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 N o.1
September 2008
ink staff >
e Sara D'Eugenio EDITOR - IN - CHElF
Meredith Rigsby MANAGING EDITOR
Melissa Tablante CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Patrice Dalesandro CREATIVE DIRECTOR
• ink
'·~ '~"'~1·~ ''' ""')
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•.. . .. Iillii ,I
j
Kathryn Glushefsk i 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
Cour t ney Mannion VISUAL STAFF
Nina Stoddard VISUAL STAFF
Lee Khleang VISUAL STAFF
ConsuweJla Carrington VISUAL STAFF
Christine Stoddard WRITING STAFF
Leilani Littlefield FASHION STYLIST
Shawnee Custalow GUEST PHOTOGRAPHER
Tim Lamb COVER ILLUSTRATION
iN!
table of contents campus life 4 5 9
arts + culturl"
contemporary issues 18
top things to do
stories of trips abroad
20
VCU + VCE
24
tips on healthy college eating habits
25
Does the fan have too many
27
view from the top
love reworked vintage? then you'll love breconstructed.
how to be a good roommate 21
DIY photos + bulletin boards
coffee shops?
10 cabaniss happiness
we didn't think so.
11
28
insight on student internships
15
students create art gallery
16
free stuff in richmond
22
VCU continues to go green
23
transportation information
Tim Lamb speaks know who the best AFO teachers are
30
auras + colors what do they say about you?
we're there . you should be, too.
17
VCU basketball's hopeful outlook
~~~i?~ 'V:!\Y~~) ~~ oh the
Why wait to figure
things out the hard way? Freshman, transfer
and even those who have been here for over
five years, use this guide to help make the most of your time in Richmond on and off campus. Numbers
reflect top voted places based on randomly surveyed students.
\ 4
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I P aces YOU'll go!
GOODFOO
brian in hong kong Three VCU students share their experiences of studying abroad .
Brian McDaniel
traveling. I had several
sealed the deal for me to go
My story of traveling abroad
things going for me, but
to Asia.
begins with t h is almost
nothing is ever guaranteed.
unreachable goal, a lot of
got accepted to an exchange
of those cheesy study abroad pamphlets, but
I hate to sound li ke one
luck, and taking advantage
program in Hong Kong, and
of nearly every opportunity
I definitely hyped it up that I
studying abroad in Hong
I could get. I was always
was leaving, but in the back
Kong was easi ly one of the
interested in world history,
of my mind I honestly wasn't
best expe r iences of my life.
cultures, and understanding
too sure. The scholarsh ip
Hong Kong is a completely different place from anywhere
the ways people interact,
committees did not give any
so studying abroad seemed
dates about when applicants
e lse. Imagine going to the
natural for me. However, I
would be notified, so for a few
commons during lunchtime
had no idea how I was going
weeks I was a nervous mess.
and multiplying that business
to go about this or even
I'll never forget, on December
by a hun dred. In Hong Kong,
where I wanted to go. Last
8.2008 I checked my email
there are seas of people everywhere and I mean
October, I crossed my fingers
and it was a congratulations
and applied to
letter from the Gilman
EVERYWHERE. I almost
two national scholarships
Scholarship Committee.
forgot what it was like to
because it was my best bet in
Receiving that suddenly
have personal space and
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the freedom to wave my
of Thailand, or walking
arms around in public. Since
across the Great Wa ll of
moving out of Johnson Hall
China. Traveling to Vietnam,
freshman year, I hadn't lived
the Philippines, Thailand,
in a dorm and I didn't miss
Shanghai, and Beijing was
it at all. I lived in a triple in
what I enjoyed the most
Johnson and I got screwed
during my time in Asia.
again, and lived in a triple
Seeing how people lived and
all male dorm. However,
how welcom ing people can
I got really lucky with
be was surp r ising.
my roommates, and they
My greatest gain was
become my best friends
learning how awesome
there. Edmond was rea lly
people can be. I was treated
into photography and he had
like a ce lebrity and people did
a girlfriend whom he had
not hesitate to say hello, take
given a special ring tone, and
pictures with me, or attempt
would talk to her softly on the
to ta lk to me in the little
phone until the early hours of
bit of broken English that
roberto in barcelona
the day. Leo was really into
they knew. Also, whi le I was
"The Little Prince", girls from
away, people from back
Roberto Curtis We live at about a mile a minute. From gas cards and GPS, to
France, and the movie Big
home gave me so much
Google phones and late night drive thru, this country is built on
Fish. Leo was also a great
support. I had never been
determined nine-to-fivers chasing that certain manifestation
cook, and when the only
away so this was my first
of merit; be it a Gucci suit, a 40-foot yacht or a green lot of
vegetarian dish (rice, tofu and
experience of homesickness
cook ie-cutter, suburban paradise. But what if you rather work
mushrooms) that was sold
and fee ling lost.
to live instead of living to work?
at my schools canteen became old, one can only
I gained a greater appreciation for the city
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
understand why we became
I came from: the crappy
where entire city blocks shut down for local soccer matches
such good friends.
sidewalks by the commons,
and scores of summer soirffles?
riding my bike in the fan , and all the peop le that I love. My
Welcome to Barcelona, capital of Catalonia. Teetering on the edge of an identity crisis (ask a Catalan if Catalonia is part of
complete months in Asia."
friend from Berlin would
Spain), this Mediterranean Mecca of 1.7 million people holds
While I was there I took
always say "sometimes you
incredible allure for about 14 million tourists each year.
advantage of everything I
have to surprise others and
could do. As a kid from the suburbs of Richmond, there
yourself," and I totally agree.
Sometimes I have to pinch myself and say "I spent five
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
are some places that I never
this culture had so seductively struck me w ith its , breezy, hip
ever thought I would go or
swagger and late lunches.
experience; and there I was standing on the beaches
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 wea lth 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
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Barcelona began as a joke. "We should just move
air as the plazas, bars
or catching a brick in the
and police forces prepared
head. With beer in hand and
and in showing them the ropes, I felt more comfortable
to Spain," Wrisley said in a
for what was certain
plugs in ears, I leisurely took
with the idea of becoming
text message one rainy
to be nothing short of
shelter on a bench beh ind a
day."lf it's Spain, it's got
glorious mayhem.
news kiosk on Las Ramblas
a denizen. I met amazing tourists and ex-pats who were
with three other locals who
as enamored as I was and
to be Barcelona,"
After being down by one
Maruanaya responded.
goal, Barfflf3a came back,
looked like they had done
who all contributed to my
Six months later with visas
lighting up Atletic de Bilbao
this before. Safe from the
exposure to the international community minus the airfare.
in hand, they were ready to,
by netting four and securing
flying glass, we watched
well, stand around for awhile.
its first piece of silverware in
dozens of officers march past
"All that re laxed stuff sounds
two seasons.
us, riot shie lds drawn and
satisfying, though incomplete
In ten weeks I had lived a
flanked by armored police
experience; riots, the seedy
in a store, you just want to
go off from Plaffl8a de
wagons. Rubber bullets,
underbelly. local dives,
buy something and leave.
