Ink

VCU + VCE VCU’s role in rehabilitation programs

advice on internships + insight on study abroad featured artist

Tim Lamb

auras + colors what do they say about you?

Vol. 2 No. 1 September 2008

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ink staff

editor’s l

etter Sara D’Eugenio EDITOR - IN - CHEIF

Meredith Rigsby MANAGING EDITOR

Melissa Tablante CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Patrice Dalesandro CREATIVE DIRECTOR

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Kathryn Glushefski PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR

Amy Joyce CO-COPY EDITOR

Tenoiya Carter CO-COPY EDITOR

Matt Schmidt ART EDITOR

Caroline Evertz CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR

Christine Erickson CONTEMPORARY ISSUES EDITOR

Jaime Barnett ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

Courtney Mannion VISUAL STAFF

Nina Stoddard VISUAL STAFF

Lee Khleang VISUAL STAFF

Consuwella Carrington VISUAL STAFF

Christine Stoddard WRITING STAFF

Leilani LittleямБeld FASHION STYLIST

Shawnee Custalow GUEST PHOTOGRAPHER

Tim Lamb COVER ILLUSTRATION

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table of contents campus life

contemporary issues

arts + culture

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top things to do

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VCU + VCE

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view from the top

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stories of trips abroad

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tips on healthy college eating habits

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love reworked vintage?

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how to be a good roommate Does the fan have too many coffee shops?

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21 10 cabaniss happiness

then you’ll love breconstructed.

DIY photos + bulletin boards

we didn’t think so.

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insight on student internships

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students create art gallery

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free stuff in richmond

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VCU continues to go green

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transportation information

Tim Lamb speaks know who the best AFO teachers are

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auras + colors what do they say about you?

we’re there. you should be, too.

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VCU basketball’s hopeful outlook

oh the p laces you ’ll go!

FAVORITE HANGOUT SPOT

Why wait to figure things out the hard way?

Freshman, transfer and even those who

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have been here for over five years, use this guide to help make the most of your time

SHOPPING 1 2 3

in Richmond on and off campus. Numbers reflect top voted places based on randomly surveyed students.

the fan belle isle oregon hill

carytown need supply co. short pump mall

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little mexico dollar tacos capital ale house dollar burgers buffalo wild wings tuesday wings

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carytown bryd theatre first fridays

at home upstairs in the commons 4th fl. library

WHAT TO DO WHEN IT’S RAINING sleep movies study

sticky rice far east chipotle

BAD FOOD 1 2 3

shafer commons 7-11

BEST DORMS

BEST PLACE TO STUDY

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mc Donalds 7-11 piccolas

ENTERTAINMENT 1 2 3

WEEKLY SPECIALS 1 2

GOOD FOOD

CHEAP FOOD 1 2 3

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brandt hall cary&belvidere rhoads hall

WORST DORMS 1 2

johnson grc

brian in hong kong Three VCU students share their experiences of studying abroad.

Brian McDaniel My story of traveling abroad begins with this almost unreachable goal, a lot of luck, and taking advantage of nearly every opportunity I could get. I was always interested in world history, cultures, and understanding the ways people interact, so studying abroad seemed natural for me. However, I had no idea how I was going to go about this or even where I wanted to go. Last October, I crossed my fingers and applied to two national scholarships because it was my best bet in

traveling. I had several things going for me, but nothing is ever guaranteed. I got accepted to an exchange program in Hong Kong, and I definitely hyped it up that I was leaving, but in the back of my mind I honestly wasn’t too sure. The scholarship committees did not give any dates about when applicants would be notified, so for a few weeks I was a nervous mess.

I’ll never forget, on December 8, 2008 I checked my email and it was a congratulations letter from the Gilman Scholarship Committee.

Receiving that suddenly

sealed the deal for me to go to Asia.

I hate to sound like one of those cheesy study abroad pamphlets, but studying abroad in Hong Kong was easily one of the best experiences of my life.

Hong Kong is a completely different place from anywhere else. Imagine going to the commons during lunchtime and multiplying that business by a hundred. In Hong Kong, there are seas of people everywhere and I mean EVERYWHERE. I almost forgot what it was like to have personal space and

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the freedom to wave my arms around in public. Since moving out of Johnson Hall freshman year, I hadn’t lived in a dorm and I didn’t miss it at all. I lived in a triple in Johnson and I got screwed again, and lived in a triple all male dorm. However, I got really lucky with my roommates, and they become my best friends there. Edmond was really into photography and he had a girlfriend whom he had given a special ringtone, and would talk to her softly on the phone until the early hours of the day. Leo was really into “The Little Prince”, girls from France, and the movie Big Fish. Leo was also a great cook, and when the only vegetarian dish (rice, tofu and mushrooms) that was sold at my schools canteen became old, one can only understand why we became such good friends.

Sometimes I have to pinch myself and say “I spent five complete months in Asia.”

While I was there I took advantage of everything I could do. As a kid from the suburbs of Richmond, there are some places that I never ever thought I would go or experience; and there I was standing on the beaches

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of Thailand, or walking across the Great Wall of China. Traveling to Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Shanghai, and Beijing was what I enjoyed the most during my time in Asia.

Seeing how people lived and how welcoming people can be was surprising.

My greatest gain was learning how awesome people can be. I was treated like a celebrity and people did not hesitate to say hello, take pictures with me, or attempt to talk to me in the little bit of broken English that they knew. Also, while I was away, people from back home gave me so much support. I had never been away so this was my first experience of homesickness and feeling lost.

I gained a greater appreciation for the city I came from: the crappy sidewalks by the commons, riding my bike in the fan, and all the people that I love. My friend from Berlin would always say “sometimes you have to surprise others and yourself,” and I totally agree.

roberto in barcelona Roberto Curtis We live at about a mile a minute. From gas cards and GPS‚ to Google phones and late night drive thru‚ this country is built on determined nine-to-fivers chasing that certain manifestation of merit; be it a Gucci suit, a 40-foot yacht or a green lot of cookie-cutter, suburban paradise. But what if you rather work to live instead of living to work?

What if there were a place where your corner store opened at 10 a.m., where 3-hour-long-dinners didn’t‚ start until 9 p.m. and where entire city blocks shut down for local soccer matches and scores of summer soir√es?

Welcome to Barcelona, capital of Catalonia. Teetering on the edge of an identity crisis (ask a Catalan if Catalonia is part of Spain), this Mediterranean Mecca of 1.7 million people holds incredible allure for about 14 million tourists each year.

Two weeks prior to a summer study program at the Institute for the Education of Students Abroad, I found myself with VCU alum Josh Epperson wandering Las Ramblas wondering why this culture had so seductively struck me with its‚ breezy, hip swagger and late lunches.

Epperson soon felt strange as an American getting used to the laissez-faire attitude toward everyday life.

In the States everything is very rule oriented. The ruleoriented way of Spain was not so much there. People were always (illegally) hopping the metro and basically doing whatever they wanted as long as it didn’t affect anyone.

Barcelona’s‚ ultra modern transit system, art nouveau architecture and wealth of diversity also bring life to a city that some residents would defiantly claim is not truly Spanish.

Take the historic Raval neighborhood‚ teeming with cultures, languages and tiendas (stores) from all over the world, the most cosmopolitan of all the city‚ neighborhoods is not only home to Pakistanis and Indians alike, but also to two VCU alums who simply wanted something different.

“It was quite random,” says international relations alum Matthijs Maruanaya of what got him to Barcelona. Maruanaya, who ended up at VCU on a soccer scholarship from the Netherlands four years ago, considered moving to New York City with his girlfriend Audra Wrisley upon graduation.

Wrisley, a photography and film alum, said the idea of living in

Barcelona began as a joke.

“We should just move to Spain,” Wrisley said in a text message one rainy day.“If it’s Spain, it’s got to be Barcelona,” Maruanaya responded.

Six months later with visas in hand, they were ready to, well, stand around for awhile.

“All that relaxed stuff sounds really cool but once you’re in a store, you just want to buy something and leave.

Sometimes it doesn’t always happen,” Maruanaya says.

Their first day in the city trying to buy cell phones from two clerks didn’t exactly fit the notion of speedy customer service they were accustomed to.

“They just start talking about what they’re going to do this weekend,” Maruanaya said. “There was no one else to help us.”

