fall 2019 VOLUME13 ISSUE 1
MAGAZINE
FERRARI FARMS REVIEW GET IN THE FALL SPIRIT AT A LOCAL FAMILY FARM
LET'S TALK ABOUT SEX HOW A CAMPUS PROGRAM IS ENCOURAGING STUDENTS TO TALK ABOUT CONSENT
staff
(from left to right)
MAGGIE SCHMUTZ Editor-in-Chief KELLIE SASSO Photo Director ELIZABETH PEARSON Art Director RYLEE JACKSON Staff Writer
contributors Wenei Philimon, writer Alyssa Perrine, photographer Masha Boyko, writer Crystal Lugo, writer Gema Alvarez, writer and photographer Mary Young, photographer Sruthi Srinivas, writer Carley Olson, writer and photographer Mariana Garrick, writer Annie Lujan, writer Elliot Bailey, writer Olivia Sullivan, writer Ryan Almazan, writer and designer Kaeli Britt, writer and designer Reilly Moss, designer
from the editor
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s I start my last year at the University of Nevada, Reno, a lot is going through my head. I’m trying desperately to figure out what the future has in store for me. I spend at least a couple hours every day looking at graduate programs and staring at MyNevada to make sure I’m not missing anything critical to graduate at the end of the spring semester. It’s a stressful time, as any senior can attest, but recently I’ve added another worry to my ever-growing pile of anxieties about graduating: the fear of missing out. I’ve spent so much time worrying about the end of this year, that now I’ve started to worry about what I’m missing out on sitting in my room staring at grad schools. There are so many fun experiences to be had during the school year. From the balloon races to ASUN programs, it seems almost impossible to keep up with what I could be missing. I’ve made it my goal in the past three years to check some of these Reno experiences off my “college bucket list,” and now that I’m in the final year, I can feel that window of opportunity closing. This fear of missing out doesn’t only apply to college seniors, it happens to everyone, and it
consumes a lot of our lives. This FOMO, as it’s been called, has been branded as a social media phenomenon, but it doesn’t just happen there. A study by the journal “Motivation and Emotion” found that it didn’t matter how people found out about the event they were missing out on; they still ended up with as much FOMO. They also found that FOMO was highest at the end of the day or week. Even people at an equally social event were shown to feel distracted by FOMO when reminded about the other event that they were not attending. There isn’t a real solution for the fear of missing out. Whether it’s something big, like events in your last year of college, or something small, like a coffee run you declined an invitation to, it’s more than likely that doubt will be there. In the end, all FOMO is going to do is keep you from appreciating the experiences you are having. College itself is an experience. It’s such a unique set of circumstances, and we worked so hard to be here. There’s so much outside pressure to “make the most of it,” and trust me when I say that I’ve been told exactly that several times this year. Don’t let that freak you out. If you’re happy, you’re making the most of it.
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Maggie Schmutz Editor-in-Chief
about the magazine You hold in your hands the latest iteration of Insight Magazine. We hope that you will enjoy it. Not only is this issue the result of a tremendous amount of hard work, but it is also a representation of a student publication over a decade in the works (with origins as the Artemisia, the former yearbook of UNR dating back to the 1800's). Thank you for supporting us. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do. If you're interested in getting involved with us, visit insightunr.com > Get Involved.
Photo by Kellie Sasso
corrections Insight Magazine works to correct any errors. If you find a mistake or misprint, please contact the editor at insighteditor@unr.edu. Insight Magazine is proud to have placed tenth in the 2018 National Associated Collegiate Press Conference in the category of Feature Magazine.
photo by kellie sasso
CONTENTS
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news
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7 INSIGHT
UNRÎŁCΘGNIZÎŁD:
Greek life at the University of Nevada, Reno Words by Wenei Philimon Photos by Alyssa Perrine ver the summer, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority life and students got together to discuss the changes to the Relationship Agreement for the Recognition of Social Fraternities and Sororities. The changes in the contract were meant to ensure safety, security and accountability due to the incidents that occurred over the years. The members of the different fraternities and sororities did not respond well to the changes in the contract. Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority, Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, Delta Delta Delta Sorority, Delta Gamma Sorority, Kappa Alpha Order, Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, Pi Beta Phi Sorority, Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Sigma Kappa Sorority, Theta Chi Fraternity and Zeta Psi Fraternity did not sign the contract and are now unrecognized. To be unrecognized means that these organizations do not have the same campus privilege as the recognized ones. "Off-campus organizations are private institutions. Therefore the University, cannot advocate for those organizations," Jordan Wells, who serves on the Interfraternity and sorority life council and a member of Sig Tau, said. "[The contract] is definitely the direction a lot of universities are moving towards. It's based on the recent things that happened on campus. Some organizations have neglected policies in the past. But, people are throwing out policies that are not even in the contract. If people are going to make a decision, they should make an informed decision." The changes that nationals had problems with were that the University required them to report what is happening in their organization to the office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. However, the reporters are not required to state names except with incident or conduct violation that includes allegations of sexual assault, or that contains allegations of bodily injury or death against a member. Secondly, students who were in recognized organizations cannot do chapter activities with unrecognized organizations. Lastly, both Fraternities and Sororities
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must have a live-in advisor. This live-in advisor can be a graduate student, alumnus/alumna of the chapter, traditional house director or someone who has been removed two years from their undergraduate school. There are many whispers on campus regarding what is in the contract, and some students felt like it violated their freedom to disclose or not disclose sexual assault incidents, which was the major issue as to why their nationals did not want them to sign the contract. "When a contract is formed, a contract should be agreed upon by both sides and worked out," Tyler Yamamoto a member of Theta Chi, said. "If they really cared about working it out, both sides would come to an agreement. It seems as though the school didn't really try to change a few things." However, some students disagreed and felt that what the University is asking of them isn't a violation — putting more weight on what Greek life has to offer to their college experience over the policies in the contract. "I feel like it's ultimately up to what your organization believes in," Adia Monzon, a member of Lambda Phi Xi Multicultural Sorority, Incorporated, said. "I think they [the University] handled it the way they should. They had those rules for a reason, and I'm sure they saw something happened because those rules weren't in place. Therefore, they had to put in place." With the start of a new school year, unrecognized Fraternities and Sororities are having to come up with new ways to rush this semester. Every fall, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority life would put on events such as Go Fest and a cookout for students who want to rush. "We held our own event off-campus called 'Greek Fest,'" Tyler Yamamoto said. "We had unaffiliated fraternities
and sororities at the end of Sierra Street. It was basically for the incoming freshmen who wanted to rush. So, we're figuring out new ways to recruit as a group as you would with Go Fest." Some unrecognized fraternities have joined the Independent Interfraternity Council. This council was formed by three organizations that were no longer recognized with the University in 2018. The council says their mission is to, "elevate safety, responsibility, and engagement within [their] community." This council helped with creating Greek Fest for the unrecognized fraternity and sorority. However, not being able to utilize campus resources is still causing some frustration in running a college organization. "I don't really notice a difference being unaffiliated," Christine Keylian, a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, said. "The only difference is that we can't have our meetings on campus and we can't use the University as a resource. I can still do everything as I could before, but, my organization as a whole can't have meetings, recruitment on campus, and it's frustrating." With the division of unrecognized and recognized, there have been many questions in regards to Greek life and its effects on campus life. "My advisors Megan [Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life] and Kyle [Coordinator of Fraternity & Sorority Life] do their best to try to improve things, but it just happens that those who are affiliated are the ones who are reaping the benefits of them making improvements," Wells said. "Greek life is what you make of it. It doesn't matter if you're recognized or unrecognized," said Yamamoto. "At the end of the day, if you find where you belong, that's all that matters." 9 INSIGHT
A DAY IN THE LIFE AT
WOLF PACK TOWER
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Words by Masha Boyko Photos by Kellie Sasso ue to the recent explosion that affected both Argenta Hall and Nye Hall, many students of the University of Nevada, Reno are being housed in Wolf Pack Tower, which was originally a part of the Circus Circus hotel. NevadaFit students flooded into Wolf Pack Tower first. At its peak, the lines to the elevator hit a 3-hour wait in the hot sun. Many others followed the next weekend. But now that the storm has settled what do the inhabitants think of the new residence hall? As found in my interview, there are varying opinions, but all can agree that it is something that will be remembered down the road. It will be a story we can tell our kids about how “we lived in a hotel during college.� After asking residents to rate the tower experience, I received a solid 7.5 on a scale from one to 10. I decided to interview a few residents about their daily routines and collected many opinions on life at the tower. Generally speaking, most residents can agree their favorite parts of tower life being the conveniences, which include private bathrooms, large beds, air conditioning, fridges and the proximity to other friend’s rooms. Although the tower offers many accommodations, most students complain about the shuttle services, checking people in, as well as the distance to campus. On average, it takes most students 15 to 30 minutes to get to campus, causing many complaints. Many people end up late to their classes due to the bus lags. Almost everything at the tower takes waiting time, but through this, students are able to make new friends. Waiting in lines gets boring; you just end up
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talking to random people standing next to you and hear lots of cool information and stories. One concern is the internet speed in the hall. Many people use the wifi, so the speed is quite slow, most people said they have to go on campus to do homework. Another concern was that most of the meal swipe and food bucks locations are on campus. On average each student travels at least four times at a minimum, to and from campus, that’s two hours at max. Overall most residents feel safe, except when walking at night alone. Although during the daytime it can be an enjoyable walk with your friends. Other than that, safety is not a concern. At first, most students wanted to live on campus, but as time moved on, they seemed to warm up to it. Despite the issues, there are many benefits. There are tutors as well as a store on the 2nd floor. Another resource is Circus Circus itself. There is a food court, a Starbucks and an arcade all located in Circus Circus. "Although I would originally rather live on campus, it is fun,” Kaycee, a resident in the tower, said. I interviewed Dejiah, who was super excited about living in the tower. She gave the dorm a 9.5 out of 10, with the only set back being the shuttle services. She highlights the fact that it’s easy to hang out with friends, and people sometimes hang out in the common spaces making new friends and getting involved with social life. She also said it’s a good resource for the University of Nevada, Reno. Most of the students I talked to spent more time in the tower then on campus, studying and taking naps. University Housing was able to get back on their feet after the explosion and situate the students quickly; we can give them props for that. The staff is doing their best to accommodate the students, and are helping create a supportive community.
