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1. HOW
Want to save a life?
Run a marathon?
Brew a great cup of coffee?
Make a super cocktail?
Choose a good suit?
TO
Alumni experts from various walks
of life—from the head of an
HELPFUL international company to the
ADVICE owner of a Charlottesville
FROM garage—provide tips on these and
other topics to help make your life
ALUMNI more informed, meaningful,
EXPERTS creative or just plain fun.
HOW TO CHOOSE A services that will best meet your needs, not just throw a large
estimate at you in the hopes that some of it will stick. Don’t
GOOD MECHANIC let a shop bully you into excessive amounts of preventive
maintenance or coerce you with an enormous estimate the
first time you walk in the door. Contrary to what they might
THE EXPERT Joe Baber (Col ’09) is the owner of Peacock Auto say, your car will not implode if you don’t purchase the most
Service in Charlottesville and has been a expensive maintenance package.
professional mechanic for 10 years. Feel free to ask questions
If you don’t understand what is wrong
Take a look around with your car and what needs to
Spend a moment to visually inspect the prospective shop. be serviced or repaired, don’t be
Note the cars located in the parking area. Are they similar afraid to ask for a comprehensive
in value to yours, or does the parking lot look like a junk explanation. Good shops have
yard? Next, peek into the shop area. Is it clean and nothing to hide and won’t mind
organized? A lot of information can be garnered by the taking the extra time to make
condition of a work area. Chances are that if the technicians sure you understand exactly
take pride in their work area, they’ll take the same pride in what needs to be done in order to
the repair of your vehicle. get you back on the road.
Beware of “oil change specials”
Any shop that runs specials or gimmicks does so for a
reason—to lure in potential victims. There’s not much of a
profit margin on an oil change, so shops offering such
specials do so only to get you in the door. Once they have
your car on the lift, shops of ill repute will attempt to sell you
a bevy of “necessary” repairs and services.
Call ahead to check availability
Good shops are busy shops, and they might not be able
to accommodate you right away. If a shop is reputable,
honest and does good work, chances are that many others
know about it as well. But don’t be deterred if you are in a
crunch—good shops also have a way of fitting you in if time
is truly an issue.
Find a pressure-free zone
A good shop will take the time to get to know you and
your vehicle. The mechanics will suggest appropriate
20 UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA MAGAZINE

2. We must be the
change we wish to HOW TO MAKE A
see in the world.
KILLER COCKTAIL
THE EXPERT Allison Evanow (Col ’86) is the
founder and CEO of Square One
Organic Spirits, makers of organic
vodkas and spirits.
HOW TO The sweet aromatic scent of basil and other
GET GOOD herbs that are prolific in summer usually makes
one think of seasonal, market-inspired cuisine.
KARMA But what about market-inspired cocktails?
Instead of looking to the mixer aisle for your
next patio party concoction, look to your
THE EXPERTS
produce aisle, or better yet, to your local
Patty Triplett (Com ’92), farmer’s market for inspiration.
Heather Blasch (Col ’91)
and Steve Triplett (Com Here’s how to revive the classic gimlet by using
’89) created Good Karmal, fresh lime juice and muddled basil.
a candy company with a
mission to sweeten the Basil Gimlet
world. Good Karmal
wraps all-natural caramel in 2 oz. Square One Organic - Choice of
quotations meant to inspire Original, Cucumber or Botanical Vodka
acts of kindness. 1 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice
1/2 oz. organic agave nectar or simple syrup
Do good and good things will happen
Sanskrit for “action,” karma is the cycle of cause and effect, the 4 leaves of basil
manifestation of our own reality through our thoughts and deeds.
Simply put, what we do determines what will happen to us. While Tear basil leaves and muddle briefly in a
there are many ways of generating good karma—you could chant or cocktail shaker tin. Pour all other ingredients
meditate—we are inspired by the Hindu proverb “Help your brother’s into shaker and fill with ice. Shake vigorously
boat across, and your own will reach the shore.” When you act with for 30 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass and
kindness and selfless intent, you plant the seeds and create the space garnish with a basil leaf float.
for happiness to grow.