Your native Barcelonan tends to generally chill out and not fret about haste, red tape or dispatch. So you adapt.

“I had to keep telling myself, I’m in Spain‚ this is the way it goes here,” Maruanaya said.

Never mind that I am a die-hard FC Barcelona (Bar√ßa to its fans) soccer supporter or that I can’t see myself ending up in a city where palm trees don’t grow naturally, Catalan culture grabbed me much like it did Maruanaya and Wrisley.

I also had a hunch I’d be witnessing history, for Bar√ßa was on the verge of accomplishing a feat foreign to any Spanish team winning the treble, three trophies from the top domestic league, the league cup and the top continental tournament in one season.

On my second night, FC Barcelona, was set to compete in the Copa del Rey final. The electricity was in the

air as the plazas, bars and police forces prepared for what was certain to be nothing short of glorious mayhem.

After being down by one goal, Barça came back, lighting up Atletic de Bilbao by netting four and securing its first piece of silverware in two seasons.

As we listened to fireworks go off from Plaça de Catalunya, meters away, tens of thousands of Barcelonans began to flock to the mythical fountain, Las Canaletas, as per tradition. We were feeling

“

or catching a brick in the head. With beer in hand and plugs in ears, I leisurely took shelter on a bench behind a news kiosk on Las Ramblas with three other locals who looked like they had done this before. Safe from the flying glass, we watched dozens of officers march past us, riot shields drawn and flanked by armored police wagons. Rubber bullets, noise grenades and batons dispatched the vagrants and contributed to hundreds of injuries according to news reports the

We were feeling the heartbeat of the city, skipping with every chant and flare.

the heartbeat of the city, skipping with every chant and flare.

It took me under an hour to get separated from my VCU alums and I found myself huddling with the masses, cheering like a zealous Catalan, channeling the fervor of generations of antiFrancoist sentiment.

“Madrid! Cabron! Salud al campeon!” we chanted for hours. Around 2:30 a.m. the police hit the streets to clear Las Ramblas and Pla√ßa de Catalunya of what was already an unruly mob, who tossed bicycles, fireworks and glass bottles around like limbs in a feeding frenzy. I decided it would be safer to take cover than risk being beaten by riot police

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following morning.

Twelve days, one trophy and one riot later saw the largest riot I’d ever witnessed after the 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the Champions League final. My temporary town was now home to the undisputed greatest club team in Europe.

It was as surreal as a Salvador Dali masterpiece.

As I continued exploring the city, taking in the artwork and scenery while enduring the less-than-demanding coursework of my program, several students began to express their desires to return, either for another summer or to try their luck at living in the city on a more permanent basis. Familiar American faces kept popping up randomly

and in showing them the ropes, I felt more comfortable with the idea of becoming a denizen. I met amazing tourists and ex-pats who were as enamored as I was and who all contributed to my exposure to the international community minus the airfare.

In ten weeks I had lived a satisfying, though incomplete experience; riots, the seedy underbelly, local dives, beautiful people and the dayto-day routine.

Currently stateside, I feel like I’ve witnessed the beginning and end of my life.

How and when to return, is the question.

Though unemployment is at an estimated 18%, Barcelona has more under-the-table options that any city in Europe. And while some Catalans may seem cold, some simply take longer to warm up to you.

“That all depends on who you meet,” Maruanaya said. Most things said about Barcelona are true, it’s beautiful, it’s relaxed, nobody’s in a rush.People spend their money on the right things, I think.

Making connections is not difficult, even if your Castilian is less-than-stellar. If you can take a chance, get off the computer, apply for that program or pack your bags; and go try life at a different tempo.

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ashton in london Ashton Williamson When choosing a university after high school, I deliberately sought out those who offered study abroad and exchange programs. VCU has a lot to offer in both areas. Since freshman year, I had been waiting for the time when I would be eligible to travel abroad with the university. My chance came this past spring semester. I decided to do an exchange with the University of Westminster located in London, England. It was a six month program where not only was I able to take classes that transferred directly towards my major, fashion merchandising, but also an internship which was included in the program.

I arrived in London a few days before orientation was scheduled to get myself situated and allow enough time to figure out and locate where I would need to be going. It was a very hectic few days to say the least. You are completely on your own; it is all up to you to get yourself to your destination.

London relies heavily on public transportation to travel throughout the city. Yes, there are taxis, but they are very expensive to take due to the congestion charges London inflicts on motor vehicles. Pretty much everyone uses the underground system or takes a bus. Due to my several pieces luggage, I opted to take a bus, thinking it would be much easier than maneuvering the tube (underground). After a long journey, in a direction I assumed was correct, I arrived at my hotel safe and sound and had the whole day to find my new campus and investigate the neighborhood.

The University of Westminster consists of four campuses; Regent, Marylebone, Cavendish and Harrow. Harrow, being the school of the arts, was the one I was placed at. Harrow is also the only one of the four campuses that is not located directly in Central London.

It was a 20 minute commute from Harrow into Central London, one which I made daily. I enjoyed having a quiet place to come home to, outside of the main areas with the convenience of it still being easy to get back and forth.

I actually had the opportunity to do two internships and get experience within two different fields within the fashion industry. My first internship with was a Public Relations Firm located in

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Central London called Mary Lally Associates. With this PR firm I did a BBC photo shoot, the BBC is the American equivalent to CNN, and had the best time! It was so amazing to be a part of something like that. We spent all day dressing and fitting the models and moving to and from locations. The people were so nice and interested in me and my aspirations within the industry, it was really motivating. Unfortunately, while I was interning, their company went under due to the tough times of the economy. They had lost several clients and so I moved on, due to there being a lack of work for me to do. My second internship was with the buying department of the UK retailer KRISP. They are a fashion laggard retailer.

They sell fashion that is in the

late stages of the culmination stage of the fashion cycle.

Yet, they still do as much research as innovators do. I loved working for them; I was able to create color stories and merchandising plans for their 33 stores throughout the country and did background research for the fall which involved theme boards. I was also their fit model for all the samples that came in daily.

Some days all I would do is try on clothes. As a girl and a fashion major I never in my wildest dreams thought that would get tiring, but after three hours, trust me you are worn out! I learned a great deal from them though.

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It was nice to see all the theory I had studied put to real use and witness how the process really works. All in all my internship experiences were very beneficial and I strongly intend to take what I have learned with me in the future. I made tons of new friends while I as in London, a lot of which were exchange students, just like me. This was because at the orientation we all met one another and bonded since we were all in the same situation. Two of my best friends were Canadians from Toronto. I also made friends with lots of Australians, Europeans from everywhere

You are completely on your own; it is all up to you to get yourself to your destination.

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and then of course the British themselves. In the city that truly never sleeps, we established where we liked to go regularly. One of our favorite places was this Australian pub called the Walkabout. We would go there on their student nights and karaoke, and by the time we left England we knew each bartender by face and name.

Every Friday night we also loved to attend disco night at this pub called the Fighters Arms, they really liked all us foreigners there.

There is always something to do in London, not a chance of someone getting bored. My friends and I were constantly on the run, going new places and seeing the important museums and landmarks, monuments etc.

There is still so much I didn’t get the chance to do. We all made ‘to do’ lists, prioritizing what we wanted to do the most; otherwise you get sidetracked with something else fantastic and never get around to it. My list consisted

of places such as the Tower of London, Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. Then there were the famous and brilliant markets of London; Camden Town, Portobello Markets, Covent Garden, Brick Lane and Borough Food Market. And of course the Theatre shows, which I fell short on but still was able to see The Lion King and The Phantom of the Opera, both of which were spectacular.

Being in London for six

months was such an amazing experience, I had lived there for three years prior to attending VCU and so it was like going home for me.

London will always be the city of my heart. The people I met were so wonderful, friends I know I will have in years to come. The experience I gained from working in my field of interest and also learning and adapting to the UK schooling system will make me a much stronger and well rounded individual for the tasks and opportunities that lay ahead.

roommate etiquette Tenoiya Carter Whether you’re moving into a dorm or finally moving on from dorm life into an apartment, having a roommate is almost inevitable. Finding a roommate and moving in is the easy part. For those who already have roommates, remember how happy you were on move in day??!! Well things can quickly spiral downward if one doesn’t know proper roommate etiquette.

