College News Fall 2019

collegenews.com Fall Issue 2019

FRAMING HANLEY ARE BACK TOP BASKETBALL TEAMS TO WATCH IN 2019-20

Secrets to Your Skincare

COCOON CENTRAL DANCE TEAM THE DANCE TEAM YOU NEVER KNEW YOU NEEDED

THE LUMINEERS ON ADDICTION, FAMILY AND THE INSPIRATION FOR THEIR NEW ALBUM CN 219 cover.indd 1

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Contents

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FALL 2019

EDUCATION & CAREERS 7

DECORATING YOUR DORM ON A BUDGET Moving into your new dorm room is exciting! Put your own personal touch on those cinderblock walls and regulation furniture with our advice

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ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE 2020 ELECTION From the debates to the conventions to the electoral college, here’s everything you need to know

COLLEGE BASKETBALL TEAMS TO WATCH Here’s who you should be keeping an eye on in 2019-20

COVER STORY 18

THE LUMINEERS: NEW ALBUM EXPLORES ADDICTION The Lumineers are back with a new album, III, that jumps deep into themes of addiction and family. We talk to them about the inspiration for III, writing darker music and what it’s like to play together for over a decade

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SAFE SEX IS GREAT SEX Better wear a latex! Here’s what you need to know about safe sex, and where you can find the resources you need in university

FASHION FAUX FUR FASHION TRENDS FOR FALL Vegan leather has long been a popular alternative to the real thing, and now the sustainability and earth-friendly movement is catching up. We look at some faux fur fashion trends for fall

POLITICS

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ESSENTIAL SELF-CARE: ESSENTIAL OILS

SEX & DATING 31

STUDY SUPPLEMENTS

SPORTS

THIS SKIN YOU’RE IN

We unearth the benefits of essentials oils to your self-care routines

Maybe you’ve heard of smart drugs, brain enhancers or nootropics? We dive into what these supplements are and if they 32 work

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LIFESTYLE Have we all become skincare obsessives? Pop into any drug store, and you’ll find sheet masks, fancy acids and a dizzying number of serums, moisturizers and scrubs

STRESS: AN EPIDEMIC AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS Every part of going to college is stressful, from test scores and applications to that first college exam. It’s no wonder rates of stress are skyrocketing among college students

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LAST WORD

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PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF COMEDY AND DANCE As “I’m Every Woman” starts playing, three women dressed in head-to-toe blue spandex bodysuits tumble out from behind a curtain. They are the Cocoon Central Dance Team, and we catch them in the dressing room

COVER STORY

The Lumineers

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FEATURES 22

FRAMING HANLEY ARE BACK Framing Hanley’s lead vocalist and songwriter, Kenneth Nixon, speaks with College News about the band’s split, and what we can expect from their new album

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Fall 2019 | CONTRIBUTORS

Welcome!

Autumn: Changing leaves, a crispness in the air and a backpack full of fresh possibilites on your way back to school. My first year at college was a thrilling time, the autumn heralding a new era of life to be filled with new friends and experiences. And a new life means a new place to live, which is why we’re covering the essentials of decorating your dorm on a budget in this issue on page 7.

As much as starting college was exciting, it was also tough to navigate the increased workload after a pretty breezy high school experience. Today, college students are more stressed than ever. We ask why on page 10 and offer some study tips on page 13.

This back-to-school issue of College News is filled to the brim with fun content including interviews with Framing Hanley (p. 22) and the comedy act Cocoon Central Dance Team (p. 34).

It’s a weird, sad world out there right now, so we’re also hopping on the self-care bandwagon with features about skincare (p. 25) and the many uses of essential oils (p. 27) What we’re most excited about this month is our interview with Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites, the frontmen of The Lumineers, who are releasing their third album on September 13. They talked to us about the inspiration for their new work, which dives deep into themes of addiction and family, all on page 21.

Happy reading, everyone!

Group CEO & Publisher Kevin Harrington Editor Elika Roohi Design Jason Craig Production Director Jo Harrington Production Coordinator Ava Keane

collegenews.com Editor: Elika Roohi College News 29 East Madison Suite 809 Chicago, IL 60602 Tel: (312) 572 7727 © College News, 2019. All rights reserved. All material in College News is wholly copyrighted and reproduction without the written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden.

Neither this publication nor its contents constitute an explicit or implied endorsement by College News of the products or services mentioned in advertising or editorial content.

Elika Roohi, Editor

Contributors 1. LAUREN MCLEMORE

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Lauren is a junior at the University of Central Arkansas studying Journalism and Marketing. She has a passion for good storytelling and serving her community. In her free time, she works as a freelance writer for many publications and hopes to work in communications for healthcare facilities that serve women and minorities after graduation.

2. HANNAH FOSKETT Hannah is a graduate from the University of Surrey, where she obtained a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing.

Pursuing a career in publishing, she is currently enjoying her job as an editorial assistant in London. When she’s not at work, Hannah continues her passion by writing children’s fiction and watching

The Devil Wears Prada on loop.

3. ANETHA SIVANANTHAN Anetha has a BA in English Literature from Brunel University London. Following her graduation in 2018, she has written for a diverse range of publications with a focus on politics, lifestyle, health and art.

In addition to writing, in her spare time, Anetha enjoys experimenting with oil pastels and travelling.

4. ESTRELLA MARTINEZ Estrella is a freelance writer and poetry-lover. She has had her poems professionally published in literary magazines and has written articles for various magazines and newsletters. Her passion for writing became apparent in high school, where she began writing

poetry and spoken word. In her free time, Estrella enjoys spending time with her family, reading and participating in outdoor activities.

5. NICOLE TARSITANO Nicole is a student and writer from Northern New Jersey. She currently works as a content writer for a marketing company. She is also a writing tutor that helps student writers become the best that they can be. She will graduate with an honors designation from Monmouth University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in English Creative Writing and a minor in Professional Writing.

When she’s not studying, Nicole loves snuggling up on the couch with her dog and a Stephen King novel. One day, she hopes to have read every one of his books!

collegenews.com | Fall 2019

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Dorms & Lifestyle | EDUCATION & CAREERS

Decorating Your Dorm on a Budget

By Elika Roohi

Moving into your new dorm room is exciting! Put your own personal touch on those cinderblock walls and regulation furniture with our decorating advice

© s h u t t er stock

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oing to college is expensive—tuition, fees, room and board, text books, meal plans. Before you even set foot on campus, it’s likely that you’ve already shelled out thousands of dollars for the privilege.

That financial reality can leave the extra things, like making your new dorm room feel like home, feel out of reach. But there’s always a way to make your life a little nicer, even on the cheap. Read on for our top tips for outfitting your dorm on a budget.

