Did You Know?

Richmond has an observatory deck. That's right? Surprising I know. Living here for 22 years I'd never heard of this secret place until about a year ago. If you want to see a view of RVA from on high, all you have to do is follow the yellow brick road until you reach City Hall. It doesn't look it but apparently it's the tallest building in the city. Once inside take the elevator up to the Obervatory Deck and ta-da! You'll experience Richmond as you never have before! I took the picture above from the obervatory deck for my previous local music playlist post. A little busy just now but I'll post up some clearer pics from the obervatory later.

The Last of the Leaves

So it's the last days of fall. The leaves are turning from vibrant hues of orange and yellow to muted tones of brownish muck. But there's still some color bringing life to the outdoors and I plan to soak up all I can get before Richmond is once again turned into a winter wonderland.

Outfit Details:

Black top from Forever 21

Gray trouser shorts from Urban Outfitters

Lace tights from Urban outfitters

Combat boots from DSW

Calling John Connor: Rise of the machines

Photo by A Journey Round My Skull

Just how advanced is our world? We've all seen movies like A.I. Artificial Intelligence and I Robot, depicting worlds in which advanced humanoid robots are created to do our biding. For decades pop culture has encouraged us to imagine a world in which robots can cook, clean, teach, and even fall in love with humans. Japanese pop culture in particular is filled with the imagery of friendly bots in countless anime shows and manga books. Yet, the idea of robotics has always remained a mad scientist's dream of future worlds.

Nevertheless, thanks to recent technological advancements, the world of robotics seems to be leaping straight out of manga books and into the real world. It seems artificial intelligence is not as far fetched an idea as some may think. A surprising number of humanoid robot models have emerged in recent years. While these novel technologies currently serve as little more than entertainment, in time they could prove to achieve a wide variety of tasks in our homes, battlefields, factories, and even space stations.

One of today's top innovations is Asimo, a robot created by Honda. Considered to be one of the world's leading robots, Asimo has the ability to run, walk, climb stairs, and respond to simple voice commands. In contrast, Actroid, developed by Osaka University and manufactured by Kokoro Company Ltd, is one of the world's most human like robots in appearance. The Actroid robot has the ability to create human expressions and moves with smoother gestures than some of it's competitors. (Check out the Youtube video for the Actroid-F telepresence robot. It's designed to mimic the movements of a human being through a webcam. It's intriguing to the point of creepiness when this robot model frowns, blinks, and smiles).

Photo by julialat3

Though realistically the time for truly efficient walking, talking, and reasoning humanoid robots has yet to come, robots are already vacuuming our carpets, heading into combat, and even assisting doctors in medical procedures. Darpa, a research and development office for the U.S. Department of Defense, is working on the development of a number of interesting (and somewhat alarming) new projects including exoskeleton robotic suits for soldiers, insect robot spies, advanced artificial intelligence, and super computers. This organization in conjunction with a number of others including the U.S. Institute of Health and the U.S. National Science Foundation, are also working to create "near human" robots that can independently perform a vast amount of tasks from conducting surgeries to harvesting food supplies.

 A real life C3PO model is currently being developed to match the human intellect. What's the plan? Begin by installing toddler-like intelligence, to be followed by a utilization of programmed learning abilities and human instruction to create a bot that can learn and be taught, just like a human. Merge Asimo's moving capabilities, the realistic look of the Actroid, and the intelligence of a C3PO model into one, and you'll have a walking, talking, free thinking robot within a matter of decades. However, it's most likely that any major implementations of robotics will primarily take place within our militaries before they hit the consumer market.

But perhaps one of the more alarming discoveries was found by researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology, who have taught robots how to lie. Ronald Arkin and Alan Wagner at Georgia Tech were able to achieve this by essentially teaching a robot to play hide and seek. By forming a fake trail of knocked over markers for its robot counterpart to find, their robot was able to successfully fool its counterpart 75% of the time. Is it just me or does anyone else think teaching robots to lie could have possible apocalyptic implications?

Actroid

From a realistic viewpoint, it would be many years before humanoid robots or personal robots would ever be developed, introduced, and adopted by the masses. However with the rapid rate of technological growth, it's becoming far less a matter of science fiction and more a real possibility for future generations. One can't help but wonder if such pursuits may snowball into future problems rather than solutions.