DON’TS:

DO’S:

DON’T assume that because you share a

DO clean up

space that you also share everything in

after yourself and your guest

it. Ask before using things that clearly

DO be mindful of your roommate’s

belongs to your roommate.

schedule.

DON’T expect for you and your

DO make rules and regulations when you

roommate to become best friends. You

first move in, this will avoid some of the

don’t have to be good friends to be

issues that may come up later.

good roommates.

DO keep lights, music to a minimum if

DON’T expect for everyone to live the

your roommate is sleeping.

way that you are accustom to. No two

DO strive to make necessary payments

households are run exactly the same. Be

on time to avoid money conflicts.

open to new ideas.

DO speak up If you are unhappy with

DON’T date your roommate’s friends, if

something going on in your household, it

you can help it.

will avoid or get rid of unwanted tension.

DON’T throw parties without at the least informing your roommate.

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the joys of cabaniss Christine Stoddard Getting assigned to Cabaniss Hall does not mean instant banishment from VCU and the city of Richmond’s social scenes. When I first transferred from a tiny liberal arts school to VCU for the top-notch art and creative writing programs, Monroe Park’s campus housing was completely full. Not especially familiar with the area and without the time to research apartments, I knew that renting would be a bad idea.

So I signed up for campus housing with the naive hope that I would get a spot in GRC, where I stayed for the Summer Governor’s Japanese Language Academy during high school.

At first I was disappointed to live so far from all of the other undergraduate dorms, and the prospect of boarding the bus everyday hardly thrilled me. I considered storming the housing

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Appreciate the bus ride I know. Especially during Welcome Week and the first few days of class, it’s annoying that most of your freshman and first-year transfer friends live right on campus. They can easily walk back to their dorms right after class while you have to wait for the bus, endure the bus ride, walk from the MCV bus stop to your dorm building, and then take the elevator. Even if you’re not a Math major, you look at their two minutes versus your twenty, and realize that you’re spending a lot of time in transit. There are, however, advantages to the extra travel.

Waiting for the bus truly becomes a social activity. You can chat with other Cabaniss students; chances are you’ll meet MCV students, VCU faculty, and anyone else who simply has to get from Point A to Point B, too. If you’re shy or a total misanthrope, view your waiting time as an opportunity to read, catch up on homework, listen to music, or think without a professor’s voice blaring in the background. The bus ride itself is an excellent time to cram study or just close your eyes after a long day.

If the forced gel time that the bus ride provides doesn’t convince you, consider this: since you take the bus everyday, you have a better understanding of the how the GRTC Transit System works.

Find out how to take the bus anywhere around the city at no cost to you (Hint: go to the VCU Parking and Transportation Office on

office in a tank (black and gold for emphasis) and demanding a room change. Maybe then they would listen. But the pacifist in me defeated the thespian. If I wanted to be happy and make the best out of my first year at VCU, logic would have to trump my penchant for drama and I made sure that’s what happened.

After looking at maps, reading Richmond tourist books, and simply talking to people, I forced myself to explore everything Cabaniss had to offer. By November, I began to love Cabaniss; as would have surprised my early transfer year self, I even missed it when May finally rolled in and I had to move out.

Here’s how you, too, can make the most out of living in “Canabiss Hall”

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Every Cabaniss student complains about living ten minutes away from campus during the first month. That’s not only normal, it also opens up the chance for new friendships. At the very least, even if you have nothing else significant in common, you can whine together. If the friendship is meant to last, you’ll still crave each other’s company once you have all come to accept Cabaniss. Then Cabaniss pride blossoms. When I was there, Cabaniss always had activities going on. Sometimes there were organized philosophical/ intellectual discussions on controversial topics; other times there were movies nights or ice cream parties; often RAs rallied together their hall to bake cookies together.

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Visit Eastside It’s a mistake not to visit Shockoe Bottom and Churchill when you live in Richmond, but it’s even more unforgivable for you not to check it out when you live downtown. Cabaniss might not be in the heart of the Fan, but it’s close to plenty of fun and fascinating sites that people on Monroe Campus don’t necessarily see.

Suggestions? The Edgar Allen Poe Museum (find out about their monthly “Unhappy Hour”), Havana ‘59, The National, White House of the Confederacy, Fall-Out, the Virginia Holocaust Museum, Market at Tobacco Row, Libby Hill Park, River City Diner, 17th Street Farmers’ Market, Valentine Richmond History Center, Papa Ningo, John Marshall House Museum, Taylors Hill Park...to start.

Make MCV your home I felt somewhat amiss amongst all of the MCV graduate students when I first lived in Cabaniss but I soon became accustomed to it, especially when I found out the pluses of living on the MCV campus.

The hospital is nearby and that translates into access to late-night Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, Alpine Bagel, and Subway--a privilege the average, car-less freshman living on Monroe campus can’t enjoy. You can also easily attend MCV’s guest lectures, which should be useful l if you plan to go on to medical school or are simply interested in the life sciences. There are MCV social events you can check out every

Broad Street for a bus pass and map.)

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Build a community

once in a while, too.

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Savor the silence Cabaniss is the number one undergraduate study hall at VCU. Why? Because it’s quiet enough for you to actually study, read, and write your papers. Granted, you may get stuck with rambunctious neighbors but the hall as a whole is relatively silent.

The only places it normally gets loud are the Community Rooms and the basement--but, then again, those rooms are supposed to serve recreational purposes.

If you’re still not persuaded that living in Cabaniss is not a punishment, it’s because you have yet to where-how much that you need. experience its benefits. Put this magazine down the moment you finish reading it and put that pith helmet If you’re still not persuaded that living in Cabaniss is not a punishment, it’s because you have yet to experience its benefits. Put this on.on.

It’sIt’stime goonon your Eastside Reveal magazine down the moment you finish reading it and put that pith helmet time to to go your Eastside safari. safari.

Reveal the joys ofthe Cabaniss.joys of Cabaniss.

Google any of these places and you’ll gather the what-when-

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student internships Lee Khleang These individuals have gained hands on experience and enhanced their knowledge of a career field they wish to be a part of. They could easily have stayed home

this summer and watched endless hours of “The Hills” while laying on a couch with a 21 oz. slurpee and bags of gummy bears, but they didn’t. Hear what they have to say about their experiences.

James Cross Senior 20 Marketing major intern for Frenchkiss Records & Pitchfork in New York City

Jason Mamaril Senior 22 Graphic Design major intern for Interbranda brand agency in New York City

Tida Tep Senior 21 Graphic Design major intern for The Groopa digital agency in Los Angeles

Kellie Soto Junior 20 Mass Communications major concentration in Broadcasting intern for Star-Radio in Fredricksburg

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What are you passionate about?

James I’d like to say music (but who isn’t “passionate” about it nowadays?).

Kellie Life in general. I want to put the most effort possible into everything that I do.

I feel that if you go the extra mile you will eventually be rewarded for your efforts.

Tida Color.

Jason Graphic Design.

How did you find this place?

James Frenchkiss: I spent last summer interning with the A&R department of Columbia records. I submitted a band by the name of Chairlift who eventually got signed.

Columbia Records shares a band with Frenchkiss records (Passion Pit.) Luckily I was able to get someone to introduce me to the guys at Frenchkiss and we hit it off. Pitchfork: I saw a post they put up for interns. I applied and luckily got it.

Kellie I completed an assignment for Masc 203 interviewing several people that worked in the Star Radio Group. Online, I saw that they were going to have internships available for the summertime. I immediately turned in my cover letter and resume. A few days later, I received a call saying that they would love to

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have be as an intern for the summer.

Tida Design job listings.

Jason Matt Woolman and Jeremy Grimes sent an email out to the GDES students.

How do you feel about the company?

James I love them both.

Equally.

Kellie I think the company is amazing. They are all very strong willed and passionate about what they do for a living.

Tida They are very sharp and unbelievably imaginative.

Jason Great atmosphere! It’s a really cool place to work.

Everyone’s young and very knowledgeable.

Currently, do you feel you are doing what you love?

Kellie To a certain extent.

My internship has opened my eyes to real world scenarios, but my ultimate goal has not been reached.

Tida Absolutely, I geek out over kerning....that’s the life if you ask me.

