Ink Magazine; Vol. 2.3

stay-calion low-budget "get-away" guide

get a job or get left behind what to expect post-graduation

cinema influence major films provide major fashion trends

o Vol. 2 No.3 February 2010

ink staff > SARA D ' EUGENIO EDITOR-iN-CHIEF MEREDIT H RIGSBY

MANAG IN G EDITOR PATRICE DALESANDRO + MELISSA TABL A N T E

CREATIVE DIRECTORS KATHRYN GLUSHEF SKI PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR

AMY JOYCE + TENOIYA CARTER COpy EDITORS CHRISTINE ERICKSON

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES EDITOR JAIME BARNETT ARTS + CULT URE EDITOR COURTNEY MANNION

VISUAL STAFF MATT SCHMIDT

V ISUAL STAFF MILLICENT ENCARNACION VISUAL STAFF

LEILANI LITTLEFIELD FASHION STYLIST KERRY MCDONNELL

GUEST PHOTOGRAPHER DENA SPRUILL

STA FF WRITER TEDDY GREGSON

STAFF WRITER CHRISTINE STODDARD

STA FF WRITER

SOPHIE SOLOMON STAFF WRIT ER

SANTIA NANCE

AD SALES CONTRIBUTORS MICHAEL SKATTUM MICHAEL PRENTACE JOSH LEWIS

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table of contents > campus life 4

Drug Induced Creativity Good or bad?

It's not uncommon for artists to take various drugs to stimulate their artis t ic abi lity, but is tha t real ly a good idea?

6

Cheap Dates Saving your wal let while still impressing that special someone.

Take your significant other out without breaking the bank.

8

VCU Students Community Involvement Using your extra time to help others Get a glimpse at what VCU students are doing a llover the communi t y, for people other than themselves.

10 Stay-cation The amount of money it takes to t ake a vacation can be wack, but be creative! Gain a new perspective! Spring Break 2010 is going to be a stay-cation to remember.

contemporary issues 17

18

20

The Negative Effects of the Flavoured Tobacco Ban What has happened to a little variety?

Smoking was recently banned in all public restaurants. Now smokers are being banned from their favorite specialty tobacco p roducts, cloves included.

Fighting Winter Blues Seasonal sadness Does the gloomy weather have you feeling down? Read some ways to help combat those pessimistic feelings and put a smile on your face.

Recession-Cutting Opportunities Get a job or get left behind The economy has put added stress on adults due to the unemployment rate and loss of jobs. But don't th ink the only people stressing out are the middle-aged. Students are having to face the big JOB situat ion as early as freshman year.

12 Quidditch: Not just for Wizards Anymore Wizarding sport now open to Muggles. The immen sely popular Harry Potter books have not only inspired a series of movies, they have also inspi red st udents to introduce a magical sport to the Muggle world.

arts + culture 21

DIY: Keeping Warm T-shirt quilt Turn all those old band and sports shirts from high school into something you can always use.

22

Web Celebs Create. Click. Download.

Thanks to sites like Youtube, introducing the world to your bri lliant ideas is the first, and possibly on ly, step on t h e road to fame.

23

Style Maturity Fix up, look sharp! Is physical presentation getting lost on college campuses?

24

Featured Artist: Mary Fray Foster Metalworking and making jewelry are her passions t hat turn into some really awesome looking jewelry!

26

Jazzing up Richmond: Beast Wellington Hump day t akes a turn for the better. Check out this loca l band whose music is jazzy, funky and will make you want to hop on your feet and dance

28

Images capture the real and the rare . Cinema Influence in Fashion Take some of the most memorable movies in ou r t ime and add high Cover by Mary Fray Foster

INK MAGAZINE

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CORRECTIONS FOR ISSUE 1:

Misspelling of our featured artist's name Michael Muelhaupt. We apologize wholeheartedly for our mistake.

TELL US HOW WE'RE DOING

Answer our survey available at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HYYY7JP

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A lot of my performances and video work were done under the influence of dIfferent drugs [...] I would say specifically LSD opened my mmd in, not just an artistic way, but in the way I perceive almost everything. Plus, flashbacks can be fun."

" The student or artist should ask themselves if they really need drugs to be creative."

"I'm not gonna lie.

Mike Prentace Michael Skattum Illustration

I've been tempted," said

Enhanced creativity by drugs

printmaking and painting

Jonathan Jones, a freshman is a constant temptation

student. "We all have ... I

for artists. With the historical

just realize I can do better

and recent deaths of several

work sober."

artists, drug use for intended creative highs has proved to be a dangerous path.

Some reasons for drug

The reasons students are tempted to use drugs to enhance creativity vary.

"I was tempted purely

use among artists and art

because of writer's block,"

students include boredom,

Jones said. "Sometimes

writer's block and a sense

it's hard to come up with

to outdo oneself, says

original materiaL"

Camille Adams, substance

Other students agree

abuse treatment specialist

there is some sort of

of VCU's University

connection between

Counseling Services.

drugs and art. A lot of

"Any student who is feeling

albums, television,

the need to use drugs

film and poetry come from

for creative influence should

drugs, says Sarah

seek advice and counseling

Williams, a junior film and

with UCS," Adams said.

photography student.

"The student or artist should ask themselves if they really need drugs to be creative."

However, the temptations

"You can see a lot of blatant drug references in art of the past and present," Williams said.

of drug use are sometimes

"You'll probably see it

hard to avoid.

in the future too."

VCU prohibits the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on MCV and Monroe Park campuses. The VCU alcohol and drug policy can be found on the university Web site at http.//www.provost.vcu.edu/pdfs/alcoholdrugpolicypdf

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Cheap Dates Christine Erickson Matt Schimdt Illustrations

The traditional dinner-and-a-movie date can cost at least 20 bucks a person, but you don't have to break the bank to win over that cute girl in your class.

Here's what we're doing to keep our wal lets lighter and our partners impressed . VCU students give you their

ideal dates at a discount.

"R ide through the Fan, hit up a food mart, and go to an art gallery."

- Mark Sa nch ez "Get take-out, and then stay inside and cuddle wh il e watc hing a movie."

- Knox Colby " Have a barbecue and go to a shooting rang e."

- Brandon Hamraz "Bike ride to th e train trest les in Shockoe Bottom, and then go to Sheetz, and we' ll fini sh by wa tching a cheesy movie."

- Ja sce Burrow "Grab so me 40's and see a movie at th e Byrd."

- Se ba stian Gocan "Start at Maymo nt and go to 821 afterward, then go t o th e SPCA to play with th e puppies."

- A ndrew Collichio "Watch the sunrise on th e roof of the parking garage on Main and Harriso n. " - Chris Erco lano

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"Make dinner together at home."

