Spartan Sensations

Recent projects from students across Michigan State University are making waves on the Internet and we feel it's about time we added to the mix by sharing them with you. Below are three fun creations shot right on campus, great work Spartans!

1. MSU Wants Tosh.0!
This video was uploaded to YouTube just yesterday and has already hit over 1,000 views. Further, The State News has a story in today's issue about the effort, shot just this past weekend as a means to try bringing comedian Daniel Tosh (and Tosh.0) to MSU for a show. The filming was coordinated by MSU student Erin O'Donnell. All other contributors are listed on YouTube. Current view count: 1,262.



2. Lisztomania: MSU Brat Pack Mashup
Created by two professional writing seniors, Nina Elias and Bethany Tomaszewski, the above video is inspired by the original brat pack mashup on YouTube (from avoidantconsumer HERE). A handful of other fabulous Spartans are featured in the vid (set to an awesome song, we might add) paying tribute to John Hughes' The Breakfast Club. Current view count: 2,863.



3. Lady Gaga "Monster" Music Video
This video was, again, envisioned and created by MSU students, led by Brianna Gardner and Andrew Vallentine. The video is a tribute to "Mother Monster" (aka Lady Gaga) and has been listed on YouTube as No. 34-Top Rated (Music) and No. 44-Top Favorited (Music). Current view count: 190,741.

Local Hip Hop Artists Talk Music

On Friday, Feb. 25 The Specktators (right) and Green Skeem (below left) performed a double-threat "electrohop" (yes, we did make that up) show at The Landshark in downtown East Lansing for the second time this year. Before the show, VIM was able to speak with the aspiring entertainers. Below is what they had to say.

VIM: How long have you been involved in music and what was it that got you started?
Courtney Rodgers (of Green Skeem): We didn’t begin performing until after spring break of ’09 when we created a song, kind of as a joke. I used to beat box just for fun, so music has always been in my life.
Dan Wiseman (of Green Skeem): Originally we were just doing our own thing and then the two of us teamed up because we had the same fan base (we’re from the same town). I was always more of an athlete, sports guy than musical.
Matt Duda (of Specktators): I started making music way back in my sophomore year of college as an experiment with my roommate, using different kinds of music and vocals. This eventually evolved into the creation of an online mixtape. After a while, I realized my brother can rap better than me so we teamed up and I began to focus more on the production end of things.
Patrick Duda (of Specktators): I was lucky enough to gain interest while I was still in high school, since I’m younger than my brother. Upon graduation, I moved in with [him] and we messed around for about a year and a half.

VIM: What influenced you to lean toward hip-hop in your style as opposed to another genre of music?
CR: Fans of hip-hop seem to be the most accepting of our sound, currently, which is actually more of a mix of the electronic and pop genres, though we really do not have a “genre.”
DW: [Hip-hop] is definitely not even our favorite [type of music]. We really like dubstep, classic rock and techo, but [hip-hop] was something we could do together without having a whole band or playing instruments.
PD: We’re a little different [from Green Skeem] in that hip-hop has always been my personal favorite, while [Matt] kind of turned me on to liking techno as well. I’d have to say our music falls under “electropop,” though we don’t really have a genre.

VIM: Are there any specific artists that have influenced your music?
CR: We typically take a lot from everything, [though] I really like Outkast . . . Andre 3000 is ridiculous.
DW: Everyday experiences are our biggest influences — more events than [specific] people.
MD: Structure-wise we’re influenced by a lot of new [acts] like Chiddy Bang, Wiz Khalifa and Big Sean. Though we do enjoy classics like Kanye West and Eminem, too.

VIM: What kinds of things do you do to prepare for a show like tonight’s?
CR: Often I have a drink or two to loosen, shake the nerves. We [also] usually start the day with [breakfast at] Denny’s.
DW: We’re around each other all the time, chilling at each other’s places [in the days leading up to a show]. It seems like we’ve been together for a really long time.
MD: Because we have such good chemistry, it makes performing not seem like work or a chore. It’s fun.

VIM: Can you tell readers a little bit more about the show.
PD: We are two separate groups, so we started REFS (for Repping Everything Flawless) as a collective. It’s us and everybody that supports us. We want everyone to be a part of our efforts.
MD: We realized that we can’t achieve anything [alone].