Do you see yourself working there?

James At FrenchKiss records definitely, but not so much Pitchfork. I love it there, but I don’t see myself doing that kind of stuff forever.

Kellie Unfortunately, no.

Working as an anchor is my ultimate goal.

Tida Yes, I definitely would.

It’s a small company, I already feel like I’m a part of the family.

Jason Sometimes...

Have you met new friends?

James Of course. I generally like everyone I work with.

Kellie Yes. Another intern, named Ashley, is a journalism student at George Mason University.

We have learned a lot from one another and I think she has helped me get even more out of the interning experience.

Tida Yes, two sausage dogs named June and Henry.

Jason YES! I’ve made a lot of new friends.

Is it something you were expecting?

Kellie Yes. I tend to be able to make friends easily. I found out very soon that I was going to have an amazing experience.

Tida I wasn’t expecting the amount of responsibility I was given. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to work on actual client work and become an important asset of the team.

Jason Some of it I was expecting, but I’ve done a lot of things that I thought I wouldn’t have worked on.

Did you get free shit?

James Mainly advance copies of CD’s and I was able to get into shows for free. Also the occasional Jamba Juice.

Kellie Haha. I like the language. Yes! I received free tickets to Barbarian fight nights and concert tickets, along with free shirts, stickers and those sorts of things.

Jason Yes. Free food everyday. Haha. And a lot of other things.

Did they buy you lunch?

James On rare occasions.

Kellie Usually people would provide food for the radio stations when we

were out doing remotes or promotional events. So that was nice.

Tida Yes, and usually when we’re working late (which is most of the time). Beer too.

Jason Breakfast is provided everyday. Sometimes lunch is provided.

What projects/tasks have you been assigned?

Kellie I have done several broadcast remotes and appearances along with voice overs for commercials and promotional spots. They have taught me the basics of editing on Adobe Audition to help produce spots as well.

Tida I have done illustrations for Savings.com, worked on a pitch for Orange (a french telecom company), a pitch for the Disney Studios website, iFreek (an iphone app), the new Groop logo and Groop marketing collateral such as business cards, stickers, and paper dolls (my favorite)!

Jason Created logo concepts and design approaches; made internal flyers; completed competitive audits; image search for presentations; create applications for client presentations; present work during client meetings; let’s just say I’ve done a lot!

Describe your daily day.

James The cool thing is I really don’t have an average day. One day one of our artist’s album could leak, so we spent all day trying to minimize the damage from that. On other days I could walk in and we spent all day playing air hockey.

Kellie Depends. Somedays, I had to be there early in

the morning (as early as 6am) to shadow the jocks in their morning shows. Other days, I just had promotional events to go to which were normally later in the day. Each day at the radio station was really something different. I liked that a lot because the internship never got boring.

Jason Walk and take the subway to work. Wait for the elevator. Get free breakfast.

Start work. Meetings.

Lunch break (sometimes do work and eat at the same time). Start up work again. Meetings. Critiques.

Meetings. More meetings.

Work again. Home.

How is the environment?

The city? Studio? Office?

Apartment?

Kellie The environment is home to me. My house is about 20 minutes down the road. I love it there.

Jason I think everyone knows, but in New York there are so many different things to do and so many places to eat! The Interbrand office was remodeled soit looks very modern and professional.

Initially what did you want to take from this?

James More experience I guess; times are tough out there, I really doubt a college degree by itself is going to do anything for you. You need real world experience. I also wanted to meet more people that would help me move up in this industry.

Kellie I wanted to listen and learn from people who have been where I am now and are in a similar position that I want to be in the future.

Jason I wanted to gain more experience in the field and learn about the process behind how they create their work for clients. I also wanted to have work to add to my portfolio.

How have you dealt being away from home?

James It’s not that bad, I already have friends up here and I’m never really home anyways.

Jason Well, I’m staying with my sister, so I still feel at home. We try and call our mom, dad and brother everyday.

How different is this compared to class?

Kellie It’s just much more hands on. Even though I haven’t gotten into many of my major classes as a journalism student, I don’t think it could compare. As an intern, you are placed into a real world setting where you possibly could be working in the future. Going to class and listening to your professor lecture could never have the same impact.

The creative industry is stressful and demanding— but it’s also fun and completely rewarding.

Jason Very different! There are no excuses.

Deadlines are deadlines.

You have to time manage very well and keep track of meeting

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times. You can’t be late to meetings because you are wasting a lot of company money. Also as far as design goes, it’s kind of like class, but in the end you have to sell your ideas and concepts to the clients and back up your ideas with strategy and research. Also, you have to do some projects and tasks very quickly!

More demanding? Less demanding?

Kellie To me my internship seemed less demanding than class. This is probably due to the fact that it was just much more fun. To me, going out to do remotes or recording funny commerical spots is a lot more interesting than reading books or listening to a lecture.

Jason It is more demanding.

Are you cheating on your loved ones? Jk. James You only live once. (don’t print that haha) Kellie Maybe? Just kidding. hehe.

Jason HAHA wow these questions are getting controversial here. No, I would be killed.

Have you addressed your weaknesses for improvements?

Kellie Yes. I believe I could improve on just believing in myself more at times. It’s hard when you can’t get something right. It can get extremely frustrating when you know how you want something to turn out, and you just seem a little short each time. I think that the Star Radio Group has shown me that yes, this can be hard and frustrating, but in the long-run with some extra

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effort and motivation - you’ll be fine.

Any advice for those who are seeking an internship?

James I think networking is probably the most important thing in the world. Like, if you’re applying for a job through craigslist or something you’re basically (to the company) a sheet of paper. But with someone else writing an email recommending you, you’re already ahead of the crowd.

Also make sure for whatever company you’re applying to, you know the company’s history. I’ve heard so many horror stories.

Kellie Just go for it. It can seem a little overwhelming at first but there is nothing else like it. Going to class cannot compare to the experiences you gain in the real world situation.

Tida Look early. If you’re planning on a summer internship, I would start over winter break and begin emailing prospective places. Dig deeper and try to directly contact the creative director or whoever has a lead position. Have an online portfolio and make a résumé. Showcase your work and personality. If a creative director only spends a mere 30 seconds browsing your portfolio—make an impression. Write a cover letter and do your research.

Relate a personal anecdote to one of their campaigns for instance. In return they learn more about you as well as acknowledge your interest in their work. Don’t get picky.

Even if the internship isn’t at the most progressive agency/ studio, I guarantee you will value the experience. Be aggressive but don’t annoy.

You will be ignored and rejected. I contacted over 50 places and of those maybe only 25 responded and only a handful were interested.The search can be frustrating but don’t falter!

Jason Have a great resume and be prepared for the interview. Study the company, what they do, what work they have done, etc. Also study interview questions and figure out answers before going to the interview so that you are ready.

reference: student owned gallery Christine Erickson In a city flourishing in the art and music scene, it’s harder for young and upcoming artists to get their names out.

Galleries can be found all over Richmond, but new artists struggle to display their work in them.

Friends Conor Backman, Ross Iannatti, James Shaeffer, and Edward Shenk have been working to help solve this problem.

Hoping to make their apartment also function as an art

Art Gallery is now a project of Reference Fine Arts L.L.C., a Virginia Limited Liability Company.

Money, however, is not what they seek in return for their hard labor. Any commission will be at a much lower rate than regular galleries, solely to keep business running.

“Although we are not technically a non-profit we are hoping that what makes our space different than other local galleries

space, three of the boys chose to live together through

is that we are not driven by sales,” the boys say. “The artists

means of business, recruiting a friend in the process.

that we are choosing are people whose work we are excited

Together, the four have transformed their rather large

about, rather than people we think will sell.”

storage space to provide Richmond with its newest art gallery, Reference.

The plan collaborated through VCU student James

Reference Art Gallery held its first show September 4, but is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The gallery is located at 216 E. Main St.

Shaeffer, former MICA student Ross Iannetti, and Conor Backman, a VCU sculpture major experienced in hosting art shows from his previous apartment. The three roommates were joined by VCU graduate Edward Shenk.

Introducing emerging, hard-working artists that have seen little payoff is their mission. The four gallery owners hope to give a space for artists to exhibit in Richmond, while providing fresh inspiration to spectators by displaying artists from other cities and abroad.

