By Junelynn Tran
Willow Lawn will transform into an outdoor mall, forcing some stores to go out of business.
Some businesses consider renovation an opportunity to start fresh. For others, it means going out of business for good. Or for worse.
Owner of Gold 'N Gold Jewelers, Abdul Moosa, has had his kiosk open at Willow Lawn for over ten years. The recent reconstruction has forced him to shut down his business.
"Well, it is a very sad thing, you know, when they do the renovations," Moosa said. "I am being displaced out of my business, and I won't have any other alternative, except to be out, you know. The small business will die on which my sustenance depends on my bread and butter."
Moosa says Federal Realty, the company that owns the mall, failed to notify him about the renovations and he found out about it through the news. The renovations call for striking down the interior part of the mall and converting it into a parking lot for easier store accessibility.
Customers will be able to get around the mall more easily. Some feel that the changes are necessary due to its current atmosphere. One customer, Minh Nguyen, comments on the mall's lack of appeal.
"It has no stores that I'm remotely interested in or any of my friends would be interested in, and it's very slow," Nguyen said. "Nothing's really going on inside. The design of it inside alone is very boring and dull to me."
As for Moosa, the future of his store remains unclear. He will either leave by the end of the month, or extend his contract for another month or two.
"And as a result of that, I don't know what is my future," Moosa said. "Are they going to offer me a space outside? So I have got a lot of layaways for the people here. I have to communicate to the customers to come and pick it up, the time is short, I'm in a limbo, and I don't know what's going to happen and how long they will give me."
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Halloween Costumes 2010
By Junelynn Tran
Halloween is right around the corner and people are still on the lookout for costumes.
If you go to Halloween Express, located on West Broad Street, you can see a giant Frankenstein and Rocking Grandparents. This store carries hundreds of costumes, decorations and accessories for adults and children. Originally a franchise with over 300 retail store locations, Halloween Express remains only temporary.
The store opened the second week of August. Blair Baldwin, the store manager, says they try to open by Labor Day weekend so families can start browsing.
“Sales don’t really start happening too much until October; people aren’t in the mood,” said Baldwin. “So we open Labor Day weekend and then we’ll stay open for a couple days after Halloween, just for After-Halloween Sale Monday and Tuesday. And then we pack up and start over again next year.”
When choosing a costume, people like the idea of something unique and original. Customer Erin O’Grady advised its best to find something easy and creative to avoid looking like everyone else.
Whatever you decide to be this year, remember to stay safe and have a happy Halloween!
Halloween is right around the corner and people are still on the lookout for costumes.
If you go to Halloween Express, located on West Broad Street, you can see a giant Frankenstein and Rocking Grandparents. This store carries hundreds of costumes, decorations and accessories for adults and children. Originally a franchise with over 300 retail store locations, Halloween Express remains only temporary.
The store opened the second week of August. Blair Baldwin, the store manager, says they try to open by Labor Day weekend so families can start browsing.
“Sales don’t really start happening too much until October; people aren’t in the mood,” said Baldwin. “So we open Labor Day weekend and then we’ll stay open for a couple days after Halloween, just for After-Halloween Sale Monday and Tuesday. And then we pack up and start over again next year.”
When choosing a costume, people like the idea of something unique and original. Customer Erin O’Grady advised its best to find something easy and creative to avoid looking like everyone else.
Whatever you decide to be this year, remember to stay safe and have a happy Halloween!
Monday, October 25, 2010
EPonym & Esta ft. Jeff Bernat - 'Distance' Music Video
Track: "Distance"
Artists: EPonym & Esta ft. Jeff Bernat
Album: Summertime Cool
Director/Producer/Editor: Junelynn Tran
The album was released during Summer 2010. I was assigned a final project in my video class and was allowed to create any type of film project I wanted. I instantly thought of this song and knew I wanted to create a conceptual music video for the song. The two characters are a couple enduring a long distance relationship. The video pieces the story of what keeps them together.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Plans for Construction in Monroe Park Causes Tension
By Junelynn Tran
Monroe Park, located in Richmond’s Fan district, has been used since the mid-19th Century. Originally, it was used as the state agricultural fairground site and now serves as an assembly ground for drifters and homeless people. The City of Richmond is looking to give the park an upgrade but it is causing a stir with some.
It is hard to pass by Monroe Park on Sundays and not notice homeless relief groups giving out food and clothes. But all that may change in the upcoming year. Monroe Park plans to revamp its image by spending $6.2 million to reconstruct paths and add new park amenities, such as moveable chess tables and a stage area.