- Andy Kotsch "Watch all three Star Wars movies together."

- Chris Smith "Taco Bell picnic and reruns of 'Freaks and Geeks' on the computer, and perhaps a game of Scrabb le."

- Hannah Guthrie "We' ll start by meeting up at Shafer, go all out with Upper Cuts, then take a walk around Monroe Park and go for a bike ride."

- Addie Bell "You, me, and a bottle of Lambrusco - Kroger's finest five-dollar wine."

- Samantha Newton "Take-out Chinese in bed and watching 'Dexter' on DVD." - Kaitlyn Grims land "Go to each fast food restaurant and order something off the dollar menu, and then have a picnic."

- Blair Mack "Walk around the city, or do something outdoors, like hiking."

- Erica Terrimi "Make PB&Js and have a picnic, then make a fort and get flashlights and tell ghost stories."

- Ashley Wright "Share a pitcher of Dos Equis at Little Mexico and then ride bikes home to watch 'The Fresh Prince' all night." - Lauren Dilisio "Go see a free show at Shafer Street Playhouse and then find a roof to sit on."

- Michele Lombardy

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s Christine Stoddard

Coming to a school where community service was a choice

Melissa Tablante Illustration Volunteering should be just that--voluntary. Yet students

was then a relief. I could choose exactly how I wanted to affect the community for the better while still respecting my need

should volunteer as often as their personal schedule allows,

for sanity. At a campus as diverse as VCU, all students have

at least if we're to continue America's tradition of lending

different talents and priorities. Consequently, our relationships

our scythes and wheelbarrows to our neighbors in need.

with community service are just as diverse. We all share

Everyone from 1600s farmers to long-haired hippies would

our species and schoolwork in common, but the line sometimes

agree that the happiest communities never see a shortage

ends exactly there. From burlesque dancers to mommies to

of eager volunteers. Key word: 'eager.' Keeping community

waiters to fire throwers to gallery owners to sales associates--

service optional preserves the sincerity required to successfully perform the act; forcing someone to appreciate his campus

phew! and all the many other occupations VCU students hold-we have various things to juggle, whether those things are

and city only makes him bitter. That is especially true if

diapers or blazing torches. Some of us would be well-suited

that person is trying to balance a grueling course load and

to tutoring math, while others should be walking dogs at the

a crummy job at the same time that a community service obligation pops up. (Many VCU students either suffered such

animal shelter. Others simply have too much going on to

circumstances in high school, or have experienced them

world. For me, the best solution was helping out with local

sometime as a worn-out Ram.) I can relate my own high school

poetry and theater events once or twice a month.

even consider volunteering until they hit the post-graduation

nightmares wrought by National Honors Society requirements.

Somehow I squeezed in tutoring Spanish and French into the rest of my hectic life, but I ended up so tired most of the time that I thought I'd start reciting the Rosetta Stone backwards.

Here's what some other VCU students say about their experiences with community service. There are still people trying to bring bluebirds and rainbows to Richmond, after all.

Brittany Fulk

on a bulletin sheet, creating

get, the closer they are to

Education class to serve at

"I found a little pull-tab

paper mache masks or sock

one-on-one homework help.

flyer on the Rumors bulletin

puppets, or once filming a

They don't necessarily need

Clark Springs for 20 hours this semester. I've already

board that said, "Do you

dance video! Sometimes then

that. but these kids can really

like art? 00 you like kids?"--

we would go outside to play.

use the boost and it does

completed those hours, but I'm going to continue

and I love both. So I started volunteering at Artsplosion

It was really fun to me, sort of like recess or elementary

show when they are getting it. I like to think that those

volunteering there because I enjoy the students and

Afterschool. It is run by

art class. I always did the

kids were learning better

need the experience. I've

Synergeo which is run by

projects with the kids and

because of us. I wish I was

tutored at Delmont since

Americorps .... Kids come

helped them with theirs. I

from St. Andrew's School, a

also have been a reading

still part of it."

..-I

r--

last year and continue to do so because I know the kids

free private school in Oregon

tutor with two different jobs,

Julia Bashore

there very well. I was really

Hill, to a nearby church recroom for completely free

so the homework part was engaging for me, too. The

"I volunteer at Clark Springs Elementary School, as well as

overwhelmed the first time I

after-school supervision. They do their homework around

kids were really sweet and loving. I had to stop this year

the Delmont Learning Center, which is part of the Youth Life

mentors who can help them

because school is becoming

Foundation of Richmond. At

however, at both Delmont

read, and they get a small

more demanding, and

Clark Springs, I help manage

and Clark Springs, I usua lly

snack. There is always an art

because I work until 4 [p.m.]

the classroom and supervise

wish I cou ld stay longer. I'd

project: assembling a new

everyday. They can always

the students. At Delmont,

definitely recommend the

paper world by combining

use extra volunteers over at

I tutor second-graders. I'm

...._e_v_e.'.;;y_o_n_e_·s_c_u_t_o _u t_ f_e_a_tu_'_e_s ___A _ 't_s_ p_ lo_s_io_n_;_th_e_ m_o_,_ e .t~ he_y_---, required by my Teacher 8

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went to Delmont, since I was unaccustomed to working with urban students. Now,

Learning Center as a place to volunteer -- as long as

you're enthusiastic about

is behind it keeping it from

working with kids. As for

budging. Then she tried

Clark Springs, I was placed there by VCU, so I'm unsure as

to force it in, and out of

"I played wheelchair sports

nowhere the man inside

with injured veterans at

tickets on the road and in bushes and making sure they

to whether they let non-TEDU

starts screaming at us like a

Hunter Holmes McGuire

ended up where they needed

students volunteer."

madman, so we dropped our

Medical Center. Most of them

bags and ran ... Needless

were completely unable to

to be, I've not done anything here. Why don't I volunteer

D.J. Granger "I was in Camp Thunderbird

to say, I never did Meals on Wheels again."

use their legs and required

in middle school and participated in a Meals on

veterans of wars ranging from

I don't have much time for

G,aitlin Moore

~f;Currently'rolunteer as

Vietnam all the way to the Iraq war. I did this to show my

volunteer work. The other (reason) is that I did volunteer

a mentor through Carver

appreciation for the soldiers

Promise with a first grader,

of our country and the

work in a town that I had lived in for long enough to

a little boy aI.carver ~mentary School. I also

sacrifices they have made to

know its every detail ... I had

remember ... to probably

protect us. After volunteering

enough of a relationship that

the most dilapidated place

volunteer at my church.