Whatever the case, the race for personal robots is underway and the next decade promises to bring about immense advancements. Thus, it seems we have two options: we can accept robots into our lives with open arms, marveling at the genius of man; or we could side with the likes of The Matrix's Morpheus. I for one think it's time to call in The Terminator savior John Connor. John, if you're out there it may be time to step forward, before things get out of hand!

*While this article may seem slightly off topic from my past blogging topics, it's an interesting one, and one that may very well affect people everywhere, even us Richmonders...Well, ya know, somewhere down the line...

**This article was featured on MookyChic.

Silver Lining Decor

Silver Lining Decor is an adorable shop I found on Etsy, manned by Richmond native Rachel Quint. Silver Lining Decor features one of a kind handmade pieces made from vintage findings including earrings, necklaces, bobby pins, sweater guards, and vintage housewares. Rachel was gracious enough to take a few moments out of her day to answer some of my questions.

How did you get started making jewelry?

I am a child of the 80's so of course my jewelry venture started with the ever-popular friendship bracelets! Eventually my asthetic evolved and over the years I continued making jewelry. I did take a break from it during high school and college. When I started my Etsy shop, Silver Lining Decor, my intention was to actually sell vintage homegoods and fun finds, but I jewelry was always in the back of my mind. I started with a few pieces and just kept going from there.

Share your inspirations.

I love everything vintage: quirky, colorful, romantic, chippy, and old. I get my inspiration from the vintage pieces I find while antiquing. I love the idea of finding something another woman loved and wore many years ago, and turning it into something a modern girl would enjoy wearing now.

What 3 things can you not live without?

I cannot live without my husband, my family(including kitties), and color!! I know color is not technically a "thing" but it is what makes me happy. Beige scares me! I think you can clearly see that in my jewelry designs! I can't really think of a material posession that I couldn't live without if I had to.

 

Without giving away any particular secrets, is there a certain process that you use in creating your jewelry? Such as specific metals/indegredients that you like to utilize?

I can't say that there is a "process". Sometimes when I am out looking for new pieces I can imagine what I will do with it and what it will look like when it's done, and other times I have no idea what it will eventually turn into! Sometimes I will hold onto a piece for a while before it ever becomes anything, I just have to wait for the perfect combination!

Favorite RVA relaxation spot?

My family has a farm that has been in the family for generations. It is no longer a working farm, but when I was younger there were horses and cows. I loved it! There's nothing like waking up in the morning and jumping into a field full of horses. Most everything around it now has been developed, but it still stands as a beautiful piece of property and is my favorite place in Richmond.

Future business plans?

My profession is Interior Design, however I love making my jewelry. I would really like to expand my business and reach out to more ladies who would also enjoy wearing my items, which would include other local and online boutiques. Etsy has been the most amazing thing to be a part of. It has allowed me to reach out to so many amazing people, as well as other incredible talents. I have had so many great opportunities come to me through Etsy.

There are currently boutiques in New York, Kentucky, and Singapore who carry Rachel's jewelry, and she is working on reaching out to local Richmond boutiques as well. In the upcoming months select designs will also be sold through Shop Ruche. Be sure to check out some of Rachecl's pieces in the December issue of Richmond Bride!

You can visit Silver Lining Decor at Etsy to shop today.

Calling all Local Designers/Models



Photo by DKLEE Photography


It's that time folks! RVA Fashion week is looking for  models and designers. If you're interested in modeling and/or submitting designs to Richmond Fashion Week 2011 you should definitely attend.

Model Call
Date: December 5th, 2010
Time: 3:00pm
Location: Studio 8 West (8 West Broad St., Richmond, VA)

Designer Interest Meeting
Date: December 5th, 2010

Time: 5:30pm
Location: Studio 8 West (8 West Broad St., Richmond, VA)

Follow RVA FASHION WEEK on facebook to stay updated with more information!