Alice Massie, President of the Monroe Park Advisory Council, says the goal is to restore the park’s original layout while modernizing it to appeal to VCU students and other visitors.
“The projected changes are based on safety, for all public,” said Massie. “Students, citizens, neighbors, those that are handicap accessible needed and the average student who wants to cruise through the park.”
While the city has received positive feedback from the general public in regards to the renovation, it is the homeless and the homeless relief groups that volunteer in Monroe Park that have the most opposition. Monroe Park will be under construction for at least nine month, which begs the question - what will the homeless and volunteers do now?
Wendell Joyner, a volunteer from the Future Church of Christ, said it would become difficult to find the homeless if they have no where else to go.
Massie agrees that this will cause some challenges for the homeless, but the City of Richmond is looking at alternatives. Massie says they are “working to be proactive” to help the people recognize their options to get a meal, fresh water and other amenities.
Food Not Bombs, a volunteer homeless relief group, has been feeding people in Monroe Park for 16 years. A volunteer from the organization said that closing down the park for nine months is “unacceptable and unfair” to the homeless.
Massie points out that the upgrades are for all people.
“It is for anyone that wants to enjoy the outdoors,” said Massie. “So whether you are a retired man who wants to play chess or a student who wants to study with a group or sunbathe or play any kind of casual sport or if you’re family and you want to have a picnic. It should be for anybody in the city of Richmond.”
Construction for the project is scheduled to begin in spring 2011.
Monroe Park, located in Richmond’s Fan district, has been used since the mid-19th Century. Originally, it was used as the state agricultural fairground site and now serves as an assembly ground for drifters and homeless people. The City of Richmond is looking to give the park an upgrade but it is causing a stir with some.
It is hard to pass by Monroe Park on Sundays and not notice homeless relief groups giving out food and clothes. But all that may change in the upcoming year. Monroe Park plans to revamp its image by spending $6.2 million to reconstruct paths and add new park amenities, such as moveable chess tables and a stage area.
Alice Massie, President of the Monroe Park Advisory Council, says the goal is to restore the park’s original layout while modernizing it to appeal to VCU students and other visitors.
“The projected changes are based on safety, for all public,” said Massie. “Students, citizens, neighbors, those that are handicap accessible needed and the average student who wants to cruise through the park.”
While the city has received positive feedback from the general public in regards to the renovation, it is the homeless and the homeless relief groups that volunteer in Monroe Park that have the most opposition. Monroe Park will be under construction for at least nine month, which begs the question - what will the homeless and volunteers do now?
Wendell Joyner, a volunteer from the Future Church of Christ, said it would become difficult to find the homeless if they have no where else to go.
Massie agrees that this will cause some challenges for the homeless, but the City of Richmond is looking at alternatives. Massie says they are “working to be proactive” to help the people recognize their options to get a meal, fresh water and other amenities.
Food Not Bombs, a volunteer homeless relief group, has been feeding people in Monroe Park for 16 years. A volunteer from the organization said that closing down the park for nine months is “unacceptable and unfair” to the homeless.
Massie points out that the upgrades are for all people.
“It is for anyone that wants to enjoy the outdoors,” said Massie. “So whether you are a retired man who wants to play chess or a student who wants to study with a group or sunbathe or play any kind of casual sport or if you’re family and you want to have a picnic. It should be for anybody in the city of Richmond.”
Construction for the project is scheduled to begin in spring 2011.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
VCU welcomes the class of 2014
By Junelynn Tran
The Commonwealth Times
Keys? Check. New TV? Check. Kettle Corn? Why not.
Over the weekend, approximately 3,650 freshman flooded Monroe Park moving into on-campus housing with the help of families and a small army of VCU Residential Life and Housing greeters.
In coordination with the Richmond Police, traffic on both Main and Franklin Street ground to a halt as officers shut down street parking and reserved lanes for freshman move-in only. Families received color-coded parking passes indicating which loading zones and parking decks were reserved for them. Parking officials allotted each family 30 minutes to unload in front of dorms before asking them to move to long-term parking decks. Several tow trucks loomed nearby as a reminder for families to keep moving.
About 60 yellow-shirted greeters waited outside residence halls. They provided water bottles, helpful directions and extra sets of arms, unpacking car after car until the final family cleared the loading area.
After signing into receive room and mailbox keys, new students entered their dorms and met their Resident Assistant.
