Ink Magazine; Vol. 2.1

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

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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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11

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

inll

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"

inll

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.

ink

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

22

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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

inll

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

ink

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

ink

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

ink

35