and playing sports ranging

I had ever seen, a rundown

I attend Area 10 Faith

from wheelchair basketball

I felt I could then start giving back to (Yorktown) ... Here

hotel that would have been

Gommunity which is

the perfect place for a ghost

fn Cary town in the Byrd

Wheels assignment. Our first location was an old halfway house [in] downtown Richmond on a street I don't

h~ld

mural, cleaned roads, etc.), Ian Cardenas

wheelchairs. I served the

I am still exploring; there is

more satisfied with what I

so much yet to find and love and understand."

theater. I volunteered during

had done than J think I have

brought in two big white paper bags full of food, and

a parent/teacher night at Fox

felt all semester. It was a

Elementary with my church.

great opportunity and I had

the old man at the lobby

I" as well as others, were responsible for 'babysitting'

a lot of fun while helping. people who do not always

qr watching the kids while their parents and teachers

get to have a good time. I

floor. I don't even think there were any stairs inside. just a rusty elevator straight out of the 1920s, so we got

met. I did these because it makes me feel good. Giving

in Richmond? I do a lot and work as often as possible, so

to wheelchair golf, I fe lt

or murder movie scene. We

desk said we needed to deliver to a guy on the top

but other than finding parking

would definitely volunteer again. I made friends that

Karen Faffen-Rhoadll>lI" "Area 10 Church on Cary Street regularly cancels , ~Sunday

morning set.vjces and ' ....sends its members out on the streets of Richmond, cleaning

I never thought I would ...

up Cary Street, putting

Urne is the grl'atest gif\) :o1) can give sometimes. I also

know, men who fought for

together sehgal supplies

on and it clacked all the way

our country and sacrificed

for area kids, helping at the

up ... We heard moans and

love working with kids, so

their lives for me. It was a true

homeless shelter, gardening

creaks, and TVs going a little too loud. There was one door

th"t was an added plus! I would definitely volunteer

honor. I would recommend

at Fox Elementary, I helped

this volunteer opportunity to

cracked open towards the

again. It's so rewarding, so

everyone I know. The smiles

one Sunday organizing furniture and helping a

end of the hall, and of course

I would certainly recommend

on their faces that day are an

displaced family pick out a

it's our guy's room. We crept

it to friends. Both are great

irreplaceable memory, and

down the hall and knocked

to know I helped bring those smiles ... that's what I live for."

table and chairs and other things they needed. Next

on the door ... nothing. I

places to volunteer and are overseen by people who

knocked again, and said

truly care about enriching

something like, 'We've got

their community."

your food.' Still nothing. My

semester, I hope to work at Safe Haven, but still not sure if

Chandler Honeycutt "I did ... community service in

friend tried to push the

Yorktown, where I lived before

door open, but something

Richmond (restored an old

it will fit into my

sch~pule,"

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MAYMONT

CARYTOWN

Be sure to bring a few water bottles, pack a picnic lunch, and

Featuring several blocks of boutiques, selling both new and

bring a blanket to hunker down on beneath a tree on one of the

vintage clothing and jewelry, locally-owned eateries,

many sprawling hillsides. Also bring some quarters for the

and funky stores (World of Mirth, anyone?), Cary town is a little

feed machines in the children's farm! Nothing says spring quite

place where an entire day can be spent either shopping or just

like adorable baby goats nibbling from your hands.

people-watching.

It might not be the exact same as a trip to Italy or Japan, but the Italian and Japanese gardens here are nothing to scoff at;

If you can, catch a movie at the Byrd for $1.99 to round out the day. Further on down W. Cary St. is Little Mexico, which

while the Italian garden is bursting with color and filled with

has dollar taco night every Monday and dollar enchilada night

exquisite statues and gazebos, the Japanese gardens are just

every Wednesday! Cheaper than an actual trip to Mexico, but

as beautiful but in a more understated way, with a reflecting

the atmosphere is lively and the food delicioso.

pond filled with koi and plants with muted shades of red and brown. Be sure to take a seat in the pergola of the Italian

garden before visiting the waterfall in the Japanese garden below.

Admission to the grounds is free, but the Nature Center now costs $3 for adults and $2 for kiddos up to 12 and seniors over 60.

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HOLLYWOOD CEMETERY Nestled away in the Oregon Hill neighborhood is Hollywood Cemetery. Located on a sprawling hillside overlooking the James River, Hollywood is peaceful and serene, and not at all as morbid as one would think.

Fitting for the history buff and amateur ghost hunter alike,

Hollywood contains several

copies of his first collection,

heron basking in the sun,

famous names within its

Tamerlane and Other Poems,

and don't miss the dilapidated

iron gates, along with a fair

and oddly, even a lock of

remains of the Virginia

few legends.

his hair. Though small and

Electric Power Company and the remnants of the

First and only President

ostensibly unimpressive from

of the Confederate States,

the outside, the Poe Museum

prison for Union soldiers of

Jefferson Davis, is buried here

is a must-see for VCU's

the Civil War.

(after being exhumed from

English majors, or really

his home state of Louisiana),

anyone interested in

dip in the river, stay safe! Be

along with Civil War General

the history of Richmond or

aware of the river's currents

J.E.B. Stuart and Richmond

Poe himself.

and the slippery, moss-

If you do decide to take a

authors James Branch Cabell

Admission for students is $5.

covered boulders beneath the

and Ellen Glasgow.

Right around the corner

surface of the water.

Local legend says that the mausoleum bearing the name

from the Poe Museum is the River City Diner. Named after

W.W. Pool is haunted by the

its home city, the atmosphere

city's own Richmond Vampire;

of this diner hearkens back

URBAN WORKOUTS

not Edward Cullen by any

to the 1950s with its wall

The weather is too nice to

stretch, the story goes that "a

decor and juke boxes settled

work out indoors, even

blood covered creature with

at each table.

jagged teeth and skin hanging

Be sure to stop by the 17th

with VCU's newly-opened Cary Street Gym, so break

from its muscular body"

Street Farmer's Market and

a sweat outside at Byrd

emerged from the wreckage

see what local vendors and

Park! A winding, one-mile

of the Church Hill Tunnel

artists have in store!

long running trail next to Shields Lake, with exercise

collapse in October 1925.

The creature allegedly fled into a mausoleum and was never found. Ellen Glasgow also stipulated in her will that when she was buried in

THE SCIENCE MUSEUM OF VIRGINIA

Hollywood, to have her two

Still feeling a little intellectual? Located in the

dogs exhumed and buried

former Broad Street Train

next to her; supposedly,

Station, this museum is

their barks and scamperings

home to exhibits focusing on

are heard late at night in

outer space (did you know

the cemetery.

there's a moon rock in the

Admission to the cemetery is free, but walking tours are available.

stops situated along the way, offers an abundance of fresh air, a striking view of the water, and plenty of shade under the trees. So ditch the gym and do your pull-ups in the great outdoors.

museum?), the earth (check out the BayScapes Garden on the museum's front lawn), electricity, "new"

THE EDGAR ALLAN POE MUSEUM Though Poe might be associated most closely with the city of Baltimore, he spent a majority of his childhood in Richmond after being taken in by John and Frances Allan, and even worked for a short time as the assistant editor of the Southern Literary Messenger when he was older. Artifacts from Poe's life are contained here in the Poe Museum, including one of only 12

energy, and of course, the Foucault Pendulum.