“We want to excite the art scene in Richmond by bringing in outside artists”, said Backman.

After moving into the apartment in June, they immediately began building the space. In July, A VCU sculpture class was given the space for critique and show. Through their website, the public was informed much ahead of time for their debut in September’s First Fridays Art Walk.

As the gallery was built, the possibility of growth was already being discussed. Not just limited to art exhibit, there’s a good chance the gallery will also host future bands, dance parties, and movie nights.

Though young and ambitious, the four owners are far from unprofessional, taking the gallery very seriously. Not only was the summer spent on the space, money and legalities attached to registering a business proved to be bigger obstacles.

contact information Email mail@referenceartgallery.com Website http://www.referenceartgallery.com/home. html Flickr Photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/ referenceartgallery/ Blog http://referenceartgallery.tumblr.com

Coming up with a name alone proved difficult when almost every existing word has been trademarked.

What’s astonishing is the entire project has been financed through budgeting paycheck to paycheck.

“No loans, no funding,” said Iannetti. “We’re working for it, I sleep like 9 hours a week, on the usual.”

The boys received their license this month and Reference

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no money, no problem: rva free market Meredith Rigsby “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” is a common anecdote often used in reference to yard sales and thrift stores. The problem with these two resources is it still costs money for someone else’s “trash.”

Walk through Monroe Park on the last Saturday of each month and it may seem as though someone moved out of their house and left their belongings for the homeless.

The miscellaneous items strewn across the lawn are not cast off items but rather potential treasures up for grabs.

The event is known as the Really Really Free Market.

From noon to sunset the unique free market attracts the residents of Richmond, from newcomers to regular attendees.

“It is a FREE market, there is no exchange of money or anything,” said regular free market attendee, Maxwell Fisher. “You bring the stuff you don’t want anymore and if you see anything you pick it up and take it.”

Contributing to the Really Really Free Market does not necessarily mean bringing physical items. Bands have attended to show off their talent and entertain; others have read poetry and shared jokes.

Hanging out and meeting people in the community is the central aim of the Really Really Free Market.

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“For a city we are really small but there is still that feeling of disconnect,” said co- founder and VCU graduate, Ramey Connelly. “I was hoping it would be something that would bring people together but it’s worked out so much better than I really could have ever expected.”

The free market has experienced considerable growth since Connelly and Mo Karn coordinated the first few events. The market was originally held at Holly Street Park but has since migrated to Monroe Park located on the corner of Main and Laurel streets. Connelly and Karn hoped to reach a larger demographic as a result of the move.

While the free market has expanded since its start there is still a need for more people to help out and organize events. Connelly and Karn both agree that they are just there to help facilitate; that the free market should be a community driven activity.

“I think it could expand more” said co-founder, Karn. “We tried to have workshops so people could come and teach people some skill or talk about something and that hasn’t really functioned yet at the Richmond one but there is a huge potential there for the community teaching each other.”

A universal flyer advertising the Really Really Free Market can be found in various

places around the community as well as the event’s myspace page at myspace.com/ rvafreemarket. Those who wish to spread the word are encouraged to print off copies of the flyer and hand them out around the area.The Free Market can be found year around during the summer as well as the winter. The winter does experience a smaller crowd due to weather conditions but it has never been cancelled due to lack of attendance.

The event is open to everyone and no permission is needed to contribute to the cause via donation, performance, etc.

If one day the founders leave the city of Richmond their hope is that the Really Really Free Market will continue to be held on a monthly basis and bring people in the community together.

All items left behind at the close of the event are donated to diversity thrift.

contact information Ramey Connelly rameysaurus@yahoo.com Mo Karn xveganarchistravax@gmail. com Really Really Free Market rvafreemarket@yahoo.com

players predict another successful season Meredith Rigsby After the loss of two seniors, the NBA draft of player Eric Maynor and the addition of three new freshmen, students can expect an exciting season from the VCU basketball team.

The VCU basketball team has been placed in the spotlight over the past months since their recent NCAA championship win.

The NBA draft of one of the team’s well known players, Eric Maynor has also attracted more attention to the team that was once considered an underdog.

“We are working hard getting ready for next season” said senior player, Kirill Pishchelnikov. “We just don’t think oh Eric Maynor left so we will play bad. No, we have a lot of guys who can switch in.”

The team has also had to adjust to a change in coaching staff since previous coach, Anthony Grant decided to transfer to the University of Alabama.

The pressure continued to increase when popular player, Joey Rodriguez announced he did not plan on returning to VCU after the 2008-2009 season. Rodriguez later reversed his decision to leave.

The addition of three new freshmen players has the team’s spirits and expectations set high for the fall season.

“I think they will be just fine”

said former VCU basketball player, Eric Maynor. “Joey going back so they are going be straight.”

The three freshmen that have joined the team, Isaiah Grayson from Atlanta Georgia, Troy Daniels from Roanoke, Virginia and Darius Theus from Portsmouth, Oregon have been practicing with the team since late June.

“I like the campus and they have a good education program and I like the coaching staff” said freshman point guard, Grayson. “I thought it would be the best decision for me.”

A new member of the coaching staff, Mike Jones coached at Grayson’s high school in Atlanta and was a key player in his decision to attend VCU. According to team members the new guys are

“

According to team members the new guys are keeping up with the switch from high school level basketball to college level.

”

keeping up with the switch from high school level basketball to college level. Senior players are helping the freshmen get to know the area and become comfortable with the other members on the team.

It is nice to have the support of older players but Grayson, Daniels and Theus have been able to comfort and support each other during their shared new experiences.

“It’s very beneficial knowing that you got two other freshmen so you don’t have to go through the whole struggle that the coach staff put you through and college puts you through just by yourself” said Grayson. “You have others to relate to you. I like it a lot.”

The new players are not the

ones the team predicts will step into the limelight in the coming season. Players on the team agree that senior Larry Sanders, who is already a lottery pick for the NBA, will likely be the focus of fans and scouts alike. “Larry Saunders is dominant on both ends” said Maynor.

The VCU basketball team may have specific stand out players but their main goal is the same; to live up to the precedent set by the team the year before and participate and win the NCAA championship title.

“We are family and our goal is to win the championship and we just try to help out our team” said Pishchelnikov.

VCU’s basketball season is planned to begin on Sunday, November 16th and will end on Thursday, March 15th.

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build bars VCU’s r prisone

Caroline Evertz

Rehabilitation for prisoners comes in many different forms in order to assimilate inmates into the work force, but when does the prison world get in the way of the real world?

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“

Overall, Druff calls VCE “an anomaly to a free market.”

”

B

usiness retailers claim that line has been crossed by government programs mandating agencies to purchase from them.

Businesses claim a monopoly is being created, while the prison programs stick with the goal of rehabilitation.

Virginia Commonwealth University, along with other Virginia government-owned entities, is required by the Virginia Department of Procurement to purchase their furniture or office supplies from Virginia Correctional Enterprises (VCE). VCE is a provider of numerous services that government-owned agencies are mandated to use, while they employ prison inmates to manufacture those products.

“We try to mirror as close as possible the employment of citizens in the free world,” Don Guillroy, director of VCE, said.

VCE has 30 shops across the Commonwealth and hire inmates in 20 different prisons, overall employing 1,600 inmates. These workers create goods such as license plates, uniforms, dentures and office furniture depending on

which prison they work in.

“It’s just a myriad of stuff,” Guillroy said.

VCU purchased about $1.044 million in furniture for offices at the new School of Business and dorm rooms from VCE for the upcoming 2007 fiscal year. “[VCE is] good as anybody else,” interior designer for VCU Facilities Management Caren Girard said, comparing them to other providers.

In spite of the fact that VCU is required to purchase from VCE, if the furniture does not meet quality standards, VCU may look to other bidders.

Director of procurement for VCU Betty Lowther, said VCU’s main concern is to “keep a good appearance” in the final product. “[We] try to find a balance,” when purchasing VCE and other companies’ products.

For competing furniture suppliers, VCE is an obstacle.

Chasen’s Business Interiors, a supplier of Herman Miller products, sold items for the VCU Medical Campus and office and classroom furniture for the new business school. The head of sales for Chasen’s Business Interiors in Richmond, David Druff, said products from VCE are costing agencies more money then they would obtain commercially.

