V Magazine UVA Oct. 2006

R CKT BER octobeerfest pg.10 how to rock UVA pg.12 top 10 crazy costumes pg.13

volume 3 issue 1 october 2006

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V

october

executive editor Katy Judge

magazine v o l u m e

feature

3

issu e

1

4

shhh... i’ve got a secret

by Emilia Pisani and Lindsay Taggart

FASHION

6

CULTURE

10

for those about to rock, we salute you.

fall behind

by Natasha Nader

12

by Christine Herman

JPJ rocks

by Huong Doan

top 10 crazy costumes

by Laura Nix

managing editor Meghan Sweeney business manager Mike Foroobar layout artists Ginny Driscoll & Laura Kost photography coordinator Janet Leung

fashion editors Lindsay Friedman & Dan Davila

by Lisa Torrey

how to rock U.Va

production manager Laura Scott

chief photographer Jamie McCelland

octoBEERfest

STUDENT LIFE

2 0 0 6

15

crossword puzzle letter from the editor

disclaimer: V Magazine, a publication at the University of Virginia, is published monthly, except during holidays and examination periods, and has a circulation of 1000. Although this publication has staff members who are University of Virginia students, V Magazine is independent of the corporation which is the University of Virginia. The University is not responsible for the organization’s contracts, acts, or omissions. The office of V Magazine is located in the basement of Newcomb Hall. The opinions expressed in V Magazine are not necessarily those of the students, faculty, or administration of the University of Virginia. V Magazine ©2004

fashion assistants Derrick Taylor, Danielle Blundell & Whiteny Gruenloh fashion staff Sophia Ahmed & Devon Spencer culture editor Jenna Martin student life editor Lindsay Taggart associate staff Natasha Nader Huong Doan Lisa Torrey Laura Nix Lily Robertson

IMP society 1930 courtesy Special Collections Library

shh...

I’ve Got A Secret

by Emilia Pisani and Lindsay Taggart

4 feature

Secrets, secrets are no fun, unless they’re shared with everyone…right? Actually, no. Well not if you subscribe to Mr. Jefferson’s notion of an education, which (lucky for us!) entails sidestepping a painted Z to avoid getting preggers, occasionally spotting your bedeviled classmates running wild, and learning the hard way why you don’t ever sit in the seventh seat in the seventh row. Secrets actually play a vital role in a number of student organizations that contribute time, talent, and financial support to uphold the ideals of our beloved U.Va; only a handful of other universities can claim as many secret societies among their ranks.

It turns out, however, that the secretive nature of these societies and their members rests on a pretty wide spectrum ranging from “thorough Facebook search” to “over my dead body… literally.” Encouraged by the apparent looselipped nature of secret societies, we struck out on a noble quest to share the fun with everyone.

seven society

Hoping to take on the notoriously secretive Seven Society, we decided to go right to the source, by leaving a letter at Jefferson’s statue in the Rotunda – the only known way to contact the Sevens. Dear Sevens, we wrote, we are cute girls who want to find out your members. We promise not to tell! Love, Lindsay and Emilia.

They were less than impressed.

Lucky for us information on the Sevens is available. According to wikipedia, the Seven Society was founded circa 1905 and falls on the “dead body” end of the secretive spectrum. Members are only revealed after their death, when a wreath of black magnolias in the shape of a “7” is placed at their gravesite. Regardless of the time of day, the bell tower of the University Chapel announces the member’s death by chiming at seven-second intervals for seven minutes on the seventh dissonant chord, making everyone confused and late for class.

Sevens contribute financially to the University, announcing donations with letters signed only with seven astronomical symbols in the order: Earth, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, Neptune, Uranus, and Venus. They offer large donations and scholarships each year in quantities that include the number 7.

Z

society

The Zs join the Sevens and IMPs in having their symbols painted all over Grounds. However, neither the Sevens nor the IMPs symbols can boast the power to impregnate a girl before she graduates or make a guy fail his first college exam, as can with the infamous ‘Z’ on the steps of the pedestrian bridge between Newcomb and Ruffner.