Not everything about Move-In day was stressful. In Monroe Park there were many festivities to help students and their families relax after unpacking; such as chair massages, a mechanical bull ride and a magician. About 9,000 bottles of water were offered courtesy of the VCU Alumni Association, along with kettle corn and “I Love VCU” buttons. Volunteers from fraternities and sororities wore green shirts and helped guide students and family members to recycling bins.
The planning process took nine months to prepare, according to Jane Firer, associate director of administrative operations in university housing. “It’s a mixture of stress and anticipation,” said Firer. “It’s gratifying to see the process work out successfully.”
In all, about 5,000 students will live in on-campus housing this year, filling the dorms to capacity.
Original article
The Commonwealth Times
Keys? Check. New TV? Check. Kettle Corn? Why not.Over the weekend, approximately 3,650 freshman flooded Monroe Park moving into on-campus housing with the help of families and a small army of VCU Residential Life and Housing greeters.
In coordination with the Richmond Police, traffic on both Main and Franklin Street ground to a halt as officers shut down street parking and reserved lanes for freshman move-in only. Families received color-coded parking passes indicating which loading zones and parking decks were reserved for them. Parking officials allotted each family 30 minutes to unload in front of dorms before asking them to move to long-term parking decks. Several tow trucks loomed nearby as a reminder for families to keep moving.
About 60 yellow-shirted greeters waited outside residence halls. They provided water bottles, helpful directions and extra sets of arms, unpacking car after car until the final family cleared the loading area.
After signing into receive room and mailbox keys, new students entered their dorms and met their Resident Assistant.
Not everything about Move-In day was stressful. In Monroe Park there were many festivities to help students and their families relax after unpacking; such as chair massages, a mechanical bull ride and a magician. About 9,000 bottles of water were offered courtesy of the VCU Alumni Association, along with kettle corn and “I Love VCU” buttons. Volunteers from fraternities and sororities wore green shirts and helped guide students and family members to recycling bins.
The planning process took nine months to prepare, according to Jane Firer, associate director of administrative operations in university housing. “It’s a mixture of stress and anticipation,” said Firer. “It’s gratifying to see the process work out successfully.”
In all, about 5,000 students will live in on-campus housing this year, filling the dorms to capacity.
Original article
Student financial assistance funds to double in upcoming year
By Junelynn Tran
The Commonwealth Times
For the 2010-2011 academic year, VCU’s ongoing funds for student financial assistance will receive a $4.8 million increase due to tuition increases, nearly doubling the existing funds.
Approximately $45.4 million is available for financial aid, more than 21 percent from the last school year.
More than $20.5 million for student financial assistance is appropriated by state funds. The money goes toward providing scholarships and fellowships through the Virginia Student Financial Assistance Program and the College Scholarship Assistance Program. The amount of money is the same as last year.
More than $24.8 million for student financial assistance is appropriated by federal funds. The money goes towards federal work-study, and grants and scholarships, such as Pell Grants, Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG), National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grants (SMART) and Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants. The amount of money has almost doubled since last year.
The Pell Grant Program is expected to increase, allowing an individual to receive a maximum Pell Grant award of $5,550, a $200 increase. An increase of 29 percent of the VCU student body qualify for the Pell Grant.
There is a projected increase in the ACG and SMART grants, due to the increase in students who qualify for the Pell Grant and the program expansion. The criteria for the ACG and SMART grants expanded to allow part-time students and eligible non-citizens to receive funding.
VCU will also fund an additional $43 million in need-based aids, scholarships, fellowships, tuition waivers and graduate student wages within other university programs – totaling $88.4 million for student financial assistance.
Original article
The Commonwealth Times
For the 2010-2011 academic year, VCU’s ongoing funds for student financial assistance will receive a $4.8 million increase due to tuition increases, nearly doubling the existing funds.Approximately $45.4 million is available for financial aid, more than 21 percent from the last school year.
More than $20.5 million for student financial assistance is appropriated by state funds. The money goes toward providing scholarships and fellowships through the Virginia Student Financial Assistance Program and the College Scholarship Assistance Program. The amount of money is the same as last year.
More than $24.8 million for student financial assistance is appropriated by federal funds. The money goes towards federal work-study, and grants and scholarships, such as Pell Grants, Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG), National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grants (SMART) and Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants. The amount of money has almost doubled since last year.
The Pell Grant Program is expected to increase, allowing an individual to receive a maximum Pell Grant award of $5,550, a $200 increase. An increase of 29 percent of the VCU student body qualify for the Pell Grant.
