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the “perfect 10” (pg. 4) ten minutes with #10 (pg. 6) ten fabulous ways to spend $10 (pg. 12) top 10 YouTube videos (pg. 14)
V
volume 4 issue 1 october 2007
letter from the editors ATTENTION READERS: We’ve got a lot to say! In 11 stories in these 16 pages you’ll discover a new band, a new restaurant, the best videos on YouTube, some fashion tips, advice on staying fabulous, a close-up on #10, and a whole lot more. Yep, Katy read them all and somehow I made them all fit on these pages (with the help of the rest of our hard-working staff members). We’ve been intimate with these pages, staying up late nights to make them do what we want. In the end, it all worked out and this issue of V was born. Shut up! I’m tired. In case you haven’t noticed, dear readers, the theme of this issue is “10” (including the number itself and all the anxiety surrounding perfectionism it conjures). I’m serious. This theme isn’t bullshit. I wasn’t superstitious until I started writing this letter. Isn’t it funny the way “10”s play into our lives?
Just look at me for example:
Size 10: pants and shoe size. Big butt, big feet. Guess I’m anatomically perfect? Who knew (read Adele’s “Perfect 10” story)? 10 pairs: of underwear I have left until its laundry time. 10 minutes: amount of work I can do before logging onto Facebook. 10th grade: when I got my braces off finally! Now, if only I could stop smoking cigarettes my teeth would be perfect. 10 years old: age when I got my first boyfriend. Hey, Matt Armentrout! 10 months: until my lease expires. Shit! Where am I living next year? 10: restaurant with the best martini I’ve ever had. Get the Setting Sun (and see Lisa’s review). 10:00pm: the time I need to finish this letter by (or I’ll be kicked out of the Digital Media Lab). 10: number of issues we’ve printed prior to this one. 10: number of items in this list. Haha. Gotcha! Every time we finish an issue of V, we sit around going “Damn, I think this is the best one yet.” And every time we say it, we mean it. Like a perfect bottle of wine, we’re getting better with age. If you don't believe me, then start reading! V Love,
Laura Scott Executive Editor cover photo by Dan Tarjan
Katy Judge Executive 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
V
magazine
volume 4 issue 1
feature
numbness
4
by Adele Farella
6
ten minutes with #10 by Stephanie Garcia
the dreaded DTR by Randee Ulsh
staying fabulous at every year by Christine Bogan
8 12
tenatively fall
culture
Katy Judge Laura Scott
production manager
Ginny Driscoll
managing editor
Natasha Nader
student life editor
Lisa Torrey
Laura Nix
the perfect “10�
fashion
executive editors
culture editor
by Danielle Blundell
student life
october 2007
ten fabulous ways to spend $10 by Jenny Miller
copy editor
Samantha Hasey
fashion editors
Danielle Blundell Derrick Taylor assistant fashion editor
Sophia Ahmad fashion staff
Karli Younger Clayton Maupin fashion writer
Huong Doan layout artists
Laura Kost Sara Buchanan business manager
Brittany Peterson
business assistants
Emily Clark Heather Klein
fashion photographer
Jamie McCelland photographers
TEN: a review
Dan Tarjan Vincent Zhu
by Lisa Torrey
publicity coordinator
top 10 fashion trends
staff correspondents
by Huong Doan
6 day bender by Thomas Pine
15
top 10 YouTube videos by Laura Nix
falling for you by Jenna Martin
Randee Ulsh
Christine Bogan Adele Farella Stephanie Garcia Jenna Martin Thomas Pine Randee Ulsh secretary
Jenny Miller webmaster
John Burr
numb
ness by Danielle Blundell
Just when I thought that I had memorized every important number in my life, from phone numbers to PIN numbers and everything in between, the University decided to shake things up by issuing new student ID cards complete with new student ID numbers. Not that I mind the fresh new card—the picture, now brighter, somehow makes me look tanner. A new magnetic strip means my card will no longer need to be keyed-in after failing to swipe at virtually every instance of its use. The new ID number, however, has quickly become the bane of my existence. Its nine foreign digits have already prevented me from checking out books at the library and from eating at the dinning hall one too many times, because let’s face it—everyone misplaces their student ID at some point or another. Don’t get me wrong: I’m no advocate for the facilitation of identity theft, but whatever happened to the grandfather rule? I mean, can’t those of us who’ve already come to terms with the stupidity of having our social security numbers as our student numbers just keep it that way? What it boils down to, however, is that it’s not this new number, or any specific number for that matter, sending me over the edge. Rather, it’s the numbness I feel in our endless reduction to numbers. How have numbers seized control of our world and simultaneously come to define our self-worth? Why are we so preoccupied with numbers in the first place? It starts early, maybe not in the womb, but shortly thereafter. Some of us are perhaps given social security numbers before any legal documentation of our official names even exists. Beyond our hair, skin, and eye colors, the only vital stats we possess as infants are numerical; weight and length carve out our very first niches in this world. Fast-forward to kindergarten. Before we learn how to read, we’ve already been taught to count to and to tell time. The stage has been set for our seduction by numbers. Digits surreptitiously begin encroaching upon every activity we undertake and each goal we pursue. The clock is something we will race against for the rest of our lives. Its numbers will try to tell us the appropriate times to work, play, eat, and sleep. That is, if we let it. By the time we reach high school, we’ve encountered enough numbers to fill a phone book. While everything in academia may appear to be predisposed to conversion into a numerical scale, numbers aren’t the only construction on which our achievements can be reflected. Think about it: there’s really no rational reason for our grading system to be based on numbers, other than the fact that we live in a society that presumes