cheap eats where and when the best local deals happen
a struggle for equal rights? photo essay of recent anti-discrimination protests
the real project runway designer trends by vcu 's finest
ink staff > SARA D'EUGENIO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CHRISTINE ERICKSON MANAGING EDITOR PATRICE DALESANDRO + MELISSA TABLANTE CREATIVE DIRECTORS AMY JOYCE + TENOIYA CARTER COPY EDITORS JAIME BARNETT ARTS + CULTURE EDITOR COURTNEY MANNION V ISUAL STAFF
II
MATT SCHMIDT VISUAL STAFF
\
I
GUEST PHOTOGRAPHER
}\ Ie;15~ffi~ ~~[~~q cur ,sse".
, \
ell
~e'o<o:ti FC'I
•
of
\0
YlI{\
'('(lot e
( [
liOI \ m
(
(
(
"
fJs
0." «
if'<
'10 ........ l Cl..yf
qf s.~G'f\e.s
ng OJ-t ' 0. o.( l c..o~l""~
.dected f..oS~l\Ol\ &.
,nl'u..t,
W'
red 01 tne ,f wo,k
e
ASH LEIGH HOBSON GUEST PHOTOGRAPHER
';u.m
<0, '1 0 "":11 7>-"< o (\ tne. ~oct-S ().\ ~ \(.. ~YH'S \s pu r 'Oe,!)T \~~\.le. ,,~1! W~ '\'H! -COOt
eoc\
' ,ve( se CjfOu....
,Aldeoo "\
-\ 0
KERRY MCDONELL GUEST PHOTOGRAPHER
.9 ,,<1 , '''> " .... ,':\ \:), tle,·,u>e ,,' . ~le.~\ '1~o..f . LU~ e...<..~nc\ rd \ nl ";" I ~'::I\J..e
~ et.~~c " so 'I~\(.
(
JOSH LEWIS
\
,t'.
000
some.
p'fert'j "
DENA SPRUILL FASHION COORDINATOR Q
\
,
!'lIse, ' 'Y,e''>\,en"e I e
,
to i(). \<-e Dd=Mag< 01 0'1' nOlO S1ud.e(;\iS 'Oy <3Xl0I".,-.lCa~l~
n tne " ,,\<.(\c\ed f~n,e" SI'<eotl .
\ ~ I'C) """1 ~~f- \,00"'-:' "It ", 'o~e1"\ f'lo< io. o-Je,see ~ -t \~ pub\..I co.:'b Of\ . 1'(\e. 5,o..ff H'o.-t
ectlio,--,<"{- cn le t,
('\
we ' v~ (bu.1l1 tnls 'teof"
'!:, 0. si \ ot"'C::\ one. af)~ "l' m (Qnfloerr1 -:In):.,. _\..J.J\\\ 4&n-hnu.eJ+O glow (orb \....U\{'\ mc(e. wo.<c\ -;') ,tn eocn (>~s,(\~ 'leo, ' J: ,",ope 0\..1 \"D.... e Oil ~0'1Cd '1C>.ct''''j In '" os "'\.Ac l~ Q:'5;. we'\le_ t {'\}0'tec\ ll\:eO:\ \ r\~ Ii . \'"\ o'''.Je 0. I........)()ro e t{-u..\
:)u.f"r,,"'C"'\!.("
O')R
Sl(,\(,cl e\~,
So.fo.
'* \r~ Do(H "1o,..J.J Ow",
!
I} I'I
inll
\4 .
\"O{o,et 10
E...l{U
«(){fee -tu. ",'O\er~
\
TEDDY GREGSON STAFF WRITER CHRISTINE STODDARD STAFF WRITER SANTIA NANCE AD SALES
MARLEIGH CULVER CHRIS LEWIS CASSIE MULHERON
0. -fj..l . It\I\I\' no..W~ \ Ite.',
l
MEREDITH RIGSBY STAFF WRITER
D'E"''3''-f"IIO
1'''''' u-p
-:IT'll.
l')"IO.aa"L\{)t'
ASHLEY SELBE MICHAEL SKATTUM CONTRIBUTORS
table of contents > campus life 4
Fun classes to fill boring requirements General education classes can be frustratingly boring, but they don't have to be. VCU offers some unique and fun classes that will
contemporary issues 15
The big move (back home) Never thought you'd live with your parents again after college? Neither did we. But for some students the less than ideal job market is forcing them to consider an ug ly option: living at home " again.
help catch your inte rest.
6
MeV hospital EMT: student profile Michae l Ny is making his career goals become a reality-not without hard work of course.
16
Internet 2 Could we say goodbye to Internet freedom in the name of cybersecurity?
8
Richmond summers Sticky heat, hang ing by the river and sharing beers with friends. Sure sounds like a summer in Richmond to me.
17
Texting and the death of dating Making a phone call to your crush can feel a little awkward, thanks to our generation's obsession with texting and technology.
10 Cutting back on education College students aren't the only ones feeling the strain of the poor economy. A surprisingly high number of education departments at VCU are having funds cut.
18
12 Happy hour: food and drinks Your official guide to the best happy hour dea ls in the city!
19
21
Smells like green spirit Global warming, going green and the US's preoccupation with the environmental revolution: which facts are the truth and which are far from it? Protesting for equal rights : why in 2010 is there a struggle? A photo essay that speaks of the reality of equal rights in today's age and the issues that have come to the forefront.
22
Carra Sykes: graphic artist Being techno·savvy and creative are just some of the talents necessary to become a graphic artist like the one we've featured this issue.
24
Chhoti Maa: The Spanish R&B rapper Vreni Spitting sick rhymes with some added spice, our featured musician knows how to keep the attention of her audience.
26
DIY Book-making and its uses Books are known primarily for reading, but there are many other ways to make good use of your favorite novel.
28
Internet blogging: etiquette and advice What goes online stays on line . We've included essential facts as well as hints to help you decide what is appropriate for the world to see and what should be kept private when diving into the world of social network ing sites.
30
Video gaming year in review A look at which games had you camping outside Game Stop at ridiculous hours of the morning and which ones were just plain duds.
32
Apps : the best and the worst Facebook, iPhone and Blackberry all offer applications for your enjoyment, but some strike VCU students' fancy more than others.
34
Fashion department end of the year designs They slave over sewing mach ines and fabric samples: VCU's fashion department reveals their innovative and cutting edge garments that are sure to inspire new trends around campus.
Couchsurfing We're surfin' USA, we're surfin' all over the world! Pick your couch and head to you r destination!
INK MAGAZINE
CONTACT US
arts + culture
inkmagazine2008@gmail.com
VCU STUDENT MEDIA CENTER
twitter.com/inkmagazine
817 W. Broad st. Richmond, VA 23220 804,828,1058 ( receptionist)
issuu .com/ink_magazi ne Become a fan on Facebook
CORRECTIONS FOR ISSUE 3: Misspelling of our featured art ist's name Mari Fray Foster in the table of contents. We apologize for our mistake.
Cover by Carra Sykes
ink
exciting classes for bor ng requirements Readings in Literature: Vampire Literature
"
Courtney Mannion
Professor: Brinegar
Illustration Mike Skattum
Pre· requisite? No Don't th ink this class is all
Have you got a bunch of unappealing general education cred its that need filling, and nothing in the class bulletins seem to catch your fancy? Or maybe you have a ton of empty elective credits and have no idea
gl itter and Edward Cullen. The semester covers a variety of vampire tales, including the very fi rst recorded vampire narrative, aptly titled The Vampyre by John Polidori.
what classes to fill them with. We've rounded up several classes that will make filling your various requirements a breeze (and maybe a little fun as well)1
"
Creative Writing: Poetry Professor: Graber Pre-requisite? Yes -- ENGL 200
and 3 credits in a 200-level literature course (or equivalent (see also: Creative W rit ing:
Fiction) Trying to woo that cute girl you saw in the Commons?
Check out this class and write her a book of sonnets!
4
ink
Topic: Horror, Film and Society
Art and Language
Death: Myth & Reality
Professor: Coogan
Professor: Adair
Professor: Spiro
Pre-requisite? Yes -- 3 credits
(Winter Intercession)
Pre-requisite? Yes--
Pre-requisite? No
in a 200-level literature .course
Professor: McKendrey
enrollment in School
Explore the way death has
(or equivalent)
Pre-requisite? No
of the Arts
been viewed throughout
What could be more
Survey the creepy, kooky,
St udents will learn to own
history, and how those views
interesting than reading and
mysterious, and spooky
the ir words and mean what
have changed in our modern
writing about the lives of
in a class all about horror.
they say by understanding
times. Note: This class can
inmates? The new perspective
Learn how the Cold War
language and its uses.
be very emotionally trying,
you gain after the class.
spawned your favorite
Critical Game Workshop: Play Culture
History of the Motion Picture Professor: Nicholas
Topic: Prison Writing
outer space fiends.