Be the change
Emphasizing the extraordinary power of individual action, Gandhi
said, “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” By
choosing to take positive action and being mindful of our words,
thoughts and deeds, we can create good karma. Do something for
someone else with no expectation of reward. Make a difference in
whatever cause is close to your heart. It needn’t be grand; the action
isn’t as important as the thought behind it. Shift out of neutral, ignore
the cynics and know that everything we do matters.
Remember that the little things are big
Maya Angelou once reflected, “People will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you
made them feel.” We have so many encounters every day. It’s
amazing how small, unexpected acts can make a difference: a simple
hug, a phone call out of the blue, sharing an umbrella with a rain-
soaked stranger or waving a fellow driver into your lane. Be patient
with yourself and others and strive to make a conscious choice. Before
you react, remember that what you think and do will follow you. The
ripple effect of these interactions is exponential.
Be here now
It’s easy to get caught up in the activities and distractions of daily life;
it takes focus to slow down and inhabit the moment. So toss the to-do
list and make a commitment to be present. Engage with those around
you and create beauty every chance you get, for as Joseph Joubert
advised, “Poetry is to be found nowhere unless we carry it within us.”
Be compassionate, be the unexpected, and above all, inspire one
another as you ask yourself, “How am I going to live this day?”
FALL 2010 21

3. HOW TO PLAY THE
HARMONICA
THE EXPERT Clay Edwards (Com ’87, Grad ’88)
is the president of Hohner Inc., the
world’s largest manufacturer of
harmonicas.
Holding the harmonica
First, it makes sense to start with a quality For a familiar refrain, try to
harmonica. I’d recommend a professional level play “The Good Old Song”
model that will allow you to “bend” notes easily. using the chart below:
Hold the harmonica with both hands, the right
thumb and forefinger around the 10 hole end, and the left 6 Blow 7 Blow 7 Blow 7 Blow 8 Blow 8 Draw 7 Blow 8 Draw
thumb at the end by the 1 hole, with the left fingers behind the
back of the harmonica. If you flap your fingers back and forth Accompanying music
quickly, you’ll learn to make an echo sound, often associated Another way to learn is by accompanying music. Play
with campfire music. only one or two notes at a time and stay in rhythm (don’t
Breathing, drawing play faster than the song goes). Less is more, if you play in
Playing the harmonica is about breathing in and out, with rhythm and follow the melody up and down. Play along with
control, rhythm and precision. The low notes are by hole 1, CDs or YouTube videos, which are a good source of free
the highest are by hole 10. Visualize a piano—the higher lessons. Hohner’s site (www.hohnerusa.com) will offer free
notes are always to the right. Blowing or drawing on a lessons soon.
single hole produces one note. Blowing several holes at Learning to play the harmonica will help you gain an
once can yield a chord, like the intro to Bob Dylan’s “Mr. emotional response from people. Playing music soothes the soul
Tambourine Man.” and inspires, and the harmonica is an easy place to start.
HOW TO FALL composite of music, dance,
drama, sets, costumes and
IN LOVE WITH lighting. When the elements align,
the result is great theater. Voice
OPERA must come first, but acting and
production values count.
Don’t worry about languages
THE EXPERT David Alan Gibb (Col ’65)
No need to understand Italian or
is a marketing consultant to professional
French or German or Czech. In fact, no
service firms and nonprofits. He serves on
need to strain to comprehend every word
the board of two opera organizations in
even if the opera is performed in English. All
California.
major companies in the U.S. run supertitles,
capturing the essential dialogue and making the
Many who otherwise enjoy classical music action immediate and readily understandable.
maintain an aversion to opera. Some may have been Learn the ABCs
dragged to a performance when too young, or imagine Some intrepid opera neophytes start with contemporary
that language is a barrier, or that opera is for the elite. opera, others go Baroque. But there exists a standard
But much has changed in opera, and it deserves a repertoire of operas that are done frequently by houses all
second chance. over the world because novices and committed opera
Forget the fat lady buffs alike recognize them as the greats. Start with the
Some hold an outdated image of a fat lady in a ABCs: Aida, La Bohème and Carmen.
