B&Co Vandy The Bod DTR lingo! We’re still working on deciphering the meaning of life,
but as far as slang that’s distinctly Vandy, let’s just
say, we wrote the feature. Nbd. She’s def jel. Check out page 9. it’s obvi! Randwich
Sexiled
Kisslammed
Life’s not all fun and games, but page 2 is. Overheard, horoscopes, and haikus for your reading pleasure.
Hey Juliet! There’s a showdown between LMNT and O-Town. Cast the deciding vote on page 6.
You could find a really creative place to make Valentine’s Day reservations. Or you could cheat and take our lead on page 8. PLACES TO GO, PEOPLE TO SEE Thursday, February 5 Friday, February 6 Saturday, February 7 The Regulars
Good Souls — Sambuca Jucifer — The End Old Union — 3rd and Lindsley The Rutledge Two-year-old Americana/blues act Good Souls hails from Nashville. Heavy metalers Jucifer head to The End to launch an all-out, hard- These American rock ’n’ rollers describe their playing as a musical 410 Fourth Ave. South 37201 Its self-titled debut is receiving airplay around the nation, and hitting onslaught for Nashville music fans. This group is ready to road trip going from Memphis to Muscle Shoals to Macon. They 782-6858 Good Souls has executed an intensive touring schedule. (Free, 7 rock your world and leave you wanting — needing — more. don’t come on until 10, but come early to also listen to Boomerang p.m., 601 12th Ave. South) (Price TBA, 8 p.m., 2219 Elliston Place) and Duncan May. Overall, the show claims to have a fresh and new take on rock while maintaining a retro vibe. ($TBA, 7 p.m.) The Mercy Lounge/Cannery Strange Design: Recreating Phish Shows In Their Moon Taxi — Exit/In Ballroom Entirety — 12th and Porter Join Nashville natives Moon Taxi as the band celebrates the release Blue Mountain with Molly Thomas — The 1 Cannery Row 37203 Strange Design have a new take on the classic cover band — of its new album, “Live Ride.” Known for a loud and in-charge Basement 251-3020 rather than perform a smattering of material from different brand of rock ’n’ roll, Taxi will bring the fire and ice in anticipation If you like Wilco, then you should love this analogous alternative- albums and CDs, they prefer to re-enact entire Phish shows. The of their impending CD drop. Arrive early and stay late, it’s sure to country band that includes the twin sister of Wilco’s bass player. Bluebird Cafe sense of community and musicality created by Strange Design is be a night to remember. ($5, 9 p.m.) A husband and wife duo, the band promises to captivate the 4104 Hillsboro Road 37215 unbeatable. ($10, 9 p.m.) audience and keep them wanting more — not just for their raw 383-1461 The Features and Jeff the Brotherhood & Jack — musical talent but also for their eclectic style and stage presence. Keller Williams — Exit/In The Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom ($7, 9 p.m.) Exit/In Keller Williams’ music is an eclectic mix of bluegrass, folk, Tennessee-grown indie rockers The Features roll back to Nashville 2208 Elliston Place 37203 alternative, reggae, electronica, jazz and funk. Described as Friday night to put on an compelling and engaging show for their Yonder Mountain String Band — TPAC 321-3340 “the one-man jam band,” Williams’ show is sure to please. homeland fans. The group, who recently released a new studio A mix of jam band and bluegrass (an updated style they call His show at Exit/In is part of the venue’s “evening with” album, “Some Kind of Salvation,” are joined by openers Jeff the “newgrass”), Yonder Mountain String Band has been a favorite Station Inn series and is 18+. ($21 advance ticket/$23 day of show) Brotherhood & Jack. ($10, 9 p.m.) at music festivals around the country. If you’re looking for a 402 12th Ave. South 37203 relaxed country and bluegrass feel, you’ve met your match. They 255-3307 The Brooks Brothers — Cafe Coco Ax Plays Brahms — Schermerhorn Symphony claim that you’ve got to “feel the vibe for yourself” in order to With a name that all Vandy students are sure to recognize, The Center understand it. ($22.50, 8 p.m., 505 Deaderick St.) The Basement Brooks Brothers are an act that no student should miss. And with a Join the Nashville Symphony for an interesting and culturing 1604 Eighth Ave. South 37203 venue like Cafe Coco, which is, as we all know, on the Card, there’s evening of performance. Emanuel Ax, renowned pianist and April Barrows — F. Scott’s Restaurant and Bar 254-1604 no excuse not to head over to check it out. (Free, 7 p.m.) winner of seven Grammys, will masterfully present Brahm’s With “agreeable and gentle swinging” according to Billboard, and “First Piano Concerto,” displaying his “poetic temperament and a “supple voice that can luxuriously wrap itself around a word” F. Scott’s Restaurant and Otis Gibbs with Earl Bud Lee — The Basement unsurpassed virtuosity.” ($35, 8 p.m., 1 Symphony Place) according to Jazz Times Magazine, April Barrows is sure to tap Jazz Bar Hailing from Wanamaker, Ind., Otis Gibbs plays a mix of Americana, into the relaxed jazzy feel that would go incredibly well with an 2210 Crestmoor Road 37215 folk and indie that can please a wide audience. Opener Earl Bud Blair String Quartet — Blair School of Music upscale dinner at F. Scott’s. (Free, 7:30 p.m.) 269-5861 Lee is from Nashville and favors a more acoustic- and country- You don’t have to go far to attend another installment of the Blair influenced sound. ($5, 7 p.m.) Signature Series, a performance by the string quartet. The set will The Breakfast Club — Exit/In Schermerhorn Symphony be performing two classics for your enjoyment: Felix Mendelssohn’s Have a craving for some super frattastic ’80s covers? Come listen Center In The Round with Tommy Lee James, Tom “Quartet in A Minor, Op. 13” and Beethoven’s “Quartet in A minor, to what is self described as “the very first tribute band of its kind.” 1 Symphony Place 37201 Douglas, Rachel Thibodeau and Barry Dean — The Op. 132.” (Free, 8 p.m.) What could be better than songs everyone knows from a time 687-6500 Bluebird Cafe where nobody was old enough to remember? Nothing, I say. Tommy Lee James has written hits for numerous country artists, ($10, 9 p.m.) Lala Deaton, Jeanna Richardson and Karleen Watt 3rd and Lindsley ranging from Tim McGraw to Trisha Yearwood, and he’ll be joined — The Listening Room Cafe 818 Third Ave. South 37210 by fellow songwriters whose songs have been performed by Few opportunities come along in life as electric, as perfect, as Rachel Proctor and Jesse Lee — Country Music 259-9891 Martina McBride, Reba McEntire and others. ($10, 9 p.m.) the grouping of these three singer-songwriters on the same stage. Hall of Fame Come for a relaxing evening of excellent tunes and great company The writers behind hits by artists such as Martina McBride, Blake and leave dazzled. (Free; 7 p.m.; 500 West Main St., Franklin) Shelton and Jessica Simpson will be performing their original Cafe Coco songs at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Come hear 210 Louise Ave. 37203 Missy Rains and the New Hip — Station Inn the songs as they were originally conceived, and maybe hear a 321-2626 Missy Rains invites you to celebrate the release of her new album, brand new hit before it even gets recorded. ($18, 11:30 a.m., “Inside Out,” with her and her “carefully constructed” band, the 222 Fifth Ave. South) New Hip. Rains has spent over two decades honing her bluegrass skills, developing the perfect sound for you to enjoy Friday night. ($10, 9 p.m.)