There is a projected increase in the ACG and SMART grants, due to the increase in students who qualify for the Pell Grant and the program expansion. The criteria for the ACG and SMART grants expanded to allow part-time students and eligible non-citizens to receive funding.
VCU will also fund an additional $43 million in need-based aids, scholarships, fellowships, tuition waivers and graduate student wages within other university programs – totaling $88.4 million for student financial assistance.
Original article
Monday, May 10, 2010
A new mall comes with a new deal
By Junelynn Tran
HAMPTON, Va. -– Shoppers in Hampton, Va., got more than a new mall in March 2010. They also received a new tax along with each purchase made at Peninsula Town Center.
A 0.5 percent Facility Charge Transaction Fee (VAFAC) is added to each purchase made at the mall’s retail stores and restaurants. The tax is charged by Mall Properties Inc, the owner of the mall, to pay back a 30-year $92.5 million bond used to build the mall. It went into effect on Jan. 1 2010.
"Mall Properties agreed to tax itself because it didn’t want to place a debt burden on the citizens,” said Randy Gilliland, a Hampton City Council member. “The tax isn’t a part of Hampton’s tax revenue, only the purchases.”
The tax is new to Virginia and is collected by the Community Development Authority, a committee by the Hampton City Council used to issue bonds for public expenses and oversee special taxes.
The VAFAC tax is added to Virginia’s state and local tax of 5 percent. It allows the public to use the mall’s facilities and services for free, such as free parking. An example of the tax is $1 for every $200 spent.
Although the City Council believes the tax is beneficial toward the redevelopment of the mall, there has been customer opposition toward the small fee.
Ashley Darby, 20, a Hampton shopper, says the charge is unexpected and unfair. “Why should I have to pay for something at someone else’s expense?” Darby asked. “No one said there would be a new tax.”
Vincent Mastracco Jr., an attorney with Kaufman and Canoles, a law firm that oversee the redevelopment process, disagrees. He said business cards were given out earlier this year to let consumers know about the charge.
Peninsula Town Center is a new open-air mall featuring office and residential space above its retail stores. Residents that live in the apartment complex are not charged any additional fees like the VAFAC tax.
Raffaele Allen, residential specialist at The Chapman Apartments at Peninsula Town Center, says the tax is accounted for in the maintenance fee, which the residents know about.
The Peninsula Town Center was built to replace the former Coliseum Mall, which was demolished in 2007. For three years, Hampton shoppers have had to travel to other surrounding cities to fuel their shopping needs.
With an area of 1.1 million square feet, Peninsula Town Center has more than 50 stores and restaurants, some of which are new to the area, such as Five Guys, Chipotle and shoeWoo. The mall expects more than 20 additional stores and restaurants to open soon, including a dine-in movie theater called CinéBistro. It holds 12 restaurants, 160 residential units and more than 100 retail stores, as stated on the Peninsula Town Center’s website.
Macy’s, JC Penney and Barnes & Noble are stores that were a part of the original Coliseum Mall. They were either relocated to another part of the mall or restructured.
The mall will also feature Bryant & Stratton College above Barnes & Noble. It will become the third campus in Virginia, covering 45,000 square feet. It will begin classes in September 2010.
Even though the tax money goes towards the repaying the bonds, money collected from the surrounding parking meters are given to charity. The Peninsula Town Center Community Foundation includes scholarships and a Charity for Change Meter program. Shoppers can chose to park in the free parking garage, free parking lot or donate to charity by parking next to a meter.
Hampton shoppers can either enjoy the amenities Peninsula Town Center has to offer or stay dissatisfied with the tax. Regardless of how they may feel, the tax is here to stay for at least 30 more years. For more information, visit www.peninsulatowncenter.com.
HAMPTON, Va. -– Shoppers in Hampton, Va., got more than a new mall in March 2010. They also received a new tax along with each purchase made at Peninsula Town Center.
A 0.5 percent Facility Charge Transaction Fee (VAFAC) is added to each purchase made at the mall’s retail stores and restaurants. The tax is charged by Mall Properties Inc, the owner of the mall, to pay back a 30-year $92.5 million bond used to build the mall. It went into effect on Jan. 1 2010.
"Mall Properties agreed to tax itself because it didn’t want to place a debt burden on the citizens,” said Randy Gilliland, a Hampton City Council member. “The tax isn’t a part of Hampton’s tax revenue, only the purchases.”
The tax is new to Virginia and is collected by the Community Development Authority, a committee by the Hampton City Council used to issue bonds for public expenses and oversee special taxes.