quantity trumps quality in the same breath that it proclaims otherwise. Linguistic signifiers of academic performance have been virtually murdered by numbers, leaving us to wonder whatever happened to the days of “satisfactory/unsatisfactory” and “pass/fail.” At about this time we are introduced to the . More menacing than other numbers, likely because it just looks so official, the decimal point sends a cold shiver down the spine. And we stress about this number, in some cases carrying it out to the hundredth decimal place, as if this extra digit somehow indicates all the hours we’ve spent reading textbooks, writing papers, and taking exams. But is any system of numbers, decimal or whole, really capable of codifying intelligence? Common sense tells us no, but then again, we occasionally meet people who still wear their scores on their sleeves. Here I must make a plea to toolbags everywhere, on behalf of those of us who have moved on with our lives: please stop talking about your SAT score as if it were appropriate party banter. We’re in college now. Let it go. You’re probably inflating your score by a hundred points anyway. Did you really think I wouldn’t know? Now that our journey by numbers has taken us to college, let’s examine the system of collegiate course listings. Correct me if I’m wrong, University administration, but I highly doubt that there is an official, standardized algorithm that determines what digits should be attached to a given class. Sure, these numbers serve an organizational function. But in most cases, they’ve lost their symbolic edge and have become, dare I say—arbitrary. Believe me, I’ve been duped by more than a few professors whose 100 level-listed courses might as well have been graduate seminars for all the work they required. The moral of the story: DON'T let a number deter you from taking the classes you want to take. Sometimes numbers lie. I once heard that of statistics are made up on the spot. I quickly realized that this itself was a statistic. Are there any numbers then that we can trust? While mathematics and science would lead us to believe that numbers aren’t ideological, of course, that simply isn’t the case. However natural or neutral a number might seem, a value system always lurks behind any digit tied to a human-constructed scale. What a curious breed numbers are, keeping us guessing at the nature of their logic, the influence they exert over our faculties, and the structure they impose on our lives. We’re not at a point where we could recklessly abandon all digit-laced activities and entities, even if we wanted to. I mean, without knowing your , how could you ever call it to find it when it’s lost? My puts cash in my hands, clothes on my back, and food in my stomach, so I can’t really complain. Without , how could we vote, be employed, access health care, apply for credit cards, and pay taxes? To put it simply, we need numbers. But we also need to learn how to deconstruct the digits in our lives, looking at them for what they are—just numbers. I still haven’t learned my new student ID number. With graduation on the horizon, I doubt I ever will. It’s my own, small way of
100
GPA
SAT
47.3%
cell phone number PIN# social security numbers
easing the
numbness.
HOO’s
the
? “ ” “ ”
perfect by Adele Farella
10
“Does this make me look fat?” “Ugh, my boobs are so small!” It’s a Friday night in Charlottesville and thousands of University girls are getting ready for a night on the town. Five girls are crammed in a dorm room or an apartment bathroom, attempting to figure out how to look their best. However, not everyone is dressing for the same crowd. Are we wearing a pushup bra and a plunging neckline to satisfy Rugby Road or skinny jeans and a “bag” top to impress our fashionista friends? Women are constantly struggling to dress in the right way to please a certain crowd. But where did this struggle arise? Popular magazines may have something to do with it. The models on the covers of popular fashion and beauty magazines are chosen carefully. Waifs like tend to grace the covers of Vogue while modern day pinup goddesses like Scarlett Johansson and Carmen Electra frequent Maxim. If there are two ideals of women portrayed in these magazines, how do regular women know how to dress, and perhaps, if they should physically change their bodies? It becomes difficult for women to make rational decisions about what to wear and, more importantly, how their bodies should look physically. This struggle has begun to complicate the confidence of girls all across America, and the University is no exception. When girls select what pieces to wear, who are they trying to impress? I interviewed some University students who all had interesting comments about this cultural phenomenon. Two college women, second year Netta Ruth from UGA and third year UVA student Yumi Crass, said that they thought magazines like Vogue represented the ideal image of a woman; not because the models were waifs, but because they appeared as “art on the glossy pages of a magazine.” Ruth defended the magazine saying, “I look to Vogue because the models are walking art – they are edgy, sophisticated and fresh. When I go out at night, I want to feel that edginess, which ultimately reflects confidence which really is all that matters.” Ironically enough, men made similar comments. Fourth year Navid Khodadoost said that the models of Maxim and Esquire activate sexual arousal but the models of Vogue reflect a more elegant kind of sex appeal. Khodadoost advises to women: “Make the most of your body. Don’t try to look like a model if you are naturally curvy but don’t flaunt or bare too much either.” All women are created differently: some women are naturally voluptuous and some are naturally thinner. Therefore it can be difficult to follow the trends of Vogue or the image of Maxim. On the other hand, it may be hard for thinner and less busty women to feel sexy. Maybe what really matters is the way we achieve confidence. No one can deny that confidence is one of the most important factors of sexiness and sense of self. Consequently, it is important that the way we look reflects that.