Over 35,000 unique visitors and hundreds of thousands of ad impressions each month. THIS ISSUE Versus Bits & Pieces FEBRUARY 4—FEBRUARY 10, 2008 VOL. 47, NO. 4 3 • Your life in the stars, 2 • Overheard at Vanderbilt, 2 Versus FROM THE EDITOR • Words to live by in 17 syllables, 2 Magazine EDITORIAL BOARD 6 Entertainment Editor in Chief • Fretting over Facebooking, 3 Chris Gearing • “The Wrestler” is a great one-two punch, 3 • Save room on your dance card, 3 Managing Editor • Style me pretty, oh so pretty, 4 Sara Gast Features Editor Music Courtney Rogers 6 • LMNT vs. O-Town. Smackdown. 6 Culture Editors • Listen to Franz Ferdinand “Tonight,” 7 Trip Cothren • Get ready for some gramophones, 7 Holly Meehl I was walking up to Center Smoothie (the smoothie place Music Editors in Sarratt) the other day when a peculiar thing happened. Restaurants I heard a young man on the telephone telling the other Charlie Kesslering • Classy dining on the Card, 8 Avery Spofford end of the phone that, “I don’t want to miss a thing.” My mind flashed back to the legendary song by Aerosmith, and • Tayst the rainbow, 8 I couldn’t help but hum the tune as I waited for my tasty • Craving some cheap chips? 8 Head Writer beverage. Kris Stensland Then I realized that I do this all the time. I take lines from Features great songs and make them my own in conversation. “Don’t stop believing,” “I walk the line” and “It’s a love story, baby • Throw down the Vandy lingo, 9 just say yes” frequent my conversations with friends and • Letter from an Angry WASP, 9 strangers, alike. They’re something we can all connect to. 4 Art Director Indeed, one could even say that musicians are the modern Matt Radford form of ancient Greek poets (I’m talking Homer, not stupid stuff like T.S. Eliot). Let’s try out this theory with a story … PIC OF THE WEEK Designers Let me tell you the story about the call that changed my Irene destiny. First, I fell into a ring of fire after I stumbled into Hukkelhoven a white room with black curtains. I howled, “Brown Sugar, Kat Miller how come you taste so good?” at the werewolves of London. Morgan Webb I knew then that it was more than a feeling, and I decided that I might as well face it — I’m addicted to love. But she Marketing Director was tearing up my heart when I was with her, but when we George Fischer were apart I felt it, too. I felt pretty paranoid, and then I found out that she’s buying a stairway to heaven. Mr. Jones and me felt that it was pretty over our heads on the cable Advertising Manager car, but at that point — it was too late to apologize. She was Angela Booker nothing but a hound dog, anyway. Does that make me crazy? … Pour some sugar on me. VSC Director Chris Carroll OK, that last part didn’t make too much sense, but you get my point. Lyrics to songs are like a modern way of quoting Assistant VSC Shakespeare, but not nearly as classy. But do you want to know what is classy? Our indie movie reviews on page 3, Directors our Wale preview on page 5 and our interview on page 6 Jeff Breaux with wedding blogger and Vandy grad, Abby Larson. Want Paige Clancy more? Catch up with our new and improved breakdown of Vandy lingo all the way back on page 7. If you’re lost, we’re Journalist in here to help. Eat your heart out Wikipedia. Residence Tim Ghianni Stay Legendary, Chris Gearing NICOLE MANDEL / VERSUS MAGAZINE
HAIKUS BITS & PIECES Words to live by “IT’S NOT EASY TO CUT THROUGH A HUMAN HEAD in seventeen syllables WITH A HACKSAW.” — MICHAEL CRICHTON Ninety days to go — Start crossing things off of the Senior Bucket List!
St. Valentine’s Day H ROSCOPES Is only a week away! AQUARIUS 1/20-2/18: You should use the word “roughage” more often. Better fi nd a date!
PISCES 2/19-3/20: Your costume for this weekend: slutty pumpkin.
ARIES 3/21-4/19: If the whole graduate school thing doesn’t work out, consider becoming a character at Disney World. OVERHEARD TAURUS 4/20-5/20: If you like it, then you should put a ring on it. Some people on this campus just don’t think before Or at least a condom. they speak. Sometimes we are lucky enough to overhear what they say. GEMINI 5/21-6/21: It’s time to stop dreaming and start being productive. So get off Facebook and get out your plans for that Compiled from the Facebook group “Overheard at Vanderbilt” hoverboard. Girl (on the phone): “I’m about to do laundry for the CANCER 6/22-7/22: fi rst time all semester. … Well, I wore clean Still rocking the 8-bit system? I’ll have you ones yesterday, but right now I’m not wearing know that Sega Genesis does what Nintendon’t. any.” LEO 7/23-8/22: If you start a band, you should call it The Dirty Rando: “I was propositioned by a Taiwanese Taints. Or something equally disturbing. Then release an acoustic prostitute in a Chinese airport and didn’t album. realize what they were doing until two hours VIRGO 8/23-9/22: Find an opportunity to start a slow clap this later on the plane.” week. Professor: “I was thinking patriotism, but bigotry works too.” LIBRA 9/23-10/22: WATCH OUT FOR NAZI ZOMBIES! Girl: “OMG, what would you do if there were 20 hours in a day? You’d have so much more SCORPIO 10/23-11/21: What? You got money for fake mustaches time!” but you don’t have money to pay me back? Frat guy: “There’s no way we’ll be able to secure a stripper pole in sand.” SAGITTARIUS 11/22-12/21: If you describe yourself as “wicked smart” in an Australian accent, you’ll also be funny. Rando: “That is EXACTLY what I did to his genitalia!” CAPRICORN 12/22-1/19: Dingos did NOT descend from humans, no matter what you may say. They are occasionally born in wombat Girl: “If there were a ‘Gossip Girl’ class, I would SO burrows, though. PHOTOS: ickr.com get an A.” Versus • February 4—February 10, 2008 • 3 ENTERTAINMENT ‘Waltz with Bashir’ ‘The Wrestler’ is a powerful but tells a story distant lm anyone can love rising naked out of the been GOOD to her. And BEN GRIMWOOD TRIP COTHREN COOlEST THINg IN FITNESS water off of the coast of that’s all I will say about Staff Writer Culture Editor Beirut and entering the that.) They try to start some MON TUE WED THUR FRI SAT SUN Animation has long been a city during the Sabra and Darren Aronofsky’s kind of relationship, and 6:00 6:00 6:00 realm belonging to children, Shatila massacre. When he newest lm is by far his the trials and tribulations of 9:30 9:30 9:30 9:30 9:30 9:30 9:30 but “Waltz with Bashir” realizes that he has lost best. Of course, his previous that give the movie another proves that animation is not nearly all of his memories lms “The Fountain” and plot point that I enjoyed. 12:00 12:00 12:00 12:00 12:00 12:00 just for kids. With a stylized of the war from some 25 “Requiem for a Dream,” One particular scene in 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 look similar to “A Scanner years prior, Ali consults were far and above the which they complain about 6:15 6:15 6:15 6:15 6:15 Darkly,” the Israeli lm uses his lmmaking partner average. Yet, “The Wrestler” Nirvana killing crappy ’80s 7:45 7:45 7:45 animation for its bizarre (if and friend, Ori, the lm’s just left me in awe of what a music made this music guru imaginative) purposes — source of psychological lm can be. I never thought smile. 2214 Elliston Place (1 Block from Campus) 321-8828 to experience the power reason. Ori explains that I could leave a theater so As the movie continues, of the brain’s memories sometimes people create completely happy and so Randy remains stuck in www.HotYogaNashville.com of the 1982 Lebanon War false memories, so Ali ridiculously sad — happy the persona of The Ram, as they are remembered becomes determined to to have seen the movie and and even when he tries to (or misremembered). The nd everyone with whom Mickey Rourke’s comeback, become Robin (his birth lm’s colors tend toward he remembers ghting but sad at the story itself. name) he fails. He cannot minimalist hues, but the in the war in order to put The lm centers around escape this persona, and nauseating yellow color of together the missing pieces the life of Randy “The Ram” as the movie progresses he war is unmistakable. “Waltz of his experience and to Robinson brought to life by begins to realize that this with Bashir” may well be the ultimately determine the Rourke. The movie starts persona is not a persona at rst time an animated lm meaning of his memory. 20 years after The Ram had all; this mask is who he is rivals the powerful anti-war Would this lm have fought his last title bout. and he will never be able to sentiments of “the greats,” worked with real footage? Randy is wrestling for the stray from that. such as “Paths of Glory” or It does use some at the public in community gyms The movie is about two “Platoon.” end for emotional effect, and high schools. He is hours long, but you will The lm begins with but the animation certainly doing all that he knows never look at your watch. a pack of voracious dogs contributes to the memory- and has been reduced to You begin to care about The tearing down a sidewalk like aspect of the lm and sleep in his truck (which is, Ram so much. This movie among civilians. They stop seems to tone down a bit of course, a Dodge Ram). meets every expectation at the edge of a building, of the harrowing bite of He spends a lot of time at you could have and then eyes wild and teeth bared, war’s reality. What is even a strip club where he has surpasses it. Four stars are while Boaz stands in a clearer is the fear of the a “friend,” Marisa Tomei. not nearly enough for me window far away. Suddenly, main characters as young (Allow me to have an aside to accurately rate this great Boaz is telling the story of adults ghting in the war. for a moment — time has lm. this horrifying nightmare “Waltz with Bashir” implies to his long-time friend, the that not only does war nd lm’s director, Ali Folman, its victims sometimes in because he thinks it stems the innocent civilians, but from subconscious guilt especially in the soldiers. at shooting Palestinian The sustaining images of guard dogs in the Lebanon the real footage at the end War. After this late-night of the lm are intended to meeting, Ali has a dream tear at viewers’ heartstrings, of himself and two others and call me coldhearted, but I think the animation actually numbed me too much. Furthermore, the animation is also full of ironies (especially in the music) that resentfully view the war, so although the lm resonantly depicts the victimization and mental trauma of its protagonist, as Don’t be surprised if you turn a few heads! a viewer, I feel disconnected. This, therefore, might be a lm for those that can sympathize. “Waltz with Bashir” is playing at The Belcourt Theatre. It is also a nominee for the 2009 Academy Award wonderlandward.com lmo lia.com for Best Foreign Film. FREE TAN WEEK VERSUS RATING: VERSUS RATING: February 9 -15