Catalunya, meters away, tens
noise grenades and batons
beautifu l people and the day-
Sometimes it doesn't always
of thousands of Barcelonans
dispatched the vagrants
to-day routine.
really cool bu t once you're
As we listened to fi reworks
happen," Maruanaya says.
began to flock to the mythical
and contributed to hundreds
Their first day in the city
fountain, Las Canaletas, as
of injuries according
trying to buy cell phones from
per tradition. We were feeling
to news reports the
beginning and end of my life. How and when to return, is
two clerks didn't exactly fit the notion of speedy
Currently stateside, I feel like I've witnessed the
"
customer service they were accustomed to. "They just start talk ing about what they're going to
We were feeling the heartbeat of the city,
the question.
skipping with every chant and flare , ' ,
an estimated 18%, Barcelona has more under-the-table
the heartbeat of the city,
do this weekend," Maruanaya
skipping with every chant
said. "There was no one else
and flare.
to help us:'
Though unemployment is at
options that any city in
Twelve days, one trophy
Europe. And while some
and one riot later saw the
Catalans may seem cold,
largest riot I'd ever witnessed
some simply take longer to
get separated from my VCU
after the 2-0 victory over
warm up to you.
Manchester United in the
and not fret about haste,
alums and I found myself huddling with the masses,
Champions League final. My
red tape or dispatch . So
cheering like a zealous
temporary town was now
said. Most things said
you adapt.
Catalan, channeling the
home to the undisputed
about Barcelona are true,
fervor of generations of anti-
greatest club team in Europe.
it's beautiful, it's relaxed,
Francoist sentiment. "Madrid! Cabron! Salud
It was as surreal as a Salvador
nobody's in a rush. People
Your native Barcelonan tends to generally chill out
"I had to keep telling myself, I'm in Spain, this is the way it goes here," Maruanaya said. Never mind that I am
It took me under an hour to
following morning.
al campeon!" we chanted
Dali masterpiece. As I continued exploring
"That all depends on who you meet," Maruanaya
spend their money on the right things, I think. Making connections is not
a die-hard Fe Barcelona
for hours. Around 2:30 a.m.
the city, taking in the artwork
(Barfflf3a to its fans) soccer
the police hit the streets
and scenery while enduring
supporter or that I can't see
to clear Las Ramblas and Plaffl8a de Cata lunya of
the less-than-demand ing
is less-than-stellar. If you
myself ending up in a city
coursework of my program,
can take a chance, get off
where palm trees don't grow
what was already an unruly
several students began to
the computer, apply for
naturally, Catalan culture
mob, who tossed bicycles,
express their desires to return,
that program or pack your
grabbed me much like it did
fireworks and glass bottles
either for another summer
bags; and go try life at a
Maruanaya and Wrisley.
around like limbs in a feeding
or to try their luck at living in
different tempo.
I also had a hunch I'd be
frenzy. I decided it would be
the city on a more permanent
witnessing history, for
safer to take cover than risk being beaten by riot police
basis. Familiar American faces kept popping up random ly
Barfflf3a was on the verge of
difficult, even if your Castilian
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
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ashton in london Ashton Williamson When choosing a university after high schoo l, 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.
Central London called Mary
late stages of the culmination
It was nice to see all the
Westminster consists of four campuses; Regent,
The University of
Lally Associates. With this PR firm I did a BBe photo shoot,
stage of the fashion cycle.
theory I had studied put to
Yet, they still do as much
real use and w itness how the
Marylebone, Cavendish and
the SSC is the American
research as innovators do.
process really works. All in all my internship experiences
Harrow. Harrow, being the
equivalent to CNN, and
loved working for them; I was
school of the arts, was the
had the best time! It was
able to create color stories
were very beneficial and I
one \ was placed at. Harrow is
so amazing to be a part of
and merchandising plans for
strongly intend to take what I
also the only one of the four
something like that. We spent
their 33 stores throughout the
have learned with me in the
campuses that is not located
all day dressing and fitting the
country and did background
future. I made tons of
directly in Central London.
mode ls and moving to and
research for the fa ll which
new friends whi le I as in
It was a 20 minute commute
from locations. The people
involved theme boards. I was
London, a lot of which were
from Harrow into Central
were so nice and interested in
also their fit model for all the
exchange students, just like
London, one which I made
me and my aspirations within
samples that came in daily.
me. This was because at
dai ly. I enjoyed having
the industry, it was really
Some days all I would do is
the orientation we all met o ne another and bonded since
a quiet place to come home
motivating. Unfortunately,
tryon clothes. As a girl and
to, outside of the main areas
while I was interning, their
a fashion major I never in my
we were all in the same
with the convenience of it
company went under due
wildest dreams thought that
situation. Two of my best
still being easy to get back
to the tough times of the
would get tiring, but after
friends were Canadians from
and forth.
economy. They had lost
three hours, trust me you are
Toronto. I also made friends
several clients and so , moved
worn out! I learned a great
with lots of Australians,
opportunity to do two
on, due to there being a lack
dea l from them though.
Europeans from everywhere
internships and get
of work for me to do. My
experience within two
second internship was with
different fields within the
the buying department of
fashion industry. My fi rst
the UK retailer KR ISP. They
internship with was a Public
are a fashion laggard retailer.
Relations Firm located in
They sell fashion that is in the
I actually had the
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"
You are completely on your own; it is all up to you to get yourself to your destination. "
and then of course the
There is always something
of places such as the Tower of
months was such an amazing
to do in London, not a
London, Parliament, St. Paul's
experience, I had lived
city that truly never sleeps,
chance of someone getting
Cathedral and Westminster
there for three years prior
we established where we
bored. My friends and I were
Abbey. Then there were the
to attending VCU and so it
liked to go regularly. One of
constantly on the run, going
famous and brilliant markets
was like going home for me.
our favorite places was this
new places and seeing the
of London; Camden Town,
London will always be the city
Australian pub called the
important museums and
Portobello Markets, Covent
of my heart. The people I met were so wonderful, friends I
British themselves. In the
Walkabout. We would go
landmarks, monuments etc.
Garden, Brick Lane and
there on their student nights
There is still so much I didn't
Borough Food Market. And
know I will have in years to
and karaoke, and by the time
get the chance to do. We all
of course the Theatre shows,
come. The experience I gained from working in my field of
we left England we knew each
made 'to do' lists, prioritizing
which I fell short on but still
bartender by face and name.
what we wanted to do the
was able to see The Lion
interest and also learning and
Every Friday night we also
most; otherwise you get
King and The Phantom of
adapting to the UK schooling
loved to attend disco night at
sidetracked with something
the Opera, both of which
system will make me a much
this pub called the Fighters
else fantastic and never get
were spectacular.
stronger and well rounded
Arms, they really liked all us
around to it. My list consisted
Being in London for six
foreigners there.
individual for the tasks and opportunities that lay ahead.
roommate etiquette Tenoiya Cart e r
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 regu lations 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 Christin e Stoddard Getting assigned to Cabaniss Hall does not mean instant
office in a tank (black and gold for emphasis) and demanding
banishment from VCU and the city of Richmond's social
a room change. Maybe then they would listen. But the pacifist
scenes. When I first transferred from a tiny liberal arts school
in me defeated the thespian. If I wanted to be happy and make
to VCU for the top-notch art and creative wr iting p rograms,
the best out of my first year at VCU, logic wou ld have to t r ump
Monroe Park's campus housing was completely full. Not
my penchant for drama and I made sure that's what happened.
especially familiar with the area and without the time to
After looking at maps, reading Richmond tourist books, and
research apartments, I knew that renting wou ld be a bad idea.
simply ta lk ing to people, I forced myself to exp lore every t hing
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
as would have surprised my early transfer year self, I even
Governor's Japanese Language Academy during high school.
missed it when May finally rol led in and I had to move out.
