Winter 2019 News Magazine

M ACE & CROWN Winter 2019

EST. 1930

old dominion university student magazine

EDI TORI AL B OARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Brooke Nicholson COPY EDITOR James Finney NEWS EDITOR Natalie Hockaday

ADVISORS Dr. Joyce Hoffman Nicole Kiger SPECIAL THANKS Sean Matias Dr. Joyce Hoffman Janis Smith

A & E EDITOR Fatima Rivera

ODU English Department

TECHNOLOGY EDITOR Kyle Winfield

FRONT COVER + CONTENTS PHOTO

SPORTS EDITOR Siera Goard PHOTO EDITOR Tayla Mallory DIGITAL EDITOR Kieran Rundle

Josef Hicks Shayna Brown CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Paula Phounsavath Darryan Miller Pettie Perkins Connor Simpson

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Brandon Harrell

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Sean Fitzpatrick

Kam Nedd Josef Hicks

Mace & Crown is a student-run magazine written and published for the students of ODU. Originally founded in 1930 as The High Hat, the paper became The Mace and Crown in 1961. Mace & Crown is primarily a self-suppor ting magazine, maintaining journalistic independence from the university. All views expressed in this collegiate magazine are those of the author, not of the university, Mace & Crown or the editors.

CONTENTS WINTER 2019, ISSUE 6

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

4 Meet Rebecca 8 Monarch Movie Minute 15 Barr y Ar ts Museum

NEWS

18 Curly Confidence 20 On the Air and On the Rise 23 420 Debates

SPORTS

24 A Look Ahead 26 Changing the Game 28 More than an Athlete

TECHNOLOGY

29 Healing with Ar t Therapy 30 Mars vs. Venus 32 SpaceX

CREATIVE ENCLAVE

34 Complaints 36 By the Bay 38 Disengaged Truths

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MEET REBECCA

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Paula Phounsavath The populated city of Norfolk is mostly known to be the largest naval base in the United States, but what most people do not realize is that Norfolk is a rising star in the visual arts, specifically in photography and freelance modeling.

Bigger cities such as Virginia Beach, Richmond and of course, Washington D.C. have more creative communities because of the cities’ location, various architectures and the diversity of the locals.

No one knows for sure of how the local arts community in Norfolk originated. However with the use of social media and word of mouth, it’s easy for locals to follow the trend and create meetups in order to network and share.

One of these creatives living in Norfolk is an energetic and jubilant photographer named Rebecca Powell, a tall, blonde and blue-eyed girl with a bright smile. Originally from Washington State, she didn’t know anyone in Norfolk when she moved with her husband of five-and-a-half years, who is a sailor deployed on-base. Powell initially started photography when she was little and used her mom’s Polaroid camera on occasions.

Photo by Chad Powell

“It’s not solely the gear that makes a good photo, but the perspective and skill of the person taking it.”

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Photo by Rebecca Powell

“I spent two weeks traveling alone with just a small bag and my camera, and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.”

Powell goes on to say, “ever since then, I became infatuated with photography and the idea of being able to freeze a moment to keep forever. One year I [have] gifted a little digital camera and took it everywhere with me, but I didn’t start to get into photography seriously until a year ago when I bought my first DSLR camera! Now it’s my creative outlet as well as my forthcoming fulltime job.”

art meetups, everyone has something unique to bring to the table!”

Shooting with a Nikon D7200,

Before photographing models, Powell did wildlife photography. “It will always have the biggest place in my heart. I find it both thrilling and therapeutic to photograph animals because you can never truly predict the shots you’ll walk away with at the end of the day. I love portrait work and the ability to execute a shot you have created in your mind, but there is just something about animal photography that excites me most!”

a sensor camera, Powell then went on to creative meetups of models and photographers and she has worked with quite a few local start-up boutiques. On Norfolk’s rising art scene, Powell said, “I think it’s awesome! Great things can be accomplished when people come together and collaborate, not to mention the friendships that can be formed in the process! I’ve met so many of my closest friends through photography and visual

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Though Powell is still a “fairly new photographer,” when working with both freelance and professional models, she said, “it’s so much fun getting to photograph new faces and personalities whether they’ve been modeling professionally for years or they’re brand new to the scene!”

Even though the upsides of working with models and photographers are net-

working and creating together, there will always be downsides into collaborating with others. The #Metoo movement and the Model Alliance, a New York Citybased organization that deals with the models and the fashion industry, are gaining more awareness for their experiences and work into stopping sexual harassment with models.

Those movements and organizations still put an effect locally with photographers working with models, whether for pay or to collaborate. It’s been reported numerous times on social media by models that are being harassed by amateur photographers. Some photographers seek out models that pressure them into a nude shoot or anything that is out of the comfort zone of the model’s compliance.

“I’m a huge believer in never doing something that makes you uncomfortable, or working with someone that makes you uncom-

fortable,” Powell said. “Just because a photographer has a large number of followers on social media or is very well known doesn’t mean you should ever feel pressured into working with them on a concept that doesn’t feel right to you.”

Powell also gave out her advice to newer models, “Always research the photographer beforehand and reach out to other models who have shot with that person before to see how they felt during the shoot.” She also concluded, “it’s okay say no!”