Topic: Reading Counterculture, 19S0-Present
Topic: Urban Fantasy
Professor: Ryu & Witten
(Summer Intercession)
Pre-requisite? Yes --
Pre-requisite? No
Professor: Rosatelli
Professor: Danvers
enrollment in School
This class has two parts -
Pre-requisite? Yes -- 3 credits
Pre-requisite? No
of the Arts
in a 200-level literature course (or equivalen t )
Contemporary literature with
Look into the gaming
early cinema and modern cinema, taug'ht in the fall
a focus on extraordinary
phenomena and even
and spring semeste rs,
things happening in ordinary
create your own game!
respectively. Watch some
Topic: Documentary
places this class includes film
Professor: Browder Pre-requis ite? No
tie-ins such as Donnie Darko
Topic: Artist Book
learn their impact on
and Being John Malkovich.
Professor: Zevenbergen
contemporary cinema.
Pre-requisite? Yes --
Now maybe you can show
enrollment in School
that cute movie buff that
examines the documentary
Introduction to Entrepreneurship
of the Arts
you know your stuff, too!
through various media,
Professor: Brittle
Ti red of shelling out the big
including photography
Pre-requisite? Yes junior-st anding
notebooks decorated with
get to create their own
If you've ever dreamed of
kittens and rainbows and
documentary for the class.
owning your own business,
unicorns? Now you can learn
this is the class for you .
how to make your own! Try
For the budding documentarian, th is class
and film. Students even
influential cinema and
bucks for those cute little
Discover the ins and outs
your hand at creating unique
of owning a small business
notebooks, sketch pads, or photo albums!
and how to get your own up and running.
ink
It's just about dinnertime at the Bensley-Bermuda station in Chester, Va., and the Volunteer Rescue Squad
Christine Erickson Photo Christine Erickson Photo Josh Lewis fJdgC "7t;t
. gathers around the table, joining hands to say grace. As soon as the prayer is complete, the squad prepares to dig in to their home-cooked meal, but the second they pick up their utensils, the phone rings.
Emergency Dispatch Communications lets them know their station is closest to the scene, and so the squad drops their forks, gets up from the table, and leaves their untouched meal to go to the caller's rescue.
6
ink
the station: "We had just gotten in from
year more than 300,000 Americans
for Michael Ny, VCU student
a call, so it was around 9 a.m . and the
experience sudden cardiac arrest,
and president of the junior
squad was sleeping. I woke up to heavy
and a large majority of them die with in
squad for Bensley-Bermuda
banging on the door, thinking it was one
minutes, according to the American
Volunteer Rescue.
of my crewmates, until I got closer and
Heart Association. " Because we encounter it so much,
his is a very common scenario
Although he is not currently in VCU's
heard someone screaming 'Help me!'
paramedic program, he will begin either
After running back to wake some of the
you can't invest that much energy and
t his summer or fall. In the mean time, Ny
others up, we opened the door and a 45
emotion on every patient," Michael sa id.
has been training to be an Emergency
year-old man falls on his knees on the
"You just can't help some things; it's just
Medical Technician since his junior year
floor, with blood on his face , pants, arms-
the nature of the field."
o f high school.
everywhere, and there was an 8 to 10
Michael is now a certified EMT, and this
inch laceration across his face. The man
is his third year as president. The junior
something with medici.ne, but what
was on a ladder, cutting tree branches
squad has grown significantly since then.
did it for me was when my dad got
with a chainsaw, and when he lost his
si ck, and had a stroke twice, " he said.
balance and fell, the chainsaw fell with
"Someone could make good grades
" Then my mother was diagnosed with CML leukemia. I didn't know what to
him. If he didn't have safety glasses on,
but not know anything about medicine.
he would have lost an eye."
" I always knew I wanted to do
m ake of it." After enrolling in an EMT course ,
But the job is not all physical: it also requires a lot of emotional stability. Each
"I want kids exposed to this ," he said.
I want to raise more awareness about what you're getting into, and help decide if medicine is right for you."
Michael immediately began to find things falling into place. "With all the bad things happening, I'd never felt more right at that point in my life." Emergency Medical Technicians are instructed to treat, stabilize and transport patients until they can recieve hospital care. Training begins with the basic skills necessary to provide medical c are. It 's important that these skills are mastered before any advanced life support program . " It's called practice for a reason because every time you're out there, you learn something new," he said. Every other Saturday, Michael volunteers at one of their three stations, anticipating anywhere from one to ten calls , ranging from 15 minutes to four hours. "I like the idea of unknown ," he said, "that mentality of not knowing keeps you sharp. " While some ca lls are non-emergency issues such as checking blood pressure or taking temperature, not every day is so easy. In fact, on one of the most exasperating days, he never even left
!! With all the bad things
happening! rd never felt more right at that point in my life, " inll
FAMILIAR AND LESS FAMILIAR Teddy Gregson Photo Courtney Mannion While recently going through clothing, I stumbled upon a wel l-worn pair of frayed jean cut-offs. I hesitated slightly and then came to my five senses with a full-blown hit of fresh Belle Isle around me. I was sudden ly back in the summer months in Richmond; when the air hugs you with a blanket of warmth and the sun glistens off your skin with a slight glowing effect. Those new to Richmond and veterans concur on the same nature parks in the area. These are just a few of my favorite spots in the area to bask in the sun.
BELLE ISLE
TEXAS BEACH
Many Richmonders will agree
Richmond also offers the
HOLLYWOOD CEMETERY
that wasting away at Belle Isle
North Bank Park at the edge
This is one of my all-time
is a great way to spend
South Randolph . Better
favorite spots in Richmond.
a summer day.
known as Texas Beach,
Nothing else as serene and
If you have yet to visit Belle
though barely enough beach
beautiful exists in all of the
Isle, it is a 54-acre island
to consider it that, the trails
city. This cemetery, located
with plenty of trails, beaches,
follow the train tracks behind
just off of Cherry St. a few
and best of all , boulders to
the beautiful Maymont Park
blocks from campus in
climb and explore. Besides
and leads into Riverview Cemetery. This park is known
never crowded like other
for great mountain biking as
locations such as Bell
beautiful scenery and hiking opportunities, there is the James River, great
well as hiking trails. Warning:
Isle or North Bank Park.
for swimming, rafting or
the trails are long and it will
This cemetery is known
kayaking. The animals and
wear you out by the end. Also,
specifically for its gothic
people live in tandem and
be sure to wear comfortable shoes with some traction
landscape and graves. A gO-foot pyramid made
because most of the trails are uneven and rocky.
of granite to commemorate
on a good day a blue heron may be visible on the beach. For history buffs, the island
stands erect within the
Smith originally explored the Isle in the 17th century, the
depths of the cemetery.
site housed a nail factory in
different paths, be sure to
Also, while exploring the
the 18 th century, and later a
see the mysterious statue
village with a general store
of a black dog watching over
and school. It was also home
a young girl's grave.
for captured Union soldiers. A visit can be a pleasurable experience for ghost enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
ink
fallen Confederate soldiers
has an interesting past. John
to a Civil War prison camp
8
Oregon Hill, is surprisingly
FAMILIAR AND LESS FAMILIAR Teddy Gregson Photo Courtney Mannion
While recently going through clothing, I stumbled upon a well-worn pair of frayed jean cut-offs. I hesitated slightly and then came to my five senses with a full-blown hit of fresh Belle Isle around me. I was suddenly back in the summer months in Richmond; when the air hugs you with a blanket of warmth and the sun glistens off your skin with a slight glowing effect. Those new to Richmond and veterans concur on the same nature parks in the area. These are just a few of my favorite spots in the area to bask in the sun.
BELLE ISLE
TEXAS BEACH
Many Richmonders wil l agree
Richmond also offers the
HOLLYWOOD CEMETERY
Maymont is overflowing
PONY PASTURE RAPIDS
MEADOW FARM MUSEUM
that wasting away at Belle Isle
North Bank Park at the edge
This is one of my all-time
with outdoor opportunities.