Cabaniss had to offer. By November, I began to love Cabaniss;
At first I was disappo inted to live so far from all of the other undergraduate dorms, and the prospect of boarding the bus everyday hardly thrilled me. I cons idered storming t he housing
Appreciate the bus ride
Here's how you , too, can make the most out of living in "Canabiss Hall"
3
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
maj or, 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.
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
Waiting for the bus truly becomes a social activity. You can chat w ith 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
2
the ir hal l to bake cookies together.
4 Make MeV 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, A lpine Bagel, and Subway--a pr ivilege 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 I if you plan to go on to medical school or are simply interested in the
to you (Hint go to the VCU Parking and Transportation Office on
life sciences. There are MCV social events you can check out every
Broad Street for a bus pass and map.)
once in a while, too
Visit Eastside
5
Savor the silence
It's a mistake not to visit Shockoe Bottom and Churchill when you live in Richmond, but it's even more unf orgivable 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.
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 w ith rambunctious neighbors but the hall as a whole is relatively silent. The only places it normally gets loud are the Community Rooms
Suggestions? The Edgar Allen Poe Museum (find out about the ir 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
and the basement--but, then aga in, those rooms are supposed to serve recreational purposes.
Ningo, John Marshall House Museum, Taylors Hill Park. ..to start. Google any of these places and you'll gather the what-whenwhere-how much that you need.
10
Build a community
I know. Especially during Welcome Week and the first few days of c lass, it's annoying that most of your freshman and f irst-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 bu ilding, and then take the elevator. Even if you're not a Math
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student internships Lee Khleang
this summer and watched endless hours of "The Hills" while
These individuals have gained hands on experience and
laying on a couch with a 21 oz. slurpee and bags of gummy
enhanced their knowledge of a career field they wish to be a
bears, but they didn't. Hear what they have to say about
part of. They could easily have stayed home
their experiences.
James Cross Senior
20 Marketing major intern for Frenchkiss Records & Pitchfork in New York City
Graphic Design major intern for Interbrand-
~
a brand agency in
~_ _
N_ew _Y ork_City_ _
Graphic Design major intern for Th e Groopa digital agency in Los Ange les
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
have be as an intern for the
intern, named Ashley, is
Tida Design job listings.
a journalism student at
Jason Matt Woo lman and
George Mason University.
Jeremy Grimes sent an email
We have learned a lot from
out to the GOES students.
one another and I think she
How do you feel about the
more out of the interning
has helped me get even
music (but who isn't "passionate" about it nowadays?).
Kellie Yes. Another
summer.
company?
experience.
James I love them both.
Tida Yes, two sausage dogs
Equally.
named June and Henry.
Kellie I think the company
Jason YES! I've made a lot
general. I want
is amaz in g . They are all very
of new fr iends.
to put the most
strong willed and passionate
Kellie Life in
effort possible into everything that I do. I feel that if you go the extra mile you will eventually be re warded for your efforts.
Tida Color. Jason Graphic Design.
about what they do f or
Is it something you were
a living.
expecting?
Tida They are very
Kellie Yes. I tend to be able
sharp and unbelievably
to make friends easi ly. I
imaginative. Jason Great atmosphere! It's
found out very soon that
a really cool place to work.
amazing experience.
I was going to have an
Everyone's young and very
Tida I wasn't expecting the
knowledgeable.
amount of responsibility I
Currently. do you feel you
for the opportunity to work
place?
are doing what you love?
on actual client work and
James Frenchkiss: I spent
Kellie To a certain extent.
become an important asset
last summer interning
My in ternship has opened
of the team.
was given . I'm really grateful
How did you find this
with the A&R department
my eyes to real world
Jason Some of it I was
of Columbia records. I
scenarios, but my ultimate
expecting, but I've done a
submitted a band by the
goal has not been reached.
lot of things that I thought I
name of Chair lift who
Tida Absolutely, I geek out
wou ldn't have worked on.
eventually got signed. Columbia Records shares
over kerning ... that's the life if you ask me.
a ban d with Frenchkiss
records (Passion Pit.)
00 you see yourself
copies of CD's and I was
Luckil y I was able t o get
working there?
able to get in to sh ows for
someone to introduce me
James At FrenchKiss
free. Also the occasional
to the guys at Frenchkiss
records definite ly, but not
Jamba Juice.
and we hit it off. Pitchfork:
so much Pitchfork. I love it
Kellie Haha. Ilike the
I saw a post they put up for
there, but I don't see
language. Yes! I received
int erns. I app lied and luckily
myself doing that k ind of
free tickets to Ba r barian
got it.
stuff forever.
fight nights and conce rt
Kellie I completed an
Kellie Unfortunately, no.
tickets, along with free
assignment for Masc 203
Working as an anchor is my
shirts, stickers and those
in terview ing seve ral peop le
ultimate goal.
sorts of things.
th at worked in the Star
Tida Yes, I definite ly would.
Jason Yes. Free food
Radio Group. Online, I saw
It 's a small company, I
everyday. Ha ha. And a lot of other th ings .
that they were going to have
al ready feel like I'm a part of
internships ava ilab le fo r the
the fami ly.
summertime. I immediately
Jason Sometimes ..
ink
Did they buy you lunch? James On rare occasion s.
turned in my cover letter
12
Did you get free shit? James Main ly advance
and resume. A few days
Have you met new friends?
later, I received a call saying
James Of course . I generally
Kellie Usual ly people would prov ide food f or the
that they would love to
like everyone I work with .
radio sta t ions when we
were out doing remotes or
the morning (as early as
Jason I wanted to gain more
promotiona l events. So that
6am) to shadow the jocks in
experience in t he field and
was nice.
their morning shows. O t her
learn abou t the process
Tida Yes , and usually w h en
days, I just had promotiona l
behind how they create
we're working late (which is
even t s to go to which
t h eir work for cl ients. I also
most of the t ime). Beer too.
were normally later in the
wanted to have work to add
Jason Breakfast is provided
day. Each day at the radio
to my por tfolio.
everyday. Sometimes lunch
station was really something
is provided.
differen t. I liked that a lot
How have you dealt being
because the in ternship never
away from home?
What projects/ tasks have
got boring.
James It's not that bad, I
you been assigned?
Jason Walk and take the
already have friends up
Ke llie I have done several
subway t o work. Wa it for the
here and I'm never rea lly
broadcast remotes and
elevator. Get free breakfast.
home any ways.
appearances along wi th
Sta r t wo r k. Meetings.
Jason Well, I'm staying with my sister, so I stil l feel at
vo ice overs for commercia ls
Lunch break (sometimes
and promotional spots. They
do work and eat at the
home. We try and
have taught me the basics of
same time). Start up work
call our mom , dad and
edi t ing on Adobe Audition
again. Meetings. Cr itiques.
brother everyday.
to help produce spots
Meetings. More meetings.
as well.
Work again. Home.
How diffe rent is th is comp ared to class?
