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Photo Illustration by BEN RUEHLMANN
Shopping online can be a fun but expensive alternative to traditional trips to the mall. |
"I can shop in my underwear if I want to," said junior Jana Popeleski, who likes to purchase clothing online. "I started online shopping because it was easier than driving to the mall," said junior Jaclyn Bailey. Online shopping has enabled students to buy what they need and want quickly and conveniently. Not only is shopping over the Internet more convenient for people with busy schedules, but it also gives buyers more options.
"I like to look for unique things that you can't find at a mall," said Bailey. Because a majority of the shops online advertise not only products from their magazines and stores but also things from their factory stores, there is more choice for the buyers. If shoppers are having trouble finding a particular size or color in a specific article of clothing, they can easily surf the net for what they are looking for.
"I like online shopping because you have more options then if you shop at regular stores in regards to sizes and whatnot," said junior Jessica Routon. Online shopping also eliminates the hassle of searching through racks of clothes. In addition, if you know your product number out of the magazine, you can enter that at the store's website and immediately be connected to the product. Shopping online not only gives you a larger variety but it’s also a useful educational tool. Some college students today buy their books for classes off the Internet. They have the option of either buying new books or browsing used book sites where other students have posted them, such as a site like E-Bay.
Many athletes also use the Internet for shopping purposes. A variety of equipment and apparel can be easily found online. Since a lot of athletic equipment is hard to find in stores, shopping online enables athletes to pick out the perfect piece of equipment that they were not able to find at Sports Authority or the local specialty store. Shopping online further eliminates the wait customers must endure for companies that only publish catalogs quarterly or less frequently than that. Therefore, while many students will use online shopping to buy things such as clothing and shoes, others use it in ways that are beneficial to their college careers.
Online shopping is a quick and easy way to buy what you want; all you need is a credit card or check card to make a purchase. "I began online shopping once I got a credit card," said Popeleski. Shopping by credit card is so fast and easy; all students have to do is quickly punch in a couple of numbers to have their orders shipped out.
"You don't actually feel like you're spending money because you just type in some numbers and then you get your order," added Routon, mentioning the main downfall of online shopping. While it is easy to make purchases online, it is even easier to lose track of the money you've spent and the bills that will be coming at credit card statement time. Ultimately, though, online shopping is a fast and easy way for busy college students to purchase what they need. They can easily buy a new outfit, the book they need for class and their new pair of cleats in between classes and practices. Online shopping gives college students the convenience they need to buy what they want.
"I was playing in a part of town where not many people want to hear acoustic music," said Farley. "The only reason I was there was because the hotel manager liked my music." After six years Farley left the Holiday Inn to form his own band called Cimarron. At that time he also when back to teaching high school.
"This is the lowest paid area on the east coast for bands so it's very difficult to make a living playing in a band full time," said Farley. Farley stayed with Cimarron for eight years playing in local clubs before the band broke up. After that he formed The Tom Farley-Cam Head Band with his wife Tania and long time friend Cam Head. "Tania has been associated with every group I have been a part of for the last 25 years," said Farley.
The Tom Farley-Cam Head Band stayed together for six years until one of the band members left the area. From that point on Farley performed with his wife as The Tom Farley Band. "It's been a really nice experience," said Farley. Since Farley has been performing he has had the opportunity to open for Bruce Hornsby and play with Clarence Clemons, the saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen. He was awarded PortFolio's Best Acoustic Musician in Hampton Roads in 1983 and Best Rhythm Guitarist in Hampton Roads in 1985. He has also cut two CD's called "The Calm Before the Storm" and "Songsmyth and the Basement Cuts," which are available the VWC bookstore and at live performances.
Farley has been teaching night classes at VWC since 1986. He has taken some time off from performing this year but plans to continue performing locally with his wife this coming summer. "It has been a fun experience," said Farley, "and I hope to continue having fun."
Hunt Club Farm in Virginia Beach is holding its annual Halloween Festival that includes a Haunted Hayride, The Village of the Dead and The Field of Screams. The festival also features more than 75 live performers, live entertainment, amusement rides, a rock climbing wall and bungee jump. Admission varies from $7 to $15, depending on the ticket. The festival runs from Oct. 23 through Oct. 31. These are just a few of the activities planned for Halloween in Hampton Roads. For more information on area events, search community websites and look for information in local newspapers.
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