Kate Moss
size 0
They thought magazines like Vogue represented the ideal image of a woman; not because the models were waifs but because they appeared as ‘art on the glossy pages of a magazine.’
‘Make the most of your body. Don’t try to look like a model if you are naturally curvy but don’t flaunt or bare too much either.’
Some of us will be and some of us will be so let’s just forget about the for a while.
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numbers
feature
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tenwithten #
minutes
Coming off an untimely injury last year, U.Va’s star quarterback, third year Jameel Sewell, is back and hotter than ever. V Mag snags 10 minutes with him to find out more about the past, present and future of #10. V Mag: What are the top reasons it’s awesome to be an athlete at U.Va now? Jameel Sewell: The great foundation we have of being an athletic school, the great facilities, the great coaches in every sport, the legacy this school has for winning. V Mag: What is the hardest part about being a QB for a team trying to reemerge in the ACC? JS: Staying focused. People are always saying things and being able to block that all out is the hardest thing. V Mag: What do you do pre-game to pump up and post-game to celebrate? JS: Before games, I just think about the big plays and see myself making them. After, I go out with my teammates and friends. If there are other games on I want to see, I watch and critique them.
by Stephanie Garcia photo by Dan Tarjan
V Mag: What is the best part about your revamped locker rooms? Is it true that there’s a Wii in there? JS: [laughs] The best part is having computers down there and having 24-hour access. I don’t ever go home. If I have two hours after classes, I just come here. And yeah, we have a Wii and an Xbox. V Mag: What’s something about you your teammates would be surprised to know? JS: That I love to work with kids and I’m good at it.
6
student life
V Mag: What’s the most attractive thing about U.Va girls? JS: They are all intelligent, not dumb ditzs. Besides their beauty, that’s a big thing. V Mag: When you were 10, what did you want to be when you grew up? JS: An NFL quarterback. I definitely still want to be. V Mag: If you could draft onto any NFL team right now, who would it be? JS: If I could draft into the NFL right now, it would be on the Washington Redskins — I’ve been a die-hard Redskins fan since I was a little kid. V Mag: If you had to join another sports team at U.Va, what would it be? JS: The basketball team! I’m not that good, but I’d be able to contribute to the squad. I’m too slow to run track, but I might throw the javelin. V Mag: What are your post-collegiate plans? JS: Hopefully I’ll play to my potential and get drafted. But if not, I want to open group homes in inner-city Richmond, hopefully they’ll spread to Charlottesville. V Mag: Group homes? Why is this important to you? JS: I want to help the underprivileged kids. They work hard to get out of that situation. They should have someone to look up to, everybody needs that. I came from that and I want to give kids an opportunity to get out of a bad situation. Star quarterback, winning record, loves kids and intelligent girls — sounds like a perfect 10 to me.
dreaded
the
DTR Apparently, my dear friend “Dorothy” didn’t receive the memo that defining the relationship after talking and hanging out with a few kisses thrown in here and there for a solid two months was a completely absurd idea. Hence, the unpleasant instant messages at 1:10 in the morning from her love interest at the time. Oh, the “Dreaded DTR,” more formally referred to as “defining the relationship.” A college co-ed’s worst enemy. Rewind a few years to middle school. Our dating lives (or lack thereof) were awkward, yet incredibly simple. Late-night instant message conversations led to relationship status after plainly asking, “Will you go out with me?” Ah, how bittersweet is preteen love? Clearly, things aren’t as easy as they were when we were 13 years old. Now, we find ourselves wrapped in a world of ambiguity, where the definition of love ranges from 3 a.m. Thursday-night booty texts to drunken frat house make-outs and to the obnoxious, practically married couple who can’t resist making out on the steps of Alderman Library. No doubt, college dating downright sucks.