BELLE ISLE Can't make it to the beach?

Then hike on over to Belle Isle, a small island on the James River, and relax on the boulders while getting some sun (don't forget your sunblock!). Be sure to wear some sturdy shoes, as it takes a bit of walking to get there if you're without a car, and the island itself is worthy of an afternoon stroll. See if you can spot a

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"

Quidditch:

Not Just For Wizards Anym.ore Making a fantasy sport a reality, one broomstick at a time.

Amy Joyce

Josh Lewis Photos It's possible that you've seen some students walking around campus with painted broomsticks in tow. No, I don't mean on Halloween, and no, it's not just because you're sleep-deprived and hallucinating. This broom-totin' brood comprises Virginia Commonwealth University's own Quidditch team, the Wizengamot.

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"Quidditch retains an element of silliness" The

Muggle~friendly

version of the sport

originated at Middlebury College in Vt., but

and drills from soccer," Puccio explains.

"What makes it different is the inclusion of a Snitch, the brooms, and the three hoops!

VCU alumna Heather Wright started VCU's

Also, the rules of Quidditch are always evolving. It has only been a Muggle sport

"The first meeting included only three

people," said team co-captain and Keeper Britni Puccio.

This year, however, the team membership is at an ali-time high. "We have more members than ever this year ... it's really exciting, and we

for five years, so everything is still being modified and changed to make it the best game possible."

Unlike other sports though. "(Quidditch) retains an element of silliness," Bernard said, "especially concerning the Snitch."

In the Harry Potter version of Quidditch, the

would love to have even more," said team co-

Snitch is a bewitched, golden ball that flits

captain and Beater Jessica Jude.

around the pitch, evading the Seeker. For

"The more the merrier!" Puccio concurs.

Even with a larger membership than in

the Wizengamot team, players use a person in place of the Snitch, based on Middlebury

the past, there are no try-outs for the VCU

College's version of Quidditch rules.

Wizengamot. Teammates choose the positions

According to a post by Wright on the group's

they play themselves, emphasizing the over-

Facebook page, "(The Snitch) is

reaching goal of the organization: everyone

the crowd-pleaser and THE main aspect of

having as much fun as possible!

what has made this version of the rules so

"Everyone on the team are friends," said Brooke Bernard, Wizengamot treasurer, co-

popular and successful."

The Fifth Annual World Cup was held this

captain and team Beater. "We do a lot of

past Oct. 24 through 26 in Middlebury. Vt.

socializing in addition to practice."

at Middlebury College, and was hosted by

The actual execution of the game, aside from the use of broomsticks, is remarkably similar to

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"A lot of the tackling is very much like rugby, and we learn a lot of our positioning

Wizengamot team in the spring of 2008. It's

come a long way since last spring.

14

other Muggle sports.

the Intercollegiate Quiddltch Association.

Twenty-one other teams participated,

" In the Harry Potter version of Quidditch, the Snitch is a bewitched, golden ball that flits around the pitch, evading the Seeker. "

competing in a double elimination tournament.

on the corner of S. Allen Ave. and Idlewood

The Wizengamot didn't win the Cup this

Ave. Times subject to change due to Daylights

year, but that's not what mattered to the team.

Savings. For more information on the

"We met a lot of other teams and learned

Wizengamot, visit their Facebook group 'Fans

a ton!" Puccio said, describing the experience

of Ouidditch at VCU1' For more information

as "amazing!"

on the Intercollegiate Ouidditch Association,

"We're already planning for the next Cup,"

Bernard said.

And as for a Muggle using a broomstick?

"You do get used to it," Jude said . "It's like second nature to me now,"

visit their Facebook group 'Intercollegiate Quidditch Association.'

Sources: Brooke Bernard (bernardb!@vcu.edu)

Practices for the Wizengamot Quidditch team

Britni Puccio (pucciobe@vcu.edu)

are currently held every Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Amber Cummings (cummingsam@vcu.edu)

and Sunday at 6 p.m. at Petronius Jones Park,

Jessica Jude Cinjude@vcu.edu)

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15

Quidditch Terms Muggle: The nonmagical people in the Harry Potter universe.

Seeker: This player is concerned with catching the Snitch. Because of the value of the Snitch in the game, the Seeker is the most 'sought-after' player in regards to Siudgers and Beaters.

Chaser: This player plays with the Quaffle, and scores for their team.

Beaters: There are two

Beaters on every Quidditch

team. They defend their teammates from the Siudgers, and knock them toward the opposing teams' players .

Keeper: This player guards the three goal hoops from the opposing team's Chaser.

Quallle: This ball is used to score by the two

teams' Chasers.

Siudgers: These two bewitched balls fly around and try to knock players off their brooms.

The Snitch : Once the Seeker catches this ball, the game is over. Because its capture is worth 150 points, the team whose Seeker catches the Snitch almost always wins the game.

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-TheN........

Effects

FI.....·~·

Tobaccd' Sophie Solomon

on student smokers and local

interview on the ban. I spoke

Melissa Tablant e Illustration

tobacco shops?

to Jim Kosch, and upon

Elisha Melchor, an l8-year-

asking what demographic

old freshmen at VCU would

cloves attracted (as the

no longer legally buy

describe herself as a social

only other flavored cigarette

clove cigarettes in your

smoker. Tobacco of choice?

they sold is the still legal

local tobacco shop? As of

Cloves. "I didn't like menthol

menthol), I discovered they

September 22. 2009 many

... I have the blacks and

tended to attract females

may have already noticed

the cherries right now."

from the ages of 20-30 to

that the tobacco ban was

When asked how the ban

his store; furthermore, cloves

enacted by the U.S. Food and

affected her, she responded

appeared to be smoked

Did you know you can

Drug Administration on the

that it didnt affect her

as a "treat" rather than

basis that flavoured tobacco

because she had just started

regular cigarettes.

is attractive to youth.

smoking. Ironically, she

According to a survey by

really started smoking the

The ban hardly even made a dent in Old Virginia's

the FDA. "22.8% of 17-year-

day before the ban on

profits, as flavored tobacco

old smokers reported using

September 21st.