Viking helmet bellowing at a rotund tenor in a bad Look for offbeat venues
wig. Audience expectations today are increasingly Like theater, opera can gain immediacy and
visual as well as aural. In response, companies relevance by being done in the park, the mall or the
have updated production values to attract new and street. Long Beach Opera (full disclosure: I serve on the
younger audience members, engaging imaginative board) recently performed The Diary of Anne Frank by
stage directors and designers who use technologies Grigori Frid in a parking garage to create the
such as rear projection, computer-driven lighting and oppressive atmosphere appropriate to the story. Most
elaborate stage machinery to enhance the scene. famously, the company performed Orpheus &
Think of opera as theater on steroids Eurydice by Ricky Ian Gordon in a swimming pool
Opera theater is the combo platter of the arts. It’s a representing the river Styx.
22 UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA MAGAZINE

4. HOW TO
RENT A CITY
APARTMENT
THE EXPERT Jennifer Ceaser (Col ’90) is the
deputy editor of the Home section of
the New York Post and an
experienced New York City renter.
Do your research
Figure out where you want to live in a city HOW TO BREW THE
and if you can afford it. Don’t just look for the
cheapest rent; make sure it’s a neighborhood PERFECT CUP OF COFFEE
where you’ll feel safe and that fits your
personality. Narrow down a handful of areas THE EXPERT Bill Bowron Jr. (Col ’75) is president and CEO of Red
and check them out during the day and, most Diamond Coffee & Tea in Alabama, one of the three
importantly, at night. Note how accessible the oldest coffee companies in the country, continuously run
neighborhood is to public transportation. If by the same family.
you’re into nightlife, see how much a cab will
cost to get you home in the wee hours. Start with fresh coffee
Too good to be true? Air dries out coffee and, therefore, affects the flavor. Purchase
Craigslist.org is a great resource, but it can the freshest beans available in airtight packaging or freshly
also be a waste of time if you don’t know how to roasted at a local store. Roasting releases the coffee flavor, so it
separate legitimate listings from suspect ones. tastes best immediately after roasting. Over the last 100 years,
The most obvious warning sign is suspiciously the coffee industry’s packaging methods evolved from glass jars
low rent—scammers know this is the best way to to metal cans to wax-lined bags to vacuum-sealed bags—and
get you interested. So, if someone asks for now flexible packaging with one-way valves. This transformation
money up front and promises a key later, don’t has helped the industry to deliver the freshest coffee.
fall for it. Another is the bait and switch, usually Know your beans
used by apartment brokers who tell you the Select roasts and blends depending on whether you prefer a
advertised apartment is rented and offer to show mild cup or an intense, full-bodied cup of coffee. Most people
you another that ends up being smaller, more prefer 100 percent new-crop, washed, mild Arabica coffee. As
expensive, or in a less-desirable neighborhood the ground-versus-whole-bean debate carries on, keep in mind:
or crummy building. If you sense that something Modern packaging provides fresh ground coffee. If you grind
isn’t quite right, trust your instincts and move on. whole bean coffee, then brewing should occur as soon as
To use a broker or not? possible after grinding.
In New York and, to a lesser extent, in Boston Equipment, water
and Chicago, brokers control much of the city’s Whether using a drip system or French press, keep your coffee
apartment inventory. And they get anywhere maker clean and free of any hard water deposits or coffee
from 10 to 15 percent of a year’s rent as a one- residue that could taint the taste. Use fresh, cold water; if you
time fee, which means that if you’re looking at don’t like your local tap water, use filtered. For each cup of coffee
places renting for $2,000 a month, expect to use six ounces of water, adding one level tablespoon of coffee
pay a broker around $2,400. (Note: This is in plus one tablespoon “for the pot.”
addition to a deposit and first and last month’s A properly calibrated coffee maker will brew at around 200
rent.) Can’t afford it? Avoid the no- or low-fee degrees Fahrenheit to extract the most flavor from the grounds. It
services, which charge money to join. You can will take around five minutes to brew properly. If the pot stays on
get their same listings by compiling a list of the the warming plate for longer than 15 minutes the coffee could
buildings you’re interested in and contacting the become bitter or taste burned.
management companies directly. New rental Drink immediately and repeat as needed.
buildings are usually more open to this tactic. Use sweetener and creamer to taste, but many people find a
And while the monthly rent may be slightly fresh, steaming cup of a great coffee need only be followed by a
higher, you’ll avoid paying the broker fee. second cup.