Girard defends VCU’s purchases saying VCE is not set up as a money saving option, just rehabilitation for prisoners.

VCE causes taxpayers to pay for inferior products leaving the end user receiving furniture they have to replace because of poor quality and warranties, said Druff.

Another problem is the bureaucracy that agencies must go through deny

mandates to purchase from VCE. In order for state agencies not to purchase from VCE, they must receive permission from VCE to go to another vendor. “[Agencies] have to go to the person they are forced to buy from and ask to buy products from Herman Miller or others because VCE product does not match up,” Druff said. Overall, Druff calls VCE “an anomaly to a free market.”

Guillroy believes VCE doesn’t hinder the furniture industry because it can only sell to government institutions, while other privately owned company’s selling power is unlimited.

Virginia furniture retailers are not the only ones fighting the federal prison manufactures, the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufactures Association in Grand Rapids, Mich. is against these mandated programs.

Director of government affairs for the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufactures Association (BIFMA) Brad Miller said such organizations are creating a monopoly.

“It’s in opposition to the free enterprise system,” Miller said.

“If [federal programs] have the business they don’t need to try harder.”

For those pushing towards more correctional programs, Miller said there is a common ground that can be met.

“There are things that the prisons can do that are positive,” Miller said.

Miller said the programs in place now leave many inmates out of prison without a positive experience.

Buyers forced to purchase shrug their shoulders at the opposition.

“I’m mandated to use it, so I use it,” Girard said.

According to Girard, VCE’s mission is to give quality products at a competitive price, but to also instill work ethic in inmates.

In order for an inmate to start working with VCE, they go through an interview process. Upon arrivial, inmates work eight to nine hour days, including lunch breaks and time for line ups to enter and exit the facility.

Inmates receive training on the item they are supposed to create and depending on the product, can start and finish it in one day.

“They wouldn’t start a piece and not finish it,” Guillroy said about the workers.

The inmate receives 45 to 80 cents per hour. They are paid depending on their amount of talent. The pay is twice as much as what they would usually receive at a prison job, said the director to VCE. Workers also have an opportunity to receive promotions to reach higher pay. They can be promoted to a “lead,” who is the head inmate on the job.

Although giving inmates a working experience seems beneficial, some believe it only seems good in theory.

Having the inmates work in a factory line is “not necessarily worthwhile,” said VCU’s Girard.

“Will they ever use it when they get out of prison? I doubt it,” he said about the inmates.

Whether the inmate’s benefits are apparent or not, the consensus is as long as VCE and other subsidized federal programs attempt to be a business then they should compete like one.

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how to eat healthy in college -

and like it Christine Stoddard It’s not always easy to eat right. America’s obesity epidemic provides evidence of this. But just because you’re at college doesn’t mean you’re doomed to walking through four years of a nutritional desert. There are ways to eat well and it doesn’t always mean adhering to a Spartan diet, either. You can eat healthy and like it. Here’s how:

Buy a meal plan that makes sense: The most expensive meal plan isn’t necessarily the best. Conversely, you shouldn’t get the cheapest meal plan only to save money. If this is your first time ordering a meal plan at a college, you should probably buy one that covers 14-21 meals a week, especially if you’re living in a dorm and don’t have access to a kitchen. Skip a meal plan only if you’re confident that you’re willing to prepare meals for yourself. It’s harder than you may think! Remember that neither starving nor eating cold cereal three times a day is healthy.

Make time for breakfast: Especially if you have morning classes, it can be hard to have breakfast every morning.

But eating breakfast doesn’t necessarily mean sitting down for 30 minutes leisurely reading the newspaper, either. If you can’t hit the 20

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cafeteria before class, pack breakfast for when you’re on the go. This will require that you occasionally go grocery shopping but it will be worth it for your health and will be lighter on your checkbook (or parents’ checkbook), too. Buy juice boxes in bulk (usually 10-24 packs) and save. You can also try cow’s or soy milk, which often come in small boxes like juice. Cereal, fruit, or yogurt bars are other good choices. Try pastries, which you can easily wrap in a napkin. Other options include dried fruit and nuts.

Have a large lunch: Don’t pig out (unless, of course, it’s a special celebration!) but do eat a full, well-rounded meal.

Your lunch should definitely feature some kind of protein to give you energy for the day. This is the time to go grab that juicy hamburger or steak or veal parmigiana or tofu delight-not at dinner, if

you can help it. The reason for this is because eating a lot at dinner causes your body to digest very slowly. Chances are, you go to bed not too long after dinner. Since your body isn’t as alert when you’re sleeping, it won’t process the food as quickly as it would’ve earlier in this day. More eating at dinner time can also result in a stomachache right before bed. That’s never a good ingredient for a comforting rest.

Snack (smartly) throughout the day: If you can, try to eat 5 or 6 smaller meals throughout the day instead of 2 or 3 big ones. As previously mentioned, lunch (which for most people falls between about 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.) should be your biggest meal of the day. Eating only when you are hungry prevents you from over-eating. Remember, each small meal should include one to three snacks, depending on what you eat.

Healthy snacks you may enjoy include granola bars, peanuts, fresh fruit, mozzarella sticks, strawberry smoothies, forest ham, or celery sticks. An example of a wise smaller meal would be a carton of c

hocolate milk, dried apricots, and carrot sticks.

Drink lots of water: It’s very important that you stay wellhydrated at all times. It helps your body function properly, which includes ensuring a normal metabolism. In other words, drinking water is good way to control your weight. (And with the horror of the Freshman 15 being a reality for many college students, who doesn’t like the thought of that?) Always try to carry your own thermos or water bottle because you might not have access to a water fountain throughout the day. Even if there’s a water fountain near all of your classes, you probably shouldn’t escape class every time you need a sip of water.

Remember that water also boasts zero calories!

Don’t forget your fruits and vegetables: Not everybody likes fruits and vegetables and cafeteria food usually doesn’t make this fact any easier. If your cafeteria regularly carries bruised or otherwise unappetizing fruit, it’s worth it to buy fresh apples, bananas, pears, grapes, and oranges at a grocery store. The same rings

true if your cafeteria doesn’t prepare vegetables the way you like them. Don’t sacrifice your health just because the food is unsatisfying! If you’re lucky, though, your campus normally serves fruits and vegetables that you like so don’t skimp on them. Try to have one fruit or vegetable at every meal. Real fruit juice, quality fruit yogurt, and fruit bars and smoothies made with fresh fruit count are good alternatives.

But blueberry cobbler?

Probably not.

Avoid empty calories: Sadly, chocolates and milkshakes, when eaten excessively everyday, are not the best choices for your body. With that in mind, avoid “empty” calories by eating food with low nutritional value only sparingly. Skip soda and bug juice whenever possible (limit yourself to drinking it only a couple times a week, if ever).

Eat smaller servings of desert (i.e., one little cookie instead of two big ones) and save junk snacks, like potato chips and pork rinds, for special treats.

independent vs. chain coffee shops: room for both in the fan With so many choices for food and beverages in the fan area there can’t be too many coffee shops.

Jessica Porter The fan area, especially around VCU, is crawling with independent businesses that give the area its charm.

Even with the presence of chain corporations, locally owned coffee shops are able to thrive.

Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream, on Morris St., is often packed full of people who choose to spend their money at an independently owned business rather than the Saxbys Coffee near the dorms, two Starbucks on campus and the three more Starbucks in the area.

The owner of Crossroads, Jeff Kroll, does not view the chains as competition.

“The population hungers for something different that reflects the neighborhood,” He makes sure to incorporate

things that appeal to the diverse residents of the fan and VCU students. A larger menu and the option of ice cream make the experience at Crossroads different from that of a chain.

Employees “developing relationships” with customers is just one benefit of going to locally owned coffee shops.

“A person’s coffee can be started as soon as they walk in the door,” said, former owner, Scott King, of recently closed Common Groundz located on Broad Street.

“Face and name recognition is very important.

Independent coffee shops can create a more more personal atmostphere by choosing what music to play and how to decorate,” said Kroll.

The atmosphere is not as structured. It supplies an “environment around creative people” not provided at a chain like Starbucks, Crossroads employee, Will Gowdy said.