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MOTEL MADNESS One step forward for Reno, one step back for the unhoused.
Words by Crystal Lugo Photos by Kellie Sasso eno, Nevada may need to replace its "Biggest Little City in the World" title soon. With an everevolving university, construction at every corner and companies coming into the city, our biggest little reputation may need a rebranding. Though this growth is a positive thing, in the long run, it's currently negatively affecting the city's homeless population. With Reno's growth comes the destruction and disappearance of motels — the first step out of total homelessness. "You know, one of the more expensive toys in the Nevada Art Museum gift shop is a nostalgic wooden motel, The Lone Cactus," William Macauley, an English professor at the University who teaches an Advanced Nonfiction course on homelessness, said. Macauley encourages those enrolled in the Capstone to get involved with the community and help those affected by gentrification, the affordable housing crisis, and homelessness through his curriculum. The unhoused and those avoiding homelessness, seek cheap motels, also known as weeklys, for affordable, temporary housing, but according to the Reno GazetteJournal, motels "have become a popular development target," and developers are rushing to "raze the low-cost properties and flip them into residential and commercial projects." "If you don't have first or last month's rent, a history of renting, a mailing address, a credit score, or clean clothes and a way to present yourself well, what are the chances someone would rent to you?" Macauley said. Weeklys are the answer, but in the last two years, nine motels have disappeared with no affordable housing action in sight, according to the RGJ. Jacobs Entertainment, a Colorado-based company, has been buying these motels where the unhoused and those living in poverty lived and demolishing them. According to the RGJ, the company "has been razing motels — the El Ray, Star of Reno and Keno Motel among them" and has a "$500 million plan to repurpose the urban neighborhood." Though the matter currently seems like a hopeless cause, websites like Our Town Reno are shining a light and bringing awareness to the issue and other issues related to gentrification, homelessness and the affordable housing crisis. Nico Colombant, a lecturer at the Reynolds School
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of Journalism (RSJ), oversees the website and encourages RSJ students to share stories through multimedia, including podcasts, short documentaries and photography. Our Town Reno works closely with the unhoused and shares their stories on their platform, giving the unheard a voice. We can't rebuild these motels and erase the affordable housing crisis but getting involved, volunteering and donating is a step toward change. Reno provides numerous resources and organizations that help the unhoused. Some of these include Restart Nevada, the Eddy House, which seeks to end youth homelessness in Reno and provide them with food and clothing, the Reno Initiative for Shelter and Equality (RISE) and the Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada. Giving the unhoused a smile and your empathy helps. Donating a few dollars, some old clothes or some of your time helps. Sharing their stories on platforms like Our Town Reno and bringing awareness helps, too. Anything, even the smallest contribution, can better lives. For more information on how to get involved with the organizations or Our Town Reno, visit their websites.
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13 INSIGHT
RACIAL TENSIONS The University of Nevada's Response to Hate and Bias
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Words by Weinei Philimon Photos courtesy of Paolo Zialcita/Nevada Sagebrush acial tension at the University of Nevada, Reno has been high over the last three years. In 2017, the University's police department and the University issued an apology statement due to their officer's behaviors. First, Chief Adam Garcia issued an apology for Officer Adam Wilson, who jokingly told a graduate student and football player that, "I am just going to shoot him if this goes sideways, f--- that" according to video taken from the body camera. "I never had an officer make such a repugnant comment to a member of the community," Officer Garcia said in a statement. Following that incident, Officer Antonio Gutierrez dressed up as Colin Kaepernick for a Halloween party. Officer Gutierrez had on a wig, hooked nose, a 49er jersey and painted his face with a black beard. In addition, he had a sign which said, "will stand for food." A photo of him circulated through social media and received a lot of backlash, especially since Kaepernick played football at the University and started the kneeling protest during the national anthem when he played in the NFL. Though the University condemned Officer Wilson and Officer Gutierrez's actions, both officers have not faced severe disciplinary actions and are still working at the University's police station. That same year, Peter Cvjetanovic, a student at the University, traveled to Charlottesville to march in the "Unite the Right" rally. This rally took place after Charlotteville's orders to remove a statue of Robert E. Lee. Cvjetanovic is a part of the Identity Evropa organization, which helped organize the rally. Identity Evropa is a white supremacist group that focuses on the preservation of white culture. While students protested to have Cvjetanovic expelled, the University was not able to do that due to freedom of speech. INSIGHT 14
"There are different people on different sides of the issue, and they're expressing themselves. It was just an incident; I don't have any reason to comment on it," President Marc Johnson said in a statement to the Nevada Sagebrush. President Johnson later made a statement in regards to the incident. He stated that it did not represent the University and denounced all forms of bigotry and racism. Despite the protest, threats and the University police having to escort Cvjetanovic around, he did graduate from the University. With all of these incidents happening at the University, swastikas began to appear in the Residential Halls. First, multiple swastikas were spray-painted in a staircase inside Church Fine Arts. A note was also spray-painted next to one of the swastikas, which asked, "Is this political enough?" Though the University conducted an investigation, no suspect was found. Debra Moddelmog, the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, instead had students paint over the swastikas. In 2018, another swastika was carved into a wall in Peavine Hall. The police, once again, investigated the incident and interviewed the residents that lived near the wall. However, no suspect was found. Students suggested for cameras to be installed in hallways or have 24-hours watch on each floor to prevent something like this from happening again, but the request has not been implemented. In 2019, a swastika and remarks were made in Juniper Hall. While the University did want to hold accountable
the person who left the anti-Semitic comments, there, once again, was no suspect to hold accountable. At the beginning of the fall semester, another swastika appeared in Wolf Pack Tower's 17th-floor stairwell. Wolf Pack Tower is the new residence hall that is hosing about 1,300 students due to the gas explosion causing damage to Argenta and Nye Hall. Chief Garcia gave an update on their investigation during ASUN's senate meeting on Sept. 11. While the police were working with the casino security to review the surveillance video, there was no video footage of the 17th floor's stairwell. There were also no witnesses to the hate crime. The police department hopes to enforce the rule, "if you see something, say something" in hopes that would lead to them having a suspect if something like this happens again. However, there is not much that they can do right now in regards to the swastikas that keep appearing in the halls. Following the swastika appearance at Circus Circus, the American Identity Movement posted flyers over the weekend at both the University and Truckee Meadows Community College. Identity Evropa rebranded into American Identity Movement earlier this year due to the lawsuit they are currently facing with their role in the Charlottesville rally. The flyers were found in five buildings but, the amount posted is uncertain since
students went around taking it down. "The school is committed to investigating any incident that spreads hate or might threaten the community," Eloisa Gordon-Mora, the University's Diversity and Inclusion officer, said in a statement. Some students, however, took matters into their own hands and posted flyers stating, "Dear, American Identity Movement, we are not afraid. You will lose this fight -Noir," and "Conservative organizations are safe havens for white supremacists." Those flyers have also been taken down; however, the following day, the American Identity Movement posted flyers again, after which an anonymous twitter page, "UNR Protect Our Students" was created. Since the "Peter incident," the University has been getting a lot of backlash for the way they have handled these incidents concerning white supremacy on campus. The Twitter page seems to add to these critiques as well as investigate and expose racism on campus. "I do think that the institution has learned many lessons and is more willing to be more assertive and proactive. Investigation and constant information-are-critical because without that foundation, no action can be taken," Gordon-Mora said in an email. With all that has happened, students continue to challenge ASUN and the administration to do something about the growing culture of hate and bias at our school,and to win this campus back.
However, there is not "much that they can do
right now in regards to the swastikas that keep appearing in the halls.