VIM: Do you have any advice for students interested in breaking into the music industry?
CR: You have to work. A lot of people think [success] just happens. Especially coming out of East Lansing you have to work twice as hard.
DW: This isn’t our job and we have tons [of other things] going on. That’s the cool thing about being on a college campus — it’s what rap is all about, working and making things happen.
MD: Hip-hop is so popular right now and, in essence, is easy to start up. You really have to grind and work hard.
PD: You have to invest in yourself. I can’t tell you how much money we’ve spent on improving our music. For example, you have to avoid [buying] that new pair of shoes.

VIM: Okay, so this is totally random, but what do you think of Fox’s GLEE?
CR: I saw it once, but [think] it seems so fake.
MD: I think [the idea behind] it is pretty cool but would never watch it regularly.

VIM: Anything else you’d like to add?
CR: We do everything online and all [of] our music can be downloaded for free.
DW: Our first EP is titled Michigan Left and we try to come out with new songs as often as possible.
MD: I learned a lot from being solo about the importance of utilizing online tools. Most importantly that CDs were a big waste of money and that if people want your music, really want it, they’ll find it. It takes you about six months to do a project. We call our philosophy of constantly release music a “Never-ending Mixtape.” If we don’t have a show, people need [ways] to connect with us and now is the time. We’ll be releasing 6–10 new songs next fall.

Check both acts out at The Landshark (again) on Friday, March 25 at 8:30 p.m.

ATD Fashion Show

This past Saturday (Feb. 26) we were invited to attend the Annual ATD (Apparel and Textile Design) Fashion Show. The show delivered everything it promised and more, from designs made entirely out of recycled gloves to those made of lottery tickets; each look told a story. Some who attended last year's event (which went by the name of Student Apparel Design Association’s (SADA) Fashion Show) may be wondering what was so different at this year's show. For starters, it was only open to students in the ATD major and each designer was limited to three garments (there was also no theme). Despite these big changes, the department should be proud because they really showcased what the major has to offer and how talented our ATD Spartans are! After the show, we were able to catch board members Tommie Mianecki and Tess Theisen for a Q&A:

VIM: In the past, SADA shows were open to all students. What were some of the factors that played a role in the decision to only hold one fashion show open only to ATD students?
Tommie: We wanted to document and present the talent of the students in this major and have the opportunity to really showcase it.

VIM: Since there is no defined theme, was there an overall message you hope the show conveyed to the audience?
Tess: Each student has such a different mind and design…this was their opportunity to represent themselves. It’s nice not to have to push designers.
Tommie: Our goal was to put on an elegant fashion show but to let the designers tell their own story.

VIM: When do you begin preparing for such a big event?
Tommie: We began planning at the end of August and designs were due before winter break.

VIM: What are some of the things that are looked for in student designers when choosing what designs to feature?
Tess: They [the judges] try to pick your mind behind your design and they want to know that everything about the design has a purpose and a meaning.

VIM: What do you think the student designers benefit from most by participating in this event?
Tess: It’s a chance to feel proud of their hard work and show it off.
Tommie: It’s really exciting to see the final product especially when you know a design in and out…seeing it all come together is really rewarding.

VIM: Is there any advice you would give students who are considering pursuing a future in the fashion industry?
Tommie: Have persistence and work hard!
Tess: You need to love what you’re doing and be ready to put everything you’ve got into the industry.


*NOTE*: The evening's "Best Dress" winner was Rachel Hurley’s Petal Metal (first two pics from the left). Check out our gallery below for a glimpse of the show.

Introducing... Sex at State

Good afternoon and welcome to my debut VIM column "Sex at State." Before diving into the many different issues that plague our East Lansing existence, I want to introduce myself (and warn you what you're getting yourself into). A lot of this column is "about me" and I find that I have had a number of typical college experiences (mixed with not-so-typical ones that you'll probably just be happy did not happen to you). I also have a number of friends who have helped me through it all and kept me sane, but who also provide me with great stories of their own ... especially when it comes to dating.