ye
ar
first year
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by Randee Ulsh anonymous10 (1:10:00 AM): youre acting like a psycho freak anonymous10 (1:10:10 AM): well at least like an insane person anonymous10 (1:10:14 AM): or someone with mental issues Granted, I am by no means a relationship expert. However, I’ve received more than my fair share of uncomfortable DTR moments. So what exactly is the proper relationship timeline? Ideally speaking, boy meets girl, boy asks girl on a date, boy and girl share first kiss, boy decides he likes girl and asks girl to be his girlfriend all within a short span of time. Drama free. But isn’t that a load of bullshit? For most of us, college dating does not exist. Our world instead consists of late-night, sometimes intoxicated, hook-ups with little to no discussion of exclusivity until someone gets hurt. There’s no certainty as to when to move from the hanging out stage to talking to hooking up to relationship status. However, I cannot speak for everyone. Occasionally you meet “that” couple who surpassed the DTR through love at first sight. Yes, it’s rare, but this does happen. “My girlfriend and I started dating first year,” said third year Rob Manoso. “We were really good friends to begin with, but I always had a thing for her. I talked to my friends and they loved her. I talked to
her friends and they alluded that she felt the same way about me. So I asked her out – it was just implied that we had already had the DTR.” Call me a cynic, but it’s pretty hard to come by that right person, especially at a time when we are still learning and discovering who we are. That and the fact that our raging-hormones prevent us from keeping only one person on the radar. You think you have it bad for person A, but end up spending the night with person B, which pisses off person A, then you never talk to person B again and you’re left at square-one. “If you’re with someone and things could either get better or worse, it’s better to just find out where the two of you stand. If things are at a lull, I suggest just taking the plunge and have that DTR,” Manoso says. So, Godspeed to those of you who have been there, done that, but foresee many more awkward DTR moments in the future. And for those who have successfully mastered the DTR and found what they are looking for, give me a call and help a sister out.
FABULOUS four: staying fabulous through every year the
“I stay fabulous by socializing outside because it relieves stress.” -Elizabeth Farrell, first year As a first year, college can be overwhelming. Socializing in places like The Lawn can help ease the stress of transitioning into a college environment. Learning a new language can be a fabulous adventure for you to embark on. And because your language class will most likely be at 8 AM, Monday through Friday, get used to drinking black coffee. And kids: Don’t forget to call your parents. Remember, they’re paying for you to have fun for four years.
“Being a mentor because as a first year, you’re new and had people helping you. So as a second year, you can help others. Also, focus on activities that you found interesting in your first year and try to get involved. Try to become an important position in an organization, such as president.” -David Leon, second year
fourth year
third
year
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A rite of passage for being a second year is helping out first years and others who are struggling with adjusting to university life. Be a mentor! Becoming truly involved in clubs and organizations is very important. Don’t forget to indulge in good books, especially when you spent the last semester drooling on an Intro to Psychology textbook. And to be absolutely fabulous, you should give a surprise birthday party for a friend because without friends, life means nothing. Plus, for the first time in your life, you have your own house. “Stylish clothes make me feel fabulous because I want to present myself in a positive light.” -Chine Anikwe, third year Being a third year means trying out new experiences and going outside of your comfort zone. Find your own unique fashion style and go to places you have not gone before, such as the Farmer’s Market; staying fabulous means eating exotic food. Also, try out artistic endeavors, such as singing, acting, or drawing. This can be a chance to release creative energy and to have fun.
“I surround myself with great, wonderful people. I love the friends I have.” -Erin Kim, fourth year Congratulations, you are finally a fourth year! After working like the good student you are for the past 3 years of college, you deserve to relax and to have fun for your last year. Blow off class and go on a road trip to Mardi Gras with friends. Consider finding a job abroad. Enjoy life, such as going with a group of friends to a karaoke bar and singing the night away, no matter how badly you sing. You have one year left with your friends: CELEBRATE IT!
by Christine Bogan
tenatively FALL While outside temperatures may be cooling off, you can still look hot. So don’t put away your summer clothes just yet. Fall is all about recycling your summer basics, adding a touch of warmth, and voila! You’re left with a completely different look. Girls, layer a long-sleeved tee under your favorite tank top, or throw an over-sized cardigan or vest on top of it. Guys, transition your favorite warm-weather tees into fall by adding a sleek blazer to the mix. AND let’s not forget some color! It’s always a good idea to pair basic colors with vibrant hues to create a balanced, well put-together look. In addition, bold accessories will always add style to your wardrobe.
fashion editors: Derrick Taylor and Danielle Blundell assistant fashion editor: Sophia Ahmad fashion writer: Huong Doan models: Jasmine Kwon, Julie Anne MirandaBrobeck, Eugene Resnick, Zak Sherbiny
On Jasmine: 1. plaid dress: Nick and Mo, $54; cream sweater: Free People, $88; shoes: model’s own 2. yellow tank: Free People, $78 On Julie: 3. floral dress: Nick and Mo, $54; boots: Steve Madden, $79 4. yellow tank: Free People, $78; shorts: Vintage Havana, $36; cropped jacket: Tulle, $42 On Eugene: 5. pink t-shirt: L.A. Denim Atelier, $50; 6. green shirt: model’s own On Zak: 7. teal t-shirt: Howe, $50 8. teal and brown striped rugby: Ben Sherman, $79 All women’s clothes from Finch, all men’s clothes from Industry. Visit these retailers for similar styles.