The Z (Zeta) Society was founded in 1892, making it one of the oldest secret societies at U.Va. It was formed in response to other societies such as Eli Banana and T.I.L.K.A., whose policies limited membership to Greeks. The Z Society now accepts Greeks themselves, and since the 1970’s, members have not been publicly known until their respective graduations when they are finally allowed to wear the signature gold ring.

The Zs promote, encourage, and recognize excellence of individuals and groups around Grounds through a number of honorary dinners and academic awards.

One interesting rumor about the Zs that may or may not still be around, is that if you are in the presence of a Z and you say a word with the letter Z in it, they are supposed to leave the room. Just something interesting you might want to try in class!

imp society

The IMP Society was founded in 1902 as a secret society called the Hot Feet, which was disbanded in 1911 for promoting “excessive amounts of fun.”

Rumors abound over which prank actually led to their demise, but our personal favorite involves a herd of exotic oversized stuffed animals and a professor’s lawn residence.

Reformed two years later with a new name – “Incarnate Memories Prevail” – the IMP’s keep the tradition of pranks and revelry alive, spreading U.Va love and Z Society hatred by marching around Grounds with hoods, devil horns, and pitchforks. New members are publicly “tapped” and often wear rings signifying their IMPishness. While the members of the group are known, many of the good works and service they provide are not widely publicized.

purple shadows

Beware: on April 13 no walks-of-shame and no early-dawn streaking; basically avoid passing the Lawn altogether. On this day each spring (aka TJ’s birthday), you will inevitably run into some frightening looking figures in purple capes and hoods, thus highly confusing or embarrassing youself.

These obviously fashion-forward people are members of the Purple Shadows and they commemorate Jefferson’s birthday every year with a ceremony on the Lawn. Members of this society are both students and people closely associated with the University. They are commonly said to have been started in 1963 when they sent a letter to officials stating their purpose was to work for the betterment of U.Va and preserve traditions. They have been known to interrupt meetings and Honor Committee formal dinners to either acknowledge people or hand over letters requesting they be read aloud. If you ever receive a letter in purple ink that was written with a purple quill, you know who’s responsible (well, sort of).

raven society

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore, I discovered the Raven Society, which chooses to call itself “honorary” rather than “secret.” Named after the “most famous poem” by the University’s “most famous poet,” Edgar Allen Poe, the Ravens bring together outstanding students, faculty, alumni, and administrators to bask in their excellence and promote even more excellence. The society gives its annual Raven Award to recognize scholastic achievement and commitment to University values. They also have a website, which means no more groveling for information. Phew!

rotunda burning society

For all the pyros out there, the Rotunda Burning Society might be the one you’ve been looking for! Not too much information available on them except that they commemorate the Great Rotunda Fire of November 4, 1895 each year by burning an effigy of the Rotunda on the Rotunda steps. We think maybe the Rotunda Burners should consider giving an honorary membership every year to a member of the C-ville Volunteer Fire Squad.

P.U.M.P.K.I.N

society

We love the P.U.M.P.K.I.N.’s because they fit in so well with this V Mag issue, we give them four stars! Seriously though, the P.U.M.P.K.I.N.’s serve to recognize service or achievement among individuals at the University. They give 10 decorated pumpkins to certain people each Halloween whom they wish to recognize for their outstanding service to the University community. They used to give rotten pumpkins to people they didn’t like, but it is believed that they have ceased to continue this custom.