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reviews
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17 INSIGHT
norman f*cking rockwell lana del rey
GINGER BROCKHAMPTON
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Words by Sruthi Srinivas he “best boy band since One Direction” once again delivers with the same ambition and explosive energy that fueled “Saturation I,” “Saturation II” and “Saturation III” in a single year. I remember listening to them over and over again with wonder, screaming all the lyrics to “SWEET & JUNKY” in the comfort of a suburban home. With their last album, “Iridescence,” the emphasis on lyricism produced a different feel, but personally, I felt the absence of Ameer Vann (who was kicked out for sexual misconduct allegations), wasn’t particularly accounted for. However, here, in “Ginger,” Brockhampton more than makes up for that gap. An inescapable groove accompanies the techno in “BOY BYE,” as a contrast to the darker, almost ranting-style of the lyrics. They also experiment with a funky, distorted sound throughout the track (in the “ST. PERCY’’ hooking baseline most notably) -- such an interesting combination that you can’t help nodding your head. Experimentation is a common theme - one can hear jazz and gospel influences even. And, like always, they touch on relevant topics that people of underrepresented, under spoken backgrounds especially can relate to. So, if you couldn’t tell by this point, I thoroughly enjoyed “Ginger” -- a true mash of innovation, talent and culture.
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Words by Crystal Lugo inger-songwriter, Lana Del Rey, released her newest record, “Norman F*cking Rockwell” on August 30, 2019, and delivered a romantic, refreshing ode to California and love, and all their faults and glory. Del Rey uses recurrent themes as scaffolding but provides a mature, elegant take on them. She addresses her past and present relationships in songs like “Mariner’s Apartment Complex,” claiming she’s the man, and “California.” She also talks about the country’s current state critically in her song, “The Greatest,” comparing it to David Bowie’s “Life on Mars.” Originally from the East Coast, Del Rey’s interpretation of California is untampered, honest and heartwarming, leaving all its listeners yearning to get on the road and escape to California. The state, known for its chillness and waves, is mirrored in her album; her songs match its attitude and beat, making all her songs easy to listen, vibe and sway on the beach to. Del Rey’s writing is better than ever. Though she’s never been ashamed of her lyrics, there’s always been some wall, or maybe a light curtain, between the singer-songwriter and her fans. But, Norman F*cking Rockwell tore down any remaining barriers, and Del Rey is unfiltered. Her writing is poetic, authentic and heavy with Californian imagery without the cliches. Grab all your friends, head to California and stream Norman F*cking Rockwell on Spotify, Apple Music or Youtube today.
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walden's coffeehouse Words by Gema K. Alvarez Photo by Mary Young ack in 2012, the Barone family took over Walden's Coffeehouse with more than 40 years of business experience under their belts. Since then, the Barone's have proven that they have the drive to provide satisfaction to the customers and the heart to support other local businesses by using local farmers and markets to create unique seasonal specials. Walden's offers an array of dishes and homemade pastries. Serene photos and coffee plaques decorate
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the yellow walls creating a cozy, a little shabby but warm milieu. You could choose to catch up with an old friend at Starbucks, or you can appreciate the experience over breakfast or breakfast at Walden's. The Manzo panini contains a wonderfully marinated steak on beautifully grilled bread with crispy onions to balance out the savory steak and the hardiness of the leafy baby greens. The marinade of the steak was most flavorful but overpowered the taste of their homemade rosemary aioli. The panini itself is $14, which is reasonably priced considering the items on the menu are made from scratch. The pumpkin spice latte is not overwhelmed by a sweet pumpkin flavor but has a freshness of caffeine with a hint of spice that makes the drink enjoyable. If you are a midtown explorer, the business just opened up another location off of Wells Avenue in Reno with the same friendly service. The overall experience is casual and cozy, with the most welcoming staff to assist. The lunch specialty has my attention, but I will be back to enjoy a seasonal special for breakfast and inquire about their secret menu. Walden's can be a bit pricey if you are looking for just coffee on the run, so come in to grab a scone as well to savor the experience.
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Words and photo by Carley Olson he Emerson is midtown's newest cocktail destination. This trendy new bar just opened up earlier this summer, and aesthetics wise The Emerson nails it on the head with its stylish interior and chic decor. The bar's atmosphere is fun and retro. It features a 1960 mad men style lounge that serves classic cocktails with a twist. Each drink offered has a fun and unique flavor profile, so there is something for everyone. As of now, my favorite is the Rub-a-Dub-Dub, a delicious cocktail made with gin, pineapple juice and coconut milk that's served in a mini bathtub and topped off with some dried flowers. Their menu changes seasonally, offering customers tons of new options fit for the
new time of year. Not only do they offer drinks, but they also have a small bites menu too. My friends and I had the Caprese flatbread, and it was delicious. It was a perfect touch to add to our drinks. They also have sliders, tacos and other great little bite options. After talking with the owner Tyler Colton, he let me know that The Emerson welcomes everyone with open arms as it is an all-inclusive safe space. Every month they host an event called Drag Bingo, where Drag Queens come out and host Bingo for charities. They also currently have live jazz on Wednesdays. The Emerson is trendy, delicious and provides its customers with a fun and all-inclusive atmosphere. It's safe to say The Emerson has got it on lock.
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FERRARI FARMS
Words by Elizabeth Pearson Photos by Kellie Sasso rowing up in Las Vegas, my idea of a pumpkin patch was a pop-up tent in a casino parking lot with a few dozen pumpkins and a bouncy castle. I first visited Ferrari Farms last year for their annual pumpkin patch. This farm gave me the full pumpkin patch experience I had always yearned for. Complete with bumpy hayrides, a corn maze that may test friendships, a paintball zombie hunt and, of course, plenty of pumpkins, this family farm is packed with everything you need to get the fall experience. Established in 1913, the family farm has found various ways to open up the farm to the community through events held on their land. Along with the pumpkin patch, keep an eye out for other events the farm throws throughout the year. During the summer the farm opens up to the community once again for their annual Summer of Sunflowers at the end of August. Just grab a pair of scissors, pick up a bucket and start picking any sunflower you want for just one dollar (or a dollar fifty for a large one). It provides for the perfect end of summer photoshoot setting. At various points of the year, the farm also offers a pick-your-own experience for their seasonal vegetables. From zucchini to tomatoes you can bring a piece of a local Reno farm to your table. If you are interested in getting zen and interacting with animals, the Farm also hosts baby goat yoga seasonally. Located at 4701 Mill Street, five minutes behind the RenoTahoe airport, Ferrari Farms is the perfect getaway from the city without having to travel too far. To learn more about upcoming events and activities, check Ferrari Farms' Facebook page.
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Model: Elise Brodsky
ROUND1 N Words by Alyssa Perrine Photo by Gema Alverez ot much of a shopper but your mom, friend or significant other is? Now you can be entertained for hours at the mall and not have to shop at all! Meadowood Mall here in Reno recently opened a brand new fun center in where Sears used to be. The new "entertainment center" is called Round1. Round1 is a huge entertainment facility offering bowling, many arcade games, billiards, karaoke, ping pong and much more. Round1 was originally founded in Japan. In 1980, the owner, Masahiko Sugino, founded a company called Sugino Kosan which was a roller skating rink with arcade games. A few years later, the rink expanded into a bowling alley which became very popular. This company later became the first Round1 in 1993. In 2008 Round1 began looking to the U.S. for more growth. In 2010 the first U.S. location was
in the City of Industry, Calif. and now Round1 Entertainment is spreading across the U.S. Round1 is open daily from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. and is open on all holidays. That means you can make your stressful holiday shopping a little bit more fun by stopping by to play some cool arcade games, grab a drink or sing along to your favorite songs in the karaoke room. Round1 has all kinds of arcade games ranging from old school ones like Pac-Man to their plethora of claw machines, and to newer arcade games including a four-way air hockey table. Round1's bowling prices are about a dollar to two dollars more expensive than GSR's bowling center, being about $5-6 a game, not including shoes, which isn't bad, especially with it being right in the mall. However, I think the arcade prices are a little high compared to other places in Reno. Overall, I think Round1 is a fresh, unique and overall great addition to Meadowood Mall.