Besides photography, she lives with her husband off-base and they have been admiring Virginia and the East Coast. Powell also loves to dance, read, hike and exploring new places. The places she has traveled to include San Francisco, New York, New Mexico, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Charleston, South Carolina, but going to Italy was the most special place to visit.

“Traveling to Italy was such a dream come true and getting to see so many of my favorite works of art in person was such a surreal experience that I will cherish forever!” Powell said.

She included, “I spent two weeks traveling alone with just a small bag and my camera and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything! Those will probably always be my favorite photographs.”

Powell’s advice to novice photographers is to, “keep shooting! Shoot something that makes you happy every day, challenge yourself to capture new perspectives! Watching tutorials or reading books on new techniques will help too, there is always more to learn and room to improve!”

Instagram: @rebeccalpowell

Photo by Rebecca Powell

With such a radiant personality and such beautiful work, Powell wants her audience to know that her goal is “to do my best to photograph what a moment personally feels like to me, and sharing that with others is just a part of the fun!”

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

monarch

MOV IE minute BROOKE NICHOLSON 2019 has barely begun, but is already jam packed full of anticipated movies, ready to release within the year. It seems like within the past few years, production companies have brought to theaters endless remakes, sequels and unsuccessful oneoffs. This year, audiences will be able to see some of their childhood movies come to life, re-imagined as live-action films, along with a few newly re-visioned takes on older classics, and will even see a few new concepts introduced to the big screen.

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CAPTAIN MARVEL

March 8 ● Marvel Studios After the first “Iron Man” movie back in 2008, Marvel has outdone themselves as far as bringing their comic books to the big screen. Whether you’re a Marvel or DC fan, or not a fan at all, you know a Marvel superhero when you see one.

It’s no surprise that after the surplus of movies, “Captain Marvel” would come next. Movie critics have predicated a massive 140 million dollar opening for the movie, and many fans around the world have purchased their tickets months in advance. Fans have long awaited to see Captain Marvel’s journey brought to the big screen, and nobody is predicting that they’ll be disappointed.

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March 22 ● Universal Pictures After Jordan Peele’s massive success surrounding his first movie “Get Out” and earned itself a stunning one hundred percent on Rotten Tomatoes, there was no doubt that there would be a sequel. The movie was first announced back in Feb. 2018, and began casting fairly soon afterward. The movie will stay within the horror/psychological genre as its previous successor, with the plot circling around a family whose lives turn upside down after visiting their beach house for a vacation. Fans certainly hope that this movie will live up to the expectations of the last one.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME

April 26 ● Marvel Studios

The “Avengers” films have played a huge role in cinematic history lately.

From introducing new superheroes into the mix, to ‘killing’ off some of the universe’s most loved heroes in “Avengers: Infinity War”, Marvel’s job is to watch its audience suffer at the hands of the mighty Thano’s and what he plans to do with the entirety of the Avengers and the world as a whole. What some suspect to be the last movie for some of Marvel’s classic heroes, the comic company is playing tough and intend on breaking Marvel-goers’ hearts.

Unsure if this will be the official end of the “Avengers” or not, be sure to watch it in theaters to experience the plot unfold.

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June 21 ● Orion Pictures

CHILD’S PLAY

Chucky has been a repeat staple and huge presence within the horror genre and community.

Since the release of the original “Child’s Play” back in 1988, the movie franchise has spawned a whopping eight movies. 2019 has some big things in store for the murderous killer doll, as there are plans of also producing a TV series as well as another movie, which will be a sequel to the latest one.

As far as this remake goes, fans are already not happy. Although this will be a remake of the original movie, it will not have its original creator on board, as he has been for every Chucky movie, as well as not have Brad Dourif come back to voice Chucky, as he has for all eight movies. Orion Pictures has decided to move ahead with the remake, even though there will be a TV show and continuous other movies planned to follow the latest storyline.

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TOY STORY 4

June 21 ● Walt Disney Pictures

It’s hard not to love Walt Disney movies, but the “Toy Story” franchise has a special place in fans’ hearts. After 11 years of waiting for the sequel to “Toy Story 2” came “Toy Story 3,” and brought back the classic characters from childhood to the big screen once again. The “Toy Story” franchise is back in the spotlight eight years later, that will supposedly be the last movie (and saddest) of the series, ending the beloved franchise kids grew up and loved.

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SPIDER-MAN:

All Photos by Tayla Mallory

FAR FROM

HOME

July 5 ● Marvel Studios Marvel is not playing around when it comes to giving fans what they want, and they started off 2019 with a bang. After releasing a short trailer for “Avengers”, came “Spider-Man: Far From Home’s” trailer shortly after, almost six months ahead of the movies official release, and garnered over 20 million views in 24 hours. The trailer teased Tom Holland’s continuous take on the classic “Spider-Man” character leaving his safe haven in New York to travel to Europe on a school trip. But his trip becomes “highjacked”

by Nick Fury telling him that Spider-Man has other business to handle. It’s no surprise that fans are hype for the latest in the Spider-Man saga.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

INSIDE THE

BARRY ART MUSEUM

All Photos by Tayla Mallory

DARRYAN MILLER

THE BARRY ART MUSEUM HAS ONLY BEEN open a couple of months and has contributed greatly to the arts scene here in Norfolk. Located near the heart of ODU, the museum is comprised of immaculate architecture, open space, and eclectic art from the Barry’s personal collection. Carolyn and Richard Barry are active members in the art scene and gifted their collection to the University, providing a gratifying space in which all walks of life can enjoy varying pieces of art. Along with the pieces inside, the museum itself is a work of art as each part of the design has purpose.

