Positive Negative Magazine Volume 8 by ellipse magazine

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Letter from the Art Directors In Positive/Negative Magazine Volume 8, we chose to view positivity and negativity as more than a single connotation. The concept reflects a fusion of human interactions with organic and mechanical elements. Through design and photography, we created an interactive and tactile final product. This led us to the exploration of the human mind and senses. Positive/Negative Volume 8 examines the stream of consciousness. Each article is related to the next as the viewer experiences the magazine in ways that reflect how the mind functions, dreams, and creates. The cover reinforces this synergetic spirit. The imagery references a timeless 1964 portrait of Salvador Dali and his wife, Gala, while the thermal ink allows the viewer to engage in an act of tactile discovery. These elements reflect the collaboration

between design and photography that establishes the humanistic theme portrayed throughout the entire magazine. Our aspirations would not be possible without the help of our unbelievable staff. Feature editors conceptualized the general direction and structure of the magazine, copy editors read and refined articles, design directors enforced guidelines, photo editors assured that each photograph was stunning, production staff confirmed that all files were print-ready and orchestrated the physical components of the magazine, and the promo team promoted our efforts with timely social media posts. We hope you enjoy this magazine and recognize the effort that went into it. We put our hearts and souls into Volume 8 and look forward to taking you on an intriguing exploration of the senses and the mind.

why we need to get back to sleep

by carolina rago and maja kruegle photographed by maja kruegle

You’re lying in bed, pillow cradling your head. Your phone buzzes, lighting up the room in a stark, white light. You reach towards the phone, feeling the need to answer that one last text. Suddenly, ideas rush into your mind. That project you were working on today — you should grab your sketchbook and get that really good idea down before you forget. And while you’re at it, you might as well answer those emails from earlier today. And maybe reheat that extra cup of coffee from this morning, sit down, and do some more work on that paper due Thursday. Maybe finish it. You can stay up a few more hours, right?

Damn. It’s 4:37am. Sleep is an important part of our lives that we often take for granted, saying “I can sleep when this is done” or “I’ll make up for it later.” Our current generation of creatives is being pushed too hard, learning to sleep later, work now. We need to change the way we think about sleep, quickly, before we spend the rest of our lives sleepwalking. Sleep is rejuvenating, restoring. We heal best when we are asleep, getting over illnesses, minor pains and aches, or even broken bones, as we dream away about monsters and being able to fly. When we’re asleep, our bodies and minds work to manage stress, emotions, and general health. Studies have even shown that more sleep can decrease the risk of heart disease and improve reaction times. Think about that time you got in your car when you were exhausted and almost veered off the side of the road because you “just closed your eyes for a second”.1

Along with health benefits, sleeping can make us wealthier — sort of. Avoid paying for those extra pills and doctor’s visits when lack of sleep starts affecting your mood and the cold you caught two weeks ago won’t go away. A well-rested mind is a more creative and efficient mind.2,3 We all know our bosses love it when we can do better things faster, and that’s exactly what sleep does for us. Ever notice that the day you go in after a really good night’s sleep is the day you come up with that idea that saves the day and maybe even the whole company (okay; exaggeration)? Thanks, sleep! So if we’re more creative, efficient, and healthier when we’re getting a good night’s rest, why are we constantly cutting into that time? Whether it’s just one more email, a last mockup before lights out, or another episode of your favorite show before our heads hit the pillows, we’ve all sacrificed sleep. We’ve all told ourselves that it’s okay; we don’t need that extra hour of sleep. We can just make up for it when the weekend rolls around. Except when that weekend comes, how many of us actually make up for those lost hours? We think sleep is a nuisance; this thing that gets in the way of work and play. Really, sleep is our best friend. Sleep helps us make up ideas, it consoles us when we’re stressed, and it bandages up our wounds when we’re injured. So here’s an idea: Let’s get to sleep before we’re too tired, and send those emails in the morning. They can wait, but sleep can’t. + 1 Quigley, Patricia. “ The Benefits Of Taking Time Off,” U.S. News. August 17, 2011. 2 Gustafson, R.D. “ Taking Time Off Can Improve Health and Productivity,” The Huffington Post. August 24, 2012. 3 Scott, Elizabeth. “ Here’s How Vacations Can Affect Your Stress Levels,” About. June 1, 2014.

written and photographed by alexandra genova

rowing up in an age of social media, young adults today are aware of the reasons to monitor their actions from fear of an employer’s watchful gaze. But what about the scrutiny of those they welcome as friends and followers? Stress and anxiety can easily take over anyone’s life, but using social media as a negative outlet can be like holding up a lightning rod in the middle of a storm.

This generation has two personas: the one seen face-to-face, and the one presented on social media. Many complain about parents, friends, work, or school, and this can result in preconceived judgments when meeting in person. In many instances, posts on social media platforms can be a signal of depression and can result in help for those who need it. However, using social media as a primary outlet for relief from ones own personal storm will only dilute its significance. Unlike the days of generations prior, young adults now have to create their own filters. One person can reach massive amounts of people in a matter of seconds. No longer are dramas kept within a geographic region or a close group of friends. Instead, the whole world has access. A young adult who consistently posts negative things may be considered someone who “cries wolf.” Not only will people begin to ignore their laments, they may ignore those of others.1 Social media isn’t always everything we hoped it would be, and posting the wrong things could turn someone into their own worst enemy. Here are some things people should avoid so that their real lives, and their social media lives, are not working against each other.

Abstain from posting so much that people unfollow or block you. If these are people added in an attempt to network, you will be off their radar, or even worse, labeled as someone they won’t want to work with in person out of that fear your different personas are, in actuality, too alike. When complaints do not result in solutions, you come off as a whiner. Rather than risk appearing unreasonable, you might want to think carefully before divulging material and refine your choice of posts. Only posting negative things occasionally give your feelings less validity. Seek advice only when it can lead somewhere. If you are merely looking for validation, it is best to leave it off of the web. Similarly, do not start unnecessary fights with those who may disagree with you. Be prepared to respect other people’s opinions. Overly opinionated and judgmental posts may also alienate potential friends or collaborators. It is best to keep things respectful on social media, especially if you are connected with people who you do not know well in person. Speaking vaguely of someone may be more translucent than you suspect. Drama may not be unavoidable, but posting about it on social media solves nothing. Rather than fuel the flame, seek advice from close, trusted friends. Resolving conflict is much less complicated face-to-face or in a private online conversation. These are just some of the ways to avoid social media backlash. Young adults need to make sure they are conscious of what they are posting, and filter themselves. By posting the wrong things, they may be inviting troubles while attempting to seek security, becoming their own worst enemy. Some strong advice for the youth of today: Don’t hold a lightning rod up in a storm shelter, lest you want to get struck. – 1 Hoffman, Jan. “Trying to Find a Cry of Desperation Amid the Facebook Drama,” The New York Times. February 23, 2012.

Securing Your Digital Legacy

written and photographed by emily barresi lose to half of the world’s population is surfing the internet right now.1 Perhaps they’re sharing photographs on Flickr, cracking jokes on Twitter, or chatting with their grandmothers on Facebook. Regardless of your purpose in cyberspace, there’s no denying our linkage to a generous handful of web pages in this day and age. Our personal information seems to spread across internet waves for eternity. That being said, what really happens to our virtual selves after death?

These inconsistencies were finally addressed in July 2014 through the Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (ufadaa). The bill seeks to provide digital guardians “with the authority to access, manage, distribute, copy, or delete digital assets and accounts.”3 In other words, the entirety of the web-surfing population will be able to appoint an heir to manage every pixel of their digital legacy. So the choice remains ours: Do we preserve or erase these virtual versions of ourselves after “logging off ” for good?

Death used to be the final disconnect from the mortal world, but that’s not quite the case anymore. Countless blips of personal data that used to take some physical form (letters, photographs, home movies, etc.), have become completely embedded within our technology. With the majority of our memories stored in the intangible cloud of the internet, it’s more than reasonable to want to protect them. However, that process may not be as easy as you’d think. We currently face numerous legal and technical hurdles that could prevent loved ones from gaining access to our digital assets. Not only do these hurdle heights vary from state to state, but even from webpage to webpage. Rob Walker of The New York Times declares, “By and large, the major companies that enable our web-articulated selves have vague policies about the fate of our digital afterlives, or no policies at all.”2 Deactivating a Facebook account for the deceased requires the user’s birth and death certificate, as well as a legal record that the person submitting the cancellation request is a lawful representative of the user. Twitter has created a contact form to help aid deactivation for the deceased, but transferring account information is prohibited. Both Google and Yahoo accept detailed requests permitting the termination of an account for the deceased though donot guarantee transfers.

Evan Carroll of The Digital Beyond states, “Death used to be the final disconnect from the mortal world, but that’s not quite the case anymore.”4 Taking this into consideration, it’s necessary to explore how the internet has challenged our traditional notions of death and the afterlife. For many relatives of the deceased, digital accounts bearing the likeness of their son, daughter, or friend become cyber memorial pages. However, when spam inevitably crowds these pages, there comes a certain pang of disappointment, a garbage bag tarnishing your view of the otherwise pristine sunset, not to mention the mass of legal battles families face while simultaneously mourning and mopping up your digital litter. All in all, it is beneficial to be considerate of your digital remains in the waking life by appointing a digital guardian. Creating and discussing a digital will can save your loved ones from painful and/or costly procedures to ensure your memory remains intact. + 1 “Internet Users,” http://www.internetlivestats.com, last modified November 1, 2014. 2 Rob Walker, “Cyberspace When You’re Dead,” The New York Times. 2011. 3 “Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act,” National Conference of Commissioners, July 6-12, 2013, http://www. uniformlaws.org/. 4 Evan Carroll, “Mourners Turn To Mobile Phones to Remember Deceased,” The Digital Beyond. 2011.

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by sara toffolo photographed by karie eng Thousands of people have encountered situations unable to be explained by science or psychology; situations so horrifying or eye-opening, it can forever change oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s view on residual energy or possible life after death. While not all interactions with the paranormal are negative, these incidents have significant physical and psychological consequences. Some of the experiences can range from unexplained physical wounds, nightmares, and psychological distress to more extreme cases that involve an actual possession. The following incidents are eyewitness reports and personal experiences that morphed perspectives on lingering energy in the material world.

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Date June 23rd, 2013 Location Bournville College, Birmingham, United Kingdom Name Dale Hicks Dale Hicks had just finished the last class session for the day and decided to hang out with friends. However, the day did not go as planned when suddenly he felt a crippling pain shoot through his back; in seconds he was on the ground, passed out. Shortly after waking, he found he had gotten a lift home and immediately rushed

to get medical help. Yet after an examination, his clean bill of health declared him unscathed. It wasn’t until Dale researched the area a bit that he found another man with the same name, age 23, who had been brutally stabbed in the back around the same area where he had felt the debilitating pain.

Date 20 09 Locatio n Onond aga Vall Syracuse ey Ceme , New Y tery ork Name B rendan H oxie W hen a wealthy upbring Brendan ing cam Hoxie fo e to a h und him empty h alt, self livin ouse wit g in an h no pow graveya Bewildere er or wa rd. He d d and su ter near escribed at an all rprised, B to a his happ get a bett -time lo rendan w in er look a e w s anted s after liv a allin the s t the stra b H e in e sprinted ing with g midst o nge crea d n ir f o e tu a c money, tly toward sun wen re. difficult unexpecte t down, breakup s it, but th dly stood he went . After th e creature spring b st il th l, e to continuo e bizarre c ehind th get wate usly mak oughing r at the e cemete ing noises as r y. described Upon e b e fore. B y now Bre xiting th ndan’s fig e woods became h k tic , h o k r-flight in owever, ed in, an strange. d the fac things stincts “I heard I had ne t that th standing an awfu ver hear e creature p e l rfectly st sound th d before, It sound was ill made at all the m not hum ed like a the enco ore unea an or an giant old u n sy to death im te . After clo r al. between man quic and sing the them to kly cough distance 30 feet, th low-pitch at times it sound in b e g g a n to circ ed like a , raspy h e jackal c le to the deep, owl.” reature right. Th left, as B ey contin rendan c W hat h ircled u e d to circle around th e saw ne each oth e graves xt was s he had e u r n til a gian the field omethin never ex t tree dee momenta g he cla perience p as a bur ri im in ly ed dividing d before ly jacka them. . It appe l with a and ora a r ed After he lengthy nge-gold lost sigh pointy e glowing t of the c coyotes ars the tree, eyes. He and wolv reature b h e figured h ehind ad seen es in the before, b it was pe the botto ir natur ut never rh a m p a s l o ly f s etting ing close the tree. anythin around th Brendan g like th to e tree, bu did a full is. t circle th suddenly e jackallike crea vanished ture had .

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th 2010 mber 18 , Date Septe emetery Star Hill C n o ti a c o L ew York n and Fallon Remsen, N wards Sam, Mega , n Jo , llowed to ous) in fo st ym in on st n a Ju in d Name Ju e rema n an up got to th opped. Jo requested to so they st “As the gro , (last names d e te w o n u io q it got to nd, as is trad noon and the cliff a piss, so as at to r d te a es h s ch y e gu left Ro .” rk around entrance th The group r way back n, New Yo se e em cliff on ou th R a to in off in d es se il is m p o Star hill id ve tw of a uing to dri ence in viv land about 4pm ; contin ext experi et n w the d is h h re c d u te e rib ow m the they en Justin desc g about h cemeter y, The area in in . h lk g u ta n a s ro a n lt th now he w he fe mile had been k detail. As the years, mile of the k, ged over t e cemeter y n rs th a fi of his bac h d e c in le th d d a eh ’t b n h id as ls m w il e h it th woods so ss ars, slam acro spot for ye him over. ting the aggressive as a party to knock ds were visi h n g ie u fr o n is e h rsh and a blow ha time Justin spot. a bonfire as to host w n o ti n te me inal in ut by the ti Their orig e woods, b th the f o re k lo p ac b in the ger to ex ea st ju e er ey w cally dusk hit th metaphysi two more e Th in and y. st er Ju cemet the group, f o s er b em to inclined m roup circle , set up a g n to Jo ed er h th is that w his bro any entity ct them ta r n fo co se d ri tr y an no surp as w it so ate, movement communic noises and d ie d o b em owever, in to hear dis estions. H u q r ei th to e skeptical in response , one of th ce an sé e th of the midst circle. broke the s er b mem le, Justin ken the circ ro b ad h an about 20 After Meg llowed for fo d ce n le si e they wante felt an eeri to the car, p decided u ro g e ran back th p l u in ti st n ed u k Ju s , ac te it p d to see u b min fire. They im aroun en up a n k h o a b d h e e S rn th , k tu to ve bac t he just , who to go back r car to dri ns of wha rming Jon ei g si th fo l in a to e c in th si y ed ecked k-andny ph and climb large blac start. Jon ch ere were a a ’t th , n . h ld if g u u o o in w r mid-back r was ure en but the ca his entire sure the ca rienced. S e e ss p ak ro x c e m , a n to d io e s inat was brand connection upon exam blue welt dition, and g with n n co ro ed a few e w in ly st al pri stin return echanic Ju m d g n a in n th d o te Jo n er their e irrita ft, but there was might hav the hill aft e group le n ey o s Th th p te ar u u fe in k chec n the cliff t five m the car. In me spot o eks later to d Jon spen sa e a e an w h g th in ees u st ro In Ju ence. ergy th uple of tr an entity, arre experi cked, a co negative en s a iz f te o tt b u a , r in n ca e le m e e e had b en lev d ood five purging th ht had be ere Justin . After a g h ig e ss n w iv ce t at a k ro a p eg th n e of h bre standing meditativ ound them each. Eac that were ree spots decided g the air ar n p th si u ething n to ro m g ea o e cl so f tw th o ken in on; as if ted and ti ro ar c b e st de, r ir d ca e te e other si pposi energy, th nt in an o to leave. ge, then th e e ra w m a ti d in o – e o . n one sid it was a g al directio hit it from the origin entrance, m e o fr th it to h l ay eir w and a fina room, up made th to the bath As the gro o g to ad ed he h Sam insist

lmost a , e e r t a e “It felt lik ide and longer w 8 inches idth of my back. w then the ought it was th At first I me, but h t i w g n Jon fucki to my knees to ll when I fe ing off the edge, p avoid slip nd and Jon ou I spun ar distance away d was a goo he car.” t already in

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by sophia del plato photographed by emily au

ensorship of literature and printed works has a long history, including historic book-burning ceremonies. Burnings were carried out by government and religious organizations to destroy books that opposed the ideals of their institution. The Nazis, for example, held many book burnings during which they destroyed works by Jewish authors such as Albert Einstein. In addition, burnings were held by communities who, for moral reasons, felt that certain material should be destroyed. Today, the physical destruction of books is generally a condemned and archaic practice. Banning books and restricting access to them, however, is so prevalent that the practice serves as a modern-day book burning. For all intents and purposes, banned books are burned books. There are many ways that governments and communities today are censoring literature. The most common way is book banning. Governments may ban books within their countries, and religious leaders issue lists of works that members are highly discouraged from reading. If a book is successfully banned, it means that free access is not permitted to that specific book. This access is so restricted that banned books become the equivalent of a pile of ashes. In order for a book to become banned in a community, it must first be challenged. Challenging a book refers to an individual advocating for a specific book to be removed from a community. A parent may challenge a book that is found on their child's required reading list because they feel that it contains "explicit language," just as a library patron may challenge a book found on their library's shelves because they feel its content is "sexually explicit." Mainly, challenges are based on the opinion of a single person. When a book is challenged, it isn't immediately removed from schools or libraries; it requires administrators to give the book a careful second look to redetermine whether or not it is appropriate.1 In this way, challenges often lead to bans. There are many reasons why a book may be challenged, and many books fall under multiple categories. Some reasons include religious or political viewpoint, nudity, homosexuality, and supernatural or occult themes. For example, the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling was highly challenged at the time of its release for allegedly dealing with the occult, being violent, and even being anti-family. Several copies of Harry Potter books were even successfully destroyed in an organized bonfire in New Mexico by a group of people who claimed that Harry was a representation of the devil.2 This further demonstrates that challenges to books reflect a personal viewpoint, which should never impede the choices of others. Whether or not a book is antifamily or related to the occult is often a subjective opinion.