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features
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let's Talk about
Sex HOW one CAMPUS program IS NORMALIZING THE WAY WE TALK ABOUT SEX AND CONSENT
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Words by Mariana Garrick Photos by Kellie Sasso ublic service announcements (or PSA) have been used in the past to inform and educate the community about various topics and issues that are detrimental to our society. PSA’s are typically introduced to the public by way of television ads, billboard signs, and in other forms such as stickers, pamphlets, and buttons. The whole point of a PSA is to convey a short message that sticks to the public’s mind. Overall, it is a way of saying that change is needed. One form of PSA’s that have become widely popular and informational on campus are Nevada Cares' stickers. Some range from saying, “let’s taco ‘bout sex,” “alcohol is not a lubricant” and “consent should come before you do.” Nevada Cares prides itself on being a program that encourages healthy conversations about prevention, sex, relationships, and consent here on UNR’s campus. It aims not only to empower people to have these types of conversations but to also talk about it from different points of view in a positive connotation. The organization believes that when sex and consent are talked about, it can enhance the experience amongst both parties involved. Daniel Fred, Nevada Cares' project coordinator with UNR’s Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT), explains that they are simply, “trying to normalize the conversation around consent and around healthy relationships.” Although these conversations were always an important topic, it became a movement when the University received a grant in 2015 that focused only on the prevention of interpersonal violence. The grant allowed Nevada Cares to actually relay their message out to the public by first distributing buttons with slogans on it to promote awareness. The stickers became a thing when a student first proposed the idea and mentioned that everyone carries reusable water bottles that have stickers them. From that idea, Nevada Cares and its’ Packtivists came together, pitched different ideas, and soon came the arrival of the first controversial, yet eye-opening stickers that would quickly get the campus talking. There is a fine line between what the University finds acceptable and what students want. Nevada Cares and its organizers sometimes found themselves in a bit of some controversy when exploring different ideas on how to get their message out there. From banned stickers, bottle openers, and koozies, Fred said, “We tend to make people mad sometimes. We balance the line of meeting students where they’re at and also reinforcing the wrong things and what can be offensive to certain offices in the University. As long
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as we’re helping students, we just have to have a good rationale on why we do things.” There are plenty more ideas that have not seen the light of day that have already crossed the line with the University. At one point, someone proposed ‘boob stress balls,’ as well as a sticker that showed a cup full of boba stating with a pun directed at male genitalia. However, the program views this as a way to have people let their guard down and become open to the idea of making sex, consent and healthy relationships a normal conversation. “In general, [as a society] we’ve normalized sex, but we’ve normalized it in a way that is not healthy. Most people are getting their sex information from PornHub [more] than they are from actual healthy, reliable sources,” Fred said. “A lot of people care about these issues, and we’re given a space to talk about it in a way that’s not like your high school sex-ed teacher.” The stickers and other items distributed by Nevada Cares help create a common ground that it is OK to talk about these topics on campus and it also creates a sense of unity amongst those who have real personal connections to the issue. Everyone’s ideas blossom during a once-amonth meeting between the Packtivists and other coordinators for Nevada Cares. The Packtivist program has only been active for a year, but it allows students from different backgrounds that care about a common issue to come together and think of different ways to reach their audience. They are broken up into different teams and put their minds together to create amazing ideas for other students here on campus to ensure that they feel comfortable enough to talk about these issues. When students come together to help other students, it creates an understanding and unification on campus. Even though the Nevada Cares program has done tremendous things on campus to not only spread awareness and attempt to make conversations like this normal, but Fred made it clear they are barely reaching the surface of what they are trying to accomplish. “We’re finally starting. We’re doing a lot, and it’s really good," Fred said. "Our goal is that if you have 10% of a culture fully bought into a concept, that’s when you see change begin to happen. What we’re seeing is just people who are really accepting of the messaging-- the bystander messaging, the consent positive messaging. We haven’t really even got into detail about stalking and healthy relationships. We’re really just beginning.” From campus events, workshop presentations, and stickers, Nevada Cares aims to connect and relate to students to make the campus a safer, more understanding place.
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taking the sport to new heights
Tokyo 2020: Gymnasts to watch
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Words by Rylee Jackson Illustration by Reilly Moss or gymnastics fanatics across the country, the Olympic Games are the equivalent of what the NBA Championships are for basketball enthusiasts. We all revel over the gravitydefying skills—stuff we can't even imagine your average human being even attempting—along with the infectious sight of a gold medal-winning celebration. More than anything, what fans appreciate the most lies in the athletes themselves—their individual talent, ability to zone in during pressure-filled situations and sense of perseverance truly shines through the television screen. From Kerri Strug's historical vault during the 1996 team competition to Gabby Douglas becoming the first African-American woman to win the all-around in 2012, the U.S. teams have given us many memories to cherish throughout the years. Less than a year out from the 2020 Olympic Games held in Tokyo, we are anticipating the amazing group of women who have the potential to earn the spot they've always dreamed of. The qualification process for the Olympics is vastly different from years prior. The number of spots allowed on a team has decreased from seven in the 1980s down to five in 2016. For 2020, there will be four gymnasts that compete in the coveted team competition. Two additional spots are allowed, but only for individual events. These individual spots can be earned through the All-Around World Cup series, Pan-American Championships or the Apparatus World Cup series. This new format is geared toward creating more opportunities for both gymnasts from historically strong countries—like the U.S. and China—as well as gymnasts from countries that don't qualify for the team competition. The era of gymnastics we are in now is absolutely incredible in terms of the amount of difficulty performed on each apparatus. Each year the gymnastic feats are getting increasingly more unimaginable. If someone would've told a gymnast in the 1990s what they would see now, it's most likely they wouldn't have believed you. Apart from the group of frontrunners for next year's intense selection ordeal, these five gymnasts discussed should be names to watch out for. This wouldn't be a proper feature on gymnastics for next year's games without mentioning the obvious. Simone Biles, the greatest of all time, is pretty much a shoo-in for Tokyo—barring serious injury, of course. She holds the record for the most decorated American gymnast with a combined total of 25 Olympic and World Championship medals—including four gold medals from the 2016 Rio Games. Biles is most well-known for her power, execution and mind-blowing difficulty. During this year's U.S.
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National Championships, she became the first woman to perform a triple-double on floor and a double-double dismount on beam. On top of having two skills already named after her in the Code of Points, she continues to challenge herself even though she doesn't need to up her difficulty. It will be thrilling to see her continue to make history in the coming year. Revered for her grace and musicality on floor, Morgan Hurd is a gymnast that is finally bringing back the performance quality once rampant in the 1990s. Hurd—recognizable for being one of the few gymnasts to proudly wear glasses—is a five-time world medalist including a gold medal in the all-around at the 2017 World Championships during her first year as a senior. After an uncharacteristic fall on the first day of the 2019 U.S. Championships, she fought her way from eighth place to fourth place—proving her tenacity and ability to peak after a disappointing setback. At only 16 years old, Sunisa Lee is making her way onto the gymnastics scene. She surprised many by finishing second place in the all-around behind Biles at the 2019 U.S. Championships as only a first-year senior. Historically known as a weak event in the world of U.S. gymnasts, Lee is a stellar uneven bar worker with the highest amount of difficulty and even earned the event title during the past championships. Because many are still getting to know Lee as a gymnast, it will be exciting to witness her new developments as she's preparing for 2020. Kayla DiCello is another young gymnast on the rise. After she turns 16 next January, she'll be eligible to compete as a senior and strive for the Olympic spot. DiCello won the junior all-around, vault and floor competitions at this year's nationals. Even though she'll be one of the more inexperienced gymnasts in the senior circuit next year, there's no reason in counting her out — take Kyla Ross in 2012 and Laurie Hernandez in 2016 as a roadmap for first-year seniors being able to earn a spot. Vault and floor specialist Jade Carey is taking a different route to Olympic stardom. Because she doesn't intend to compete in the team competition in 2020, Carey is deciding to earn one of the individual spots through winning World Cup events. She is known as being the second-best tumbler and vaulter behind Biles with her high difficulty—having a huge opportunity to qualify in both events. There are a plethora of more gymnasts who are gunning for that Olympic team. With a sport as dynamic as gymnastics, the unpredictable is always an occurrence, and we've seen that happen with the Olympic years of the past. Either way, we cannot wait to have these talented women continue the tradition of inspiring others and launching the sport to new heights—literally and figuratively.
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photos by kellie sasso
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s ' e o J Trader
Words by Insight Staff Illustrations by Hannah Sproul
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u h C k c u B o Tw Pairing Guide d n a g n i t Tas
here are few things more relaxing for college students than a night in with a good glass of wine. It's the perfect low-key event: invite over a couple of friends, watch a movie, and sip your wine while trying the variety of snacks you surely picked up for the occasion. If you want to get really fancy, you might even throw some fruit and cheese in there. Maybe even a face mask. It's called self-care, sweetie. But, as we all know, college students are broke, and wine can get expensive really quickly. The answer? Trader Joe's Two-Buck Chuck. Two-Buck Chuck, actually Charles Shaw wine, is a brand of inexpensive wines that, in some places, actually costs two dollars. In Reno, these wines will actually cost you $2.99 due to shipping costs, but that's still an incredible deal. There are eight different kinds of Two-Buck Chuck on sale at the local Trader Joe's, and we tested them all and paired them with the best Trader Joe's snacks, so you don't have to.