PLUS! LOTION and MEMBERSHIP Specials It’s complicated. all week! CUTTING-EDGE BEDS • KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF friends wanted to ask the the classic six-degrees of volunteered to take the KATIE DE PAOLA INVITING ENVIRONMENT • MONEY-SAVING MEMBERSHIPS Staff Writer same guy to their sorority separation theory has been cut plunge. “I can friend him!” formals. They both had in half, or maybe even thirds. she said. “We just met last (Nashville Area Salons) We are the Facebook hung out at his fraternity the But what happens when week, so it won’t be weird.” 2016 West End Ave. • Nashville, TN generation. Five years previous weekend, danced, we do meet someone new? Problem solved. 782 Old Hickory Blvd.• Brentwood, TN ago today, this social talked and hit it off. Perhaps Someone whose history But it’s not always that easy. 5125 Nolensville Rd.• Nashville, TN networking platform began there were even some we don’t already know and And although that helps with 8064 Hwy 100• Nashville, TN revolutionizing the worlds of happy-ish endings. Oh, the who aren’t already stalking initial stalking, in the end, you students, stalkers and social romance. on Facebook. Who friends want to be friends with that butter ies alike. And there is Thankfully, the girls were who? person and have the freedom Visit us at: suntancity.com no doubt that Facebook has in different sororities and Last weekend, my friend to stalk at your liberty. Even Some restrictions apply. See store for details. changed the dating game. It’s ran in separate crowds, so hooked up with a Vandy grad. though it’s a bit backward to relax • unwind • indulge captivating, compelling and there wasn’t a huge con ict They had a fun night and ask for someone’s friendship compulsive, but most of all, of interest. I, however, she was left aching for more after you’ve already bought it’s complicated. was friends with both of information. Problem: They their drink, shared a cab and At Vanderbilt, the dating them, and thus, became the weren’t Facebook friends. taken them home, it’s weirder scene is generally quite information queen. While she was swapping to avoid it. repetitive. Just last weekend, This seems to happen a lot stories with the girls the next Get some Facebook balls I found out that two of my at Vanderbilt, a place where morning, one of her friends and get over it. Super Shuttle
malariaconsortium.com 4 • February 4—February 10, 2008 • Versus
Despite what your parents may say, you don’t need to have your life mapped out by the end of freshman orientation. Abby Larson, a Vandy alumna (’01), took the road less WITH ‘Style Me Pretty’ blog creator traveled and found “the best job in the world.” So how did a freshman who thought she wanted to be a math major get to a career in blogging about everything wedding chic? Larson chats with Features Editor Courtney Rogers about invitations, orange wedding dresses and how to take your Abby Larson passion to the bank. courtney rogers find a career. But, with that said, it wasn’t as creative designers to help their clients imagine what a room Features Editor of an industry as I saw myself in. ... would look like. They would put in color swatches I was looking for a way to marry the need to or pictures of a chair and little color palettes and Versus Magazine: What did you think you wanted to be creative with the need to make money. In the things like that. It just occurred to me that you could have a career in when you started at Vandy? meantime I was doing some fun, arts-and-crafts- make an inspiration board online using things you Abby Larson: When I first started, I was a math major, style stuff for friends, and I made a bachelorette found on the Web to create a wedding look. You which makes no sense whatsoever. When you’re 18 party invitation, and my friend’s wedding could print it out and take it to your florist or your and you graduate from high school, you just pick coordinator saw it and asked me to do more things event planner and you could explain your vision a the one thing you think you’re good in. I think it for her. The invitation business kind of fell in my lap lot more clearly with the actual pictures. So I started took one semester for me to realize that that was not out of nowhere. I didn’t really have a strong interest making them for readers. the case. I was not as good as I thought I was. So in weddings, per se, but I wanted to do something I switched over to communications, and I think that creative after having been depleted of that at my last VM: What is your favorite part of weddings? when I was a freshman I wanted to do journalism job. That was the start of Abby Jean, the stationary AL: Everything! I love weddings. You would think that or some kind broadcast or just print, something company. I did Abby Jean for three years, and I would be sick of them by now, but every one is kind of pseudo-sexy that would get my name out I refer to that time as my hard knocks school of so different. I love seeing how a couple infuses there. Over the four years I eventually changed my business. ... It got to a point where I needed to sell it their personality into all the details, the menu or expectations, and when I graduated I wanted to or hire a bunch of people, so I sold it and that was the flowers that they choose, seeing how the colors do public relations or marketing, something that the beginning of StyleMePretty. come together. It’s all oddly thrilling for me. involved writing and in-person communication. VM: There were a few posts with your wedding pictures. VM: How many weddings have you attended? VM: On your site, you mention working for a PR firm Was it difficult to plan your own weekend while AL: Dozens. I’m at the age where all of my friends are and a hedge fund. Can you go into a little more blogging on StyleMePretty? getting married. This past summer alone, five of my detail about those experiences and how exploring AL: I wasn’t blogging while I was planning my wedding best girl friends got married. ... I don’t usually go to different jobs helped you find the job you really — that was about three and a half years ago, so I a wedding unless I know the bride or groom. wanted? was running Abby Jean. It was kind of a nightmare AL: They were very different jobs. The first one I took because I was living in San Francisco and my mom VM: What is the most unusual wedding you’ve heard of because that was the industry that I thought I really was helping me plan. ... The last three months of or featured on StyleMePretty? wanted to be a part of. It was an internship out in the wedding planning was when I got involved and AL: We did a whole week of unique weddings, and it San Francisco, and I made very little money, but started doing the details, but it was a lot of pressure was just weddings that were totally different. We I was doing things like writing press releases and because people were expecting this great wedding featured one where the bride wore a bright orange assisting some of the more established people there. because that’s what I did for a living. dress, which sounds so not pretty, but it was so It was good experience because it taught me how cute. The bride was adorable and she had a very to be a professional and work in a professional VM: How do you keep up-to-date on the newest trends in quirky personality that she infused into every aspect environment and write in a succinct, edited way. It weddings (invitations, decorations, flowers, etc.)? of the wedding. It was very modern, but the bride wasn’t as glamorous as I thought it would be — it AL: I just live and breathe weddings. I’m on my computer wore this orange dress and a little pillbox hat with a was really hard work and long hours for very little at midnight looking at different Web sites and birdcage veil. She had cake toppers that were made pay. When they offered me a full-time position talking to different vendors. We work with 700-plus out of wood, little wooden figurines made to look after the internship, I declined it. I started looking vendors who we consider to be the best in their like the bride and groom. Every detail was totally off for another job, and while I was looking I worked industry. We only work with those who we feel are the wall but articulated and executed so well. at a stationary store. ... I fell in love with wedding the most innovative and ahead of the trends. So invitations and stationary at that point. they help me a lot — they’re constantly sending me VM: Any last advice for Vandy students who are having But San Fran is a very expensive place to live, so pictures and ideas of some of the recent stuff that a hard time deciding what to do after graduation? the next job, the hedge fund, I took much more for they’ve done that broke the mold of the traditional AL: Really dig deep and figure out what you’re good at the money than for the career that it would lead me wedding. So I rely on them a lot and the Internet. and what you like to do. If it’s writing or math or to. When I was at the hedge fund, I stayed there for weddings, figure out what your passion is and how about two years, and I got invaluable experience in VM: Would you recommend using inspiration boards for to make money doing that. That’s really the bottom work ethic and learning how to be a good employee, other projects such as decorating an apartment or line. Money is great and having a passion is great, how to work with really high-end clients and how defining your personal style? but the two of them really go best when paired side to be organized. It was kind of the bare-bones AL: For me, when I first started the blog, inspiration by side. education that you need to start your own business or boards or style boards were used mostly by interior stylemepretty.com
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS!
