VerThe Vanderbilt Hustler’s Arts su & Entertainment Magazine s NOVEMBER 11—NOVEMBER 17, 2009 VOL. 47, NO. 25 SPICE UP YOUR SPACE Check out our room makeover, a decor shopping guide and a few other cool rooms around campus on page 9.

Hooray, Chipotle! We took a tour of their new West End location. Turn to page 3 for the scoop on free food. What do , Ari Gold and Tracy Jordan have in com- mon? Flip to page 4 to fi nd out. Shopping on a budget? We’ve got your guide on page 8.

PLACES TO GO, PEOPLE TO SEE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 The Regulars Black Lillies – 3rd & Lindsley with Grace Potter and the Nocturnals – Cannery The Long Players — Mercy Lounge The Black Lillies are a Knoxville, Tenn., native Americana/country band Ballroom In the mood for some hard-driving, hair-raising rock ‘n’ roll? Then head on THE RUTLEDGE Singer- Brett Dennen makes his fi rst stop in the U.S. after a long over to the Mercy Lounge where the Long Players will be paying tribute to 410 Fourth Ave. South 37201 that plays simple, sweet sounding tunes. Pretty harmonies and tasteful 782-6858 picking banjos, mandolins and bass accompanied by light drums deliver European tour this week at the Cannery Ballroom. His sound is growing AC/DC, playing their “Back In Black” in its entirety. The Long Players popular on the national and international levels. (Check out Patrick McBride’s a very enjoyable sound to listen to. “Whiskey Angel” is a beautiful tune have grown in popularity and respect since their inception in 2004. They THE MERCY LOUNGE/CANNERY all the way through. This would be a very calming musical event. interview with Dennen on page 6.) With him comes supporting act Grace Potter have made a true name for themselves in their excellent musicianship and BALLROOM (Price not listed, 9:30 p.m., 818 3rd Ave. S.) and the Nocturnals. The up-tempo soulful rock group will be a great opening spot-on covers of other legendary . In the last several years, they 1 Cannery Row 37203 act, giving Dennen some momentum when he fi nally hits the big stage. have played entire albums like ’s “Blonde on Blonde,” the Rolling 251-3020 Cory Morrow – Exit/In ($20 advance, $22 day of the show, 8:30 p.m., 1 Cannery Ballroom) Stones’ “Sticky Fingers” and many more. From down in the deserts of Texas up to the Exit/In comes country ($15, 9 p.m., 1 Cannery Row) BLUEBIRD CAFE Jay-Z – Vanderbilt University 4104 Hillsboro Road 37215 singer Cory Morrow. Touring his latest album “Vagrants and Kings” Finally, the campus’ most highly anticipated concert of the year is within 383-1461 with the single “He Carries Me,” Morrow is working his way up through Who’s Bad? — Cannery Ballroom reach. Jay-Z is one of the premier stars in the hip-hop game today and will the ranks of the country scene. Having co-written with legend Radney Just up a short fl ight of stairs from the Long Players is another tribute show, be considered one of the genre’s greatest artists for years to come. With an EXIT/IN Foster on “Lord You Devil,” Morrow is in good company and at a great this one to the legendary Michael Jackson. Self-described as THE ultimate array of hits to choose from since his debut album “Reasonable Doubt” to this 2208 Elliston Place 37203 venue playing at the Exit/In. Michael Jackson tribute band, Who’s Bad “is an infectious party production year’s “The Blueprint 3,” Hova will shock and awe the crowd for the duration 321-3340 ($10, time not listed, 2208 Elliston Place) that takes audiences on a musical expedition spanning three decades of the concert. Though he doesn’t really need it, supporting him will be the of Michael Jackson’s chart-cresting music. From ‘ABC’ to ‘You Rock My STATION INN talented Wale and J. Cole. Somehow tickets are still available for the show World’ no is forgotten in this electrifying revival of Pop Music’s Royal – 402 12th Ave. South 37203 of all shows. More from the country world, but this time with a defi nitive rock twist. Highness.” Though the band formed in 2004, they have never been more 255-3307 ($40 student tickets, doors at 7 p.m., Memorial Gym) Touring his latest MCA Nashville released record “Living Hard,” Gary timely. Take a chance and moonwalk the night away. ($15, 9 p.m., 1 Cannery Row) THE BASEMENT Allan says “the most important thing is that what I do is authentic.” Skid Row and L.A. Guns – Wildhorse Saloon 1604 Eighth Ave. South 37203 His hit “Best I Ever Had” could cross radio genres from country to rock. Hard rock band Skid Row will play at the Wildhorse with the L.A. Guns, a Frontiers — 2nd Avenue Live 254-1604 Allan will grace the stage at the Ryman for the fi rst time, in a rare classic rock band that’s been touring for over 20 years. Skid Row is deadly by Don’t stop believing … in the power of Journey. Journey tribute band hometown Nashville show. themselves, but this combination will be vicious. The Guns have the long hair, Frontiers returns to Nashville tonight for a show chock-full of wailing F. SCOTT’S RESTAURANT AND ($29.50-$49.50, 7:30 p.m., 116 5th Ave. N.) makeup look of old school rockers. Fortunately they have the chops to back it solos and epic, loud, sing-a-long choruses. As far as tribute bands go, they JAZZ BAR as well, as Phil Lewis wails away on vocals and Steve Riley bashes the drums. 2210 Crestmoor Road 37215 don’t get any more legitimate or “real” than this. Not only has Journey 269-5861 Thad Cockrell with The Civil Wars – Cannery Ballroom ($20 - $65, 7:30 p.m., 120 2nd Ave. N.) themselves praised Frontiers’ playing, but the vocalist Jeremey Hunsicker With the new release of “To Be Loved” (Oct. 13), Thad Cockrell hits actually recorded and toured with Journey in 2007, helping record their SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY stages all over the south from Arkansas to North Carolina and our Langhorne Slim – The Basement platinum CD/DVD set “Revealation.” If you weren’t able to see Journey CENTER home Nashville. Cockrell’s country rock is without the twang usually On tour promoting his latest album “Be Set Free,” Langhorne Slim hits The when they rolled through Nashville this summer, this is a fantastic second 1 Symphony Place 37201 associated with the genre and is focused more on sound rather than Basement with a unique blend of classic folk rock and soul. He sings with chance. 687-6500 attitude. “Pride (Won’t Get Us Where We’re Going)” is a good example loose adherence the rhythm with a strong voice and smart lyrics. Keyboards, ($8, 8 p.m., 154 2nd Ave. N.) of his songwriting at its best. Check it out on MySpace. acoustic guitar and a walking jazz bass all contribute to the sporadic sound. 3RD AND LINDSLEY ($10 advance, $12 day of show, 9 p.m., 1 Cannery Ballroom) Slim has a James Blunt like voice minus the pop heavy sound. To get a sample Bella Morte¬ — The Rutledge 818 Third Ave. South 37210 of the sound, start with the tasteful “I love you, but goodbye.” Alternative/ band Bella Morte take the stage at The Rutledge 259-9891 Jompson Brothers Band with Deep Vibrations – The ($10, 9 p.m., 1604 8th Ave. S.) tonight, bringing their driving sound back to Nashville. Founded in 1996 in Basement Charlottesville, Va., Bella Morte incorporates elements of industrial music, CAFE COCO 210 Louise Ave. 37203 Small time Nashville group the Jompson Brothers Band plays The Kenny and Amanda Smith Band – The Station Inn , gothic rock and metal. Over the course of the last 13 years, the On their latest CD, “Tell Someone,” this acclaimed bluegrass duo are “going 321-2626 Basement this Thursday night. With a classic rock sound fused with soul, band has experienced numerous lineup and stylistic changes, losing member the band rocks out hard. Accompanying them will be a similar band in back to their homegrown Southern Gospel roots.” Though not the strictly traditional act that the Station Inn usually brings in, the variety is the spice of life. Listen for classic after member while continuing to lean towards a more mainstream sound. The Deep Vibration. like “Oklahoma City Woman ” show church hymns that the duo sang growing up mixed with original compositions in a Currently, the band is on tour with and Versailles. good vocal range and raw guitar. bluegrass/gospel style. ($10, 9 p.m., 410 4th Ave. S.) ($5, 9 p.m., 1604 8th Ave. S.) ($10, 9 p.m., 402 12th Ave. S.) IN THIS ISSUE Versus Bits & Pieces NOVEMBER 11—NOVEMBER 17, 2009 VOL. 47, NO. 25 • Star crossed, 2 2 • Overheard at Vanderbilt, 2 Versus FROM THE EDITOR • Words to live by in 17 syllables, 2 Magazine EDITORIAL BOARD Entertainment • Building character, 4 Editor-in-Chief • The decade wrap up continues, 4 Courtney Rogers • “Valentine’s Day” preview, 4 Opinion Editor Music Ryan Sullivan 4 • Catching up with Brett Dennen, 6 Life Editor • What happened to ? Selling out Avery Spofford with slankets, 6 •J Cole Q&A, 7 Culture Editor Holly Meehl Dear Readers, Entertainment Editor Culture, Fashion Charlie As college students, we are often subject to many • Beer, bourbon, BBQ, yes please, 3 Kesslering stereotypes adults unfairly heap onto us at family • Free burritos, hooray! 3 gatherings. They chuckle to themselves as they ask us how • Pre-loved clothing for recessionistas, 8 Music Editors we’re surviving off Ramen and cold pizza or how those Zac Hunter grueling art history classes are going. I don’t know about 8 Chris McDonald you, readers, but I’m sick of the condescension and I think Feature it’s time to take a stand. Maybe I will never be able to fully • Re-do your room, 9 Fashion Editor defend my major and I don’t think I’ll ever give up Ramen Nikky Okoro as a last resort after a long production night. But I’ve decided that I am on a one Vandy girl crusade to spread the joy of having an awesome room. No one expects college students to have a clean room, let alone a room with any cohesive sense of decor. What PIC OF THE WEEK Art Director they expect is a room like the one my twin brother lived Matt Radford in last year where the fl oor was indeed one big shelf and where textbooks were sucked into a haz-mat black hole and Designers would only re-emerge at the end of the spring semester. Irene Hukkelhoven But it doesn’t have to be like that, and even if you live on Kat Miller the messier side, there are some easy, inexpensive things that you can do to add your personality to the blank walls Marketing Director of campus housing. George Fischer Don’t believe me? Well, prepare to readjust your thinking because on page 9, we have all the details on where to Advertising Manager shop, a real-life room makeover, and the rooms of Vandy Carolyn Fisher students who have taken a fun approach to dorm decor. Apart from moonlighting as interior decorators, our VSC Director staff has been busy this week interviewing the likes of Chris Carroll Brett Dennen and J. Cole, bringing you the scoop on the Chipotle grand opening, and showcasing the fashionable Assistant VSC students of Vandy. Even if you don’t have time for a full Directors room overhaul, I hope you get a few ideas for your own Jeff Breaux space. Sometimes it’s as easy as adding a mint plant or Paige Clancy your state fl ag to make your room feel a little more like home. Journalism Fellow Erin Prah Later Alligator, Courtney Rogers OLIVER WOLFE/Versus Magazine BITS & PIECES HAIKUS Words to live by There are two things that make a room timeless: a sense of history in seventeen syllables and a piece of the future. — Charlotte Moss I hear WALL*E is Opening for Jay-Z. Where Is Eve at, yo?