whites White Zinfandel
The white zinfandel was the definite winner overall, and received our highest rating. It was very sweet, and when we looked it up, everyone who knew anything about wine said it was terrible. However, we don't know anything about wine, and all we cared about was that it tasted amazing. It paired well with the Cookie Butter sandwich cookies, a Trader Joe's classic. Overall: 8.5/10
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Pinot Grigio
The pinot grigio from Charles Shaw is pretty on par with most pinot grigio you would expect to find at a grocery store. We had a hard time pairing it with anything, but it paired well with the white truffle chips and "Everything But the Bagel" Greek yogurt dip. We know, it's weird, but it's also delicious. Overall: 7.5/10
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Reds
Cabernet Sauvignon
We came to the conclusion that the cabernet sauvignon was just your run of the mill, nothing special red wine. It wasn't great, but it wasn't totally undrinkable. What really saved it was the snacks that we tried it with. We decided that it went best with the pastry puff hot dog appetizers. Overall: 3.5/10
Shiraz
Red Blend
If the shiraz was the best of the reds, the red blend was decidedly the worst. It was decided that the red blend paired well with the spicy sheep's milk cheese. It kind of makes sense because the cheese was so good and the wine was... not good. Maybe they balanced each other out. Overall: 2/10
The shiraz was definitely the best red wine out of the bunch. None of the other red wines on our list made it above a 5/10, but the shiraz exceeded our expectations. It went well with all of our spicy snacks, of which there were quite a few, but it went best with the vegetable samosas. A match made in heaven. Overall: 7/10
Sauvignon Blanc
If you want a wine that will burn out your throat, this is a wine for you. It burned so bad that nothing made it burn less, so the only natural solution was to find something that overpowered the burn. We decided to pair it with the rolled chili lime tortilla chips. It paired well and almost made the wine bearable. Even with the chili lime tortilla chips, the wine wasn't good, so we can't even recommend this one. It wins "most likely to ruin your evening." Overall: 2/10
Merlot
A straight down the middle red wine. It pairs really well with crackers, which means depending on how you feel you could go sweet with the peanut butter cracker sandwiches, or salty with the pita crackers. Either combination is a win. Overall: 5/10
Chardonnay
The Chardonnay finished out the taste testing with incredibly mixed reviews. It was either awesome or terrible, depending on the sip. It paired well with the soft-baked snickerdoodles, which were a great snack while also being vegan and gluten-free. Overall: 6/10 or 4/10 depending on the sip.
The winner of the night was white zinfandel (8.5/10), and the loser was the sauvignon blanc (2/10). Of course, this is all from the opinion of college students with no wine expertise, so there's that. Whatever wine you do choose, we encourage you to have a good time and, most importantly, always drink responsibly.
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YEE-HAW b ut make it f ashio n
Words by Rylee Jackson Photos by Mary Young inally, we are distancing ourselves further from the days of 2011 Coachella—where the 1970s WoodstockEsque style ran the show. Even though flower crowns and flowy pants will always be a staple in the world of festivals, there’s a new sheriff in town. Now, a ton of festival-goers are sporting festive cowboy hats, fringed boots, assless chaps and maybe even a lasso for some extra razzle-dazzle—these are all essential elements to a yee-haw transformation. The country-western style making a comeback all boils down to pop culture’s current obsession with early 2000s nostalgia. Especially in the world of music, there was a multitude of artists from a wide range of genres at the time that unapologetically paved the way for what we see now. Mary J. Blige knew how to embody the true essence of
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western fashion in a way that was totally unique to her. Who could forget her wearing a pink leather ensemble paired with a white furry cowboy hat? This picture, now meme, single-handedly personifies how we truly feel inside whenever “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood comes on—even if we don’t particularly enjoy country music. There are some artists that you would’ve never expected to have a yee-haw phase. The entirety of Madonna’s “Music” era in 2000 was influenced by this movement as she proudly showcased her cowboy hat and denim buttonup on the album’s cover. Directly matching the aesthetic, the single “Don’t Tell Me” was a mashup of electronica and country. Mariah Carey even gave this look a shot with her “Thank God I Found You (Make It Last Remix)” video— leaving the gowns and shimmer to rest. This wouldn’t be a western fashion discussion without mentioning Destiny’s Child—arguably the yee-haw dream
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team. Honoring her Texas roots, Beyoncé blessed us with what looks like red bandana printed jeans accessorized with a classic red cowboy hat. The group went all out with blue leather fringe outfits and silver bedazzled cowboy hats during an appearance on MTV’s “TRL”—shoutout to Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles-Lawson, for designing all of these looks that would end up influencing the current state of festival wear. It wasn’t until 2018 that the “Yee-Haw Agenda”—a term coined by Bri Malandro on Twitter—exploded to new heights. However, there have been a few inklings of this resurgence tracing back to 2016 with Lady Gaga’s “Joanne.” Being the visual artist she is, the stripped-down twang of her voice that songs “Sinner’s Prayer” and “Million Reasons” provided had to coincide with a pink cowboy hat. Beyoncé’s performance of “Daddy Lessons” with the Dixie Chicks at the 2016 Country Music Association Awards also helped break the mold for pop artists to explore their
cowgirl dreams. Now, we see everything from country artist Kacey Musgraves giving off bedazzled Dolly Parton energy to Solange reclaiming the history of black cowboys in the film accompanying "When I Get Home." While rising star Megan Thee Stallion was taking the internet by storm with the catchphrase “Hot Girl Summer,” she performed at festivals in a fashion that stayed true to her Houston upbringing. 2019’s biggest song "Old Town Road" catapulted Lil Nas X into stardom and further hoisted this craze. Because of the song’s worldwide success, Nas X has been fully championing the cowboy movement with the spin of glam and futuristic undertones. This trend has no plans for declining anytime soon. In addition to being a playful and persona-driven style enjoyed by all, the yee-haw movement takes back the former narratives regarding the music artists are “supposed” to make and how they are “supposed” to dress. 33 INSIGHT
The Sounds and Students of Reno Words by Crystal Lugo Photos by Kellie Sasso usic has the power to unite the most eclectic characters and understand the most misunderstood; it has shaped, defined and inspired those before us and those around us today. But have you ever encountered an album that has done all of the above? An album that, if placed on your turntable or Spotify, could take you back, make you smile, or even make you cry? Music is synonymous with magic, and four members of our Wolf Pack agree, and share their favorite albums and personal stories with Insight. At 17, Guillermo Ramirez’s perspective on Latin culture and music shifted. “I remember being embarrassed of my heritage; I was a short, brown kid with black hair and pronounced words like ‘almond’ and ‘salmon’ differently than my peers," Ramirez said. This embarrassment later affected his relationship with Spanish music until he attended the Latin Grammys.
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His aunt, having always encouraged his musical pursuits in school, felt a night of Spanish music would be a great experience for him. Hesitant at first, Ramirez only agreed because he loved spending time with her. Now 20, Ramirez reflects on that night out with sheer appreciation and love. “When an unknown group, Bomba Estéreo, performed their single 'Fiesta,' I was instantly captivated," Ramirez said. They brought a Latino flair that pop music was missing. They had a snare, a mix of subtle guitar riffs and enjoyable bass that wasn’t in your face. I went home, looked them up and found their album. 'Amanecer' (2015) brought me back to and exposed me to more Latino music.” Favorite Lyrics: “Que no te preocupes si no te aprueban cuando te critiquen tú solo di soy yo” Favorite Tune from "Amanecer": Algo Esta Cambiando Other Album(s): Random Access Memories (2013) by Daft Punk
Marina Leigh, 21, has been a fan of Irish singersongwriter, Hozier, for almost four years. “Ever since 'Take Me to Church' was released, I fell in love with his writing. I’m fairly sure Hozier knew my sexuality before I did,” Leigh said. “I also fell in love with the near holiness of the music itself.” To Leigh, Hozier’s newest album, "Wasteland, Baby" (2018) is more than just an album. “[Hozier] expresses this call for love, which is a running theme not only throughout this album but throughout his music, too.” Favorite Lyrics: “And I could cry power// Power has been cried by those stronger than me// Straight into the face that tells you to// Rattle your chains if you love being free.” Favorite Tune from "Wasteland, Baby": Nina Cried Power Honorable Mention: "Peach Scone" by Hobo Johnson and The Lovemakers (single) “The lead singer reminds me of an old friend who recently passed away, so it was heartwarming to see a goofy, familiar smile. The song is animated and full of comedy and love.” During her freshman year of high school, Ruby Martinez, now 21, was going through a negative period of overthinking and overstressing. Fortunately, Twenty One Pilots and their album, "Vessel" (2013) became a source of comfort when she was battling with her mental health. “The lyrics displayed the negative feelings I had at the time; the album gave me someone to lean on,” Martinez said. Today, Martinez thanks the American duo for being there for her and being there for their fans who may share her similar experience. “'Vessel' reminds me that I’m not the only person who deals with mental issues and that there’s always a way up when you’re down,” Martinez said. Favorite Lyrics: “The horrors of the night melt away// Under the warm glow of survival of the day// Then we move on, my shadow grows taller along with my fears// And my friends shrink smaller as night grows near” Favorite Tune from "Vessel": "Semi-Automatic" Other Album(s): "Pretty. Odd." by Panic at the Disco and "Graduation" by Kanye West To Daniel Pineda Luna, 21, music is a cathartic medium and a platform of self-expression; in the last few years, he has discovered two albums that have shaped him into a better music consumer and writer. Luna discovered "To Pimp a Butterfly" (2015) by Kendrick Lamar at 17 and "Year of the Snitch" (2018) by the Death Grips at 20.