21 Society

The fairly new creation of this secret society was publicized by means of an announcement in an U.Va school newspaper. Evidently they have offered scholarships and made donations to various U.Va activities. Our source for information on this society was an article that Wikipedia had previously deleted, so take our word with a grain of salt (remember these are secret societies). The traditional gift of the 21 Society consists of 21 bottles of beer. (Ahem! At this point, Emilia and Lindsay would like to take a moment to say how much we appreciate everything that the 21 society does around Grounds and that they are all amazing, wonderful, thoughtful, and beautiful people. Wink-wink.)

eli banana

In addition to “most hilarious name,” the Eli Bananas claim to be the University’s first “ribbon society.” They were founded in the late 19th century as a frat boy drinking society. There are about 18 to 20 phalli – oops, members – in the Eli Banana at the University at any given time. We decided not to pursue this further because no one really wants to know what entails an all male “banana club.”

t.i.l.k.a. society and the thursdays

Like Eli Banana, T.I.L.K.A. was formed in late 19th century and consisted of mostly frat boys. It is essentially more of a drinking and social society than a secret society. While T.I.L.K.A. did eventually go co-ed, in the 1970’s, the Thursdays Society was formed as a comparable secret society for sorority members.

All in all, we are very proud of our secret societies here at U.Va, even if we may only be honorary members of the Thursdays Society.

this page: Courtney: pink turtleneck sweater ($107), Joe’s skinny jeans ($160): Industry, 112 2nd St. Ne, (434) 293-3338. black belt ($15): Catwalk Clothing, 111 14th St. Nw, (434)971-9255. boots, model’s own. opposite page: Juliana: Black long-sleeve t-shirt ($8): Old Navy, 945 Emmet St. N, (434) 984-0167. Free People silk dress ($118): Finch, 1501 University Ave., (434) 224-0050. black tights, ($7): Target, 312 Connor Dr., (434)964-0231. shoes, model’s own.

This fall put away your polo and pearls. It’s time to rock out your wardrobes. Cold weather doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your style.

This season it’s about having an edge with bright knits, metallic accents, tight shirts, and even tighter pants.

All the world’s a stage; you don’t have to be a rock star to pull off these looks. AC/DC couldn’t have said it better:

r ck, for those about to

we salute you.

fashion

7

Blake: grey long-sleeve t-shirt ($80): Industry, 112 2nd St. Ne, (434) 293-3338. jeans: model’s own. belt: editor’s own.

Blake: black Ben Sherman coat ($248), white tshirt: Industry, 112 2nd St. Ne, (434) 293-3338. jeans, shoes, and necklace: model’s own; belt, editor’s own.

Juliana: black L.A.M.B top ($98): Nordstrom,1-888282-6060. gold tank top ($10): H&M. Joe’s skinny jeans ($160): Industry. shoes: model’s own.

Courtney: sweater dress, ($35): H&M. black tights ($7): Target, 312 Connor Dr., (434) 964-0231. shoes: model’s own.

photographer: Jamie McCelland assistant fashion editors: Derrick Taylor, Whitney Gruenloh & Danielle Blundell. fashion staff: Devon Spencer & Sophia Ahmad models: Courtney Chapman, Blake Tysinger, Juliana Schroeder

R E E B fest

octo

Torrey

by Lisa

beer prices per six-pack at Teeter:

There are very few places in the world where October is not strongly Pilsner Urquell $6.99 Amstel Light $7.99 associated with the beverage of choice for many college students: BEER. Red Stripe $6.99 The spirit of Germany’s Oktoberfest has spread far and wide spurring people Heineken $7.99 across the globe to seek out rich varieties of beer-- and drink them. But why Yeungling $4.99 Beck’s $6.29 do the vast majority of U. Va students (ranked second only to Germans in Corona $7.99 volume of beer consumed per capita) always drink the most bland, tasteless Sam Adams $7.99 stuff we can find? I say no more! It is time for us to live up to our reputation Starr Hill Jomo Lager $7.49 Dogfish Head IPA $9.29 as active beer drinkers. We must educate each other and band together in a Newcastle Brown Ale $8.99 crusade against Natty Light!