SEXUAL CONTENT

EXPLICIT LANGUAGE

UNSUITED TO AGE GROUP

VIOLENCE

HOMOSEXUALITY

BY THE NUMBER OF CHALLENGES

T O P C H A L L E N G E D S U B J E C T M A T T E R 2000–2009

1577

1291

989

619

361

RELIGIOUS VIEWPOINT OCCULT THEMES ANTI-FAMILY

291

274

T O TA L 5099

119

T O P C H A L L E N G E D B O O K S O F T H E PA S T D E C A D E

HARRY POTTER SERIES JK ROWLING

THE CHOCOLATE WAR ROBERT CORMIER

AND TANGO MAKES THREE PETER PARNELL & JUSTIN RICHARDSON

2001 2002

2004

2006 2007 2008

2010 &

2005

2009

ALICE SERIES PHYLLIS REYNOLDS NAYLOR

IT'S PERFECTLY NORMAL ROBIE HARRIS

TTYL SERIES LAUREN MYRACLE

2012 2013 2011 2012 2013

46% BRAVE NEW WORLD

SLAUGHTERHOUSE-FIVE

THE SATANIC VERSES

THE GRAPES OF WRATH

ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST

OF MICE AND MEN

THE COLOR PURPLE

THE CATCHER IN THE RYE

LORD OF THE FLIES

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

2003

TOP CONTESTED CLASSICS

CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS SERIES DAV PILKEY

OF BOOKS FOUND ON THE RADCLIFFE PUBLISHING COURSE TOP 100 NOVELS OF THE 20TH CENTURY HAVE BEEN THE TARGET OF BAN ATTEMPTS.

According to the American Library Association, in the past decade there have been over 5,000 reported challenges made to assorted books. For the past two years, the number 1 challenged book has been the Captain Underpants series, by Dav Pilkey. A seemingly harmless series of children's books, the main protagonist in Captain Underpants is a cartoon character who saves the day wearing— you guessed it—his underpants. He's also being challenged more than the fad bdsm novel Fifty Shades of Grey, which ranked four places below Underpants in 2012 and 2013. Another number 1 challenged book over the past 10 years is And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell. It is a children's picture book in which two male penguins raise a baby penguin from an egg, and it was the most challenged book for four years for portraying homosexuality and anti-family sentiments. Other notable targets of the past 14 years include The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier; It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health by Robie Haris; and the ttyl series by Lauren Myracle.3 Mingled with these contemporary examples of challenged books lay some classic pieces as well. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger has been a favorite of challengers since its publication in 1951, and it made the list of the Top 10 contested books as recently as 2009. As far as classic literature is concerned, 46% of classic books that are found on Radcliffe Publishing Course Top 100 Novels of the 20th Century have fallen prey to multiple ban attempts. These include The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, 1984 and Animal Farm by George Orwell, Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut, and To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.4

Going beyond the act of banning and challenging, some publishers have even gone so far as to edit and at times rewrite famous works of literature. The most well-known example of this is Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Written and published in 1884, this book is still one of the most challenged books today and is largely condemned for its usage of “the N word.” In hopes of making the book friendlier for the classroom, it has been republished with altered text. In one case, every instance of the upsetting word in question was replaced with “slave.”5 It is unacceptable to change a writer's work, especially when it can affect the meaning of the story or dilute the culture and impact found within its pages. Communities and figures of authority attempt to ban books because of their own personal opinions and beliefs, just as people used to burn books many years ago. Limiting the literature available to new generations keeps different ideas and truths of the world hidden and locked away, when they should be easily accessible and encouraged. Children miss out on valuable lessons and learning opportunities that come from reading classic works of literature, as well as relevant contemporary works. In the long run, challenging, banning, or even burning a work of literature only draws more attention to it, and possibly makes it more popular than it would have been had it not been a target of censorship. It is perhaps human nature to actively seek out these targeted books, because the forbidden fruit is always the sweetest. – 1 Martha, Barksdale. “Top 10 Reasons for Challenging a Book.” Discovery.com. Accessed October 8, 2014. 2 “‘Satanic’ Harry Potter Books Burnt.” BBC News. December 31, 2001. Accessed October 7, 2014. 3 “Frequently Challenged Books of the 21st Century.” ALA. org. January 1, 2014. Accessed October 8, 2014. 4 “Banned and Challenged Classics.” ALA.org. Accessed October 9, 2014. 5 Memmott, Mark. “New Edition Of ‘Huckleberry Finn’ Will Eliminate Offensive Words.” NPR.org. January 4, 2011. Accessed October 12, 2014.

by ellie peters and emily schultz photographed by emily schultz

hrough forests and hills thick with pine, through adrenaline-pumped police chases down winding roads deep in the night, and through generations of family pride, recipes, and traditions, comes moonshine. Reflecting on the story of crafting illegal whiskey by the light of the moon to outsmart the law reminds us why it is still so ingrained in our culture today. What started out as a way for families struggling to make ends meet to survive has since been through times of rebellion, danger, hope, and success. Moonshine, or White Lightnin’, soared to fame (or infamy) during Prohibition, when the manufacturing, transportation, and sale of intoxicating liquor was outlawed by the 18th Amendment. Besides the extra-potent proof, people loved how cheap it was. With some elbow grease, determination, and stealth, moonshine wasn’t hard to make, consisting of only a handful of inexpensive ingredients. However, excellent driving skills did come in handy when it came to outrunning the cops and maintaining a successful business. The constant battle between these criminal lead foots and the law evolved into the professional stock-car auto racing that we know today as nascar. H.L. Mencken,1 an influential journalist of the 1920’s and 30’s contributed his thoughts on the popularity of the ’shine by saying, “We are here and it is now. Further than that, all human knowledge is moonshine.” During the beginning, the process of moonshine was very experimental and outcomes were unpredictable. Although many consumed it during Prohibition, the pleasure of indulging in moonshine often came with risk. Because moonshine is so potent, the first few cups contained poisonous methanol alcohol. Any unlucky partygoer who took a swig of the stuff would become subject to major health concerns and blindness.2 To ease the minds of consumers, makers began marking the bottles with ‘xxx’ to represent the number of times the alcohol has been distilled, ensuring the product is of the finest quality.

Present-day film and popular culture has refreshed America’s view and taste of moonshine. With the release of the 2013 film, The Great Gatsby, Prohibition, flappers, and speakeasies have become glamorized. In season three of the television series, Gossip Girl, a moonshine martini headlines the menu at a Prohibition-themed party. Moonshine has always been attached to the motifs of secrecy and rebellion; the only difference now is a new generation’s attachment to moonshine. This very drink is a link between the toothless old man who crafts it from his dirt-covered hands in the woods to the sexy millionaire playboy who sips it on his yacht in the middle of the ocean.

When we pay close attention to the story of moonshine, it depicts a long and familiar thread, binding us together through generations and demographics. If you choose to try moonshine, it is best served fresh, unlike most whiskeys on shelves of liquor stores today. Some even say the stronger the proof, the better it tastes. This mountain magic truly is a refined refreshment, a common cocktail, and a southern swallow that we can all appreciate. Cheers! + 1 “M.L. Mencken,” Goodreads Inc. Accessed October 23, 2014. 2 “Can Moonshine Make You Blind? Truth vs. Myth,” Moonshine Distiller. Last modified December 29, 2013.

WASTE NOT WANT NOT BY BRITTA MOBERG PHOTOGRAPHED BY SETH ABEL

the devestating truth behind food waste in the united states The issues of wasted food and hungry people are definitely not new topics, but they should be addressed more often. The statistics alone are staggering, but if we actually stop to think about the causes of these issues, it is obvious how easily reversible they are; that the problem even exists anymore seems silly.

and are categorized as “hungry.” And that number is just a small percentage of the nearly 900 million people worldwide that find themselves in the same situation.3 It doesn’t take much thinking to realize that by taking all the wasted edible food and giving it to the people without enough food, these two very large-scale issues could be closer to a resolution.

In 2013, the United States produced 430 billion pounds of food to be purchased and used by consumers. That same year, 133 billion pounds of food, or 31% of the total, was thrown away and wasted. And 2013 was by no means a record-breaking year in food waste, or even out of the ordinary compared to recent years.1 Now, to clarify, the USDA classifies “wasted food” as any food product that was once edible and then discarded without use. This includes instances such as buying a whole gallon of milk but not drinking it quickly enough, so that it spoils and must be thrown out. The definition also includes restaurants that discard all of the untouched food on a buffet station at closing time every night. Each year, on average, the total amount of food wasted in the United States is worth roughly $160 billion, with $86 billion coming directly from the food service industry.2 These statistics are horrifying, but when you juxtapose them with the number of people who don’t have enough food to eat, it somehow becomes even worse. More than 50 million American citizens go to sleep every night without enough food

While there are definitely many causes of the overall percentage of food wasted each year, the food service industry is responsible for the largest percentage of this issue. Restaurants, banquet halls, catering companies, and university dining services are just a few examples of the many different food service locations where food is being wasted.4 There are four main excuses used by most of these establishments to explain why it is that they aren’t donating their excess meals to soup kitchens and food banks.5 The first and most popular reason is that the owners and managers of the restaurants don’t want to put themselves at risk for any sort of lawsuit or liability issue. And this is understandable, at least somewhat, because nobody wants to be sued and have to deal with legal complications, especially if it could jeopardize the future and success of the establishment. The second reason given, while similar, is slightly more empathetic. Restaurant owners are genuinely worried that they will donate food that has unknowingly gone bad, in turn spreading diseases among the hungry people at the soup kitchens. Thirdly, the people

who are in a position to make the decision to donate their excess food simply choose not to because it requires extra time, effort, and money on their part. The fourth reason pretty much backs up the previous three: People are unaware of how to donate their extra food and simply throw it out because they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what else to do. The fourth excuse on the list above, essentially ignorance, can definitely explain the issue of lawsuits when considering food donations. The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act was signed by Bill Clinton in 1996 and has been active in the United States ever since.6 The law is pretty straightforward and basically exists in order to encourage people to donate

their unused food. It protects the food donor, as well as the agency receiving the donation, from any kind of liability that may result from people eating the food. Because it is a national act, it even protects across state lines. As long as the food was repackaged and labeled correctly according to FDA laws, and the donating party was not involved in any kind of intentional misconduct, there is no way for them to be sued if any harm comes from their donation. This law, almost twenty years old, is clearly not advertised well enough, but changing that could in turn solve part of the food waste problem. If the incentive to help the millions of hungry people in the world is not enough, there are certainly other reasons why limiting food waste would be beneficial. The first reason is that if people

struggling to have enough money to feed themselves had more food available to them at soup kitchens and food pantries, they would theoretically have more money to spend on things like a place to live, medicine, or an education. In addition, there are areas in the United States that have a large crime rate due to people stealing food to survive. Again, if people allowed more unused food to be available, the issue of stealing from stores and restaurants could also disappear. Another important reason, and one that applies to all people, involves basic supply-anddemand principles. If people reuse the food instead of throwing it all away, the supply of food increases, the demand for food products would decrease, and then the prices would have to decrease as well. And if all of this is not convincing enough, there is the issue of our ever-growing landfills. Only 5% of all

food waste each year is composted, with the majority of it dumped into the landfills where it rots and becomes methane gas, which is harmful to the environment.7 All of these things considered, it certainly makes more sense to reuse excess food instead of throwing it in the trash. With all of this valuable information, consumers of all types have no excuse but to join together and fight to lower the amount of good, edible food wasted each year. – 1 “USDA | OCE | U.S.” USDA | OCE | U.S. FOOD WASTE CHALLENGE.” JANUARY 1, 2014. 2 IBID. 3 “FOOD DONATION CONNECTION.” DONATE FOOD - HARVEST PROGRAM. ACCESSED OCTOBER 1, 2014. 4 IBID. 5 BARCLAY, ELIZA. “U.S. LETS 141 TRILLION CALORIES OF FOOD GO TO WASTE EACH YEAR.” NPR. FEBRUARY 7, 2014. 6 IBID. 7 “USDA | OCE | U.S.”

31 PERCENT OF FOOD PRODUCED EACH YEAR IS THROWN AWAY. 25

FLAVOR how a rising multibillion dollar industry is poisoning our youth written and photographed by emily barresi

fter four decades of stamping out cigarette culture in the U.S., the rise of a “smoke-free” alternative is making its way back into our mouths. Increasing in popularity at an alarming rate, electronic cigarettes, or e-cigs, pose serious health risks to a new generation of smokers. The growing e-cig industry, which is expected to top $2 billion this year,1 has implemented age-old marketing tactics to re-glamorize a deadly habit.

At its most basic level, an electronic cigarette is a battery-powered cartridge filled with “e-juice,” a flavored nicotine syrup, which is heated into vapor. The user inhales and exhales the vapor as they would smoke. Advocates for e-cigarettes claim the product has successfully weaned them off traditional combustible cigarettes and that they provide safe alternatives for those looking for a nicotine fix. However, the vast majority of smoking initiation occurs among teens, and a recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests e-cigarettes don’t necessarily deter young people from smoking tobacco.2 The study found that 44% of middle and high school students who had used e-cigarettes say they plan to try tobacco cigarettes within the next year.

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FOLIO

Perhaps the most distressing component of e-cigarettes is the assortment of nicotine solutions available. Though the vapor from e-cigs is not tar-filled smoke, nicotine is a drug and in its concentrated liquid form is also significantly toxic in small doses.3 The variety of eye-catching e-juices, particularly those of bright colors and sugary flavors, have become enticing commodities for young adults and children. E-juice flavors range from banana to creamy milk chocolate, apple pie, and blackberry cola.

Thousands of accidental poisonings have been reported throughout the U.S. as a result of these nicotine filled bottles, most of which are not currently child-proofed. The increase of calls to Poison Control concerning e-juice consumption is startling, from merely one call a month in 2011 to 215 in February 2014, with 51% of those calls related to children five years of age or younger.4 Children are drawn to the smell and taste of e-juice, blind to the harmful tincture through artificial flavoring and dye. Think about it this way: The amount of nicotine in a 2-millimeter chamber of e-juice is about the same amount found in two packs of traditional cigarettes. When ingested or absorbed through the skin, liquid nicotine can cause vomiting, seizures, and even death. Ultimately, long-term effects of vaporizing nicotine are still vastly unknown, and second-hand consumption may pose another risk. Many states have already banned the product from indoor use, as it is considered a potentially harmful source of air pollution. The effortless accessibility of nicotine in uncontrolled quantities, flavors, and packaging has done enough damage. Until tighter regulations and research on e-cigs are completed, we’re back in the Wild West of cigarette propaganda. – 1 Michael Felberbaum. “Old Tobacco Playbook Gets New Use by E-Cigarettes,” The Big Story; Associated Press. 2013. 2 “More than a quarter-million youth who had never smoked a cigarette used e-cigarettes in 2013,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention press release. August 25, 2014. 3 John Bonifield. “E-cigs' liquid nicotine causing poisonings” cnn Health. April 3, 2014. 4 “ Calls to Poison Centers for Exposures to Electronic Cigarettes United States. September 2010–February 2014,” Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (mmwr). April 4, 2014.