Even if you’re not H ROSCOPES Happy that the Yankees won, VIRGO 8/23-9/22: So you have 99 problems. Hey, at least a bitch ain’t one of them. At least “Glee” is back.

LIBRA 9/23-10/22: Give someone a compliment today. But make sure it’s insincere.

SCORPIO 10/23-11/21: It’s our last tailgate Saturday, go BIG or go HOME! OVERHEARD SAGITTARIUS 11/22-12/21: Jay-Z will rap about you on stage Some people on this campus just don’t think before Friday. You’re the girl that “everyone rides like a bus route.” they speak. Sometimes we are lucky enough to overhear what they say. CAPRICORN 12/22-1/19: Stop trying to make fetch happen. Compiled from the group “Overheard at Vanderbilt”

AQUARIUS 1/20-2/18: You’ve got some dirt on your shoulders. Guy 1: You know what I hate? Fluff on tests. Guy 2: What? Guy 1: You know, like you’re reading a text PISCES 2/19-3/20: No, we’re not in Rome. But do as the Romans do. book and there’s all this fluff and then they put the fluff on the test. Guy 2: Yeah, f*** fluff. ARIES 3/21-4/19: Ew, don’t wear your hair that way. Terrible decision. Girl : I just found out today how awesome Friday night was. TAURUS 4/20-5/20: It’s the week to try new things. Like sushi. Or a new Randwich. Girl at party: Guys if i take to long in the bathroom, its because i dont know how GEMINI 5/21-6/21: When life gives you lemons, eat them. Lemons are meant to be eaten. to get my pants on and off.