Guinness $8.49 That said, recipes and brewing processes for “good” beer vary among beer St. George Golden Ale $7.99 Redhook IPA $7.29 styles, countries, and local breweries. In general, beer is made up of four primary Saranac Oktoberfest $5.49 ingredients: a fermentable starch, water (I bet you Beast drinkers guessed that Blue Moon Pumpkin Ale $6.49 Buffalo Bill’s Pumpkin Ale $8.49 one), yeast, and hops. It is the quality of these ingredients and the lack of corn Starr Hill Amber Ale $7.49 syrup sweeteners that distinguish “good” beers from “cheap” beers.

Starr Hill Pale Ale $7.49 The most common styles of beer in the U.S. are lagers and ales. Lagers are Dark Starr Stout $7.49 usually light, clean tasting, golden-colored beers that are produced using a slowly fermenting brewer’s yeast. Pilsner beers are the most popular variety of lager.

Good pilsners such as Pilsner Urquell are low in bitterness but high in hop aroma.

Most modern pale-lagers are based on pilsner brewing methods. Yes, even such sad excuses as High-life, Natural Light, PBR and Milwaukee’s Best are considered pilsner-style brews. A few much tastier and relatively inexpensive lagers and pilsners include: Sam Adams Boston Lager, Red Stripe (a great simple beer, plus it comes in a cool bottle), and Pilsner Urquell.

Ales are made from barley malt with a more quickly fermenting brewer’s yeast than the kind used in lagers. This brewing process gives ale a full, creamy body and a sweet, sometimes fruity flavor. There are numerous varieties of ale including: pale ales, brown ales, dark ales, and Belgian ales. A few good ones to try are Dogfish Head India Pale Ale (ranked best IPA in the U. S., but be careful with this one- it has some kick to it), Newcastle Brown Ale (a personal favorite, it has a rich, nutty flavor-delicious), Guinness Draught, and St. George Golden Ale. There are plenty of ways to get your hands on some great beer and good times right here in C-ville. Our very own Starr Hill Brewery is located on West Main Street just a “hop,” skip and a jump from the Corner. Their brews include an Amber Ale, Jomo Lager, Pale Ale and Dark Starr Stout. Not only do they make great beer, but the restaurant is also a fun place to hang out, eat, and catch some live music.

A little way down the street, about a block from the downtown mall is South Street Brewery. They brew their gold medal-winning JP Ale along with a few other in-house beers. This funky restaurant features late night dining and live jazz music on Monday nights.

A little closer to home for University students is Michael’s Tap House and Bistro located above Little John’s on the Corner. Michael’s has a huge selection of beer, including over 15 Belgian style ales, and is right across the street from campus. And, of course, if you really want to get into the Oktoberfest state of mind head over to Ludwig’s on the corner of Fontaine and JPA extended. This authentic German restaurant serves unique beers that you probably won’t find anywhere else.

I know the idea of drinking “good beer” may seem a little frightening at first, it has a lot of taste and body that can be shocking after three or four years of red cups filled with beer-water. But, if you explore the aisles of Harris Teeter or the taps of Michael’s Bistro and spend two extra dollars to buy something different, you may just enjoy it. So this Fall I encourage all you 21+ students to splurge and just say no to Natty. Rock out this October and try something new!

Falling

back

by Natasha Nader

in a t n u o M r e t r Ca ard h c r O Location: n Orchard Carter Mountai ountain Trail 1435 Carters MVA Charlottesville,

rlottesville: a h C m o fr s n Directio 1A t 12 I-64 East to ExiRoute 20 South on ile Go ½ m VA-53 Turn left onto right at the Carter rn tu , ile Go ¾ m hard sign Mountain Orc

A

It seems that when daylight savings time ends and we turn our clocks back, we not only get to relive that one hour (and not to mention get an extra hour of sleep), but our minds can bring us all the way back to our childhoods.

Fall engenders feelings of nostalgia. From the foods and drinks, to Halloween, to the foliage, to the sports, fall encompasses many sentimental events and memories that we have experienced from the first time our parents dressed us up in pumpkin costumes to our first drunken Halloween parties.