The façade of the museum is made of glass to allow for natural lighting, all of the galleries are sealed off from windows to protect the artwork, and even the staircase leading to the second floor adds its own touch to the architectural element. From the Chihuly chandelier, to the elongated glass wall, to the landscape, everything about the new Barry Art Museum exudes modernism.

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SOME OF THE PERMANENT INSTALLATIONS include, “Dove” by Stanislav Libensky, “Fountain” by Howard Ben Tré and David Small, “Color Poem of a Vertical Landscape”

by Ginny Ruffner, “Fashion Doll: “Parisienne” with Microphotographs” by Antoine Edmond Rochard, and “Miss Hiroshima (Friendship Doll), by Takizawa Koryusai II. The architecture of the museum works specifically with the art exhibits from soft lighting to even sound barriers.

Sonders and Krauss a local architecture firm worked with the museum to create a serene, accommodating and spacious building. “This local architect has made the most of the space. So, when you come in, not only do you already understand that you’re in an art museum, as soon as you open the door, you see art. You see the Jenni Ruffner to the next of you, if you look straight you have the Howard Ben Tré sculpture, if you look up you see the chandelier.

And that’s not necessarily true for many bigger museums where you have big entrance halls, you have a gift shop and a café or a big reception area with lots of brochures, you could be anywhere, so we had to condense that you’re coming in and you know where you are.” Says Page.

The open space as well as the museum guide of the floor plan, minimizes confusion and provides easy accessibility for museum goers.

With all of the different types of exhibits on display, the most popular are the Chihuly glass pieces as well as the “Passion for the Dolls as Art” doll collection. “I’d say the chandelier is probably the most sought-after piece within the collections, the dolls are also really popular too, none of them are from one particular artist. We’ve had people travel the world to come see the collection because for doll makers and doll collectors, it’s such a niche, so for that community its priceless for people that want to see them. Mrs. Barry and people in

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All Photos by Tayla Mallory

Though the museum has pieces that are permanent installations, the exhibits will change. “When we opened last November, of course we wanted to show off our permanent collection first. We wanted to show for the first time what our treasures are, that are available for [the public] to look at.” Says Jutta Page, Executive Director of the museum. “We have designed the galleries and the display furniture that the works of art are in [to be] very flexible, so that we can change everything out.

All of our walls in the galleries are movable, the case work fits together so that if we wanted to, we could completely clear out everything and install one giant collection in all of the four galleries, or a temporary exhibition that we are either creating in house or [could bring in a traveling exhibition.] We have the flexibility to easily go up to 10,000 square feet.” says Page.

All Photos by Tayla Mallory

the art department worked endless hours to restore them and get them in perfect condition for display.” Says Maddi Jones, Gallery Host.

The Barry Art Museum definitely holds its own in the community, when asked what it can offer that other museums can’t, Jones says, “I think with [the museum] being attached to the University, there’s a lot of more educational opportunities and experiences. The way we run things can change year by year, month by month and that gives us a lot of liberty into what we’re doing within the museum since we kind of follow a different set of rules.

I think also because we have more of a contemporary glass collection, that puts us at a unique standpoint because for a long time it was such a niche community so, it’s something that we’re expanding on and showing to the public. We showcase a lot of things that are a mix between not only visual arts but also craftsmanship and not just paintings but sculptures and things that require a lot more technical expertise.

It’s not just a purely visual experience but it’s understanding the tactical aspect of it as well,” says Jones.

THE BARRY ART MUSEUM IS FREE and open to the public Tuesday - Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. and provides an environment that promotes the enjoyment of artistic expression.

Whether you are taking a stroll in between classes or spending a day with your family, The Barry Art Museum offers a perfect place to unwind and breathe in all things creative.

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NEWS

O N F I D E N C E

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Courtesy Josef Hicks

CU R LY

Natalie Hockaday

“Everyone has their own opinions on how black women should wear their hair.

Black women have so many different textures, colors, lengths, thickness, and cul patterns. It’s hard to control a specific representation when the reality is shown in many diffent forms. Do I think the media gets it right?

Maybe not exactly.”

–Asya Allen

“What does it mean to be natural?”

W

ell, being natural in the Black community means wearing the hair pattern one was born with without altering the curl pattern through damaging heat and chemical methods. Simply calling someone’s hair as curly is an understatement once learning about all of the information that goes into it.

For example, there are four general types of curl patterns that curly hair can fall under. They are types one, two, three and four, all with different patterns and textures. The first two types are looser waves and curls while types three and four are curlier patterns that show a more defined ringlet or zig-zag like curl. These hair types tend to be more course in texture and can manage using heavier hair products.