Girl 1: I was under the impression that it didn’t CANCER 6/22-7/22: Avoid sudden movements. get cold here. Weren’t you under the impression that it didn’t get cold here? You know what I need? An Ugg suit. LEO 7/23-8/22: You know that sound you make when you cough in Girl 2: class that sounds like you are about to lose a lung? That means stay at That would be frickin AWESOME. home. PHOTOS: ickr.com Versus • November 11—November 17, 2009 • 3 culture Watch out Qdoba, Beer, bourbon, BBQ here comes Chipotle and five-foot bellies joe aguirre green mindset is also reflected to score mad burrito swag zac hunter beer, festival-goers could ride a afternoon and the deception Staff Writer in their food. The meats in for free during the grand Music Editor mechanical bull (this of course that we were entitled to free all Southeast locations are opening activities. Check out got funnier and funnier as the BBQ tastings as well, which When I arrived at the new naturally raised and cooked this student-friendly hotspot Walking into the Nashville day went on) or watch/participate we were not. However, the Chipotle Mexican Grill on to order in zesty spices. All and indulge yourself with Municipal Auditorium basement in the beer belly competition. latter turned out OK as it just West End, the first company Chipotle restaurants are spicy Southwest flavors.  to attend the Beer, Bourbon and The winner of said competition encouraged us to take more location in Tennessee, the place corporately owned to maintain BBQ Festival with four other boasted a belly 5 feet even in advantage of what was free. was bustling. Training was in consistency and the food Chipotle Grand Opening friends, we felt like kids in a girth. You had to be there to To the great failure of Pre-opening party: progress and I watched teams generally meets these high candy shop — only this candy believe it, and even the Daisy the Vanderbilt community, • Wednesday, Nov. 11, 11 of new employees steaming standards. a.m.-7 p.m. had a little bit more kick to it Duke girls had to measure it there was an unfortunate rice. The manager instructed Unfortunately for Vandy • Free food and soft drinks than your average warhead. For twice. There were also numerous turn out of students. Versus his cooks on the perfect time students, Chipotle is not on the only $35, we scored VIP passes drinking chants of “Ole, ole, highlighted this event in the to add cilantro to ensure the Card … yet. However, Dickerson Grand opening: that allowed us a gluttonous ole, ole,” toward the end of the listings of last week’s issue, herb wasn’t over-browned. is meeting with Camp Howard, • Friday, Nov. 13, 11 a.m.-10 afternoon of six hours of all we day. Additional drinking songs again unveiling a hidden p.m. This careful attention to detail director of student dining, in • The first 100 customers to buy could drink beer and bourbon. were really needed, but no one gem of Nashvegas. Next time was standard during the an effort to get on the Card for a burrito after 3 p.m. receive a With choices of 60 beers, 40 seemed to be able to think of you hear of a Beer, Bourbon preparations I observed leading next semester. I asked Dickerson Chipotle T-shirt and a free burrito bourbons and an array of BBQ one. (I wonder why?) and BBQ festival, or anything up to Friday’s Grand Opening. if he thought Chipotle would card for a future visit. in the middle, the festival had The only two knocks on that resembles it, grab a There to give me a tour challenge Qdoba for the post- • Enter to win free burritos for a everything a college boy or girl the experience were the ticket, your ID and a tasting year. was Ryan Dickerson, a self- party market and stay open all could dream of. Everything indoor location on such a glass for an afternoon of described “Marketing Guy.” night. He told me that from top-shelf Maker’s Mark beautiful Nashville Saturday grown-up fun.  In charge of promotions for their hours would initially and Knob Creek to the to the Chipotle’s Southeast locations, be from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. less tasteful Miller Chill and Dickerson led me through the every day, but that they were MGD 64 made the cut. kitchen and storage rooms of open to extending hours Surprisingly, the event was the restaurant. With clean lines to 2 a.m. if demand was packed right from the beginning. of corrugated steel and a vibrant apparent. Dickerson was The VIP passes gave us an extra red paint scheme, the interior is clear that the restaurant two hours of tasting (starting at pleasing to the eye. This decor wants to cater to students noon instead of 2 p.m.) as well as conveys the company ethic, as much as possible and is a free XXL t-shirt (score!) and a an unflagging commitment open to any feedback. tasting glass. The extra two hours to environmentally friendly The opening of this seemed to attract a lot of people materials. All of the sheetrock restaurant enriches the and, from what I could tell, most and decorative metal is already vibrant culinary stayed until the close at 6. recycled, and the lights and scene along West End In between responsible swigs faucets in the bathrooms are Avenue. Beyond all that, of fine bourbon washed down motion sensitive. Chipotle’s this week is a great time www.ucityphila.org with the ever-refreshing cold www.beerandbourbon.com Cafe Nonna serves up an authentic taste of Italy lauren margolis Staff Writer short strip of restaurants and stores with herb-infused oil for dipping. Fresh to mention that I could have eaten the includes some type of organic market, bread and oil already deserves points in sauce by itself: It’s the kind you will “It’s the only good Italian place a taco stand vastly inferior to SATCO my book. Browsing through the menu absolutely use that leftover bread to in Nashville,” my friend said about and some strange go-green clothing/ was like a trip through Italy-— calamari, soak up every last drop. I tackled as Cafe Nonna. Coming from him, the accessory shops. But tucked between bruschetta, pasta, pizza, seafood, much of the portion as my stomach descendent of a true Long Island these odd commodities sits Cafe lasagna ... the descriptions alone made could handle and had the waiter wrap Italian family, that’s a bold statement. Nonna, and perhaps you’ll recognize my mouth water. After some serious up the rest. One thing’s for sure, you What about Mafioso’s, Maggiano’s, its more famous neighbor, The Park pondering, I decided to go with the won’t leave Cafe Nonna hungry. Amerigo and all those other big name Cafe. lunch special: a build your own pasta If you go for dinner, be sure to try Italian joints you take your family to Despite its surroundings, I put my dish. Choose from rigatoni, penne, their mussels steamed in garlic and for freshman year parent’s weekend? judgments aside as we pulled into fettuccini or spinach gnocchi and then white wine or the veal scaloppini “Nope,” he insisted, “they’re not the one of the four parking spots out one of Cafe Nonna’s famous sauces pan-seared and served with creamy real deal. And trust me, I know Italian front. I stepped inside the little place such as Bolognese with marinara and Marsala sauce. There really is nothing food.” and felt as if I had been transported ground beef or basilica with tomato, missing from this menu, or restaurant, So when my co-worker suggested to a traditional Italian cafe in rural basil and white wine. I went for the except perhaps an actual Italian that we go to Cafe Nonna for lunch Tuscany. The restaurant’s one room rigatoni-basilica combination and grandmother cooking in the back. one day, I jumped at the opportunity. is filled with wooden tables and inside by smelling the enticing aromas added scallops to the dish for an extra After my Cafe Nonna experience, As we drove up to the restaurant, benches, and the walls are painted of garlic and basil. People of all sorts $6. My bowl of comfort arrived shortly, I have to back my friend up on this I have to admit I was surprised by in rustic shades of the colors of the seem to frequent Cafe Nonna — when and as to be expected in any good one as the best Italian in Nashville. It’s its location in Sylvan Park. If you’ve Italian flag. Decorative vines line the I arrived, everyone from businessmen Italian restaurant, it was enormous. going to make appreciating Tortellini never been to Sylvan Park, don’t go walls and soft lighting gives it a really to couples to young kids were enjoying Steam rose off the pasta and sauce, Tuesday that much harder.  running there anytime soon. This romantic feel. Read: ideal date spot. their lunches. One of three waiters swirling up to my nose and letting me Nashville neighborhood is filled with The waiters lounge behind the greeted us warmly at the door and taste the tomatoes and garlic before I Cafe Nonna road after road of nearly identical bar and dash into the kitchen, which told us to pick our seat of choice. She even had my first bite. The pasta was 4427 Murphy Rd looking houses, with streets named customers can get a peek at, but can handed us our menus and put down a cooked perfectly al dente, and the (615) 463-0133 after almost all 50 states. The one get a better idea of what’s happening basket of freshly baked focaccia bread scallops were tender and flavorful. Not http://www.cafenonna.com/