It is undeniable that the desire to return to adolescence is in full force throughout the season. What we wouldn’t give to replace midterms with jumping in a big pile of leaves and study groups with bobbing for apples. Or maybe even picking those shiny reds off of a tree.

Fourth year Mary Mac is a fan of apple picking. Since she has been in Charlottesville she’s enjoyed apple picking with friends, particularly her sorority sisters. She goes at least once during the fall, and says it’s a great way to spend time enjoying the company of friends in the outdoors.

“Carter Mountain is particularly picturesque, so being there with friends warms your whole body up. You leave feeling like you’ve done something worth talking about, something you can’t wait to share with others,” she said.

Carter Mountain Orchard is about fifteen minutes away from U.Va and is open until the day before Thanksgiving. It is a family-owned business that has been around for forty years.

Cynthia Chiles, one of the owners, says they have a very family-orientated customer base, but there are also preschool and elementary school field trips, and even a good amount of U.Va students “Apple picking often becomes a family tradition because kids come when they are younger, and when they get older they bring their own kids,” she said.

It is also appealing because it’s a fairly inexpensive activityadmission is free at Carter, and they charge by the pound for apples (usually around $.79).

“Just pick a few apples, drink some cider, and once you get up here it’s like you’re a world away,” Chiles said.

Many of the customers live in cities, and she says this is a day for them to get out of the city and enjoy life in the country.

Mac recognizes the importance of the occasional get away.

“You can’t help but to feel happy about getting back to something real- leaving our materialistic society for a while and enjoying the fruits of the earth,” she said.

Mac remembers, as a child, the ladies at the apple orchard saying that apples were good for you - good for the soul, if nothing else.

As a child nutritional information and the health benefits of apples probably never crossed your mind and you ate them because, not only did they taste good, but your mother and dentist stressed their mysterious importance. Now however, since food is rarely discussed without a mention of the nutritional information and ways it can improve your aesthetic appearance, you can rest easy. Apples are low calorie and have no fat, cholesterol, or sodium. In addition to other numerous health benefits, they even help to cleanse and brighten your teeth. So it’s true - an apple a day really does keep the doctor away. It’s not the apples themselves, but the variations of apples that you need to worry about.

For example, apple pie punch. The chronology of life can almost be played out by apple-inspired food items, and the college manifestation is surely apple pie shots. As a baby you have apple sauce, apple juice or cider as a toddler, you progress onto skinned apples, whole ones, apple pie, other apple dessert treats, maybe even apple ice cream, and you end up at the apple pie punch, naturally.

So, while fall is a time for themed parties, creative drinks, and midterms, give your brain and liver a rest and warm your soul grab a few friends and go pick some apples. Because sometimes we like the comfort that our fond nostalgic memories bring.

And sometimes falling back isn’t always a bad thing.

Punch e Pie l pp 1 gallon apple juice

1/2 gallon fresh apple cider 3-4 cinnamon sticks 1 liter Everclear® alcohol

Put the juice, cider, and cinnamon sticks into a pan and let simmer on the stove for about 2 hours (not boil). Turn off heat, pour in 1 liter or 2/3 liter Everclear (no taste of alcohol) to the batch and pour into punch cups. Very potent, tastes exactly like apple pie.

Recipes from BCLiquorStores.com

culture

11

K R

how to

“work hard, but play harder.”

OC

Preconceptions; funny things, really. Although shallow and surely exaggerated, preconceptions, stereotypes if you will, do let us know what to expect. In high school, stereotypes are basically avalanched upon teenagers: American pies, shiny football jackets, myths of homecoming royalty and glory day retellings of nostalgia. You have some idea of what you’re getting into.

After you mire through all these preconceived notions and create your own rendition of high school years, you arrive at the more elusive and less commercialized college. And college, for the intensive purposes of this article, refers to the University of Virginia. Is it okay to hate biology and be pre-med? How does one resist the foaming cool taste of a 2 dollar pitcher? Questions like these, I’d venture to say, have wandered in and out of many U.Va students’ minds. And so have the incidental feelings that go along with them: intimidation, confusion, fear and excitement. In such an environment, how do you define yourself and feel successful? How do you clear through preconceptions of what life should be, direct yourself through the endless possibilities of what life could be and start to ROCK the University life? You’ve only got for four short years.