Just lO minutes out of
If you're a real go-getter,
Henrico, VA 23227
is a great way to spend
South Randolph. Better
favo rite spots in Richmond.
Located at the edge of Byrd
the city, there are great
there are great spots for
Three Lakes is a great
a summer day.
known as Texas Beach ,
Nothing else as serene and
Park, this was the 100-acre
alternatives for the beach
outdoor exploration in
aquarium and nature center
If you have yet to visit Belle
though barely enough beach
beautiful exists in all of the
Victorian country estate
over the summer. Pony
Henrico County and Glenn
that claims to combine the "worlds of air, water and land"
MAYMONT
THREE LAKES 400 Sausiluta Drive
Isle, it is a 54-acre island
to consider it that, the trails
city. This cemete r y, located
of James Henry Doo ley.
Pasture Rapids might rival any
Allen . One of my favorites
with plenty of trails, beaches ,
follow the train tracks behind
just off of Cherry St. a few
A petting zoo, Japanese
other bathing locations on the
growing up was the Meadow
with a variety of exhibits
and best of all, bou lders to
the beautiful Maymont Park
blocks from campus in
gardens, a nature center
river because of the rushing
Farm Museum and Crump
demonstrating the plant and
climb and explore. Besides
and leads into Riverview
Oregon Hill, is surprisingly
and hay rides are a few of
water that creates small
Park including an historic
animal life in the area as well
beautiful scenery and
Cemetery. This park is known
never crowded like other
the many benefits of such
pockets similar to jet streams
farmhouse and museum
as a 50,000 gallon aquarium .
hiking opportunities , there
for great mountain biking as
locations such as Bell
a well-preserved Richmond
from a Jacuzzi. If you enjoy
that facilitates many exhibits and activities throughout
is the James River, great
well as hiking trails . Warning :
Isle or North Bank Park.
city property. Increase
bird watching , this is also a
for swimming, rafting or
the trails are long and it will
This cemetery is known
the enjoyment of future
great spot to hide behind a
the year. Volunteer
kayaking. The animals and
wear you out by the end . Also,
specifically for its gothic
Maymont trips by visiting
pair of binoculars. V isitors
opportunities are available
people live in tandem and
be sure to wear comfortable
landscape and graves .
the Romanesque mansion,
occasionally get a glimpse of
in the organized Agricultural
on a good day a blue heron
shoes with some traction
A 90-foot pyramid made
built by the Dooleys. Three
a Bald Eagle perched amidst
Guild, and meet weekly to
may be visible on the beach.
because most of the trails
of granite to commemorate
decades were spent filling
the scenery. Rafting, kayaking
tend to the gardens and
For history buffs , the island
are uneven and rocky.
fallen Confederate soldiers
the interior with art and
and fishing are just some
crops abounding in the park .
has an interesting past. John
stands erect within the
goods from around the world .
activities you may consider
Smith originally explored the
depths of the cemetery.
There are tours offered from
while traversing the rapids.
Isle in the
Also, while exploring the
1 p.m. -5 p .m. Tuesday
site housed a nail factory in
different paths, be sure to
through Sunday.
the 18 t h century, and later a
see the mysterious statue
17th
century, the
village with a general store
of a black dog watching over
and school. It was also home
a young girl's grave.
to a Civil War prison camp for captured Union soldiers . A visit can b e a pleasurable experience for ghost enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
8
ink
ink :
9
PONY PASTURE RAPIDS
MEADOW FARM MUSEUM
THREE LAKES
Maymont is overflowing
with outdoor opportunities.
Just 10 minutes out of
If you're a real go-getter,
Henrico, VA 23227
MAYMONT
400 Sausiluta Drive
Located at the edge of Byrd
the city, there are great
there are great spots for
Three Lakes is a great
Park, this was the lOO-acre
alternatives for the beach
outdoor exploration in
aquarium and nature center
Victorian country estate
over the summer. Pony
Henrico County and Glenn
that claims to combine the
of James Henry Dooley.
Pasture Rapids might rival any
Allen. One of my favorites
"worlds of air, water and land"
A petting zoo, Japanese
other bathing locations on the
growing up was the Meadow
with a variety of exhibits
gardens, a nature center
river because of the rushing
Farm Museum and Crump
demonstrating the plant and
and hay rides are a few of
water that creates small
Park including an historic
animal life in the area as well
the many benefits of such
pockets similar to jet streams
farmhouse and museum
as a 50,000 gallon aquarium.
a well-preserved Richmond
from a Jacuzzi. If you enjoy
that facilitates many exhibits
city property. Increase
bird watching, this is also a
and activities throughout
the enjoyment of future
great spot to hide behind a
the year. Volunteer
Maymont trips by visiting
pair of binoculars. Visitors
opportunities are available
the Romanesque mansion,
occasionally get a glimpse of
in the organized Agricultural
built by the Dooleys. Three
a Bald Eagle perched amidst
Guild, and meet weekly to
decades were spent filling
the scenery. Rafting, kayaking
tend to the gardens and
the interior with art and
and fishing are just some
crops abounding in the park.
goods from around the world.
activities you may consider
There are tours offered from
while traversing the rapids.
, p.m. -5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
ink
9
T
he cinema department is one of
the most fortunate on campus , but it sti ll faces hunger on the
Bola Hanson is a student who belongs to the interdisciplinary studies program, which allows students to design the ir own
savannah. It cannot pay a T.A. t o man
majors if VCU does not already offer a
the computer lab more than a few paltry
similar program.
hours a week . Pouting, I head to Cabell
"B.1.5 [majors] already have the problem
library's MRS stations after the cinema
of not belong ing to the majors of the
lab closes. Unfortunately, those
classes we register for," she said. "We end
computers don't offer the full range of
[up] having to get overrides. With fewer
applications I need, but I cope with the
classes, it takes us B.I.S degree-seeking
available resources. White-tail deer,
students even longer to graduate."
after all, have been known to eat salmon in extreme cases.
Hilary Stallings, a theatre major, said, "The budget cuts [have] a major impact
I also have to swallow and deal in the
on the theatre department. We had to use
Eng lish department, where my second
a track for Ain't Misbehavin' as opposed
major and creative writing minor lie.
to a live band, which completely changes
This semester, I have a whopping 50
the atmosphere. It was still a great show,
students in my 300-level, discussion-
but it wou ld've been better with a live
based literature class, with just one
band. Thankfully, we get to use a live band
professor and no T.A. Luckily,
for Tommy, but they were talking about
J
have an
entertain ing, knowledgeable teacher and
using a track for that , too. And they've
severa l articulate, well-read classmates .
cut back on the number of shows [we
But stil l ... 50 people. I anticipate book -
perform]. I have a feeling the reason we're
heaving herds in my literature courses
collaborating with Barksdale [Theatre] on
next semester, too. When I asked the English professor in charge of the VCU Glasgow Artist and Writer Workshop if the Engl ish department was offering scholarships for
The Grapes of Wrath is because that's the
only way we could get enough funding to
[perform it]." That's proof, then, that I'm not the on ly one frowning at the near-empty
the summer program, he laughed. Then
waterhole. From here on out, it's just
his face quickly assumed a helpless and
"survival of the fittest."
pitiful expression. How could the answer not be "no"?
In my French minor, I know I only have a chance at enrolling in the classes I need because of priority registration (Thank you, Honors Co llege). One of my friends, a declared French major since her freshman year, was not able to sign up for a sing le French class for two consecut ive semesters. There were simply too few classes available. Before I enro lled in the Honors College, all active students received a $500 stipend for studying abroad. That, too, is as dead as a dinosaur now. At least they haven't removed the 20 -student cap on Honors classes yet. But does that also lie in the near future? This is not just a weak ling's whine-a-thon, however. Everybody, in every department, graduate and undergraduate, is suffering at least a tad right now.
" Everybody, in every department, graduate and undergraduate, is suffering at least " a tad right now. inll
"
Mojo's www.mojotogo.com 733 W. Cary St. If you're sti ll craving tacos but it's not Monday, hit up Mojo's and quell your craving! Right down the street from the Cary Street Gym, Mojo's offers dollar tacos on Wednesdays as well
as $4 7-inch cheeses teaks. If you come in on a Thursday, you can receive 10% off your entire order from 4 p.rn until closing time. Yeah. baby!