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travel by ava dan liu and chrissy connors photographed by chrissy connors

ourism is a growing problem for many of our most beautiful travel destinations. Mass tourism has negative impacts on air quality, water usage, economic stability, and more. Due to advertising and a rise in leisure time, tourism has increased rapidly. Luxury travel in particular is a growing trend that depletes resources at a much higher rate. However, there are ways to have a lovely vacation without the negative effects.

The travel industry is a large cause of air pollution and energy waste. Air travel emits a staggering amount of CO2 and is a major source of local air pollution.1 While small jets and private planes emit less waste than a commercial plane due to size and weight, they are emitting more pollution per passenger. According to FlightStats in 2012, an average of 90,000 flights take off every day in the United States. The Smithsonian put together a rough estimate, calculating that about 740 million gallons of fuel are burned every day by airplanes.2 Since the amount of fuel burned parallels the weight of the vehicle, luxury travelers are more likely to burn more fuel, leading to more pollution, because they tend to pack more than a typical traveler. By working together and packing more responsibly, we can reduce air pollution significantly. Excess water use is a huge problems due to mass tourism, especially in luxury hotels and resorts. These resorts and hotels are

equipped with golf courses, multiple swimming pools, and other high-end accommodations. These lavish structures use a significant amount of water and are especially damaging to travel sites that do not have a whole lot to go around. Due to the excess water use, many locals are unable to have clean drinking water. Around the world there are 780 million people that lack access to clean water,3 while Audubon International estimates that an average American golf course uses 312,000 gallons per day.4 Audubon is one of many non-for-profit organizations that helps resorts, golf courses, and commercial developments implement sustainable resource management practices. In the past few years, many have decided to take action against the environmental problems tourism has been causing. Ecotourism is a new fad among luxury travelers, not only focusing on socially responsible travel personal growth, but also environmental sustainability.

Instead of traveling to large luxury resorts, the movement encourages vacationers to visit relatively undisturbed areas and participate in activities that will emphasize wildlife, nature, and culture. Ecotourism programs set out to decrease the negative aspects of conventional tourism. Examples of positive activities include horseback riding, sailing, and hiking. Tourism can be a positive thing for all parties involved, as long as we take the proper precautions. – 1 “Aviation and Air Pollution,” Aviation Justice. Accessed October 14, 2014. 2 Alastair Bland. “How Bad Is Air Travel for the Environment?” Smithsonian. September 26, 2012. 3 “Millons Lack Safe Water,” Water.org. Accessed October 14, 2014. 4 Frank Deford. “Water-Thirsty Golf Courses Need to Go Green,” National Public Radio. June 11, 2008.

E V O L U T I O N

O F

T H E

written and photographed by maja kruegle It’s flu season and once again you’ve got a cold that doesn’t want to go away. You enter the doctor’s office with a head cold, sore throat, and an expectation to walk out with a prescription for antibiotics in hand. Why wouldn’t the doctor prescribe something that would speed up your recovery and get you feeling good again as fast as possible? After all, even if it is a virus, you are at least covering your bases. There is no harm in it…right? At the time of its discovery, the antibiotic was able to cure previously fatal diseases and quickly became, in the eyes of the public, a “miracle pill.” Infections that were at one time considered a death sentence could suddenly be fought off by the new drug in only a matter of days. So how has this monumental medication transformed into, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls it, “one of the world’s

most pressing public health problems”?1

In 1928, Sir Alexander Fleming stumbled upon a fungus called Penicillium notatum during an experiment. He recognized the substance’s ability to destroy bacteria in a staphylococcus culture plate.2 Since his discovery, other scientists have developed over 150 different antibiotics that have helped hinder an array of bacterial infections from spreading.4 Yet even Fleming recognized the potential danger of his discovery and concluded his Nobel lecture in 1945 with a warning: “There is the danger that the ignorant man may easily underdose himself and by exposing his microbes to non-lethal quantities of the drug make them resistant.”3

relentless Microbes? Non-lethal quantities? Who is he calling “ignorant men”? The fact is, through overuse and misuse, we are all speeding up the process of what is referred to as antibiotic resistance. Over time, bacteria are capable of developing defenses against the antibiotics aimed at them. We are getting closer and closer to accidentally encouraging new strains of bacteria to become

resistant to several types of antibiotics.

These “superbugs” could quickly throw us into a perilous, post-antibiotic era. Each time an inappropriate prescription is signed or an incorrect dose is taken, weak bacteria are killed, while the strong survive and evolve.

Bacteria are relentless in their efforts to survive. One of the earliest examples of antibiotic resistance occurred in 1940 when a penicillin-resistant staph

emerged after the drug was administered to only a few patients.3 In an article published by the

Journal of the American Medical Association, James Hughes of Emory University states that as much as 50%

of antibiotic use is unnecessary or inappropriate.3

So how do we slow down the impending evolution of the superbug? We need to stop insisting on receiving antibiotics when we don’t need them and begin trusting the advice of our health care providers.

We need to accept the reality of a potential post-antibiotic era looming before us—a world in which a small scrape could transition into an infection strong enough to kill us. If our doctor tells us it’s a virus and not a bacterial infection, we should go home and stock up on echinacea and wait it out because—lets face it—a couple days of suffering is preferable to a world where antibiotics are no longer an option. – 1 Durani, Yamini. “The Danger of Antibiotic Overuse.” KidsHealth the Web's Most Visited Site about Children's Health. November 1, 2011. Accessed October 23, 2014. 2 “History of Antibiotics The Discovery” by Alexander Fleming. Explorable. Accessed October 23, 2014. 3 “Interesting Facts About Antibiotics.” 4 Emedexpert. January 1, 2009. Accessed October 23, 2014.“The Spread of Superbugs.” The Economist. April 2, 2011. Accessed October 23, 2014. 5 Ibid. 6 Ibid.

de d ly BY AMANDA YANEZ AND CARLY RUMPF PHOTOGRAPHED BY AMANDA YANEZ

Extreme weight loss is becoming more and more prominent in today’s society. Some diets, however, turn losing weight into a deadly affair. Here, four such diets will be explored, showing how the desire to be skinny can become deadly.

Cotton Ball Diet In the cotton ball diet, the dieter eats cotton balls dipped in juice in place of a regular meal in hopes of feeling full without the added calories. This practice has been on the rise amongst models and young girls who are looking to stay slim. This diet is as unappetizing as it is dangerous. Doctors say that the cotton balls could form blockages in the dieter’s intestines, resulting in serious harm or even death. Additionally, cotton balls are now engineered from a mix of synthetic fibers that contain harmful chemicals, further poisoning the individual’s body.

Sunlight Diet

Tapeworms

hCG Diet

In many cultures, fasting is commonly associated with spiritual and religious practices. A recently evolving branch of yogis known as Breatharians believe that going without food (and sometimes water) for extended periods of time will enhance their spirituality. The Breatharians sustain themselves with prana, a life force believed to be derived from sunlight. The individual must remain in the sun for extended periods of time in order to absorb prana. Unsurprisingly, a human’s inability to photosynthesize is not a safe lifestyle choice. Due to the extreme mental and physical stress that this belief brings, the plan typically leads to a breakdown in the dieter’s willpower or a physical breakdown from dehydration and malnutrition, potentially ending in serious health complications or death.

People have ingested foreign objects in hopes of losing weight long before the cotton ball diet trend surfaced. In the late 1800s, the practice of eating tapeworms was fairly acceptable as a legitimate weight-loss regimen. Though it has lost much of its prevalence, there are still those who consume tapeworms to stay slim. Once the worm is in the host’s digestive tract, it will consume the food the host eats. This reduces the absorption of calories, but not the overall intake. Hosting a parasite, whether intentional or not, can have extremely adverse results. Not only will the worm feed off the food, but eventually will absorb the host’s nutrients, causing deficiencies. In some cases, the tapeworm can travel through the circulatory system and spread infection to the brain and other organs, which could likely be fatal.

Extreme dieting is not limited to ingesting strange objects but can also include chemical alterations. The hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) diet plan requires the user to introduce the hCG chemical into their systems either orally or intravenously. The hormone “resets” the dieter’s metabolism so he or she can theoretically lose a pound a day without feeling hungry. The hCG plan requires an intake of no more than 500 calories per day, and since the user is taking in so few calories, the diet initially works and shows results. However, the limited caloric intake sends the dieter’s body into starvation mode and ultimately slows down his or her metabolism. Slow metabolisms cause weight gain as the body seeks to store nutrients as a reaction to deprivation. After multiple rounds of hCG injections, the dieter could potentially cause long-term damage to his or her metabolism resulting in more weight gained than lost. –

die s

BEFORE YOU SAY GOODBYE TO GLUTEN BY AMANDA FIGLIOLA AND ASHLEY SLABY PHOTOGRAPHED BY AMANDA FIGLIOLA

“ This diet fad is perceived as being healthier, but it can lead to nutritional deficiencies. "

s a society, we are preoccupied with food and what we eat. In modern times, this obsession has reached new levels of intensity due to fad diets and health trends. There is a desire to eat healthy nutritionally, but this positive impulse is often less than easy. Within the last few years, the gluten-free industry has developed with an increasing array of products and choices. This is critical for those who suffer from celiac disease or other diagnosed dietary reasons for not eating gluten. However, a large number of people shopping for these gluten-free products do not have a â&#x20AC;&#x153;trueâ&#x20AC;? sensitivity or celiac disease, instead they perceive this diet as healthier, leading to nutritional deficiencies and empty wallets. So before saying goodbye to pasta, bread, and beer, first explore the potential negative connotations of a gluten-free diet. Gluten is the major protein fraction of wheat flour, consisting of equal parts gliadin and glutenin. It is what allows for breads and other wheat products to hold their shapes and contribute to the great texture that we enjoy. The protein is found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye, and spelt. These are rich in fiber, vitamins, and calories, which all aid in a healthy diet.

Despite the health benefits, many find they have a sensitivity, intolerance, or allergy to gluten. The most serious is celiac disease, an allergy to wheat, barley, and rye. There are more than 300,000 people in America diagnosed with celiac's. A gluten-free diet is imperative for those with celiac's or who are wheat intolerant. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the small intestine to react to gluten, which triggers inflammation and a decrease in nutrient absorption. Those with celiac disease can have severe side effects to even the smallest amounts of gluten such as a breadcrumb. This means that a healthy gluten-free diet is one that includes a nutritious dose of anti-inflammatory fats and proteins, organic produce, and grain-free flour. To most, a gluten-free diet is just about giving up breads, cereals, pizza, and beer; the typical wheat products. However, people do not even realize the many other products that include gluten, including frozen vegetables, soy sauce, foods with natural flavoring, vitamin supplements, medication, and many cosmetics. This makes it extremely difficult to follow a truly gluten-free diet. With the growth of the gluten-free industry, there are now a wide variety of products and substitutes that are free of the protein; however, most of these substitutes are not necessarily any better for your health than the original.

“ Like the idea of diet soda,

it is just as unhealthy as the original. ”

When going gluten-free, many people typically feel better due tothe reduction in sweets and junk food from their diets, rather than from gluten. This in turn allows them to lose weight, which they connect with their decision to go gluten-free. Followers of this trend often develop a diet that consists of fruit, vegetables, meats and anything else that is marked glutenfree or “GF” on the package. Processed foods are where the true issues lie. Gluten-free processed foods are packed with extra sugars and salts to make their taste and textures more palatable.Those foods end up being made with potato starch, cornstarch and any other starch that will improve taste without the use of gluten, yet often are just as bad for the body. Similar to the idea of diet soda, the ingredients can be just as unhealthy as the original source of protein. Avoiding grains on a gluten-free diet can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients like iron, calcium, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and folate. Most glutenfree processed food is not enriched with vitamins and minerals compared to their gluten-packed counterparts. Without the proper consumption of these nutrients, one increases the risks of osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, chronic diseases, and neurological decline. It is important to take supplements to help eliminate deficiencies, yet some supplemental ingredients contain gluten byproducts as well. This makes it challenging to find the right type of supplements for a gluten-free diet.

In stores, one can choose from glutenfree breads, pastas, and pastries, to gluten-free shampoos, lotions, and cosmetics, which often cost up to three times as much as the original. Even though gluten-free products are plentiful, this does not make their health benefits any more realistic. It is possible to have a healthy diet without gluten, but it also requires an informed commitment that most people do not have. It is important to speak to your doctor before jumping into any gluten-free diet. If you do not have celiac disease, a wheat allergy or sensitivity, you're unlikely to benefit from a gluten-free diet. There are major risks involved in a gluten-free diet and it is not recommended for everyone. Going on a gluten-free diet is timeconsuming, expensive, and restrictive. For those who have celiac disease and need to live a gluten-free lifestyle, it is a burden and frustrating to hear how wonderful the diet is from others. There are so many gluten byproducts out there, like malt, which make it a challenge to completely remove all gluten from a diet. To those who assume going gluten-free is merely removing typical wheat products, they are mistaken. Going gluten-free is a radical lifestyle change, not just a diet one can choose on a whim. –

QUINOA known as a power food vegetable seed. It is high in protein and a smart carbohydrate as well, however, it contains saponins. That is a plant defense chemical that can cause damage the gut walls and cause leaky gut syndrome.

GLUTEN-FREE GRAINS can all have potentially damaging inflammatory effects on the body.

SUGAR a major ingredient in most gluten-free foods. Most are loaded with extra sugars to make the food more palatable, which end up as extra calories.

SOY an inexpensive and commonly used gluten-free substitute, however, it can cause a lot of distress in the body because of the high levels of phytoestrogens. Soy also can effect the thyroid and hormones.

Unquenchable

thirst for beauty written and photographed by chulho kang

The ugly truth behind the aesthetic revolution

Have you ever considered or undergone plastic surgery? Plastic surgery was first developed for medical purposes; it’s been able to not only physically restore forms and functions of the body but also give patients new lives after tragedies. As the technology evolved and social norms changed, the demand for cosmetic surgery began to increase. Nowadays, the number of cosmetic surgery patients far exceeds the number of reconstructive surgery patients, and the gap is still widening.

a simple and quick procedure, including an eyelid surgery due to the cultural desire for double eyelids. This quick surgery may satisfy their ambitions of obtaining a “western” look, but most people do not stop here and start seeking more dangerous and painful surgeries in the quest for beauty They often believe that:

The more pain I feel, the prettier I become.

As a human being, the pursuit of beauty is natural but the danger lies in the obsessive nature of individuals who do not realize they are over the edge. Do you know that one in five women ages 19 to 49 have undergone cosmetic surgery in Seoul, South Korea?1 As a Korean, I’ve seen many friends whose faces keep changing. Sometimes, it is hard to recognize the person with the “Evolving Face” whom I’ve known for a long time.

However, it is not always true that more cosmetic surgeries equate to more beauty. In my opinion, as people become addicted to never-ending surgeries, their faces become artificial. It is unfortunate to notice two strangers who look practically identical on the street, as their quest for beauty outstrips individuality. It makes you wonder if they are twins or relatives, when they are neither. They just had cosmetic surgery from the same surgeon.

There are many different types of cosmetic surgeries and procedures, from a simple and fast Botox injection to orthognathic surgery, one of the most dangerous and painful procedures. South Koreans usually enter the world of cosmetic surgery with

I understand why many South Korean women are willing to pay big bucks for such painful surgeries. It is an inconvenient truth: “Lookism”, the construction of a standard for beauty and attractiveness and the judgments made about a person

based on how they meet that standard, is becoming more rampant in South Korea than other countries. Consequently, people in South Korean are always self-conscious about how they appear to others and do not pay much attention to their own inner values. However, South Korea is not the only nation that suffers from this social issue. In 2013, 15.1 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the United States, meaning five percent of Americans have received cosmetic procedures, which makes the US ranked first in the world.2 It is true that South Korean society pushes people for cosmetic procedures, but perhaps this serious global phenomenon is reflecting our unquenchable thirst for beauty. – 1 “A Cut Above,” The Economist. April 23, 2012. 2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2013. Plastic Surgery Statistics Report. Accessed September 17, 2014. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/.