"probably made up less

flavored cigarettes over the

Surprised at her answer,

than 1% of sales," but Kosch

past month, as compared

I found that stores were

acknowledged that the

to 6.7% of smokers over the

allowed to finish selling their

tobacco stores "geared" more

age of 25."

inventories after the ban.

towards college students

Her roommate Maeya Blan d,

probably had more difficulty.

For those unsure about what exactly has been

a non-smoker, immediately

banned, the FDA defines it

answered when asked how it

inventory was actually

as any component of the

affected her.

transferred to those stores

cigarette: filter, tobacco, paper. The types of tobacco

"It's good, at the same time it's bad, 'cause a lot of

banned included a motley of

companies are going to lose

flavors that even the most

profit" said Bland.

seasoned of juvenile smokers

This last comment seems

Thei r flavored tobacco

more prone to selling it because of the rush .

Conclusion? Smokers and stores will move on and discover alternatives that

may not have come across,

to reflect the situation:

affected tobacco companies

from licorice and pineapple,

Technically good because

will d ig up, such as Djarum's

to even coffee. However,

the ban is to promote general

clove cigars.

"little cigars" and menthols

well being, but possibly

have not been touched in

bad because of the economic

the ban.

repercussions, but to

these company's employment

what degree?

rates will be, and what the

In the midst of the recession I had to wonder if this was

Cary town's Old Virginia

the right move. Lighter on

Tobacco Company, more of

smoker's wallets perhaps,

a haven for connoisseurs of

but what will be the effects

fine cigars, afforded me an

Other questions to ask are what the long term affects on

ban may extend to in years to come.

ink

17

Fighting

Seasonal Sadness Christine Erickson Millicent Encarnacion

stale apartment, the fresh air will be good for you.

furniture or even a few

forward to makes difficult

scented candles wi ll give

days more bearable.

2. Exercise:

that could help get you

Exercise is a natura l

through to spring.

Photo When w inter has frozen

your place a new feel

stimulator of many

to get anything done.

important mood-elevating

We're supposed to be

hormones, like serotonin

6 . Brainfood : We tend to crave sweets

cramming for finals and

and dopamine. Not to

and carbohydrates during

for spring cleaning

getting a good start to

mention the extra boost

the winter. We also tend to

to come around, take

a brand new semester,

of confidence you wi ll get

gain weight in the winter.

advantage of the slothfu l

but all you want to do is

when you start to slim

There seems to be a trend

season and get organized.

stay in bed. The days are

down. This doesn't have to

here. Although sugar and

Tackle the tasks you've

shorter, so why does it

mean the gym.

carbs release serotonin

been putting aside for

in our brain to lift our

another day. Get rid all

wi II never end?

3 . Pick Up the Phone:

mood, there are healthier

those clothes you've kept

Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a

Misery loves company, right? Whether it's

options that can do the

in your closet for months,

type of depression that

grabbing a cup of coffee

same while remaining kind to your figure. You don't

because there probably isn't going to be a day

affects you during the

to catch up, or spending

have to miss out on all the

you might need to wear it,

same season each year.

the evening in with your

holiday t reats, just keep it

and there is someone out

in proportion.

there who really does.

get rid of unnecessary stress. Instead of waiting

The most common type

closest friends, staying

begins in the fa ll and may

social will keep that lonely

continue into the winter months, draining your

feeling from creeping up

7. Fake It:

10. Talk to Yourself:

on you.

Crazy as it sounds,

And you thought faking

energy and making you

someti mes forcing

it was crazy ... rea ll y

humor into tough times

though, sometimes we

wi ll lighten things up. It

have to keep ourselves in check. Do you really

feel moody.

4. Sleep:

Don·t let the dreadful weather bring you down.

Going to bed early does not make you lame, or a

Here are some simple

grandma, no matter how

can also put things into perspective. Is it really

things you can do to make

much your friends tell you.

that bad? Next time you're

have no friends because one of them had to bail

those dark days a whole

Our body's need for sleep

feeling down, try to find

last minute for a fami ly

lot lighter:

increases in winter, so why not just listen to it? You' ll

the humor in it and you

emergency, o r are you

might find that when

just feeling a little out

1. Get Outside:

be well·rested and have more energy during

there's nothing you can do

of touch? Are you really

about it, laughter can be

stuffing your face with

the day.

the best medicine.

Chris tm as cookies because you're th at

5. Revamp Your Place: It's too co ld to go

8. Plan Ahead :

hungry, or are you looking

outside will give you and

Whether it's a weekly

for comfort? Think about

your body a massive

outside, so you're stuck

ritual, like Wednesday

what's really got you

boost. Invest in a heavy

in your apartment. You

night potlucks with your

fee li ng blue and what you r

Although the w inter days don't have the same light intensity as in summer, even 10-15 m inutes

ink

Having order in your

schedule and home can

your motivation, it's hard

fee l like the season that

1S

9. Get Organized:

coat that will keep you

might as well make it

friends or your favorite t.V.

options are to fix it, or

warm, make a good mix (note: avoid sad songs),

comfortable. After a good cleaning, simple

show, or it's further ahead,

talk to a friend o r fam ily member who can help.

and go for a walk. After

changes like new art on

like planning a vacation for spring break, giving

being cooped up in your

the walls, rearranging

yourself things to look

Cutting Opportunities

Amy Joyce

are always going to need

hunt come next May, senior

Matt Schimdt Illustratio n

veterinary care," said senior

Angela Tran sa id, " I want to

In th is current economy,

biology major Andrew Moyer.

"If people are spending

a job after med school and

recent graduates might be experienc ing some anxiety

money on pet massages, pet

about getting a job. That

interpreters, and things of the sort, they are definitely

anxiety isn't reserved just for

going to spend money on

res idency, because I will be $200,000 in debt."

According to a survey done

to find alumni contacts, and 3) explore other areas and regions."

Al icia Aroc he, also ass istant director of the UCC, said

in 2009 by the National

that she found that students

Associat ion of Co lleges and Employers, the top emp loyers

maj oring in urban studies and public adm inistration are

major Tiffany

for 2009 graduates based on the number of offers are

jobs. Those students tend to

Yoon agrees.

accounting and enginee ri ng

seek jobs w ith local and state

"The field of

firms. Offering the highest

governments, which "have

pharmacy

average salary, though, were

bee n hit ha rd by the economic

has so many

emp loye rs in the petro leum

downturn ." Aroche also offers

oppo rtunities!

and coal products fie ld.

vaccinations."