Cous COUS www.couscous900.com 900 W. Franklin St. Had enough Shafer for the week? Head right down Shafer St. to Cous Cous! Located in the same building as the V irg inia Book Company, this Mediterranean restaurant has some awesome weekly specials, including vegetarian dishes every Wednesday and "Facebook Group" dinner spec ials every Tuesday, where deals vary week ly for their online friends. Come to Cous Cous on Mondays for Mystery Beer N ight: a different beer for $1!
Europa www.europaricmond.com 1409 E. Cary St. Europa is a relaxed Italian cafe/bar located in Shockoe Bottom
Little Mexico
w ith a tapas menu featuring over 30 selections. Tapas are sma ll, appetizer-sized dishes served together to make up an entire
www.littlemexicova.com 1328 W. Cary St. Located five blocks from Monroe Park campus, this unique restaurant provides a fun atmosphere along with weekly taco
and enchilada specials, Mondays are dollar taco days, and every Wednesday you can head into Litt le Mexico for dollar enchi ladas and PBRs. Eat Upl
Sticky Rice www.ilovestickyrice.com 2232 W. Main St. Sticky Rice is a cool, urban sushi restaurant r ight down Main Street. This popular spot offers half-price sushi during "Sushi
Heaven" from 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Seats fill up pretty quickly. so you definitely want to get there early!
ink
13
mea l, and t hey're incredibly fun to order wi t h friends! Come in on Sunday for tapas night and get half-off all tapas. On Monday night. all pasta dishes are $9. On Tuesday, take a date o ut fo r a t hree-cou rse d inner for $16 per person, and for another $16, share a bottle of Wine. And on Thursday nights, ladies, starting at 5 p.m., get your girls together for a nig ht out. Buon Apet it o!
Strawberry Street Cafe www.strawberrystcafe.com
421 Strawberry St. Tucked in the hea rt of the Fan, th is cute ca fe offers class Ic American fare and t he best buffets. Come In on a Monday for half-off burgers and qUiche. Col lege students and p rofessors can meet up (yeah, rig ht!) on Tuesdays, and wit h a flas h o f you r VCU ID, get 20% off the entire c heck! And don't miss the bathtub salad bar! It sounds strange b ut for on ly $8.95, you get endless salad, sou p, fresh fruits and veggies daily.
Capital Ale House www.capitalalehouse.com 623 E. Main St.
Th is orig inal pub is located right in down t ow n Ric hmond, and offers a variety of beer from their "beer garden" and p ub-sty le fare fo r reasonable prices. Head in on a Monday for a dea l that can't be beat: doll ar burgers (really !) st arti ng at 5 p.m., and free park ing after 4 p.m. at the 6th and Cary St. park ing deck. Can't ge t m uch better t han that!
Curbside Cafe www.curbsiderichmond.com
2525 Hanover Ave. Become a reg ular at th is cozy neighborhood grill and cafe Located in the Fan. th is loca lly owned restaurant offers weekly specials to die for. Monday night offers provides 35-cent wings and ha lf-p rice q uesadillas , Sick of tacos yet? Is t hat even a va lid question? Hop on in on a Tuesday for 7S-cent tacos! Wednesday is burger night, where you can c how down on a half-price burger. On Saturdays and Su ndays, yo u can order an appetizer fo r halfprice. All specials are offered from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., and dri nk spec ials are served every day from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
14
iN!
Many post-grads are
head-on by participating in "the big move," No, this isn't the facing the recession move to a college dorm or even a new apartment in Manhattan. This is the move back into their childhood bedroom. For this reason , we're called "the Boomerang Generation," Some dread it, but regardless, the transition can be a smooth one jf made right. Truth is, many of us are graduating at one of the hardest economic times, so finding a job is difficult. to say the least. The time between "occupation: student" and "occupation: dream job" is going to be longer than we may have planned. Moving back home just might be the best solution. According to the Census Bureau's American Housing Survey conducted in 2003, post·grads and persons over the age of 18 living at home has risen to approximately 16 million fami lies. The benefits in many ways do outweigh the drawbacks, depending on how one looks at it. Moving home is a good way to save money, and a great way to start paying back the debt of college loans, which begin to haunt grads after the hat toss at graduation. Students nearing graduation as well as post-grads keep hearing it, and there are even dozens of websites dedicated to it: networking is the key to employment. But networking takes time, and having a familiar support system to help you out can make it that much easier. It'll be easier to settle back into your old community, and you never know: someone back home might just be well-connected.
Don't expect living at home to be just like it was before you left. Everyone - including health insurance companies consider you an official adult, and it's time to start acting like one. In the short time you've been away, you've all changed. Consider living with your parents to be the same as it would be with any other roommate. Offer to help around the house or with younger siblings. Be polite and respectful. If you are li ving there for free, be sure to discuss some ground rules to get off to the right start. Discuss things like guests, bills and how long you plan to stay. If your parents are asking for rent money, discuss exactly what that entai ls. Does paying rent all ow you to throw parties in their basement every Saturday night? There are sample rental contracts available online that you and your family can use to create one together. Most of all, try not to be bitter about having to pay rent in your own home. After all, you could be paying a lot more. A one-bedroom apartment in Northern Virginia is somewhere between $900 per month and higher. In Norfolk, prices are less expensive, but rarely below $700 per month. Whether you flock back to the nest or risk it on your own, know that you probably have a safe place to land postgraduation and that most likely, your family will be excited to have you back home. Above all else, don't look at it as a failure. Rather, view it is as transitioning to the rest of your life.
ink
15
internet 2 and you Matt Schmidt Illustration Matt Schmidt Could we say goodbye to Internet freedom in the name of cybersecurity? There has been a lot of discussion from the U.N. and Internet providers about net neutrality and a greater control of cybersecurity. In late February, CNN ran a television special on cyber security, threatening that our nation could lose everything from transportation to electricity if one of our power grids were to fail. Outside America, other countries have already implemented tactics on cyber security. Italy has implemented Internet licenses to upload video content, while Australia is currently setting up a licensing system for the Internet Additionally, they are filtering webs ites, such as Wikileaks, a website that anonymously publishes sensitive governmental, corporate, organizational and religious documents for a limited time. Back in 2008, when the U.K. was complaining about China's web censorship, London's St. Pancras International, one of the biggest transport hubs in the West, blocked a large majority of mildly politically-alternative websites such as thinkprogressive.com. So, what's happening in the United States? There are many figureheads calling for Internet licenses in order to get online, such as Time Magazine, the New York Times, the United Nations, and even Bill Gates. Near the end of January, Bill Gates supported China's web censorship. Also, the Head Technology officer at Microsoft,
16
ink
during the Davos conference and UN meetings, agreed with UN's suggestion to sign in with an Internet 10. With these licenses, "lnternet2," a new network, would be created. One would obtain a subdomain with a major carrier, and the new carrier would be able to shut down websites whenever it wanted . Essentially, it's like You Tube or Facebook, where one can register an account, but the site may delete the profile or videos that one has uploaded . In addition to the licenses issued from Internet2, the U.S. Congress is voting to pass a cybersecurity bill that could affect citizens' Internet freedom. With more than 400 votes for the cyber security bill in the House of Representatives, only five members were opposed to the bill. These five members were also the only ones to read the bill in its entirety. At opencongress.com, where the cybersecurity bi ll can be read in its entirety, 94% of the public has voted against it, which clearly isn't representative of what Congress has expressed. As for what the bill specifically proposes, it gives the president of the United States the ability to "declare a cybersecurity emergency," and limit or even completely shut down Internet traffic in any "critica l" information network "in the interest of national security." The bill does not define a critical information network or a cybersecurity emergency. That definition is left to the president's discretion. The bill also states that the FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
and NIST (National Institute of Standards in Techno logy) would be in charge of this new Internet. All software would be regulated through NIST standards. It also states the Department of Homeland Security would recruit students, from kindergarten to college, to join their "Federal Cyber Scholarship for Service" program to train the next generation of federal information and security managers. In this program, students would be certified in meeting federal information workforce standards, and would track American blogs and websites to filter disinformation and monitor all Internet activity. What information might children consider disinformation? In 2008, Cass Sunstein, President Obama's Advisor of Information and Regulatory Affairs, wrote in a paper that our government might ban conspiracy theories or impose a tax on conspiracy theorists. He stated multiple conspiracy theories such as "man-made global wa rming is a fraud ." Even though a majority of the people are realizing global warming has lost its validity, may they sti ll be labeled as "conspiracy theorists"? I thought the I nternet was about free speech no matter what your beliefs are. Although the government created the Internet, we pay enough taxes to use it freely. The government is slowly taking the Internet away from us by introducing these draconian laws. To learn more, research groups like "Save the Internet," which have been protesting this bill for a while. It's time to save net neutrality.