The Department of Psychology at Vanderbilt University is looking for subjects to participate in research studies. You will be compensated for your time. Studies examine aspects of cognition, emotion and brain functioning. To find out more about participating in studies, see http://vanderbilt.sona-systems.com/ InsideVandy.com

Write For Versus! Weekly meeting at 6 p.m. Sarratt 130 4 • November 11—November 17, 2009 • Versus entertainment

One personality can make a show worth CHARACTER COUNTS! watching. These three’s manage to do just that. Barney Stinson shows ‘Your Mother’ the love

Grant Darwin Stinson perfectly contrasts Jason Segal’s (“Forgetting Sarah Staff Writer Marshall”) terminally whipped Marshall Eriksen and Josh The oversexed, well-dressed, witty yuppie that is Barney Rander’s hopeless romantic . The three together, Stinson may be perhaps the most hilarious character on TV. along with their female cohorts Lily and Robin (Allison Played by Neil Patrick Harris (of “Doogie Howser, M.D.” and Hannigan and ) provide an interesting “Harold and Kumar” fame), he delights audiences on CBS’s commentary on five very different, but decidedly modern 30- sitcom “.” somethings in Manhattan. Stinson embodies a comedic flamboyance built on Moreover, Stinson’s love of sex and suits is only exceeded extreme bachelorism and a never-ending supply of quick by his love of himself, leading to a slew of very quotable quips inspired by sexism, partying and womanizing. Absurd one-liners. Barney remarks about his first sexual experience gentleman’s bets, ridiculous theories on women and life, and in Season 3: “That was the night I was born. I rose like a a penchant for the perfectly timed high five (“What up!”) phoenix from her mentholated bosom and strode into the ensures that the laughs never stop. In season one, Barney world, Armani-clad and fully awesome.” discusses his Halloween costume strategy: “Every Halloween, A brilliant blend of excessive male chauvinism and self- I bring a spare costume, in case I strike out with the hottest appreciation coupled with a flair for absurd commentary, girl at the party. That way, I have a second chance to make a Barney Stinson is one of my favorite, and one of the most first impression.” entertaining, characters on TV today.  411mania.com Ari Gold stands out among his ‘Entourage’

Matt Shelton cleverer manner. Ari is a verbal time bomb, waiting to go off Staff Writer at any minute on his unsuspecting prey. This suspense adds an element of excitement to any scene he’s in. “Entourage” has survived its slow-writing decay because But beyond his verbal prowess is a genuinely lovable guy. of the one character that carries the show, that over-the-top Ari is an asshole only to get what he wants for the people he master of misogyny, Ari Gold. likes. His pre-school playground crush method (treating the A “has it all” talent agent, he doesn’t even have a modicum people that he actually likes horribly) lets the audience know of self-restraint and constantly throws one-liners out of he’s a real person. “Let’s hug it out bitch” is now a common nowhere that induce side-splitting laughter. He typifies the phrase thrown around after frat-fights, an ode to the Gold. Hollywood agent: dapper, untouchable and charismatic. He is the perfect combination of evil on the outside, pure His tirades are legendary, spitting wholly un-PC comments on the inside and clever throughout. As he once said to his around like nails to his abused assistant, wife and anyone assistant after his assistant asked for him to promise not to else brave enough to step into his general vicinity while he’s call him anymore derragatory names, “I can’t swear to that, heated. but I promise I’ll always apologize.” What makes his comments so epic is the validity of them. Jeremy Piven has set the gold standard for anyone looking filmindustry.com Ari says what everyone else is thinking, but out loud and in a to create character in the movie industry.  Tracy Jordan gives show a comedic ‘Rock’ alex goldberg and he frequently asks Kenneth (the page) to do favors for Staff Writer him, like getting nachos from Yankees Stadium in the middle of the offseason. Tracy Jordan is unlike anyone the average person might When we first see Tracy on the show, he is running down meet on the street, and his ridiculous character is part of the highway in between moving cars in his underwear what makes people love “30 Rock.” holding a toy light saber shouting, “I am a Jedi!” After a Tracy Jordan is the leading male actor on the series “The tabloid publishes a story on him being normal, he draws Girlie Show” (which was later named “TGS with Tracy tattoos all over his face in washable marker and walks into Jordan” once he joined the cast). He was cast for the show in a Starbucks backwards while doing the robot, just to prove order to boost ratings after his success in major movies like them otherwise. “Who Dat Ninja?” and “Death Bank.” Everything Tracy says or does is witty or completely His career also includes making records, the most popular random, so he always brings in the laughs. Tracy Jordan is being “Werewolf Bar Mitzvah.” He surrounds himself with the kind of person we all want to meet on the street or have his entourage of Grizz and DotCom, who are always there to a class with, but watching him on NBC once a week will just remind him which elevator in “30 Rock” he is not afraid of, have to suffice.  tvfanatic.com A DECADE OF FILM PREVIEW REVIEW Ben Ries continues his (pre-emptive) look back with the best of the worst ‘Valentine’s Day’ the Year 3000” (2000), which Worst of all is the dialogue, American adaptations). Benjamin Ries Matt shelton actually beat out “Gigli” which contains memorable The movie feels like a bad Staff Writer Staff Writer with seven Razzie wins, clunkers like “Your mother first-draft of “The Ring” From 1988 to 1999 the including Worst Onscreen gave it to me before she (2002) — it has virtually As one of the gods of Romantic comedies, when Garry comedy series “Mystery Couple for John Travolta died” and the constant use the same plot but none of Marshall has a new film on the horizon, women everywhere Science Theatre 3000” and “anyone sharing the of the cringe-worthy term the scares. The actors, led drag their boyfriends to the nearest multiplex for two hours rescued many of the screen with him.” “Over- “man-animal.” by Shannyn Sossamon and of pure male torture. worst movies of all time Edward Burns, look bored As the director of “Pretty Woman,” “Runaway Bride,” from oblivion. The show’s even as their characters face “Princess Diaries” and the creator of “Happy Days,” Marshall’s characters cracked jokes impending doom. The result works tend to draw not only a crowd, but big names. Enter from the front row of a is an inept ghost film that stage left, “Valentine’s Day,” the quintessential romantic movie theatre at the abysmal produces far more chuckles comedy telling the story of multiple relationships and the films playing in front of than shocks. knot they tangled themselves into. This is “Love Actually” them. Infamous disasters The grand prize, though, to the max. The most shocking aspect of this LA-based Ro- like “Santa Claus Conquers goes to “The Wicker Man” Co is the star-studded cast with more A’s than an Ingram the Martians” (1964) and (2006), easily the funniest Scholar. Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Bradley Cooper, Jamie “Manos, the Hands of Fate” non-comedy of the decade. Foxx, Jennifer Garner, Topher Grace, Anne Hathaway, Ashton (1966) became hilarious Director Neil LaBute’s Kutcher, Emma Roberts and Julia Roberts and more make an trademarks of the “so-bad- movie consists of Nicholas appearance in “Valentine’s Day.” it’s-good” genre, developing Cage frantically running Though the genre is rather linear in nature, the clever dedicated followings. around an island, sometimes humor and interesting 20-somethings keep it entertaining, The double-ohs produced in a bear suit, for about an even when you know in the back of your mind that “love plenty of bad movies — take hour and a half. Along the prevails.”  the Eddie Murphy sci-fi way he threatens, punches romp “The Adventures of and ninja-kicks defenseless Pluto Nash” (2002), which women and children. The according to some sources “highlight” occurs when earned back less than 5 Cage hollers “How’d it get percent of its $100 million burned?” four times in a budget. The awfulness now classic sequence of of “Gigli” (2003) made hysterical overacting. The headlines, and the movie one-dimensional storyline swept the Razzie Awards, revolves entirely around “winning” six top prizes a frustratingly obvious including Worst Picture. mystery — there’s even a Unfortunately, bad moment in the film where movies are typically some a character utters, “I didn’t combination of boring, even know you had a plot.” bland, repulsive and Wicker man/the-trades.com Most bad films make for depressing; for better or for Helplessly confused, Cage sprints from the wreckage of his career. miserable movie-going worse, the double-ohs are experiences, but “Battlefield responsible for only a few the-top” applies nicely to “One Missed Call” (2008) Earth,” “One Missed Call” classics of unintentional every aspect of the film, from is perhaps the worst entry and “The Wicker Man” are comedy. Travolta’s exaggerated acting in the ongoing string of wonderfully entertaining valentine’s day movie/slash film A perfect example is performance to the hideous J-horror films (Japanese when viewed from the right “Battlefield Earth: A Saga of makeup and the slimy sets. horror flicks and their perspective.  Love at first flight? Cooper and Roberts hit the skys in “Valentine’s.” Versus • November 11—November 17, 2009 • 5