Cheap is good; free is better When it comes to decorations, don’t look down on hand-me-downs. Reconsider an old book shelf from your dad or a dusty wall-hanging from your mom. You can always paint wood furniture or cover outdated upholstery. And the adage “what’s old is new again” is still definitely true, especially when you have no money.

Before you buy anything (seriously, anything) ask around and see if someone has an old microwave or mini-fridge or even extra hangers lying around.

DIY Be crafty and make things yourself. Not only does this let you really personalize your new space in your new life, it also opens up opportunities for conversation. There’s nothing as satisfying as answering a compliment with “Thanks, I made it myself!”

DIY is truly a budget-friendly option (you only need to spend a little bit on supplies!), and then you can create anything from lampshades to curtains to your own artwork. Some other easy DIY ideas include enlarging one of your

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EDUCATION & CAREERS | Dorms & Lifestyle

favorite photos to hand on the wall as a poster or using sidewalk chalk to create an indoor, temporary mural.

THINK THRIFT Warehouse stores, dollar stores, secondhand shops and yard sales are all good places to find useful items for your new home without shelling out a ton of cash. Furnishing your dorm with cheap things you’re not too attached to is imperative, since your life in college is temporary, and it’s unlikely you’ll end up taking everything you buy now on to the next stage of your life.

Another place you might be able to find what you’re looking for? The dump! We’re serious. If you want to give dumpster diving a try, look out for items that can be put in the washing machine at high heat to kill any germs or hosed down and possibly repainted.

Nothing makes a much feel like yours quite as und aro all es as having pictur s is thi do to y wa sy you. An ea n ow ur to bring a bunch of yo ing str me so t ge printed photos, hang and clothespins. Then spins the clo the photos with the eap ch , ple Sim . ing from the str and all you.

rug or a mini-fridge, gives both of your lives an upgrade at a price point you can afford.

One tip before agreeing to going halfsies: make a plan for who gets what when you inevitably move out. Maybe agree to buy out the other half of the mini-fridge at the end of the year or decide to take one of the shared items while your roommate gets the other.

Agreeing on this ahead of time is a way to avoid potential future conflict.

GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR ART When it comes to personalizing your space, one of the best ways is by decorating your

KEEP IT SAFE After putting so much work into making your dorm a beautiful space, that last thing you want is for someone to break in and trash it. Or worse—steal your valuable belongings, like a laptop. Between 2010 and 2012, there were nearly 34,000 robberies in student residences across the nation.

To secure your dorm, consider installing a door or window alarm and insuring your valuable belongings. Always lock your doors and windows, make sure you know the guest policy in your dorm and put your valuables away when you’re not in the room. CN

© S H U T T ER STOCK

GO HALFSIES YYour dorm is a shared space, so it makes sense to share the cost of its decoration. Sit down with your roommate—or reach out via email if it’s before the semester begins—to see what they are comfortable with in terms of cost and decorations so you’re both on the same page.

Splitting the costs of bigger items, like a

IS PICTURE THsp ace

walls. Adding some color and fun to the new cinderblock expanse you’re suddenly faced with can be easy and cheap. Look for inexpensive frames from somewhere like a dollar store or IKEA, and then search for cheap, downloadable wall art from websites like Etsy.

If you don’t have access to a high-quality printer or aren’t into the vibe of downloaded art, almost anything you put in a frame gets and automatic upgrade. Look for wrapping paper with a pattern you like and frame it, or spend some time making art out of magic markers. Whatever it is, your room will look great and your bank account will benefit too.

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What’s one tip you wish you would have known as a freshman starting college?

For Sleepyhead Founder and CEO Steven Van Alen, it was to come prepared for the old, lumpy and unhygienic mattresses provided by campus housing.

It was this very idea that fueled his brand that specializes in mattress toppers that fit the standard university-issued mattress and at a student-friendly price point. It started with the original Sleepyhead mattress topper, made with gel memory foam that’s free from harmful toxins and materials.

Adding new options, Sleepyhead introduced their copper-infused mattress topper which additionally protects students from bacteria and dust mites found in older mattresses.

Aside from providing sleeping solutions for success and supporting students’ dreams, the brand offers their “Good Till Graduation” five-year warranty on all mattress toppers making this item a smart investment, especially as a first-year resident.

Thanks to Sleepyhead, students are no longer ignored in the sleep space.

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EDUCATION & CAREERS | Exam Anxiety

STRESS

An Epidemic Among College Students Every part of going to college is stressful, from getting impressive test scores in high school, to sending out a spectacular application, to that first college exam.

It’s no wonder rates of stress are skyrocketing among college students

BY NICOLE TARSITANO

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ach year, the number of students who apply to college increases. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), four percent more students applied to college in 2018 than in the previous year, yet only 65.4 percent of those students were accepted.

Applying to college is competitive, and students realize this. It is drilled into their

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heads by their high school faculty to make themselves stand out, get the highest grades possible and take the most rigorous courses.

The NACAC confirmed these claims.

They said that college admissions look most closely at grades, the rigor of high school curriculum and test scores as the top determining factors for choosing incoming freshman. It is because of this that

students are going into college stressed and overworked from even just getting accepted.

Students work hard to make their applications better than their peers’. They work part-time, volunteer, attend multiple extra-curricular activities and still need to make time to keep straight-A grades.

The American Institute of Stress (AIS) said that incoming freshmen are becoming

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increasingly aware of the stress college brings because of the rigorous application process. Despite this awareness, these students are not necessarily given healthy coping methods for managing stress.

FACTORS LEADING TO COLLEGE STRESS LEVELS The AIS said that students are not getting nearly enough sleep because of the amount of pressure put on their shoulders. They reported that eight in 10 college students experience frequent stress. But what is causing this number to be so alarmingly high?

First-time students living at college are at risk for stress caused by being away from home for the first time. Even the students who do not think they will get homesick experience anxiety caused by being on their own. It can be hard to leave the comforts of home with parents and family to support you for completely new and uncharted territory.

Students are also tasked with securing a whole new set of friends once they begin college. Many will have grown up with the same classmates throughout their education, so college is full of new faces and the potentially daunting task of making new friends.

Outgoing students might not struggle with social anxiety as much, but a lot of students isolate themselves out of fear of rejection.

Being alone is a huge risk factor for stress because it is vital to have a friend to talk to about feelings of anxiety or sadness.

In addition to being away from home and having to maintain friendships, students have to keep up with multiple courses that require extensive assignments. The competition between students is high, motivating them to stay up until the wee hours of the night completing assignments so they do not fall behind.

Studying for assessments and writing papers are well-known aspects of the college experience. It is surprising, however, that the

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average full-time college student only spends 2.76 hours per day on educationrelated activities, according to a study undertaken by The Heritage Foundation.