the death of dating
citizens of a new age Dena Spruill Ph oto Jaime Barnett Once upon a time, there was a custom called dating. When Cupid's arrow hit two unsuspecting souls, the ritual began. A male suitor would call on a young woman and ask her on a date. The typical rendezvous might involve a night on the town complete with dinner and a movie, or maybe even a night of dancing. Then, if all went well, the night would conclude with the goodnight kiss. Success! The dreaded f irst date is complete. However, it's been my experience that this is becoming a non-existent occurrence in today 's society. Dating, as we perhaps never truly knew it, is becoming extinct. In its place, w e're left with the hook-up culture. Collegiate hook-up culture is rampant. It used to be that you met someone you liked, and then went on a few dates to get to know them. Now you hook -up first. and maybe go on a few dates afterward. Does anyone else see this as a little backwards? It seems we've lost the ability to simply ask someone out and get to know them. So what's the cause of the dating culture's slow demise? A writer for the New York Times attributed it to "the collapse of advanced planning, lopsided gender ratios on campus, delaying marriage, relaxing values and sheer momentum," all of which make for significant contributing factors. However, the writer failed to factor in the effects technology has also had on this phenomenon. One of the major cont r ibuting factors in the growth of this new social norm is the technology that we love and hold so dear: Facebook, Twitter, SMS messaging ... all of t hese forms of social media and communication provide us with more and more ways to disconnect from personal contact. We are thus gifted the inability to deal with life face-to-face. Don't get me wrong, I text just as much as the next person, but using this as the main means of communication with
a few tips for proper texting etiquette As king So m eone O ut: So, you met someone at Friday night's art gallery show, you exchanged numbers. and now you're thinking it's time to ask for a date. It may be easier on the nerves to shoot someone a request via text, but oftentimes, this just sends out the wrong message. Save the date plans for those traditional phone conversations that we seem to increasingly avoid. Ca nce llatio n: Texting is not an excuse to be rude. If you don't want to see someone, call them to cancel plans.
someone we're interested in dating is probably not the best idea. We've become too addicted to put the phone down! In 2008, Vibes Media, a company that helps businesses market themselves through SMS, reported that since 2001, the number of text messages sent in the United States has risen from about a million a month to 75 billion. While texting has become an extremely useful tool , SMS can be impersonal and leaves way too much room for misinterpretation. Think about it. Can you really get to know someone through a text message? Granted, texting has its advantages in relat ionships. It's useful for flirting and connecting when you really can't talk. It's great for making plans, quick confirmations, and great for throwing out a short message to someone. Nevertheless, when this form of communication is abused, it mostly just gets in the way. Whereas we used to "drunk dial", there is now the "drunk text," and in place of the "booty call" we have late-night "booty texts." And due to the difficulty of interpreting a person's tone through text , it can be hard to tell who's looking to get to know you and who's just looking to get some. Be classy in your approach. Texting is all about short conversations; it's not a total replacement for phone conversations. When it comes time to setup a date, be brave. Pick up the phone and call! Dating in this new age is a complex process, arguably even more difficult than in the past. W ith all the games we play and all the ways we can communicate, the dating realm can be a murky, thorny underworld of confusion. However, one thing is for sure. In our society where constant contact is a necessity, texting as a form of communication is here to stay. But don't throw your love life out the window by inadvertently showing that you're uneducated in the sphere of texting.
Dat e Etiquette: You're hanging out with someone you're interested in. and you're so excited you decide to text your friend every detail of your date. It should go without saying, this is a big no-no. Never text while you're on a date if you want the person to think you're interested! And even if you're not interested, don·t be rude. At least run off to the restroom and text privately! Play ing It Safe: Texting is one of the most widely misinterpreted forms of communication out there. It's hard to decipher the tone of someone's message through simply reading words on a screen. To be safe, save the jokes for face-to-face interaction. Const ant Co ntact: Ever had someone blow up your phone
ink
17
with text messages all day long that have no real significance? Do not text every facet of your day to someone you're dating, or anyone for t hat matter. Keep your texts to a minimum. Patiently Waiting : So, you've been engaging in a text-a-thon
everyone keeps constant track of their text messages. Sometimes, there are simply
a call! Whatever the reason, you' ll get your answer, allowing you and your friends to rest
a relationship, be classy about your approach. Texting is not an avenue for breaking up with
with that new girl you met on Saturday. She st opped texting you mid-conversation and now
not enough hours in the day (something college students should be well aware of). Left in the Dark: If you haven't heard from someone you texted in a few days, don't immediately panic. They may have forgotten to t ext you back in the midst
someone! It's cowardly. The same goes for email, Facebook messages and Twitter tweets. None of these methods will passably end ties with someone. As much as we may not want to, sometimes we've got to swallow that grown-up pi ll
it's Thursday and you're still waiting for a reply. Just because you text someone, it doesn't mean they're going to reply. Not
of late-night studying for final exams. Instead of pondering why you haven't heard from them, pick up the phone and give them
from worrying. All in Your Feelings : As much as you may feel the need to gush about your inner-most feelings through SMS, leave the heart-to-heart conversation for face-to-face contact (or at least ear-to-ear). And the Number One Rule : Break-ups are hard, uncomfort able, and messy. If the time has come to end
and do the right thing.
Smells like Green Spirit ... and Deceit Matt Schmidt Illustration Matt Schmidt
With one of the coldest winters upon us in 25 years, more people have become very skeptic about the "science" behind global warming.
O
n Nov. 19 2009, two hackers
of adding in the real temps (sic) to each
film An Inconvenient Truth. The graph
obtained thousands of emails
series for the last 20 years (ie from 1981
depicted a strong increase in temperature
and documents from the Climate
onwards) and from 1961 for Keith's to
beginning in the mid-1800s. However, the
Research Unit at East Anglia University in Norwich, England. Several emails
hide the decline." Another email describes the CRU's
"hockey stick" formed on this graph by the increase is dwarfed when presented
exposed that the scientists had cooked
effort to hide other scientific research
the numbers to show an extreme
inconclusive to global warming trends:
"Medieval Warming Period" from around
incline in temperature since the
"We will keep [skeptics' research] out
850 - 1200 A.D.
Industrial Revolution.
somehow-even if we have to redefine
Phil Jones, director of the Cl imate Research Unit (CRU) and a professor in
what the peer-review literature is!" The exposure of these emails is also
with the greater temperatures of the
With 31,000 scientists or more who oppose global warming, people can no longer deny that this email scandal has
the School of Environmental Sciences
the smoking gun for the many criminal
at the University of East Anglia, wrote
attempts to fix temperature trends.
hoax. Why would they attempt to make
an email to his colleague which stated:
Some may remember Michael Mann's
up this hoax?
"I've just completed Mike's Nature trick
"hockey stick" graph, shown in AI Gore's
18
inll
brought to light the global warming
The United Nations documents and
the Club of Rome documents from 1991
warming predictions to put political
state a private group of banks, including
pressure on world leaders.
Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and others
Dr. La l said: "It related to several
of 2009. Secretary General of the U.N .. Ban Ki Moon, said this meeting would establish "global governance."
are financing this movement. In the mid
countries in this region and their water
Former U.S. Vice President AI Gore,
90·s. Ken Lay of EN RON and AI Gore
referring to climate change, proclaimed,
came up with a new form of derivatives
sources. We thought that if we can highlight it, it wi ll impact policy~makers
based on carbon credits. By creating a
and politicians and encourage them to
drive the change. And , one of the
system of carbon credits, a global treaty
take some concrete action."
"It is the awareness itself that will ways it will drive the change is
would essentially place a 2% tax on every
Recently, Jones admitted there
country's gross domestic product (GOP).
hasn't been a significant increase
On Jan. 24 2010. the Daily Mail published
in temperatures to prove global
decided at the conference, the leaders
an interview with Dr. Murari Lal, the
warming since 1995. Declared by the U.N. as "the most
of the world all believe that we must
coordinating lead author of the report's chapter on As ia. The interview proved
important meeting in history," leaders
to help our planet Earth.
the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on
gathered at the Copenhagen Climate
Climate Change) had lied about global
Change Conference in early December
through global governance." Even though nothing concrete was
form a global governance structure
ink
19
20 •
ink
a drink . There is however, and emergency board available adults and college
requested that their
on the website in the case
location is confirmed. The
of unreliable people.
students. What poses a
seen on blog pages, with
problem in most instances
pictures and contact
member is then sent a
is a lack funds to support
information displayed
postcard with a code on it.
to Rome,
such adventures. A project
at the members' discretion.