The VAFAC tax is added to Virginia’s state and local tax of 5 percent. It allows the public to use the mall’s facilities and services for free, such as free parking. An example of the tax is $1 for every $200 spent.
Although the City Council believes the tax is beneficial toward the redevelopment of the mall, there has been customer opposition toward the small fee.
Ashley Darby, 20, a Hampton shopper, says the charge is unexpected and unfair. “Why should I have to pay for something at someone else’s expense?” Darby asked. “No one said there would be a new tax.”
Vincent Mastracco Jr., an attorney with Kaufman and Canoles, a law firm that oversee the redevelopment process, disagrees. He said business cards were given out earlier this year to let consumers know about the charge.
Peninsula Town Center is a new open-air mall featuring office and residential space above its retail stores. Residents that live in the apartment complex are not charged any additional fees like the VAFAC tax.
Raffaele Allen, residential specialist at The Chapman Apartments at Peninsula Town Center, says the tax is accounted for in the maintenance fee, which the residents know about.
The Peninsula Town Center was built to replace the former Coliseum Mall, which was demolished in 2007. For three years, Hampton shoppers have had to travel to other surrounding cities to fuel their shopping needs.
With an area of 1.1 million square feet, Peninsula Town Center has more than 50 stores and restaurants, some of which are new to the area, such as Five Guys, Chipotle and shoeWoo. The mall expects more than 20 additional stores and restaurants to open soon, including a dine-in movie theater called CinéBistro. It holds 12 restaurants, 160 residential units and more than 100 retail stores, as stated on the Peninsula Town Center’s website.
Macy’s, JC Penney and Barnes & Noble are stores that were a part of the original Coliseum Mall. They were either relocated to another part of the mall or restructured.
The mall will also feature Bryant & Stratton College above Barnes & Noble. It will become the third campus in Virginia, covering 45,000 square feet. It will begin classes in September 2010. Even though the tax money goes towards the repaying the bonds, money collected from the surrounding parking meters are given to charity. The Peninsula Town Center Community Foundation includes scholarships and a Charity for Change Meter program. Shoppers can chose to park in the free parking garage, free parking lot or donate to charity by parking next to a meter.
Hampton shoppers can either enjoy the amenities Peninsula Town Center has to offer or stay dissatisfied with the tax. Regardless of how they may feel, the tax is here to stay for at least 30 more years. For more information, visit www.peninsulatowncenter.com.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Relay For Life is one step closer
By Junelynn TranThe Commonwealth Times
RICHMOND, Va. -– In a few weeks, nearly 40 teams at Virginia Commonwealth University will unite to fight one common enemy -– cancer.
VCU will host its fourth annual Relay For Life event. Relay For Life is the signature fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. The purpose of the relay is to celebrate the lives of people battling cancer, remember lost loved ones, increase cancer awareness in the community and raise money for ACS.
With more than 300 participants, VCU has raised more than $11,250. Its goal is to raise $30,000 at the relay. Relay teams will set up fundraising booths at the VCU Cary Street Track and Field grounds on April 17, 2010. Each team will conduct its own fundraiser in an effort to raise money for cancer. Representatives from each team will walk or run around the field throughout the event.
Currently, the team that has raised the most money is Rehabbin’ Rams. Its members are a part of the Pre-Physical Therapy Club at VCU. They have raised nearly $1,400, surpassing their team goal of $1,000. QuaShauna Smith, the team’s co-captain, said she “constantly reminds people about the relay” and encourages supporters for donations.
“I found out this year that my grandfather died of cancer, so actually, this fundraiser means a lot to me,” Smith said. “I pray that I am helping out someone with all the participants’ efforts of awareness.”
Rehabbin’ Rams has already completed a fundraiser with Tropical Smoothie Cafe and expects to have another fundraiser before the date of the relay. Smith said the team will have snacks and games at their fundraising booth.
One of the top participants, Nikki Johnson, has raised almost $500 for her team, Muevelo. Muevelo is a student dance organization committed to community service and teaching dance workshops. As president of her team, Johnson said she became involved after she heard her friend was diagnosed with brain cancer.
“Because Relay For Life is well known and well promoted, it’s easy to find people who support the cause,” Johnson said. “Everyone should come out. Do something good for the world.”
Muevelo has fundraised with Panera Bread, and recently, hosted a handcuff party to encourage guests to donate for cancer. They raised $280 in one night. Johnson plans to participate in another fundraising event, possibly a penny wars between her team members.