Tida I have done il lustrations
Ke llie It's just much more
fo r Savings.com, worked
How is the environm e nt?
on a pitch for Orange (a
The city? Studio? Offi ce?
hands on. Even though I
french telecom company),
Apartment ?
haven't gotten into m any
a pi t ch for the Disney
Kelli e The environment is
of my major classes as a
Studios website , iFreek (an
home to me. My house is
journalism studen t, I don't
iphone app), the new Groop
about 20 minutes down the
think it could co mpare. As
logo and Groop marketing
road. I love it there.
an intern, you are placed
collateral such as business
Jason I think everyone
into a real w orld setting
cards, stickers, and paper
knows, but in New York
where you possibly
dolls (my favorite)!
there are so many different
could be working
Jason Created logo
things to do and so many
in the future. Going to
concepts and design
places to eat! The Interbrand
class and listening to
approaches; made
office was remodeled soit
yo ur professor lecture
internal flyers; comp leted
looks very modern
could never have t he
competitive audits; image
and professional.
sa me impact.
search for presentations;
The creative
c reate app li cations for clien t
Initially what d id you want
industry is stressfu l
presentations; p resent work
to take from this?
and demanding-
during clie nt meetings; let's
James More experience
but it's also fun
just say I've done a lot!
I guess; times are tough
and completely
out there, I really doubt a
rewarding .
Describe your dally day.
college degree by itse lf is
Jason Very
James The coo l thing is I
going to do anything for
different! There
rea lly don't have an average
you. You need real world experience. I also wanted
are no excuses.
to meet more people t hat
dead lines .
day. One day one of our ar t ist's album could leak, so
Dead lines are
we spe nt all day t r ying to
wou ld hel p me move up in
Yo u have
minimize the damage from
this industry.
to time
that. On oth er days I could
Kellie I wanted to listen and
manage
walk in and we spent all day
learn from people who have
very well
p laying air hockey.
been where I am now and
and keep
Kellie Dep ends. Somedays,
are in a similar position that
track of
I had to be there early in
I wan t to be in the future.
meeting
ink
13
times. You can't be late to meetings because you are
effort and motivation - you'll be fine .
wasting a lot of company money. Also as far as design but in the end you have to
Any advice for those who are seeking an internship? James I think netwo rk ing is
sell your ideas and concepts
probably the most important
value the experience. Be
to the clients and back up
thing in the world. Like,
aggressive but don't annoy.
goes, it's kind of like c lass,
Even if the internship isn't at the most progressive agency/ studio, I guarantee you will
your ideas w ith strategy and
if you're apply ing for a
You will be ignored and
research. Also, you have to
job through craigs list or
rejected. I contacted over 50
do some projects and tasks
something you're basically
places and of those maybe
ve r y quickly!
(to the company) a sheet
on ly 25 responded and only a
of paper. Bu t with someone
handful were interested The
More demanding? Less demanding?
else writ ing an ema il
search can be fr ustrating but
recommending you, you're
don't falter!
Kellie To me my in ternsh ip
already ahead of the crowd.
Jason Have a g reat resume
seemed less demanding than
Also make su re for whatever
and be prepared for the
class. This is probably due to
company you're applying
interview. Study the company,
the fact that it was just much
to, you know the company's
what they do, what wo rk they have done, etc. Also study
more fun . To me, going out
history. I've heard so many
to do remotes or recording
horror stories.
interview questions and figure
funny commer ical spots is
Kellie Just go for it. It can
out answers before going to
a lot more interesting than
seem a little overwhelming at
the interview so that you
reading books or listening to
first but there is nothing else
are ready.
a lecture.
like it. Going to class cannot
Jason It is more demanding.
compa re to the experiences you gain in the real
Are you cheating on your loved ones? Jk.
Tida Look early. If you're
James You on ly live once.
planning on a summer
world situation.
(don't print that haha)
internship, , would start
Kellie Maybe? Just kidding.
over winter break and
he he.
begin emailing prospective
Jason HAHA wow these questions are getting
places. Dig deeper and
controversial here. No, I would
creat ive director or whoever
be killed.
has a lead position. Have an
Have you addressed your weaknesses for improvements?
a resume. Showcase your
try to directly contact the
online portfolio and make work and persona li ty. If a creat ive director on ly spends
Kellie Yes. I bel ieve I could improve on just be lieving in
a mere 30 seconds browsing
myself more at times. It 's
impression. Write a cover
your portfolio-make an
hard when you can't get
letter and do your research.
something right. It can get
Relate a personal anecdote
extremely fru strati ng when
to one of their campaig ns for
you know how you want
instance. In return they learn
something to turn out, and
more about you as well as
you just seem a little short
acknowledge your interest in
each time. I think th at the
their wo rk . Don't get picky.
Star Radio Group has shown me that yes, this can be hard and frustrating, but in the long-run with some extra
14
ink
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 Coner Backman, Ross lannatti, James Shaeffer, and Edward Shenk have been working to help solve this problem. Hoping to make their apartment also function as an art space, three of the boys chose to live together through
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 wi ll be at a much lower rate than regular galleries, so lely to keep business running. "Although we are not technical ly a non-profit we are hoping that what makes our space different than other local galleries 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 se ll."
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 gal lery is located at 216 E. Main St.
Shaeffer, former MICA student Ross lannettL 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 Wa lk. 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 ma il@referenceartgallery.com Website http://www.referenceartgallery.com/home. htm l Flickr Photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/ referenceartgal lery/ 810g 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 lannetti. "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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15
no money, no problem: rva free market Meredith Rigsby
"One man's trash is another
"For a city we are really small
places around the community
man's treasure," is a common
but there is still that feeling of
as wel l as the event's myspace
anecdote often used in
disconnect," said co- founder
reference to yard sales and
and VCU graduate, Ramey
page at myspace.com/ rvafreemarket. Those who
thrift stores. The problem
Connelly. "I was hoping it
wish to spread the word are
w ith these two resources is it
wou ld be something that
encouraged to print
stil l costs money for someone
wou ld bring people together
off copies of the flyer and
else's "trash."
but it's worked out so much
hand them out around the area.The Free Market can be
Wa lk through Monroe Park
better than I really could have
on the last Saturday of each
ever expected."
found yea r around during
month and it may seem as
The free market has
the summer as well as the
though someone moved out
experienced conside rable
winter. The winter does
of their house and left their
growth since Connelly and
experience a sma ller crowd
belongings for the homeless.
Mo Karn coordina t ed the first
due to weather condit ions but
The miscellaneous items
few events. The market was
it has never been cancelled
strewn across the lawn
originally held at Hol ly Street
due to lack of attendance.
are not cast off items but
Park but has since migrated
The event is open to everyone
rather potential treasures
to Monroe Park located
and no permission is needed
up for grabs.
on the corner of Main and
to contribute to the cause via
The event is known as the
Laurel streets. Connelly and
donation, performance, etc.
Really Really Free Market.
Karn hoped to reach a larger
If one day the founders leave
From noon to sunset the
demographic as a result of
the city of Richmond their
un ique free market attracts
the move.
hope is that the Really Really
the residents of Richmond,
While the free market has
Free Market will continue to
from newcomers to regular
expanded since its start there
be held on a monthly basis
attendees.
is still a need for more people
and bring people in the
"It is a FREE market, there
to help out and organize
community together.
is no exchange of money or
even t s. Connel ly and Karn
All items left behind at the
anything," said regular free
both agree that they are just
close of the event are donated
market attendee, Maxwell
there to help facil itate; that
to d iversity thrift.