Throughout American history beauty standards have always highlighted eurocentric beauty, focusing on straight hair, lighter skin complexions and a thinner body shape. This has largely impacted how the black community sees itself and has allowed damaging practices like chemical and heat manipulation to take place.

Relaxers, which chemically manipulate a curl pattern to straighten the hair has become a popular product among the Black community.

Using a relaxer has damaging effects of making hair brittle, hair breakage and thinning. The process of applying a relaxer consists of brushing the cream as close to the scalp as possible and brushing the rest down the rest of the hair shaft. Because the cream is placed near the scalp, it creates a burning sensation that can actually chemically burn the scalp and have long term effects.

This all sounds like it is extremely painful, so why do people do it?

“I’m currently in between relaxers. But before that, I was natural until sophomore and junior year of high school. And then I went back to natural for 3 years. Currently, I’ve had my hair relaxed since November,” said Allison Robinson, a junior from Pennsylvania State University. “Personally, I don’t like getting my scalp or ears burned which is why I stayed away from getting relaxers for a while. I keep my hair relaxed because I’ve been told that style makes me look more mature.”

“I choose not to [wear my hair natural] because my hair is not long enough to look acceptable to me, and because I straighten it, I don’t have much of a curl pattern,” said Korey Wilson, sophomore, Northern Virginia Community College.

“I choose to not wear my hair in its natural curl pattern because my curls are not as defined as I’d like them to be and it’s not the length I would want it to be,” said Asya Allen, sophomore, Old Dominion University.

There is a stigma within the Black community of there being “good hair” which tends to be long and look like curl patterns that are softer and looser which can reflect hair types one, two, and three. This can be due to the constant beauty standards that are pushed onto the community that simply do not reflect who they are or what they look like.

Representation is a major influence on how a community sees itself and the the lack of it can cause people to conform to what is deemed acceptable by society which in affect causes a culture to dismantle itself.

“I mean, there could always be more representation. Usually though, the black women that are caste in the big movies and tv shows are mixed with good hair or wear a weave. You don’t usually see a dark-skinned black female lead that wears her hair out natural,” said Korey Wilson.

Natural hair has just recently resurfaced as a part of popular culture. There are more natural hair products for multiple different hair types than ever before yet still there is a separation from it.

With the many reasons that people stay away from it like lack of confidence in wearing natural hair or misrepresentation, the cost of being natural can also play a role. Being natural can be expensive and this in part is part could be why black women stray away from being natural.

It was only until recently that stores like Walmart and Target started to sell products that cater to women wearing their natural hair and even then, it was only beneficial to people with softer and loose curls.

Popular brands used by naturals are Cantu, Shea Moisture, Deva Curl and the list can go on. Being natural means experimenting with different hair products like creams, gels, oils, conditioners and shampoos.

This can all be costly to someone. What can make being natural so hard for the black community aside from the social pushback, is that there is not a universal step by step process to achieving a perfect look. Curly hair has been generalized, even though all curl patterns are different and take different styling products and tools to achieve a desired look and maintain health.

“There is no monthly amount of money I spend on these products. Usually when I buy something it’ll last me a while. That being said when I do buy new products, I spend anywhere from $2 to $20 or even $30 on a single product. It all depends on the type of product, the size of the container, and most importantly, the brand,” said Dominique Guimond, sophomore, Old Dominion University.\ The Black community has had to express their beauty through the lens of eurocentric standards that have been placed in the media throughout history. Having representation through family or a community where someone grows up in is just as valuable as seeing it in a magazine or on television.

“I have felt that wearing my natural hair makes me feel/seem less beautiful because it was super rare. People wear or have things that make them beautiful and I hardly saw black women wearing their natural hair out, just weaves, braids, straight/relaxed etc. hair so I equated that to beauty,” said Taylor-Raye Council.

Having the influence of seeing diverse forms of beauty is what allows people to see themselves as being represented. Being natural is more than just wearing hair in its natural curls, it sends the message of knowing that a person is beautiful just the way they are without having to enhance themselves for societal conformity.

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NEWS

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Jada Carson (left), and Trey Lyon (right)

NATALIE HOCKADAY

T

wo ODU sophomores, Jada Carson and Trey Lyon, are making their mark on campus and in the media industry. At just their sophomore year, they were able to host their own radio show with WODU Studios called “T and J Child’s Play” during the fall 2019 semester. During an interview with Jada and Trey, they explain how they became interested in radio, how they were able to have their own show and the impact they hope to have on their audience.

Give me some background information on what made you interested in radio.

Jada Carson: “During my junior year of high school, I was accepted into the radio broadcasting program at a technical center.

During this two year course, I fell in love with the art of radio and I had the opportunity to attain my audio production certification.

Trey has had a YouTube following since high school as well and has taken numerous classes and taught himself how to become excellent with final cut pro video editing.

We always liked the idea of sharing information to others whether it be educational or some crazy gossip that we want to discuss. We like to be on the more personal side of things which means making ourselves more available, which is why we decided to switch over to a podcast. Our viewers tend to watch our show at different times when it’s convenient for them, so we decided to give them what they want and be available on their time. We took the show to Soundcloud, iTunes Podcast and Google Play Music.”