With things looking bleak for many majors, is there anything students can do to bolster their chances for employment?

be a doctor. I hope I have

box' employers (co r porate America), 2) use Linked in

Senior pharmacy

You could go

With things looking bleak

having difficulties securing

advice for all st udents, not just those having t roub le

into retail,

for many majors, is there

finding a job post graduation:

cl inical, hospital,

anyth ing students can do

geriatric.

to bolster their chances

Start resea rc hi ng sectors and organizations early. Complete

those just entering the job hunt, either. It's trickl ing down

People wil l always need medicine, and pharmacists

for employment?

the totem pole all the way to

need to make sure that their

first-year students.

prescriptions are correc t ."

Story, director of Virginia Commonwealth University's

job search geographically.

Career Center, 73% of

Consider the federal

"I'm nervous that craft

Even in the health care field

Accord ing to Susan

and material studies isn't so

though, some strong doubts

lucrative," said art foundation

about job security rema in.

students who graduated in May 2009 had completed

major Veronica Meagher, who

Senior nursing student Alex

an internship.

is a freshman.

Other students, however,

Ritchie said, " It took me

aren't so worried.

"I'm going to be a

Jeanette Waterman,

almost a year to get a job at

assistant director of the UCC,

the medical center (VCU/ MCV Medical Center) as a

said, "I think that networking is key in any situation." By way

as many internships as possible, two at a minimum.

Extend the reach of t heir

government, nonprofit organizations and NGOs (non-governmental organizations) as possible employment sectors.

Be prepared to find jobs paying less money with these

veterinarian, and that is one

care partner. That big budget

of encouraging her students,

sectors, but the experience

of the strongest fields r ight now. People are always

crunch ki lled all the new jobs ."

Waterman suggests that those looking for employment,

and networking opportunities

going to have pets, and they

immediately entering the job

"1) look at 'outside of the

future career plans.

20

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And though she isn't

can have a great impact on

DIY ~ eeping

Warm W ith A Tee-Shirt...Quilt Jaime Barnett Amy Joyce Photo

A re your dresser drawers overflowing with high school tees. race co mmemoratives, favorite band tees and the like? Perhaps you don't even wear them anymore, but just can't bear to part ways with them. Instead of boxing them up, throwing them in the attic or getting rid of them, put them to good use! By transforming all of those old tee-shirts into a tee-shirt quilt, you ca n preserve your favorite memories that were once collecting dust.

Sort through your collection and determine what part of each tee-shirt will be used. A square template (cut out of cardboard) is suggested to trace onto each shirt.

Remember to include a half-inch perimeter on all sides for seam allowance.

Cut out each square panel.

Stabi lize the tee-shirt panels by ironing a fusible non-stretch interfacing to the back sides. This step will give your quilt a stiffer feel. If you prefer to have a soft quilt. omit the interfacing.

Layout all of the squares to determine how your quilt will look.

Sew each square to the next one, forming rows. Sew the rows

Try This!

together and add a one- to two-inch border using the excess

Instead of cutting each square to the same size. cut each

material from the tee-shirts, if desired.

panel to the size of the graphic on the tee-shirt. This gives a funkier, less uniform look to your product. Also, don't

Cut your large piece of material to the size of your quilt and sew on to the completed rows or front side, this acts as

forget to add ribbons, lace or various bedazzles to liven up the border!

a backing.

Fill the quilt with polyester batting and sew shut.

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21

" We just wanted to take it to another level and represent Richmond through video, "

Dena Spruill

n

In the past few years, start-

"AskTheDecorator" in 2007,

yet another poss ible avenue

she has posted 87 videos,

to career success .

ExpertViliage and VideoJug

in total receiving well over

have been created in the

100,000 v iews.

Want to st ar t your own web show? It's simple! You need:

up companies such as Graspr, he Google-owned

. . . online video network,

YouTube, has become

hopes of becoming the

The makers of YouTube

a webcam, microphone, and

the world's most popular

YouTube of "how-to" video

channel "CREATEmuch," VCU

came ra crew (get your friend

online video community

clips. People can post videos

junior Dekota Waller and

to ho ld the camera).

since it launched in February of 2005. It's estimated that

on topics ranging from "how

sen ior Reina Glori oso, c reated

to kiss someone passionately"

their web show in the summer

videos? No problem! Sites like

hundreds of millions of video

to "how to fold a t-shirt in two seconds." Hundreds of

of 2008 as a hobby.

"Since there are so many

YouTube and VideoJug can

content is viewed per day, with 20 hours worth of video

independent video bloggers, experts, and self-styled

other blogs out there now that focus on RVA, we just

simple to use editing software

being uploaded every minute.

Don't know how to ed it

help you with editing . And most computers come with

experts are attempting to

wanted to take it to another

such as Microsoft Movie

long to try and capitalize on

make a name for themselves,

Maker or Apple iMovie.

this phenomenon. Two of

while many others are simply

level and represent Richmond through video," says Oekota,

the network's more popular

making how-to clips for the

t he 21-year old fashion

equipment, all you need is

It hasn't taken marketers

Once you've got the

test-cases include YouTube

fun of it (or perhaps just

merchandising major, who

an idea! Think about thing s

characters Fred FiggJehorn

a few minutes of Internet fame) . And if they're lucky,

contributes fashion tips and

you love ... do you love music,

D IYs as well as highlighting the hottest fashion spots.

adventures? Your id eas don't

and Panacea81.

The face of Fred

some video-sharing websites,

fashio n, gossip, or sports

Figglehorn, a fictitious six-

such as Metacafe, even pay

Sociology major Reina ,

have to be revo lutionary. Go

year old oddball played by

22, supplies the make-up

on a road trip. show off your

Lucas Cruikshank, has shown

their top video producers.

Wh il e profits from producing

tutoria ls, craft projects and

cooking skills or review a

up in Hot Topic stores on

the v ideos themselves are

organizationa l tips, as well as

movie. You can turn anything

t-shirts and backpacks, while

not very high, the career

editing serv ices.

Internet makeup guru, Lauren

opportunities and/or

Luke a.k,a. PanaceaS', was able to launch "By Lauren

possibility of fame that may

people to express their

arise are growing everyday.

creativity, and to give people

maybe take a little advice

alternatives to make their own

from Reina and Oekota and

stuff, as opposed to buying expensive items."

CREATEmuch!

Luke," a makeup line which hit shelves in 135 Sephora stores.

With the mass audience that YouTube provides, the

The New Yo r k Times highlighted Metacafe video producer Meghan Carter, who

"We just want to inspire

began posting her own how-

Without a doubt, social

to videos because it offered

media networks like YouTube

infamous simply through

her the chance to make her

have truly played their part

electronic word of mouth.