Going to the couchsurfing
who was an ambassador and a tour guide for
"When I decided to go t
found this guy
known as Couchsurfing
People who have hosted
website and typing in
can help ease the struggle.
others or have been hosted
the given code allows
the Vatican.. he had
can also leave their friends
the member to become
hundreds and hundreds of
worldwide network of
recommendations, which
officially verified.
people offering their
gives others reassurance
Couch surfing is a
Don't fret if traveling
references,"said Brittany Fulk, a VCU junior. "So I
homes, and couches, for
when requesting to
plans are made in haste!
went to Rome and I figured
travelers to stay the night.
stay over. "Everybody that I've
Many couchsurfing
he would answer his
Stays are generally only for a day or two. While it
met, like the girl I stayed
is possible to "couchsurf,"
with first in Baltimore,
unofficially joining the
most of her friends were
couchsurfing website,
couch surfers as well," said
www.couchsurfing.org"
Leigh Rawls, a VCU cinema
opens up a world of
major. "So t ended up ..
possibilities .
getting to know them .1 just
"I hosted this kid who was backpacking without any money, and he spent eight months going across country," said Adam
Couchsurfing is a worldwide network of people offering their homes, and couches, for travelers to stay the night.
didn't expect everyone to be so nice and welcoming." To get references when first beginning the
hosts don't mind short notification . A simple message the day
phone, [but] he never did." For those antsy to travel the States or even the
couchsurfing adventure,
before arrival is often
world, couchsurfing
it's a good idea to sign
enough notice.
can be a useful tool to
Tremper, a VCU junior. "Literally, he started in
up with a friend and join
Wisconsin and went all
the network together,
Oftentimes, those traveling will contact more
help curb costs, as well as meeting all sorts of
the way down to Florida,
then write each other
than one person in their
friends along the way.
California, [and] all the
references. This will make
Get connected:
way to Alaska. [H]e was
other members more likely
destination to ensure that they'll have a place to stay
gone for so long and he
to request your couch.
for the night. However,
spent no money. "We [also] hosted a kid
To provide members
www.couchsurfing.com
it's not uncommon to get
with an added sense of
a couchsurfing request, and then not hear back
from Thailand who was
security, the website offers
coming to look at schools,
members the chance to
from the individual. Some
and he just didn't have
become "verified." This
'surfers might just want
money to stay in a hotel,
means that the member
to meet up for coffee or
inl4
21
Jaime Burnett Type Illustration Melissa Tablante Major/Concentration
school. Boredom seems to
design. I had heard about a
same interests as m ine and
non -profit called To Write
perhaps do some personal
push creativity in my life. I
Love On Her Arms and the
art on the side. I want to
make sure there are creative
design was a really strong
travel and live in new places.
voice for the organization.
There are so many options,
outlets outside Of school so I have places to get rid of stress. There usually isn't too
Knowing what graphic design
I just have to break through
can do for non-profits really
the limitations, you know?
much extra outlet time, but it
How did you start and
pushed my heart to go into
Adventures are ahead!
does happen.
discover that you wanted be a designer?
it as my major.
How do you keep your
As a kid my imagination led
What kind of work do
What are your favorite sources of inspiration?
Graphic Design
me to making and designing
you plan to pursue with
things, so going to school for design was a natural reaction
your skills? I would love to help out non-
after grade school. I had
profits as much as J can as
creative life when you're working under pressure? My imagination still runs
colors, patterns, warriors,
wild with me, and I enjoy
fashion, forts
Jesus, child-like fai t h, Ireland,
being a kid at 22. Pressure
originally gone to school for
well as pursue some more
is constantly around with
What other advice can you
fashion design in Raleigh,
hands on kind of design.
deadlines and I think it's what
give to prospective students
J
N.C. but then soon realized
would enjoy working for a
pushes the need for creativity
thinking about an education
I wanted to get into graphic
company or firm with the
with general projects and
and career in graphic design?
22
ink
III
A llow room for exploration
an d adventu res . Dude, have fun ! Because sometimes the re are days where you will be burnt out. and there has to be something to spark inspi ration and remind you
why you chose to dive into desig n as you r education and future career. Don't limit yo urself to projects that wi ll
pleas e your professors and ma ke the grade. Take risks!
ink
23
SHE IS DAZZLING, A LYRICAL MAESTRO,
LADIES AND I PRESENT: Omid Khanzadeh Photos Courtney Mannion When I met up w it h 2l-year
old Vre ni Miche lin i, I thought to myself, "How come there aren't more Mexican f emale hip- hop ar t ists?" Artist ical ly, Vren i is simply o ne of the best Richmond has righ t now. Musical ly. she is simply f lawless. Vreni's passion and her soul fu l approac h remind me of a young Lauryn Hill, while her beautiful voice is reminiscent of Gonjasufi. And with th e abilities to make wonderfu l beats and to hype
up any aud ience, Vreni ha s found herself one of the top m usicia ns in Richmond. Vren i
Richmond, she's worked with
My name is Vreni Michelini.
Where did the name Chhoti Maa come from, and was it your first choice as your stage name?
the likes of Marble Mummy,
and I am a senior in the PA &
Chhoti Maa is Hindi for "little
PR department at VCU. I am
mother," or in Spanish, mamacita.
has already co ll aborated with
Richmond's Ann u, Rasul. Mill z, and Ch ino, and outs ide of
Sparkz and Valone
Listen to music and stay up to date with future performances by Chhoti Maa at www.myspace.com/ chhotimaa .
Can you introduce yourself, and tell everyone how you got into making music?
ink
Pachamama.
orig inally from Guanajuato,
It has multip le meanings. It wasn't
Mexico, [but I've lived in] EI
my first stage name. I've gone
Who in particular influenced you in making music and rapping? Who are you currently listening to? I listen to a lot. so it's hard for
Paso and Dallas, Texas; Albany,
through a couple of really bad
Georgia; Harrisonburg, Virginia
ones: Vren imaa and Tryptich,
me to tell you that only a certain
and now Richmond. I got into
for example.
artist or a sty le influ enced me.
are my grandma Abi, Lauryn
they were students I got to take
What are the topics you mostly talk about in your music?
Orishas, Erykah Badu, Oscar Chavez, the Roots, Bjork, Billie
The artists that come to mind
music when I was pretty young. Both my parents were finishing school in Mexico, and because
24
identity and cultures, who I am, and reconnecting with
Hill, Mala Rodriguez, Princesa,
piano, wooden flute lessons
The pieces in Spanish are like
and chorus all for free. Later,
the ones in English. They dea l
Holiday, Portishead , Destiny's
when I moved to Georgia,
with a range of subjects, like the
Child, RL Burnside, Clara Smith, Maria Dolores Pradera, Chopin ,
I was in the high school chorus.
corruption in the government
Three years ago, I started
and politics, the m istreatment
the Moldy Peaches, Manu Chao,
rapping, so the mixture of all
between human beings,
Jedi Mind Tricks, Caetano Veloso,
those experiences developed
specifically towards children
Georgia Anne Muldrow, Mary J.
into th e sounds I do now.
and women, faulty educational
Blige, Intocab le, Chavela Vargas
system[sJ, the complexity of
and many others. Right now
I'm rea lly into Oumou Sangare, J-Lo, Abdul Aliim, Sharon Jones, Tho mas "Fats" Waller, Digable Plane ts , Abdullah Ibrahim and Recodo. My grandma was a poet, and I reme mber every New Year she alway s recited the same poem, and it really in f luenced me ... It was my grandma who I was most close to, and she really helped me pract ice a lot.
Do y ou bother with classifying your music, or any music for t hat matter? Or is your music just progressing sou nds? I don't want to, but I do. Music is musi c. But it co mes from a specific
is a family of hip-hop, soul. roots
And I consider the performance,
music, tribal, and experimental.
"Latch On," both art and music
Ma ny roots of different gen res,
Can you give us some insight on your L.P. you have coming out soon?
be featured on iconomagazine.