ten
$10
fabulous ways to spend
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Flying in a hot-air balloon, taking a cruise down the Nile River, drinking Moet & Chandon’s Nectar Imperial champagne, buying a Chanel suit - all great ways to make your life fabulous. But fabulous does not need to be extravagant. Here are 10 fabulous ways to spend $10 around Charlottesville. by Jenny Miller photos by Vincent Zhu
Go wine tasting at Keswick Vineyards. Not only will you escape to a 400 acre estate in the countryside, but you’ll also learn something about wine from an expert. Taste and tour with a winemaker: $10 per person http://www.keswickvineyards.com
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Is your love life a little slow? Lonely? Buy a fish. You can even buy two – at least they’ll have each other, but make sure to put them in separate bowls. ½ Gallon round bowl: $3.99, Siamese Fighting Fish: $3.49 (prices at Petsmart)
Listen to Missy Elliot who says, “If you’re a fly gyal, get your nails done,” and get a manicure at VA Nail: $12 (just over $10, but is anything more fabulous than a manicure?) Call for an appointment, but walk-ins are also welcome: 434-975-0600 Located next to Target Fresh flowers bring color and life into any room. Don’t wait for someone else to get them for you, buy flowers for yourself ! Mixed Bouquet: $9.99, Zinnia Bunches: $6.99, Rose Sachets: $6.99, Asiatic Lilies: $4.49 (prices at Whole Foods)
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Smoke hookah with friends and enjoy the bohemian atmosphere at the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. With seven flavors (strawberry, apple, mango, peach, honey, rose, and the 5 star mix) you’re sure to find one you like. If you aren’t into smoking, there is also an extensive tea menu. Tea: $3-8 Hookah: $15 (414 E Main Street, http://www.teabazaar.com/) Enjoy autumn in Virginia and go apple picking at Carter Mountain Orchard. If picking apples is too much manual labor for you, let your friends do the work while you enjoy the Orchard’s homemade apple cider donuts. Apples: 89 cents per pound, apple cider donuts: 79 cents each (http://www.cartermountainorchard.com).
Tired of Charlottesville? $10 should be enough gas money to get you to D.C., where you can find more fabulous ways to spend $10.
Dancing is the best way to relieve stress (and it’s also a workout). So, dance the night away at Club 216 Charlottesville’s only gay club, but all are welcome. Cover: $10-$15 The cover charge depends on the night, so call in advance to be sure! (434-296-8783, 216 W Water Street #F www.club216.com)
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You could buy a case of Natural Light for $12 or order a Wisteria Lane (Absolute raspberry, a splash of Chambord, lime juice, and cranberry juice) at Bang for under $10 – the choice is yours. If fabulous is what you’re going for, the latter may be the better option. Most cocktails at Bang: $8 plus tax. 213 Second Street Southwest
Taste Europe downtown. Get a savory crepe at The Flat and gelato for dessert at Splendora’s. Savory crepes: $5-$8, Small gelato cone: $3 The Flat: 111 E Water Street Splendora’s: 317 E Main Street
TEN: a review
10
ways to update your
fall wardrobe
Many people hate getting caught off guard when it comes to change, especially change in the weather, which means change in wardrobe. So this painless guide is going to make the transition from summer to fall easier for ALL you fashionistas! Forget the runways, the personal shoppers, Glamour’s Dos & Don’ts, and E!’s fashion police. I’m going to give it to you straight and simple. This one’s for the girls.
Tucked away above Blue Light Grill is a modern Japanese restaurant called Ten. Ten takes its name from the pronunciation of a Japanese symbol meaning “up” or “celebration”. The name comes from a play on the restaurant’s physical location and its uplifting atmosphere. Diners have a choice between two main seating areas: the “light” section and the “dark” section. The light section provides a daytime or early evening experience with its white walls covered in cloud-like fabric and golden-yellow floor lights. The dark section of the restaurant is more of a late evening environment with its low lighting and high ceilings. The walls are punctuated with small golden sconces that are reflected in the glassy black paneled ceiling and give the effect of dining under a starry night sky. This classy look, combined with the House and post-rock music playing softly in the background, gives the restaurant the feel of a modern New York City lounge. The atmosphere would mean nothing if the food wasn’t up to par, but luckily the food easily holds its own. If you like sushi, one great dish to try is a special called the Lucky-7 Roll. The roll consists of fresh yellowtail and whitefish wrapped in sticky rice with Japanese greens and avocado, and finally rolled in tangy fish-eggs. It may sound overwhelming, but the combination of sweet fish and tangy eggs and greens is quite a ride for the palate. Not adventurous enough for sushi? The menu also includes everything from light and savory avocado tempura to skewered steak and chicken that sizzle in a variety of Japanese sauces. The drink menu is not to be ignored either. For the 21+ crowd, Ten is the perfect place to start a night of fun downtown. The full bar includes an extensive wine list and twelve varieties of sake. The menu also includes fourteen specialty cocktails, one of which is the original Ten martini made from sake, ciroc vodka, aloe juice, and sweet Japanese plums called momokochan. Some others to try are the watermelon martini, made with a fresh watermelon puree, and the Pamarose, made from sake and pomegranate liqueur. If you do decide to check out Ten, which I highly recommend, be sure to make reservations early because the tables fill up quickly, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. It is also a good idea to dress to impress; Ten’s chic atmosphere is not the place for jeans and a t-shirt. Though all this makes Ten sound pricey, most of the sushi, sashimi, and meat skewers run from between $4 and $10 each, so you don’t have to spend big to enjoy this Charlottesville treasure. by Lisa Torrey photos by Dan Tarjan