I think that I've dated almost every kind of guy there is in this small bubble of ours—the jock, the pretty boy, the rocker, the charmer, the list goes on. I am lucky enough to have had that life-changing relationship that most people are looking for, only to have my heart ripped out at the end of it, but that is a story for later.

My love for this school and its little city never falters, though it may sometimes kick my ass. I guess you could say that I've had a great time, bopping around, trying to figure out what the hell I'm supposed to do with my life. There are still a ton of things I don’t know, but I’ve found that I learn best from falling down and forcing myself to get back up. After all, college is the time in your life when you're supposed to make mistakes because later the "real word" is not going to be as forgiving.

So once a week, if you're up for some laughs, stories and life lessons, stay tuned…

…after all, I love a good story almost as much as I love a new pair of shoes.

Hip Hop Doc to Premiere in East Lansing

MSU filmmaker, Matt Ortlieb is premiering his first-ever, feature-length documentary Respiration: Feel the City Breathing this Saturday, February 12 in East Lansing.

In honor of Black History Month, the event begins at 6 p.m. and will be held at the RCAH Theatre in the basement of Snyder-Phillips Hall.

Click here to view an extended preview of the film.
Check out the Facebook event here.

3rd Annual Middle of the Mitten This Saturday!

The 3rd Annual Middle of the Mitten is a local talent showcase held by The Record Lounge, 503 E. Grand River Ave., and commemorates the opening of the store itself in 2008.

The Record Lounge founded its business with a priority being to showcase local, independent talent (as well as great vinyls). As a result, Record Lounge employee and MSU professional writing student Joel Heckaman has worked with the shop for the past three years to put together this fantastic event showcasing local-area and independent musical talent.

Starting at 6 p.m., this year's showcase is happening on Saturday, Jan. 29 at Lansing's The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., and will feature such acts as: Versus The Ocean, Life Size Ghost, Frank And Earnest and Adam Dahl (for the entire list click here).

Tickets: $5 presale (available from bands or at The Record Lounge), $7 at the door.

"Spartans, What is Your Profession?!"

These are oft uttered words on the Michigan State University campus, as many of us Spartans know. This Homecoming they meant a little bit more.

The 300 star himself, Gerard Butler, who plays King Leonidas in the flick, visited MSU's campus and made an appearance not only on the football field, but at this year's Midnight Madness for the 2010 NCAA Men's Basketball season kickoff AND on the local bar and restaurant scene.

Above is a photo of the actor on the sidelines before he spoke those five powerful words at today's game. Athletic Director Mark Hollis claims the Scottish actor declared today "one of the greatest days in his life."

On another note, congratulations to the Spartans on their first 7-0 streak since 1966. Go Green! We hope everyone had a safe and happy homecoming.

Fashion Spotlight: Former U-M Quarterback Tom Brady

After losing a bet with former MSU quarterback, and current New England Patriots backup, Brian Hoyer, Tom Brady was forced to wear Spartan green during press interviews earlier this week.

Naturally, we thought it only appropriate to show off his exquisite style.

Photo Courtesy of the Motown Lowdown

Sparticipate With VIM Magazine!

On Tuesday, August 31, VIM took part in Sparticipation, the student involvement fair at Munn Field. Many interested Spartans signed up to learn more about the great positions VIM offers—writers, designers, stylists, photographers, marketing/PR. If you would like more information about getting involved with VIM Magazine, email vimmagazine@gmail.com!

Get Ready for... MSU football!

The first game's this Saturday and that means tailgate fashionistas will be out in full form. Check out the new MSU football promo below and share with us what you'll be wearing.



NOTE: Keep your eyes peeled for VIM's first issue and the tailgate fashion section!

Fall Mood Music

Fall is almost in full swing with classes beginning Wednesday [don't forget - treat it like a Monday ;)] and with move-in madness and back-to-school get-togethers happening all around, we've decided to provide our readers with the ultimate MSU 2010 "welcome week" playlist to help get everyone in the mood for fall, football and Spartan goodness. Enjoy!