This low number implies that students are spending more time on social and leisure activities and less time on educational tasks.

They attempt to reduce stress through these activities, but are ultimately falling behind with their studies and causing more stress by having to improve fallen grades.

It is important to remember that these courses are expensive! Finances pose a problem to nearly every college student.

Higher education isn’t cheap, even with financial aid and scholarships.

The cost of living away from home also adds up because students want to go out with friends and buy food that is more appetizing than what’s on offer in the dining hall.

On top of making friends, getting acclimated to a new environment and balancing a new schedule, students often have to work at jobs to keep up with the expenses. Any time spent at a job means taking time away from educational tasks, like homework and studying.

College Board found that the average public four-year university costs over $20,000 per year, while private institutions cost more than $40,000 per year. This could be one of the reasons why 43 percent of full time and 81 percent of part time students are

employed, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

WHAT CAN WE DO? The rising rate of stress in college students is revealing the very real need for mental health and counseling services on campuses. Many campuses offer these services, but are struggling to keep up with the increasing rate of students coming in the door.

It is important to take these matters seriously. Eighty percent of students report feeling stressed sometimes or often, and 34 percent report having feelings of depress ion, as reported by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

These intense feelings have the potential to lead to destructive decisions.

Having counselors available for students at all times is important to ensure student safety and aid in finding methods for dealing with stress. CN

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Nootropics | Education & Careers

Study Supplements Maybe you’ve heard of smart drugs, brain enhancers or nootropics.

We dive into what these supplements are and if they work

By Estrella Martinez

E

veryone has seen the movie Limitless, starring Bradley Cooper. A struggling author takes a magic pill given to him by an acquaintance and wakes up the next day with enough focus and creativity to write a whole book in one day. Boom!

Suddenly, he has the concentration of a monk and the creativity of Picasso, all thanks to one pill. Great story, right? Well what if there was some sort of pill like this in reality?

The term nootropics was coined by Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea to encompass any medication or chemical that alters the brain to improve focus and concentration. He even went as far as to set five requirements for drugs to be classified as a nootropic, which are: ✦ Enhance memory and ability to learn ✦ Help the brain function under disruptive conditions ✦ Protect the brain from chemical and physical assaults ✦ Increase the efficacy of neuronal firing control mechanisms ✦ Possess few or no side effects and are virtually non-toxic As you can imagine, most supplements billed as nootropics do not meet all of these requirements, but people still label them as such. Some examples are medications used to treat ADHD, like Adderall and Ritalin.

Do they work?

So, the big question is, “Do nootropics work?” Well, it really depends on each individual and what medication you take exactly. There is still a lot of contradictory research on nootropics.

Time even goes on to say, “To date, there is no safe drug that may increase cognition in healthy adults.” Many studies have shown that

nootropics have no effect on cognitive functions at all.

On the other hand, drugs meant to treat ADHD have been widely used by college students to enhance focus and concentration.

Since these medications can be labelled as nootropics, then we can assume that some nootropics do work.

Can it boost your studying?

Again, this depends largely on the person considering it. They would want to ask themselves, how badly do they need help concentrating? What is at risk if they are not able to study properly or learn something correctly? Might the person have ADHD to some

degree? These questions will help guide the person to the correct decision. Some people may have cognitive issues and be completely unaware of them. It is recommended that you see a doctor first, so that they may prescribe something before you try a supplement like nootropics.

In conclusion While there is still a lot of research to be done concerning nootropics, some of the medications have helped people in the past. Since everyone’s circumstances vary greatly, it’s worth it to see your doctor and talk to him about your problem with concentration or focus. You might even be prescribed a nootropic. CN

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POLITICS | 2020 Election

Essential Guide to the 2020 Election

WHY ARE WE CAMPAIGNING NOW? In an average election year, maybe two or three people will run against each other for the party nomination. This year, there are 23 people in the running, with five that have already dropped out.

This election is about Trump. In 2016, the current President pulled off a mammoth

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From the debates to the conventions to the electoral college, here’s everything you need to know

BY ELIKA ROOHI

political upset against Hillary Clinton, taking swing states such as Florida and North Carolina, while overcoming the “blue wall” in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan.

This time the candidates are different, the issues are different and the electorate has changed. Everyone is watching with bated breath wondering: Can Trump do it again?

While most attention is focused on the presidency, the general election will also determine control of Congress, state

legislatures and governorships. Power in the Senate will be up for grabs, with 34 out of 100 seats up for election in 2020—about a third of those seats look competitive. Democrats will also try to defend their majority in the House of Representatives.

WHO CAN VOTE? There are more than 224 million people of voting age in the US. The 2020 electorate will be more diverse and younger than ever before, according to a January 2019 analysis from the Pew Research Center.

Non-white voters will account for a third of eligible voters—their largest share ever— and one in 10 eligible voters will be from Gen Z. In 2016, about 30 percent of Americans who were eligible to vote decided not to or were blocked; however, given the surge in turnout for the 2018 midterm elections,

© S HU T TER S TO CK

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n November 3, 2020, Americans will head to the polls and render their verdict on Donald Trump’s presidency. For many reasons, this election is looming larger than those in previous years—so much so that 23 individuals (21 Democrats and two Republicans) have announced their candidacy for president in 2020.

With that many names to keep track of, not to mention the issues, we’ve broken it down into an essential guide so you can keep up.

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2020 Election | POLITICS

2020 could see an expanded electorate.

However, experts say voter suppression and gerrymandering may have hindered Democrats in 2018 and may continue to counter the effects of a more enthusiastic voting base.

EXPLAIN PRIMARIES TO ME The primaries and caucuses are a series of contests in all 50 states plus Washington D.C. and outlying territories, by which the party selects its presidential nominee. The goal for candidates is to amass a majority of delegates whose job it is to nominate the candidate. In some states, delegates are awarded on a winner-take-all basis; other states split their delegates proportionally among top winners.

The goal for candidates is to win earlyvoting states, creating name recognition and a sense of momentum. Sometimes the nominee emerges quickly, but the last two major Democratic primary contests, pitting Obama against Clinton and then Sanders against Clinton, have lasted from the Iowa caucuses in January through late spring.

CONVENTIONS After the primaries, the two parties will hold their national conventions, at which they will officially designate their candidates. The conventions are a mix of political business, theater and party.

The Democratic national convention is July 13-16, 2020, and the Republican convention is a month later, from August 24-27.

THEN THE RACE BEGINS The general election, the race for president that most voters think of, begins in earnest after the conventions when there are two clear candidates. This is when the candidates hit the campaign trail, unveil their running mates and step up to the national debate stage. For Trump, his work will also include the business of the presidency.