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Let a standout short-sleeve coat make your STRONGEST statement. This season is all about layering, so stick a long-sleeve shirt underneath and add a “statement” pendent necklace. Stay RICH in color with the jewel-tone hues this fall: amethyst, ruby, emerald, and sapphire (aka purple, red, green, and blue). Bold colors complement everyone. This is the year of the DRESS. Those easy knit dresses you’ve loved all summer carry over into fall in jersey & sweater knits. Jazz up jeans with a floaty blouse featuring flirty FILLIPS, i.e. embellishments including ruffles or floral appliqués. All over blooms are good for big occasions, do some pruning for more casual events. Although skinny jeans were a big hit, so are the UNSKINNY pants this fall. Think high-waisted trousers with full legs. Stand up straight, shoulders back, and waist-clinched. Add 4-inch heels to get that business-like look. From gold and silver shiny dresses to liquid make-up, METALLICS are hot this season. Dresses look like molten metal was poured onto the figure. Shoes and purses also look really great in metallic colors. While tall boots let you get more wear out of everything from miniskirts to leggings, BOOTIES can do the same. This look adds a feminine touch to any fall outfit. Just envision a mini dress, tights, and short boots– HOT. Quilted, woven, bunched, animal skin, patent– TEXTURED anything– is in. From handbags to vests to pumps, the more detail to the fabric, the better. Just remember the focus should be on the texture, not the pattern. MENSWEAR PRINTS– plaids, chalk stripes, houndstooth checks– are a permanent fall favorite that translates very well to trousers and jackets. CARDIGANS are a final wardrobe must have. They come in so many styles from baggy to fitted; cashmere to wool; stripes to solids. Classic, but versatile for both guys and girls. by Huong Doan
student life culture
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TOP
10 YouTube
South Carolina at Miss Teen USA 2007—I personally believe, that all U.S. Americans, everywhere, like, such as, should see this video. Not only does Ms. South Carolina not answer the question in any way, but she seems particularly pleased with her answer when she walks off the stage. Then again, so does Mario Lopez. Needless to say, she doesn’t get awarded runner-up, but she does endure an awkward segment explaining herself on “The Today Show” the next morning, where Matt Lauer tries to convince her that he’s had similar blank-faced answers on-air. Really, Matt? I think we can all agree this is the first time in television history someone has stumbled and fallen this hard. Boom Goes the Dynamite—Ok, let me retract that last statement, because this is almost painful to watch. The sports newscaster’s teleprompter breaks, and apparently he hasn’t been trained on how to speak into a camera without a typed script. He goes completely blank while the audience sits in silence watching last week’s sports clips. Finally, he decides to narrate the basketball play happening onscreen. When the ball goes in the basket, his only thought deemed good enough to speak aloud is, “And… Boom goes the dynamite.” Redemption!
The Evolution of Dance—This one’s good not just for a laugh but for a serious lesson in American dance history. How is it possible that he’s that good at every move from the last five decades? I suggest writing down songs he uses in this sequence to make a grade-A dance mix
Here’s a rundown of some of the best and most-watched YouTube videos of all time. Some are funny, some are just plain weird, but all are worth five minutes of laptop time. By Laura Nix
Montgomery Flea Market—Does anyone out there like mini-malls? If so, according to its manager, you’ll love the Montgomery Flea Market. This guy does a great job of advertising his furniture, but what I want to know is, where did he find that suit? P.S. Be sure to check out the “Flea Market Redemption.” Now these prisoners appreciate the song for the masterpiece it truly is.
Leprechaun—Why this real news story wasn’t broadcast nationally, I’ll never know. Either Alabama’s located at the end of the rainbow, or this little leprechaun got stuck up a tree in the dirrrty South. The poor guy gets taunted by locals who want to “get the gold.” By far the best part is the drawing done by a real, live witness of the leprechaun. Truthfully, I think this illustrated “portrayal” was actually just ripped off the head of a hangman game from one of the newscasters’ coffee breaks. Ghost Ride the Whip—If “ghost riding the whip” isn’t the best way to spend your Saturday afternoon, I don’t know what is. In case you’re not in on America’s latest and greatest activity, “ghost riding the whip” occurs when you put your car in drive, then proceed to dance in, on, or around the car while it’s moving. Ghost riding the whip will earn you some serious street-cred, but you may want to reevaluate how much that’s worth when you see the video of a courageous dancer getting his car stolen by a quick-thinking pedestrian.
Robot Dance—Thank God someone at this high school thought to film the talent show. There’s no way these guys had trouble getting ass during their adolescent years. That point is further driven into the ground by the B.A. white tennis shoes. Money—One thing’s for sure: AFTER seeing this clip, you’ll never want to make your own music video. NOTHING could beat this. I don’t know who I feel more sorry for, the girl with the ridiculous dance moves or her mortified friend, who seems to have spent her monthly allowance on this music video service at the mall to genuinely show off her singing talent. The fact that they’re still in their junior high school uniforms makes it all the better.