It is my first L.P. I've been working
com Additionally, I have a couple
now. Considering what is rap on
What direction do you think music now-a-days is going towards, and where do you see yourself in this movement?
the radio and te levision, I wouldn't
Well, because of technology
co nsider myself [a rapper).
and the internet, there is space
really want it to be perfect, and
for a lot of people. The music
when I'm done, I'm going to put it
movement is more democratic.
on the internet for free download.
but stuck to one specific one. I w ould say I am a rapper. I use rapping as a form of co mmunication. I wouldn't say thou gh that I'm a rapper r ight
Does y our art influence your music , and does it go t he other way around as w ell? I woul d have to say .. part of the
super-exciting to see the different
on it for a year now, and I have
of house shows coming up, a
twenty tracks that I' m trying
collaborat ion with a Richmond
to cut down to ten, which will
musician, as well as my first L.P.
feature Annu, Marble Mummy and possibly a producer from Mexico. So now I'm just tweaking it. I just
Myspace and Tumblrs are good
I'll also be selling them [and
[resources], and can be shared
those copies] would inc lude some
throughout the web, and it's
of my artwork inside.
sam e, just different forms. I had
sounds on the Internet. I don't
a pe rformance piece where I was
watch television or listen to the
in a glass case and I made music
radio [fo r music], because I'm not
Locker SOB C3rd floor of the Fine Arts Building) . and that work will
What can we expect in the future from Chhoti Maa?
insi de of it. I had both music
really interested in it. It's boring,
I am going to have an exhibit for
and art in it. For the last hour
and mostly formula music. I'd
the Senior PA & PR show, which
and a half, I began to freestyle,
rather be surprised.
will run from April 13 to 20. I
and I began making beats while
have a solo show coming up in
ba nging my fists on the ground .
April 20 running until May 4 in
in!!
25
DIY PHOTO J-OU
• V -.
,
This quick and easy project is the perfect solution to killing an hour on a Saturday afternoon. You can create a simple and creative notebook that can be totally personalized and used for a variety of purposes. Find a couple of your favorite photographs and get inspired!
26 •
ink
What you will need: Sc issors Two photographs; 3. Sx S", 4x6", Sx7", w hatever you p lease' 25 - 7S pieces of scrap pa per, cut to the size of yo ur photos W hite glue
A strip of craft paper, cardstock, etc. Pa intbrush Clothespins
Steps:
Thrift List:
Gather the papers and covers and make sure they are aligned to the left side. If the pages are
Fan Tastic Thrift 1914WMainSt
no t c ut perfectly, that's okay! Let the right side of the journal stick out or in a little bit. Once everything is lined up, attach two clothespins to both ends to hold everything in place. Paint a few thin layers of glue along the edge, allowing a few minutes of dry time between each coat. W h il e it's drying, cut the binding strip to size. A p ply a layer of glue to the binding strip and carefully attach to the journal. Use light pressure to c reate crease lines and smooth out any air pockets. Grab your clothespins and attach them alo ng the edge to make sure everything dry evenly. Make it your own! I suggest making one to throw in your purse, bag, car, etc. Write down quotes you overhear, doo dl e a pi cture of your lu nch for a week, m ake a lovebook for your 5.0. with your favorite
The Love of Jesus Thrift Store 5503 Midlothian Tnpk Diversity Thrift 1407 Sherwood Ave Good Samaritan Thrift Store 4680 W Southside Plaza St
ph o t o graphs of each other on the cover or start a novel!
Salvation Army 2601 Hermltage Rd Goodwlll 6202 W Br=d St
inll
27
There 's a wide variety of opportunities awaiting the successful blogger. According to trade journal Women's Wear Daily, "The new celebrities are the fashion bloggers, who are courted, coddled and charmed like never before." A few years ago, bloggers were ignored by the fashion industry, but Fall 2010 runway shows invited bloggers to any shows they wanted to attend. New York Fashion week even held two conferences discussing the evolving influence of bloggers on the fashion world. This is solid evidence that the world of blogging is truly evolving. Once you've found your voice, keep writing! Slogging is a never-ending process. Be on the lookout for new ideas
Dena Spruill
everyday! And don't forget to participate in the community. After all, blogging is a form of social media, so leave a comment on your favorite blog spots or write an email to The
for
someone's blog that inspires you. Great content and social networking are the surest ways to blog success.
personal diaries to the
Blogs are everywhere,
which is causing the blogosphere to become jumbled,
If you're simply using your blog as a home for your inspirations, then have at it! However, if you're using your
crowded, and packed full of the inner ramblings of millions.
spot as a career portfolio for either your writing skills or
But what are the rules? And where does one begin?
artwork, keep a few things in mind:
The first step, if you haven't already taken it, is to just start one! It doesn't matter if you're not totally sure of a direction
PHOTOS YOU CAN USE
yet, andit may take a while to find your voice. I incessantly
Photos taken yourself are, of course, fine to use. However,
chewed over the idea of starting a blog for quite some time,
when using photos from other places, you have a few
endlessly researching other people's blogs until finally, one
options. You can ask for press photos, use public domain
night out of sheer boredom I created my own little spot in
photos (which can be found in places such as Flickr's The
the grand blogosphere of the World Wide Web. There are a number of easy-to-use blogging platforms
Commons), or you can use stock images from sites such as The Stock Exchange (http://www.sxc.hu/). If all else fails.
out there, such as blogger.com, sugar.com, and tumblr.com.
you can credit where you got the picture from. However,
Once you've found the right one for you, you've got to
keep in mind that copyright laws do apply to bloggers.
ask yourself, why are you blogging? Are you looking for a
28
place to showcase your portfolio, salaciously gossip about
REPORT THE FACTS
the stars like the nouveau Perez Hilton, or is your goal
You're not at libel for reporting the truth. However
perhaps to simply house a place for your inspirations?
spreading rumors can get you in to trouble. Trust me, you
Figuring out what you want will help you get the most
don't want to go there. Remember, you're writing for a
out of the experience.
global audience, whether your blog is personal or not.
ink
KE EP IT REAL Don't steal other people's co ntent! This is an obvious
no· no. If you want to reference someone else's wo rk, credit your source an d provide a link.
PROTECT YOUR REP W HAT' S YOUR NICHE?
Keep in mind that blogs
Yo u may not be sure of what
are not dispensable. You
yo u want to write about at
never know, someone might
first. Eventually, you'll need to
just be able to dig up that
fi nd your niche. Write about
embarrassing photo from
so mething specific. No one
your drunken night at the
wa nts to read about what you
local frat house.
DO IT FOR YOURSELF Make your blog a place for your emotional, visual, and
ha d for dinner or when you
BE GRAMMATICALLY CORRECT
intellectual inspirations. Paint
mi ddle of class. Writing for a sp ecific topic (or even a few)
It may be hard if you're a
video, articles, and links.
decided to take a nap in the
your canvas with pictures, But above all, publish what's
w ill give you an aud ience. If
busy bee, but read through
yo u wa nt to keep a diary, buy
your postings after publishing
a bla nk book from Barnes &
them and make sure they read
Nobles and have at it.
we ll. Improper spellings and
SO NOW THAT YOU'VE GOT THE SCOOP, YOU ' RE
run-on sentences make you
FREE TO JOIN THE BLOGOSPHERE AND MAKE A
BE OPINIONATED
appear less credible, and ruin
Don't be afraid to lend a
it for your readers .
im portant to you!
PLACE FOR YOURSELF. WHILE YOU ' RE OUT THERE AMIDST THE GREAT BLOGGERS OF OUR TIMES,
vo ice to your opinions!
Yo ur opin ions may make
FORGET THE NUMBERS
yo ur blog more interesting.
Don't be discouraged by
CHECK OUT SOME OF THESE VCU BLOG SPOTS :
Ho wever, beware of simply
poor readership! Plenty
http://dirtyrichmond .tumblr.com
tra shing others on your
of the best blogs out there
http://littlemissfancypants.tumblr.com
blo g. This makes you look
are undiscovered gems
www.JoshLewisPhotographer.com/blog
ba d, and might stifle your
floating through cyber
www.cookingthealphabet.blogspot.com
op portunities from a
space. Be proud to be
pos sib le employer.
an underground web blog.
www.despotart.blogspot.com
If you post distinctive,
http://www.mademoisellerva .bJogspot.com/ http://cassiemuJheron-photo.tumblr.com
BE REGU LAR, DEAR
original content, the
No one wants to v isit a
followers will come. Quality,
blo g that's updated only
not quantity, is the key.
http://krehblelagency.tumblr.com
every couple of months.
http://noveltyshoes.tumblr.com
Try to add new content
http://amberfrances.tumblr.com
once a week to keep readers
http://azaleafaye.com/
com ing back for more.
ink
29
PLAYED AND CIPATED GAMES AT F '09 AND '10 Charles Couch Illustration Chris Lewis
Modern Warfare 2 has proved
to b e one of the most played
MOST PLAYED A game called Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has
rapidly st ormed the consoles and computers of gamers
across the USA and the world. Students at Virgi nia Commonwealth University are no exception to th is trendy love fo r bombs,
bullets and blades. Infinity Ward's Call of
Duty: Modern Warfare 2
is played by VCU students more than any other videogame tit le released since the fall-semester, according to a sample survey taken by Soph ie Solomon Resplandy. "Since this school -year, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has been the biggest thing to hit the market," video game retail employee Justin H. said. "It Qutgrossed every game
to date that has ever come out. It has out-sold every game. It's out-p layed every other game."