Then November 3 will come, votes will be cast and it will all come down to the electoral college. CN

IMPORTANT DATES September 12-13

Next democratic debates

February 3

Iowa caucuses kick off the primaries

March 3

Super Tuesday

July 13-16

Democratic national convention

August 24-27

HERE’S WHO’S RUNNING ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

Michael Bennet Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Cory Booker Steve Bullock Pete Buttigieg Julián Castro Bill de Blasio John Delaney Tulsi Gabbard Kirsten Gillibrand Kamala Harris Amy Klobuchar Wayne Messam Beto O’Rourke Tim Ryan Bernie Sanders Joe Sestak Tom Steyer Elizabeth Warren Marianne Williamson Andrew Yang

✭ Donald J. Trump ✭ William F. Weld

Republican national convention

November 3

Election day

REGISTERING TO VOTE

The deadlines to register to vote vary by state. Some states allow voters to register in person on election day, others set a deadline as much as 30 days before election day.

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| Basketball SPORTS EDUCATION & CAREERS | Exam Anxiety

TEAMS TO WATCH

IN 2019-20

There’s a lot that’s going to happen between now and the beginning of this year’s college basketball season, so it may seem almost premature to publish a top teams list. But we’re too excited to wait!

Here’s who you should be keeping an eye on in 2019-20

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MICHIGAN STATE

KENTUCKY

DUKE

✖ WHO’S GONE: GONE Matt McQuaid, Kenny Goins, Nick Ward ✔ WHO’S BACK: Cassius Winston, Xavier Tillman, Joshua Langford, Aaron Henry, Kyle Ahrens, Gabe Brown, Foster Loyer, Marcus Bingham, Thomas Kithier ☛ WHO’S COMING IN: Rocket Watts, Malik Hall, Julius Marble ✪ PROJECTED STARTERS: Cassius Winston, Joshua Langford, Kyle Ahrens, Aaron Henry, Xavier Tillman

✖ WHO’S GONE: P.J. Washington, Keldon Johnson, Tyler Herro, Reid Travis ✔ WHO’S BACK: E.J. Montgomery, Ashton Hagans, Immanuel Quickly, Nick Richards ☛ WHO’S COMING IN: Kahlil Whitney, Tyrese Maxey, Keion Brooks, Johnny Juzang, Dontaie Allen, Nate Sestina ✪ PROJECTED STARTERS: Tyrese Maxey, Ashton Hagans, Kahlil Whitney, Keion Brooks, E.J. Montgomery

✖ WHO’S GONE: Zion Williamson, R.J. Barrett, Cam Reddish, Marques Bolden ✔ WHO’S BACK: Tre Jones, Alex O’Connell, Jack White, Javin DeLaurier, Jordan Goldwire, Joey Baker ☛ WHO’S COMING IN: Vernon Carey, Wendell Moore, Matthew Hurt, Cassius Stanley ✪ PROJECTED STARTERS: Tre Jones, Alex O’Connell, Wendell Moore, Matthew Hurt, Vernon Carey

KANSAS

VILLANOVA

LOUISVILLE

✖ WHO’S GONE: Lagerald Vick, Dedric Lawson, Quintin Grimes, K.J. Lawson, Charlie Moore ✔ WHO’S BACK: Devon Dotson, Ochai Agbaji, Udoka Azubuike, Marcus Garrett, Silvio De Sousa, Mitch Lightfoot, David McCormack ☛ WHO’S COMING IN: Isaiah Moss, Jalen Wilson, Tristan Enaruna, Isaac McBride, Christian Braun ✪ PROJECTED STARTERS: Devon Dotson, Isaiah Moss, Ochai Agbaji, Silvio De Sousa, Udoka Azubuike

✖ WHO’S GONE: Eric Paschall, Phil Booth, Jahvon Quinerly ✔ WHO’S BACK: Jermaine Samuels, Cole Swider, Saddiq Bey, Collin Gillespie, Dhamir CosbyRountree, Brandon Slater ☛ WHO’S COMING IN: Bryan Antoine, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Justin Moore, Eric Dixon ✪ PROJECTED STARTERS: Collin Gillespie, Bryan Antoine, Saddiq Bey, Jermaine Samuels, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl

✖ WHO’S GONE: Christen Cunningham, Khwan Fore, Akoy Agau ✔ WHO’S BACK: Jordan Nwora, Dwayne Sutton, Ryan McMahon, Steve Enoch, Malik Williams, Darius Perry ☛ WHO’S COMING IN: Samuell Williamson, Jaelyn Withers, Josh Nickelberry, Fresh Kimble, David Johnson, Aidan Igiehom, Quinn Slazinski ✪ PROJECTED STARTERS: Fresh Kimble, Samuell Williamson, Dwayne Sutton, Jordan Nwora, Malik Williams

Fall 2019 | collegenews.com

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© T h e Lu m i n eer s

© s h u t t er stock

Cover story | The Lumineers

Fall 2019 | collegenews.com

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The Lumineers | Cover Story

THE LUMINEERS { New Album Explores Addiction }

By Elika Roohi

The Lumineers are back with a new album, III, that jumps deep into themes of addiction and family. We talk to them about the inspiration for III, writing darker music and what it’s like to play together for over a decade

“I

t’s like someone gently waking you up out of a deep sleep,” says Wesley Schultz, guitarist and singer of The Lumineers. He’s talking about “Donna,” the first track on their new album, III. What Schultz means is that the piano part—written by Jeremiah Fraites, his bandmate of over a decade—is haunting and beautiful, an eerie sign of the heartbreak that lies ahead on III. This latest work by the stripped-down folk band dives into deeper and darker waters than their previous albums. III tells a poignant and troubling story about the effects of addiction on a family. The album is divided into three chapters, with each chapter focusing on a different generation of the family, starting with the grandmother Gloria Sparks, followed by the son Jimmy Sparks and the grandson Junior Sparks. “[The album] just shows a really kind of heart-breaking look at trying to love addicts, trying to love somebody that really can’t help themselves,” says Fraites.

III was largely inspired by a family member of Schultz’s who was dealing with addiction, although Fraites’ family has also been touched by addiction—his brother passed away of a drug overdose 18 years ago. For both of them, working on the album became a deeply cathartic process.

“You know how people sing about heartbreak?” Schultz askes me. “Singing about stuff that’s very real or true but hurts, it tends to bring out something in people. I think going there and saying your darkest thoughts or confessing or saying something

that you’re going through that a lot of people aren’t talking about, I think it’s something about art and music that’s very healing, it’s very cathartic.”

“

…it was something that was real in both of our lives, and it feels really sincere and genuine to be talking about it through the medium of this album…

,,

Jeremiah Fraites

On the inspiration for III As I listen to the first few tracks of III , I understand what Schultz meant about waking from a deep sleep—the melody is beautiful, but the story grips my attention.