YOUR SKIN IS IN by ashley slaby photographed by chrissy connors

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our own complexion is the latest beauty trick. Finally, there is a natural trend beginning to catch on in the fashion industry. From full, lavish eyebrows, to complexions that appear untouched, this natural trend is gracing the catwalks and covers of the most elite fashion magazines. As the industry recognizes and embraces natural beauty, one of the biggest beauty statements of 2014 is making no statement at all. Celebrities are recognizing the importance of natural beauty as well. Beyoncé Knowles and Gwyneth Paltrow have posted confident selfies wearing no makeup, while musician Colbie Caillat made a breathtaking statement in her music video for the hit song titled “Try.” In it Caillat empowers women to take off their makeup and show their pure, genuine beauty. The video begins showing Caillat and eight other radiant females from different backgrounds and different ethnicities in full make up. As the video progresses the women begin to take off their cosmetics, wigs, and fake eyelashes to show their true selves. The video takes you through the emotional process of women coming completely undone and ends with a proud scene: women standing secure in themselves, completely bare and open. Many clothing companies are also focusing on the importance of “feeling beautiful in your own skin.” In lingerie and sleepwear company Aerie’s new campaign they’re no longer retouching the models in their ads. The ads show models flaunting their real curves and unairbrushed skin. Aerie wanted them to be more relatable to their customers and increase girls’ confidence, underscoring their belief that “the real you is sexy.”

There are so many standards that we face today as women, from looking “pretty,” to wearing makeup, or being thin. It is refreshing to think that the corporate world and media companies are finally starting to notice how “in” it is to be yourself. Many women in our society feel embarrassed and inadequate leaving the house without a full face of makeup, even if only for a trip to the grocery store or laundromat. There’s nothing wrong with wearing make up, of course, but being comfortable in your own skin is essential. Plenty of women wear an abundance of cosmetics because they feel that they look naked, dull, and tired without it. However there are many natural ways that you can embrace authentic beauty in your everyday life. Start simply by cutting out one make up regimen a week. Try other methods to liven your complexion. Lean over a bowl of steam to open and unclog your pores; take quick, cool showers and follow with lots of moisturizer to reduce dryness. Achieving this clean, vibrant look is easy, but the trick is taking care of your skin from the get-go. Of course sunscreen and proper exfoliation is a must, but you also have to drink lots of water, get a good amount of sleep, and eat healthy. Simple tricks like these will bring out the natural luminosity in your complexion and overtime you won’t feel the need to cover your skin. Begin to appreciate your good qualities more than dwelling on your bad. We all have beautiful idiosyncrasies that make us who we are. +

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Extra Ordinary Your guide to Normalcy in fashion and grace: Normcore

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY EMILY BARRESI

Here are some detailed steps to ensure you’re the most boring of all your peers

Mom/Dad Jeans

Athletic Sneakers

An essential ingredient in Normcore. On the general denim spectrum, from your punk cousins extra-skinny jeans to the baggiest pair of parachute pants at ground level, we’re looking for that sweet spot right in the middle. They fit your waist like a mid-rise dream, and your pale legs have more than enough wiggle room. No special washes, no stylized cuts and burns; just that classic blue denim. These bottoms are similar to the jeans your father wore while cleaning out the gutters of your suburban Connecticut home.

The majority of the population already owns this clunky yet efficient footwear. Maybe you’re into sports, maybe you really need to get somewhere, or maybe you just love the way they look. Regardless, running sneakers are basically camouflage in American society; lace ‘em up or Velcro ‘em down. Generic brands suit this mundane looks best: New Balance, Adidas, Converse, or Asics. This is also the only detail of the Normcore aesthetic that lends itself to name-branding.

The Baseball Cap

Muted Color Scheme

Perfect for covering your eyes and face. Now you’re really nailing anonymity! A labelless baseball cap is great for protecting you from the sun or hiding your awful new haircut. It can suggest that you’ve been to a sporting event once in your life, or perhaps Nantucket. Paired with the right beige jacket, and you could be confused for Jerry Seinfeld! The cap certainly ties the outfit together into one clean, average package.

Grey, tan, white, black, or any other muted color. Highly saturated clothing will simply not do within the realm of Normcore. Dead giveaway. You’ll stick out like a sore fad, the exact opposite intention of this exhaustingly plain statement.5 The more subdued your look, the better. In a crowd on a grey day, you represent the amalgam of passersby. A relatively plain color palette will not only make it easier to get lost within the throngs of the masses, but also to compose an outfit without clashing.

he cyclical and rapid pace of fashion makes it impossible for most of us to keep up. The rate at which trends spawn is staggering, to say the least. So how do we stand out in a crowd? Why, as one in seven billion, do we continue to strive for aesthetic independence? A new attitude and accompanying style set may nullify those age-old needs for difference and authenticity. Normcore, or the idea of embracing sameness, suggests “ingrained authority and inner confidence”1 and is found through fashion that is barely audible, fashion that hundreds of thousands of Americans have already mastered.

K-Hole, a trend-forecasting troupe based in New York, dubbed the term “Normcore” in their fourth and latest report, Youth Mode, which was released in March 2014. Realizing “how disposable the trappings of uniqueness are,” K-Hole collectively decided that, “the most different thing to do is to reject being different all together.” 2 Thus, Normcore was born. The general mindset behind the movement is to master the “Perfect Boring,” as designerRichard Nicoll puts it. By rejecting the exclusivity of most fashion trends, Normcore seeks the liberation in being nothing special. To K-Hole, Normcore “realizes that adaptability leads to belonging,” which ostensibly leads to a more peaceful life. Jeremy Lewis, founder of the semi-annual fashion zine, Garmento,3 explains his thoughts on the campaign:

Right now a lot of people use fashion as a means to buy rather than discover an identity and they end up obscured and defeated… [Normcore] is a very flat look, conspicuously unpretentious, maybe even endearingly awkward. It’s a lot of cliché style taboos, but it’s not the irony I love; it’s rather practical and no-nonsense, which to me, right now, seems sexy. I like the idea that one doesn’t need their clothes to make a statement.

The psychological intentions behind the movement are quite clear. Rather than forfeiting individuality, Normcore is about welcoming the possibility of being recognized, and what we can gain from that basic human connection. But how does one achieve the quintessential look? The physical fashion falls somewhere in between stylized blandness and “high-end pedestrian dressing,” as Vogue defines it. Meaning: brand-free T-shirts, denim, trousers– everything: the plainer the better. Throw a turtleneck, windbreaker, or nondescript souvenir baseball cap in the mix, and you’re looking quite normal, my friend! You’ll find it’s not too difficult to rock a chic and inconspicuous look. Although some fashionistas may scoff at the seemingly careless attitude of Normcore, there is effort involved (though not much). We are no longer trying to belong to specific clusters of branding. We are a collective body of people–we are one. So by letting go of the need to look original, we are making room for more relevant matters in our lives. In addition, the 1990s-esque tone of Normcore may be tapping into something deeper; perhaps the return to styles we millennials wore as children to recall a time before puberty, before we all became so damn judgemental of our identity through dress. Fiona Duncan for New York Magazine’s,4 The Cut, could not have said it better:

Normcore is a blank slate and an open mind. Normcore is the fresh breath so many of us have been looking for. It’s the opportunity to dump our incessant need for material gratification and self-admiration. So reach out with your new look, because there’s someone waiting to bump into you. + 1 AIMEE FARRELL, “MEET NORMA NORMCORE,” VOGUE NEWS. 2014. HTTP://WWW.VOGUE. CO.UK/NEWS. 2 EMILY SEGAL, ET.AL, “YOUTH MODE: A REPORT ON FREEDOM,” K-HOLE ISSUE 4. 2013. HTTP://KHOLE.NET/. 3 FIONA DUNCAN, “NORMCORE: FASHION FOR THOSE WHO REALIZE THEIR ONE IN 7 BILLION,” THE CUT, NY MAGAZINE. 2014. HTTP://NYMAG.COM/ THECUT/. 5 IBID.

,, Sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beneficial

to escape reality for a bit.

by sara toffolo photographed by seth abel “Cosplay” is the art of dressing up as a character from a movie, show, book, or video game. The culture has existed for over fifty years, influencing fashion designers, artists, writers, and countless other art forms. While cosplay initially originated in Asian cultures, it has become so widespread that conventions have become worldwide events. Cosplay lovers travel hundreds of miles in order to show up for a large convention, and to possibly get the opportunity to meet famous voice actors and cosplayers while presenting their own costumes. Even with all the fun that may ensue, cosplay conventions get a bad rep for being “nerdy and antisocial ”, while on the contrary, cons

attract a variety of people and attending one can have a myriad of benefits. Cosplaying is a large community and, in a way many cosplayers treat it like a large second family. Most con-goers go not only to show off their costumes, but also to get a chance to see friends. Conventions aren’t hosted all the time, so when there is one, cosplayers flock from all across the country just to get in. Because of these opportunities for old and new friends alike to meet, mingle, and reunite are made so much easier. Countless groups have supported cons including cultural, glbt, gender, body acceptance, activists, religious expression and general open-mindedness groups, and because of this those who are new to the con scene will quickly find themselves in an accepting group of people.

Conventions have always encouraged creativity! In the community, handmade cosplays are encouraged; this gives people the opportunity to step out and expand their artistic reach into new territory. Prop-making, sewing, electric circuitry, and 3d modeling are just some of many factors that are involved in making an outfit. The best part of making a cosplay is that after all the hard work is completed, you get to display it and have others compliment and encourage you; in a way, the costume becomes a moving art piece. With all the hard work paying off, it is a great mood booster and inspiration to keep working hard. Put on a different visage for the day! Sometimes it’s beneficial to escape reality for a bit and let loose. Cosplaying and becoming part of your character can lift the stress from everyday life and encourage a healthy dose of creativity. These character alter-egos can also help encourage shy people to be more social and help people get over anxieties that might normally trouble them. The greatest

part of it all is you can choose whatever character you want to be, so the creative possibilities are limitless. Let loose and enjoy some of the more fun things in life. Conventions are for all ages from the fandom of the original Pong lovers, Sherlockians and Trekkies, to the lovers of World of Warcraft and Skyrim. Cosplaying comes in so many variations that there is something for everyone. + Flynn, Dr. John. “Costuming.” Costume Fandom. January 1, 2005. www.costuming.org/history.html.

Jeaneology The Evolution of Denim

written by jordan knapp photographed by amanda yanez

scar Wilde once remarked, “Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we must alter it every six months.” This is present in today’s fashion with new trends popping up every week. One trend that has evolved into a fashion staple is denim.

Denim is a fabric that originated in Nimes, France, owing its name as well to the location. First popular among Genoese sailors in the 1500’s, denim failed to get much recognition until the gold rush of the 1870’s. The miners in California were looking for more durable work clothes, needing a material that could take the heavy abuse of mining. This paved the way for Leob Strauss to establish a wholesale business and supply the miners with proper work clothes. Of course Strauss later changed his name to the iconic Levi, as we know him today. In 1872 a customer of Strauss wrote asking for help. This customer was Jacob Davis and he had developed a new way to make even more durable pants, using metal rivets on the pockets and fly seam to help resist wear and tear. Davis approached Strauss asking for help to pay the fee to secure a patent, and together the two men secured a patent to produce these so-called “waist overalls.” While constructed initially from canvas, denim proved the superior material, and was even dyed blue to hide stains. These denim jeans were not just popular among the gold miners, but also among railroad workers, farmers, ranchers, and other blue-collar workers who valued the durability and practical design.

Denim continued flourishing amongst the working class throughout the turn of the century. In the mid 1900’s, famous faces started to promote denim, specifically jeans. The jean style was seen as youthful, cool, comfortable, and casual. Some faces that were synonymous with denim included Marlon Brando, James Dean, and Elvis Presley. The youth of the era wanted to emulate the rebelliousness of the style. James Sullivan summed up jeans by saying:

They have been worn by soldiers and protesters, headbangers and heartthrobs, vagrants and presidents. They have been worn on campus and in prison, on horses and Harleys, to the opera and the mosh pit. They are versatile and stylish.1 This era of jeans definitely increased the overall popularity of the style among the working and middle class. With the celebrities of the time backing denim, the material became a new symbol of style and status, not just practicality. More and more celebrities took to incorporating denim in their wardrobes, including Marilyn Monroe, Robert Plant, and Brooke Shields. Marilyn Monroe was one of the first women to wear a denim jacket in The Misfits in 1960. Until then, denim jackets were seen as masculine. It all played into her role of being a Hollywood woman “roughing it” out in Nevada. This allowed denim jackets to become universal among men and women, made acceptable by such an iconic woman. In 1977, the voice of Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant, was in his own right an alternative fashion icon. Plant’s main style included tight denim jeans and open waistcoats. This sparked an entire generation of rockers emulating the look, and beyond the inspired bands were influenced fans. Brooke Shields, at only 15 years old, modeled as the face and body of Calvin Klein jeans. Her famous tagline “You want to know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing,” was seductive and memorable. Calvin Klein was not the first to discover that putting a famous face with their product was basically a license to print money. It is widely seen today with any denim product and beyond, marking the power of celebrities and products in our consumer culture. Finally, denim has been making its way into the high fashion scene. An example includes 2013’s Spring/Summer collection by Miu Miu. It was endorsed as “suitable runway equipage for the house of Prada.”2 This catwalk denim is tough and blue on the surface, but it is not at all like the denim used in jeans. It has velvet trim and duchesse satin, further accentuating the luxury.

Nowadays denim is used in more than just jeans. There are denim button-downs, denim shorts, and Daisy Dukes, and jeans are no longer just blue, but in every color imaginable. Denim has slowly evolved from being only used by the working class to a major staple of high fashion. The material is now a more universally worn item than ever before. For example, many companies, like Levi's, have successfully built their companies around selling jeans alone. The price range of these jeans is where things begin to differentiate. Levi’s 501 jeans are modestly priced at $30, compared to todays standards, but many other companies have “designer” jeans that range from $50 to over $1,000. These higher priced brands are not made for wearing to work by any means. They are emphasizing the fit and wash of the jeans over the durability factor that originally made denim so popular. This consumerism has turned working-class wear into a fashion necessity. The chief designer of Earnest Sewn said:

Jeans, like anything else in a person's wardrobe, have inevitably evolved to encompass any person's desire, from the very basic to the completely elaborate. This simple shift from denim as work wear to denim as leisure wear has allowed the material to be widely distributed and worn by people of all classes and ages. Denim’s evolution within our popular culture shows the extraordinary change jeans bring to the value of clothing. Denim has found its way into almost everyone’s heart from working-class citizens, A-list movie stars, to even the famous runway models of Fashion Week. Denim is durable and stylish, and constantly reinvented, for fashion and for life. This just proves that anything can start out in humble beginnings and make it big in the world, even a simple fabric like denim. Denim, essentially, is the American Dream. + 1 “Everything You Need To Know About Jeans,” Last modified May, 5, 2014. http://purelypure.com/. 2 “A Brief History of Denim,” Last modified June, 2013. http://moreintelligentlife.com/.

Man

THE CURRENT VERSATILE HAIR TREND FOR MEN by chrissy connors and valerie perry photographed by chrissy connors

As shorter and shorter hair has become a rising trend for women, men appear to be taking the opposite approach. Many gentlemen are choosing to grow out their manes and whiskers long and strong. An abundance of hair has always been common in the colder months, especially during No Shave November, a way to raise awareness for prostate cancer.1 Cold weather months were the only socially acceptable time to look like a mountain man, until now. While many are still on the fence about these “feminine” hairstyles, there is no denying that they have overtaken the Internet. Instead of letting their hair down, many men are choosing from many different man buns, or “muns,” to tame their ’dos. Buns such as the “ballet bun,” the “top knot,” the “messy bun,” and the “half bun” are making an appearance.

The ballet bun is a neat bun perched high on the back of the head, usually gelled back for a smooth updo. The top knot is a sleek knot at the top of the head. The messy bun is a less-groomed version of the top knot, quick and easy for the low-maintenance guy. The half bun is for guys with medium-length hair that can only fit the top half of their hair into a bun. These buns range anywhere from sleek and well-groomed, to greasy and messy. The man bun has proven to be relevant in virtually every profession and walk of life. While a current trend, these lengthy locks are not new; many of the hottest celebrities like Orlando Bloom and David Beckham, have rocked the longhaired look since the early 2000’s. Looking back even further, man buns were worn by warriors like generals and samurais, and even Buddha himself. There are entire Tumblrs dedicated to these longhaired gentlemen. Many of these ’dos include lengthy facial hair.2 While the addition of a beard is optional, many choose to grow a little stubble to add some manliness back to their look. This look says you’re manly, but still in touch with your feminine side. Even with the copious amount of thumbs up, there are those hating on the “whole man bun look.”