Rostov’s Coffee & Tea is different from the others because it is not a café.

Rostov roasts and sells their coffee by the pound as well as tea, mugs and other drinking accessories. Owner Tammy Rostov, 41, is confident about the coffee provided.

“What we do is unique, there’s no coffee that has not been roasted and ground in the store, Anyone who sells coffee actually helps us because people realize what we have is better.”

The “big green monster on campus” is not a worry Kroll said.

“There is enough population for independent and chain coffee shops.”

This is not the case for all independently owned coffee shops in the area. The Common Cup, located near Crossroads, recently closed for reasons that are not clear.

There is speculation from a neighboring business that the closing was due to the economy. Attempts to reach the owner of the Common Cup were unsuccessful.

But many people have chosen to stay loyal to chain business like Starbucks due to more convenient locations. Nikki Thompson, a VCU Student agrees that convenience is the reason for her morning stops at Starbucks.

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vcu students add green to their everyday wardrobe Lauren DiLisio A new color has swept through Virginia Commonwealth University. Aside from the school’s labeled colors of black, white and gold, green has been widely revealed to students around campus.

Although Global Warming is a controversial subject among students, the majority agree that doing simple things to help the environment can make a difference in the long-run. Recycling, switching to energyefficient light-bulbs and even remembering to turn off lights and unplug appliances will help not only the power bill but the environment as well.

Labels have been put on “Going Green” since the start of the movement. Some have even gone on to call it a fad. However, this “fad” has affected students, whether they’ve expected it or not.

‘Going green’ began as a fad when NBC made a big point to go green and many celebrities publically supported being environmentally friendly,” said VCU Social Work major Libby Tofflemire. “It inspired and motivated many individuals to do the same, but I think that people have continued to work towards being environmentally friendly.”

From large networks to local neighborhoods, students and universities alike have climbed on board to become more environmentally friendly.

“Students are becoming much more aware of green issues, and there are now a handful of student green organizations on campus,” said Brian Ohlinger, Associate Vice President of Facilities Management for VCU. “Most of the energy savings and conservation will come from student activities, especially the 5,000 living on campus.”

Since VCU faculty believes that students will become a large part of the campus’ efforts to become more “Green,” the school has placed handfuls of recyclinaround campus to encourage recycling.

“I definitely think VCU’s efforts to recycle and conserve energare being noticed. It seems like a lot of people are catching on Though recycling is pretty easy on its own, using

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alternative household products is another simple way to “go green.”

“It’s surprising the range of household materials you can buy that are naturally made; like soaps, cleaners, kitty litter and for the most part they are the same price as your standard ‘toxic’ chemicals,” said Graphics Design major Zane Bevan.

Anything from kitchen napkins and light bulbs to cars can be altered to become friendlier to the environment. Although some people think the extra work won’t make much of a difference in the future, something as small as recycling can reduce a person’s “carbon footprint.”

“Every person has a carbon footprint and the more people working to minimize their own footprint is beneficial,” said Christina Gleixner, a VCU Graphic’s Design major. “Think of how many people there are living on our earth and how many businesses there are that could work to be greener.”

Aside from VCU’s efforts to “go green”, students have been inspired not only by the school, but also by sheer interest and concern for the environment. Their contributions, no matter how small, have shown others how effective and easy it is to do simple things to “Go Green.” As far as VCU students are aware, they are stepping even closer to adding green to their everyday colors.

know your rights for equal fights Sara D’Eugenio As a cyclist in Richmond who must ride down Cary Street to get to class in a timely manner, getting hassled everyday is something I have unfortunately learned to accept. However, it continues to bother me when motorists get riled up over a cyclist ‘getting in the way.’ Therefore, I outlined an easy to read guide that illustrates Virginia’s law on transportation rights for bicyclists, mopeds and pedestrians.

So go on! Grab this guide and carry it with you on your next alternative transportation adventure!

bicyclists

mopeds + motorized skateboards

Your rights

1

Your rights

1 2

Same rights as any other vehicle on the roadway, unless otherwise noted.

2 3 4 5

Considered a vehicle on highways.

Ability to ride on the highway shoulder.

Full lane in certain circumstances (see below #2).

Riding on sidewalks is okay in some areas.

Motorists must pass you at a reasonable speed and at least two feet away.

Your responsibility

1 1.2 2.

3 3.

4

Generally the same as bicyclists!

No access on sidewalks or bicycle paths.

Carry some sort of identification.

You may not drive faster than 35 mph on a highway, otherwise you are considered a motorcycle and need to have

Your responsibility

1 2

Generally the same as bicyclists!

Ride with flow of traffic, on the right side.

4.

proper licenses.

If you are moving slowly, move as close to curb as

5.

5

You may not operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

possible. However this is voided if: A Bicyclist is overtaking and passing a vehicle moving in

walking + jogging

the same direction.

B Preparing to turn left C Avoiding unsafe conditions (the numerous potholes,

Your rights

1 2

for example).

Turning traffic must yield to you.

In intersections, you always have the right of way when indicated.

D Avoiding lane direction change.

E A one-way road which is not large enough for cyclist to ride safely to the side.

3 4

Obey traffic signals, signs, etc.

Do not ride between two lanes of traffic, unless one is a turn or separate lane.

5

Your responsibility

1 2 3

Use crosswalks.

Walk against traffic.

Do not enter or cross an intersection in disregard of approaching traffic.

To note and obey areas where cycling is prohibited (some controlled access highways).

6

When riding on sidewalks, yield to pedestrians and give audible signals.

7

For safety reasons, you are not permitted to wear headphones in both ears. Also, unless you have a tandem

8

The following information can be found on VDOT’s website. For a more in-depth analysis, you can access this information

or other bicycle specifically designed to, you cannot carry

by visiting www.virginiadot.org and

more than yourself on your bicycle.

www.dmv. gov.

Use bike lights. The least amount of light permitted is a front white headlamp visible from at least 500 feet. Roads with a speed limit 35mph or greater need a red taillight in addition to front white headlamp.

9

When riding on highways, you need to have breaks.

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a little view from the top Tenoiya Carter View from the Top: an ironic name for a group of guys who are so down to earth. They hail from West Point, VA, but with their love for music and their talent, they plan to go much further.

The four-member pop-punk band has been active since their high school years.

With a couple of member changes, they finally found all the key components that make up the View from the Top we see and hear today: Russell Redmond, McGill Jackson, Kyle Hermann, and Alex Herman.

Their sound is influenced by a wide variety of musical

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styles ranging from rock to hip-hop. They have an interesting way of describing themselves.

“If Blink-182 and Taking Back Sunday had a love child,” explained Jackson, “the end result would be us.”

While all four of them have obligations outside of the band, whether they attend college or work full time, they each have managed to overcome logistics and make the band an important part of their lives.

The VFTT members all get their musical inspiration from different places. For example, Hermann, guitarist

for the group, finds himself mostly inspired by older rock music such at the Beatles, while Redmond most often listens to current music.

“He knows everything about the new stuff and nothing about the old stuff,” said Hermann. “But you don’t know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been.”

VFTT is going in a direction that is sure to bring them much success. After playing shows in Richmond and the surrounding areas, the band kicked off a two week tour down the southern coast.

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All band mates agree that this is not just a passing phase.

When attending a VFTT show, one can expect to never experience a dull moment.

“We really believe that a rock show is all about the presentation and the energy,” says VFTT. “People go to rock shows to be entertained visually as well as aurally.”

A crowd filled the Canal Club on July 16, 2009 and was able to witness a live VFTT show.

Before the show started, the group practiced, mingled with the audience, and right before going on stage they huddled in a circle and exchanged words of encouragement.

“One, two, one, two, three, jump!” said the members of VFTT in unison and the show began. They encourage the audience to come a little closer and jump along with them. Most find it hard to not be influenced by the bands energy. Before long, everyone is jumping and singing along.

Two teenage girls, who drove from Roanoke, VA to attend the show, expressed how much they enjoyed VFTT’s performance.

“I love their energy, and how they get the crowd involved,” said NNeka Lewis. “They were very energetic, and down to earth.”

While all the members of the VFTT have different personalities, whether extremely laid back or over the top, love for music is a trait that is evident in each of them.

“Music is my itch in life,” expressed band member McGill. “We love being on stage, and we love playing music. Music can help you through anything.”