In true Lumineers style, the music is stripped down and uncomplicated, letting the mastery of their talent shine through, while the lyrics are a complex story that call for many more listens.

I ask Schultz what it was like to bring such a personal story to a large audience, especially one as heart-rending as this.

“I think if you keep too much of a distance in how you’re talking about something—in other words if you’re not vulnerable or putting yourself out there, you’re not really telling the story, you’re not really painting the accurate picture,” he says. “I think initially I was trying to keep a distance between me and that person in the story, but as time wore on it became obvious that it would be a wasted opportunity to actually draw attention to something important. And if I don’t acknowledge that it’s part of my life, how do I expect people to acknowledge that either?”

“It’s kind of like if there’s something in your family, and then you are ashamed by it and you feel like it reflects on you and you don’t want to talk about it, then it becomes this problem that’s also like a secret, and it’s a heavier and heavier burden,” he adds. “I’m happy I did it because I’ve seen afterwards that a lot of people have said a lot of things in a short period of time of how they’ve witnessed this.”

When I ask Fraites, he says: “These lyrics, these videos, us talking about [addiction] in any way shape or form, sort of sheds some light on it or maybe gets people to talk about it and say, ‘oh maybe I do have a problem, maybe I can look for the signs, and help other people.’

“You know we never want to be preachy, and we’re not perfect people. But it was something that was real in both of our lives, and it feels really sincere and genuine to be talking about it through the medium of this album as a whole.”

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23/08/2019 11:36

Sell Your Old Textbooks for Cash at Textbook prices are out of control, and the average student now spends over $1,200 on books and materials each school year . To make matters worse, once the semester ends, those books often become useless to them, adding insult to financial injury. Traditionally the only respite was the campus used bookstore, which would only take books in near perfect condition, and paid pennies on the dollar or put books on consignment. Thankfully, today there is a better option – TextbookCashback.com.

TextbookCashback.com is an online textbook buyback company that makes it simple and easy to sell old, unwanted textbooks for cash. Students can quickly look up their textbooks using the on-site ISBN search and get an instant quote on what the site is currently

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paying for that book. Prices for most books are higher than the other big buyback companies offer, and If the number sounds good, all a student has to do is print out the free USPS shipping label provided by the site and drop their books in the mail. Upon acceptance, TextbookCashback.com will immediately cut a check or send an instant payment via PayPal. Students can sell new and used books, even if they have a minimal amount of writing or highlighting and reasonable wear and tear. Best of all, the site takes the work out of selling privately, making unloading old books as easy as a few clicks. Thanks to TextbookCashback.com, students now have a hassle-free option to reclaim some of the hardearned money they’re forced to shell out for textbooks every year.

23/08/2019 12:23

The Lumineers | Cover Story

On those incredible videos Adding another layer to the story, the band will release a music video for each song, directed by Kevin Phillips. Several have already come out, depicting the story from the first chapter of the album, and the visuals are stunning.

Schultz and Fraites discovered Phillips’ work on the film Super Dark and knew immediately that he could capture the tone of their new album.

“We knew that we has this album that was a lot darker than previous Lumineers albums, we knew that the subject matter was darker than previous Lumineers lyrics, and I think we wanted to make sure that the videos didn’t look too clean or glossed over with perfect looking model actors and actresses.

We really wanted to make it feel authentic and sincere,” said Fraites.

Releasing a series of narrative music videos for every song on an album isn’t a traditional way of doing things, and the band initially had trouble getting the label on board with their plan. “We got a lot of pushback at first,” said Schultz. “And we decided to do it ourselves, and then they eventually got on board and really supported it… I think if you really pour yourself and your resources into something like this it’s always worth doing you never look back and regret it.”

The response has already been overwhelming for the band, with fans reaching out with stories of their own.

On not being pigeonholed The songs on III seem far away from “Ho Hey,” the sunny hit that launched the band into the mainstream several years ago, or their other upbeat songs—but it’s not, Schultz says.

“I think if you actually go back and go listen to the first album or the second, I can give you many, many examples of what we were singing about and why that was actually pretty dark,” he clarifies for me, when I ask. “I just think this is the first time we’ve maybe made that in music… it just sounds darker.”

The Lumineers are commonly compared to other folk bands, like Mumford & Sons, but Schultz is on record saying that comparison isn’t fair. He elaborates about

why he thinks putting artists into categories doesn’t help anyone.

“If someone said to you, you’re this type of writer, I think your initial reaction would be to say don’t pigeon-hole me into this—I’m more dynamic than what you’re saying I am.”

On playing together for over a decade Fraites and Schultz have been playing together since 2005, when they got their start in Ramsey, New Jersey. They now live in Denver—both are married now and both welcomed baby boys a year ago.

I’m curious about what it’s like to have such a long-standing and close working relationship, especially through all the change, from days of working tirelessly to make rent in NYC to being successful enough to play at the Obama White House twice.

“I feel like more the key ingredient to our relationship is that we’ve been able to not change the writing process,” reflects Fraites.

“When we first started out, we just

wanted to write music together, we just needed a piano, some drums, a guitar… I think with album two we did a really good job of still figuring out a way to write music the way we’ve always done, and with this album it was the same thing. It’s a really kind of boring process.” (The band got together at a cabin in the Catskills to write III.) “Ironically success was one of the most traumatic and difficult things to deal with,” Fraites tells me.

Schultz echoes this sentiment: “Sometimes the success of something actually throws people into a strange or destructive state of mind. And when you’re busy trying and failing, or trying but not having a ton of success, it tends to bring people together.”

“We want to write songs in a certain way,” Schultz adds. “We try to collaborate in this very honest way—like we cut a part or we cut a song—both of us know it’s because we think it’s the best thing for the song, and not for one of our egos.”

The process is clearly working for them.

III comes out on September 13 and is available for pre-order now. CN

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Entertainment | Framing Hanley

FRAMING HANLEY On writing together again with Kenneth Nixon Interview by Kayley Loveridge; Edited by Hannah Foskett

Framing Hanley’s lead vocalist and songwriter, Kenneth Nixon, speaks with College News about the band’s split, what we can expect from the new album and the star’s favorite FH tracks to date

F

rom a basement in Nashville to a breakout Lil’ Wayne cover, three studio albums, tours of the world and a final show in 2015, Framing Hanley are back on the rock scene and sounding better than ever. Calling it a career after ten successful years, the band have since found their voice again, almost by accident—or fate.

Lead singer and songwriter Kenneth Nixon spoke to us about FH’s journey and upcoming album, his struggle with depression and how rock n’ roll is still a huge part of his life.

