CRYING IN MY CUP Sitting through campaign ads is one thing, but sitting through a Virginia gubernatorial debate? Talk about the passion. Contributor Rick Pfamatter did, and does. The winner? Lisa LaFata.

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED Atlanta has it all. The Braves, the Falcons, Coca Cola, buttplugs. Also, clubs galore, too many malls for one city and S&M shops. Go.

TAKE A LOOK (AT A BOOK) Can't find an interesting read at the mall? Tired of seeing books by Patty Cornwell and Rush Limbaugh? Try hanging at one of Richmond's many independent booksellers.

SHOCKOE BOTTOM VS. GRACE STREET Two very different parts of town. Two different perspectives. What happens when cultures collide? Writer Mary Reynolds looks at the growing pains of Richmond's largest outdoor bar scene. (Hint: It may be growing out of that phase.) John Sarvay surveys Grace Street, the neighborhood the city sometimes wishes would just shut up.

WORD Richmond's sassy girl | Liberate LaRouche for a laugh | Name that neighborhood | Degree in death | Postcards | How many cups kill a biker? | Nun Watch | The Devil in rock music | Horoscope noir predicts your troubled tomorrow