GET THE WORD OUT… Join us as we cover Vanderbilt University. Are you hoping to have a large turnout at your student organization’s events this year? Would you like to tell Vandy students about your organization and Our Student Media groups offer a wide variety of the events you may be planning? options for gaining valuable experience in the fields of reporting, photography, writing, graphic design, The Vanderbilt Hustler and Versus tv production, video editing, advertising, radio are GREAT ways to reach the Vandy production, copy editing, on-air dj, television anchor, Community three times a week. We humor and satire writing, poetry, art, editorial have GREAT rates for registered cartoons, podcast creation, multimedia production, student organizations and political writing, music writing and much more. campus departments.
Please let us help you promote and publicize your group and events so that Use your voice. they may be as successful as possible. Please also consider advertising in your student newspaper to celebrate special To learn more about occasions/honors/people in your group. each of our media groups visit www.vscmedia.org Please call our Student Media Advertising office (322-4237) or stop by the Advertising Office (Sarratt 130) to reserve your ad today!
REACH VANDERBILT. Versus • February 4—February 10, 2008 • 5
VERSUS and THE VANDERBILT HUSTLER are excited to announce your chance to
your very own Buddy 50 Scooter from East Side Scooters (valued at $2,000) and a Scooter Safety Class (courtesy of LearnToRide.org)
During the next three weeks, you will have an opportunity in each issue of Versus and The Vanderbilt Hustler to submit your name in a drawing to win the scooter before Spring Break.
Look for contest details and your fi rst chance to enter in this Friday’s Vanderbilt Hustler. The scooter will be given away on Wednesday, February 25 by EAST SIDE SCOOTERS 718 Gallatin Ave. • 226-1100 • www.eastsidescooters.com Open Tuesday to Friday from 11-6 and Saturday from 11-4
LearnToRide.org 6 • February 4—February 10, 2008 • Versus
TODAY THURSDAY, FEB. 5 FRIDAY, FEB. 6 Have you ever met a semi-successful Do you have any musical talents The Basement is celebrating four author? Do you own a signed copy to put on display or feel inclined to great years of entertainment, sound MUSIC of a book you may never read but listen to some real, fresh Nashville and revelry. Join them for a night of can show off to your friends and po- acoustic jams? Head over to Cafe great performances, including sets “He’s a couple sandwiches tential girlfriends? Go to Davis-Kidd Coco for some good food, good from Ricky Young, The Ettes, Booksellers at 7 p.m. to get a free company and better aural atmo- The Howlies, Those Darlins short of a picnic.” John Hancock from Inman Ma- sphere. Performances start at 9 p.m. and more! The free fun starts at 8 jors, author of the new novel “The p.m.
— Lance Bass SETLIST Millionaires.”
They infl uenced Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen. Their frontman has “fl ocks” of groupies following his every move. They’re famous on Vanderbilt’s campus, WITH FRAT STAR LEGENDS and they haven’t even played their fi rst show. The Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity band, Men of Paws, is poised to become the Greek scene’s hottest house band. Music Editor Avery Spofford sat down this weekend to talk with the Men, the myths, the legends: Men of Paws. Men of Paws is: Pete Wild (drums), Taylor Gerber (guitar), Mike Raffaniello (various rhythm), Nat Pariseau (occasional guitar), Anson Wilks (vocals), Nick Berini (vocals), Mike Gold (keyboard) and Ross Shahinian (manager/sound MEN OF PAWS engineer/backup dancer). Versus Magazine: Why did to head over? PW: This is who I am, this is who respect. You know, we’re very PW: This is hard. What we’re you all decide to form Men of PW: I would say around 11. we are. dedicated. Mike and I didn’t doing is not easy. Paws? Have you been musical AW: And if you don’t like it, get even go out last Saturday your whole lives? out of the way, ‘cause we’re night because we were VM: Are you expecting a lot of VM: How often do you guys Anson Wilks (vocals): Mostly going straight to the top. preparing for the show. You groupie action on Friday practice? You practice a lot? since I was age ve, for me, have to get to bed before a night? Girls go crazy for Every day. personally. show at like, 11 o’clock. Every PW: musicians, you know. VM: Are you going to play covers Every few weeks. We let our Pete Wild (drums): I’ve been night. Some people think it’s AW: All: I know, I know. or original material? show speak for us. playing drums for my whole all sex, drugs and rock ’n’ I know from personal PW: I’m glad you asked. We life. PW: roll, but it’s not. experience. actually have been working AW: I took four years of piano. It’s on some stuff. … One song VM: So, who is the why I sing so well. Ross Shahinian (manager): I thought girls went crazy for that I’ve been working on that frontman of this group? PW: I was the drummer of my jazz engineers … I actually haven’t told anyone All: Taylor. Taylor band in high school, so, I’ve I was in a band in high school about yet is called “Put Deez Gerber. been into music pretty much PW: called the Kung Fu Beatniks, Nuts In Yo Mouf.” PW: Blond hair, blue my whole life. and that’s where I really got AW: That’s one of our main eyes . . . guitar . . . Mike Gold (keyboard): I a taste for it, I think. … And projects we’re working on VM: If he’s the frontman never learned formally. I am once the forbidden fruit is right now. he should have been in the Nashville in our Living tasted … here for the interview, Room group, though. AW: You can’t go back. so I’m not so sure. VM: What style of music is that? PW: That’s exactly AW: It’s kind of ska-based with why he’s the frontman. VM: What do you say to your VM: Do you think that other an offshoot of jam band, I’d people are jealous that you’re He’s too big. We don’t critics who say that Men of say. With a little bit of techno even know where Paws is just one guy with in Men of Paws and they’re in there. Infused. not? he is. He’s probably talent (Gerber) and a bunch MG: That’s where I come in. That RS: I think they’re jealous ‘cause with a whole ock of of guys looking for attention? category. we look good. groupies right now. AW: I say, look at how many No. 1 PW: I mean, he’s a modern singles we have. PW: They’re jealous of the action Stevie Wonder, I’d say. Except PW: I say, we’re children of the we’re getting, probably. he can see. But, you know, ’90s. We grew up loving it, we AW: There are just so many levels to get into character he all have the passion for it … of jealousy. actually sometimes blindfolds and to those critics, who are PW: The money, the fame, the himself. saying that, you know, here glory, the talent, the women. we come. AW: Most people say we only care VM: Are you going to be wearing about the fame, but we also VM: Who are your in uences? costumes at your show on care about the money. AW: Do you mean who do WE Friday? Blindfolds maybe? PW: So, here we come. in uence? We were a big PW: Um, no. No costumes, just inspiration to Bon Jovi, I hand signals. What do we look think. We still maintain a like, a bunch of animals? VM: Friday, right? Your rst show pretty good relationship with is this weekend? him. (All band members throw PW: Yeah. We’re opening for PW: What inspires me? Sham- up signature paw sign.) Groove Addiction on Friday wow, MacGyver, online night at Pike’s Peak. shopping, Paul Landon … I AW: We’re not KISS. All: HEYOOOOO! get my in uences from the PW: We let our music do world around me. the marketing for us. No AW: Yeah, I mean, we’re just gimmicks. There’s no VM: Do you guys have an idea of white-collar kids. Men of Paws lunch box. what you’re going to play? PW: Yeah. I didn’t grow up PW: Uh, we actually can’t tell you listening to The Lovin’ that. … Uh, legally we aren’t Spoonful, I didn’t. I grew up VM: Not yet. allowed to inform you unless listening to what was playing PW & AW: Not EVER. we get royalties from Versus. at the mall. AW: We’re kind of like Led Come to the show and nd AW: Listening to “Take It To The Zeppelin, in out. House.” that
VM: Just give me a taste of your setlist — what is one song that people can expect to hear? PW: “Because I Got High.”