"['To Pimp a Butterfly'] inspired me to try writing poetry and motivated me to become a better writer in general," Luna said. "It’s probably the only album that made me cry a little after listening to it for the first time.” Having let others judge and influence his music taste in the past, Luna’s attitude changed after listening to "Year of the Snitch." He realized that not everybody will enjoy the same things he does and that there’s no shame in that. “This album gives me a sense of relief, a way to release a lot of pent up feelings and emotions," Luna said. "This manic, disorienting album has taught me that sometimes you just gotta break shit and scream into the void." Favorite Lyrics: "Faults breakin' to pieces, earthquakes on every weekend// Because you shook as soon as you knew confinement was needed." Favorite Tune from "To Pimp a Butterfly": "Complexion (A Zulu Love)" Favorite Tune from" Year of the Snitch": "Disappointed" Other Album(s): "Emily’s D+Evolution" (2016) by Esperanza Spalding For me, "The White Album" (1968) by The Beatles and "God’s Favorite Customer" (2018) by Father John Misty would be defining albums. They were discovered years apart, one at 15 and the other at 20, but both hold a heavy and special place in my heart. "The White Album" made me fall in love with the Beatles; I got to know Lennon’s angst, McCartney’s love, and Harrison’s spirituality through their album and identified with each Beatle for different reasons. Years later, "God’s Favorite Customer" and Misty’s lyrics made me look at my own relationship with writing, religion and love and inspired me to utilize them in my poetry in different ways. Favorite Lyrics: “Last night I wrote a poem// Man, I must have been in the poem zone// I’m in over my head.” Favorite Tune from "The White Album": "Long, Long, Long" Favorite Tune from "God’s Favorite Customer": "The Palace" Other Album(s): "Bohemian Rhapsody Soundtrack" This collection of people and their albums are great examples of music having the power to set them apart and unravel their stories. So, what’s your story? If you were to choose an album, what album would it be? But most importantly, what would it reveal about you?
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festivals
Getting the experience without breaking the Bank
Words by Annie Lujan Photos courtesy of Diana Louise t seems like there is always a festival or a large scale event on the horizon. Wherever there are festivals, there's most likely to be college students in attendance. Gather a group of your closest friends, and you'll experience good music and people, rich food, and improve your social media feed while you're at it. All you need to do is pay a hefty fee in order to acquire access to the festivities. It's no secret that these events are expensive. A three day 2019 ticket to Coachella cost $429, not to mention transportation, food, apparel and all other things needed to enjoy oneself. Burning Man ranges
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from $390-425, with an additional vehicle pass, and the cost of bringing enough food to sustain yourself for a week. Yet, college students are doing whatever it takes to attend and maintaining frugality. There are all sorts of ways to acquire festival entrance for a lower price. Some music festivals offer incentives such as working at the festival in order to receive free passes. At Outside Lands, Madison Parratt worked at the water refill station and picked up trash. Parratt worked mostly mornings and was done by the afternoon. Afterward, she was free to roam the festival as she pleased. "Overall, it was super fun and pretty easy, and I would definitely do it again," Parratt said. "I heard about it from word of mouth, but I have always known of people doing this to obtain a ticket." While technically not considered a festival, Burning Man offers 4,500 tickets at a discounted price. Applicants submit paperwork regarding their personal finances. They also write an essay about why they feel they are deserving of the ticket and what they can contribute to the Playa. The application is open in the spring before the upcoming Burn and typically works on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tashina Habibian attended Burning Man for the first time this year. She was able to attend by applying to the low-income ticket program. Additionally, some of these events offer payment plans. Attendees can choose to pay for their tickets in three or more individual payments instead of paying for the ticket all at once. Exactly what is so enticing about these gatherings? The answers tend to vary. For some, it is the unabashed freedom that goes hand in hand with overt and accessible drug and alcohol consumption. Some attendees are driven by the music and would do anything to see their favorite acts live. Others are convinced by the kindred sense of community and the people that accompany them for the experience. Of course, there are attendees who are attracted to a mixture of all three, if not for other additional
reasons. Habibian attended Burning Man to honor the passing of her uncle, and to grow as an individual. "This was more than just partying for me; I went with family. I made it my goal to go for him," Habibian said. Habibian's time on the Playa was a cultural experience like no other that gave her peace. "My favorite part was just exploring and seeing everything, having the opportunity to do whatever I wanted or do nothing at all," Habibian said. "Being one with all the people, there is just an energy, and now I feel like I'm all apart of it." Charmagne deDiego, a first-time music festival goer, attended Outside Lands this summer. As a member of the Musical Therapy club on campus, deDiego has always been very interested in music and was drawn to the idea of being able to spend time with friends and listen to a variety of different artists in one place. There's a festival genre for everyone. This is the beauty of having multiple artists perform at the same venue for a flat fee. "You definitely get the most bang for your buck!" Parratt said. Habibian echoes the same sentiment.
"I do think that festivals are worth the price," Habibian, said. "You are choosing to get so much out of it and be present for multiple days of that experience, opposed to one night." For students like deDiego, the cost is a factor, but in the end, she was motivated to try something new and experience the adventure. "A lot of college kids have part-time or even full-time jobs during the school year to save up money for fun things to do over the summer," deDiego. "We all manage somehow!" Parratt is already planning her next festival and hopes to attend Snowglobe in January. "It is always such a blast and a great way to spend New Year's," Parratt said. "Compared to other festivals, it is on the cheaper side, so it's a lot easier to save money for a ticket." While they can have an expensive price tag, festivals are not necessarily for the privileged. If one really wants to attend, there are ways to do so affordably and still manage to have a good time without the stress of draining your bank account.
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Words by Elliot Bailey Photos by Kellie Sasso ver time, society has imposed "fashion rules" that are supposed to be followed. In recent years, people have started to break these rules, and wear whatever they want and feel comfortable in. People who identify as nonbinary are following this trend as well - wearing what they feel comfortable in, regardless of what "gender" these clothes are "meant for." To get an idea of nonbinary fashion on campus, I interviewed a handful of students who identify as nonbinary to get a sense of their style. Pax, they/them/theirs and she/her/hers Pax: What I try to go for if I really 'try' anything is androgynous, minimalist and simple. I don't like clothes with brand names, phrases or visuals on them meant to grab people's attention, because frankly, I don't see the appeal in them. I think I can stand out with something simplistic and monochromatic or complementary. What is the relationship between the way you dress and your gender identity? Pax: In theory, there shouldn't be one, as the way I dress has to do less with my gender identity, and simply with gendered presentation only. In a perfect world, I would be able to dress however I wanted without fear of people applying the gender category in this way, but the truth is, gender is the first category people apply to me when INSIGHT 38
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looking at how I present myself. So, therefore, in some situations, I'd rather be seen as androgynous and in some where people don't recognize androgyny, I'd like to be seen as more feminine. Has your style evolved since you realized you are nonbinary? If so, how? Pax: I started caring about fashion in general. Ever since I started identifying as nonbinary/agender, I think I unconsciously started dressing more androgynously, and people can tell. Sara, they/them/theirs Sara: My style depends on how I feel and what I feel comfortable wearing. Sometimes, I feel comfortable wearing dresses and skirts, and sometimes I'm more comfortable wearing collared button-down shirts. I always try to make myself look like a mix of masculine and feminine because that's how I feel inside. What is the relationship between the way you dress and your gender identity? Sara: For me, the way I dress helps me feel comfortable in my own skin. It gives me an opportunity to express my gender and play with the different ways I feel and express myself. It can also be inhibiting because if I dress in a "feminine" way, people assume I'm a girl, and if I
dress in a "masculine" way, people might think I'm a boy. Clothes are important, but they don't define my identity. Has your style evolved since you realized you are nonbinary? If so, how? Sara: Since I came out to myself, I felt myself stop dressing in the way I thought I was "supposed" to dress based on my assigned gender at birth (AGAB). I found that it gave me more freedom to express who I am and what I feel comfortable in. It can still be scary to dress in a way that doesn't match what I was taught based on my AGAB, but it's also really empowering to embrace who I truly am and share it with everyone. It can be vulnerable, but I think it can be a good way to connect with others who might feel the same way you do, and you deserve to feel comfortable in what you wear even if other people don't (within reason). Ash, they/them/theirs Ash: [My style] generally tends to range between what's comfortable and looks cool to me. What looks cool to me seems to be a lot of black, and comfortable is more of a fabric kind of thing.
What is the relationship between the way you dress and your gender identity? Ash: A part of it is influenced by what I perceive to be feminine and masculine; I like to mix the two in order to strike this balance. I feel I need to hit. Has your style evolved since you realized you are nonbinary? If so, how? Ash: Coming up to Reno for college, I have had the freedom to dress in a way that I want without fear of judgment from family. Because of this, my style has evolved from purposefully looking like an ugly grandma to what I like to wear and how I like to dress. At the end of the day, fashion is there to help you express yourself, regardless of the labels and boundaries we arbitrarily put on it. Wear what you want and what makes you feel good. Gender is fashioned, but fashion is not gendered.