Lists



Photo from Quirk Gallery

Lists, is a book of collected thoughts, illustrated inventories, and to-do lists from the Smithsonian's Archives of American Art. I find this intriguing because if you think about it, a great deal of our lives is made out in lists (I know I'm always jotting down lists of things to do or remember). This collective insight into personal habits, opinions, and beliefs should prove to be humorous and discerning. A copy of this book can be bought through Quirk Gallery.



Blink Once for Yes, Twice for No

Outfit Details:

Salmon pink H&M Henley

W.A.S.T.E. graphic tee from Urban Outfitters

Mossimo Supply Co. black shawl cardigan from Target

Mudd printed leggings from Kohls

Black Madden Girl boots from DSW

The Carnival Masquerade

Gallery 5 always has the coolest events. I wish I could go to this one but unfortunately I'll be working into the wee hours of the morning. Regardless this sounds like an awesome event. Masks, belly dancing, and fire spinners? What's not to love?

10 Signs You're a Raging Shopaholic

1. The first place you go after getting your paycheck is to the mall: I’m learning to budget more and more. But when I got my first job that paid me over minimum wage, I went crazy for the first few months. I bought just about everything my little heart desired, only to realize that I still didn’t have things I needed. I was just getting caught up in the moment. Big mistake!

2. Window shopping is never just window shopping: “Oh yeah, I’m just gonna take a little peek,” you tell your friends, “I won’t buy anything.” 45 minutes later you’re standing outside the shop with less cash and a shopping bag in your hand. Just say no...

3. The word “sale” sends you running in a mad dash to the sales rack: Just because something’s on sale doesn’t mean you NEED it. I cannot stress this enough to myself. Sure you can find plenty of great steals for your wardrobe. But why buy something that you wouldn’t want to buy if it wasn’t on sale?

4. A sinking feeling fills your tummy when you realize you’ve bought another pair of shoes: Ever made a purchase and felt your heart drop a little when you walk out the store? Yeah…that’s your GUILT squeezing your heart because you bought another pair of shoes to collect dust in the fashion graveyard that is your room!

5. There’s nowhere to put all of your clothes and your bedroom has become a closet: In all honesty, my closet has spilled out of the tiny space it was allotted and morphed into my entire room. I have clothes hanging from my canopy bed! Major party foul.

6. Somehow you managed to meet your shopping quota for the week, yet you still missed your bill payment: This has happened to me once, and I will never let it happen again. Missing a bill payment to go shopping is absolutely unacceptable. And we all know it. So don’t let this happen to you! This is a problem that I’m going to assume college kids may deal with the most. Keep track of when your credit card payments are due.

7. You hide your shopping buys from your parents/roomies/ partner: If you find yourself stuffing your new finds into your huge purse before going into the house, you may have a problem. You have now become a clothes smuggler. Doesn’t that sound ridiculous? That’s because it is.

8. The adrenaline starts pumping and your heart goes thump just from online browsing: I’m not going to lie. I’ve spent hours online browsing site to site, saving pictures in powerpoint documents, and making ridiculously large wishlists. Somehow I never end up buying the things on them though...

9. You buy multiple items over again in different colors: Sometimes it’s good to have staple items such as basic tees and cardigans in a few different colors, but why buy something that you already have? You’re just throwing money out the door instead of really building a strong wardrobe.

10. Every time you shop you tell yourself you just need a few more tops to make your wardrobe complete: In actuality you can never have enough clothes. You can buy every staple item, every accessory, and every statement piece you want for a month and you’ll still want more and more! The desire to have new clothes and new ways to represent your personality can become insatiable, but only if you let it!

* The Battle Begins...

I’ve created this list to help myself and any other shopaholics out there suffering from the same mistakes I myself make. Before my next shopping trip, I’m doing to take stock of what I have in my wardrobe. Any staple items I have missing will take priority. Only then will I allow myself to buy more shoes and accessories. If you are having the same problem with your wardrobe I suggest you do the same. I guarantee you'll feel much better about your wardrobe once you've got all the essentials!

November Trees

It's fall! Yay!!! The best time of the year! In an attempt to steal away from RVA for a bit, my mom and I decided to take a little day trip up to Charlottesville so that we could take pictures of the changing leaves. Summer fun is awesome, but there's just something about fall when the leaves change magically into a beautiful array of autumn colors and the temperature is just right for chunky knit sweaters and riding boots!