Carson states that her experiences during her freshman year of producing some projects for WODU Studios prepared her for making the show with Lyon. She says she wanted to understand the standard of excellence prior to taking on a project of her own so that she is prepared for the overall production. Lyon first began his journey to radio through his YouTube channel and participated in a play production at ODU which helped him build his radio and podcast personality.

Lyon explained he got his start with WODU Studios by observing Carson produce a show and earn the title “Producer of the Year” during their freshman year. Their current show “T and J Child’s Play” started off as a joke they explain.

“Look, I want a show I don’t care what we have to do, let’s get it,” said Lyon. We both laughed, and I kept mentioning it to Jada and then we began developing the show over the summer, from looks of the logo to what our future promo and flyers would look like.

So once the fall semester began we were so ready to jump into things and then T and J Child’s Play was born,” said Lyon.

Lyon and Carson explain further on the content of “T and J Child’s Play” and what inspires them to be in the media industry.

What inspires you to do what you do?

Carson: “Our future of what we can become inspires us both.

After we graduate we are the ones who can make our legacy great.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to the places we can go with this show and ourselves. We both constantly reflect on the work that we have already done, and it literally excites us, if we keep at this pace the hard work will pay off.”

What type of content does your show consist of and who is your audience? What type of message are you trying to convey to your audience?

Lyon: “Jada and I are communication majors here at Old Dominion University, so despite our goofy moments, we like to be in tune with the relationship side of things. Not just intimate relationships but relationships as a whole. We value talking and communicating with our audience and diving into their personal connections that our viewers or guest may have with other people. We like to make ourselves relatable to other students to make it known that they are not alone on this pathway to success while pursuing their degree, and that to struggle in college is normal and necessary to get to where you want to be in life. Nothing is easy but it’s a whole lot easier when you know what you’re up against.”

Carson and Lyon start off their week by developing the stories for the show along with scheduling guests for the following week. The two both give huge credit for their success to their roommates Miriam Matthews and Ja’Meshia Peterson, who handle and help manage behind the scenes work by scheduling guests and handling the social media platforms.

“Making a radio show can be very time consuming, you can think of it as a full-time job… We have had so many sleepless nights preparing for our show but in the end, it’s all worth it. I know I have given myself, and Jada along with my roommates a hard time about this show, I push for the best work. I wouldn’t call myself a perfectionist, but I’d like to think I’m close to it. If you don’t push yourself nobody will,” said Lyon.

The media industry is starting to be more diverse and Carson and Lyon are trying to make their mark and be a positive influence to help expand the diversity in the industry.

“I feel like our representation alone is making the organization WODU studios a little more diverse when it comes to our content. Our show “T and J Child’s Play” focuses on black excellence and positivity within the young African American community. One thing that we both envisioned for this project was to uplift and highlight the African American youth through the show,” said Carson.

She further explained that she does not think that as a collective, the media industry does not need to improve on its diversity.

“I personally do not think so; as a collective, I feel that when it comes to different markets like urban contemporary which is like the R&B stations and top 40 stations are meant for different demographics. But I feel that we would be able to have a stronger presence of African American personalities in other markets like top 40 that are predominantly represented with Caucasian Djs.” “When I think of Black men and women in the media industry I think we have a very solid base and foundation to go off of. Like anything else, we have to work ten times harder to be seen or to be heard or even to be good enough. I think those who are in the media industry have provided a solid platform for young people pursuing media to follow behind. I also believe that the standards should be set higher so that when young African-Americans like myself, for example, evolve more in media we can have more of a say so versus being told what to do,” said Lyon.

As Carson further speaks about the importance of representation, she opens up about who played a major role in influencing her to get into the media industry. Carson states the Angie Martinez and

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Ness from Hot 97 in New York are who she looks up to in radio.

Carson also has another inspiration. “When it comes to career paths as crazy as it seems I look up to Wendy Williams. She was one of the first African American women to successfully dominate both radio and television markets with record-breaking numbers,” said Carson. Lyon looks up to Kevin Hart because he admires his perseverance and work ethic that made him successful in the entertainment industry.

“Kevin Hart is probably the last person you would expect me to say, but his work ethic is something serious he never stops what he is doing and always pushes for the best and sets himself out to break records and push himself a little bit further each time he is probably the most paid comedian standing at this time,” said Lyon.

Carson and Lyon both hope that they have a positive impact by the work they do. As only sophomores in college, they have already made a platform for themselves and preparing for their future in the media industry.

“Hopefully as our following and legacy continue with the “T and J Child’s Play” brand we would be able to grow into a very popular format. As a collective, we both bring different yet effective things to the table. Trey is an excellent video editor and manager he can pick great topics for the show that will keep the audience thoroughly entertained. Trey is also a great event planner and coordinator,so this would probably be another avenue that he pursues in the near future. And for myself (Jada) I contribute to the technical and audio side of things pertaining to the overall production.

And after I graduate I would like to go into audio production and potentially have my own production company,” said Carson.

Their radio show “T and J Child’s Play” will now continue on Thursdays as a podcast on iTunes Podcast, Soundcloud and Google Play Music.