All band mates agree that this is not just a passing phase.

They plan to see how far their music will take them. The goal for the future is to do music for a living without having to supplement it with other forms of employment.

“We want to travel the world and touch as many people with our music as possible” explains VFTT.

VFTT can be contacted by e-mail at viewfromthetopband@gmail.com. You can also listen to music and keep up with the band performance schedule at www.myspace.com/viewfromthetopva or follow them on twitter www.twitter.com/viewfromthetop.

breconstructed Christine Erickson Shopping for clothes that fit perfectly is hard, and it can be expensive. Although thrift stores are a low-priced alternative, a lot of times that dress or shirt you find would be perfect, if only you could tweak a few little things.

Designer Bree Langford is inspired by those little things.

With her mother’s sewing machine, what began as personal interest in college has resulted in her very own clothing line, breconstructed.

Through thrift stores or by donation, Langford manages to turn outdated into fresh vintage. Plaids, polyester, and any horrendous piece from your grandmother’s old wardrobe are a fun challenge for the designer, resulting in something completely new and unique for you.

The line mainly consists of dresses, although she’s tried her hand at making bags, belts, and even underwear. Ranging from $13 to $30, each dress is one-of-a-kind, because the designer herself doesn’t even know what she’ll find next. Different

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patterns, necklines, and small details are what inspire each piece.

Cheap is hardly the word one should use to describe her work. The amount of time put into each piece ranges anywhere from one to six hours, or until Langford feels what she’s produced is the same quality for customers as if it were her own.

The line began through Etsy, an online marketplace for artists and crafters. Keeping up with business online and providing customers with accurate sizing proved difficult, and Langford found she liked local design work better so she could see people try her pieces on.

After moving to Richmond in January, Bree stumbled upon Rumors Boutique, a consignment shop that not only encourages fashion, but also local artists to express themselves through independent ideas and thinking.

Langford showed her work to Rumors owners, Marshe Wyche and Casey Longyear, and breconstructed was soon in the store. Starting with just a few pieces, Langford sold out in a week. Now, she works at a rate of about 15 new pieces every two weeks.

“Her line is doing well,” Wyche said. “Anyone into vintage would love Bree’s line.”

Recycling fabrics and clothing to make functional

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and affordable apparel and accessories is not only a smart option for buyers, it also ties breconstructed with Langford’s environmental science degree. Using second-hand clothing keeps it out of landfills, and when the average American throws away about 68 pounds of clothing, reconstructed retail is beneficial to the environment.

Although breconstructed is seeing more business these days, the designer’s main motives are still for the customers and her love of sewing. In a small studio near Carytown with just a mannequin, a sewing machine, and the most random assortment of textiles, breconstructed is local entrepreneurship at its finest.

When asked if she’d ever own a store, Langford simply states, “I don’t want to take it to the point where I hate sewing.”

contact information myspace.com/breconstructed breconstructed@gmail.com Rumors Boutique 404 N. Harrison St.

It makes people happy having something cheap and original, Langford says.

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diy fall issue what your walls are wearing.

Bulletin Boards — From Drab to Fab

Clotheslines aren’t just for clothes.

In dorms and apartments, we’re always looking for ways to utilize the small space we’re given. One of the main challenges in doing so is maintaining a desirable aesthetic, which isn’t always easy. Bulletin boards are a great way to keep your space organized and practical, to display photos, keep important information handy and reduce paper clutter on countertops.

However, they don’t come in many color options which can promote an uninteresting, boring wall. Here’s a quick, easy and inexpensive way to alleviate the drabness of an everyday bulletin board into an appealing element with added function!

Looking for another great way to turn a blank wall space into a mini photo gallery? Forego frames and try this simple do-ityourself method for displaying some of your favorite shots.

Supplies Bulletin Board Paint & Paintbrush Scissors Fabric Dull Knife Thumbtacks 1 2 3 4

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Paint the wooden frame your desired color. (We suggest using a color that matches the pattern of your chosen fabric.)

After letting it dry for an hour, cut the fabric to the size of the board with half an inch excess on all sides.

Center the fabric and pull it taut, working out all wrinkles from the middle to each edge.

Using a dull knife, tuck the fabric in between the frame and cork board. Repeat this step while smoothing out any wrinkles to create an even surface.

Place a thumbtack in all four corners to stretch and secure the fabric in place.

Supplies Photographs String Clothespins Hammer & Nails 1 Attach two nails at a desired distance on any wall.

2 Tie an end of the string to each nail.

3 Use clothespins (which can be found in many fun shapes and sizes) to attach your pictures to the line.

Alternative Ideas Check out www.poladroid.net to create a “polaroid” of any digital image. Ritz Camera prints 3.5”x5” prints for 6 cents every Tuesday and Wednesday, so go print crazy and string a couple layers of photos up for just a few bucks!

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Tim Lamb junior in painting & printmaking

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what’s

your

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Can you tell what your aura is? Each person has a unique color and intensity that they give off. Learn more about the color you emit and what it says about you.

Kithie Lee Vintage Jumpsuit from Kulture on 18th Street ($35), and Vintage White Belt

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DOBBK Green results in a person that is restful, modifies energy and has a natural healing ability. They also love gardening and usually have a “green hand” - anything grows for them. When seen in the Aura this usually represents growth and balance, and most of all, something that leads to change. These people

?IRB

tend to love the love of people, animals, nature; are teachers; and are social.

DO>V

Blue means people are relaxed and balanced.

These people tend to be highly spiritual, generous, on the right path with new opportunities coming.

MFKH

Unfortunately, this dark color

Gray auras refer to dark and depressing thoughts, unclear intentions, and

of blue means that one has

Pink equals love (in a spiritual

presence of a dark side in the

fear of the future, fear of self-

sense). Pink auras indicate

personality. A residue of fear

expression and fear of facing

that the person achieved a

is accumulating in the body,

or speaking the truth.

perfect balance between

with a potential for health

spiritual awareness and the

problems, especially if gray

material existence. These

clusters seen in specific areas

people tend to be loving,

of the body.

tender, sensitive, sensual, artistic, affectionate, pure

QRONRLFPB

and compassionate.

MROMIB

Turquoise indicates dynamic quality of being, highly energized

A purple aura indicates

personality and capbility of influencing other people. These

spiritual thoughts. This is the

people can do many things simultaneously and are good

most sensitive and wisest of

organizers. They feel bored when forced to concentrate on one

colors. Purple is the intuitive

thing. People love bosses with turquoise Auras, because such

color in the Aura, and reveals

bosses explain their goals and influence their team rather than

psychic power of attunement

demand executing their commands. These people tend to be

with self. These people are

sensitive, compassionate, healers, or therapists.

intuitive, visionary, futuristic, idealistic, artistic, and magical.

Cuban Fedora Hat from Oakley, at Stony Point Fashion Park ($45); Eco Heather Crew from Need Supply Co., at Cary Town ($22); Olive Green Corduroys from Rumors, on Harrison Street ($11); and Vintage Bracelet

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Violet Rufe Tank from Need Supply Co., at Cary Town ($44); Purple Skinny Leg Jeans from Rumors, on Harrison ($12); Clear with Violet Jupiter Sunglasses from Oakley, at Stony Point Fashion Park; and Vintage Purple Bag

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Eco Heather Crew from Need Supply Co., at Cary Town ($22); Turquoise Windbreaker from Rumors, on Harrison ($18); and Vintage Jeans

Jack BB Dakota Pink Halter from Kulture, on 18th Street ($28); Candy Pink Skinny Leg Jean from Need Supply Co., at Cary Town ($78); Crystal Pink Ravishings Sunglasses from Oakley at Stony Point Fashion Park ($49); and Vintage Shell Necklace.

Eco Friendly Crew from NEED, at Cary Town ($22); Vintage Dark Grey Vest from Express; Vintage Grey shorts; and Vintage Pocket Watch

Special Thanks to Rumors, NEED Supply Company, Kulture, and Oakley.

Photographer Shawnee Custalow Cheif Stylist Leilani LittleďŹ eld Models Ally Farrish & Christopher Wagner.

Hair & Makeup Stylist Hannah Elvington.

Fashion Assistants Dena Spruill & Ashton Williamson

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