Many complain that the long hair is too feminine for their liking. Others dislike the greasy, dirty look of many man buns. Dudes, want to make this look work? Keep your hair shiny and clean, matched with some five o’clock shadow and the ladies will swoon. So where are you likely to see these longhaired fellows? The buns can be found from Hollywood to New York City. The West Coast is home to the well known surfer waves that often appear in the form of sun-bleached locks or an ombre tone. This style is often worn down and layered but can be conveniently tied up in a bun. The east coast dons an edgier look, usually of a darker shade and more likely to be tied back. No matter what your geographic location, there is always an appropriate longhaired do to match your lifestyle. At least one of the man bun variations will suit you and your personality. This time-enduring look has proven that it will always have a place on our runways, magazines, celebrities, and fashion. Why not give this classic carefree look a try? + 1 "No Shave November," Accessed 2014. www.noshave.org. 2 "Spare A Hair Band?," Accessed 2014. www.nytimes.com.

GEARHEADS

K E E P YO U R B R A I N S O FF TH E PA V E M E NT

BY GIOVA NNI L E ONE A ND JOR DA N BUR NS PHOTOGR A PHED BY JOR DA N BUR NS

Imagine yourself flying head first through the air over very, very hard concrete. Now imagine yourself moving at over 60 miles per hour with only the clothes you're wearing between you and the ground.

at all. In addition, a study administered by the CDC shows that motorcycle deaths have doubled from 1999 to 2008. The highest rate involved those between the ages of 20 and 24.

This reality is something that can happen at nearly any moment when riding a motorcycle. The scariest part is that some motorcyclists do not even wear helmets, when almost one-fifth of the motorcyclists involved in an accident are treated for head and neck injuries.

Notably, most riders seem to be aware of these statistics and disregard the use of a helmet. However, young local motorcyclists such as Tyler Bacon, Courtney Getman, and Cody Pavlick know the risks and wear the proper protective gear. In addition, older and far more experienced riders like Harold Burns and Miah Burns continue to understand the high chance of injury and wear their helmets.

Currently, there are only 19 states with helmet laws requiring motorcyclists to wear protective headgear. That leaves 31 states with partial helmet laws, or none

IN JUR Y & AGE GROUP COMP ARISION F A T A L I N J U R Y p e r 100000 x A G E 4 3 2 1 0 0 – 19

20 – 24

25 – 29

30 – 39

40 – 54

TYLE R B A CO N

NEF OJEDA

MIAH BURNS

How old are you? 21.

How old are you? 40.

How long have you been riding? Dirt bikes for about nine years and street bikes for two years.

How long have you been riding? Three years.

How long have you been riding? 15 years.

Do you always wear your helmet? If not, why? Yes.

Do you always wear your helmet? If not, why? Yes, I do.

What kind of motorcycle do you own? 2009 Triumph Street Triple.

What kind of motorcycle do you own? 2006 Yamaha R1000.

Share a close call or experience. I was trying to take a turn; my speed was faster than my ability could understand and I veered to the left and hit an embankment.

Share a close call or experience. I had just left the house and I realized that I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have my keys for work; I was only about two, three minutes away from home so I did a U-turn to go grab the keys. I came to an intersection; there was a car approaching the yield sign. I had the right of way and I made eye contact with the driver, then he blew through the yield sign and I hit my back brake to prevent flipping over the handlebars, and the bike slid and I hit the back of the vehicle, and when I came to I had a broken pinky and the driver was nowhere to be found.

Do you always wear your helmet? If not, why? Yes, always. What kind of motorcycle do you own? 2004 Kawasaki Z1000, 1995 Suzuki DR650, 1982 Yamaha Virago 920 Share a close call or experience. Over the summer I was riding a Kawasaki KLR650 around Wachusett Reservoir in Massachusetts at 8PM doing 55 (the speed limit) past an intersection near the lake. There was a silver Ford Explorer that was waiting to turn right into my lane, and I didn't really think much of it since I had a green light. When I was about 40 feet

Does the state you ride in have a helmet law? Yes.

I sa w a fte r th at I h a d s cratch es o n m y fa ce s h i e l d o f m y h e l m et; d i d n't ev e n k now I h it m y h ea d. away from the intersection, the Explorer decided to jump out and make the right on red. I hit both brakes and locked up the front and rear wheels, then slid past the left of the SUV with about a foot of space in between my right leg and the side of the rear quarter. Luckily there wasn't a car in the oncoming lane, otherwise I would've been toast. I ended up catching up to the guy at the next light and started yelling at him; when he didn't turn around I knocked on his window a few times. When he finally looked my way, I could see that he had his cellphone up to his ear. I motioned for him to roll down his window and he took off, running two red lights and almost hitting an oncoming car. Does the state you ride in have a helmet law? Yes, I ride in both New York and Maine. I always wear a helmet, plated jacket, denim, and usually boots that cover the ankle.

Does the state you ride in have a helmet law? Yes.

C O U RTN E Y G ETM A N

CODY PAVLICK

HAROLD BURNS

How old are you? 21.

How old are you? 46.

How long have you been riding? Four months.

How long have you been riding? About six months.

How long have you been riding? 20 years.

Do you always wear your helmet? If not, why? I always wear my helmet because I don't want to die if anything happens.

Do you always wear your helmet? If not, why? I do wear my helmet but I'd like to gain enough experience to not wear it because it's such an incredible feeling without it.

Do you always wear your helmet? If not, why? Yes.

What kind of motorcycle do you own? I have a 2010 Ninja 250R. Share a close call or experience. One time, I was coming around a traffic circle at work and the car in front of me stopped short and I slid out trying to stop in time. Luckily all that happened was I scratched up my bike and my knee a bit. I saw after that I had scratches on my face shield of my helmet; didn't even know I hit my head. Does the state you ride in have a helmet law? Yes.

What kind of motorcycle do you own? 2011 Yamaha FZ6R. Share a close call or experience. One time I chose to ride while a little tipsy, was on a straight road at a high speed and didn’t correctly measure the distance to the stop sign, and fortunately for me there weren’t any cars around. Never riding under the influence again.

What kind of motorcycle do you own? 2004 Suzuki Hayabusa. Share a close call or experience. I was going up Alternate Route 7 into a deep left-hand turn between 85– 100 mph and my back tire went flat. Once I came out of the turn the back tire started shaking, and I was able to pull over and I realized that I had a flat tire. Does the state you ride in have a helmet law? Yes.

Does the state you ride in have a helmet law? I do not believe there is a helmet law in PA.

Every rider will encounter his or her own close calls over several years of riding. These are just a small sample of motorcycle riders and their personal experiences. In each circumstance, these riders’ stories show dangerous encounters that prove how important helmets are when riding. Always wear a helmet and drive safely. + 1 CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION. “MOTORCYCLE CRASH-RELATED DATA,” CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION. JUNE 14, 2012. HTTP://WWW.CDC.GOV/. 2 DYING TO RIDE. “WORLD MOTORCYCLE FATALITIES STATISTICS,” INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS GROUP. 2010. HTTP://WWW.CDC.GOV/.

by alexandra genova and sophia del plato photographed by alexandra genova

decide what is is to ho what is strange? norm al and t humans ass ume s o M heir waking co that t nsci p e th icture of reality ousne . e world we ent Consi ss pain hat th er in der t t , h f or s thoug a mo m

588

ent,

60 to hover at a state in which they can control the outcome of th e vivid, lifelike dreams that they are ha vin g.

Altered states of consciousness may ve occur intentionally. Many people belie er high h altered states may help them reac or s levels of awareness about themselve the world around them. asc may give ze the opportunity to discover and reali n know different perspectives. The most is way people purposely achieve asc s, through alcohol or psychedelic drug safer but there are many uncommon and com bles. approaches. One user on instructa ol alcoh was against the use of drugs and eving and tried several other means of achi on, asc such as self-hypnosis, meditati e, aromatic baths, staring at a candle flam ing yield and standing on his head, each 4 varying degrees of success. One of the most popular forms of asc is lucid dreaming, in which people attempt to control their level of deep sleep,

61 Similarly, depriving oneself of sensory input may also cause an asc. Safe and reversible, this technique dates back to the adepts of Pythagoras who lived in pitch-black caves to gather wisdom through their hallucinations. In the past, miners who have been trapped within the mines have told stories of visions after their rescue. This effect, called the ganzfeld effect or perceptual deprivation, causes an increase in neural noise in an attempt to look for the absent visual stimulation.5

When in a dream, printed words may appear fuzzy or distorted, ever-changing and impossible to read. Another such check is looking at a clock to see if the display is, too, distorted.6 Simple everyday activities, when performed in an asc, are usually difficult or impossible to carry out. Other signs you may be in an asc include overall fuzziness and not being able to see or think clearly; normally reliable devices failing to work, especially in a time of urgency; feeling lost in a familiar place, or being familiar with a place you've never been to; having conversations with deceased persons; or having the feeling of missing body parts.

Overall, depending on how strange your asc is, your common sense is your biggest asset in determining whether or not what you are seeing is real or a projection of your mind. + 1 Jane, Laura. "Why Dreams & Altered States Of Consciousness Are Good For Us," Collective-Evolution.com.

Playing with asc leaves a very blurred line between what is real, waking consciousness, and what is an altered dream-state. There are many reality checks that are helpful to determine if you are awake or in an altered state. These checks are similar to the Totem items in the popular film Inception, which are items each character carries which work differently in the various states of consciousness to help them determine whether or not they are experiencing a dream or reality. One such reality check is looking at a piece of printed material and trying to read it.

July 9, 2014. Accessed October 24, 2014. 2 Lavoie, Sarah. "Altered States of Consciousness: Definition, Examples & Quiz." Education-Portal.com. Accessed October 27, 2014. 3 "Encyclopedia of the Unusual and Unexplained: Altered States of Consciousnes,s." Unexplainedstuff.com. January 1, 2008. Accessed November 3, 2014. 4 Sarafan, Randy. "10 Ways to Alter Your Consciousness Without Drugs," Instructables.com. Accessed October October 27, 2014. 5 "Ganzfeld: Hack Your Brain the Legal Way'" Instructables.com. Accessed November 7, 2014 6 "How to Tell If You're Dreami.ng," WikiHow.com. Accessed October 27, 2014.

Service Before

BY CARLY RUMPF PHOTOGRAPHED BY ALEXANDRA GENOVA

足6 2

Integrity First. Service Before Self. Excellence in All We Do. The core values of the US Air Force plainly state that the well-being of its dedicated airmen is secondary to their service to the country, yet mental disorders are the main cause of military deaths.1 In 2012, the rate of soldiers dying by suicide was higher than those killed in combat. Soldiers were killing themselves at a rate of one suicide every 18 hours.2 There are numerous support systems for veterans and families of those who served in the military. But even with all of these resources, mental health is not a major concern during a soldier’s enlistment. In a survey conducted for this article, every single participant agreed that mental health is just as important or even more important than physical health. Physical training is required of everyone in the military in order to keep them in top physical condition. However, during Basic Training, many trainees are told to “stay silent” and not talk about their mental and physical struggles in order to appear “excellent.” Members of the intelligence squadron of the U.S. Air Force experience mental distress on a daily basis. These geospatial intelligence analysts view live video feed from military drones that fly over Afghanistan and provide situational awareness to troops on the ground. They call out any potential signs of threat and report these threats to higher authorities. The analysts witness air strikes several times a week and have seen enemy targets as well as innocent civilians die through the video feeds. One surveyor claims that “Some people can become numb to [the deaths] because [they] are viewing them on a screen. These deaths are still very real and it’s just part of the job.” He explains that there are two mental health professionals available to speak with about the stresses of the job; however, the airmen have to be ready to face backlash after consulting with these professionals. 6 3

Mental Disorders ARE THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF

Military Deaths 足6 4

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t tac con t o t o e in ng n ntal e cam beari ess m e h istr s so r S d l . l e a i a e d ut y ent zon sol sb act nded ound hat “M g Arm t n n g o co wou al w ms t n rki i am ith hysic ere cla mon re wo w e wh n a y p . Sh com st e l t u s n j a a w l o th do age ost ab o is ne a ps wh dam the m troo es of drive ment eo e m n y n e r o r s o fi n e s e a i e n o r v w als Ma he co nd e ast.” H r she and som a t nd en lmed l.” He uge fte a ir l p e e e e d da tsi ootst be th etw rwhe icida s a h f e u b n o e f e ims t e t. su play ry. “I cla u ery could heigh ymen enc rily ov d or ” r o r a v t y o e e i e l f e i o d l s lth nd m en dif le ss ism nta roa s wa ma al hea arly dep me depre mach in the gh th peop a m s o m u m “ co cle s ro nt tre elp h eno inder elp.” on e me , but dis ned f o is s that r h h d r h s w h d . u ng toug qua for lain ma t year done ng ret his eki al s has o exp in se eem n… T sking n c e h i e mo b y c d s w a a a e ing e to tar in re art idn’t el m d i m , h d l f n p s i i l t n s o o a c igh s d y s re Thi the m riority t need d sui “No ork ut a e h rarel per sign ily you n’t a ing o t m y n a i p r w a t a s e h i r a e h t l m c t l t r h s e i i at a e l t f i s we reac igg more t rate t an a ilabl ather f m so no with that ain ab r n a . va l l so r a s a rem et rom e is e f n me ns is t is a ould u y elp i g her ploy mb ervin kh ivid expla if the g a a t w r e e ecr ill h d t s e s e n m m ly s i s in s e p w a et er ily t arr sa ved An Un bat v le hel soldi than you l Fam urren ase. e ser storie se sc is t d r n t i m e i n nta e l a o h c e v a c a rm eir p is e me the otion he ff t hat ell h r o d t t f o a t a l d s d a t e g w ce th nta em and an h th The giv ssion vin al e’ me bers e kno perien ck of ed. hroug en ing ndl t ha Ment es in s re h a a x m m u a t p s l h h e e ‘ d e . t c r e t r s t n s im A y e s m ’ l s a f l i e ta lan .“ an eal es suf can ople ow ter actua tions e. Th ders ss.” line eakn imba erly d . e u v e h o n e m l l a t m y w o .P n' itu nu ica to rop iona akn om say use ott ta job had ime s flag mo a we to a e b is no chem be p fess king fr c m h t the fraid e o t d d r T i d s s a nd re lb ul pro ss wa ge re e a c ble i turne to o a ly fee t be in e m mas a , lne ders a d sho ealth v a d l e u b i e r . a r e als h s l e r n h i h t a a or an tal h ms to uln ntly requ ry en stig abu ntio mig ghtes y re dis rain om eing v rece en lai these milita dron hol preve e is li the areer b w c o m s e d c r e ” y . b h a r e al tb th o an the rc qua d no ing ess s fo lita by tha husb n, and bout suicid em t you dy at distr . ith .S. mi rds fix urce ical s lk an ng e a i S w r a . s r l d t o d e s i d U a s ta v U is e ta e H pa an es he s tow ore re he m e “all the ves jeo f men han class nce, class of pro T g n i f t r e h A a m le y s d st belie no ing and vio ese wa stri iding but a they iali oug sig , thr estic hat th ent’s lly tak lism, es— v , l s pec also vide o y e r S o t n s a p d m sa 4 ro do feels vernm t actu alcoh t clas uar er son eed rE tp , o s o n ing per mand u me nal G s no e e u g r h j o h s . o h S u A f Natio y doe ose w Train U.S lp wit or ab es are .” com .” – f y s e lp the r y sic itar for th s h y l e m i t a e a r i h l il m m pla l A c nd d .B . s the onsib ese ctora the rvice ment g an ergo. ma lving t m h a p o n t T o o th se res ide. “ tual d adi und ier ss rea nc l ugh alth t degr must ld c dro need enta ic o a o a u n e t s t u e s e r s m H o q h m a e o . s n l e e l a ing olid nta ver ob em cal is nge and me of th s a s Train un ra ed h edi his pr ed se ber in m g n c t e i g r c a in n s e em s to ien lly, t tu hat is o est th in Ba at th jus cces e ina nds t exper yed m F h s d e a g k a n o d i a f l l p er sl gh tou le I w suici ots a dem herse a de wid ident thou d hi sh s e a h “W mitte cing .” With , inc ed, al : S i s e f ess com pract imsel ource avoid s tru iers istr d g s d s e h l wa onto lth re ally b till rin at so rship s a ti h ade rifle tal he oten tigma lief t e p e le he n s b h d e l e T n m cou in, th poke ugh.’ see t this aga ns lly to ty to e nu a li onc e is a ‘ment e abi r h t e e h k b c “T uld o la sho ed t m 6 5 see

REVOLUTION

Police Brutality in the Hong Kong Democratic Protests

BY CARLY RUMPF PHOTOGRAPHED BY YAU HOY YI

Empty tear gas canisters litter the streets of Hong Kong; umbrellas of all shapes and sizes are donned over tattered and bloody students. These students have placed themselves in the way of a brutal police force to protest for their freedom. It has been over one month since the democratic protests in Hong Kong have begun and the protesters themselves are remaining strong.1 In 1997, when Hong Kong was handed back to China after 150 years of British control, they were given special status and remained a democracy. The recent movement began when China claimed that Hong Kong would host a democratic election with candidates hand-picked by the Chinese government. This goes against the ideals of the Hong Kongers who believe democracy and freedom are irreplaceable. The protestors, mainly young students who are standing their ground and fighting for what they believe in. Unfortunately these protestors are suffering harrowing encounters from the police force that claim they are just “keeping the peace”.

name of Glacier Kwong recalls being tear-gassed at a peaceful demonstration: “I could not breathe, my throat was so painful and I couldn’t see properly. I still went down to the site the following day. It didn’t change my determination.” Additionally, a video of police officers dragging an already detained protester into a secluded area has surfaced on the internet. The officers, dressed in plain clothes, beat and kicked the protester while other officers stood guard.3 The police officers are also citizens of Hong Kong, but due to higher powers and pressure from China, they seem to forget who they are and what they are fighting for.

