checked the sleigh?” he said with a sly smile.
“Don’t be wise with me or your eyes will be shut, and it won’t be because you’re tired.”
He perked up and got a little more responsive. I’m not above threatening people to get what I need. When you’re a private detective working by yourself, you have to be both “good cop” and “bad cop.” One time when interrogating a perp, I gave him a stick of gum — then I made him swallow it.
After a little more arm-twisting, Sleepy Simon gave me what I wanted.
“Follow the arrow,” he said.
I went back to the scene of the crime, trying to figure out
what the arrow could be pointing to. That’s when I noticed it: a small hatch below Santa’s empty chair. I opened it to find a rusty ladder descending down into darkness. At the ladder’s end was a large, dark room lit by a single hanging lamp. Pasted to its walls were hundreds of posters of Rodney the Ram, and in its center sat Santa, duct taped to a chair. His screams were muffled by a VCU basketball jersey. It was pretty easy to solve the case then and there.
It was then the criminal revealed himself. Out of the darkness stepped Rodney the Ram, or should I say, Kevin. This crime was an inside job, like when I cleaned out my summer internship of all their office supplies. Free pens are free pens, and I never know when I need a fresh box of paperclips.
I had my questions and Rodney had answers. I have found that, given the opportunity, criminals really like to tell you all about their ornate plans. This one time I busted a guy for trying to steal a bike and he proceeded to give me an entire PowerPoint presentation on the state of city transportation.
Rodney thought Santa was stealing his thunder, angry that VCU hadn’t hired him instead. Needless to say, Kevin was no longer allowed to wear the Rodney suit. As a means of making up for his kidnapping, VCU offered the Rodney job to the mall Santa.
He moves a lot slower at basketball games, and his belly sticks out of the suit a bit, but most of the student body doesn’t seem to notice the difference.
Illustration by Killian Goodale-Porter.
Comic by Bryce Griego.
RHYME SCHEME
By Gary Larson & Amy Ensz
ACROSS
12 “I
68 Makeshift screwdriver, maybe
69 Spanish 39-Down
Los Angeles Times Crossword Puzzle
3 Some “Coppélia” characters 4 List-ending abbrs.
RHYME SCHEME
70 Phylum units
5 Apt name for a pet fish
54 Make a file more identifiable
55 Fable finale
56 Cereal grains
Los Angeles Times Sunday Crossword Puzzle
Edited by Patti Varol
19 Love,
By Gary Larson & Amy Ensz
72 Serving dish for Old Mother Hubbard’s dog?
Edited by Patti Varol
74 Kerosene
ACROSS
1 Barrio grocery 7 Breakfast strip
76 Broadcasts again
78 Retreat
79 Use a tiller
12 “I guess that’s fine”
18 Suggestive
6 Got the better of, in a contest
68 Makeshift screwdriver, maybe 69 Spanish 39-Down
7 Canal craft 8 Gather
70 Phylum units
80 Counsels
82 ICU caregiver
19 Love, in Roma
20 Actress Dahl who founded the Dahlia fragrance company
83 Tennis pair?
85 Vegetarian chili bits
72 Serving dish for Old Mother Hubbard’s dog?
86 Make like new
21 Cleanup duty after Humpty Dumpty’s accident?
74 Kerosene 76 Broadcasts again 78 Retreat
23 Crept around
57 Simplify
59 Indonesia’s “Island of the Gods”
61 Gillis of old TV
3 Some “Coppélia” characters
62 Nose wrinklers
66 African wildcat
54 Make a file more identifiable
55 Fable finale
4 List-ending abbrs.
5 Apt name for a pet fish
68 Gregorian
56 Cereal grains
57 Simplify
6 Got the better of, in a contest
7 Canal craft 8 Gather
70 Strong flavor from that little Horner kid’s Christmas pie?
59 Indonesia’s “Island of the Gods”
71 Paris Olympics opening ceremony site
61 Gillis of old TV
62 Nose wrinklers
79 Use a tiller
90 Telegram heralding Jack’s candlestick feat?
94 100 smackers
80 Counsels
96 British granny
25 Intercontinental mountain range
26 Pad
27 Mixes in
36 Puts
9 Hoodwink 10 Marine predator 11 __ for Speed: video game series 12 Talks back 13 Mork’s planet 14 Identifying marks for a horn-blowing little boy?