COLLEGE NEWS: After the announcement that the band would split in 2015, Framing Hanley have made a remarkable and unprecedented comeback in 2018. Could you tell us a bit about how you

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came to the decision to reunite and what kind of year it’s been as a result?

KENNETH NIXON: After about six months or so of being disbanded, Ryan and I started writing together again for what was originally going to be a new project entirely. That’s where our new album title Sumner Roots came from; it was the name of our new project. I had gravitated toward more roots country/Americana/singer-songwriter stuff. However, as time went on, so did the gain knob on the amplifiers. We realized after a short time that we were writing Framing Hanley songs again—which didn’t come as a surprise, being the two main songwriters through the history of FH. We thought it would be silly to brand it as

anything other than what it was: more Framing Hanley.

CN: You have also just released the second single, “Baggage Claim”, from the much-anticipated new album. How has the response been so far?

KN: I think people are digging it. It’s a little different from what people have come to expect from Framing Hanley, I know that much. It’s one of my absolute favorite songs we’ve ever released.

It’s funny because, while it’s a “relationship” song on the outside, it’s actually about our relationship with the music industry. Trying to walk away but there’s that allure—that stranglehold even—that always draws ya back.

CN: How would you say your sound has evolved and changed over the years?

KN: I always said I wanted our albums to sound like our band continued to evolve with every album we released. So, while the change is

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Framing Hanley | ENTERTAINMENT

Y ARE BACK there, it’s been natural, and I think has a lot to do with always taking inspiration from what we like listening to. We’ve never been a “well we have to do this because everyone else is” band.

CN: You have spoken openly in the past about your struggle with depression. Could you tell us a bit more about that? Do you have any advice for readers going through something similar?

KN: When your identity as you know it is gone after a decade, it takes a toll on you, that’s for sure. I think there’s a dark place the majority of us get to in our lives, for different reasons.

Fortunately, some never have to deal with that.

Music was always what helped me write out what I was going through as a form of therapy. When that was gone, it was all bottled up and I didn’t know how to rid myself of it. I went to my doctor; they put me on pills, and holy hell that got scary.

To know that there was a medicine that I was depending on to make myself feel happy again…

I hated that feeling. I wanted to know that I had that control over myself, so I tossed the meds and started working on me. I picked up a guitar again… picked up a pen again. I spent time with

my family more. Instead of just being in the room, I was actually “present.” Let me tell you something, witnessing the innocent laughter of adolescents will do wonders for your own happiness. My kids are all I needed to bring light to that dark place in my life. Before, I was a prisoner in my mind and had blinders on to what was going on around me. For me personally, it simply took embracing the blessings in my life to get out of that.

Unfortunately, depression isn’t a one-stop shop.

There are people who have it much worse than I did. Ultimately, I just didn’t want to depend on pills to make me smile. Because that’s a very scary line, I think. I’ve talked about that in more detail so I’ll get off my soapbox now—that’s what the song “Puzzle Pieces” is about.

CN: What do you and the rest of the band like to do in your down time to relax in preparation for a big show or tour?

KN: Well—outside of spending time with my family and watching my three boys grow—when it’s football season, you’ll find me glued in front of a television watching football all day. It’s been a rough six months for ya boy though, as a

Jacksonville Jaguars fan. We’re all pretty avid video gamers. Me, not as much as I used to be because my six year old is always on my PS4, but FIFA, NHL… we’ve been known to rock some tournaments on the road to kill time.

CN: And finally, if you could collaborate with any artist (alive or dead), who would it be and why?

KN: This is a tough one. I’d say a collaboration with Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro, Jason Isbell and Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic would make one hell of a song. I love all three of those artists (I’ll go to my grave saying that Jason Isbell is the greatest songwriter of my lifetime). So yeah, that would be a dope collab. CN

collegenews.com | Fall 2019

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23/08/2019 11:38

LIFESTYLE | Skincare

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THIS SKIN YOU’RE IN

Skincare | LIFESTYLE

Have we all become skincare obsessives?

Drop into any drug store, and you’ll find sheet masks, fancy acids and a dizzying number of serums, moisturizers and scrubs

BY LAUREN MCLEMORE

T

here are countless skincare products on the market, many of them with names that are impossible pronounce. With so many options, choosing the right products for your routine can become intimidating.

Sometimes the best thing to do is get back to the basics.

CLEANSE The first thing to look for is a cleanser. After you remove your makeup, this is the product you will wash your face with, to remove any lingering bacteria or dirt. For some, a good cleanser is enough without all the fancy serums and oils. The important part is making sure that your cleanser is compatible with your skin type, whether it be sensitive, dry, oily or combination. You may find that a cleanser that works for you one month may not work for you a year from now and that’s okay. Things like the environment, age, diet, other products and numerous other factors can contribute to skin’s varying tolerance and sensitivity.

For dry skin, gentle creamy cleansers are the way to go. In the ingredients list, watch for harsh chemicals, artificial dyes and perfumes or fragrances that could irritate your skin.

For oily skin, choose a gel-based or foaming cleanser that provides a deep clean and keeps pores from getting clogged. Be careful not to shy away from hydration and moisture, because while you may think that it will only make the oiliness worse, dehydration will make you more prone to inflammation.

For sensitive skin types, look for labels with the words “hypoallergenic” or “calming”. It may also be helpful to have a fragrance-free or unscented product, as those are often considered irritants.

TONE Next, you’ll reach for your toner. While certain products claim to have specialty ingredients that help with a variety of specific issues, the main purpose of a toner is to help tighten pores and remove whatever dirt and bacteria that was left behind after your cleanser.

After that, you’ll apply any serums follow by spot treatments. Serums are “highly concentrated formulations that are designed to sink into the skin quickly, delivering an intensive dose of ingredients that can address common skin complaints.” They’re commonly used all over the face and mostly for anti-aging, while spot treatments come in many forms, like gels and creams, and are meant to treat particular small areas like blemishes or dark spots.

MOISTURIZE You’ll want to finish with a hydrating moisturizer and the most important skincare product of your entire regimen—sunscreen, with at least 30 SPF to protect your face from the harsh outdoor environment. CN collegenews.com | Fall 2019

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Self-Care | LIFESTYLE

Self-Care Secrets

Essential Oils

From Miranda Kerr’s lavender sleep oil to Kourtney Kardashian’s love of manuka, essentials oils have long been the source of celebrity health secrets— but you don’t have to be star to feel the same benefits

© s h u t t er stock

By Anetha Sivananthan

E

ssential oils are highly concentrated solutions, which are extracted from different sections of a plant such as the flower, leaves or roots.

The extraction methods used to form the solution are cold pressing, where the plant is mechanically pressed to obtain their essential

oil, and steam distillation, where plants are passed through dry steam and the emerging vapor is condensed.