Frazzled, one could run to the Bookstore and in a desperate quest for guidance, pick-up a copy of “Surviving College for Dummies.” But let’s slow down here. Survive is synonymous with words like “subsist” and “endure,” both of which sound far from appealing. Face it. You don’t want to get from point A to point B just surviving but actually by making something out of it, bettering yourself and the world around you... and maybe have fun along the way. Cheesy? Oh definitely. Yet admittedly very, very true.

What you realize is that U.Va is full of students committed to this very aspiration. They’re not here to just get by. They’re here to make the most out of their lives. Also luckily enough, beneath the talk of high ambitions and achievements, these students define success in many more ways than a triple major and an A++ on the LSAT. The student body possesses countless quirky interests and talents, ridiculous are-youseriously-still-moving enthusiasm and personal strength. Basically, with the right attitude, we are each well equipped to take this place on.

UVA

by Christine Herman

We’ve spoken to a handful of students whom, in the opinion of peers and close friends alike, have managed to ROCK UVA. The roads they have taken have been different, and in many cases winding, however they’ve all managed. Every piece of advice or personal story may not ring true for every one, but there is still something to be said for these extraordinary people. With a twist of anecdotal hilarity and a few words of sincere advice, take a look at how these people rocked a helluva good four years out of this place.

“

If you had told me at the beginning of my first year that I would one day end up as president of QSU, I would have laughed in your face. When the time came, I realized that I not only wanted to but was obligated to give the queer community, especially the first years and the newly out, what I had been afforded, to educate them on issues, and more importantly to provide them with a community in which they could be comfortable being themselves.

As someone older and wiser once told me: if what you do touches even just one person sitting in the back of the room in the Wesley Foundation, then you’ve done your job.

“

”

The best advice I could give on ‘rocking’ UVA is to work hard, but play harder. Party like you’ve been stuck in a library for the past four days, because chances are, you probably have. And while you’re out, meet and make friends with everyone you can, because everyone at UVA has an interesting story to tell, or is from a place you’ve never been to, or is involved in an organization on-grounds that you’ve never heard of. Be friendly, be genuine, and always hold the door for the guy behind you.

”

“

In order to “rock UVA” you must first find your niche and seize it. I found mine compliments of Mahogony Dance Troupe. Find your passion on Grounds, otherwise create an outlet for it. Don’t be afraid to be a radical, an individual; this school needs some spice!

“

”

Being foreign is extremely fashionable right now.

Seriously, 90% of the time being foreign at UVA buys you life points. This means that people laugh at your jokes, ask for your advice and will remember your name many weeks after you have forgotten you ever even met. Being foreign is extremely fashionable right now. This apparent advantage isn’t enough. You have to get involved in ‘the American Dream.’ This involves extra-curriculars. It doesn’t matter which activities you are into, it just matters that you make a place for yourself at this university. Every place is what you make of it, and UVA can be the best place if you want it to be.

-Kevin Wu is an ‘06 alum who is currently from L.A. and lives by the Mean Girls code of always wearing pink on Wednesdays.

-Chris Wenderoth is a fourth year Civil Engineering student from West Mystic, CT who is extremely proud to be a Red Socks fan.

-Solme Paulos is a third year AAS and Foreign Affairs major and has 337 UVA friends on Facebook.

-Serena Bolliger is a fourth year Anthropology major from Rome, Italy who enjoys “eating ice cream for breakfast.”

student life

12

JPJ 10 rocks

Jumping, Pompous Jocks; Just Playin’ Jams; Joyously Paying Jillians?

Been hearing the acronym JPJ lately? While our renditions may not be right one, they do describe what’s been going on inside the John Paul Jones Arena located across from U-Hall.