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@TandJChildsPlay @tandjchildsplay @treyblying @jmellothagreat

Apple Podcasts SoundCloud · Google Play Music

NEWS

420 debates

PETTIE PERKINS

After the much-awaited debate and legal battles, Virginia will get its first medical marijuana dispensary in the Spring of 2019.

This contradicts House Bill 1445 which was passed in 2015 and allows patients with epilepsy to avoid a conviction for certain lowTHC medical cannabis oils. However, Virginia does not currently have any marijuana cultivation centers, so qualifying patients must obtain their medicine from a dispensary in a medical marijuana state that allows for out-of-state patients.

Companies that submitted applications paid a nonrefundable fee of $10,000. If approved, the permit fee is $60,000, according to the board’s website. The annual renewal fee is $10. How does one get to procure these substances? Are there any safeguards for these substances and products created? Are there any specific rules for these places? No recommendations for use can be provided at the dispensary. Prescribing doctors can’t have financial ties to the facility and neither their family members or employees.

Virginia’s Board of Pharmacy reviewed 51 applications, submitted by companies from in and out of state that want to set up shop in one of five health care regions. Fifteen applications were targeted to an area that extends from South Hampton Roads to Williamsburg, according to officials. Five were finally chosen.

Unique product numbers will be assigned at the state level as part of a prescription-monitoring service, Davis said. The state has a long list of regulations and requirements for patients, doctors and processors, which include criminal background checks for employees.

On December 5, 2018 it was announced that Columbia Care, a New York based facility, will be opening a dispensary in the city of Portsmouth. Reports state that there will be 24 employees initially and CBD, THC-A, capsules and creams will be produced and dispensed for the state.

Patients or caregivers must pick up their first dose in person. After that, it can be supplied through a delivery service, but cannot be mailed or shipped.

The other four companies that were awarded licenses are Green Leaf Medical, Pharmacann, Dalitso and Dharma Pharmaceuticals.

One might ask, “What does this entail? What is a dispensary?”

It is a facility that’s been permitted by the Board of Pharmacy to cultivate cannabis plants for the production of cannabidiol or THC-A oil, according to the board’s website.

Courtesy Unsplash

and doctors must be registered with the board. There’s a $50 registration and annual renewal fee for both.

All phases of the manufacturing process, from growing the plants to dispensing the product, will be conducted onsite by one provider. The oil produced by the dispensaries can contain no more than 5 percent THC, which is the chemical component in marijuana that produces a high.

Products will be dispensed to patients who have a written recommendation from a doctor to treat the symptoms of any diagnosed condition or disease that could be treated with the oil. Patients

DC has legalized cannabis to an extent where DC’s pot laws don’t allow users to purchase marijuana in a traditional buyer-seller interaction, but they allow someone to buy another item, good or service — and then receive a free marijuana product that’s “gifted” or donated by the vendor, instead of being sold. Some gifting interactions have featured things like stickers, single ticket raffles, shirts, cups, music and even motivational speeches.

While recreational marijuana remains illegal in Maryland, medical marijuana has been legal in the state since 2014; however, possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana for personal use is a civil offence with a maximum fine of $100.

Amazingly enough on Oct 17, 2018, recreational marijuana use will be legalized across Canada. While the various provinces will regulate the sale and use of marijuana in their own unique ways, it will be legal across Canada. This leaves Virginia state residents wondering how long it will take for cannabis to become legal in the commonwealth.

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SPORTS

A LOOK

AHEAD

THE FUTURE OF MONARCH FOOTBALL CONNOR SIMPSON ON JANUARY 10, 2019,

the official Monarch football schedule was released to the public.

In one of the toughest schedules in team history, ODU will take on conference powerhouses Middle Tennessee and Marshall. On top of this, the Monarchs will once again face off against Virginia Tech after an upset 49-35 victory this past season as well as ACC rival ECU. Amidst rumors of eventually moving to the ACC and the addition of former ECU defensive coordinator, David Blackwell, it will be interesting to see how the Monarchs fare amongst a stacked lineup.

The new and improved stadium will certainly bring a new, rejuvenated atmosphere to home games that is sure to help push the Monarchs to victory this upcoming season. The Monarchs will also be bringing in a talented batch of new players and coaches to coincide with the new stadium.

There have been some concerns among ODU fans due to the recent departure of QB Blake LaRussa and losing numerous experienced seniors to graduation. Despite this, the football staff have done a tremendous recruiting job in an effort to fill the gaps.

On the coaching end of the situation, ODU has added four new assistant coaches (on top of Blackwell).

The 2019-2020 will see Daric Riley (outside linebackers), Austin Shelton (assistant recruiting coordinator), and former Virginia Tech coaches Bryan Stinespring (tight end and run coordinator) and Galen Scott (defensive backs) on the sidelines with head coach Bobby Wilder.

Perhaps the biggest roster addition is former Michigan State QB Messiah DeWeaver. A Junior College national champion, DeWeaver possesses a plethora of talent and experience that will certainly be beneficial to the Monarchs.

Along with DeWeaver, the Monarchs have signed a wide variety of talent spanning various positions from across the nation that are sure to excel.