Crank Dat Harry Potter—I always knew Harry Potter had some ghetto in him. Maybe if he’d listened to this pump-up song before fighting Voldemort, he would have finished the job in Book One. I think one of them is using a mop as a flying broom. And why do they neglect to pronounce the last letter in every word? I’m not gonna lie, though, the song’s kinda good…
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Muffins—I’m not sure about the hilarity of this video, but if I didn’t include it we’d probably be sifting through a lot of hate mail in the V Mag office. It’s one of the mostwatched YouTube videos of all time, owing to the fact that Ms. Cunningham has the most sincerely blank and bewildered facial expressions. Is it creepy to anyone else that this guy probably plays cameraman, in addition to every other character, in his video?
6 Day Bender has an odd lineup for a rock’n’roll band. In addition to Clayton Avent on guitar, Mark Schottinger on bass, and Corey Gross on drums, Luke Nutting picks a banjo and Lauren Moses bows a fiddle. Consisting of four 2007 UVa. graduates (Corey attended West Virginia University), 6 Day Bender is heating up the music scene in Charlottesville, playing several raucous shows a month. The band’s formation can be traced back to the thin floors of the Raleigh Court apartment building on University Circle. Luke lived in #12 above Lauren in #8, and they would hear each other practicing on their respective instruments. They started jamming together with a few other friends from local bands and eventually picked up Mark as their bassist and Will Henneberg on drums. Seeking to round out their sound, Luke recruited his high school classmate Clayton to play guitar. When drummer Will had to go back to school, Mark got in touch with Corey, a drummer he had played with before. With the lineup finally set, 6 Day Bender is now working on their debut full-length album, recording rough takes in the basement of the small A-frame house on the outskirts of Charlottesville that Luke, Clayton, Mark, and Corey share. V Magazine: How’s the recording coming along? Luke: Our only time in the recording studio was in February. We just went in and cut four tracks for a studio demo. We realized that we didn’t exactly know what we sounded like. We were at the mercy of the producer…We knew walking out of there that we didn’t really have what we wanted to sound like…You can record as a band at once, live, or you do a scratch take that you never keep and everyone listens to it and plays over it individually, so you piece together different takes from everybody and it becomes a big composite of the song…and that’s pretty much how 99% of
the stuff on the radio is. You lose the spontaneity. We’re a performing band. A lot of bands make an album and then start playing. We’ve come up performing and playing our songs and we want to stay true to that. We’re doing all the takes live, as a band…no two takes will sound the same. V Magazine: So it sounds more like a live show? Mark: We’re getting close to that sound, but think old blues records, early rock and roll. Luke: Licks that never sound the same twice. We’re trying to stay true to the spontaneity of it… right now we’re doing everything ourselves, we’re turning all the knobs--it’s obvious that they’re homemade. At this point, we’re giving away everything; we just want people to hear the tunes. At this part of the game, it’s not about making money at all. V Magazine: But y’all are in this for the long haul? This is what y’all want to do professionally? Mark: I wouldn’t be doing this, swear to god, if I didn’t believe in it. I never would’ve asked Corey to drop out of school if I thought this was going to be some sort of fucking, you know, nothing. Luke: I wouldn’t trade this for anything. If I was living in New York right now, going to crunch numbers, going in at eight in the morning and staying till eight at night…It would be awful, getting your two weeks of vacation every year. We talked about moving, but I think this is a dynamite town for us. It’s got connections that go to the very top, with Red Light [Management] and everything. But it’s also small enough to give a homey feel. V Magazine: How would you describe your sound? I’ve heard a lot of terms flying around out there like bluegrass, hard bluegrass, rockgrass… Luke: We’re more a rock’n’roll band with banjo and fiddle than we are a bluegrass band. Bluegrass
6 day bender:
now is a complete virtuoso game…who can play the fastest, who can play the cleanest, who can play the craziest shit, and it becomes a contest. When people hear “bluegrass,” they think it’s people together just trying to outplay each other. Lauren: We’re like mountain rock’n’roll. Mark: Yeah, mountain rock’n’roll. The thing about mountain rock’n’roll is people are like, “what does that mean?” and you try to explain it and then inevitably bluegrass will come into the sentence. We played Outback [The Outback Lodge in Charlottesville] one night and Lauren wasn’t there and it was the four of us, electric bass, electric guitar, a full drum kit, and a banjo and this guy yelled, “There’s no drums in a bluegrass band.” But there’s no electric bass or electric guitar in a bluegrass band…really, we’re like rock’n’roll with a banjo. After the interview, the band went down into their basement for a recording session. The basement matches the homey, raw feel of their music. The floors and walls are unfinished, the ceiling insulation is kept in place with chicken wire, but the recording room possesses a comfortable warmth. Persian rugs hang from the walls to deaden sound and there’s a well-used dartboard hanging behind the drum-set. The band set to work recording an acoustic instrumental take of their song “Hurts Me Worse,” which involves Mark, Clayton, Luke, and Lauren tightly packed around two small microphones, and Corey’s drum kit set back about 15 feet so his drumming doesn’t overwhelm the stringed instruments. For nearly two hours, they record about two dozen takes; someone will miss a note late in the song, a hand will slip, a solo is tweaked and tweaked again. This meticulous approach is reflected in their band name. “6 Day Bender” is a religious reference: “For six days we work, and on the seventh day we rest,” Lauren explains. “It’s all about exhaustive creativity,” Luke finishes.