The day of Relay For Life will include an opening ceremony from a cancer survivor family, in addition to several guest speakers. The rest of the day will be dedicated to fundraising and special activities for everyone to participate. At night, there will be a Luminaria ceremony, a candlelight ceremony dedicated to honor those who have died or battled cancer.
Nadine Malpass, the Central Virginia area director for ACS, said the ceremony “is very moving, starting somber to very uplifting.”
Malpass also said she is “thankful to the college movement” because they are the next generation to keep fighting against cancer.
Rachel Prunier, the team recruitment and volunteer chair for Relay For Life, said this year’s event is different because there is more community involvement and more teams.
“Teams make the event. They help it grow and help find a cure,” Prunier said. “Cancer affects, more than just a cancer patient. It affects the caretaker, family and friends.”
For more information on how to get involved, visit www.relayforlife.org/vcu.
Original article
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
VCU-alum remembered by a younger generation
By Junelynn Tran
RICHMOND, Va. -- As one of the best underground pool players in Richmond, VCU-alum Mike Tran is at the top of his game. With nine years under his belt, he has never sought to become a professional pool player, but his name still resonates from Breakpoint of VCU to Murphy's Law Billiards in Midlothian.
"When I walked in a pool hall one day, I saw some good players playing pool, and I was just kind of interested in the way they were moving the ball," Tran said. "It just looked so neat, that I decided to pick up a pool stick and try it on my own."
Tran started playing pool at VCU in 2000. In 2003, he qualified to play at the Association of College Unions International, a collegiate organization that brings together different schools to compete in extracurricular activities, such as poker, bowling, billiards and spoken word.
Tran won third place in the regional tournament that year. With only three years of experience, nerves got the best of him at the national tournament at East Carolina University.
"My first draw was the defending champion and I hardly won," Tran chuckled. "I mean, I got him on the ropes, but then he came back. I had butterflies, I couldn't win -- but overall that year, I placed ninth in the nation."
Some of Tran's friends enjoy watching him play because they see it as a learning experience. Some also find it intimidating.
New friend Christopher Le said, "Watching him play... it's just like... kind of demoralizing, actually. You're like, 'How the hell can you ever be this good?'"
Tran's advice for potential pool players is persistence and practice. Practice makes perfect and so does a positive attitude.
RICHMOND, Va. -- As one of the best underground pool players in Richmond, VCU-alum Mike Tran is at the top of his game. With nine years under his belt, he has never sought to become a professional pool player, but his name still resonates from Breakpoint of VCU to Murphy's Law Billiards in Midlothian.
"When I walked in a pool hall one day, I saw some good players playing pool, and I was just kind of interested in the way they were moving the ball," Tran said. "It just looked so neat, that I decided to pick up a pool stick and try it on my own."
Tran started playing pool at VCU in 2000. In 2003, he qualified to play at the Association of College Unions International, a collegiate organization that brings together different schools to compete in extracurricular activities, such as poker, bowling, billiards and spoken word.
Tran won third place in the regional tournament that year. With only three years of experience, nerves got the best of him at the national tournament at East Carolina University.
"My first draw was the defending champion and I hardly won," Tran chuckled. "I mean, I got him on the ropes, but then he came back. I had butterflies, I couldn't win -- but overall that year, I placed ninth in the nation."
Some of Tran's friends enjoy watching him play because they see it as a learning experience. Some also find it intimidating.
New friend Christopher Le said, "Watching him play... it's just like... kind of demoralizing, actually. You're like, 'How the hell can you ever be this good?'"
Tran's advice for potential pool players is persistence and practice. Practice makes perfect and so does a positive attitude.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
VCU students in the lead at regional billiards tournament
By Junelynn Tran
RICHMOND, Va. -– Two students from Virginia Commonwealth University won the championship in a regional billiards tournament last month, making them eligible to participate in the national tournament.
First-place winner Mitch Trainham, 23, and second-place winner Mark Lacson, 25, both students from VCU, competed against each other twice in the Association of College Unions International championship round after beating 46 male college students from five states.
The regional tournament was held at the University of Tennessee from Feb. 19 to Feb. 20, where colleges from Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina competed in recreational activities such as billiards, table tennis and poker. The top five billiards players qualified for positions in the national tournament, hosted by ACUI, a national organization that aims to connect universities through the idea of community.