FALL 2010 23

5. HOW TO
MAKE
PEOPLE
LOOK GREAT
IN PHOTOS
HOW TO TRAIN FOR
A MARATHON
THE EXPERT Nicole Kelleher (Med ’12) is a professional THE EXPERT Robert T. Jones Jr. (Engr ’01) is a wedding and
triathlete and former NCAA Division 1
portrait photographer and owner of Towner
assistant cross-country coach and standout
Jones Photography in Gainesville, Va.
cross-country/track athlete.
A subject’s confidence in front of the camera should be
Get a plan your highest priority. There isn’t a high-end camera or
So you have decided to run a marathon. No idea fancy light that will fix a picture of someone who is
how to get ready? The good news is that there are uncomfortable. Pump up your subject. Everyone can take a
many training programs geared toward beginners and good picture when they relax enough to be open with the
first-time marathoners. Following a program will help camera.
you avoid injury and give you confidence. You can get Be hands-on
a program from Runners World online for less than $30, Great photographers discovered this trick years ago,
or you can choose from a variety of free programs and I’ve found it always works: After asking permission,
available online. Your local running shop is also a great walk up to the model and put your hands on him or her,
resource for a training program. Some offer classes for whether there’s something to be adjusted or not. Move their
marathon training at all levels. chin or their shoulders. It helps the subject relax and
The 10 percent rule establishes a connection between photographer and
The age-old rule of running is the 10 percent rule. You subject. It shows in the photos.
should never increase your total weekly mileage by more Check the angles
than 10 percent per week. Following this rule will help When positioning a subject, keep in mind the angle of
you avoid injury as well as help your body transition the shoulders relative to the camera. Instead of positioning
gradually (and less painfully) to longer distances. You will with the shoulders perpendicular to the camera, slightly
have to give yourself plenty of time to prepare for your angle the body to either side. This provides depth to the
marathon. Most training schedules are intended to start photo and has a slimming effect on the subject. In addition,
16-20 weeks before your marathon goal. shooting from a slightly elevated position provides a more
The shoe factor natural look than shooting from below.
Using the appropriate shoe is essential to injury-free Frame creatively
training. There are three general categories of running One of the best ways to add character to a portrait is by
shoes: cushion, stability and motion control. These creative framing. Instead of placing the subject in the
categories differ in how much motion the shoe allows center of the camera’s frame, experiment by moving the
the foot to have when it is planted. Everyone has a subject to the left or right of center or zooming in tight.
unique gait that determines which of these shoes they Capture different emotions
should use. Running in the wrong shoe can result in Don’t always make them smile. Though we all enjoy a
injury. The best way to ensure that you are in the correct good laugh, sometimes capturing life’s other emotions
shoe is to visit your local running specialty shop. The makes for memorable photographs. Don’t be afraid to ask
employees should be trained to analyze your gait and your subject to be pensive, distant or determined, as well
help you find the right shoe for your foot. as excited, surprised or happy.
For the advanced runner Work fast
If you are hoping to run faster marathons, integrate Keep it short and sweet. You have between five and 10
speed training into your preparation. Along with your minutes of shooting before your subject is going to start
long runs and tempo-paced runs on the road, you also getting tired. A 2-year-old who’s been dragged in front of
want to get to the track about once every two weeks. At your lens will get cranky fast. Get photos in a few different
the track, you should do intervals faster than race pace poses—best to have these in mind in advance—and get a
at distances as short as one mile. Try this workout: Do generous number of images of each, but keep it quick.
nine to 12 repetitions of one mile at five seconds per When you’ve established a good rapport with your
mile faster than your target race pace, with one minute’s model, by all means have some fun. Real smiles and
rest between intervals. Do this workout no later than candid moments are best captured when people are
three to four weeks before your race. enjoying themselves.