The donation of $35 million from Paul Tudor Jones II, a 1976 U.Va graduate, started the construction of the stadium in May 2003 and the project just finished this past summer.

With Jones’ generous contribution, he was granted the right to name the arena honoring his father John Paul Jones, a 1948 U.Va graduate. According to Jones, his father’s life possessed four dedications: his family, his faith, the University and basketball. Paul shared the same passion with his father for basketball; he was one of the first alumni to express his worry for the aging University Hall. Now JPJ enjoys the label of being the largest indoor stadium in the Virginia Commonwealth.

The arena not only accommodates both the University’s Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams, but it hosts many events including seminars, concerts, family performances, and community events as well.

Since the start of this school year, JPJ has kicked off with several well-known musical acts including Kenny Chesney, Dave Matthews Band, Brad Paisley, and Eric Clapton.

Third year Whitney Berglund comments on her DMB experience at the arena, “It was very nice. The seats were comfortable. While there was a large seating capacity, there was still an intimate feeling.” In addition, she said, “The performance was excellent. The sound and stage were well done.”

Well what are you waiting for? Let JPJ events including basketball games and comedy shows ROCK your semester if it hasn’t already! So don’t delay! Buy your tickets to the upcoming events at John Paul Jones Arena. For further information, you can visit the website at www.johnpauljonesarena.com or call (434) 243-4960.

upcoming rocking events: 10.18-10.22 10.27-10.29 11.2 11.12 11.16 11.17 11.19 11.20 11.22

Disney on Ice Martha’s Market Diversity Career Day Basketball Home Opener Larry the Cable Guy Women’s Basketball vs. Marquette Men’s Basketball vs.

Morgan State Women’s Basketball vs. Liberty Men’s Basketball vs.

UNC Asheville

top

n e e w o l l a h costumes

Who can forget that infamous question that once preoccupied our young minds at the start of the school year: “What are you going to be for Halloween?” Many people experienc great anxiety when they try to come up with something that no one has ever worn. So this year you don’t have to say to-hell-with-it and throw on a white sheet. Here are my picks for the top ten best costume ideas: 1. pregnant britney spears and kevin federline—This is a great one for couples. I mean, how ridiculous are these two? They’re begging to be imitated on Halloween. So ladies, put a beach ball under your “I’m still a virgin (but this is an old t-shirt)” shirt. And guys, suit up in your “Pimp Daddy” sweats from their infamous wedding reception and get this party started.

2. mario and luigi—Here’s one for when you want to dress up with your best friend. No one can deny coming home from elementary school and playing Mario Kart and Donkey Kong from 3-5 p.m. All you need are green and red berets, white gloves, and some denim overalls (which will surely be used again).

3. courtney love—Just got dumped and want to get out your frustration? Dress as Courtney Love and you can act utterly off-the-wall. Here’s your chance to act like a waste-o and not feel embarrassed about it. Smear some lipstick on your teeth, tease your hair, get on the ‘80s-stripper gear, and sing about hating men.

4. flav-a-fav—I haven’t seen this one done before, but one of my friends has this costume in the works for this Halloween. Get pimped out and string an alarm clock around your neck. When you get hit on by trashy, angry chicks, you’ve got the okay to scream, “You know what time it is!”

5. the opposite sex—No boy or girl can deny that they have thought before about what it’d be like to be in the shoes of the opposite sex for a day. This costume is easy as hell. Just grab some of your girl or guy friend’s clothes and lower or heighten your voice accordingly. Girls like this one because they can be comfortable for the night. Boys like it (well, maybe not) because they finally know what it feels like to wear mascara.

6. the police man—I recently wore this to a date function, and it’s so easy to find all your outfit needs at any costume shop (The Party Starts Here, anyone?). Buy a whistle, aviators, hat, handcuffs, and a fake gun. Then start bossing people around. When you want to feel authoritative or just scare people all night with your whistle, this is the way to go.

