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1
Vol. 2 No. 1
September 2008
VCU + VCE
advice on internships + insight on study abroad
featured artist Tim Lamb
auras + colors what do they say about you?
VCU’s role in rehabilitation programs
2
editor’s letterSara D’Eugenio
EDITOR - IN - CHEIF
Meredith Rigsby
MANAGING EDITOR
Melissa Tablante
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Patrice Dalesandro
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
ink staff
3
Kathryn Glushefski
PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR
Amy Joyce
CO-COPY EDITORTenoiya 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 STAFFNina Stoddard
VISUAL STAFFLee Khleang
VISUAL STAFFConsuwella Carrington
VISUAL STAFF
Christine Stoddard
WRITING STAFF
Leilani Littlefield
FASHION STYLIST
Shawnee Custalow
GUEST PHOTOGRAPHER
Tim Lamb
COVER ILLUSTRATION
4
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.
FAVORITE HANGOUT SPOTthe fan
belle isle
oregon hill
SHOPPINGcarytown
need supply co.
short pump mall
WEEKLY SPECIALSlittle mexico dollar tacos
capital ale house
dollar burgers
buffalo wild wings tuesday
wings
CHEAP FOODmc Donalds
7-11
piccolas
ENTERTAINMENT carytown
bryd theatre
first fridays
BEST PLACE TO STUDYat home
upstairs in the commons
4th fl. library
123
123
12
3
1
23
1
2
3
12
3
1
2
3
1
12
3
1
2
12
3
GOOD FOODsticky rice
far east
chipotle
BAD FOODshafer
commons
7-11
BEST DORMSbrandt hall
cary&belvidere
rhoads hall
WORST DORMSjohnson
grc
WHAT TO DO WHEN IT’S RAININGsleep
movies
study
23
table of contents
oh the places you’ll go!
campus lifetop things to do
stories of trips abroad
how to be a good roommate
cabaniss happiness
insight on student internships
students create art gallery
free stuff in richmondwe’re there. you should be, too.
VCU basketball’s hopefuloutlook
contemporary issuesVCU + VCE
tips on healthy college eating habits
Does the fan have too many coffee shops?we didn’t think so.
VCU continues to go green
transportation information
arts + cultureview from the top
love reworked vintage?then you’ll love breconstructed.
DIY photos + bulletin boards
Tim Lamb speaksknow who the best AFO teachers are
auras + colorswhat do they say about you?
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5
9
10
11
15
16
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18
20
21
22
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25
27
28
30
5
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
brian in hong kongThree VCU
students share
their experiences
of studying
abroad.
6
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
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 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 rule-
oriented 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
roberto in barcelona
7
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
(Barça 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
Barça 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
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 anti-
Francoist 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
Plaça 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
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
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 day-
to-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.
We were feeling the heartbeat of the city,
skipping with every chant and flare.“ ”
8
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
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.
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
ashton in londonAshton 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.
You are completely on your own; it is all up to you to get yourself to your destination.
“”
9
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.
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
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.
roommate etiquette
DON’TS:DON’T assume that because you share a
space that you also share everything in
it. Ask before using things that clearly
belongs to your roommate.
DON’T expect for you and your
roommate to become best friends. You
don’t have to be good friends to be
good roommates.
DON’T expect for everyone to live the
way that you are accustom to. No two
households are run exactly the same. Be
open to new ideas.
DON’T date your roommate’s friends, if
you can help it.
DON’T throw parties without at the least
informing your roommate.
DO’S:DO clean up
after yourself and your guest
DO be mindful of your roommate’s
schedule.
DO make rules and regulations when you
first move in, this will avoid some of the
issues that may come up later.
DO keep lights, music to a minimum if
your roommate is sleeping.
DO strive to make necessary payments
on time to avoid money conflicts.
DO speak up If you are unhappy with
something going on in your household, it
will avoid or get rid of unwanted tension.
10
the joys of cabanissChristine 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
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”
1 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
Broad Street for a bus pass and map.)
2
Build a community 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.
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.
Google any of these places and you’ll gather the what-when-
where-how much that you need.
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
once in a while, too.
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 experience its benefits. Put this magazine down the moment you finish reading it and put that pith helmet on. It’s time to go on your Eastside safari. Reveal the joys of
Cabaniss.
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 magazine down the moment you finish reading it and put that pith helmet on. It’s time to go on your Eastside safari. Reveal the joys of Cabaniss.
3
4
5
11
student internshipsLee 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.
Jason Mamaril
Senior
22
Graphic Design major
intern for Interbrand-
a brand agency in
New York City
James Cross
Senior
20
Marketing major
intern for Frenchkiss
Records & Pitchfork
in New York City
Kellie Soto
Junior
20
Mass Communications
major
concentration in
Broadcasting
intern for Star-Radio
in Fredricksburg
Tida Tep
Senior
21
Graphic Design major
intern for The Groop-
a digital agency in
Los Angeles
12
What
are you
passion-
ate 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
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
13
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
14
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
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.
15
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
space, three of the boys chose to live together through
means of business, recruiting a friend in the process.
Together, the four have transformed their rather large
storage space to provide Richmond with its newest art
gallery, Reference.
The plan collaborated through VCU student James
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.
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
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
is that we are not driven by sales,” the boys say. “The artists
that we are choosing are people whose work we are excited
about, rather than people we think will sell.”
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.
contact informationEmail [email protected]
Website http://www.referenceartgallery.com/home.
html
Flickr Photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/
referenceartgallery/
Blog http://referenceartgallery.tumblr.com
reference: student owned gallery
16
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.