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Nostalgia: Coming to a theater Near You
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Words by Sruthi Srinivas ostalgia is more addictive than heroin -- and we're all hooked. To this day, I look fondly upon the days my cousins and I sat crosslegged around a small TV watching "The Lion King," "The Jungle Book" and "Mulan" - crying when Mufasa died, marveling at the moving pictures, belting the songs. Disney wasn't a huge company; it was a part of our family; our childhoods were primarily shaped by the heartwarming stories we saw on screen. The good old days of unfettered abandon and carefree, easy mesmerization. But I'm not seven anymore. Disney still occupies a special place in my heart, but it's not just an escape into swirling, colorful worlds anymore. It's clear, now more than ever, that it is a huge company. And it's only getting bigger, one remake of your favorite classic at a time. There's a term for how Disney's breaking box office records by repurposing old content: nostalgia marketing. My family and I aren't the only ones who hold Disney on a pedestal of childhood dreams: millions of people all over, from Gen-X to millennials to the older Gen Zers, share those memories and waves of intense nostalgia whenever these movies are mentioned. We're glad to throw our money at live-action spectacles, counting down the days until opening night, booking tickets months in advance. Many are fulfilled, no matter how mediocre the film actually is. Why wouldn't they be? It reminds them of home. But the same phenomena that fuels crowds to line Disney's pockets demonstrates a deeper issue: a limitation of new content. While I acknowledge that some remakes strike a balance between the original and a new concept, these are anything but. I watched "The Lion King" (2019) in a packed theater, wanting to relive that moment I saw it for the first time; all I 'relived' was BeyoncĂŠ belting a few songs and photorealistic, emotionless lions. But even if those aspects of the film hadn't annoyed me, what did strike me was the copy-paste nature of the lines -- the exact same story in the exact same way, just with different voice actors and no animation. It made me wonder why we needed a remake at all; sure, for many younger viewers, these remakes are their first introduction into the magical world of Disney, but it's not like the original movies are obsolete. Most of my INSIGHT 42
favorite Disney movies came out well before I was born. Yet the company's focus on marketing, branding, and everything else is highly localized now: "Mulan" are coming out next year -- the end of promotions for movies made during their glory days is nowhere in sight, an ironic nostalgia for them too. Back then, the rule was to add amazing animation to a whimsical, inspiring story and you've got yourselves a hit. Now it's to add the best digital animation money can buy to a tried-and-true classic, and you've got yourselves a hit. Disney's a giant, now more than ever, but it comes with a price; nostalgia marketing doesn't leave much room for the marketing of new ideas, and if you can't market something, why would you fund it? Part of the reason is, of course, us, those who have no problem hyping every remake up. We're slaves to basic human nature; 85% of our decisions are driven by emotion, after all. Disney knows this, promotes this, and lives by this. It's a cornerstone of any successful campaign-- pathos. SPCA commercials with the sad, injured puppies. Political commercials that tug at your sense of indignation. Anti-smoking commercials with the imagery of young kids smoking. "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," BeyoncĂŠ-fied--that song would resonate with anyone a lot more than anything new Disney could cook up. They've already passed their new, innovative prime. On the other hand, I must admit that even back then, Disney's stories were not completely original -- "Alice in Wonderland," "The Little Mermaid" and many more are just adaptations of folk legends and stories. This isn't something new that Disney's doing to grab back at whatever last piece of relevance they have; they've been relevant for years and years. Disneyland and the iconic castle imagery will endure in the minds and hearts of the public for many more. So, maybe we're just annoyed because we expect something else. Maybe we're holding Disney to a higher standard than it's ever been held to. Maybe it's because of our own childhood nostalgia; the bug that bites when I think back to the "good ol' days of original content" has blinded me too. The cycle continues, and as much as I'd rather watch the animated versions of any live-action remake, I can't say the same for the new, fresh generation. And that's totally okay.
Why every student should take a philosophy course
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Words and photo by Carley Olson hat do you think of when you think of philosophy? Maybe some Aristotle? The thinking man statue? Well, I'm here to tell you philosophy can be one of the most eye-opening courses you ever take in your college career. Of course, chances are you're not majoring in philosophy so it may seem pretty irrelevant to your academic career, but I'm here to argue why it may be worth your time to take a course or two. So to start, what is philosophy, and how do you study it? To put it simply, philosophy involves thinking about the world, universe, society and everything else around us. You study it using the tools of logic to help reason and analyze the ways humans experience the world. Philosophy is not your typical school subject, as it requires very abstract ways of thinking. It is also not all black and white as there can be many ways to interpret someone's views. Philosophy challenges your beliefs and encourages you to think outside the box. It makes you take in different perspectives and begin to think about the world in a whole new light. Not only does it challenge your beliefs, something I think is good for everyone to experience, but it also helps you begin to learn how to separate your emotions from logical thought which is huge for personal growth. Being able to learn how to separate logic from your feelings is incredibly beneficial to a happy and successful life. It lets us put our emotions on the back burner and solve our problems with logic and critical thinking instead When I say it can change your whole world, I really do mean it can literally change your views on the world. Philosophies can be complex to digest, that's for sure. But once you start to get a general understanding of something new, it can be absolutely fascinating. Of course, you won't always resonate with some of the philosophers you study, but it still introduces you to a whole new way of perceiving things. Philosophy cannot only give you a better understanding of yourself, but it can change your beliefs entirely. Philosophy lays everything out on the table and examines it all. No belief goes untouched in
philosophy, and I mean it. Philosophy can ask us tough questions and makes us reevaluate how we feel about our existence. It can make us question the purpose of our lives and how we should exist. Think for a second, do you know what your life purpose is? Do you believe in a god? Philosophy can help you find your answer. I started my philosophy journey at the start of my sophomore year. I chose philosophy because it filled a core requirement and sounded interesting, but I wasn't expecting too much. The course I took was just a simple intro to philosophy . It was a small class of only about 10 other people with Devin Bray as the professor. I didn't have very high hopes for it, but by the end of the semester, I left feeling like a whole new person. Every class it was just our small group engaging in such fun and abstract ways of thinking, I loved the class. See, during that semester, I had also started a personal growth journey. I knew I had things I needed to work out and move on from and philosophy ended up being there to help. I left class pondering what we discussed and continued to do research on my own, and now I've taken multiple courses including critical thinking, which taught me all about how to separate logic from reason and use critical analysis in everyday thought. Philosophy truly helped me along my personal journey of self-growth. It not only helped me begin to think abstractly, but it helped me answer life's hard questions like what I thought the purpose of my life was, what happens when we die and whether or not I should believe in a God. Beginning to know these things about myself made my journey that much easier. I felt more grounded, and I feel like I have a better understanding about myself now. I also am so much better at rationalizing things when they come my way. If I get upset or angry at something, I can take a step back and analyze the situation and put the logic first. This has not only been amazing for my mental health but has helped me overcome anything that's been thrown my way. I think philosophy is a truly wonderful and abstract thing that can provide us all with a lot of support for personal growth and a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us. If you're thinking about taking a course I highly implore you to do so.
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Generational Molds
Words by Olivia Sullivan Illustration by Maggie Schmutz t one point or another, we have all probably wished we could live in one of our favorite movies. Well, for me, that movie was "The Breakfast Club." I wanted desperately to be the princess, jock, criminal, brain or the basket case. However, I would always jump between who I related to most because I saw a little of myself in each one of them. "The Breakfast Club" was one of the 80s most popular movies due to the fact that it was extremely relatable to the large population of kids in high school. Yet, as a teen myself, I could not relate. Their depiction of teens being so attached to just one social group was completely unlike anything I'd experienced in high school. So, I began to ponder over this further, even talking to other kids my age about the movie. Like me, these teens have a great love for the movie but cannot relate to the idea of being tossed into just one classification, especially by something as trivial as social status. Today's youth simply does not relate to the movie the way older generations once did. What changed? It wasn't but 33 years ago that high schoolers all across America were discovering the soon to be cult classic, "The Breakfast Club." Quickly becoming enamored with the characters they came to know and love via their local movie theaters big screen, teens all over America were finding themselves in this group of misfits. Much like the characters depicted in the 1985 hit, most teens of the time found themselves being put into a box that would inevitably be used to define them throughout their high school experience. Most teens found it relatable in the sense that it showed their experiences in an unapologetically straightforward way, shedding more truth on the subject than any teen was willing to admit to outwardly. To gather more insight into the logistics of how things were from the point of view of someone who lived in it, I asked my mom to fill in the gaps.