2323 Elliston Place 329-8600 NOW OPEN! • Pizza by the slice • Dine in, Carryout and Delivery Available 6 • November 11—November 17, 2009 • Versus

TODAY THURSDAY, NOV. 12 FRIDAY, NOV. 13 Tonight Nashville plays host to the Catch Cory Morrow, a rising H to the Izzo, V to the Izzay. That’s Awards at the star in the country world, at the right, get your damn hands up, MUSIC Sommet Center. As the center of famous Exit/In. Morrow is tour- Jay-Z is coming to our very own the country world, we are always ing his latest album “Vagrants and Memorial Gym. For those who “Ninety-nine percent of the world’s graced with this privelege and as Kings” with the single “He Carries haven’t seen him before, expect the one of the few award shows where Me,” and has even co-written with world. He usually delivers. Not that lovers are not with their fi rst choice. fans can actually buy tickets, it truly legend of the genre, . you need any more reason to go, That’s what makes the jukebox play.” is a privlege for Country Music This should be a very fun show with but Wale and J. Cole will also be

–Willie Nelson SETLIST fans. Tickets are a fortune starting at tickets at just $10. Show’s at 8. there. Student tickets are $40 with $110. Start time is 7 p.m. doors opening at 7 p.m. Brett Dennen brings Latest at Cannery Ballroom 'Hope for the The Whigs turn moe. jams hard Hopeless' to Exit/In up the volume through hits a lot of work, and sometimes PATRICK MCBRIDE COURTNEY ROGERS ZAC HUNTER it’s really easy. It always comes Staff Writer Editor-in-Chief Music Editor from a moment of feeling really Brett Dennen, an up-and- inspired, though, like a moment Thursday night, the Cannery Ballroom was rocking out Five minutes before show time, the line for the ticket coming singer-songwriter, like you’re talking about, like with the garage band sound of The Whigs. Accompanied of ce at the Cannery Ballroom was probably over 100 has won attention you’re receiving, but then it by opening acts including The Dead Trees and local people long — a 30-minute wait to get your $26 ticket worldwide for his mix of always ends with me actually band The Features, The Whigs made sure everyone was to see an evening with moe., one of the prog-rock soulful, mellow jams, world putting some work into it. on their feet, bouncing to the music and wondering if scene’s elite bands. Evidenced by the crowd in line, grooves and poignant lyrics their ears would ever recover from sound overdose. moe. sports a unique and diverse fan base including (think Bob Dylan, Paul VM: What’s different about Seeing The Whigs is a perennially fun experience for everyone from standard Vandy frat-boys to the die-hard Simon and Jack Johnson “” me for many reasons. First of all, I don’t think I ever feel “moe-rons” who’ve seen the group performed dozens combined). The rst stop compared to your other albums? cooler than when I walk up to the ticket salesperson of times. There’s a reason why this band, more so then of the American leg of his BD: Well, I think this is a and get to say, “I’m on the band’s guest list.” This time, their peers, appeals to so many. "Hope for the Hopeless" lot more time put into just I even saw my name on the list before they crossed it moe. is a traditional modern prog-rock band in their tour will be Nashville on working on the arrangements off — I felt so legit. composition (two usually dueling , bass, drums Nov. 13. Staff writer Patrick of the songs, you know, and Ego boosts aside, the and percussionist) and McBride caught up with the instrumentation and the show was a great success. style. The band plays him between shows on his collection of musicians playing I missed The Dead Trees, complex, classically European tour. together — really just trying to but was able to catch part in uenced guitar riffs give it a smooth, well-rehearsed, of The Features’ set. They that jam there way into Versus Magazine: Generally, produced sound. And in terms de nitely had a strong 15-minute break downs. what would you say you strive of the writing, I think I spent fan base in the crowd, But despite the mid- to achieve in your music? a lot more time really trying to evidenced by people song time changes that Brett Dennen: Well, I try simplify the song writing, just around me yelling out all would ordinarily make to feel good, and I try to to get to the point of things the words to each song it hard to dance, moe. make other people feel good, quicker, where I think the and jumping around in does an excellent job of you know? I try to be in the other albums are a little more wild dance moves. Their staying on track with the moment and try to have a lot loose and a little more raw and sound was a little lighter songs people know, and of fun because if I’m having maybe a little more open or a and more country than The between the three front a lot of fun while I’m singing little less arranged. Whigs, a good compliment men, belt out catchy and playing, that shows and to a band that took loud to lyrics that allow for sing- it makes the other people feel VM: What are your thoughts a whole new level. alongs from the crowd. good. I mean, it’s pretty much about performing with Grace The Whigs played a set Sunday night featured just as simple as that, you know. Potter and the Nocturnals? that spanned all of their fan favorites of this nature, I just want to make people feel BD: Oh, I think it’s going to records, including their such as “Nebraska,” good. be incredible. She’s amazing. newest one, “In the Dark,” “Not Coming Down” Her band is really tight, and I set to be released sometime and “Okayalright.” In VM: When you’re making think it’s a good match for the early next year. They didn’t the rst set, the band music, do you sit down and fans — you know, her fans and deny us favorites such as transitioned seamlessly write out a song or do you feel my fans. A lot this year I’ve been “Like a Vibration” and between the heavy like a song nds you? Or is it a touring with bands that are “Half the World Away,” but hitting “Crab Eyes” mixture of both? other singer- that also mixed it up with some to “Funky Reuben” BD: De nitely, it’s both. I have been more mellow, and new exciting tracks from and back again. Such think for a song to really nd it’s been great. But I’m ready to “In the Dark.” “Someone’s roundabout ways to start you, to, like, receive a song, I have a band open for us that’s Daughter” had a great beat and end songs excite think, you have to be in a state rocking, you know. And she’s but my standout favorite is the crowd enormously I really can’t get to. I think you about as rocking as it gets. By “Black Lotus.” The latter whenever the music have to be in a real meditative the time I walk out on stage, was promised to me in the drops back into state or something like that, and everybody’s gonna be all jazzed interview with Tim Deaux, bighassle.com; legends.appstate.edu something recognizable. I’m not really good at getting and ready to go, so I think it’s which needless to say inspired feverish celebration on The second set began with “Rebubula” which there. De nitely in the moment going to be rad.  my part. And you all thought we were joking about The transitioned into the aforementioned “Not Coming of inspiration I’m there, but Whigs serenading me. Down” and “Okayalright,” continuing on for another that doesn’t all come through —Brett Dennen will play at Re ecting back, the issue with noise was really my two songs before reverting back to the set opener. in a nished form. I have to the Cannery Ballroom Friday, only qualm with the show itself. Maybe the acoustics Only once did moe. pause during the second set. take that inspiration and try Nov. 13 with Grace Potter were different at Exit/In or maybe I blocked out how Perhaps most impressive about their live and write different things and and the Nocturnals. The show loud it actually was last year, but I found myself wishing performances is not only the precision with which all see what impresses me or see starts at 8:30 p.m. and tickets that someone would turn down the volume just a tad good progressive rock bands play, but the seemingly what feels good or sounds good are $20 advance and $22 day during some of the intense guitar solos. equal talent of everyone in the band. Both guitarists to me or not. Sometimes it takes of the show. Sadly, I did not get to meet the band; there were and bassist sing well. In addition, the effects are too many cool cats backstage already. awesome. Talk boxes, heavy delays and badass lights Bummer, but I guess that means they’ll just have to all render the live show a true spectacle, and while it come back to Nashville soon so I can nally meet this feels (and is) well rehearsed, it maintains its organic, elusive band of rockers once and for all.  live feel. 