The police of Hong Kong have traditionally been one of the region’s most wellregarded forces. However, the scale of this protest has left the police unprepared. When the protests first broke out, the police initially took an aggressive stance towards the student protesters. The officers took to the streets in riot gear armed with batons and pepper spray.2

The officers’ attempts are not inflicting fear in the protestors as hoped. People watch, read, and hear about how violent this peaceful movement has become and are inspired to join in and help the cause. These peaceful protests are perfectly legal and protesters are not lashing out physically towards the police violence. Even so, the Hong Kong police show no end to their brutal tactics. Resourceful and brilliant minds are flocking to websites, message boards, and social media to provide tips on how to be safe and resilient in these nonviolent protests.4 Gas masks are fabricated out of plastic bottles, protective armor is distributed amongst protestors, and roads are being transformed into living spaces.

Currently a multitude of police brutality reports have been surfacing and the internet is flooded with videos and still images of peaceful protesters being beaten with batons, tear-gassed, and pepper-sprayed. A young student by the

These brave protesters of Hong Kong are tired but not beaten. They truly believe in their cause and remain steadfast in their nonviolent approaches. The umbrella remains a key symbol of the protest. An umbrella shields protesters from the tear

gas and pepper spray and shows that the Hong Kongers will continue to fight for democracy and their rights. — 1 LILY KUO AND HEATHER TIMMONS. “THE BEST LIFE HACKS FROM HONG KONG’S UMBRELLA MOVE-MENT PROTESTS,” QUARTZ. OCTOBER 26, 2014. HTTP://QZ.COM/. 2 EUAN MCKIRDY. “THE END OF TRUST? HONG KONG SEES POLICE FORCE IN A NEW LIGHT,” CNN WORLD. OCTOBER 16, 2014. HTTP://WWW.CNN.COM/ 3 IBID. 4 IBID.

secrets that sever 68

by sophia del plato photographed by seth abel

mong many popular scary stories exists the tale of “The Girl with the Ribbon”. In it, a young girl wears a ribbon around her neck for her entire life. She cannot tell anyone why, and she never removes it. She cannot reveal her secret—even to those she loves. Eventually, she is crushed by the weight of her secret. Her spirit broken, she pulls the ribbon off her neck, removing the only thing keeping her head attached to her body and the only thing keeping her alive.

violent reality

Unfortunately, living with a soul-crushing secret is not only a scary story, but a terrible reality for many people who suffer from domestic violence. Domestic violence will affect one in four women in their lifetime.1 This includes not just physical violence but also verbal, emotional, and psychological. T h e world of domestic violence is one wrapped in secrecy. Many victims are made to feel trapped and isolat ed from the abuse, as their lives may e ven be threatened. Scared into silence, many will re main in an abusive relationship even as the violence escalates.

difficult

to e

scape In order to better a id victims of violence domestic , it is crucia l to understand w many rem hy ain in their rel a t i o n s h i p s a n d to support victims rather than silence them. Many misunderst and the plight of abuse victims, saying “ W hy don't they just leave the abuser?” “ T h ey ’re stupid for staying” or even“ T h ey must like the abuse.”2 T h ese assumptions do nothing to help the victim and only perpetuate the violence. Leaving an abusive relationship isn't as victim simple as “breaking up.” It may be difficult if the victims are still in love with or feel responsible for their partners; they may even have hopes that they will change. Their reasons may include children, limited resources, fear, threats, cultural or religious reasons, or poor self-esteem.

pulling the ribbon…

Like the girl with the ribbon, many victims are forced into silence and burdened with their secrets. Some abuse victims even consider suicide as an escape. Thirty-three percent of battered women suffer from anxiety and depression as a result of domestic violence where in the worst-case scenario can lead to suicide attempts, and one out of every four women who are victims of domestic violence attempt suicide.3 The sad reality is that many domestic abuse victims feel trapped and powerless to the point that they believe suicide is the only escape.

…isn’t the only way

Domestic violence need not end this way. It may take ample time and support from others, but many victims have left abusive relationships safely. As family and friends of victims, we can offer our support and for ward and seek hope it helps them come e need people an escape. Victims of abus g to listen and n li l i w e r a o h w in their lives n their actions. o i t s e u q t o n , t r o f provide com eem, s s e r u t s e g e h t l l However sma

they can make a world of difference if they help victims of domestic violence understand that there is a safe escape and that they don’t need to pull their own ribbons. + 1 “Moving Victims of Violence from Crisis to Confidence.” Safe Horizon.org. Accessed September 14, 2014. 2 “#WhyIStayed Shows Why Dating Abuse Is Complicated.” Break the Cycle.org. Accessed September 14, 2014. 3 “Domestic Violence and Suicide.” Suicide.org. Accessed September 15, 2014.

K K K KNOCK IT OFF K KNOCK IT OFF K KNOCK IT OFF K KNOCK IT OFF K KNOCK IT OFF K KNOCK IT OFF KNOCK IT OFF KNOCK IT OFF COUNTERFEIT

COUTURE

by valerie perry and michael murtaugh photographed by michael murtaugh

KNOCK IT OFF KNOCK IT OFF KNOCK IT OFF F KNOCK IT OFF F KNOCK IT OFF F KNOCK IT OFF F KNOCK IT OFF F KNOCK IT OFF F F F

WHAT'S AT STAKE WITH A FAKE FAKE FRAGRANCE

Black market fragrances are often off-color and off-scent from the authentic product. They may contain traces or even a large percent of urine, as well as dehp, a highly absorbent chemical used in the manufacturing of plastics that can cause be detrimental to many anatomical systems.

PIRATED POWDER

Counterfeit powdered cosmetics can contain lead and other toxic substances, which are extremely dangerous to the nervous system if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. The knock-off packaging will usually display a warped version of the legitiamte logo itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s imitating.

SIMULATED SHIMMER

Be extremely wary of counterfeit lip glosses and lipsticks, both of which are extremely sought after prestigeous cosmetic items. These contain various carcinogens and high levels of bacteria, and since they are applied directly to the lips, these traces are easily ingested.

BLUFFED BLUSH

Illicitly manufactured blushes and other facial or skin cosmetics usually get their color from arsenic. Packaging on these cosmetics may be flimsy, with misspelled words and often times what feels like cheap quality wrapping.

FORGED FOUNDATION

The texture and consistency of counterfeit foundation will not be the same as the authentic product. These forged cosmetics use dangerous fillers in place of the high cost ingredients used in real designer makeup.

e’ve all been there. Walking down a bustling street in a big city, street vendors selling knick-knacks and souvenirs for every type of tourist. Hidden amongst the crowd is a small but eye-catching array of handbags lined up on the sidewalk. Taking a closer look, these handbags look extremely familiar. Perhaps one has a distinct designer logo on it. Perhaps another looks exactly like the famous “it” bag of an esteemed designer. On the sidewalk instead of in a luxury boutique, these items seem out of place! A tourist purchasing an item pays $20. Surely this can’t be right. A designer bag for so cheap? What a steal! Unfortunately, this scenario is all too present in modern-day consumerism, with so many American shoppers falling prey, knowingly or not. That coveted handbag, while cheap and believable, is counterfeit: cold, hard counterfeit. The worldwide counterfeit industry is estimated at $600 billion, according to the International Chamber of Commerce.1 Handbags, after shoes and clothing, rank third as one of the top counterfeit fashion commodities seized by U.S. government agencies. Prestige brand cosmetics, known for their high-end ingredients and price tag, are also being forged and sold to unsuspecting consumers. All these fraudulent items can pose serious quality and safety issues while stealing from legitimate businesses. Counterfeit products may be tempting, but the purchasing of them is an action that needs to stop. The purchasing of a counterfeit product leads to many ethical and legal issues. Primarily, the purchase of any such good is supporting illegal activity. The forgery of copyrighted products and designs (like a designer handbag) is illegal. Therefore, the purchasing of such a product supports this illegality. In a broader sense, the profits counterfeiters make from the selling of their goods have been linked to the funding of organized crime, drug trafficking, and terrorist organizations. These black-market sellers do not pay taxes on the goods they sell, and by giving money to them, one promotes corruption, the loss of government revenue, and the loss of government jobs.

One of the top most counterfeited products is a designer handbag, but this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to black-market items. Counterfeit jewelry and watches come in a close second. In 2013, the U.S. customs office seized faux watches valued at over $503 million suggested retail price, or msrp.2 Consumer apparel and accessories accounted for over $116 million msrp. Pharmaceuticals and personal care items like cosmetics accounted for $78 million msrp. These luxury items tend to be the most forged products because they are most valuable.3 With better counterfeiting methods, there are greater challenges in detection and potential for even higher revenue to counterfeiters. Some of the most dangerous counterfeit products are counterfeit cosmetics. These items, including makeup, skincare, and fragrances, are not only illegitimate but can also be extremely hazardous to one’s health.4 According to U.S. government aand scientific industry studies, the ingredients found in phony cosmetics and fragrances can be carcinogenic and can contain high amounts of bacteria.5 Ingredients may include arsenic, beryllium, and cadmium (all known carcinogens) along with high levels of aluminum and dangerous levels of lead. Some of these ingredients can cause health conditions like acne, psoriasis, rashes, and eye infections. Phony fragrances and colognes, often found on discount websites and eBay, can contain an ingredient known as dehp, which is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a probable human carcinogen. In addition, these faux fragrances can also contain traces of urine. While many people seek out counterfeit products for the discounted price, many consumers are unsuspecting victims under the impression that they are purchasing a legitimate product. This mainly happens through online commerce where one cannot see exactly what they bought until it shows up on the doorstep. Even when buying from a reputable website with seemingly legitimate manufacturers, some people are still receiving fake products. This may make it seem virtually impossible to buy real products on the internet.

However, by being an informed consumer and looking for certain warning signs, it is easy to remain safe. To spot counterfeit cosmetics, online or in store, there are some small, simple signs to look for. If purchasing the product online, make sure that there are many pictures of the product and that they are not blurry or pixilated. Authentic sellers provide multiple images from different angles to ensure that the buyer knows exactly what they are purchasing. Next, look at the actual name of the item. Depending on the brand, most cosmetics do not have identifying numbers, but instead will have the name of the pigment to distinguish the different shades. Check the fonts on the packaging to make sure they are consistent with the correct brand. Counterfeit items will usually have larger fonts and will also appear to be warped. Finally, to ensure that the desired product is legitimate, check the website of the real cosmetic company. Most will list both current and discontinued products. If the product is not listed, then it is counterfeit. If a product is from a U.S.-based company, then do not purchase it from an overseas website. Insist on documentation if necessary and appropriate for the type of product. If there is no contact information like a return address or phone number on the package when it arrives, then it most likely came from an untrustworthy source that does not want to be in further contact with consumers. Always try to purchase products directly from the retailer to avoid having to judge whether or not the third party in question is reputable. When one purchases a product from a legitimate website and instead a counterfeit product arrives, most will let the product be returned. –

1 Elizabeth Holmes. “The Finer Art of Faking It,” wsj. com. 2 Christine Fellingham. “Counterfeit Handbags Fabricate the Fabulous,”usatoday.com. 3 Thomas C. Frohlich. “9 Most Counterfeited Products in the USA,” usatoday.com. 4 “Counterfeit Cosmetics Hazardous to Your Health,” fbi.gov. 5 Quentin Fottrell. “How To Avoid Buying Fake Products Online,” marketwatch.com. 6 “How to Spot Fake MAC Cosmetics,” accidentalbeauty. com. Diagram: 7 Charlotte Kemp “Toxic Trade,” dailymail.uk.co.

BRIGHT WHITE DONE RIGHT the benefits of bleach alternatives by michael murtaugh and rachel nicholson photographed by michael murtaugh

Today we fight: The age-old battle of keeping our whites white. One obvious solution that has been around for decades has recently been brought under scientific and public scrutiny: Bleach. It’s hazardous to our health, detrimental to the environment, and corrosive to our clothes. It’s safe to say that the reputation of bleach has been stained. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy and affordable alternatives that effectively whiten and brighten our wardrobes without harming anyone or anything. The most underappreciated natural bleaching agent can be found right over our heads: It’s the sun! A free and readily available resource that not only refreshes our whites, it also dries our clothes, keeps them smelling fresh, and is better for the longevity of fabric fibers. Now that’s a bright idea! To enhance the power of solar bleaching even further, apply lemon juice directly to troublesome stains and allow them to sit in the sun. One can also add lemon juice to laundry during washing and dry it in the sunlight. Lemon juice aids in the breakdown of stains and, along with the sun, restores our whites back to their original brightness.1

A school science fair isn’t the only place where baking soda and vinegar react to make magic. Another all-natural laundry lightener can be found right in the refrigerator! For years, baking soda and vinegar have not only been used together in the kitchen, but also in the laundry room. Baking soda used in the wash not only neutralizes odors but also works in tandem with detergent by balancing the pH of the wash water and enhancing the cleaning effectiveness of detergent. For truly fresher whites (and brighter colors), sprinkle some baking soda into a load of laundry for a bright burst of freshness and cleaning power. The multipurpose powerhouse that is vinegar can also be used effectively on our whites. Used in the rinse cycle of your machine after baking soda, distilled white vinegar rejuvenates whites while deodorizing, reducing static, softening, and removing soapy residues. How enlightening!2 In addition to natural means, there are also alternative bleaching products that can be purchased premixed and readyto-go at the store, such as oxygen bleach. Oxygen bleach is essentially baking soda treated with hydrogen peroxide.

When dissolved in water, its solid state breaks down and releases oxygen bubbles to break the surface tension between the fibers of clothes and the components of stains. It brightens, disinfects, and deodorizes. Oxygen bleach may take longer to whiten your clothes, but the benefits significantly outweigh the advantages of chlorine bleach. Its chemical makeup does not pose a threat to respiratory health, will not irritate skin, and is not an environmental pollutant.3 How refreshing! A heaping load of alternative bleaching solutions to ensure that our whites stay white all while being better and safer for us and our clothes. You now have the knowledge to do bright whites right! +

1 “Forget the Bleach: How to Use the Sun to Whiten Your Clothes,” Keeper of the Home. Accessed September 20, 2014. 2 “Vinegar and Baking Soda Brighten and Clean Laundry Better,” Greenopedia. Accessed September 20, 2014. 3 “What is Oxygen Bleach (Oxiclean)?,” Clean My Space. Accessed September 22, 2014.