VM: Do you have an estimated time that you’re going to go on? So your fans know when Battle of the boy bands: O-Town vs. LMNT O-Town: The greatest boy band in the whole entire universe LMNT: Greater than the sum of its parts
SARA GAST like that. And what about the subtlety in CHRIS GEARING band. Who, in fact, won “Making the Band,” Managing Editor these lines? “I’ve had the rest of you/Now I Editor in Chief you ask? That’s right, it was O-Town. Lame. want the best of you/It’s time for show and FACT: LMNT attended charity functions It was no small twist of fate that led me to tell.” That’s almost as hard to decipher as Element — a component or constituent of and performed at numerous bene ts ip on ABC nine years ago this May in a hotel “I wanna go all night/Ain’t no stoppin’ ’till a whole (from dictionary.com). LMNT — one including the Linda Creed Breast Cancer room in Des Moines, Iowa, and discover The the breakin’ of the dawn/I wanna go inside of the best boy bands of all time. Foundation’s bene t. You know who didn’t Show That Changed My Life. “Making The every corner/Girl, you really turn me on” Don’t mistake my purpose here, folks. do things like this? O-Town. Band,” for my 12-year-old heart, was the (from “We Fit Together”). And their name? They’re no Backstreet Boys or *NSync. But FACT: Every time “Hey Juliet” comes on greatest thing since “Sabrina: The Teenage O-Town. Come on. beyond that beautiful precipice, there exists your radio/stereo/iPod/whatever, you can’t Witch” went off the air. Following the lives Another true fact: I still have a crush on a shimmering beacon of boy band greatness help but get goosebumps and prepare for of ve gorgeous boys around while they tried Ashley Parker Angel (despite Shelly and his — LMNT. OK, that may be a bit dramatic, the rst verse. I can’t even remember the last to make it big in the boy band world? Let me decision to name his child Lyric). He even but they just destroy that heap of trash time I heard a song by O-Town. set my VCR recorder. was one of the members (note: that’s a plural) called O-Town. Honestly, I don’t see where the decision is True fact: O-Town is actually the best boy who went on to have a successful solo career I don’t know about all of you, but when here. LMNT has suggestive song titles like band of the middle-school era. What other (as Link in “Hairspray” on Broadway — I hear the opening chords of “Hey Juliet” “Hold Me Down,” “Keep It Coming” and band came together on a reality TV show? that’s talent + hotness right there). His spiky blasting on Greek Row (yes, it does happen), the metaphorical “Shangri La” (word play is And was that attractive? But let’s look beyond blonde hair and weird name was so sexy, and my heart jumps. Nay, it sings. Sings with the awesome). They even make literary references their ve (read: not four) beautiful bodies to with politically correct company like Dan, joy and carefree spirit of my youth, harkening in their songs to Shakespeare! (Take that the songs. “Liquid Dreams” became their Jacob, Erik and Trevor, who could resist? The back to the days when you could just tell a O-Town!) They may not understand that biggest hit on Billboard, although it will guys may have broken up the band in 2003 girl, “I think you’re ne/You really blow my everyone dies at the end of the play, but that always fall second to my all-time favorite (the best never do stay together for long) mind/Maybe some day/You and me can run doesn’t stop them. jam: “All or Nothing.” Listen to these lyrics: after an unfortunate second album, but they away,” and you were set! She was putty in your In summation: LMNT rules, O-Town “’Cause I want it all/Or nothing at all/There’s will live on forever in their self-titled debut hands the rest of the night at that awkward drools. They’re more like Blow-Town. If you no where left to fall/When you reach the and in the hearts of fans like me, who still middle school dance. But if you don’t believe need further proof, you only need to read bottom it’s now or never/Is it all?/Or are have their poster on the wall and the DVD me, let’s just check the facts. maybe three lines of this article’s opponent. we just friends?/Is this how it ends?/With of the tour. In the words of the prophetic FACT: LMNT was formed by three bros But hey Juliet, don’t let it get you down. a simple telephone call/You leave me here “You Can’t Lose Me”: “No no no no no/You who met on the set of “Making the Band” Even though both bands are broken up, one with nothing at all.” You can’t fake rhyming can’t lose me.” and formed a much better (or less lame) boy of them still wants to be your Romeo. Versus • February 4—February 10, 2008 • 7
SATURDAY, FEB. 7 SUNDAY, FEB. 8 MONDAY, FEB. 9 TUESDAY, FEB. 10 Get some good belly laughs in Enjoy a lazy Sunday at the Frist In the mood for some honky-tonk, If you thought The Time Jumpers SOUNDTRACK this Saturday night watching a live Center for the Visual Arts. Check hip-moving Western swing music were good, spend the night camped stand-up performance from one of out their new exhibit Paint from a wild and crazy group out in Station Inn’s bathroom (or go the country’s top female comedians. Made Flesh, an amalgamation of fellers and gals? Attend The home and come back the next night) TO THE ISSUE For $23, Zanies will present you a of works since the mid-1900s Time Jumpers’ performance for a performance by the bluegrass set from Kathleen Mitchell and that depict and represent the Monday at Station Inn. It’ll cost ensemble Mashville Brigade. some happy memories. Bring friends artistic potential of human fl esh. you $10 to listen to their mix of Their set kicks off at 9 p.m. Tickets — they’ll thank you. Doors are open from 1 p.m. to classic and original tracks. Show are $8 a pop. 5:30 p.m.; a viewing will cost up by 9 p.m. you a quick $6.50.