“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
no money, no problem: rva free market
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
Mo Karn
xveganarchistravax@gmail.
com
Really Really Free Market
17
players predict another successful season
According to team members the new guys are keeping up with the switch from high school level basketball to college level.
”“
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
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.
18
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?
Caroline Evertz
buildbarsVCU’s rprisone
19
Business 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.
Overall, Druff
calls VCE “an
anomaly to a
free market.”
“
”
20
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
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 well-
hydrated 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
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:
21
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.
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.
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.
22
vcu students add green to their everyday wardrobeLauren 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 energy-
efficient 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
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.
23
know your rights for equal fightsSara 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!
bicyclistsYour rights
Same rights as any other vehicle on the roadway,
unless otherwise noted.
Ability to ride on the highway shoulder.
Full lane in certain circumstances (see below #2).
mopeds + motorized skateboardsYour rights
Generally the same as bicyclists!
Considered a vehicle on highways.
Your responsibility
Generally the same as bicyclists!Riding on sidewalks is okay in some areas.
Motorists must pass you at a reasonable speed and at
least two feet away.
Your responsibility
Ride with flow of traffic, on the right side.
If you are moving slowly, move as close to curb as
possible. However this is voided if:
Bicyclist is overtaking and passing a vehicle moving in
the same direction.
Preparing to turn left
Avoiding unsafe conditions (the numerous potholes,
for example).
Avoiding lane direction change.
A one-way road which is not large enough for cyclist to
ride safely to the side.
walking + joggingYour rights
Turning traffic must yield to you.
In intersections, you always have the right of way
when indicated.
Your responsibility
Use crosswalks.
Walk against traffic.
Do not enter or cross an intersection in disregard of
approaching traffic.
1
2345
12
A
B
C
D
E
Obey traffic signals, signs, etc.
Do not ride between two lanes of traffic, unless one is a
turn or separate lane.
To note and obey areas where cycling is prohibited (some
controlled access highways).
When riding on sidewalks, yield to pedestrians and give
audible signals.
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
more than yourself on your bicycle.
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.
When riding on highways, you need to have breaks.
34
5
6
7
8
9
12
No access on sidewalks or bicycle paths.1.
Carry some sort of identification.2.
You may not drive faster than 35 mph on a highway, otherwise 3.
you are considered a motorcycle and need to have
proper licenses.4.
You may not operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 5.
1234
5
The following information can be found on
VDOT’s website. For a more in-depth
analysis, you can access this information
by visiting www.virginiadot.org and
www.dmv. gov.
12
123
24
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
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
a little view from the top
25
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.
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.
breconstructedChristine 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
All band mates agree that this is not just a passing phase. “
“
VFTT can be contacted by e-mail at
[email protected]. 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.
26
It makes people happy having something cheap and original, ”Langford says.
“
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
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 informationmyspace.com/breconstructed
Rumors Boutique
404 N. Harrison St.
27
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!
SuppliesBulletin Board
Paint & Paintbrush
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.)
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.
diy fall issue what your walls are wearing.
Bulletin Boards — From Drab to Fab
Looking for another great way to turn a blank wall space into
a mini photo gallery? Forego frames and try this simple do-it-
yourself method for displaying some of your favorite shots.
SuppliesPhotographs
String
Clothespins
Hammer & Nails
Attach two nails at a desired distance on any wall.
Tie an end of the string to each nail.
Use clothespins (which can be found in many fun shapes and
sizes) to attach your pictures to the line.
Clotheslines aren’t just for clothes.
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
Alternative IdeasCheck 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!
28
Tim Lambjunior in painting
& printmaking
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30
what’syour
31
Kithie Lee Vintage Jumpsuit from Kulture on 18th Street ($35), and Vintage White Belt
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.
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33
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
Blue means people are
relaxed and balanced.
These people tend to be
highly spiritual, generous,
on the right path with new
opportunities coming.
Unfortunately, this dark color
of blue means that one has
fear of the future, fear of self-
expression and fear of facing
or speaking the truth.
A purple aura indicates
spiritual thoughts. This is the
most sensitive and wisest of
colors. Purple is the intuitive
color in the Aura, and reveals
psychic power of attunement
with self. These people are
intuitive, visionary, futuristic,
idealistic, artistic, and magical.
Turquoise indicates dynamic quality of being, highly energized
personality and capbility of influencing other people. These
people can do many things simultaneously and are good
organizers. They feel bored when forced to concentrate on one
thing. People love bosses with turquoise Auras, because such
bosses explain their goals and influence their team rather than
demand executing their commands. These people tend to be
sensitive, compassionate, healers, or therapists.
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
tend to love the love of people, animals, nature; are teachers;
and are social.
Pink equals love (in a spiritual
sense). Pink auras indicate
that the person achieved a
perfect balance between
spiritual awareness and the
material existence. These
people tend to be loving,
tender, sensitive, sensual,
artistic, affectionate, pure
and compassionate.
Gray auras refer to dark
and depressing thoughts,
unclear intentions, and
presence of a dark side in the
personality. A residue of fear
is accumulating in the body,
with a potential for health
problems, especially if gray
clusters seen in specific areas
of the body.
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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
Eco Heather Crew from Need Supply Co., at Cary Town ($22); Turquoise Windbreaker from Rumors, on Harrison ($18); and Vintage Jeans
35
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 Littlefield
Models Ally Farrish
& Christopher Wagner.
Hair & Makeup Stylist Hannah Elvington.
Fashion Assistants Dena Spruill &
Ashton Williamson
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.