Fisher. "You bring the stuff
the free market sh ould be a
you don't want anymore and
communi t y driven activity.
if you see anything you pick it
" I think it could expand more"
up and take it."
said co-founde r, Karn. "We
Contributing to the Really
tried to have workshops so
Real ly Free Market does not
people could come and teach
contact information
necessa r ily mean bringing
people some ski ll or talk
physical items. Bands
about something and that
Ramey Connelly
have attended to show off
hasn't rea lly functioned yet at
rameysaurus@yahoo.com
their talent and entertain;
the Richmond one but there
others have read poetry and
is a huge potential there
MO Karn
shared jokes.
for the community teaching
xveganarchistravax@gmail .
each other."
com
Hanging out and meeting people in the community is
A universal flye r advert ising
the central aim of the Really
the Really Really Free Market
Really Really Free Market
Really Free Market.
can be found in various
rvafreemarket @yahoo .com
16
ink
I
players predict another successful season Meredith Rigsby
"
According to team members the new guys are keeping up with the switch from high school level basketball to college level. "
said former VCU basketball
keeping up with the switch
After the loss of two seniors,
player, Eric Maynor. "Joey
from high school level
step into the limelight in the
the NBA draft of player
going back so they are going
basketball to college
coming season. Players on the team agree that senior
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 championsh ip win .
ones the team predicts will
be straight."
level. Senior p layers are
The three freshmen tha t
helping the fres hmen get
Larry Sanders, who is already
have jo ined the team, Isaiah
to know the area and become
a lottery pick for the NBA , will
Grayson from At lanta
comfortable with the other
likely be the focus of fans and
Georgia, Troy Daniels from
members on the team .
Roanoke, Virginia and Darius
It is nice to have t h e support
scouts alike. "Larry Saunders is dominant on both ends"
Theus from Portsmouth,
of older players but Grayson,
Oregon have been practicing
Daniels and Theus have been
said Maynor.
with the team since late June.
able to comfort and support
may have specific stand
The VCU basketball team
"I like the campus and they
each other during their
out players but their main
The NBA draft of one of the
have a good education
shared new experiences.
goa l is the same; to live up
team's well known players,
program and Ilike the
"It's very beneficial knowing
to the precedent set by the
coaching staff" said freshman
that you got two other
team the year before and
point guard , Grayson. "I
freshmen so you don't have
participate and win the NCAA champ ionship title.
Eric Maynor has also attracted more attention to the team that was once cons id ered 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."
thought it would be the best
to go th rough the whole
decision for me."
struggle that the coach staff
A new member of the
put you through and col lege
is to win the championship
coaching staff, Mike Jones
puts you through just by
and we just try to help out our
coached at Grayson's high
yourse lf" said Grayson. "You
team" sa id Pishchelnikov.
school in Atlanta and was a
have others to re late to you . I
key player in his decision to
like it a lot."
attend VCU. According to team
The new players are not the
"We are family and our goal
VCU's basketball season is planned to begin on Sunday, November 16 t h and will end on Thursday, March 15 t h .
The team has also had to adjust to a change in coaching staff since previous coach, Anthony Grant decided to transfer to the Univers ity 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 expec t ations set high for the fall season. "I think they will be just fine"
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17
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?
18
•
ink
which prison they work in . "It's just a myriad of stuff," Guillroy said. VCU purchased about
"
Overall, Druff ca lls VeE "an an omaly to a f re e market." "
permission from VCE to go to
products at a competitive
offices at the new School of
another vendor.
Business and dorm rooms
"[Agencies] have to go to
from VCE for the upcoming
the person they are forced
In order for an inmate to
to buy from and ask to buy
start working with VCE, they
products from Herman
go through an interview
e lse," interior designer for
Miller or others because VCE
process. Upon arrivial,
VCU Facilities Management
product does not match up,"
inmates work eight to nine
Caren Girard said, comparing
Druff said. Overal l, Druff
hour days, including lunch
them to other providers.
cal ls VCE "an anomaly to
"[VCE is] good as anybody
a free market." Guil lroy believes VCE
breaks and time for line ups to enter and exit the facility. Inmates receive training on
doesn't hinder the furniture
the item they are supposed to
meet qual ity standards, VCU
industry because it can
create and depending on the
may look to other bidders.
only sell to government
product, can start and finish it
Director of procurement
institutions, while other
in one day.
privately owned company's
g overnment programs
VCU's main concern is to
selling power is unlimited.
mandating agencies to
"keep a good appearance" in
purchase from them.
the final p roduct.
Businesses claim a monopoly
price, but to also instill work ethic in inmates.
2007 fiscal year.
for VCU Betty Lowther, said
been crossed by
According to Girard, VCE's
$1.044 million in furniture for
is required to purchase from
claim that line has
agencies not to purchase
"I'm mandated to use it, so I use it," Girard said. mission is to give quality
VCE , if the furniture does not
B
VCE. In order for state from VCE, they must receive
In spite of the fact that VCU
usiness retailers
mandates to pu rchase from
"[We] try to find a balance,"
Virginia furniture retai lers are not the only ones fighting the federal prison
"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
is being created, while the
when purchasing VCE and
manufactures, the Business
are paid depending on their
prison programs stick with
other companies' products.
and Institutional Furniture
amount of talent. The pay is
Manufactures Association in
twice as much as what they
Grand Rapids, Mich. is against
would usua lly receive at a
t he goal of rehabi litation. Virginia Commonwealth
University, along with other
For competing furniture suppliers, VCE is an obstacle. Chasen's Business Interiors,
these mandated programs. Director of government
prison job, said the d irector to VCE. Workers also have
V irginia government-owned
a supplier of Herman Miller
e ntities, is required by the
products, sold items for
affairs for the Business
an opportunity to receive
V irginia Department of
the VCU Medical Campus
and Institutional Furniture
promotions to reach higher
Procurement to purchase
and office and classroom
Manufactures Association
pay. They can be promoted
t heir furniture or office
furniture for the new business
(BIFMA) Brad Miller said such
to a " lead," who is the head
supplies from Virginia
school. The head of sales for
organizations are creating
inmate on the job.
Correctional Enterprises
Chasen's Business Interior s
a monopoly.
( VCE). VCE is a prov ider
in Richmond, David Druff,
"It's in oppos ition to the free
Although giving inmates a working experience seems
o f numerous services that
said products from VCE are
enterprise system," Miller said.
beneficial, some believe it
g overnment-owned agencies
cos ti ng agenc ies more
" If [federal programs] have
only seems good in theory.
a re mandated to use, while
money then they would
the business they don't need
Having the inmates work in
t hey employ prison inmates to
obtain commercially.
to try harder."
a factory line is "not
m anufacture those products. " We try to mirror as close
Girard defends VCU's purchases saying VCE is not
For those pushing towards more correctional programs,
necessarily worthwhile," said VCU 's Girard. "Wi l! they ever use it when
as possib le the emp loyment
set up as a money sav ing
Miller said there is a common
o f citizens in the free world,"
option, just rehabilitation
ground that can be met.
they get out of prison? I
Don Guillroy, director of
for pr isoners.