The future looks promising for the Monarchs. The new stadium along with the overhaul of the team has placed hope in the hearts of Monarch Nation and it will be interesting to see how the upcoming season pans out for the team.

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Winter 2019 | 25

Courtesy Kam Nedd

SPORTS

HOW ODU FOOTBALL IS

CHANGING THE GAME SIERA GOARD

I

t may not be football season quite yet but that doesn’t mean ODU fans and community aren’t elevated for the 2019-20 season. With a $67.5 million brand new stadium underway I think it’s safe to say is one of the reasons ODU is equipped for football to begin.

The Monarchs went 4-8 in the 2018-19 season. With their first W being the historic win against Virginia Tech and four games later sliding by Western KY by 3 points.

ODU is working towards improvement for the upcoming season.

When ODU lost their last game of the season against rice, coach Bobby Wilder stated “things have got to change.” That’s exactly what is happening within the Monarchs program.

Regardless of last season’s outcome the team has to replace 11 starting positions that were held by seniors. ODU will start this coming season without defensive end, Oshane Ximines who has been projected as a first round pick in the 2019 NFL draft. Miles Fox was out after four games during the season due to a turf toe injury. Fox was expected to dominate ODU’s defensive front this coming season but decided to finish his career at Wake Forest.

On the offensive end, ODU loses Jeremy Cox who started at the running back position. Cox was out majority of the season due to an ankle injury. During those games, we witnessed La La Davis, a true freshmen running back show his skills in the position along with Will Knight. They look pretty promising for the Monarchs comeback.

Wide receivers will have to step up in place of Travis Fulgham, Isaiah Harper and Johnathan Duhart. However, the Monarchs will return upper classmen that are experienced in the position.

Players and the roster isn’t the only thing changing for the upcoming season. There have been a few loses and a few gains to the new football staff alongside Bobby Wilder.

ODU adds tight ends coach Bryan Stinespring, who spent the 2018 season as the offensive line coach at Maryland. He previously spent 26 seasons serving at Virginia Tech for multiple positions.

Gailen Scott joins ODU after previously working as the co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Virginia Tech. During the 2018 season he coached at Rowlett High School in Texas.

From ECU we added Daric Riley. He coached the safeties back in East Carolina who we are scheduled to play at home in Norfolk on September 28.

La La Davis expressed how hard the team has been working in the weight room. The new strength coaches are pushing the players harder everyday. “Overall I think this is a good start on the season. The chemistry is already built with the new players and coaches.”

With ODU’s football program undergoing many changes they have been working hard during the offseason to prepare their team for one of the toughest schedules upcoming in Monarchs Football History.

The season will kick-off on August 31st against Norfolk State at home. We hope to see everyone at the new stadium.

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”

Winter 2019 | 27

Courtesy Kam Nedd

“

...the chemistry is already built with the new players and coaches.

SPORTS

MORE THAN AN ATHLETE AN INTERVIEW WITH ODU BASKETBALL STANDOUT

B.J. STITH

SIERA GOARD The Old Dominion Community and fan base will agree that when they hear the name B.J. Stith they automatically think ODU Basketball. The 23-year-old Redshirt Senior and team captain has been a key player to his team since transferring from the University of Virginia in 2015. On top of all of his conference titles and achievements, it is important that fans, students and members of the community recognize B.J. as more than just an athlete.

B.J. grew up in Southern Virginia. He described himself as a good kid that loved to joke and have fun but was also at times mischievous. I’m sure most of us could definitely relate. Growing up, he had other interests besides basketball even though he has been playing for as long as he can remember. That probably doesn’t surprise too many people considering his father played in the NBA. He also played football which he admitted “I actually wanted to quit basketball to play football in high school”.

After an injury on the field he decided it was probably best if he stuck with basketball.

However, B.J. stated that if he could go back to pursue a different career it would be baseball. Wow, we really have an all-star on our hands here. “Ball is life and that isn’t some tired cliché.”

He laughed.

Aside from athletics B.J. still has his head in the books. Since graduating in 2017 with a degree in Communications he is pursuing a second degree in Sports Management while excelling on the court. The Stith family and B.J.’s concept of failure is what keeps him motivated to achieve all of his goals. “I want to have a super comfortable life for me and my family.”

It is important that fans and supporters have the opportunity to get to know the athletes off the court and B.J. values every one of them and how they love him regardless of his up and downs. He understands that they all come from many different walks of life and he loves them all.

As B.J. finishes his senior season of basketball at ODU he wants to leave a legacy. He hopes that everyone at ODU and each person he has come in contact with will remember him as a great student, person and of course basketball player.

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Courtesy Kam Nedd

“I am laid back but funny once you get to know me.” B.J. wants to express to his fans that he is very much approachable “please come speak and say what’s up.”

TECHNOLOGY

HEALING WITH

ART THERAPY JAMES FINNEY

Adrian Hill was recovering alone on his bed at the King Edward VII Sanatorium in Midhurst, England. It was 1938, and Hill was infected with the White Plague, tuberculosis.

He should be outside getting plenty of fresh air and sunlight, but Hill has been painting and drawing since his days as a scout in World War 1, and would prefer to spend his time sketching the objects around him while he rests.