30
inll
and so ld games in the entire video game industry. "Shooters tha t you can [play] online and play w ith other peop le. that was the big thing since students had access to wireless internet living in the dorm. That is what the co llege popu lation really likes," Debra S., an emp loyee of an anonymous st ore, said. The game features a fastpace, cinemat ic, albeit short, campaign mode, taking place immediately the fi r st Modern Warfare, in which gamers
play the perspective of several different so ldiers, according to InfinityWard . com . The story thickens, some characters end up fac ing down a smoking gun-ba r rel and there are some epic plot-twists. " It was a little exp licit, but I enjoyed every second of it," VCU junior Wallead Ahmadzai. SpecOps is another feature that allows players to gun through scenrio based
missions similar to the Campaign in cooperative mode. It appears to be popular opinion that the most definitive feat ure of this game is the online multi-player. "It 's addicting," VCU sophomore Mike B. said. Wi th th is, gamers can play with two to 18 players in dozens of diffe re nt game modes, some adding third-person perspectives
developers of the original Fallout, Black Isle Studios, and is responsible for such award winning titles as Neverwinter Nights "It looks very simi lar even though Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are being done by two d ifferent companies," Debra B. said. While developers promise similar role-play ing style actio n,
to the action. Players are ranked with an experience point
New Vegas w il l not be a sequel, but a stand-alone game
system and as they increase ranks they unlock new tactical
featuring no characters from the previous.
equ ipment. With this equipment one can create and adjust a class of soldier, making every players experience unique. "I jus t like how quick it is and all the new modifications." VCU sop ho more Brendan Slezak said . "It's a run-and-go game." Som e students believe Modern Warfare to be overrated to som e extent, and that the story just doesn't stand out, VCU juni o r Joseph Casuccio. " I li ked the multi-player. It was good but, the single-player by
Not much information has been release about the game since its first trailer debuted depicting a lone robot slowly sifting sand away from a corpse as the video pans out revealing a mass desert graveyard, all while Frank Sinatra's "Blue Moon" echoes softly from the robot's speakers. However, one is bound to run into some new guns, faces and mutated monsters while exploring the "treacherous wastes of the Great Southwest."
itsel f sucked . I feel like for a game to be really good it needs som e value in itself," Casuccio said. However, it is hard to argue with record-breaking sales.
MOST ANTICIPATED Bet hesda Game Studios brought love and fear of the nuclearho loca ust back into American hearts. It's not a surprise that the new installment to the series, Fallout: New Vegas, would have VC U students hanging on the edge of their sofas. Acco rding to Resplandy's data, students are excited to play New Vegas out of most of games schedu led to be released
"I don't know how they're going to top Fallout 3, but 1 have confidence," Casuccio said. New Vegas is scheduled to be released in the fall of 2010 on Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and Games for Windows .
during the second half of 2010. "T he developers haven't released much information on it, the re have only been the teaser trailer, and a few screens of som e missions," Debra B. said. The game is currently being developed by Obsidian Ent ertai nment and Bethesda Studios. Obsidian is lead by the
iN!
31
s:
iPHONE* Twitter Urbanspoon Slacker Facebook News Addict Texts from last night Photoshop.com mobile Doodlejump Tap Tap Revenge
27 students 20 students 14 students 12 students 11 students 8 students 4 students 2 students 2 students
BLACKBERRY* Pandora Facebook Poynt Twitter Blackberry messenger News apps Blogging apps Weatherbug Banking apps
31 students 23 students 12 students 11 students 8 students 7 students 5 students 2 students 1 students
FACEBOOK * Photos Events Fan Pages Friend quiz Farmville Bumper Stickers Mafia Wars Compare People Catbook
29 students 26 students 15 students 11 students 6 students 4 students 4 students 3 students 2 students
*out of 100 people surveyed
32
ink ~
33
.~p s: t est and the worst
iPHONE* Twitter Urbanspoon Slacker Facebook News Addict Texts from last night Photoshop.com mobile Doodlejump Tap Tap Revenge
27 students 20 students 14 students 12 students 11 students 8 students 4 students 2 students 2 students
BLACKBERRY· Pandora Facebook Poynt Twitter Blackberry messenger News apps Blogging apps Weatherbug Banking apps
31 students 23 students 12 students 11 students 8 students 7 students 5 students 2 students 1 students
FACEBOOK ' Photos Events Fan Pages Friend quiz Farmvi lle Bumper Stickers Mafia Wars Compare People Cat book
29 students 26 students 1S students 11 students 6 students 4 students 4 students 3 students 2 students
*out of 100 people surveyed
inll :
33
Red and white windbreaker, yellow graphic tee, and denim from Hollywood Cemetery by
34
inll
Red and white windbreaker, yellow graphic tee, and denim from Hollywood Cemetery by Britt Sebastian.
34
ink
ink
35
ink .
35
unleash looks that work from day to night, drawing inspiration everywhere from the streets of Richmond to the streetwise hipsters of Harujuku . These talented designers are delivering show-stopping creations. Be on the lookout for great
Left Page: Insight uneven tank, $38 at need Supply Co. Oa t meal wool flannel pant with button cuff and hooded reversible jacket, by Colby Beck. This Page: On Gioia A lternative apparel yoko linen low, $34 at Need Supply Co . Zippe r sk inny pant with tapered leg, by Mary Rossetti. Garnet jewelry- fantail necklace, $48 at Need Supply Co. On Joshua Black printed zipper top and side panel pant with skull print by
with sku ll print by Kimberly Knott. Red and white windbreaker, yellow graphic tee, and denim from Hollywood Cemetery by Britt Sebastian.
ink
39
Black printed zipper top and side panel pant with skull print by Kimberly Knott. Red and white windbreaker, yellow graphic tee, and denim from Hollywood Cemetery by Britt Sebastian.
38
ink
ink
39
Asymmetrical cotton knit dress with bubble ruffle in Japanese print and crackle paten t leather jacket with buckle cuff, by Kimberly Knott .
42 •
inll
On Stephanie
On Dekota
Suede motorcycle jacket,
White zip hoodie with black
zipper tank top with pleated
leather straps and black
panel, and skinny pant with
trouser with front top panel
pleated calf section, by Mary
and ankle cuff, by Colby Beck.
Rossetti. Fashion Coordinator Dena Spruill
Special thanks to Need Supply Co.
Photographers Kerry McDonnell
in Cary town
+ Ashleigh Hobson Make-up Artist Ashley Collier
The pieces designed by Colby
Hair Stylists Raymona Pyas
beck, Kimberly Knott, and Mary
+ Sierra Qahhar
Rossetti are candidates for VCU's
Fashion Assistants
Twenty Ten, which will be held
Annual Juried Fashion show, Morgan Powell + Dionne Horne
May
7 th
at the Virginia Museum of
Fine Arts.
42
i~
i~ : 43
On Oekota Suede mot o rcycle jacket,
White zi p hoodie with black
zipper tank top with pleated
leather straps and black
pane l, and skin ny pa nt wit h
trouser wi t h f ro nt to p pa nel
p leated ca lf section, by Ma ry
and ank le c uff, by Co lby Beck.
Rossetti. Fa shion Coordinator Dena Spruill
Special thanks to Need Supp ly Co.
Photographers Kerry McDonnell
in Cary town
+ Ashleigh Hobson Make-up Artist Ashley Collier
The pieces designed by Colby
Hair Stylists Raymona Pyas
beck. Kimber ly Knott , and Mary
+ Sierra Qahhar
Rossetti are cand idates for VCU's Annual Juried Fashion show.
Fashion Assistants Morgan Powell + D ionne Horne
Twenty Ten , which wi ll be he ld May
7t h
at the Virginia Museum of
Fine Arts.
inll
43