A letter to Weezer: Just stop it. CHRIS MCDONALD place and sounded a bit peculiar, but own brand of the Snuggie. Really? A Music Editor the music was great! Driving guitars Snuggie? Maybe you should have spent and big, screaming solos coupled with more time doing something productive. Dear Weezer, straining vocals delivered to the dime. Something like, oh, I don’t know … Stop it. Seriously, just stop. There is And the lyrics — oh, the lyrics. A bit writing quality songs? something to be said for quirkiness, for strange, sure, but as catchy and unique But nope! And next I heard, you awkwardness, for just being strange … as they came. were collaborating with Lil Wayne. provided that it can be backed up. Then came the travesty that was And Rainn Wilson (Dwight from You see, that was precisely what was “Make Believe.” God, after the “Blue "The Of ce") named your album great about the old Weezer. You were Album” and “Pinkerton,” this album “.” And Jermaine Dupri was odd, unusual and awkward, but damn, made me want to vomit. And plug my co-writing. The same Jermaine Dupri were you good. Sure, you looked out of ears. I mean, it was terrible. “Beverly who produces and writes with artists Hills”? “We Are All On Drugs”? like Bow Wow, Kriss Kross, Destiny’s Some of the worst singles of Child and more. And Dr. Luke, who has burlingtonfreepress.com the year. The only redeeming produced albums for Kelly Clarkson, song off the album was “Perfect Britney Spears and Avril Lavigne was Situation.” lending his creative direction. Recipe When I heard you were for disaster? Absolutely. NEW RELEASES putting out a new album last And on Nov. 3, you released that THIS WEEK'S LATEST ALBUMS year, I had little faith in the atrocity. And you had the audacity effort. And sure enough, the to package it with your personal line BON JOVI, “The Circle” “Red Album” was completely of Snuggies? Shame on you, Weezer. underwhelming. Sure, there With lyrics that boast of rolling up to WYCLEF JEAN, “From The Hut To The Projects were some redeeming songs the clubs and popping bottles of Gray To The Mansion [EP]” (in particular the delightfully Goose, the album became a bastion of SWITCHFOOT, “Hello Hurricane” epic “The Greatest Man That worthlessness. And then you recorded Ever Lived”), but in general a live session with Kenny G. Kenny G? DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL, “After The it was a collection of pithy, You of cially reached an all time low. Ending” meaningless songs that failed to Rivers, you allowed one of the best leave even the slightest positive bands of the '90s to crash and burn. , “Midwinter Graces” impression. So please, Weezer, for the sake of us Just when I thought you had all, just stop it. Enough is enough. Let * Indicates that the album will be reviewed in next week’s issue reached an all-time low, you did us cherish the memories of what you ** Reviewed in today’s issue blogs.suntimes.com it again. You started selling your once were.  Versus • November 11—November 17, 2009 • 7

Saturday, Nov. 14 Sunday, Nov. 15 Monday, Nov. 16 Tuesday, Nov. 17 For those still mourning the loss of the Come sail away and take the Anti-folk/alternative solo artist Folk artist A. A. Bondy returns to soundtrack King of Pop and who were feverishly short trip downtown Sunday Regina Spektor returns to the stage of the Mercy Lounge this expecting his return to the stage, night to see arena rockers Styx downtown Nashville on Monday evening along with folk-rock band you’ll have to settle for the Cannery and REO Speedwagon take evening for a concert at the historic Elvis Perkins in Deerland. Origi- to the issue Ballroom’s presentation of Who’s the stage at the Sommet Center. Ryman Auditorium. With a unique, nally the front man of alt-rock band Bad, the self proclaimed ultimate With millions of albums sold bluesy sound, Spektor has become Verbena, Bondy has completely Michael Jackson cover band. “Thrill- worldwide, these bands are sure well-known for her heartfelt live transformed his sound into some- er,” “Man in the Mirror” and “Billie to deliver one memorable night shows. Tickets start at just $24.50 thing like a gothic Bob Dylan. Jean” should all be included for a to all concert-goers. Tickets start for this 7:30 p.m. show. Doors open at 9, and tickets are price of $12 (advance). 9 p.m. at $39.50. just $10.