1 "Don't Stop Believin'" Journey
2 "Bulletproof" La Roux
3 "Livin' on a Prayer" Bon Jovi
4 "Hot Mess" Cobra Starship
5 "Sweet Disposition" Temper Trap
6 "Love the Way You Lie (Feat. Rhianna)" Eminem
7 "Sweet Caroline" Neil Diamond
8 "Please Don't Go" Mike Posner
9 "You Make My Dreams" Hall & Oates
10 "Mr. Brightside" The Killers
11 "Teenage Dream" Katy Perry
12 "I Saw Her Standing There" The Beatles
13 "Electric Feel" MGMT
14 "Cupid Shuffle" Cupid
15 "September" Earth Wind & Fire
16 "Can You Tell?" Ra Ra Riot
17 "Gettin' Over You (Feat. Chris Willis, Fergie and LMFAO)" David Guetta
18 "Up Around the Bend" Creedence Clearwater Revival
19 "Lean Like a Cholo" Down A.K.A. Kilo
20 "I Like It (Feat. Pitbull)" Enrique Iglesias
21 "Like a Prayer" Madonna
22 "Friends in Low Places" Garth Brooks
23 "Bad Romance" Lady Gaga
24 "Billie Jean" Michael Jackson
25 "Ridin' Solo" Jason Derulo

Thirsty? Why Wait?

It's about that time for summer session II midterms and many of us across campus are in need of some quiet study time. Sadly, the weather has also been gorgeous after many nights of rain so it's hard to stay cooped up inside just to do homework. Our proposal then is to get out of your indoor rut and study your brains out at a local cafe or restaurant with outdoor seeting. That way you can study, soak up some Vitamin C and enjoy a delicious, low-calorie beverage all at the same time.

VIM's summer day-drinks of the moment are:


Iced Skinny Vanilla Latte (no whip cream)
For those that enjoy caffeine










Raspberry/Mango Italian Soda
For the non-caffeinated crowd









Quench your thirst at a nearby Espresso Royale location, either 527 E. Grand River Ave. or 1500 W. Lake Lansing Road.

Shine Designs

Shine Designs is a local handmade jewelry and accessory shop begun by a recent MSU graduate, Roxanne Dewyer. Dewyer's collection is very fun, young and adds a pop to most any outfit. Plus, it's original and who doesn't love that!

Check out Shine Designs online at one (or both!) of the following links:
Shine Designs - Home
Facebook

or visit the shop in East Lansing at 129 1/2 E. Grand River Ave.

Album Review: Time To Win, Vol. 1

This "album" (officially released in 2009) is more correctly defined as an EP, as it contains only seven tracks. The seven that are provided, however, give fans exactly what they are looking for. We've chosen to broaden horizons to this group as a result of their recent visit to the Michigan State University campus this past spring semester, opening for the Sparty's Spring Party concert headliner Cobra Starship. A seven-person band with quite an odd name, Down With Webster provides dance/electronic music fans a fabulous blend of party anthems on Time to Win. Lyrics like "It feels like we haven't seen each other in years/Why don't you join me for a couple of beers *clink* cheers/Wow/I seen you on my Facebook profile..." show the group's fit to the new generation of college students. If you like Cobra Starship or similar music, definitely check out this EP.
Most notable tracks: "Whoa Is Me," "Rich Girl$"

Sweat (pant) Success: Stylish sweats for every day of the week

It’s 9 a.m. and your alarm clock didn’t go off. Okay, maybe you hit the snooze button a few times. You don’t have time to get dressed but you’re already wearing those cute sweatpants you bought last week. Why not wear them to class?
Here are a few pairs of sweats that are extra comfy and stylish for sitting in class for hours at a time. Plus, they double as pajamas. What could be better?


Victoria’s Secret Boyfriend Sweats, $39.50


Free City sweat pants, $148.00


Victoria’s Secret MSU Yoga Pants, $39.50


Victoria’s Secret Slim Sweats, $39.50

-Mandilyn Kerr

Anticipate the Launch: Sept. 2010

*Update: The magazine will not be out until Nov. 1, 2010

Say No to Rice Kitchen!

As many of us leave the comforts of home for rented houses or apartments along the streets of East Lansing, one of the scariest aspects of this newfound independence is the kitchen. While some of you may be an Emeril or Paula Deen in the making, most of us are lazy college students whose closest encounter with Bobby Flay is flipping through the TV channels on a lazy summer day.