It’s pronounced Wall-Ay: Sig Ep to host emcee We at Versus have excellent taste TRIP COTHREN our generation. listening steadily ever be downloaded (again, in music. Below, the editors share Culture Editor Wale grew up in since. This guy knows for free). Some of the what tracks we’ve been spinning as Washington, D.C., what he’s doing. He is mixtape was played we create the glory you’re holding Wale (not whale), which has not exactly lyrically very talented, during an inauguration was born as Olubowale been the breeding and as for beats, party initially hosted in your hands. Victor Akintimehin. ground for great they’re decent. He by T.I. and Kanye. Wale It turns out this kid, rappers. So, when only has this single in made the news by now 24, has quite the this unassuming man full production at the sticking around to play “THIS MODERN LOVE” ability when it comes of Nigerian descent moment with a new and honor the president Bloc Party to rap. Being hailed as stepped into the video for it all over as long as people would 1. the next Jay or Kanye, limelight last year with iTunes and mtvU. listen. I really think his Wale is coming to play his hit “Nike Boots” However, he has upcoming performance “I DON’T FEEL LIKE DANCIN” in Nashville on Friday and the remix with released ve mixtapes, at the White Party will 2. Scissor Sisters night at Club Nocturnal Lil’ Wayne, he took mostly online, for free. prove to be one of the for Sigma Phi Epsilon’s some true rap fans They aren’t exactly easy best “frat” appearances annual White Party. This and lucky iTunes free to nd, but once you in a while, if ever, and “THAT’S NOT MY NAME” promises to be a great single grabbers for a do, you will love your maybe one of the best 3. The Ting Tings show and opportunity thrill ride. I picked up life! His newest, “The concerts in the Vandy to hear one of THE up- this single last year Mixtape About Nothing” area. “LOVE STORY” and-coming rappers of for free and have been is really something to allontheair.wordpress.com 4. Taylor Swift “HOMETOWN GLORY” The Boss rocks without a wardrobe malfunction Adele it redeemed all of the of his latest singles, music (he spent half of his 5. ALEX GOLDBERG Staff Writer respect I lost for the “Working on a Dream,” 12-minute performance world from watching Springsteen and the performing Foo Fighter “RICHMAN” Bruce Springsteen the three-dimensional E Street Band made cover songs), Aerosmith 3OH!3 lived up to his reputation SoBe commercial with Superbowl XLIII an having to share vocal 6. as a voice of the American Ray Lewis dance like an event where even I had performances of their working class by adolescent girl at her trouble deciding when to songs with Britney “WILDCAT” bringing his often sold- best friend’s Bat Mitzvah. go outside to pick up my Spears (remember Ratatat out shows to every living Springsteen and the E Papa John’s. There was Super Bowl XXXV?) 7. room in America during Street Band made Super so much energy coming or overshadowed by the Super Bowl XLIII Bowl XLIII even more through the television wardrobe malfunctions “MATHEMATICS” halftime show. Whether exciting than it already screen that I nally felt (Justin Timberlake and 8. Little Boots you were rooting for the was with Larry Fitzgerald like one of those lucky Janet Jackson will never Cinderellas from Arizona and Santonio Holmes individuals who have be asked to play a Super or the perennial Super scoring touchdowns in been able to attend a Bowl halftime show “COURTSHIP DATE” Bowl contenders the the last ve minutes to Springsteen concert in again), Springsteen 9. Crystal Castles Pittsburgh Steelers, the try to get their teams on the last few years. and the E Street Band halftime show offered all top. During a period when have helped to make it fans an opportunity to With great the Super Bowl halftime once again one of the “SAVE ROOM” pick up some dinner or performances of “Tenth show has been lled greatest musical events 10. John Legend rock out. Springsteen’s Avenue Freezeout,” with artists like Prince of the year. appearance was so good “Born to Run,” and one not even playing his own delewareonline.com Grammy 2009 Preview CHRISTOPHER RAY Staff Writer Roll out the red carpet — it’s Grammy time. This year’s nominees range from the revolutionary (Radiohead’s “In Rainbows”) to the ridiculous (the Jonas Brothers? Really?). 2008 may not have been the greatest year in music history, but there is still plenty of quality packed into this year’s nominations.
Record of the Year: competition Leona Lewis’s “Bleeding Love” is the from Duffy, frontrunner in the rst category. However, Nashville’s the song faces stiff competition from own Lady Coldplay (“Viva la Vida”) and “Please Read Antebellum the Letter” by Robert Plant and Alison and R&B Krauss. Rounding out the nominees are u p s t a r t “Chasing Pavements” by Adele and “Paper J a z m i n e Planes” by M.I.A. Sullivan. Oh yeah, I Album of the Year: almost forgot Guess who’s favored in this category? Hint: … the Jonas It’s the most downloaded album in history. Brothers are, Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida (or Death and All for some virginmedia.com His Friends)” was an enormous hit, but this reason, here, too. award is far from a runaway. Lil’ Wayne’s “Tha Carter III” is a strong candidate, as The general categories at the Grammy are Plant’s and Krauss’ “Raising Sand.” Ne- Awards show off the biggest names, but Yo also stands a chance with “Year of the some treasures are buried in the depths of Gentleman.” It would be supremely ironic the nominations. Watch out for Flight of the if Radiohead won a Grammy with their Conchords to repeat their win from last year anti-establishment “In Rainbows,” famously in the Best Comedy Album category, while released as a choose-your-price download, “The Odd Couple” (Gnarls Barkley) may but this remains entirely possible. knock off Radiohead in the Best Alternative Album.
The Grammy Awards air on CBS on Feb. 8 — be sure to check them out!
blogs.villagevoice.com Song of the Year: “Viva la Vida” is up again but probably won’t net a win here. “Chasing Pavements” is a strong competitor, as is Estelle’s “American Boy” (featuring none other than Kanye West). Look out for singer-songwriters (and personal favorites) Sara Bareilles and Jason Mraz with their respective hits “Love Song” and “I’m Yours.”
Best New Artist: Adele looks strong here. Her surprise nominations in Record and Song of the Year suggest that she’ll probably have the support to take this award. She faces images.businessweek.com 8 • February 4—February 10, 2008 • Versus restaurants
So Valentine’s Day is coming up and you don’t want to wait until the last minute to make a dinner reservation. Here are a few restaurants you could call ahead at in order to secure that romantic, candlelit table for you and that special someone. Stanford.edu Perfect location + amazing You can eat at typically food at Sunset Grill and tastefully at Tayst eileen begley friend suggested their beef quickly. Sunset’s low-key, Holly Meehl Salad, which fulfilled my version of hushpuppies rather Staff Writer tenderloin. I finally decided casual atmosphere led to a Culture Editor longing for fresh greens and than spending all the money After too many visits to on their seafood special, relaxing meal, ending in the I often spotted Tayst on my was also topped with some on their bigger plates. Qdoba and T.G.I. Friday’s, seared black cod. entire restaurant singing way driving to Green Hills, delicious goat cheese. It was The decor of Tayst is warm I knew it was time for a As my meal was placed “Happy Birthday.” and after looking at their a good, predictable start to a and inviting with a small bar Meal Money change. I was in front of me, many “oohs” If you’re going on a date unique menu online, I decided meal. I then ordered duck that in the front and a larger, red looking for a Taste of or even need a to give it a try. The brick-walled dining Nashville restaurant change of pace, food was good, the room in the back. The with fresh ingredients Sunset Grill is atmosphere was most interesting thing and creative, tasty the perfect place. pleasant, but leaving about Tayst is that it is dishes. So I went to And if you are the restaurant there a “green” restaurant, so Sunset Grill, known looking to bump wasn’t any part of it does get points for for outstanding into a celebrity, me that felt as if I conserving energy. But it service and seasonal Sunset Grill is desperately needed loses some for its prices. dishes, for a birthday a lunch favorite to come back — All the appetizers are dinner. among the especially with its around $10 and all the My friends chose music industry. pricey selections. entrees are $20 and up. the Hillsboro Village- With Valentine’s Overall it was simply If it were a little cheaper based Sunset Grill Day around the a “nice” eating I might consider because the food is so corner, make experience, but not returning to try some flickr.com delicious, affordable sunsetgrill.com your reservations unforgettable. other things on the and within walking quickly for Tayst has appealing dishes was served on top of a savory menu, but with the economy distance from campus. Sunset. With that are prepared well and wild mushroom risotto. The the way it is, it simply isn’t After we sat down, we were and “ahhs” were followed entrees ranging from $10 to satisfy a college student’s duck was cooked perfectly and worth it. presented with a menu by, “That looks so good. $32, your date will no