J. Cole's hard work pays We at Versus have excellent taste in music. Below, the editors share what tracks we’ve been spinning as we create off on tour with Hova the glory you’re holding in your hands. Jay-Z's protege and opening act for the concert on Friday, J. Cole, called Music Editor Zac Hunter on a busy day in Austin, Texas, to talk about working with the hip-hop icon, “Man is the baby” making a name for himself and his diminishing basketball skills. 1. Antone and the Johnsons Versus Magazine: You’re the first one signed to Jay-Z’s ROCNATION . That means that one of the greatest hip-hop artists to date wants to start his new project with you. What does it feel like to “Lights please” have that kind of support? 2. J. Cole J. Cole: Man, it’s a blessing. I feel lucky, but at the same time I know there was a lot of hard work involved in it. It's kind of like a good pressure, you know? I don’t want to let anybody down. It’s a lot of important people supporting the project. So I just want to reaffirm why they even “nebraska” believed in me in the first place. 3. moe. VM: Jay-Z is known to be a detail-oriented artist and business man with a hand in everything that goes on. How much is he involved in your recordings and performances and such? J. Cole: How do I describe it? He’s kind of like — you remember Go-Go Gadget? Remember that “San Francisco” dude that was always at the end? He was like the bad guy, you knew he was behind all the bad 4. Brett Dennen stuff but somehow you never actually got to see him. It's kind of like one of those situations. He gives me a lot of freedom but at the end of the day it all comes back to him, he’s got to OK everything. But he’s got a lot of faith in me so there’s not going to be too much conflict there. “a star is born” VM: How’s it been touring with him so far? 5. Jay-Z feat. J. Cole J. Cole: Man, it’s been ill. It’s a learning experience, really. I go on for my set to open up the show when the crowd is maybe half-empty. But then I get to come back out and watch his set and actually jump on his set to do “A Star is Born.” So it’s a lot of soaking up, learning, seeing what “heart of the city” things I could be doing that I’m not doing. Just learning every night. 6. Jay-Z feat. Black Street VM: You’re coming here to Vanderbilt on Friday night. Are you looking forward to coming back to the college scene? J. Cole: Yeah man, I am for real. That’s going to be a good one. That’s the last one, so you know its “glock nines” going to be a good one. 7. Ratatat with Beanie Sigel VM: You graduated Magna Cum Laude from St. Johns. That’s quite impressive. Not in a snobby way, but do you think that education separates you in the hip-hop world? J. Cole: Yeah, not in a snobby way at all. It’s more like that’s an experience I got that not a lot of “party hard” rappers got, so it gives me a different perspective. I don’t know, it was an important part of my Andrew W.K. life. It was fun. I learned a lot, met a lot of different types of people. It influenced me as a person, 8. so of course it’s going to influence me as an artist too. VM: When most people graduate college they go to work in an office or a lab or something like that. You “Black Lotus” went to work opening for Jay-Z. How’d that transition go? The Whigs J. Cole: Man, that was the hardest transition ever. I had to graduate, then I had to be broke for like 9. a year and a half, damn near two years, trying to get a deal and trying to get where I’m at now. It was a hard transition. But now that I’m finally here, it’s all good. I’m going with the flow. “September” VM: Now that you are there and there’s all of this hype and attention on you, how do you stay grounded? jcolemusic.com Earth, Wind and Fire J. Cole: You can’t buy into the hype, if there is any. You just gotta understand that you haven’t 10. done anything worth changing about. I know a lot of people are looking at me like, “Oh he’s on 'The Blueprint 3,' he’s doing it,” which is great. But at the same time I’m not satisfied. I’ve got bigger goals that I want to accomplish, so I understand my position, my place in the game and I don’t hold much weight. So I’m trying to get to a place where I do, and then maybe I’ll get comfortable. VM: Talking about your music, what differences can we expect from your mix-tape to what you’re doing now recording your first studio album? J. Cole: It’s like a whole different world going on. It’s a mix-tape because I was willing to let it go, let those songs go for the sake of promotion and getting my name out there, giving people some material to believe in. But the album stuff is things I would never in a million years let go and just throw out there. So if people like the mix-tape, they can assume that the album is just that. But it’s 10 times better. It's notches up from what was on the mix-tape. The quality of beats, quality of the rhymes and the concepts are on another level. VM: Can you see yourself collaborating with a female voice on the new album? J. Cole: Yeah, I do have a female voice that’s recurring on the album. Her name is Kim Fox. And one thing I like is that she is appearing on a few songs. It kind of gives you that album feel. I think it’s the little things that make the album cohecive, and that’s one of them. VM: Are there other musical influences in your music besides hip-hop? What are they? J. Cole: There’s a lot of soul in the album. There’s even some West Coast. How can I describe it? I think of the guitar on the Red Hot Chilli Pepper’s “Californication,” like guitar sprinkled in. That’s one of my favorite parts, just listening to the songs so far. That wasn’t my vision, but it just kind of happened. VM: I keep seeing pictures of you with a basketball. You play a lot? J. Cole: Yeah. I actually probably suck now though. I haven’t played in like a month and a half cause I’ve been on tour. But yeah, that’s my real first love. VM: We’re excited about you coming on Friday, anything else you want to add? J. Cole: Yeah, me too. Nah man, just Vanderbilt, it’s gonna be fun. 

J. Cole will join Jay-Z and Wale this Friday at Memorial Gymnasium. He has appeard on "The Blueprint 3," and mix-tapes "" and "," featuring songs like "A Star Is Born" and "Lights Please." Check out InsideVandy.com for more background and a review of "The Warm Up." Gianikas Property Management

Featuring many properties just minutes from campus! Blythewood Apts., Westwood II Apts., Avalon Condos, Acklen Park Condos, Parkridge Apts., Stonehenge Apts., Park Place & Poston West Call or email us to set up an appointment! 615-353-5852 309 White Bridge Rd. [email protected] 8 • November 11—November 17, 2009 • Versus FASHION

The Best Nashville Buys on a Budget NIKKY OKORO NABEELA AHMAD XIAOYU QI Fashion Editor Contributing Writer Contributing Writer There’s no such thrill like nding great clothing, especially there’s no limit to the various variety of thrift, consignment, learn more about the highlights, pros, cons and some great at great prices. Even better is the delight that comes with and vintage stores one can discover. This past weekend I, nds. With this, you can forget all about the ordinary, usual one-of-a-kind nds, such as those acquired during thrifting along with a pair of true shopping specialists, took the dive racks at the mall and be proud that you’ll be wearing much trips. When it comes to Nashville, you’d be surprised to nd into the world of Nashville budget shopping. Take a peek to more unique and distinctive attire than your peers. Thrift Store Consignment Store Vintage Store