If inexperience or fear isn’t your excuse to avoid cooking, then what is? Since we will all be busy come fall with classes and extracurriculars, time is not to our advantage. If you have time to call up Rice Kitchen or Pizzahouse and sit around waiting for the bell to ring like one of Pavlov’s dogs, you certainly have time to cook a homemade meal. Not only does homecooking cut the time and cost of food, it is a lot healthier. The list of health problems that come as side order to restaurant food is scary and depressing: high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and heart disease are only a few. The high amount of calories, trans fat and cholesteral in these foods is alarming and certainly not friendly to any diet. Cooking for yourself will improve your health and bulk up your wallet, not your waistline.

Here are some recipes that will take less than 30 minutes, are less than 400 calories per serving, and are easy no matter your experience in the kitchen!

Loaded Pizza

You’ll Need:

12” Boboli whole-wheat thin pizza crust

1 cup tomato-basil pasta sauce (Try Muir Glen)

2 cups shredded part-skim mozzerella

15 slices turkey pepperoini

½ cup chopped roasted red peppers

½ cup chopped green olives

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 jar (6 oz) artichoke hearts, drained

How to Make It:

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cover the crust with sauce and then cheese. Sprinkle with the pepperoni, peppers, olive, garlic, pepper flakes, and artichokes.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings/ Cost per serving $3.00/ 300 calories per serving

Chicken Fried Rice

You’ll Need:

1 Tbsp vegetable oil

4 scallions, green and whites separated, chopped (Scallion greens are best used for garnish at the end, whereas the white should be used as onions to built the flavor)

1 Tbsp fresh ginger

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium zucchini, diced

2 carrots, diced

2 cups bite sized broccoli florets

2 cups mushrooms, stems removed, sliced

½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced into thin bite-size pieces

4 cups cooked brown rice

2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

2 eggs, lightly beaten

How to Make It:

In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is lightly smoking, add the scallion whites, ginger and garlic and cook for 30 to 45 seconds. Add the zucchini, carrots, broccoli, and mushrooms and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, using a spatula to stir the vegetables throughout. Add the chicken and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, until the pieces are no longer pink.

Stir in the rice and soy sauce and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the rice to get crispy on the bottom. Create and empty space in the middle of the pan and add the eggs. Use a spoon or the spatula to quickly scramble the eggs until light and fluffy, then stir them into rest of the ingredients. Serve garnished with the scallion greens.

Makes 4 servings/ Cost per serving: $ 3.57/ 390 Calories per serving

Recipes are from Eat This, Not That! Available in bookstores nationwide.

First VIM Photoshoot

On Saturday, April 24th VIM Magazine had its first editorial photo shoot. We will be featuring these images in our media kit. Our models Katie Dixon and Mike Moriarty did a fantastic job despite the slightly rainy weather. Thank you to Abbey Moore for taking these photographs and to the VIM staff members who helped make this shoot such a success!

Here are a few of our favorite images from the shoot...

All photography by Abbey Moore.

It's Official!

As of Monday, May 3 VIM Magazine is officially a registered Michigan State University campus organization!

Welcome to the VIM Magazine blog!

VIM Magazine is the first fashion and design magazine to be published for Michigan State University students. VIM Magazine seeks to give MSU students a fresh outlook on the current trends in fashion and design. We hope to inspire students to portray their individual styles in the ways that they think, act and live.

Why vim? The word vim means "enthusiasm and vitality," which we believe represents our readers' enthusiastic spirit for fashion and design. The word comes from the MSU fight song... "They're fighting with a vim/Rah rah rah" A special "thank you" goes out to Katie Dixon, one of our creative directors, for coming up with the name!

This semester has been a fun and exciting one as we work to get the magazine started! We found some amazing staff members, selected part of the content for the fall issue, completed the media kit and worked on our first photo shoot! Over the summer, VIM Magazine staff will be hard at work finalizing layouts, selling ad space and contacting businesses to complete our fall trend pages.

A BIG thanks to spring semester staff who have helped get the magazine up and running! We appreciate all of your hard work!

Stay tuned as we post fun articles about fashion and design throughout the summer and don't forget to mark your calendars for the fall issue out Sept. 13th!!


Julie, Kerry, Lauren

Update the magazine came out the first week of November 2010.