have desperate need for protein the risotto was tasty, but it was However, I do feel like I am offering a wide selection Can I try some?” And it no trouble choosing what to leaner than a C.T. West nothing I hadn’t had before being a bit harsh on Tayst. All of seafood, steak, chicken, was all excellent, including eat. burger. Their menu consists (or had better somewhere my friends left happy with pasta and their famous my friends’ meals. The best Reservations for dinner of intricate appetizers called else). I think if I were to go their meals, as did I, but I know Sunset Burger. Their menu part of the meal was dessert. are recommended, and they “First Taysts,” simple salads back to Tayst I might stick I’ve had many better meals even appeals to the pickiest Their Chocolate Framboise, accommodate large groups, called “Second Taysts” and with ordering a few of their here in Nashville. But if you eaters. Originally I decided a rich chocolate cake, and as well. Their number is then larger portioned plates more interesting appetizers are a foodie and enjoy trying on sea scallops, but I their Vanilla Bean Creme 386-3663. called “Main Taysts.” I first such as pumpkin-encrusted new places, check out Tayst changed my mind when a Brulee were devoured ordered their Signature Chef shrimp or their complex and you can be the judge. It’s cheap — in every way Southern comfort on a budget sara Gast Since the beginning of warm. And each basket came courtney rogers of atmosphere other than Those over the age of Managing Editor time, I have judged Mexican with a generous bowl of a Features Editor worn in booths and walls 21 would probably favor a (well, Mexican-American) very mild, chunky salsa. But crowded with pictures and beer, but my go-to beverage When some of my friends restaurants across the in the second division, I have Some of the best food within awards — most proclaiming at Rotier’s is a creamy black and I decided we to say it may be walking distance is hidden its recognition in Jimmy and white milkshake. They’re were in the mood one of the worst away on Elliston. Versus Buffett’s song “Cheeseburger so thick that you can barely for Mexican last enchiladas I’ve has already showcased the in Paradise.” drink them through a straw, Friday, we decided ever had. It was out of this but just grab a to do more than hard to tell if there world sushi spoon and take it the typical Fiesta was any filling in at Samauri, in stride. For side Azteca run. We the tortilla, which and on page options, french decided we would was covered by 7 there’s fries seem to be take the extra two a questionable, a nod to the obvious choice, blocks and try out lukewarm brown a Fiesta, but go creative and the sketchier, neon- and white sauce. a favorite try to hash brown glowing Las Palmas Additionally, the V a n d y casserole. Every bite just off West End. service was less w a t e r i n g will be a fight with We were seated than great. The hole that your conscience; fairly quickly, restaurant didn’t also serves you know you’ll which should have seem to be overly tortilla chips be hitting the gym been the first dead crowded (no one and Mexican later to work off giveaway since it was waiting for a food. But if the carbs, but it’s was 7 on a Friday table until near the you’re going so good that not night. The second end of our meal), to cross eating it is nearly flickr.com giveaway was the but our waiter those five unthinkable. note that said they seemed to forget lanes of traffic and you’re in Many of these awards are Rotier’s has a lot more to would close by 6 about us for the the mood for down-home for the Best Cheeseburger offer beyond these tried and on Super Bowl most part. I’m used cooking, Rotier’s is the only from the Nashville Scene true favorites, so keep these Sunday. But we sat to my Mexican place to go. and Citysearch. According choices in mind but peruse down optimistically food costing just a Tucked away with little to their Web site, they’ve the rest of the menu before flickr.com and whipped open couple bucks, but more than a blazing neon won that award 11 years in a you settle on anything. No the menu. There was some country by two things. 1: the usually the whole experience sign to distinguish it, Rotier’s row and with one bite of the matter what you choose, good news to be found: my quality of their chips and hasn’t been as cheap. If you’re is a hidden gem despite its burger, you’ll see why. Made it’s tough to go wrong. It’s dinner would be cheap. salsa. 2: the quality of their into an economical way to get history. The family behind fresh daily, the burger is juicy tempting to stay with within Items like enchiladas, tacos enchilada. Las Palmas takes chips and dip, head on over to Rotier’s has been running it and tender and is served up the confines of the taste of and quesadillas (a la carte) home a big plus in the first Las Palmas. If you’re into the since 1945, and from the look on a hunk of french bread. Nashville restaurants, but started at $2, and adult category. While the basket food part, too, looks like you of the place, it hasn’t changed The crunch of the bread is take a walk on the Elliston beverages were listed at $3 was slow to be refilled, when need to keep on looking. much since the day it opened. a perfect paining with the side of the street you’ll be and up. fresh chips came, they were The inside may not have a lot other textures and flavors. pleasantly surprised.
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Abbreviated LETTER FROM AN ANGRY lingo We are always in a hurry here at Vanderbilt — we don’t Vandy like to waste any time. In order to save that fraction of a WASP second we have become inclined to shorten our entire English language. Each week, our resident lingo! “mis” (short for “miserable”): This is often referred to as the way you feel on a Saturday Angry WASP We use a lot of words morning after a long night of raging. Or perhaps the girl to get around our daily lives. sitting in front of you has on the most hideous vest you’ve sounds off on things With so much slang, who needs ever seen. Any which way, something dreadful can be that make him buzz. Webster? We at Versus are described as “mis.” (see what we did there?) into remakingand decoding the English language, “totes” (short for “totally”): one campus at a time. This little adverb is very useful and can be the friend of quite the selection of words. It accentuates whatever you are describing and shows perhaps how “totes” excited you are for Tortellini Tuesday. If you really want a power play on words, say something is “totes mis” to express your extreme dislike for the paper your anthro teacher has just assigned you.
“def” (short for “definitely”): I like to use this shortie for exclamation on how excited I am to make plans with someone. “Let’s go to Green Hills COURTNEY ROGERS this weekend?” My response: “Def!” Dear People Who Feature Editor “obvi” (short for “obviously”): Park By Towers HOLLY MEEHL You throw this gem out when perhaps your bffl has made and Never Move, Culture Editor some already established comment that really needs no answer in the fi rst place. “We’re raging tonight right?” “Obvi!” Wow, yeah, now that you mention it Vandy food “jel” (short for “jealous”): your parking spot The green-eyed monster is upon you. Instead of switching “Randwich”: in those olive-tinted contacts, just express your feelings is really amazing. A sandwich from Rand. Toasted and melted to perfection, these creations are one of the with three simple letters. I sure wish one of most popular choices during the daily lunch rush. This semester, the Randwich line is those would open up competing with the post offi ce for longest line in the world. To avoid spending half of your So if your life has been mis because you have not lived in lunch break waiting for food, either go for this line at an off-time or pick up a pre-made abbrevs and are tots jel of all those other kids saving tons when I need it so I sandwich on the shelf in Chef James. of time in conversation, you should def start shortening can be right by my now, obvi! dorm. When do you “Fourth meal”: Formerly just a gluttonous creation of Taco Bell’s ad executives, the freshman class has think your car will be readily adopted this term as their way of fi ghting the man for the full value of their meal moving again? Oh, plan. Without rollover meal money for missed meals, the freshmen have taken to hording Dorms and spring break? That’s food at the stroke of midnight. Living cool. “Fro-yo”: WHY DO YOU Frozen yogurt is an icy delight that is a point of near obsession for many Vandy kids. It’s “The Bod” EVEN HAVE A CAR available at Rand, the Branscomb Munchie and the smoothie stand. Just this semester, Peabody Campus. The administration is trying to re-brand HERE?? You realize Yogurt Oasis on West End went on the Card, a move that will only increase fro-yo it as The Commons, a wonderful freshman oasis free from that it would be SO consumption. The result: goodbye Meal Money, hello candy toppings. the infl uence of the main campus community. Now that the freshmen have crossed over 21st Avenue, it is time much cheaper just “B&Co”: for their upperclassman peers/sisters/brothers to educate to fl y down than it Short for Bread & Co., a restaurant name so short that an abbreviation is highly them on the classic abbreviation for their home. unnecessary but useful nonetheless. Frequented by main campus residents due to its would be to drive convenient location on 25th Avenue