THE REALITY OF

ARTIFICIAL PHEROMONES BY AVA DAN LIU PHOTOGRAPHED BY KARIE ENG

any people believe that a pheromone perfume or cologne is a love potion. It can help you gain popularity, “get lucky,” or even win the heart of the person you love. Pheromones, as defined by McClintock, are airborne chemical signals that are released by an individual into the environment, affecting the physiology or behavior of other members of the same species.1 Our vomeronasal organ, located in our nose, is the receiver of the pheromone as a scent. The receiver will pass the message to the human leukocyte antigen system, which helps the immune system distinguish proteins.2 In one 2005 study, researchers asked women to rate the odors of T-shirts worn by different men. Women preferred men whose DNA differed enough from their own that it would increase the likelihood of producing a child with a robust immune system.3 It turns out the magic scent is not some romantic elixir but the aromatic effluence of our immune system.4

Studies have successfully shown that pheromones have a strong impact on insects and mammals alike and have been used to control mammals’ sexual drives, influencing reproduction. This is useful for farmers who need to force their livestock to breed.5 Humans, however, react very differently when it comes to pheromones. Matching pheromones indeed function as a pleasant scent, but they do not have the same effect on a person’s behavior as they do on animals, since people not only have a much smaller vomeronasal organ to receive the signals, they also hold greater control of their own behaviors. These pheromone perfumes and colognes do not have a real physical impact on humans who are wearing or smelling them. When someone chooses

to wear the scent, they may make this decision because they believe it will attract a mate. This helps to boost their self-esteem and allows them to approach people more confidently. They believe that the perfume is doing all the work, when in reality, it is actually all in their mind. It has a psychological effect on the wearer, but no physical effect to anyone who smells it.6,7 Some may wonder why it is wrong to receive a little help to build self-confidence. From a biological standpoint, when someone uses a store-bought pheromone to cover up their natural ones, someone who is attracted to the scent may be unknowingly attracted for the wrong reasons. In the meantime, it interferes with other people trying to find the right gene to love. From a psychological aspect, a pheromone perfume is like heroin for your soul. Once you use it and believe in its abilities, you can never stop. When someone lacks self-confidence, they can’t accept their natural selves. Over a long period of time, it is harmful to have those negative perspectives in their head. They need to learn that artificial pheromones are not the answer. Instead of using these perfumes to cover up their insecurities, they need to learn to love themselves, and in turn people will love them. – 1 KATHLEEN STERN, AND MARTHA MCCLINTOCK. “REGULATION OF OVULATION BY HUMAN PHEROMONES,” NATURE.COM. 2 “HLA GENE FAMILY,” GENETICS HOME REFERENCE. NOVEMBER 4, 2014. 3 SARAH EVERTS. “THE TRUTH ABOUT PHEROMONES,” SMITHSONIAN. MARCH 1, 2012. 4 F. BRYANT FURLOW. “THE SMELL OF LOVE,” PSYCHOLOGY TODAY. MARCH 1, 1996. 5 RACHEL HERZ. “THE TRUTH ABOUT PHEROMONES, PART 1,” PSYCHOLOGY TODAY. MAY 18, 2009. 6 SEAN RUSSELL. “DO PHEROMONES ACTUALLY WORK? SEE TESTS AND RESULTS HERE,” MENPROVEMENT. AUGUST 3, 2013. 7 ETIENNE BENSON. “PHEROMONES, IN CONTEXT” AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION. OCTOBER 1, 2002.

cohabitation

conundrum

the concerns of moving in before marriage BY RACHEL NICHOLSON PHOTOGRAPHED BY COURTNEY DISTASIO

Standards for a

live-in partner

are lower than they are

for a spouse convenient test of long-term compatibility can set extremely high standards and result in poor attitudes towards a successful and healthy relationship.

“Why not?” is the answer commonly offered to the question of cohabitation. The financial reasons are obvious, and because of the amount of time and hassle of regular sleepovers, it can appear to be the next logical step in the relationship. Many couples tend to find themselves naturally “sliding” into cohabitation, a term that refers to moving in together solely for practical reasons.1 While it may seem like a smart move, research shows that premarital cohabitation is linked to lower rates of relationship satisfaction and higher rates of eventual divorce. In the last 50 years, the number of couples moving in together before marriage has increased by over 1500%.2 During the same time, the divorce rates in the United States have heightened over the years from 40% to 50%.3 The correlation is difficult to ignore. Despite this, many young people agree that it is a valid idea to live with someone before you marry, so as to determine if they really get along.4 However, viewing cohabitation as a

A critical mindset can lead to the influence of confirmation bias, the tendency to find and only pay attention to information that supports one's beliefs.5 Moving in together with the intention of testing the relationship but without committing to permanence makes it more likely to find flaws and faults that can destroy the relationship. Conversely, by cohabiting after marriage with the pretext of permanence, it is easier to find solutions to those problems. The act of reflexively sliding into cohabitation can lead to an evasion of important discussions about commitment and intentions. Without an open conversation of future goals, moving in together can easily become a point of dissension.6 Women are more likely to view cohabitation as an intentional step towards marriage, whilemen tend to see it as a method to postpone serious commitment or a platform to critique and evaluate the relationship.7 This conflict in perspective and lack of mutual commitment is a large predictor of a relationship’s success rate.

Unmarried couples

living together

4 50,000 in 1960 7,50 0,0 00 in 2014

While cohabitating has its practical benefits, research and history show that moving in without proper commitment and motivation beforehand is likely to lead to a broken relationship. Sliding into cohabitation out of convenience and practicality can prevent decisions from being made out of love and devotion. –

1 JAY, MEG. “THE DOWNSIDE OF COHABITING BEFORE MARRIAGE,” THE NEW YORK TIMES. APRIL 14, 2012. 2 IBID. 3 “MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE,” HTTP://WWW.APA.ORG. 4 JAY. “THE DOWNSIDE OF COHABITING,” 5 “CONFIRMATION BIAS,” SCIENCEDAILY. ACCESSED OCTOBER 29, 2014. 6 “8 STEPS YOU SHOULD TAKE BEFORE LIVING WITH YOUR PARTNER,” PSYCHOLOGY TODAY: HEALTH, HELP, HAPPINESS FIND A THERAPIST. ACCESSED OCTOBER 29, 2014. 7 JAY. “THE DOWNSIDE OF COHABITING.”

. s m o assro

l c s ' a eric

m A n ive i

s r u c h t i w es

i t g n Cutti

written and photographed by hannah schwob

s our society continues the transition from analog to digital processes, it’s no surprise that cursive handwriting instruction has been put on the back burner of most U.S. school’s curriculums. The new age of computers, texting, emails, and Snapchats has unfortunatley whittled lengthy handwritten notes into quick and simple 140-character sentences that render the old-style looped lettering utterly useless. Writing skills are overshadowed by new digital proficiency in the post-grad job search, so why would teachers spend their valuable class time teaching the finer points of distinguishing cursive “m’s” from “n’s”? They don’t. Since 2010, 45 states in the US have adopted the Common Core State Standards Initiative, a statewide, mandated collection of pre-approved English and mathematic requirements for grades k–12.1 Cursive instruction is not defined within the confines of Common Core, which means that teachers on a local level must decide if/how to implement its study in their classrooms.2 80

44 states (as well as the District of Columbia) have adopted the Common Core State Standards.

41%

of elementary school teachers in the United States no longer incorporate cursive writing instruction into their curriculum.

n 2013, Really Good Stuff, a staple brand for classroom and teaching supplies, conducted a nationwide survey asking today's teachers about their own thoughts on cursive and its place in the modern curriculum for elementary school children. A sample of 612 k–5 teachers from 48 states were polled to analyze the issue. It wasn’t a surprise, when comparing

“

the data, that cursive has fallen into the category of “dying art form,” due to its lack of value in a standardized curriculumn and a digitized culture. According to Really Good Stuff ’s survey, “41% of elementary school teachers no longer incorporate cursive writing instruction into their curriculum. 63% of teachers regarded cursive writing skills as either ‘Important’

or ‘Very Important,’ while 71% felt there would be long-term negative consequences associated with discontinuing cursivewriting education.”3 The main concerns regarding the declining practice of teaching cursive range between three different standpoints: developmental, cultural, and legal.

Learning to write in cursive is shown to improve brain development in the areas of thinking, language and working memory.

Developmental Cursive writing reinforces the principles of detail, accuracy, and finesse, which are key for developing fine motor skills and activating particular areas of our brains at an early age.4 Additionally, students who aren’t taught to write in cursive may never be able to read and understand the connected shapes; they’ll become archaic and downright hieroglyphic to them.

Cultural

Legal

This brings up an important issue when encountering historical documents and other preserved pieces of history that are entirely comprised of cursive handwriting.5 Documents similar to the Declaration of Independence or personal handwritten notes by your greatgrandparents are now disconnected from the cursive illiterate due to their inability to decipher it.

”

From a legal stance, those who never develop a proper legal signature are at a greater risk for forgery or fraud.6 The subtleties and flaws within the signature are more difficult to reproduce than the simpler forms of print.

67% of teachers plan to teach cursive in the future.

70%

of the respondents in a 2010 survey said that removing cursive from the curriculum would have long-term negative consequences.

hese effects have become increasingly more common as cursive instruction declines. In fact, in 2007, only 15% of students wrote the essay portion of the sat in cursive. In addition, students nationwide who took the sat had significant difficulties copying the mandated paragraph in cursive for the test.7 Granted, not everyone today uses cursive, and in the present world and it isn’t neccessarily as practical as it once was. That’s not to say, however, that it should be entirely replaced in students’ education for something that Common Core deems more worthy. To deny students the chance to learn and develop this artistic skill through the teaching of penmanship will erase cursive from its proper place in our nation’s culture, history, and future. – 1 “Common Core Standards,” Common Core State Standards Initiative. Accessed October 27, 2014. 2 Ibid. 3 “National Poll Reveals That Cursive Writing Education Is In Danger,” PRWeb. April 29, 2013. Accessed October 27, 2014. 4 Zezima, Katie. “The Case for Cursive,” The New York Times. April 27, 2011. Accessed October 27, 2014. 5 “National Poll Reveals,”PRWeb. 6 Ibid. 7 Zezima. “The Case for Cursive.”

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For instance, a building is not written as

but as

(b-ui-l-d-i-ng), (buil-ding)

Sophisticated 2

Language Korean, The Most Scientific Alphabet

written and photograhed by chulo kang Language allows us to communicate, develop cultures, record history, and pass on knowledge to future generations. With billions of humans having lived on Earth throughout history, it is not very surprising that there are more than 6,000 known spoken languages in the world today. Among those languages, Mandarin is the most widely spoken language, with one billion native speakers and English is the official language of more countries than any other language, present in 58 sovereign states. Both of their alphabets are developed from hieroglyphs. In contrast, the native alphabet of the Korean language, Hangul [haːn.ɡɯl], is unique. Hangul is a phonetic language and was created based on linguistics. Hangul is often considered the most scientific, systematic alphabet in the world. The Korean alphabet, Hangul, was invented by Sejong the Great of the Joseon Dynasty in 1443. Hangul has 24 basic letters, including 14 consonants and 10 vowels, and the shapes of each letter were designed to reflect the shape of the mouth or tongue when they are pronounced. Each represents the individual sounds of the spoken language, and since Hangul is phonetic, each letter is always pronounced the same. For example, ‘ ’, equivalent to ‘A’ in English, is always pronounced as [ɑː] in comparison with ‘A’ in Egnlish which can be pronounced as [æ], [eɪ], [eə], [ə] or [ɑː]. This makes Hangul easy to pronounce and write correctly, especially, for language learners. According to Bernhard Quandt (Korean name Lee Charm), a German missionary and actor who was naturalized as a Korean citizen, he claims he can teach anyone to read Korean in merely 20 minutes. Unlike many other languages that are written linearly, Hangul is written into syllable blocks. To be specific, one character or a syllable block is composed of multiple units. Thus, to be a grammatically correct character, it should contain at least one unit from each of the consonant and vowel sets.

For instance, “building” is not written as but as

(b-ui-l-d-i-ng), (buil-ding).

Even though Hangul was invented based on scientific examinations, many non-native Korean speakers mistakenly think Korean is one of the most difficult languages to learn. This thought is understandable since Hangul is not used in any other language and the Korean-speaking population is only 77 million, which accounts for about 1.1% of the world population. Also, it is true that Korean is not one of the most widely spoken languagesin the world, so there remains a paucity of professional teachers or well-written manuals for nonnative speakers in the language education field. Nonwithstanding, once you understand the way Hangul works, you can definitely appreciate this ingenious language. + 1“ Lee Charm’s Speech (3) “Making beginners to be able to read Korean in 20 minutes-scientific ability,” YouTube Video. SesameTube. April 6, 2009.

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a e ki

Words that tie

femininity

to weakness written and photographed by danielle digilio

l iG r

DoSomething.org said that “7 in 10 girls believe that they are not good enough or don’t measure up in some way, including their looks, performance in school and relationships with friends and family members.” 1 Why is that? Why is it that adolescent girls are already doubting their abilities before they have the opportunity to show themselves what they're capable of ? Young people are very sensitive to how people see them and are constantly absorbing information and incorporating what they are taught into their development. The words young kids and their peers use are important because they impact their view of the world as they grow. Unfortunately, some kids are taught misconceptions through words at an early age that stick with them throughout adulthood. It’s unfortunate that something that seems like innocent teasing can inadvertently reinforce stereotypes that harm the confidence and sense of self-worth these kids will have in the future.

“Like a girl” is an example of a damaging phrase that is introduced on the playground and has been adopted into our society. The consequences of teasing others using phrases like this can lead to misinformed stereotyping, resulting in the lowered confidence of those who may fit the description. This allows for negative connotations to be attached to those people, who in turn may internalize those words. “Like a girl” has become interchangeable with put-downs like “You can't do this right because you are a girl” and “You are not supposed to be doing this.” Equating femininity with weakness brings down the self-confidence and independence of young females who are still exploring their individuality. It’s probably because they’re listening to everything that’s telling them they can’t. If a person identifies as feminine, chances are that there has been a time when they have been taught that their abilities weren’t as good as their non-feminine counterparts', probably because the typical assumption made is that being feminine is being incapable. The sad truth is that there are girls who have grown up and matured into women without ever growing out of this mentality. Why would a female think she was capable of being a math teacher, a race car driver, or a baseball player when the very essence of who she is has been used as a standard of weakness for her whole life? According to TrueSport.com, studies show that a large part of why girls don’t try sports or stay in them is because of their “limited confidence in [their] physical abilities or knowledge of the sport.”2 This helps explain why girls quit sports sooner and at twice the rate that boys do. For a female, gathering the confidence to do things like stay in sports will be difficult, especially if females are telling themselves they can’t. What they should be telling themselves is “I’ll do what makes me happy, and I’ll do it because I can,” not “I can’t do that because I’m a girl so I might embarrass myself.” Women, and everyone else for that matter, should do themselves justice by doing what they love the best way they know how and not letting the fear of gender discrimination hold them down.

It’s important that, as a community, we empower each other while encouraging youths to love themselves and support each other in being who they are. By doing this, we can stop the cycle and prevent future damage caused by stereotypical words. Through their line of feminine hygiene products, the company Procter & Gamble has always made an effort to improve selfimage by starting movements to counter this negative way of thinking. In their newest campaign, featuring a video entitled "#likeagirl," they first ask young women and adolescent boys to do various activities “like a girl.” The participants react in an exaggerated way by flailing around and making a joke out of the actions they were asked to perform. For example, when asked to throw like a girl, one boy just drops the ball. Then, Procter & Gamble asks girls around the age of 10 to do those same activities. The uncorrupted and genuine interpretations of the young girls counter the stereotypical interpretations of the first group. When asked to run like a girl, they all ran as hard as they could. The first group is then shown the reactions of the young girls and essentially change their thought processes. The young women are given a second chance to show the world what they really think it means to do things “like a girl." What they realize is that they themselves run like girls, because that’s in fact what they are. Just like in the video, when a female is asked “What does it mean to run like a girl?” the response should be “To run as fast as I can.” Talking about the consequences of stereotypical teasing early on in one’s life can help avoid unnecessary obstacles later on in life, but nothing will change until action is taken. Attaching negative connotations to phrases such as “like a girl” may stop people from doing what actually want. This hinders self-identification, self-growth, and self-confidence. Why should you hold anyone back from being who they want to be? – 1“11 Facts About Teens and Self Esteem,” Do Something. Accessed October 8, 2014. 2 “Why We Play Sports and Why We Stop,” TrueSport. Accessed October 8, 2014.

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Synonymous with “spinster” and “old maid” a cat lady was someone loved by no one but her cats. Secluded in her house, isolated from humans, and covered in felines, the cat lady of the past was no one to value or admire. Recent events in culture, civil rights, and social media, however, have started the hairball rolling in an entirely different direction.