24 UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA MAGAZINE

6. HOW TO BUY A should consider a moderate taper throughout
the suit. Shortening the length of your jacket,
SUIT as well as a lower button placement, will add
the appearance of height to smaller
frames.
THE EXPERTS Colin P.G. Hunter (Col ’04), C. Peyton Selecting options
Jenkins (Col ’04) and Mana The details of your suit will have
Anandsongkit (Col ’08) are co-founders an impact on the overall look
of Alton Lane, a clothing company that and should be selected
offers luxury custom-made menswear. based on your personal
tastes and work
environment. In more
Build your wardrobe conservative office
First, determine what you have and what you environments, consider a
need. Build your wardrobe around a solid standard notched lapel,
foundation of versatile, well-made suits and then center vent, pleated pants
expand based on your personal style and work and cuffs. If your office
demands. Typically, the first four suits in a man’s culture supports a more
closet will include a solid navy, solid charcoal, modern look, you
navy pinstripe and a charcoal pinstripe. These four can opt for a
classic patterns will cover you in almost any thinner lapel, ticket
situation and provide a good mix of tradition and pocket, side vents
style. Once you have the basics, you can begin to and flat-front pants.
expand your wardrobe based on your needs and Personalized touches
personal preference. For a more modern, stylish There are a few ways to
look: a colorful pinstripe or a sleek bird’s-eye personalize a suit to make it
fabric. For a traditional look: a subtle windowpane your own. Choosing a fun,
or a classic charcoal herringbone. Finally, add a colorful lining is a great way
light linen or cotton suit to your wardrobe for to express personality while
summer weddings and cocktail parties. remaining formal to outside
Accentuate your figure observers. Also, consider adding a
A properly fitted suit should flatter your figure, monogram on the wool inside your jacket or a
making you look sharp and relevant. It’s most different color stitching to each sleeve’s last
important that your suit look proportionate to your buttonhole or the lapel’s flower hole. These
body. Tall, lean frames should look for a tapered small touches can brighten a dark suit and
jacket with narrow pants, while more athletic builds make your garment uniquely yours.
HOW TO stale, instantly forgettable list of accomplishments. Instead,
establish an interesting theme that pervades your entire
GET INTO application. In particular, use your personal statement to
amplify this theme and to convince an admissions officer that
GRADUATE you’d be a fascinating member of the incoming class. For
example, if you’re applying to medical school and want to
SCHOOL demonstrate your commitment to health care, tailor your
personal statement, letters of recommendation, and interview
to highlight a lifetime desire to become a physician.
THE EXPERT Richard Bahar Before submitting your final application, ask someone to
(Col ’00) is founder of Jefferson review it in under five minutes. If they can come away with a
Prep, a national tutoring, exam strong, memorable impression, you know you’ve done your best.
prep and language preparation With standardized exams, focus on substantive study
company. Most students mistakenly think that they can prepare for
the LSAT, GRE, GMAT or MCAT in a just a few weeks. On
Faced with a prolonged recession and a stagnant job market, the contrary, these exams require nonintensive, substantive
more students are turning to graduate school to make themselves study. If you’re in your mid-20s and planning to take the
more marketable in the workplace, and to bide their time as they GRE or GMAT, it’s safe to assume that you remember close
await an economic recovery. How can you increase your chances to nothing from high school algebra or geometry. And yet
of admission in a climate that is more competitive than ever? the quantitative portions of these exams present challenging,
Establish an application theme advanced level math questions. Give yourself several months
Make your application as memorable as possible. Avoid a to slowly review the concepts that you’ve forgotten, concepts
that took you years to learn in the first place.
FALL 2010 25

7. HOW TO HOW TO SAVE A LIFE IN
DRESS BOHO THE WILDERNESS
THE EXPERT Courtney Kampa (Col THE EXPERT Matthew Rosefsky (Grad ’03, GSBA ’03) is general
’10) has been a model, fashion adviser manager of the Outdoor Adventure Social Club of
and writer for Seventeen Magazine. Greater Charlottesville and a wilderness medicine
instructor for Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities.