The question is, wi ll YouTube

dream of having a home

in revolutionizing the way

decorating career a reality.

we communicate today.

simply turn out to be another Internet fad, or could it

Carter started o ut conducting

Video networks, aside from

on-camera interviews with

providing a great way to

possibly be a real avenue for aspiring celebs?

experts and since her first

express ourselves and talk

YouTube posting under

about the things we love, are

average person cou ld become

22

ink

into a good idea for a show.

The best thing you can do is to just have fun with it and

You can visit the CREATEmuch YouTube channel at youtube.com/CREATEmuch

StyleMaturity==

(_.• ••

~

~

~E ~

I• I Ted dy Gregson

that might brighten your day. You might

Meli ssa Tablante Illustration

consider a shorter more manageable

Fa shion. Malleable,

Ever~changing,

We live in a world where the public image is increasingly important, which

hair length if you find you lack the time

is why I take ample time to stress the

and motivation for daily haircare. Boys,

importance of appearance. Superficiality

Lo ud, Daring, Exciting, Unpredictable.

crusty gel is offensive and juvenile. One

has no relation to the subject. For

Th ese are a few words descr ibing the

key rule in men's hair has gotten me

example, our culture tends to associate

ar t that accompanies dressing oneself

through some difficult days: work wi t h

glasses with bookworms, nerds and

In the morning for work o r going out

the natural style of hair you possess. If

academics alluding to characters such

in the evening with friends. There is an undefined language that accompanies

your hair just won't cooperate with the

as Eugene from "Grease" or Urkel

shampoo and conditioning routine , then

from "Family Matters." I applied this

w hat one decides is appropriate for

buy some inexpensive smoothing hair

to my own life and invested in a pair

wear on any given day. Unfortunately

serum, traditionally for women , but in my

of glasses and before I knew it, there

th e communication of this language is

opinion, much more effective on

m uted with the abounding utilization

men's hair.

was a general dealing of mature and intelligent thought my way from much older more accomplished individuals.

of the sweat pant. This communicates,

Likewise, the sweat pant and gym

pas sively, yet objectively, " J, severely

short pandemic is spreading quickly

Did I suddenly and decisive ly grow in

stressed college student. am not

amongst college campuses. Despite the

stature or intelligence? No, but I grasped the importance of fashion as a social

in terested in any conversation or new

may~be

ex perience that isn't outlined in my text

of those "PINK" sweat pants, avoid the

tool and took it to my advan t age to

boo k 's table of contents,"

robotic purchase. They will only cause

mingle with those not necessarily in my

a downward spiral in fashion choices, in

immediate social circle.

Clo thing and, furthermore, Fashion, rep re sent the palette through which individuals paint the world. I know, it's

high price tag and chic display

which comfort will re ign.

Simi lar dynamics exist with footwear

Look is key whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. It can be used

not a fair burden, but nonetheless, it is a

and sweat shirts/ hoodies. Anything

to your advantage in many situation

respo nsibility that must be accounted for in the realization of daily beautification.

remotely resembling slippers should live

including the job interview, the

in the bedroom along with sleepwear.

me" tactic of alerting a potential

Thou gh I could easily criticize certain 'acro ss ~ the~board" trends, I'd rather rely

Alluding to the 18 th and 19 th centuries, nightgowns were not appropriate

awkward family

on some obvious observa t ional studies.

daywear for a lady, primarily because

small changes can make a world of

Gi rl s, what appears more attractive;

"notice~

significant other of your presence, or the get~together.

Remember,

of the unflattering line that they posed

change in relationships you have with

tight bun, ponytail or short bob?

for the body. Consider this when a

individuals or society at large. A positive

Dec id ing to manage the mangles with

dependence on comfort has triggered a

image can be reflected in an internalized

hai r product and a straightener is never

reliance on sweat pants and slippers to the library.

look fulfilling one's self-realized needs.

a crim e, and often is the pick me up

ink

23

Mari Fray Foster

Major or concentration:

Favorite material or medium

Craft and Material Studies,

to work with :

Metal Focus

Metal, plastic, paint, ename l!

How would you describe

Major sources of inspiration:

your work :

Victorian era catalogs,

I use a lot of common metals,

antique jewelry. cameos,

plastics and recycled parts

family portraits

to create jewelry pieces

that contain a sense of

What are your goals as

preciousness despite being

an artist:

made from mostly non·

I want to create work that

precious materials. I reference a lot of historical jewelry

explores relationships, I'm interested in creating

and detail of past eras to help

point. I want my jewelry to

ink

lines of jewel r y to sell at some

create an intimate experience

be worn and appreciated on

with a piece of jewelry, both

the body.

for the wearer and the viewer.

24

communication and family.

shapes and decorative items that evoke the sentiments

....

Any advice for future

crafts students?: Tryo ut a lot of mediums and

classes! You never know when you might be able to use techn iques you learned from

another class when you really begin to dig into your work and figure out your style and interests.

Note Mari Fray Foster g raduated this past winter. To view her designs, please visit her fl ickr

page at: themarif ray.blogspot .com

Teddy Gregson Sara O'Eugenio Photo

Wednesday mght Ten O'clock. The streets of Rlchmond seem barren and unmvlting Might as well Just stay m and watch the overproduced slmulacra that FOX TV has to offer with the new hlghschool comedy "Glee," or force yourself to study m the drab library all night wandenng home only when you can hardly stand another word of so-called "wisdom".

26 •

ink

CAA'nf vs II I.e. .

Regardless of sound influence, this will get you off your feet, grooving and swaying to the beats till the early hours of the morning.

Metric to interpretations of

unparalleled sound on guitar

traditional Indian ragas .

Both groups bring

matched by Derrick Inglert

nine band mates are women.

on 5-string bass. Each

Sexism is still a problem in

Richmond where four out of

their own originality in

member in the ensemble

music and in Richmond, so in

sound and presentation.

Beast Wellington recently

takes turns wowing the jawdropped and slightly tipsy

a way, it is kind of progressive in the music scene," Mary

performed their first

audience with solos that truly

Lawrence said in reference to

Wednesday night show at Bogart's, located in the Fan at

display dedication to the ir

the band's unique appeal.

1903 W. Cary St" a venue that caters to Richmond's jazz and

skill as musician.

The sound of Beast Wellington is comparable to

Beast We llington welcomes any music interest and encourages a light, anything

funk listeners.