"There are things that
doubt it," he said about
V CE, said . VCE has 30 shops across t he Commonwealth and
VCE causes taxpayers to pay for inferior products leaving the end user receiv ing
the prisons can do that are positive," Mi ller sa id. Miller sa id the programs
the inmates. Whether the inmate's benefits are apparent or not,
h ire inmates in 20 different
furniture they have to replace
in place now leave many
prisons, overall employing
because of poor quality and
inmates out of pr ison without
VCE and other subsidized
1,600 inmates. These workers
warranties, said Druff.
a positive experience.
federal programs attempt
c reate goods such as license
Another problem is the
Buyers forced to purchase
plates, uniforms, dentures and
bureaucracy that agencies
shrug the ir shoulders at
o ffice furniture depending on
must go through deny
the opposition.
the consensus is as long as
to be a business then they shou ld compete like one.
inll
19
C~fb~ l-S SC;~
how to eat healthy in college
and like it Christine Stoddard It's not always easy to eat right . America's obesity epidemic prov ides ev idence of this. But just because you're at college doesn't mean you're doomed to walking through four years of a nutri t ional 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:
you can he lp it . The reason
hocolate m ilk, dried apricots,
for this is because eating a lot
and carrot sticks.
at d inner causes your body to digest very slow ly. Chances
Drink lots of water : It's very
a re, you go to bed not
important that you stay well-
too long after dinner. Since
hydrated at all times . It helps
your body isn't as a lert
your body function properly,
when you're sleeping, it
which inc ludes ensuring a
won't process the food as
normal metabolism . In other
Buya meal plan that makes
cafete ri a before class, pack
quickly as it would 've ea r lier
wo rds, drinking wate r is
sense: The most expensive meal plan isn't necessarily
breakfast for when you're on
in this day. More eating
good way to control your
the go. This wil l require that
at d inner time can also result
we ight. (And with the ho r ror
the best. Conversely, you
you occasionally go grocery
in a stomachache right
of the Freshman 15 being a reality for many college
shouldn't get the cheapest
shopping but it will be worth
before bed . That's never
meal plan only to save
it for your health and will be
a good ingredient fo r a
students, who doesn't like the
money. If this is your first
lighter on your checkbook (or
comforting rest.
thought of that?) Always t r y
Snack (smartly) throughout
or water bottle because you
time ordering a meal plan
parents' checkbook), too. Buy
at a college, you should
juice boxes in bu lk (usua ll y
probably buy one that covers 14-21 mea ls a week , especially if you're living in a dorm and don't have access to a
10-24 packs) and save. You
the day: If you can, t r y to
m ight not have access to a
can a lso t ry cow's or soy
ea t 5 or 6 sma ll er mea ls
water fou ntain throug hout
m ilk, which often come in
througho u t the day instead of
t h e day. Even if there's a
small boxes like juice. Ce rea l,
2 or 3 big o nes . As previous ly
water fou ntain nea r al l of
kitchen. Skip a mea l p lan on ly
fruit. or yogurt ba r s are other
men ti oned, lunch (which for
your classes, you probably
to carry your own t he r mos
if you're confident that you 're
good choices. Try pastries,
most peop le falls between
shouldn't escape class every
wi ll ing to p repare mea ls for
which you can easi ly wrap in a
abou t" a.m . and 2 p.m .)
time you need a sip of wate r.
yourself. It's harder than you
napkin. Other options include
should be your biggest meal
Remember that wate r a lso
may th ink! Remember that
dried f ru it and nuts.
of the day. Eating only when
boast s ze ro calo ri es!
neither starving nor eating
you are hu n gry p revents you
cold cereal three times a day
Have a large lunch: Don't p ig
from ove r-eat ing . Remembe r,
Don't forget your fruits and
is hea lthy.
out (unless, of course, it's a
each sma ll mea l shou ld
vegetables : Not eve r ybody
specia l celebration!) but do
include one to three snacks,
likes fruits and vegetables
Make time for breakfast :
eat a full, well-roun d ed mea l.
depending o n w hat you eat .
and cafe t e ri a food usually doesn't make this fact any
Especially if you have morning
Your lunch should definite ly
Hea lthy snacks you may enjoy
classes, it can be hard to have brea kfast every morning .
featu re some kind of protein
inc lude granola bars, peanuts,
easier. If you r cafeteria
to give you en ergy for the
fresh f r uit, mozza rella sticks,
regu la rl y carries bruised
But ea ti ng breakfast doesn't
day. This is the time to go
strawbe r ry smoothies, fo rest
or otherwise unappetizing
necessa r ily mean si t t ing
g rab that juicy hamburger or
ham, or ce le r y sti c ks. An
fru it, it's wo rt h it to buy
down for 30 minutes leisurely
steak or veal parmigiana or
examp le of a wise sma ll er
fresh apples, bananas, pears,
read ing the newspaper,
tofu delight-not at d inner, if
meal wou ld be a ca rton of c
gra p es, a nd oranges at a
either. If you can't hit the
20
inll
grocery store. The same rings
t ru e if your cafeteria doesn't
Avoid empty calories: Sadly,
p re pare vegetables the way
chocolates and milkshakes,
you like them. Don't sacrifice
when eaten excessively
y o ur health just because the
everyday, are not the best
f oo d is unsatisfying! If you're
choices for your body. With
luc ky, though, your campus
that in mind, avoid "empty"
no rmally serves fruits and
calories by eating food with
v egetables that you like so
low nutritional value only
d o n't skimp on them. Try
spar ing ly. Skip soda and bug
t o have one fruit or vegetable
juice whenever possible (limit
at every meal. Real fruit juice,
yourself to drinking it only a
quality fruit yogurt, and
couple times a week, if ever).
f ru it bars and smoothies
Eat smaller servings of desert (i.e., one little cookie instead
made with fresh fruit count are good alternatives.
of two big ones) and save
But blueberry cobbler?
junk snacks, like potato
Pro bably not.
ch ips and pork rinds, for special treats.
independent vs. chain coffee shops: room for both in the fan With so many choices for food and lPverages In tile fa'l area there can't to, rn-ny coff-- hop:Jessica Porter
things that appeal to the
The atmosphere is not
The fan area, especially
diverse residents of the fan
as structured. It suppl ies
"There is enough population for independent and chain coffee shops."
around VCU, is crawling with
and VCU students. A larger
an "environment around
independent businesses
menu and the option of ice
creative people" not provided
t hat give the area its charm.
cream make the experience
at a chain like Starbucks,
Even with the presence of
at Crossroads different from
Crossroads employee, Will
coffee shops in the area. The
c hain corporations, locally
Gowdy said.
Common Cup, located near
o wned coffee shops are
that of a chain. Emp loyees "develop ing
able to thrive.
relationships" with customers
different from the oth ers
for reasons that are not clear.
is just one benefit of going to
because it is not a cafe.
There is speculation from a
Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream, on Morris St., is
locally owned coffee shops.
Rostov's Coffee & Tea is
This is not the case for all independently owned
Cross roads, recently closed
Rostov roasts and sells their
neighboring business that
coffee by the pound as well as
the closing was due to the
tea, mugs and other drinking
economy. Attempts to reach
o ften packed full of people
"A person's coffee can be
w ho choose to spend their money at an independently
started as soon as they walk in the door," said, former
accessories. Owner Tammy
the owner of the Common
o wned business rather than
owner, Scott King, of recently
Rostov, 41, is confident about
Cup were unsuccessful.
t he Saxbys Coffee near the
closed Common Groundz
the coffee provided.
dorms, two Starbucks on
located on Broad Street.
