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Editorials

Opinion

Tucson shooting coverage varies in U.S. vs. U.K.

By Fiona Carmody | January 26, 2011

On Jan. 9, 19 people were shot in Tucson, Ariz. Six people were killed, one of whom was federal Justice John Roll and one of whom was a nine-year-old girl named Christina Taylor. Thirteen more were injured, one of whom was Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (representative of the 8th District of Arizona), who was shot point-blank in the head by 22-year-old Jared Loughner and somehow, miraculously, survived. I was required to read as many articles as possible on this issue for a class I am currently taking. It was the first time in a while that I have gone to the trouble of gaining a well-rounded perspective on an issue. I knew that a single media source rarely is a reliable account when trusted by itself, but my hesitant attitude toward doing unrequired research stopped me from putting in the effort I should have. I read a variety of articles on the Arizona shooting.

Opinion

Eat, drink and be merry

By Gyra Chan | January 26, 2011

I love myself and I hate myself, but my diet starts tomorrow. I am perpetually hungry. Literally, there isn't really a time I can remember when I was too stuffed to eat more. I mean, I may have said I couldn't take another bite, but that was a matter of tricking myself into thinking for a moment that I could maybe practice some vague self-control to avoid the actual physical discomfort of a full belly. There's something about college that makes me eat like I'm one of those starving third-world country kids on the commercials who, by some strange twist of fate, found herself in a supermarket with Oprah's AMEX. When I'm at home, I eat a very "normal" amount of food (note: I mean normal for a chick who has a butt big enough to cause some Richter scale movement when she hops out of bed), but I pretty much eat my three meals and call it a day. On the other hand, when I'm at school I eat breakfast, a snack, lunch, dessert, a snack, dinner, a snack, second dinner, and then, let's be real, probably another snack if I'm staying up late. It's not like I burn more calories at school; it's not like my meals are any smaller; it's not like I'm eating for two.

Opinion

To Dine or Not To Dine: Xtra's Cafe

By Brigid Beitel | January 26, 2011

Xtra's Cafe is a new gem in the heart of Carytown that offers a great variety of dishes in a fun and slightly retro atmosphere. Xtra's just opened on Cary Street in September and has since done an excellent job of filling a niche for eclectic American dining with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options as well. Brand spanking new, Xtra's Cafe is a fun spot for families, dates or groups of friends. The restaurant is named after the co-owner and daughter in the father-daughter proprietary pair, Xtra Moore. The same family owns the bead retailer on the first floor, above which Xtra's Cafe is nicely situated. The upbeat ambiance and assorted menu are what have Xtra's Cafe named one of the 15 restaurants to look out for in 2011 by Richmond Magazine. The zig-zag tile floor and the brightly patterned booths are just the beginning of Xtra's interesting vibe. There is a full-service bar with a serpentine shape that spans almost the entirety of the main dining room. There is also a second and slightly smaller dining area and outdoor patio with space heaters to allow for outdoor dining during the winter months. The colorful decor complements the colorful menu that the timely waitstaff is happy to serve. On the menu, the distinctive appetizers are sure to catch your eye.

Opinion

Manslations and chick-chatting: Understanding the opposite sex

By Kristy Burkhardt | January 20, 2011

If you made a resolution this year to start dating someone so your grandfather would stop whispering at family gatherings that you don't have much longer to settle down before your mid-section starts to resemble a sack of potatoes, fear no more. Understanding the culture of dating and communicating with the opposite sex can be as challenging as remembering to wear a bra.

Opinion

Fighting for global health

By admin | January 20, 2011

With the advance in information technologies, international travel and business, our world is becoming an increasingly interdependent place. Each of the components of public health, economic growth and local environment influences the others, creating a global network.

Opinion

"Sticks and stones" endorses a dangerous falsehood

By Fiona Carmody | January 20, 2011

When I was seven or eight years old, I told on my younger sister for calling me names. I can't remember what the names were now, but whatever they were didn't carry enough magnitude to save me from hitting up the time-out chair for three valuable minutes of my life. Ironic that I should get in trouble for telling, but from my tattletale my mother gauged that I had smacked my younger sister in response, and this was the bigger "no-no." I asked her what made my particular crime the more heinous, and she responded with a phrase I would immediately internalize for the next decade of my life: "Because, Fiona, sticks and stones can break your bones, but names can never hurt you!" This is a phrase that many of us have heard and internalized during our early years, whether it be from a family member, a teacher, a rhyme book, a movie or my big man Barney himself. It's widely accepted as a catchy little teaching device, and it serves some children well for a time by hardening an otherwise sensitive and vulnerable exterior. The problem with it is that it isn't true.

Opinion

Reflections on wisdom

By admin | November 18, 2010

Dear Editor, this is the speech I wrote for the Richmond College Investiture ceremony at the beginning of the semester.

Opinion

Prince William isn't the only person talking about marriage

By Gyra Chan | November 18, 2010

It might be because I've been listening to Taylor Swift's new album on repeat since it came out, or perhaps it's the fact that I shopped online for wedding dresses yesterday during chapter with my roommate, or maybe it's because the last thing my apartmentmate and I did before bed last night was snuggle into the covers with my laptop on the hunt for the perfect engagement ring, but marriage is definitely in the air this week (and by week I mean the last three years of my life). Don't get me wrong, I am thoroughly enjoying college, and I have every intention of graduating, going to grad school and working at least two terribly depressing jobs before I finally settle down, but there is definitely something about the notion of having an impeccably clean household with two kiddies running around (Garrett and Leslie, ages 8 and 5 respectively), preparing dinner at 6 p.m.

Opinion

E! True Hollywood story: Kri$ty and Mystic Orchard

By Kristy Burkhardt | November 10, 2010

This is the incendiary tale of a couple of average Richmond kids, trying to come to grips with success ... who come up short, with nothing to show for themselves but a tale that begs to be told. 5:00 p.m.: This is the time I'm supposed to arrive on the set on Friday with Julia Pepe, WC '11, to co-star in our first feature film with Katherine Heigl. Well, when I said "co-star," I meant we were extras.

Opinion

Running the gantlet: Tablers in the Commons

By Gyra Chan | November 10, 2010

As you walk by, you pull out your phone, you search through your bag, you start an intense conversation with your friend walking with you, you claim momentary deafness, you have a sudden coughing attack ... you do everything, you try with all the innovativeness of a University of Richmond student to avoid making eye contact. Does this laundry list of evasive tactics strike a chord with you?

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