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Listening to my mother's stories of her time in high school, 1984-1988, has always been extremely interesting for me--her stories and memories being so utterly different from my experience in high school. For example, the first time my mom told me about her high school experience, I thought for sure that she was just telling me the plot of one of the 80s movies I'd seen. And in some ways she was. It was as if every cliche from those movies had materialized, and suddenly the era of teen movies made in the 80s held some viable truth. She recalled tales of divided lunchrooms, where kids sat according to their social status, friend group and popularity. Cliques such as the jocks, cheerleaders, drama kids, smart kids, Goths, stoners, nerds, popular kids - it was all real! She mentioned that although the animosity was not as severe as it comes off in the movies, people from different cliques didn't really interact. With that in mind, it is not difficult to see that the movies of that era gave mostly accurate depictions of what high school was like for most teens of the time. Movies like "The Breakfast Club," "Heathers" and "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" all served as a glimpse of truth in regards to high school in the 80s, according to my mom's experiences. Not to say that kids were going around getting into turf wars, or dancing around in detention, but you get the point. The common factor between all of those movies was that teens were allowing themselves to be socially and mentally separated from each other. They allowed their differences to be the defining factor of their indifference toward the people that didn't fit their mold, even if that meant being indifferent to their own true personalities. This idea of being one identity forever was born in this era, though some might say it also died not long after it took root. Though cliques still existed, the separation between them was beginning to lessen. This change could be due to an increase of focus towards college, as teens began to realize that colleges were looking to accept well-rounded students and
all-around interesting people into their schools. Or maybe they just realized how exhausting it is to pretend to be something your not. Whatever the reason, a switch was definitely made. Suddenly it became important to be good at many things, to venture out of one's comfort zone and to explore one's inner talents. Though it is difficult to pinpoint for sure what the exact reasoning may be, one might be bold enough to claim that this was the end of the 'clique.' Today, "The Breakfast Club," though still just as loved and admired as before, does not have the same effect on most high schoolers the way it did when it first came out. To be honest, none of the movies about teens living in the 80s do. Although still seen as classic films, the movies lack the relatability that once made them special to a whole generation of high school students. The box that once held different groups to one identity has since evolved into a, well, a much bigger box. Teens today have allowed themselves to break from the traditional idea of who they are and who they are willing to be. Nowadays, teens allow themselves to be so many things that the time for repressed personalities seems so far away. Our identities are endless; the barriers that were once in place are now mostly torn down. Sure, we still have our own versions of cliques and
thoughts on who is popular vs. not popular, but it's not nearly as severe as it once was. The jocks are also the nerds, the goth kids also are popular and the cheerleaders also are the drama kids. Not only do we realize our full potential, but we are learning to accept ourselves in ways that the generations before us were never fully able to. So to answer my own question, I can't truly be sure when the change happened or what specifically caused a change, only that it did. All that we can be sure of is that somewhere down the line, we allowed ourselves the power of being our most authentic selves. And though I don't pretend to believe that the youth today is any better off than they were 30 years ago, I do think that we have made a change. We have accomplished this by loving ourselves and others for our similarities as well as our differences. To allow ourselves to imagine. To create our own futures and ways of living. We have been changed for good, in a way that most of us don't even realize. So, as you inevitably put down this article and pack up your things for the night, I want you to do something for me. Throw your fist in the air and smile. You are the princess, the jock, the criminal, the brain and a basket case. You are the change. You are the change in this new generation. So am I. That is progress.
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Hit After Hit Words by Kaeli Britt Photo by Kellie Sasso hen you see the word “vaping,” what typically comes to mind? Maybe the idea of blowing O’s and clouds or even hitting a Juul until you feel sick. Despite the latter, vaping has grown significantly in popularity within the last decade. According to the BBC, the number of vape users has increased from 7 million in 2011 to 41 million in 2018. While the initial thought of the vape pen was to help those addicted to cigarettes, that idea has now sparked unintended consequences as several large news stories lately have drawn attention to vaping. As a result, the President and his administrative team plan to pull flavored vapes and vape juices off the retail shelves and ban them in order to decrease their accessibility to teenagers. This is not a simple solution, though. Many adults who were previously addicted to cigarettes use e-cigarettes or vape pens while trying to quit nicotine. Unfortunately, nicotine is an addictive drug, so if these vape products are removed from the shelves, it puts addicts in a dangerous spot to potentially relapse with cigarettes.
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Cigarettes kill about 480,000 people every year as recorded by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). However, both original cigarettes and vapes contain harmful and toxic additives, but the additives in e-cigarettes are less dangerous than those in traditional paper cigarettes. While e-cigarettes do pose a significant threat as a first exposure to nicotine in today’s teenagers, it is still preferable to use vapes before smoking an actual cigarette. Recently, there have been multiple cases of vaping related illnesses, and a few that resulted in deaths. Even though a ban may seem like the most natural solution to implement right now, it is not the long-lasting solution that today’s teens need. When talking about the ban in the Oval Office on Sept. 11, Trump said, “We can’t allow people to get sick. And we can’t have our kids be so affected.” Although the ban will not affect all the vapes and other associated vape products, it will cause the more popular flavors - mango, mint and menthol - to be removed from the shelves. The non-popular flavors of pods and other nicotine products will still be available. So how effective is the ban going to really be in limiting teenagers from accessing tobacco and nicotine-based products? In just limiting the flavors of vape pods like from Juul, nothing is actually being done to solve the problem. Thinking like a teen, there are various avenues one can take to get vape pens and their accessories, even for those underage. That includes methods like fake IDs, buying products from older kids or sometimes, buying products straight from a smoke shop infamous for selling to underage kids without checking ID. Teens who do vape could just switch the flavor they buy if they find themselves affected by the lack of popular flavors after the ban has been implemented. An article from The New York Times states that the Juul company has been facing more backlash since the increase of vaping-related illnesses. The well-known vape pen brand was accused of purposely targeting the youth with their flavored nicotine filled pods. While the company denied these accusations, they did admit that around 85% of their sales income came from their flavored pods (mint, mango, cucumber and menthol). Alongside this, the soaring population of teenagers who participate in vaping and the use of e-cigarettes is causing concern among people in power, like those in the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration, especially with the looming threat of hooking today’s youth on nicotine. But, government officials should be focusing on how to deal with vapes and other vaping devices on the local level more than the federal level to effectively address the nicotine problem. This way, law enforcement can be more hands-on in preventing underage teenagers from getting their hands on any nicotine or tobacco-based vape products.
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23:05/36:40 Words by Ryan Almazan Illustration by Kaeli Britt lthough his notoriety is drenched in serious controversy, Felix Kjellberg has done well on YouTube. His past never stopped him from finding massive success, and the proof is in the subscriber count. He hit 100 million subscribers on his PewDiePie channel on Aug. 24, 2019, beat only by the T-Series YouTube channel at the time of writing. Kjellberg's success can be concerning for users across the web and what it means for creators who have a past that can be briefly described as "problematic." For many, the persona PewDiePie is associated with gaming, the brofist, anti-Semitism and the use of racial slurs. During their time, the latter two incidents led to a campaign for his "cancellation." Canceling or "cancel culture" refers to the process in which Internet users shed light on the controversial faults in a person, typically an influencer. The desired outcome is that other users who are not aware of these faults would then choose to "cancel" that influencer by unsubscribing or otherwise ceasing their support, then redirecting their support to less problematic creators. The philosophy behind it can be simply put: stop supporting bad people, start supporting good people. There are inherent problems with this. The first that comes to mind is that cancel culture fails to consider that people change, acting like there is no road to self-betterment. The second: it doesn't work. Responding to the first problem isn't very hard. All people need to be held accountable for any wrong actions they've made. If a creator's good present actions contradict their past by proving that they now legitimately care about the people that they may have harmed in the past, then accountability should be no problem. The second one, however, demands a much more complex response. A growing number of users on the internet have joined together to condemn the so-called toxicity of cancel culture. Cancel culture, they say, ruins lives and unfairly tarnishes reputations. What these users fail to consider is that (as PewDiePie exemplifies far too well) cancel culture has never been successful in accomplishing what it set out to do. There is a myriad of examples of cancel culture failing from Roman Polanski to Jeffree Star to Jordyn Woods. These
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people have seen nothing but a hiccup in their everyday lives while their careers continue to flourish, and their finances increase. Business deals come their way not even a month after controversy and films get awarded. Cancel culture doesn't ruin lives. It does nothing. In some cases, people are rewarded for their controversies. It doesn't help that everyday people flock to defend such high-profile celebrities and their faults. It is reasonable to try to defend a person's actions in some way to rationalize your support of a problematic person. In practice, this manifests as a failure to hold people in power accountable in favor of your own leisure and entertainment. The people that resist cancel culture block it from actually affecting anything in any meaningful way. Ironically, they are the very ones that condemn it as toxic. The question then is whether or not cancel culture really is inherently toxic. Another question in response: how could it be toxic if it never works? One of the tools that the public has to hold people accountable is the power of choice. The ability and desire to inform people about the content they choose to consume is the basis of cancel culture. It's typically followed up by the offering of alternatives. That is not toxic. Consumers need to be allowed to make informed decisions without feeling obligated to prove that they're not easily swayed by others' opinions. This is not to absolve the problems of cancel culture. On a personal level, we need to recognize the potential harms of cancel culture and the ignorance that can arise from it. A person's personal evolution shouldn't be stunted by the mistakes of the past. However, these two aspects of a person need to be reconciled with each other. Acceptance of a person's new self is not the same as forgiveness of their past self. Confusing the two with each other is a mistake that does nothing in terms of accountability. At the end of it, it's impossible to change everyone's mind. In fact, you're probably not going to change anyone's mind. Either way, consumers of any kind of media must be empowered to understand and make decisions regarding the creators they follow and the content that they consume. Cancel culture is just one way people get informed, but for many, it's the only way. Canceling cancel culture is to simply deny people the chance to decide, the opportunity to choose. 47 INSIGHT
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