Essential things to remember Before you start slathering bottles of essential oils onto your skin, you should know there

are three ways you can incorporate essential oils to your routine: topically, orally or through aromatherapy.

If you choose the topical route, make sure you dilute your essential oil with a carrier oil, for example olive oil or jojoba oil. A carrier oil can improve the absorption of an essential

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LIFESTYLE | Self-Care

oil via the skin and prevent any irritation. For sufferers of sensitive skin, coconut oil can be an excellent carrier oil—a useful rule to follow when diluting oils: 12 drops of essential oil to every 1oz of carrier oil.

For internal use, an individual essential oil can be adopted to target a specific concern, though it’s imperative you keep to dosage instructions on supplements.

Finally, you can use essential oils as part of aromatherapy, by adding them to an essential oil diffuser or an empty spray bottle with water to use as a mist.

Mix and match In addition to using an essential oil on its own, you can mix and match by creating your own blend of oils. One popular oil blend is lemon and lavender oil, due to their anti-bacterial, antiinflammatory properties and the rejuvenating aromas they give off.

The essential oil you decide to use all depends on your reasons for needing them. If you’re stressed, you could benefit from rosemary oil. If your concerns are about banishing an illness, cinnamon oil in aromatherapy can assist with alleviating symptoms.

Other essential oils with anti-inflammatory effects to both support and boost your physical and mental wellbeing include turmeric, eucalyptus, ginger, hemp and lemongrass.

identify the scent and send sensory stimulation messages, causing your body to react to the essential oil, triggering different reactions.

Essential oil diffusers have a whole host of benefits depending on which oil you’re diffusing.

If you want to purify your home, try adding a few drops of basil or tea tree oil. If you want to improve sleep and relax at the end of a long day, opt for lavender, chamomile, rose or vanilla. The scents of these oils affect the limbic system, which is responsible for controlling emotions, including symptoms of stress.

Essential oils can also relieve pain. Diffusing a peppermint essential oil can sooth nausea and migraines, as well as improve digestion and reduce allergic reactions. Oregano essential oil can relieve heartburn and menstrual pain, and sandalwood oil can ease a sore throat.

Have you ever burned a citronella candle to ward off bugs? Diffusing essential oils can have the same effect. Try using a lemon oil to get rid of mosquitos or a peppermint oil to keep away spiders.

Before jumping in As with all wellness-related practices, Internet pseudo-science abounds, and research should be done to make sure you’re using essential oils in a way that’s right for you.

Essential oils are a pharmaceutical-grade natural remedy. One drop of peppermint essential oil is equivalent to 26-28 cups of peppermint tea. If you wouldn’t drink over two dozen cups of herbal tea in one sitting, you should probably consider that before consuming the equivalent amount of an essential oil.

When you start with essential oils, begin by using a small amount and diluting your product.

This is especially important if you’re planning to use the oil topically. Start by doing a patch test to make sure you won’t have a strong reaction.

Even though they’re strong, when used correctly, essential oils are a wonderful resource that can solve a variety of health and wellbeing problems. cn

© s h u t t er stock

Just breathe Another trend in the world of essential oils is to use a diffuser to release the molecules into the air. Inhalation, in fact, is the most common way to reap the benefits of an essential oil.

When you breathe in, receptors in your brain

Testing quality A quick way of assessing if an essential oil is pure and has not been diluted by vegetable oils is to place a small amount of the oil on a piece of paper or fabric and allowing it to dry. Pure essential oils should not stain. So, if a stain appears, you know the essential oil has been diluted.

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Safe Sex | SEX & DATING

Safe Sex is Great Sex College life is filled with study sessions, exams and textbook-filled nights. But it’s also a period of independence, and with this independence, many students indulge in nights out with friends, a few first dates, and most likely, sex

BY ESTRELLA MARTINEZ

I

t can be easy to get caught up in the moment and forget to practice safe sex. So it’s crucial to know exactly why you need to stay safe, what kinds of protections are available and where to find them.

AWARENESS IS KEY

© S HU T TER S TO CK

Knowing why it’s so important to practice safe sex is the key to preventing negative consequences. Unless you abstain from sex, you risk contacting an STI, STD or becoming pregnant. Examples of STIs include gonorrhea, syphilis or HIV. An STD is an infection that becomes a permanent disease due to lack of treatment, like AIDS.

SEE A PROFESSIONAL Both women and men should see a doctor to get checked regularly for STIs. For women, it’s crucial to see a gynecologist after you become sexually active, so that they can perform a Pap Smear. Seeing a doctor regularly will help catch anything in time and keep a record of your health.

USE PROTECTION Using protection every time you engage in any sexual activity is vital to help prevent STIs or unplanned pregnancies. You shouldn’t feel embarrassed to communicate to sexual partners your choice to use protection. Explain to them that you would much rather feel comfortable and safe. Types of protection include condoms, birth control for women and dental dams for oral sex.

WHERE TO FIND HELP There are resources available for people who cannot afford birth control or regular doctor’s visits. Planned Parenthood, the nationwide clinic, provides sexual health services like birth control options, free condoms and multiple gynecology services. Anyone can receive these services and if they cannot afford it, Planned Parenthood has financial assistance options. They

TYPES OF BIRTH CONTROL ✔CONDOM ✔IUD ✔THE PILL ✔SHOT ✔PATCH ✔RING

will help you find a way to receive the services you need.

There are also new ways to order birth control without having to go see a doctor. There are multiple apps, like NURX, available that allow you to purchase birth control and have it delivered. They will match you with the right kind and type. You can also order birth control on Planned Parenthood’s website after you see them for your first consultation.

Staying healthy and enjoying yourself while feeling comfortable is important when engaging in sexual activities. Don’t be afraid to voice your decision to use protection to a sexual partner.

Explain what using protection prevents and why you’d feel more comfortable using it. CN

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FASHION | Fall Trends

FAUX FUR Fashion Trends for Fall

Vegan leather has long been a popular alternative to the real thing, and now the sustainability and earth-friendly movement is catching up with other fashion.

We look at some faux fur fashion trends for fall

BY ANETHA SIVANANTHAN

T

he growing popularity of fake or ‘faux’ fur is a response to the increased awareness of fur farming, which sees fur being sourced from racoons, mink, foxes, rabbits and chinchillas. Fake fur rejects fast fashion’s non-ethical and unsustainable methods, and instead offers kinder, cheaper alternatives for a guilt-free shopping experience.