slinging mountain rock
by Thomas Pine photo by Vincent Zhu
Do impending colder temperatures and midterms have you “down” in the Stacks? Have the ten million clubs and student organizations you ludicrously joined back in August lost all their luster? If so, my friend, then you’ve got a classic case of the UVa Mid-October Blues. Not to worry, though. By simply following our comprehensive list of the Top 10 quirky ways to escape the stresses and pressures of school, we guarantee to cure you of all your ailments (at least temporarily) faster than Miles Davis any day.
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1) Become an Art Aficionado If you fancy fine art, head to locally-owned Sage Moon to marvel at works in an array of mediums from local, national, and international artists alike while soaking in the classical music and serene ambience. If you crave contemporary art instead, venture a few blocks further from Sage Moon, and you’ll find yourself at Migration: A Gallery, displaying the work of over 25 acclaimed artists from across the country, working in a variety of genres and mediums. 2) Catch a Flick For the finest in film, and the possibility of mingling with some of Hollywood’s hottest names and directors, head to the 20th Annual Virginia Film Festival – a four-day long festival including screenings, workshops, and talks held at various venues around town. For the best in independent, foreign, American, documentary, and fine art films, venture over to Vinegar Hill Theater or Sneak Reviews to discover films that you aren’t likely to find at either Regal or Blockbuster. 3) Go Fresh Voted “#1 Health Food Store in Charlottesville”, Rebecca’s Natural Food, located in Barracks Road Shopping center, caters to those who follow an organic, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free lifestyle. For those of you who require a little more beef in your diet, Main Street Market consists of nine locally-owned and operated specialty stores – offering fresh seafood, an organic butchery, gourmet chocolates, and more. 4) Take a Walk/Stroll in the Park Just because you’re all grown-up doesn’t mean you have to act that way. Free yourself from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and unwind in one of the city’s plenteous parks. Entice your inner-child at Tonsler Park, where you can play on the community-built wooden playground modeled after a castle – complete with tunnels, forts, towers, and moats! There’s also a giant outdoor chessboard with three-foot tall pieces, tennis courts, and a new recreation building. 5) Become a Wine Connoisseur With multiple vineyards to choose from, wine tasting is sure to appease and sophisticatie your palette. Some of the most recommended wineries include Afton Mountain Vineyards, Oakencroft Vineyard and Winery, and Blenheim Vineyards.
Bed & Breakfast
6) Indulge and Escape Charlottesville’s brimming with B & B’s, each offering special packages and ample luxuries and amenities within picturesque settings. At The Foxfield Inn, voted one of the top ten B&B’s in America in 2006 by Travelers Choice Awards, you can choose to stay in one of their five distinct rooms while sipping wine on the veranda or relaxing at the spa. 7) Amplify Your Musical Tastes In response to the growing demand to bring more music to C-ville, the city now harbors multiple venues for your listening pleasure. Equal parts bookstore, café, art gallery, and performance space, Gravity Lounge attracts a diverse range of generally unheard of performers from around the globe into its tiny interior. Similarly, the Tea Bazaar, along with its ambrosial international tea selection, delectable vegetarian cuisines and desserts, and hookahs, hosts frequent and eclectic shows.
8) Be Crafty Express your creative side at the McGuffey Art Center, where you can enroll in various drawing, painting, sculpture, and other arts classes, as well as theater and dance. Looking for a way to make use of all those beer bottles piling up in your trashcan? The Glass Palette offers classes in different glass techniques, including fusing and slumping, stained glass, bead making, and sandblasting. Classes begin the first week of each month, preregistration is required, and prices vary by class.
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9) Travel Back in Time Pay tribute to our university’s founding father with a visit to Monticello. You can relive a day in the life of Jefferson through exploring his house and plantation, either on your own or as part of a guided tour. If that doesn’t quench your presidential fervor, then head over to Ash Lawn-Highland, to visit the 535acre estate of James Monroe. While you’re there, take one of their workshops, such as candle making or paperquilling for only $15. If you prefer a little terror with your tour, from September through October, you can join the Ghost and Murder Walking Tour to retrace the fatal steps of the mayor and his wife, and determine for yourself who’s guilty.
10) Get Your Freak On/Happy Feet If you’re a club kid, dance the night away at Outback Lodge. A mix of rock, funk, reggae, salsa, hip-hop, blues, industrial, acoustic, and everything in between, the lodge hosts live music upstairs six nights a week. If you prefer more conventional forms of dancing, then join The Charlottesville Salsa Club every Sunday from 8-12pm at the Outback Lodge, where you can learn how to salsa dance like a pro. For more styles, at the Shergold Studio you can choose from a variety of dance classes, including ballroom, swing, hip-hop, tap, and even pole dancing!
free FALLING:
the top 10 quirky ways to de-stresss by Jenna Martin
Dance