"What we do is unique,
But many people have chosen to stay loyal to chain
ca mpus and the three more
"Face and name recognition is
there's no coffee that has not
business like Starbucks
Starbucks in the area.
very important.
been roasted and ground
due to more conven ient
The owner of Crossroads, Jeff Kroll, does not view the c hains as competition. " The population hungers
Independent coffee shops can create a more more
locations. Nikki Thompson,
sells coffee actually helps us
a VCU Student agrees that
personal atmostphere by
because people realize what
convenience is the
choosing what music to
we have is better."
reason for her morning stops
fo r something different that
play and how to decorate,"
re flects the neighborhood,"
sa id Kroll.
He makes sure to incorporate
in the store, Anyone who
The "big green monster
at Starbucks.
on campus" is not a worry Kroll said.
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21
veu students add green to their everyday wardrobe Lauren OiLisio A new color has swept through Virginia Commonwealth University. Aside from the school's labeled colors of black, white and
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;
gold, green has been widely revealed to
like soaps, cleaners , kitty litter and for the
students around campus.
most part they are the same price as your
Although Global Warming is a controversial subject among students, the majority agree that doing simple things to help the
standard 'toxic' chemicals," said Graphics Design major Zane Bevan. Anything from kitchen napkins and light
environment can make a difference in the
bulbs to cars can be altered to become
~ng-run.
friendlier to the environment. Although some
Recycling, switching to energy-
effi cient light-bulbs and even remembering to
people think the extra work won't make
turn off lights and unplug appliances will help
much of a difference in the future, something
not only the power bill but the environment
as small as recycling can reduce a person 's
as well.
"carbon footprint."
Labels have been put on "Going Green" since the start of the movement. Some have even
"Every person has a carbon footprint and the more people working to minimize their own
gone on to call it a fad. However, this "fad" has
footprint is beneficial," said Christina Gleixner,
affected students, whether they've expected
a VCU Graphic's Design major. "Think of how
it or not.
many people there are living on our earth and
'Going green' began as a fad when NBC made a big point to go green and many celebrities publically supported being
how many businesses there are that could work to be greener." Aside from VCU's efforts to "go green",
environmentally friendly," said VCU Social
students have been inspired not only by the
Work major Libby Tofflemire. "It inspired and
school, but also by sheer interest and concern
motivated many individuals to do the same,
for the environment. Their contributions, no
but I think that people have continued to
matter how small, have shown others how
work towards being environmentally friendly."
effective and easy it is to do simple things to
From large networks to local neighborhoods,
"Go Green." As far as VCU students are aware,
students and universities alike have
they are stepping even closer to adding green
climbed on board to become more
to their everyday colors.
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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know your rights for equal fights Sara D' Eugen io As a cycl ist 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 'ge tting in the way.' ThereFore, I outlined an easy to read guide that il lustrates 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
Your rights
Same rights as any other veh icle on the roadway, unless otherwise noted.
2 3 4 5
Genera lly the same as bicyclists!
2
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
Generally the same as bicyclists!
2 3 4
No access on sidewalks or b icycle paths.
you are considered a motorcycle and need to have
Your re spon sibility
1
Ride with flow of traffic, on the right side.
2
If you are moving slowly, move as close to curb as
Carry some sort of identification. You may not drive faster than 35 mph on a highway, otherwise
proper licenses.
S
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 Avo iding 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.
o Avoiding lane direction change. E A one-way road which is not la rge enough fo r cycl ist 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.
S
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 aupible signals.
7
The following information can be found on
For safety reasons, you are not permitted to wear headphones in both ears. Also, unless you have a tandem or other bicycle specifically designed to, you cannot carry
by visiting www.virginiado
more than yourself on your bicycle.
S
Use bike lights. The least amount of light permitted is a front white head lamp visible from at least 500 feet. Roads with a speed limit 35mph or greater need a red tail light in addition to front white head lamp.
9
When riding on highways, you need to have breaks.
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23
a little view from the top Tenoiya Carte r View from the Top: an ironic
styles ranging from rock to
name for a group of guys who
hip-hop . They have
are so down to earth. They
an interesting way of
hail from West Point, VA, but
describing themselves.
with their love for music and their talent, they plan to go
much further. The four-member pop-punk band has been active since
"If Blink-l82 and Taking
Back Sunday had a love child," explained Jackson, "the end resu lt would be us." While all four of them have
their high school years.
obliga ti ons outside of the
With a couple of member
band, whether they attend
changes, they finally found
college or work full time,
all the key components that
they each have managed to
make up the View from
ove rcome logistics and make
the Top we see and hear
the band an impor tant part of
today: Russell Redmond,
their lives .
McGill Jackson, Ky le Hermann , and Alex Herman .
Their sound is influenced by a wide variety of musical
24
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The VF TT members a ll get their musical inspiration from different places. For example, Hermann, guitarist
fo r the group, finds himself mostly inspired by older rock music su ch at the Beatles, whi le Red m ond most often listens to cu rrent music . " He knows everything abou t the new stuff an d nothi ng about th e old stuff," said Hermann. "But you don't know where you' re
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 t hey get the crowd involved," said NNeka Lewis. "They we re very energeti c, and down to earth."
going until you know where you've been."
While all the members of the VFTT have different
VFTT is going in a di rectio n that is sure to bring them much success. After playing shows in Richmond and the surround ing
persona lities, whether extremely laid back or over the top, love for music is a trait t ha t is evident in each of them.
areas, the ba nd kicked off a two week tour down the
"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."
southern coast.
"
All band mates agree that this is not just a passing phase. "
All band mates ag ree that this is not just a passing phase. They plan to see how far t heir music will take them. The goal for the future is to do music for a living without having to supplement it with other fo r ms of employment. "We want to travel the world and touch as many people with
When attend ing a VFTT show, o n e can expect to never
our music as possible" exp lains VFTT.
experie nce a dull moment. " We really believe that a rock show is al l about t he presentation and the energy," says V FTT. "People go to rock shows to be entertai n ed visually as we ll as aurally." A crowd fi ll ed the Cana l Club on July 16. 2009 and was able to witness a live VFTT show. Before the show star ted, t he g roup practiced, mingled wi t h the audience, and rig ht before going on stage they hudd led in a
VFTT can be contacted by e·mall at vlewfromthetopband @gmall.com. You can also listen to music and keep up with the band performance schedule at www.myspace.com/vlewfromthetopva or follow them
circle and exchanged words of encouragement. "One, two, one, two, three, jump!" said the members of VFTT
on twitter www.twltter.com/vlewfromthetop.
in unison and the show began. They encourage the audience to come a little closer and jump along with them. Mos t find it hard to not be influenced by the bands energy. Before long , everyone is jumping and singing along.