Luxury labels such as Chanel, Jimmy Choo and Michael Kors have also tapped into the fast-growing faux fur market, but if luxury labels aren’t in your budget, where should you look for sustainably produced fake fur? And what trends should you be keeping an eye on this fall? We investigate.

you to stay cool in the club with their breathable material. Some jackets go as far to include reversible elements, giving you the choice to switch the fur inwards for warmth, and outwards to keep cool. It’s “go big or go home” this autumn, so step into the fall spirit by slipping into ethereal explosions of color the ethical way. CN

GUILT-FREE SHOPPING The first trend to spotlight is faux fur vests that have been hitting the streets in an assortment of colors and sizes. Faux fur vests add a fun and fashionable dimension to a simple outfit, as well as provide some warmth during in-between seasons.

Not only are there an abundant selection of colors, faux fur vests also accommodate stripes, tassels and vivid, striking patterns to give you a style selection to suit everyone. If you’re heading to a festival, compliment your vest with a fiery red or neon orange crop top to match the fall spirit. If you’re going for a more toned-down look and want to keep the the breeze from cutting through, wrap up in pastel toned T-shirts under your vest.

Speaking of keeping warm, boot covers are another eco-friendly option to throw into the mix. Boot covers barricade your legs from the cold air and stop it from blowing up your ankles and hitting your legs with a shocking cold rush.

© S HU T TER S TO CK, V ELU FUR

RAVE READY

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Finding a jacket that flatters your overall outfit, will keep you warm on the way back home and allow you to stash your ID and phone—a fashion problem that’s been stumping women for generations.

Nonetheless, fake fur jackets are a stylish way of making sure you won’t shiver on the journey home, while allowing

SAY T O RE N O Acr AL FU far oss the R

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OUT OF THIS WORLD If you’re looking for an on-trend, faux-fur jacket, the Velu Fur Mac Daddy Jacket is the perfect option.

Made out of recycled plastic liners and available in a variety of colors and patterns, Velu Fur’s creation is fun and warm. Best part? It’s reversible, and the sleeves zip off to make the jacket into a vest when you need to shed some heat without shedding style.

P.S. You can wear the sleeves as boot covers.

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We clothe animals, not harm them.

We only use 100% cruelty free faux fur

+

+

= :-)

Want to keep up-to-date on everything that’s happening on campus, across the country and around the world? Follow us on Twitter (@CNcollegenews) and friend us on Facebook! Trust us, you’ll be glad you did! @velufur

+

+

= :-) Want to keep up-to-date on everything that’s happening on campus, across the country and around the world? Follow us on Twitter (@CNcollegenews) and friend us on Facebook!

Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!

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LAST WORD | Dance & Comedy

Cocoon Central Pushing the Boundaries of Comedy and Dance

BY ELIKA ROOHI

t’s hard to describe Cocoon Central Dance Team, but I’ll try. They call themselves a choreographed dance-comedy act, which is accurate but doesn’t depict the full range of what their performances entail. Yes, it’s dancing and comedy—but it’s also a sketch show. It has the vibe of a funny movie you make in your bedroom with your high school best friends just for yourselves. It’s a show about a too real and also very exaggerated story on friendship. It seems like it would be ironic, but it’s wholesomely earnest.

And it’s also really good dancing. This shouldn’t be surprising, given that the women behind it, Sunita Mani, Tallie Medel and Eleanore Pienta, are all professionals performers. They have backgrounds in dance and are comedians and actors who have been at it for a while. But it is, somehow—it’s easy to assume that the dancing will be a joke in a dance-comedy act.

“Dancing well is a priority,” Pienta says, “What’s funny is not that it’s bad dancing but the juxtaposition of moves and our (facial) physicality.

I think all three of us have really high standards when it comes to what we put in the world, so we will ruminate on an 8-count for a whole rehearsal” said Pienta. “WHAT WORKS?!??!?!? WHAT’S FUNNIER!??!?!? It’s all been a very organic ride.”

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ORIGIN STORY

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Mani, Medel and Pienta have been friends since their freshman year at Emerson College, a breeding ground for comedians.

“I loved dancing with Eleanore and Sunita at parties because they dance like me: big physicality,” Medel says. “We ran in concentric circles in the Emerson comedy scene and ended up forming a troupe with friends.”

But Cocoon started a few years later when they moved to New York and shared an apartment in Brooklyn.

“That was our way of keeping busy and optimistic in our Sunset Park apartment,” Medel says about their origin. “Our friends asked us to bring pieces regularly to their Brooklyn variety show The Moon, and we just kept going.”

“We then became the house dancers and then booked gigs from there. The rest is history,” Pienta says.

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I loved dancing with Eleanore and Sunita at parties because they dance like me: big physicality.

GARDEN PARTY

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Garden Party was created specifically for their London tour, although it includes some of their favorite choreography, like their dance to Beyoncé’s “Love on Top.” “We wanted to create a new narrative for the Soho Theatre,” Medel says. “We started moving toward a story where Cocoon ends up separated and working in office positions we could reunite at the end of the show. We also needed to challenge ourselves as writers to see whether we could tell a story with a beginning, middle and end. Getting to this point was like pulling teeth but we had to see whether we could follow a classic structure.”

Pienta adds: “We basically had one month where we were going to be together in the same city, so we recontextualized established dances of ours and built a narrative around it.”

Garden Party is funny and absurd, while managing to hit some resonant notes about friendship. At a moment when media is starting to

pay attention to stories about female friendship, Cocoon’s show, which invokes the energy of Oprah and Beyoncé into its narrative, feels like a relevant contribution.

WHAT’S NEXT After their London tour, Mani, Medel and Pienta want to bring the show back to New York for another run. They’d also love to tour their hometowns at some point—Eleanore is from Valatie, NY, Sunita is from Dickson, TN, and Medel is from Ketchikan, AK. These days, it’s hard to find the time to sync schedules. Mani is a regular on the Netflix nd Medel and Pienta have their series GLOW, aand own burgeoning careers in comedy and film that take them all in different directions.

“The one thing I know for certain, is that there is this film idea we’ve been kicking around for five, six years that I would love for us to make,” Pienta says. “Because of our schedules, a film actually feels the most feasible.”

Cocoon already has a film out, Snowy Bing Bongs: Across the North Star Combat Zone, which they made with Alex Fischer and Rachel Wolther. The film came out in 2017 and was a hit, particularly among the comedy world.

Whatever comes next (“I would love to do a 50th anniversary show in 2059,” says Medel), Cocoon—so named because of the protective nature a cocoon provides—will continue to be an outlet for the trio.

“Sunita and Eleanore are the wisest, funniest, most generous artists with whom you can work,” Medel says.

Mani adds: “Cocoon is a dream come true!

We have lived an organic adventure as a dance comedy trio and our path reveals itself as we sashay away.” CN

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“I’m Every Woman” starts playing, and three figures dressed in head-to-toe blue spandex bodysuits tumble out from behind a curtain. They are the Cocoon Central Dance Team

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