and West End, it’s the frilly, carnivorous, non-vegan “Kisslamed” back and buy a sandwich, salad, soup and pasta answer to Grins and all that peanut butter. Being put in Kissam housing against your will. It happens permit for a car that every year, previously only to naive freshmen, but now “Fiesta”: you never, ever use, it’s an epidemic plaguing sophomores and even (gasp) The restaurant everyone wishes was on the Card. The food is questionable, the chips are juniors. Sure they’ve added some beanbag chairs and right? What, you addictive and plentiful, but the true draw of Fiesta Azteca is their beverage selection. a grand total of two ellipticals. Despite improvements, really like driving Pitchers are plentiful and the refreshments of the frozen and strawberry variety hit the spot Kissam is still the housing equivalent of the elephant here and then just after a tough week. Be 21 or make sure you know your eye color (sometimes they ask). graveyard in “The Lion King.” having your car “Munchie” available just in Short for Munchie Mart, which is a bastardization of the case? Awesome. Is party phrases Varsity Markets. Filled with anything a college student could need, this is a store that would make Whole Foods there any way you We work hard, we play hard. We also know many different ways to express our “playing cringe. There are shelves of Easy Mac, single servings could perhaps store hard.” If you’re looking for a new way to say, “Let’s go out,” check out these rage-worthy of cereal and more frozen or microwavable options than phrases. the closet on wheels should ever be seen. somewhere else? “Let’s get hammered!” “Branscomb” I swear — it’s like No, we’re not saying we want to get hit over the head by a metal weapon from the tool A dorm complex that is prized for its convenient location shed. Rather we would like to go out, go crazy on the sauce and perhaps feel as if we’ve you plan it. “Gee, to Greek houses. Perpetually known as the wildest dorm I should probably been hit by a hammer the next morning. at Vandy, it lives up to that reputation though it lacks the leave an extra day “Let’s play!” space to really throw down. Freshmen, take note: A “suite” in Branscomb is not really a suite. It’s a bathroom, early so I can get We’re not talking Barbies or Hotwheels, but rather an updated type of “play.” One that nothing more. involves a deck of cards, a pitcher of punch and perhaps Catch Phrase. that sweet parking “Sexiled” spot right in front of “Rage, rage, rage!” Odds are, if you have a roommate, you’ve been on the dorm so that I This has become the most popular party term recently. It involves drinking large amounts of either side of the sexile equation. It’s awkward, somewhat never, ever have to liquids, dancing on stages or sinking small pingpong balls into cups. selfi sh, but basically unavoidable. The best call is to have move it ever.” Yeah, “We are frat hopping” a signal or text your roomie to let them know what’s up. Just make sure you don’t do this to your roommate before thanks for that. You One frat has got you down? Well, there are 15 more, with typically at least three throwing their big chemistry test that counts for half their grade. huge ragers on any given weekend night. So bounce around, because just going to one is can’t just temporarily never quite as fun as hitting them all. put it in front of the doors and then put it in the garage since DTR DTR 2.0 it won’t be seen by you again for three “DTR” (short for “define the “DTR” (short for “down to rage”): relationship”): “Down to rage” is a relative newcomer to the Vandy slang scene, but it’s months? In the multiple meanings of the phrase DTR, “defi ne the earning its stripes very quickly. After hearing it mentioned only weeks ago, it I feel like I could relationship” is clearly the true one. It battles with “down to rage,” has already worked its way into my vocabulary and has usurped the previous tow your car and which we all know means “get hammered,” but let’s ignore that meaning of DTR (“defi ne the relationship”). Don’t get me wrong, defi ne the for the moment and defi ne the term “defi ne the relationship.” relationship was a useful abbreviation, but down to rage is defi nitely DTR 2.0. you wouldn’t even We’ve all been in that place of limbo, where you’ve been seeing Think of it this way: When you say DTR about relationships, you can’t just say notice. Please do us someone for awhile but you don’t quite know what you’re doing DTR. You have to give a whole backstory that usually involves how you met, all a favor and save with the other person. You’ve been dating, sort of, if dinners at how the Facebook friending and messaging has been going, how long you’ve Bread & Co. and lunch at Quiznos counts. You’re sort of exclusive been hooking up, etc. Every DTR relationship has its own fi ts and starts, so even us the frustration of in that you can dance up on some other guy or girl at a frat party though you’re trying to abbreviate it, if you ever want your friend to know the trying to fi nd the few but a DFMO (dance fl oor make out) is a no no. You hook up, you whole story you’ll probably need a half hour and a pint of Ben and Jerry’s to available parking hang out, you go to each other’s date parties, but you haven’t get through the whole telling. DTR as “defi ne the relationship” doesn’t work spots around your gotten to that stage of boyfriend-girlfriend. You’re frustrated and because even though people will generally get that you don’t know where your want to know what the deal is, so you lay down the lingo. Let’s relationship is headed, you have a lot of talking ahead of you to get them on the permanent spots. DTR: defi ne the relationship. Let’s fi gure out what we are, what same page. A fi ve-minute walk we’re doing and if we can fi nally change our relationship status In contrast, “down to rage” is simple and needs very little explanation. Really, once a semester isn’t on Facebook from single to “in a relationship” or maybe even just the only questions you need to ask are: who? where? and when? You don’t need swipe that single status off. DTR — it’s time to make things a little how and why; the how is assumed and why is completely superfl uous. There is going to kill you. less complicated. always a reason to celebrate, and raging is just an intense way of celebrating Seriously. “Defi ne the relationship” is clearly the better choice between anything you wish. Defi ning relationships is messy, and even though raging can the other meaning of DTR, “down to rage.” We have a bounty also create a mess, if done correctly some great stories and pictures will come out of other phrases to explain getting crunked, such as “let’s get of it. So, students of Vandy, take a break from trying to decipher text messages Sincerely, tanked,” “down to party,” “ready to rage” and many more. and conversations and choose to BE “DTR,” the right way. An Angry WASP “Defi ne the relationship” is it’s own breed of terminology. 10 • February 4—February 10, 2008 • Versus flip side
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OFFICE OF HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL EDUCATION EvErybody’s TO: Undergraduate Students doing it! Returning for the Fall Semester 2009 FROM: Jason A. Jakubowski, Director of Housing Assignments
SUBJECT: Apply for 2009-2010 Housing February 9-22 HavE you Had All undergraduates returning for fall 2009 must apply for the housing assignment process for the 2009-2010 academic year. To apply, direct your Web browser to
If you hope to study abroad, participate in an internship program, or take a Let’s include every undergrad in the 2009 leave of absence next fall (Fall 2009), but are not certain that you will do so Commodore yearbook (i.e., you have not yet been accepted or are unsure that you will participate) - then you should apply for and participate in the housing assignment process for next year. See “A Guide to the Housing Assignment Process: 2009-2010” yearbook portrait photographers are on campus for details. (The Guide will be available for download from our website in late this week in sarratt 112, behind the baseball February.) If and when it becomes clear that you will study abroad, participate glove Lounge in an internship program, or take a leave of absence, please notify the Office of Housing and Residential Education (322-2591) of your plans immediately. it only takes a few minutes, and there is no cost to sit for your portrait Students who plan to live in Greek houses for the fall semester of 2009 must apply for the housing assignment process before the close of the application period, seniors: Make your senior portrait appointment 12:00 midnight, Sunday, February 22. They should consult with their chapter now at vanderbiltCommodore.com, before the presidents. These students should also complete Greek house authorization schedule fills up! request forms and submit these forms to their chapter presidents. Presidents are responsible for assembling the Greek House authorization requests into non-seniors: drop by sarratt 112 anytime packets for their houses and for submitting the complete packets to the Office between 9-1 p.m. or 2-6 p.m., today through of Housing and Residential Education, 4113 Branscomb Quadrangle, by the Friday deadline of 12:00 noon, Friday, February 20. 2009 Commodore Yearbook details at More information about the housing assignment process is available on VanderbiltCommodore the housing website
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