- --'""'"'"
---
--
reconstructed
- ---""'"
--~-----""'"
Chris tin e Eri ckson Shopping for clothes tha t fit pe rfect ly is ha rd, and it can be expensive. Although thrift st ores are a low-priced alternative, a lot of times that dress or shirt you find wou ld be perfect, if only you could tweak a few little things. Desig n er Bree Langford is inspi red by t hose little things . With he.r mother's sewing machine, what began as persona l interest in college has resu lted in her very own clothing line, breconstruc t ed. Through thrift st ores o r by donation, Langford manages to t urn outdated in t o 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 cons ists of dresses, although she's tried her ha nd at making bags, belts, and even underwear. Ra n ging from $13 to $30, each dress is one-of-a-k ind, because the designer herself doesn't even know what she'l l find next. Different
ink
25
patterns. necklines, and
and affordable apparel and
small details are what inspire
accessories is not only a
each piece.
smart option for buyers, it
Cheap is hardly the word
also ties breconstructed with
one should use to describe
Langford's environmental
her work. The amount of time
science degree. Using
put into each piece ranges
second-hand clothing keeps
anywhere from one to six
it out of landfills, and when
hours, or until Langford feels
the average American throws
what she's produced is the
away about 68 pounds
same quality for customers as
of clothing, reconstructed
if it were her own. The line began through Etsy, an online marketplace for
reta il is beneficial to the environment. Although breconstructed
artists and crafters. Keeping
is seeing more business
up with business online
these days, the designer's
and providing customers
main motives are still for
wi t h accurate sizing proved
the customers and her
difficult, and Langford found
love of sewing. In a small
she liked local design work
studio near Cary town with just a mannequin, a sewing
better so she cou ld see peop le try her pieces on.
machine, and the most
After moving to Richmond in January, Bree stumb led
texti les, breconstructed is
upon Rumors Boutique, a
local entrepreneurship at
consignment shop that
its finest. When asked if she'd ever
not on ly encourages fashion , but also local artists to express themselves through independent ideas and thinking .
random assortment of
own a store, Langford simply states, "I don't want to take it to the point where I hate sewing."
Langford showed her work to Rumors owners, Marshe Wyche and Casey Longyear, and breconstructed was soon in the store. Starting with just
contact information
a few pieces, Langford sold out in a week. Now, she works
myspace.com/breconstructed
at a rate of about 15 new
breconstructed@gmai l.com
p ieces every two weeks.
Rumors Boutique
"Her line is doing well,"
404 N . Harrison St.
Wyche said. "Anyone into vintage would love Bree's line." Recycling fabrics and clothing to make functiona l
It makes people happy " having something cheap and original, Langford says.
"
--26
iM
---
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
Looking for another great way to turn a blank wall space into
utilize the sma ll space we're given. One of the main challenges
a mini photo gallery? Forego frames and try this sim ple do-it-
in doing so is maintaining a desirable aesthetic, which isn't
yourself method for displayin g some of your favorite shots.
always easy. Bulletin boards are a great way to keep your space o rgan ized and practical, to display photos, keep important information handy and reduce paper clutter on cQuntertops. However, they don't come in many color opt ions which can p romote an uninteresting, boring wall. Here's a quick, easy and inexpensive way to al leviate t he drabness of an everyday bu lletin b oard into an appealing element with added function!
Supplies Photographs String Cloth espins Hammer & Nails Attach two nai ls at a desired distance on any wall.
Supplies
2
Tie an end of the st ring to each nail.
Bulletin Board
3
Use clothespins (which can be found in many fun shapes and
Paint & Paintbrush
sizes) to attach your pictures to the line.
Scissors Fabric Dull Knife Thumbtacks Paint the wooden frame your desired color. (We suggest using a color that matches the pattern of your chosen fabric.) 2
After letting it dry for an hour, cut the fabric to the size of the board wi th half an inch excess on all sides.
4
Check out www.poladroid.net to create a "polaroid" of any digital image. Ritz Camera
Center the fabric and pull it taut, work in g out all wrinkl es
prints 3.S"xS" prints for 6 cents every Tuesday
from the middle to each edge.
and Wednesday, so go print crazy and string a
Using a dull knife, tuck the fabric in between the frame and cork board. Repeat this step while smoothing out any w rinkles to c reate an even surface.
5
Alternative Ideas
Place a thumbtack in all four corners to stretch and secure the fabric in place.
couple layers of photos up for just a few bucks!
Tim Lamb junior in painting & printmaking
,.'
'uld .V'll sayli;as the first thin<:r that really Y1U int~rested in art/?
.,//\ >vol ~ "\ eM' ~"l Ii'I: i-A<l "<¥'\-', yt( 1.<\'1', \"'<I~ ~ ~ otJ.. 1;)r~J'"\~ 1. \OM.. lot \I:> J. ~ ~ ~..... ~""'''''~~.
rti;
wh~ ~r
what would y~u say has had the ~reatest influen
c ::m_ Y,0ur work?
1\t. lr..:lttr~ -I'Ve ~..-t., i\) ~~¥-I~"
uMJ. e»("
vStt"*: .
where do you see yourself in 5 years? ~i~ Q....'oab''1 1 .,'f'\. 'i\AA- NA\\") ~ I'I'"'~"" " ...\,",~~ I j:>.,lr:
\.,v<
1I'A¥.i"'J 1~n.<;~. do you have any advice for upc·::>min.g VCUarts students vIho are about to start their journey into Art FJundati011'?
1<,,,,,,\,, \)ccJ,., 'M> rJ\c..AA..M
I MA W\{ 'O":"L5 ... ~ ;.... ~ \.v\I'I'(R,~.
28
ink
\v.,~
,what's
our
30
ink
-'
"r
---i------------."
.. ::
~,
i ~
'
- ,~,
-
'
\-,
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 ($3S), and Vintage White Belt
30 :
ink
ink :
31
Can you tell what yo ur 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 .
Kith ie Lee Vintage Jumpsui t from Kultu re on 18th St reet ($35), and V intage Wh ite Belt
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31
Green results in a pe rson 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 tend to love the love of people, anima ls, nature; are teachers; and are social. Blue means people are relaxed and balanced. These people tend to be highly spiritua l, generous, on the right path with new opportunities coming. Unfortunately, this dark co lor of blue means that one has
\ ~~
unclear intentions, and presence of a dark side in the
Pink equals love (in a spiritual
fear of the future, fear of self-
sense). Pink auras indicate
ex pression and fear of facing
that the person achieved a
or speaking the truth.
Gray auras refer to dark and depressing thoughts,
personality. A residue of fear is accumulating in the body, with a potentfal for health
perfect balance between
problems, especially if gray
spiritual awareness and the
clusters seen in specific areas
material existence. These
tuAt
of the body.
people tend to be loving, tender, sensitive, sensual. artistic, affectionate, pure
lNO ~~~and
fuA~
compassionate.
Turquoise indicates dynam'.l·IiOCI!JilI"tlt..P'"tr
A purple aura indicates
personality and capbility
spiritual thoughts . This is the
people can do many things simultaneous ly and are good
'
most sensitive and wisest of
o rganizers. 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
se nsitive, 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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33
Violet Ruffle 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
34
ink
Eco Heather Crew from Need Supply Co., at Cary Town ($22); Turquoise Windbreaker from Rumors, on Harrison ($18); and Vintage Jeans
Jac k BB Dakota Pink Halter from Kulture, on 18th Street ($28): Candy Pink Ski nny 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 Lei lani littlefield Models Ally Farrish & Christopher Wagner. Hair & Makeup Stylist Hannah Elvington. Fashion Assistants Dena Spruill & Ashton Williamson
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