82 ICU caregiver
97 Go gray, maybe
83 Tennis pair?
98 Origin
15 Pot-caught fish 16 Finishes, as a cartoon 17 Driver’s setting?
85 Vegetarian chili bits
99 Old cars from Sweden
29 Nail polish brand in square bottles
100 Take different routes
30 German 39-Down
41 Field
86 Make like new 90 Telegram heralding Jack’s candlestick feat?
101 Local language in Copenhagen
31 Color wheel display
94 100 smackers
103 Happy __
32 Bring in, as crops
34 Place to stay
35 Mind-altering synthetic drug
36 Puts a lid on
96 British granny
106 Currency symbolized by €
107 Apple gadget
108 Arranged like train cars
37 Rental stipulations for a large family’s befuddled matriarch?
41 Field event
9 Hoodwink 10 Marine predator 11 __ for Speed: video game series
21 Energy sources 22 “It over till it’s over” 24 Family rooms 28 Emotion before starting an unpleasant task 31 Heavy clonk
97 Go gray, maybe 98 Origin 99 Old cars from Sweden
73 Thicket
66 African wildcat
75 Easter basket treat
68 Gregorian
77 Palm Sunday transport
12 Talks back 13 Mork’s planet 14 Identifying marks for a horn-blowing little boy?
80 Lose power
70 Strong flavor from that little Horner kid’s Christmas pie?
81 Food blogger Perelman
82 Permits
71 Paris Olympics opening ceremony site
73 Thicket
84 Last-minute ticket caveat
15 Pot-caught fish 16 Finishes, as a cartoon 17 Driver’s setting?
33 __ disadvantage 36 Charley horse, e.g. 37 Typeface flourish
100 Take different routes
110 Weasel’s mindset after being chased by a monkey?
101 Local language in Copenhagen
113 Cleared for takeoff, in a way
43 Singer Lewis who won “The X Factor”
44 Boost
45 Crumple (up)
114 Batter’s box neighbor
103 Happy __ 106 Currency symbolized by € 107 Apple gadget
115 “Très chic!”
46 Ranted and raged
48 Poet’s below
52 Big bullies
55 Big bully
64 Hog’s grunt
38 Practical HS course, once 39 Countdown end 40 Lightbulb, in the comics
75 Easter basket treat
86 Cyberpunk franchise featuring a crimefighting cyborg
87 Hot
21 Energy sources 22 “It over till it’s over” 24 Family rooms 28 Emotion before starting an unpleasant task
31 Heavy clonk
42 Fine-tune
43 Silent film star Chaney
108 Arranged like train cars
116 Button in some shortcuts
117 Mélange
118 Elegant strand
56 Electron stream
65 City with a van Gogh walking tour
67 Musical endings
58 Vessel designed for row-row-rowing gently down the stream?
110 Weasel’s mindset after being chased by a monkey?
DOWN
77 Palm Sunday transport
80 Lose power
81 Food blogger Perelman
88 Xenon, for one 89 Blog post 90 Emerald alternative 91 Country with a border in Lake Victoria
82 Permits 84 Last-minute ticket caveat
86 Cyberpunk franchise featuring a crimefighting cyborg
33 __ disadvantage
36 Charley horse, e.g.
46 Puts a lid on 47 Cookie brand owned by Mondelez
37 Typeface flourish
49 Stella __: Belgian beer
113 Cleared for takeoff, in a way
1 Like a pessimistic broker
114 Batter’s box neighbor
115 “Très chic!”
2 Bloom in Hollywood
60 Bogie toppers?
63 Word typically ignored when alphabetizing
64 Hog’s grunt
65 City with a van Gogh walking tour
67 Musical endings
50 Sesame sauce
38 Practical HS course, once 39 Countdown end 40 Lightbulb, in the comics
42 Fine-tune
51 Serengeti scavengers
52 Near beer brand
116 Button in some shortcuts 117 Mélange 118 Elegant strand DOWN
1 Like a pessimistic broker 2 Bloom in Hollywood
Complete the grid so each row, column, and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk
53 Direct a smile toward
46 Puts a lid on
92 Genetics pioneer Gregor 93 Spoof genre 94 Brought about 95 __ a soul 99 Philly transit org. 100 Chris Van Allsburg’s “The Express” 102 Loretta of “M*A*S*H” 104 Intro courses?
87 Hot 88 Xenon, for one
89 Blog post
105 Dancer Falana
43 Silent film star Chaney
90 Emerald alternative 91 Country with a border in Lake Victoria 92 Genetics pioneer Gregor 93 Spoof genre
107 Cuba libre mixer 109 Picture 111 Mate 112 Soil-turning tool
47 Cookie brand owned by Mondelez
49 Stella __: Belgian beer
50 Sesame sauce
51 Serengeti
scavengers
52 Near beer brand
53 Direct a smile toward
Sudoku
By The Mepham Group
94 Brought about 95 __ a soul
99 Philly transit org. 100 Chris Van Allsburg’s “The Express” 102 Loretta of “M*A*S*H” 104 Intro courses?
105 Dancer Falana
107 Cuba libre mixer
109 Picture 111 Mate 112 Soil-turning tool
Solution to Monday’s puzzle
Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk
Los Angeles Times Sunday Crossword Puzzle
Edited by Patti Varol
Rhyme Scheme by Gary Larson & Amy Ensz