VCU sent eight men and four women to UT to compete in separate divisions. The competition started with 10 tables of round robin, a small tournament in which each competitor played against every other competitor at their table. This method was used to eliminate 16 players, leaving 32 players to compete on the second day.
“It was hard,” Trainham said. “Once the brackets kept getting smaller and smaller, we had to play our own teammates and we eventually knocked each other out.”
Trainham has played pool since he was 6 years old. He learned how to play from his parents, and he owns a pool table in his home.
“Poolhalls aren’t place for kids,” Trainham said. “If I didn’t have a table in my house, I probably wouldn’t have ever picked up a stick.”
Trainham’s 17 years of experience helped him at the regional tournament when he won the championship to Lacson 11-4. It was Trainham’s first ACUI tournament.
“Mark was my biggest competition,” Trainham said. “I thought he was the one person who could beat me.”
Trainham disliked playing against his teammates because he wanted both he and his teammates to win, he said.
On the other hand, Lacson saw the competition as an opportunity to have fun. A pharmacy graduate student, Lacson will not be able to attend nationals because of rotations, where he will visit different practice sites to gain medical experience.
“I was just trying to have fun because I knew I wasn’t going to go to nationals,” Lacson said. “I didn’t have anything to lose. It was just for fun.”
Amy Anderson, the regional ACUI Leisure Programs Chair, says the date and location of the national tournament has not yet been released.
While Trainham’s only goal was to make it to nationals, and Lacson only wanted to have fun, their advice for practicing is as equal as their ambitions.
“Play everyday and dedicate your time,” Trainham said. “Add pressure and challenge yourself to help yourself get better.”
“Don’t take it too seriously,” Lacson said, with a grin. “It’s just a game.”
RICHMOND, Va. -– Two students from Virginia Commonwealth University won the championship in a regional billiards tournament last month, making them eligible to participate in the national tournament.
First-place winner Mitch Trainham, 23, and second-place winner Mark Lacson, 25, both students from VCU, competed against each other twice in the Association of College Unions International championship round after beating 46 male college students from five states.
The regional tournament was held at the University of Tennessee from Feb. 19 to Feb. 20, where colleges from Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina competed in recreational activities such as billiards, table tennis and poker. The top five billiards players qualified for positions in the national tournament, hosted by ACUI, a national organization that aims to connect universities through the idea of community.
VCU sent eight men and four women to UT to compete in separate divisions. The competition started with 10 tables of round robin, a small tournament in which each competitor played against every other competitor at their table. This method was used to eliminate 16 players, leaving 32 players to compete on the second day.
“It was hard,” Trainham said. “Once the brackets kept getting smaller and smaller, we had to play our own teammates and we eventually knocked each other out.”
Trainham has played pool since he was 6 years old. He learned how to play from his parents, and he owns a pool table in his home.
“Poolhalls aren’t place for kids,” Trainham said. “If I didn’t have a table in my house, I probably wouldn’t have ever picked up a stick.”
Trainham’s 17 years of experience helped him at the regional tournament when he won the championship to Lacson 11-4. It was Trainham’s first ACUI tournament.
“Mark was my biggest competition,” Trainham said. “I thought he was the one person who could beat me.”
Trainham disliked playing against his teammates because he wanted both he and his teammates to win, he said.
On the other hand, Lacson saw the competition as an opportunity to have fun. A pharmacy graduate student, Lacson will not be able to attend nationals because of rotations, where he will visit different practice sites to gain medical experience.
“I was just trying to have fun because I knew I wasn’t going to go to nationals,” Lacson said. “I didn’t have anything to lose. It was just for fun.”
Amy Anderson, the regional ACUI Leisure Programs Chair, says the date and location of the national tournament has not yet been released.
While Trainham’s only goal was to make it to nationals, and Lacson only wanted to have fun, their advice for practicing is as equal as their ambitions.
“Play everyday and dedicate your time,” Trainham said. “Add pressure and challenge yourself to help yourself get better.”
“Don’t take it too seriously,” Lacson said, with a grin. “It’s just a game.”
There's no price for determination
By Junelynn Tran
RICHMOND, Va. -– Before she landed in Virginia, native born Texan Jennie Lynn Price, 24, traveled across the country from the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic on a quest to finish college. She hopes to pursue a career in print journalism, and currently works for the Gloucester-Matthews Gazette-Journal.
Price was born in Texas but raised in Duluth, Minn. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Superior and the University of Minnesota-Duluth before she was in an accident that sprained both her ankles. With no one to help her, Price had difficulty attending school full-time. Instead, she concentrated on her job as assistant manager to an independent record store called Electric Fetus.