Beast Wellington brings

a mix of such jazz influences

but stuffy, atmosphere for

as a young Herbie Hancock

young and old alike. There is

jazz, funk and dance to the forefront encouraging

or an upbeat Freddie

no excuse for a Wednesday

Hubbard. Regardless of sound

night to go to waste with such

dance and enjoyment with

influence, this will get you

a display of talent .

covers of Erykah Badu, Amy

off your feet, grooving and

Winehouse, as well as c lassics

swaying to the beats till the

to Richmond because there

such as Bill Withers' "Ain't No

early hours of the morning.

aren't any other bands with

Sunshine." Beast Wellington

our particular line up or

also adds a substantial

Mary Lawrence notes that the sound is "very percussive,"

amount of original pieces,

adding, "we're different

versatile lineup. We feel right

composed by Mark Ingraham ,

'cause all there is to hold

at home playing R&B, Pop,

to its repertoire. Margaux

down harmony is the guitarist

Funk and Afrobeat. This

LeSourd covers these titles with such finesse and unction,

and the bass ist. Beast

Beast Welington in unique

sound. We have an incredibly

Wellington has an auxiliary

g ives us the ability to cover songs by Michael Jackson , Jill

while Ingraham leads on

percussionist as well drum

Scott, Amy Winehouse, Lenny

trumpet and tambourine. Jeff

set. This makes for a more

Kravitz and even Prince. We

Morris and Devonne Harris

dancey sound."

also have a very diverse look

keep a smooth rhythm on drums and auxiliary while the

Wellington a testament to

the horns (which have been

all-girl horn section lead by

the true musicians that study

dubbed the Femme Fatale

Not only is Beast

about us. Besides myself,

Maureen Wisniewski on valve

in VCU's relatively new jazz

Horns) and the lead singer are

trombone, Mary Lawrence

studies program, but also to

all female which might seem

m entality of a young, VCU

Hicks on trumpet, and Suzie

the quality and originality

like a novelty at first. But as

stu dent who has not been

Fischer on trombone executes

that is emerging in a local

soon as the music starts you

expo sed to what impressive

a cohesive melody and line.

progressive music scene.

understand that we are the

and skilled instrumentalists

Finally, Chris Ryan contributes

"It's one of the first bands in

real deal. Shoun!

Such is the all-too-common

displ ay at venues like Bogart's and The Camel on a weekly basi s. VCU junior Mary Law re nce Hicks participates In

t wo ensembles, Use the

Vas tn ess (UTV) and Beast We ll ington, offering their au diences everything from

Beast Wellington brings jazz, fu~k and dance to the forefront encouraging dance and enjoyment.

Cove rs of indie-rock band

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"

,>/

Add on Herr.dhJ'Wheeler Photos by ChtistiAddlso0 <.t' ,

,.

,

'1 "

In. today's' linst~ble econOmy, tne persooaliz~d, yet: sometimes?,' , the S04~.~jis great. b.:P.t i~s 'jqst ,' many independent'businessesand I cliqye,y wor,~<;i ot the)1j0use show. crampetr!an¢ makeshlfte0o~h feeJ li~ ip good, old"fash,t{j'ned Venues that support: tt}e arts ~re After enjoying a deliciou~. ' struggling, creating an u!,,)Tfiendty -, affordable ~an lIanchor l ' ind~peQ¢'?nt show.' TO Jg~t,,-more . environment fot" up-and:coming ,Ihsight op how Straqge .fvratter catchiA,Ql €l!h tlIwesome ~how at , , establishments. ' Strange Matter., Strange ,M arter. hbw~ver.jt is .d e·ar managM to be sO on topJof their h6wev~r, is Qot only a'recently why the buSi~ss. is thriving. The ,g ame, I ~poke with Mar\$W Osborne. actual buildi,ng is decorated, from an emplcpyee who boo~s most opened vegan r~staurant ahd ," flooUo celllng with local: art, the .of the sh0ws and is pr4vy to the , t venue, but one that. isthr.ivlhg . behind-t6e-scenes wqtkings of against all odds. T.heconcept bar ten~ers ate all friendly and , always haVe grea.t dHmk specials, ' "tnis fine ~2tablishme~. , seems strange at firse; sjnce eveh 'restaora(lt$ that Serve' camivorous ' and the rooei-sdecadent, cruelt/ entrees are goihg out of business, free. and affordable. The show ' , atmosphere is also reallY inviting; and Richmond is'lqfamous for " the place is big and clean and . failed veJ1ues that force shows into • J!

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crowds, but of course we host In your opinion, what i.s it about Strange Matter that makes it a what we are familiar with, We are success? Other businesses in open to anybody playing. so lOng their location have {ailed, as well as we can get a few people in as other D.I.Y.restaurantsand the door and you have your act venues, but Strange Matter seems . together. Simply send an email to be off to a more successful to strangematterbooking@gmaii. start. com . Do bear in· mind that we get a lot of requests and don't I think what makes Smatter a ~ always have time to respond to success is that it is a very inviting them all because we all have other space, Cheap/good food, :our . jobs as well. However. sending us sound is improv-ing more and reminder emails is always helpful if n;tore every month, all the video you t::Ion't hear back. games are cheap. and the staff stays positive and friendly. I don't What are some of the best shows think all the other businesses you have seen come through failed though. Of course. the illrecently, and what are some in fated Bagel Czar, but just because the future that you are e~cited they aren't around doesn't mean about? they failed. Smatter owes a debt of gratitude for those "",ho set My bookings lean towards , the precedent of 929 W Grace metal and heavy rock. but I do being an inviting punk club, and I switch it up from time to time. think the scene's familiarity with Some of my favor'ite shows to the space has a lot to do with come through Strange Matter so far have been Torche/Cannabis ,why people are excited about returning.

Corpse/Street Pizza, The Body/ Cough/Bad Dream, and Mondo How do you go about booking Drag/Diamond Center/Main St. Gospel/Caves Caverns. Cool shows there, and how easy is it bands coming through in the to do? Are they very open to the idea of different styles of music future to look out for: White Hills, being showcased there?

Juc:;:jfer, We.edeater, Radio Moscow.

Cults, Obits, Heart of Winter Fest.

Me and Eric do booking4:here, Winter Apocalypse Fest. and lots along with help from Bobby and more.

Jen. We trY to cater to differe,nt

What are your hopes for the future of Strange Matter? What are some things they are trying to do long-term, or that you would like to see happen?

I would like to see uS continue to host awesome events. attract different people to Smatter. and make it a positive/fun place fOIi people .to spend the evening. We try to keep the quality up on all ends of the place, from the a,'j,t to the games to the food to me entertainment.

If you ha~ to try and sum it up, what do you think Strange M.atter's philosophy would be in a sentence? What iS,their ultimate goal?

Lots of us involved grew up seeing awesome shows and having great memories at 929 W Grace. s0r,ve want that option to . still be aro'und for the kids who need something like that. now, and we enjoy being the ones who are making it happen. Venues tend to come and gb in Richmond. but I think we have som~thing good. and can only hope it's the very beginning of something good.

,!

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