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Women and cats have been knitted together all throughout the past: in history, in literature, and in film. There is a basic connection between the house cat and the traditional housekeeping persona of women. The relationship between females and felines can even be demonstrated with psychology. It is believed that cats’ withdrawn nature meshes well with women's affinity to caretaking without external and affectionate reinforcement. The classic crazy old cat lady can be defended with the fact that women tend to live longer than men and look to cats for company. Even though there is such a strong bond between women and cats, words associated with felines have been used under negative feminine connotations for years: kitten (sexy girl), cougar (older woman who likes younger men), catty (acting spiteful or malicious), and pussy (term used for female genitalia). While these terms are still typically used in derogatory contexts, “cat lady” is slowly being redefined.1 Over the past decade, the term “cat lady” has taken on a whole new connotation. No longer pejorative, the label is now met with a sense of satisfaction and pride. This shift in perception can be attributed to multiple factors. Women are no longer considered dependent beings. Up until recently, a woman’s worth and success were directly proportionate to her male connections. Women were never incapable, but their only significance was determined by their affiliations— romantically or professionally—with men. A cat lady, then, without male affiliation, was entirely inconsequential. Today, however, women’s inherent value is recognized. Many women have a strong sense of independence and potential. Our culture is moving toward a society of empowered women with the conviction to live their lives as they choose.2 In addition to this cultural shift in the perception of female roles and capabilities, the growing awareness of feminism among young men and women has brought major attention to women’s rights and other social issues pertaining predominantly to women. The power of social media and other online resources has pushed feminism to the forefront, and the cat lady has followed right at its heels. Calls for social and political change have been documented and broadcasted with massive force. Even celebrities have taken a strong stance for women’s rights. Prominent actresses, such as Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Watson, have loudly voiced their fight for gender equality, consequently shaping themselves as models of feminism and inspiring thousands of

people to follow suit. Taylor Swift, a household name with an immense following, is not only a self-proclaimed feminist, but also a selfdeclared cat lady. Her Instagram is filled with photos of felines and captions of shameless cat lady status. Her ownership of such a label has arguably had a large influence in the global pride among young women in being comfortable and confident with themselves. By means of social media and celebrity examples, being a at lady has become trendy.

no longer pejorative, the label “cat lady” is now met with a sense of satisfaction and pride. Buzzfeed, a popular internet news media company, is a hub for entertainment-driven articles and social memes that represent common interests and opinions. A quick search of “cat lady” brings up an extensive result of posts on the topic: “21 Signs You’re A Cat Lady In Training,” “26 Things Every Cat Lady Needs,” “39 Signs You Might Be A Cat Lady,” “Proof That Taylor Swift Is The Ultimate Cat Lady.” Buzzfeed operates as a source of social identification for millenials; therefore, these articles exist as a powerful sign that there are many people who share these sentiments and this prideful gratification in being female feline owners.3 Additionally, the accessibility of cat lady merchandise for young people— such as bedding, mugs, phone cases, and action figures—is further proof that this oncederogatory label has become an admirable title. Until recently, it was difficult to argue that becoming a cat lady was a favorable path. But contemporary ideals and increased common knowledge of feminism, gender equality, and female empowerment have created a culture of independent and proud women. Being a cat lady today not only holds positive connotations, but also allows those who embrace the title to cradle their cat in one arm and their selfassurance in the other. With every cat lady selfie, another powerful woman pounces out of the shadows. +

1 BLAKELEY, KIRI. “CRAZY CAT LADIES,” FORBES. ACCESSED OCTOBER 9, 2014. 2 CAT LADY. WIKIPEDIA. OCTOBER 25, 2014. 3 CAT LADY SEARCH RESULTS. BUZZFEED. ACCESSED OCTOBER 8, 2014.

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SM by victoria binkley and danielle smith photographed by victoria binkley

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an acronym with a badboy reputation and the malicious intent to

please.

bdsm, otherwise known as bondage, domination, sadism, and masochism, is so much more than mere leather and whips. Acts within the culture often range from the most innocent connections to the boldest of performances, with a spectrum of wildly diverse and creative enthusiasts.

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The erotic culture encompasses a wide span of interpersonal relationships and erotic activities. Combined from the historical lineage of bondage domination (also known as submission/domination) and sadomasochism (the interplay of pleasure through pain), to some followers, it begets a lifestyle which they speak about openly and freely. To others, it is an intimate secret between participants. Some consider it a hobby or experimental experience, something to do on a Thursday night, while others make it the focus of their sexual identity. The concept of bdsm is widespread, impossible to generalize within a single action or individual. Yet popular conceptions of the subculture and its adherents are too frequently oversimplified. The associations made towards bdsm are often misconstrued. Many focus on its sadomasochistic predispositions and, in turn. assume

that bdsm as a whole is violent and unhealthy. Often, these relations do not involve sexual activity at all. It is a common misconception that dominant/ submissive interactions are consistently extreme or inherently inappropriate by default of their existence. Many fail to fully realize that the necessary common denominator inherent for a majority of bdsm relationships, sexual or otherwise, remains consent. bdsm experiences function positively as the direct result of open and honest communication. Human sexuality is rich and complex, and it often includes the very normal reality of fantasies, kinks, and fetishes. Most want to experience such vulnerable exchanges in a safe and consenting environment, but it is quintessential to communicate with other parties involved in order for the experiences to unfold in a safe, beneficial manner. Many bdsm relationships pivot around the concept of safe words or previously agreed-upon signals, both verbal and nonverbal, which disengage all dominant/submissive behavior at a partner’s behest. When actively engaging in bdsm activities, consent is given unless the safe word is spoken, allowing for expressive fantasies that toy with ideas of pain, pleasure, and subversion of power.

passion, Power is

appealing as a tool for affection & intimacy.

Still, it may be easy for an outside party to become confused or concerned when witnessing an active dominant/submissive bdsm relationship function, particularly when ignorant of the various niche behaviors and customs common to the community. The relationship dynamics can be as simple as the submissive showering the dominant with gifts, or as kinky as being led on a leash and ordered to bark in a stylized puppy play interaction. Every bdsm relationship is different in its behavior, yet each should be respected on its own merit, as long as those involved are forging empowerment, trust and, respect. To outsiders, bdsm relationships can seem one-sided or even abusive, but in a healthy dominant/submissive partnership, the members are filling a gap in their counterpart’s life, and each partner has communicated to the other in order to see that their needs are met. Interaction begets a play of power, affection, and vulnerable intimacy. In popular culture, bdsm relationships are often painted as taboo, perverted, or strange. The Velvet Underground’s notorious track “Venus in Furs” depicted a stylized S&M relationship from the same-titled 1870 novel. The slave-and-master

dynamic was considered incredibly revolutionary for the time period and marked the band as alternative despite their influential sound and lyricism. The recent Maroon 5 music video for their release “Animals” features a more artistic rendering of the power dynamics in relationships, appearing on the surface as a problematic interaction concerning a perverted butcher and the woman of his sexual fantasy. He stalks her, imagining himself entering her room as she sleeps, and features Adam Levine in a montage of him singing in a bloody meat locker and sex scenes with the fantasy woman. Many protested, in particular rainn (the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network), in offense to the promotion of stalking and assault of women. Yet coming from the perspective of bdsm and fetishoriented relationships, one could argue that with the knowledge that the actress is actually Adam Levine's wife, Behati Prinsloo, the video goes from perverse to artistic, a happily betrothed couple living out a sexual fantasy. Out of context, this controversial video could further perpetuate the ideology that non-consent within relationships is normal, which is far from the truth. Thus, we can reframe media as positive, cathartic expressions of trust and fantasy. bdsm can seem dangerous, but when understood in a personal construct, it can build trust and intimacy in relationships. Trust is found through a vulnerable give-and-take, whether having a submissive do a domme’s laundry, or through seductive tickling, sensation play with hot wax, or mental exchanges. When not engaged in their dominant/submissive personas, partners consider one another as equals worthy of respect and dignity. Many relationships choose to experience a transition from their dominant/submissive roles known as aftercare. Whether after an extreme session or a more vanilla experience like painting the dominant’s toenails, the submissive is gradually brought out of the mentality of control or humiliation and cared for by the domme until they consider themselves equal to their counterparts. This healthy release allows partners to strike a careful balance between their fetishes and everyday lives. bdsm is a fulfilling, healthy expression within adult relationships. A culture of consent dominates the modern ethos of so-called kinky identities, all the while differentiating malicious acts as unacceptable of the label. bdsm culture is rapidly impacting all of us with the sex-positive relationships at the core of its lusty philosophy and titillating pratices. + 1 Menyes, Carolyn. "Maroon 5 'Animals' Music Video Deemed 'Dangerous' by RAINN for Adam Levine's Stalking Storyline," Music Times. October 1, 2014. 2 "Venus in Furs," Performed by Velvet Underground. USA: Polydor Records, 1967. Song. 3 "City of Rochester: Rochester Kink Society," Rochester Kink Society 2014.

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{ unveiled } unraveling self doubt

by sara toffolo photographed by hannah schwob At some point in our lives we all hide behind a veil, whether it is to protect ourselves from criticism, or to play a part. However, there is a point that we hit when it becomes an unhealthy routine, when hiding behind the veil becomes a way of life. Sometimes we become so consumed in how we look to others that we forget to be true to ourselves. We forget how to live without constant self-doubt lingering in front of us. These deeply ingrained insecurities can feel difficult to overcome, but there are techniques to help unravel the uncertainty with a few healthy practices.

Be Kind to Ourselves

We need to practice complimenting ourselves every day and learn to not compare ourselves to others. It is important to keep reinforcing the positives while acknowledging that we all make mistakes. If we constantly beat ourselves up over our mistakes, it will harm more than heal, which can halt progression.

Be Honest with Ourselves

Don’t hide behind a mask of falsehood; in the end it will hurt us more to try to be something that we are not. There is a huge weight lifted off of our shoulders if we are true to ourselves and live our lives without having to constantly pretend. While this can be a process, try and learn to not carry constant guilt for having a unique identity.

Stand Taller

Studies show that by standing taller, smiling more, or practicing power poses one can receive positive physical and mental benefits. (According to Amy Cuddy, a Harvard psychologist, these techniques directly influence our internal chemistry, increasing our testosterone levels which can improve our public presentation and self-esteem.)1

Accept Compliments

Take compliments with grace as a way to build inner confidence. It’s a way of saying we trust another’s judgment while remaining modest but confident. If we constantly deny a compliment, it can feel standoffish and seem like we are fishing for compliments, which reflects negatively on us.

5 Distract Ourselves

When we start to think negatively, we need to distract ourselves. Distraction is an effective technique in helping to reduce anxiety. Channel this anxiety by putting it into a creative outlet like painting, drawing, exercise, or writing, a productive way to turn something negative into a positive. This way we won’t overthink a situation and dwell on the negatives while diverting our attention elsewhere into a positive outlet.

6 Positive Thinking

While the world can seem dark and dreary, sometimes it is best to find a slice of heaven in all of the hell. Our situations may not all be ideal, but maintaining a positive attitude can give us strength and perseverance while overcoming the difficulties. (Positive thinking does more than impact us; it can influence those around us, too.)

Self doubt is natural; all humans experience it at some point, and there are ways of coping with it, even if it may seem impossible. Unraveling our veils is a critical step towards finding inner peace. It has immense influence that will help us strive harder for our goals and dreams, with the stress of feeling inadequate not weighing us down. + 1 “Amy J.C. Cuddy,” Harvard Business School. Accessed September 19, 2014.

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Blue Bird Syndrome happiness that is just out of reach by janet west photographed by hyemin kim A little birdie told me about Blue Bird Syndrome. Have you heard of it? What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear blue bird? It typically symbolizes happiness, however, Blue Bird Syndrome is not considered positive. The concept of blue bird came from a fairytale play, The Blue Bird, by a Belgium playwright, Maurice Maeterlinck. In the plot, one night on Christmas Eve, two kids, Tiltil and Mitil, fell asleep and dreamed. A good fairy, Bérylune, appeared and told them to search for a blue bird that will bring them happiness. Tiltil and Mitil decided to search and went on a journey far away through the Land of Memory. They searched everywhere, but the blue bird was nowhere to be found. Still dreaming, the kids decided to head back home, and as soon as they walked closer to the door, there it was. They found a blue bird that was in a birdcage at the door, hence, the blue bird. It symbolizes that happiness is already within us, right now. However, individuals who constantly search for happiness out of illusion and out of reach have Blue Bird Syndrome.1 Blue Bird Syndrome signifies individuals who are not in the present or are not connected to reality. This is also known as dissociation.2 Anyone can have Blue Bird Syndrome, especially those who cannot adapt well to the fast-paced, competitive society we live in today. They feel behind and/or delayed. No one has ever been diagnosed with this syndrome; however, most of us have had this experience. Striving for something better when we approach our future is normal. Unfortunately, when looking at how far away happiness seems to be, giving up and continue dreaming is just easier. Dreaming about a happy future 2 6 98

is not living at all. Living in the moment is the way to go. Time goes by fast and it is precious, and if one doesn’t realize that living in the dream is dangerous, then the realization of true happiness will never be grasped. Look back, how much time has already flown by?

“Dreaming about a happy future is not living at all.” How many of your dreams have been achieved? Are your dreams drifting further and further away because of the time you have dreamed of them outweighs the action you are taking to make these dreams happen? Blue Bird Syndrome is like a birdcage, stuck and not going anywhere. Happiness can never be grasped as an intangible object like the illusionary world. Happiness is already here today, within us. Life will be shorter and pass you by if you are not living in the present. Staying in the dark will only make us blind, and don’t we need to go into the light to see well? The light of our mind must be switched on and the darkness must be switched off. And that bright place where the present can be seen would be the mind of true happiness, but not many realize this. Even a little birdie told me once that I dream too much and that I forget the happiness that dwells in me. But I am trying to live in the present. – 1 Maeterlinck, Maurice. The Blue Bird. Ottawa: EBooksLib. 2 Dissociation and Dissociative Disorders. Mental Health America.

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professors

photo editors

art directors

design directors

1 denis defibaugh 2 lorrie frear 3 alexandra genova 4 carly rumpf

5 michael murtaugh 6 amanda yanez 7 sophia del plato 8 janet west

copy editors

9 victoria binkley 10 carolina rago 11 danielle smith

12 13 14 15

production editors

courtney distasio maja kruegle giovanni leone hannah schwob

iPad and web team

16 17 18 19

jordan burns karie eng ava dan liu emily schultz

promotions

20 chrissy connors

feature editors

designers

21 emily barresi 22 rachel nicholson 23 edelweiss cheng 24 rachel fox 25 breanna ingling

26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

jordan knapp britta moberg valerie perry ellie peters victoria prokopenko kelsey rowley ashley slaby sara toffolo

34 35 36 37 38 39 40

photographers

seth abel emily au danielle digilio amanda figliola chulho kang hyemin kim hoyi yau

THANK

YOU

This issue of Positive/Negative Magazine would not have been possible without the help and support of our contributors and sponsors. From all of us here at Volume 8, we offer our deepest appreciation and sincerest thanks to you all.

Thank you to rit President Destler, The School of Design, and The School of Photographic Arts and Sciences for your generous donations to our publication. Thank you to Barbara Giordano and John Dettmer, our friends at pal, for their support in the printing and production of the magazine. Thank you to Neenah Paper and Ross Van Burkleo for their kind donation of time and resources that significantly impacted the magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creation. Thank you to our friends at Book One and tlf Graphics for their assistance in the binding and finishing of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition of Positive/Negative Magazine.

Thank you to David Mitchell for his insight, assistance, and culinary expertise throughout the production of the magazine. Thank you to Nathan Pacelli for his technical know-how and thank you to Dayna Papaleo for her copy editing support. Finally, our class would like to offer unending gratitude and love to our professors Denis Defibaugh and Lorrie Frear. Thank you for allowing us an opportunity to craft our own signature edition of Positive/Negative and for being the masters of guidance, flexibility, and expertise throughout this process. Thank you for everything.

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am Te , pt , p h o t o g r a p h y , a n d d e e ova sign by conce v i e v t Alexandra Gen i t a a r a n ie l l e S m it h , S bo e g le , D ar a T l la Kru of fo a j lo a n a d Ama M n d a Ya n e z

Book One y er, n R o c he s t

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o col l of c a ge c ble a t , o pa mponents for cover ges es Smithsonian, F l ick r, ourc ac q s n u i re ai d thr Fl ou gh publ ic d o m ic k ry r, M Fa i c org i ueFi le ph , and G r a This magazine was printed on materials that contain 30% post-consumer content. © 2014 Positive/Negative Magazine. All Rights Reserved.