Price met her husband, Joshua, while she worked in a small restaurant called Nutty Megs in Duluth, Minn. in 2004. They married on June 14, 2008. Her husband is in the Coast Guard, which led them to move to Gloucester, Va. They commute separately from Gloucester to Richmond every day to attend Virginia Commonwealth University.
“VCU is the closest four-year college that we’re willing to drive to that has the program we are interested in,” her husband said. Price is a print journalism major, while her husband is a broadcast journalism major.
Price’s business experience allowed her to create her own business – Olive Bunny Handmade – where she makes recycled journals and one-of-a-kind stuffed animals to sell through Electric Fetus stores and her online Etsy.com shop. Price enjoys real film photography and fixing old furniture from thrift stores. She also screen prints on a Japanese Gocco printing machine, on which she made her own wedding invitations.
“Mostly, I like to learn how to do hands-on things and be self-sufficient,” Price said.
Price said if she had her own show, she would name it “Parts on Hand,” where she and her dad would go out to a garage and build something entirely from the products in the garage.
Price’s husband describes her as “ambitious, motivated and willing to try anything.”
“She wants to be an expert in a lot of different things from sports to writing to sewing to cooking to working on cars,” her husband said. “She’s succeeded in most of the things she’s tried.”
Price works for the Gloucester-Matthews Gazette-Journal. She describes her position as “the one that does everything.” She has had experience making plates in the print room, copyediting, proofreading and writing small stories.
Price currently resides in Gloucester, Va. with her husband. They have a two-years-old dog named Mabelle that they rescued from the Humane Society, and a 10-year-old black housecat named Frances, who Price says is “extremely needy.”
Price has the ambition to try anything and everything like Wonder Woman. She might not have super-human strength like Wonder Woman, but she would not mind taking the role.
“I would have to be a superhero in the tradition of Wonder Woman, you know, snappy outfit and tall boots,” Price said. “No invisible airplanes though. That’s a little silly.”
RICHMOND, Va. -– Before she landed in Virginia, native born Texan Jennie Lynn Price, 24, traveled across the country from the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic on a quest to finish college. She hopes to pursue a career in print journalism, and currently works for the Gloucester-Matthews Gazette-Journal.
Price was born in Texas but raised in Duluth, Minn. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Superior and the University of Minnesota-Duluth before she was in an accident that sprained both her ankles. With no one to help her, Price had difficulty attending school full-time. Instead, she concentrated on her job as assistant manager to an independent record store called Electric Fetus.
Price met her husband, Joshua, while she worked in a small restaurant called Nutty Megs in Duluth, Minn. in 2004. They married on June 14, 2008. Her husband is in the Coast Guard, which led them to move to Gloucester, Va. They commute separately from Gloucester to Richmond every day to attend Virginia Commonwealth University.
“VCU is the closest four-year college that we’re willing to drive to that has the program we are interested in,” her husband said. Price is a print journalism major, while her husband is a broadcast journalism major.
Price’s business experience allowed her to create her own business – Olive Bunny Handmade – where she makes recycled journals and one-of-a-kind stuffed animals to sell through Electric Fetus stores and her online Etsy.com shop. Price enjoys real film photography and fixing old furniture from thrift stores. She also screen prints on a Japanese Gocco printing machine, on which she made her own wedding invitations.
“Mostly, I like to learn how to do hands-on things and be self-sufficient,” Price said.
Price said if she had her own show, she would name it “Parts on Hand,” where she and her dad would go out to a garage and build something entirely from the products in the garage.
Price’s husband describes her as “ambitious, motivated and willing to try anything.”
“She wants to be an expert in a lot of different things from sports to writing to sewing to cooking to working on cars,” her husband said. “She’s succeeded in most of the things she’s tried.”
Price works for the Gloucester-Matthews Gazette-Journal. She describes her position as “the one that does everything.” She has had experience making plates in the print room, copyediting, proofreading and writing small stories.
Price currently resides in Gloucester, Va. with her husband. They have a two-years-old dog named Mabelle that they rescued from the Humane Society, and a 10-year-old black housecat named Frances, who Price says is “extremely needy.”
Price has the ambition to try anything and everything like Wonder Woman. She might not have super-human strength like Wonder Woman, but she would not mind taking the role.
“I would have to be a superhero in the tradition of Wonder Woman, you know, snappy outfit and tall boots,” Price said. “No invisible airplanes though. That’s a little silly.”
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