7. ghostbusters—Here’s another one recently used at a date function. The girls took pictures of themselves and made Ghostbuster badges, bought painter suits and traced on white ghosts with a red slash through the back. “The best part about this costume was that they used beer bongs to double as ghost-sucking machines: fun and effective,” said witness second year Jenni Ridall. Later in the night when you see someone in that infamous white sheet, you’ll know who to call.

8. the nerd—I always appreciate when girls dress like this because it allows them to go against that “Mean Girls” quote about girls using costumes as an excuse to dress like a slut. Everyone finds this costume funny. Tape up your glasses, pull up your pants, button up your shirt all the way to the top, and phew, you can finally just be yourself.

9. the spice girls—This was a junior high favorite, but I think there’s been enough time since 1998 that it can come back. Pick your four favorite friends and figure out who’s the most sexy, sporty, scary, babyish, or posh. Make sure you like these people because you’ll have to be with them all night to get the full effect.

10. condiments—When you just want to be goofy, go for an inanimate object. While you won’t be able to assume the “identity” of this costume, you can be really creative.

In high school, I saw three friends dress as ketchup, mustard, and relish. You have to be artsy, but at the end of the day, the arts and crafts are worth the effort.

Costumes give us the opportunity to be something we’re not for a night. I think anyone would argue that a themed party is infinitely more fun and memorable than a regular one. So next time you’re the host, put your dignity aside and assume that personality/accent/outfit that you’ve always wanted.

compiled by: laura “bad cop” nix

crossword ACROSS 1 - band credited with Rocktober’s fashion shoot title 3 - super nice lady at Newcomb dining hall 4 - highest European city above sea level 5 - quick cooking Chinese noodles 9 - rap artist who burned boyfriend’s house down 11 - Bug 12 - length of a fully erect giraffe penis 16 - Axel Rose’s brother 19 - Russian cat 20 - 1980’s Grateful Dead guest pianist 23 - starring Jack the Pumpkin King 24 - Spanish fish, or type of dispenser 25 - Pride and Prejudice actress 26 - first wrapped American candy

answers found online at: www.student.virginia.edu/~vmag

DOWN 2 - Cambodian delicacy 3 - father of Zeus 6 - 13th century fictional heroine 7 - Italian apology 8 - only animated film to receive Golden Globe for “Best Picture” 10 - movie feat. Bette Midler as head witch 13 - 1980 Jack Nicholson flick 14 - werewolf symptom 15 - first lead singer of 1-Across 17 - name for original Halloween 18 - the artist formerly known as 21 - answer to the universe, according to the Hitchhiker’s Guide 22 - extreme defensive pressure on Chris Olsen

To some, October marks the end of summer. The good times just don’t roll on the icy Virginia streets, and we are forced to wear suffocating Gap sweaters and humiliating duck boots to Coupe’s. However, if this issue has convinced you of nothing else, it’s time that you realized October is for the bad-asses who refuse to accept death by mid-terms.

No matter how miserable the thought of impending snow and hail can be, October is the time to fight off the winter as the leaves and temperature change for the worse. Don’t let the LSATs and acute pneumonia get you down; there is something in October for everyone. For the kids: trick or treating; for the alcoholics: hard cider; for the atheists: Nietzsche’s birthday.

October rocks because it reminds you that it is never too late. Every Halloween my father and his friends build a tiki bar on the side of the road and stock it with jell-o shots, apple pie shooters, and ale. My dad will never be too old to drunkenly talk to cops accusing him of alcohol solicitation. Make like my dad, and throw together some apple-pie shooters and a keg; it’s never too late for a “screw you, Al Groh” party. There will still be a few days left of incredible sunshine, and that mini-skirt will never be too short for an almost-warm night. So go apple picking, see the kids trick-or-treat on the Lawn, wear that tube top and flip-flops to $2 pitchers, and milk this Rocktober for all that it’s worth.

V Love, Katy Judge Executive Editor