www.nashvilleclothingxchange.com NIKKY OKORO / Versus Photo Sta www.google.com Usually a charity store full of “anything-goes,” second-hand items Usually has more gently used and current clothing pieces Usually has carefully selected clothing from specifi c time periods Store Highlight: Clothing Xchange in Hillsboro Village Store highlight: Pre to Post Modern off 8th Avenue Store highlight: Goodwill in Berry Hill Pros: Excellent selection of premium denim — fi nds Pros: Prime pieces that date back to decades full of Pros: Cheap! Heaps of Clothing! Pay by the pound! have included secondhand Marc Jacobs, J Brand and classic style. One-stop shop for date parties from roaring Cons: Be prepared to dig through the endless piles Seven Jeans. Plus it’s always a ton of fun to try on the ‘20s fl apper dresses to poodle skirts! of clothing and wait in somewhat long lines granny dresses to rock a style a la “Mad Men”! Cons: Can tend to be a bit more pricey. Best Find of the Day: Stunning Oscar de la Renta heels Best Find of the Day: Colorful belts, an old-school Cons: A smaller collection of clothes suitcase, as well as some major blazers for less than $20! Yes, they were real (made exclusively Best fi nd of the Day: A pair of Levi’s 524 Skinnys and for Saks 5th Avenue)! No, we’re not kidding. Tip: Turn long skirts into strapless dresses by adding an autumn-inspired print dress. Tip: Accessories are tucked away everywhere, so be sure a fun, colored belt. Tip: Check the guy’s racks for comfy and oversized cardigans. to look carefully.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE STYLE ICONS? STYLE SPOTTER: Millicent Rogers was a great icon who was known for her elegant and classic look. Also, my mom is because she has her own individual style. She’s not trendy, but rather eclectic and I think I noticed that while Elizabeth Eiland growing up. NIKKY OKORO MOST DISLIKED VANDY TREND? Fashion Editor People at Vandy, especially girls, are pretty well dressed everyday. However, for guys, I think critter shorts are a defi nite “no”! This week’s Style Spotter features junior Elizabeth Eiland, a true West Texas girl, who came poised and prepared for her interview in a pair IF YOUR CLOSET WAS BURNING AND YOU COULD ONLY of genuine Texan cowboy boots. Sporting both unique jewelry and an SAVE ONE ITEM, WHAT WOULD THAT BE? original ensemble, it’s no surprise that this English and Latin American Probably this belt I’m wearing because it holds signifi cance because Studies major represents the perfect Style Spotter pick. Eiland’s style both my mother and grandmother gave it to me as a gift. includes a great mix and splash of color, all while paying homage to her home state. Continue reading to learn more about her inspirations and AND LASTLY, IF YOU HAD TO DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE IN irreplaceable accessories. THREE WORDS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE? Southwest, eclectic and vintage-inspired. WHAT ARE YOU WEARING RIGHT NOW? Dress from Anthropologie, vintage Native American turqoise jewelry If you know of anyone that you think deserves to be in “Style Spotter,” and belt, BCBG jacket, and cowboy boots from Texas. nominate them through emailing [email protected]. NIKKY OKORO /Versus Magazine

Style “My style icon when it “I would say Leighton comes to formal wear is Meester is a style icon. She is Barack Obama. Unlike constantly in the media, is part Icons other politicians, Obama’s of a hit TV show and is known style is sharp and cool. for her trendy and fashion- SARAH RUSSELL He’s tall and slim, so he forward wardrobe. She is also Staff Writer wears suits that are tall close in age to college students, “Let’s go with Tom and fitted — jackets that so you know her fashion style Brady and let’s say it’s are too tight or big look will be well-received in this because he’s a man, awful. Most of the time age group. I also like Lauren he’s clean cut, but a his trousers are nicely Conrad’s style, because she rough, tough athlete. So hemmed, breaking just is more laid back. Her style basically he embodies above his shoes. And his proves to people that you can the all-American man. ties are always on point - be casual and fashionable at And he’s married to no one I’ve seen wears a the same time.” Gisele.” blue or red tie better.” —Nicole Kraus, Class of —Paul Manfuso, —Ravi Singh, Class of 2010 Class of 2010 2011 www.google.com www.google.com www.google.com

NIKKY OKORO / The Vanderbilt Hustler Versus • November 11—November 17, 2009 • 9 SPICE UP YOUR SPACE

courtney rogers Editor-in-Chief Before After You know it’s not good when the first word you use to describe someone’s room is clinical. To be fair, senior Alex Barry, the resident of this Towers single did not have all of his possessions at the beginning of the semester, but both of us agreed his room needed some serious decorating and we decided to prove once and for all that anyone can add personality to their room, no matter what the budget or design aesthetic. Quoted in Versus as “traditional” when it came to style, we stuck to a color palette of blues and reds for a room that is simple but personalized.

What we bought Target • Area Rug • Curtains • Tension Rod • Pillow Case

Gardens of Babylon • Spearmint Plant • Eco-friendly planter

Flag World • Texas Flag

What we repurposed • Alex’s jackets and backpack • An old climbing rope

Where else to go Pangea Katherine Miller / The Vanderbilt Hustler Located within walking distance of campus, Pangea offers more than just the latest clothing styles for fashion forward Vandy girls. In addition The Curtains to throw pillows, mirrors and kitschy signs, be sure I’m a big believer in curtains to stop in for seasonal decorations as well. and their magical ability to pull a room together. For Alex, Anthropologie we chose navy blue curtains Just past the Mall at Green Hills, Anthropologie has that block light and noise, a great mix of quirky and eclectic home accents. A definitely an improvement over little pricier than Target or Pangea, Anthropologie the questionable Towers blinds. is a great starting point for decor in terms of getting The tension rod was a little ideas or purchasing a striking accent piece. tricky to set up, but the real task was tying the curtains. Since Vanderbilt Surplus Equipment Store Alex is an outdoorsy guy, we Think of this Web site as a less sketchy Craig’s List. found an old climbing rope The surplus equipment store has everything from and cut two lengths. Marne, leather armchairs to X-ray lamps, all for prices one of Alex’s suitemates, that won’t break even a student bank account. helped us look up a cool knot Though most of the furniture is rather utilitarian, for the ropes and what resulted it fits the bill for student housing or an off campus were functional, masculine and apartment. Check out the listings and purchasing creative curtains. details on https://plantservices.vanderbilt.edu/ vandy/surplusequipPublic/SurplusStore.aspx. Katherine Miller /Versus Magazine Rooms with a Viewpoint

Nikky’s room (junior, towers II) Joe’s Room (Sophomore, Lambda Chi Alpha) When it came to decorating my dorm room for this semester, I definitely What inspired the decor? wanted to go with a more cohesive theme than my previous years and dorm Joe Morse: Since Joe and I are both from the Gulf Coast, we have a rooms. After a little thinking and some inspiration from IKEA, I went with a special affinity for nautical themes and dead animals. “black and white” look with a touch of color. I bought black and white posters and framed postcards I got at the Met in NYC during the summer to go along How did you make the space attractive yet livable? with new bedding. I also really wanted to be able to showcase some of my Joe Morse: Rich woods, soothing earth tones, wild game and decorative photography, so I decorated my shelves with my prints and some personal beer cans. Summarily, stuff that bros love. items, like my favorite books, magazines What advice would and, yes, my Nike you give to college Dunks too. It can guys looking to be difficult thinking spruce up their of ways to decorate rooms? a small space, Joe Morse: especially since I Steal posters from have the smallest classrooms or the single on my hall, but library for a free with a few creative dash of studious touches and details, flair! It’s cost anyone can make it effective. Also, get work. some big pillows to nikky okoro / Versus Magazine make your bed like Charlie Kesslering /Versus Magazine a couch. 10 • November 11—November 17, 2009 • Versus flip side

Hustler and Versus can be Who sees this ad? read online at InsideVandy.com 11,500 students Click the gold Hustler/Versus button and many faculty/staff, at the bottom right of the home page parents and alumni

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