So you wanna be boho. You’ve
stared, envious but mystified, at Step-by-step rescue recipe
those colorful, rumpled outfits. We think of “wilderness” as a place of tranquility to which we
You’ve even staked out trendy coffee escape. But the dangers of being in wilderness can also be thrust
shops to pick up tips. You, too, wish upon us due to natural disaster or terrorism. Ever been among the
to make an effortless spectacle of first to arrive at a crash or injury scene, desperately wanting to
yourself but are unsure how. help out but having no idea what to do?
Let go What happened?
Step one is to stop taking yourself First, size up the scene. Is it safe? Is the patient in imminent
so seriously. In wandering out danger, such as from falling objects, or bikes coming blindly
into the world as wrinkled and around the bend, such that immediate evacuation or blocking off
tousled as this genre a hiking trail is in order?
demands, a certain amount Second, as you approach the patient but before you arrive,
of dignity, even self-respect, form a general impression. What happened? What appear to be
must first be surrendered. So the major concerns? Might the patient be at risk of spinal cord
take risks—if you look a little injury? If yes, ensure that the patient does not move, especially
silly, it all gets written off as his or her head—including nods of “yes” or “no.”
intentional. Wear the Third, protect yourself from others’ body fluids. Carry and use
occasional blanket for a coat. Twist up your hair with a medical gloves.
pen. Put your house key on a rubber band and wear it Fourth, briefly communicate with the patient as you approach.
as a bracelet. And dish towels? Perfect head scarves. How responsive is he or she? What happened? Does he want
Aim for inexpensive your help? What is his chief complaint?
Join the fashionably poor, frequenting Go through the ABCDEs
consignment shops, flea markets, vintage boutiques Run through the ABCDEs of life-threatening conditions—in strict
or your mother’s attic. Consider the jewelry of the order of fastest killers first—immediately treating any problems
past. It offers a cheap, timeless, thoroughly boho you discover along the way.
alternative to wearing what everyone else wears, Airway: Open the patient’s mouth, check for and remove
and is an ideal way to weather the tough economy. solid or drain liquid blockages.
Check out stores like the Salvation Army or Breathing: Look, listen and feel for breathing rate and quality.
Goodwill, which frequently house absolute gems. Assist inadequate breaths using a CPR face shield or slow down
Avoid trends rapid breathing (get the patient’s attention, breathe with him or
Part of boho’s appeal is that no two looks her and slow the pace of breathing).
should ever be the same. A common, yet fatal, Circulation: Check for a pulse at an
mistake is to fall into the genre marked “hipster.” extremity, then closer in if none is found.
Avoid anything given this label as though it were Perform CPR if appropriate. Check for
the plague. While the mission of the average and stop any major bleeds.
bohemian is freedom, hipsters are defined by Deformity or
restriction, whether through oxygen-sucking disability: Check for
skinny jeans, or their crippling sense of irony. broken bones. Check
Boho: a state of mind nervous system
Rather than a definitive set of rules, it’s most functionality by
important to embrace the deep humanity of addressing these
dishevelment. City grit, wrinkled fabrics— questions: Can the
appreciate a style of minimal upkeep. Develop a patient move feet and
flair for melodrama. Bohemian clothing should be squeeze hands, evenly?
the evidence of a great romantic soul, preoccupied Can he or she feel which
with art, love and metaphysics. Boho ultimately toe or finger you’re
amounts to attitude. The clothing should suggest you pinching?
spent the morning making art rather than wrestling Environment: Get the
your pants on with a shoehorn. Wear a genuine (yet patient out of the sun, off
slightly distracted) smile. Carry a steaming espresso the cold ground, out of the
without the Starbucks decal. Above all, be yourself— rain and keep him warm.
interpretation is key. The big secret about boho rules
is that there are none.
Go online to see more alumni experts at uvamagazine.org.
Plus watch “How to” videos from faculty.
26 UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA MAGAZINE