Tuberculosis is hardly even an issue any longer in the United Kingdom, but back then many people didn’t survive their fight against the disease.

Winning the physical battle against tuberculosis was vital, but the mental burden of tackling such a disease was an equally harrowing campaign.

At the time, Hill saw his artwork as a response to the “unreality” of the world he was living in.

A year later, when a fully integrated therapy program was introduced to the sanatorium, Hill was invited to teach the arts to other patients. He saw this process as vital to healing the human spirit.

He even believed that art therapy could heal the body, so much so that he would commit himself to the development of the craft for the next 30 years, coining the term “Art Therapy” in 1942.

WITH THE HELP OF HIS COLLEAGUE Edward Adamson, Hill spread his art program to over 200 hospitals in England. Adamson himself collected over 6,000 pieces of artwork from his former patients.

Adamson and Hill’s work saved lived. They taught people how to manage their emotions and deal with their suffering.

Hill believed that art could turn the world away from war and grief. The results of that work have shown in the modern day.

Today, art therapy is recognized across the world as a form of therapy that helps draw out the inner feelings of patients suffering from physical and mental illness.

The positive effects of artistic catharsis have been recorded back as far as in the works of Aristotle, who claimed that art and poetry helped people to safely embrace and then release the negative motions that they feel inside.

More specifically however, the American Art Therapy Association defines art therapy itself as a process designed to improve a variety of human functions ranging from cognitive and sensory motor functions, to self esteem and emotional resilience.

There have been children robbed of their words, and criminals seeking redemption, who have been healed by the power of this still young practice.

On the other hand, academic studies by art therapists and neuroscientists have revealed the more direct and specific effects of art therapy.

Studies conducted in 2017 have shown that patients enduring acute hospital treatments can experience reduction in their pain and anxiety while going through art therapy. This is especially vital in the American health care environment, where doctors have sought to find alternative solutions to treating pain beyond opioids.

RESEARCH HAS ALSO SHOWN THAT ART THERAPY can help strengthen the connection between patients and their therapists. A review article published in 2015 revealed that in addition to the various, positive mental effects associated with art therapy, creative expression on the part of patients can open the door to a stronger willingness to communicate with their therapists.

Art therapy isn’t perfect however. Despite the many potential benefits, and there have also been several criticisms of the practice, including several listed in the previously mentioned article.

For one, a lack of skill in the arts can wound and even exacerbate the suffering of some patients. In the same vein, patients aren’t ready to continue practicing art without their therapists may experience a level of emotional relapse.

Adding to the issues is the representation of the arts in the public eye. It is becoming an increasingly popular belief that art is often done “for its own sake” or that art doesn’t offer any real benefits to society. This argument is at its worst when it impacts the public school systems, where art is becoming an increasingly neglected resource.

The effects of self expression through the arts can be incredibly important to the development of a child’s identity, especially in the case of kids who have a harder time integrating into their social environment.

While the positive effects of art may not always be obvious, to deny its usefulness wholesale is not only ignorant, but denies a vital avenue to potential healing.

In many ways, what art therapy does is allow patients to “humanize” themselves in a way that traditional therapy and self care just can’t. Art therapy is not a road to self-diagnosis. It cannot be used to “cure” a patient, but it can be their deliverance. It’s a road through which people can reassert control over their own lives.

For that reason alone, the practice is worth its weight in gold.

The AATA has recorded many of these stories as anecdotal proof the therapy’s positive impact on a patient’s health.

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Illustrated by Brandon Harrell

TECHNOLOGY

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D’ONNA COLEMAN Inhabiting other planets? Merely a fantasy, but scientists are trying their hardest to colonize other planets such as Venus or Mars.

September 10, 2018 scientists at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, a university and research center in Switzerland made a step-by-step plan of how they would colonize the planet Mars. But, this will not be happening for a few decades due to how much there is to still discover about the Red Planet.

Mars is ideal due to its ice water on the surface of the planet and because of its natural gas resource. Gases like carbon dioxide, aluminum, iron, silicon and sulfur. With these gases, materials such as plastic, glass and brick can be made which in turn can help with civilization.

The only thing that may work against the grain of trying to achieve the colonization of Mars is that Mars has about a third of the gravity Earth has.

Venus, the second planet from the sun, is often referred to as Earth’s twin. The surface of Venus is hot enough to melt lead, and the atmosphere is reported to feel like being submerged underwater, due to its immense pressure.

Although Venus has harsh conditions it is not impossible to live on the planet. Venus is similar to Earth in many ways such as the high level of gravity, short revolution pattern (compared to the surrounding planets), and Earth like terrain.

One of the ideas for Venus is to have floating cities, which would be decades ahead of civilization. But with the extreme temperatures it would be very difficult to keep buildings from melting, unless there is a new type of high heat resistant metal.

Something that would be in favor of floating cities would be the fact that Venus has about 9/10 of the gravity that Earth has.

This means jumps would be a little higher and objects would be lighter in weight.

The other potential idea from NASA is the NASA HAVOC project, formulated by aerospace engineers at the Hamp-

ton, Virginia NASA base. The plan for this project is to have humans in a “blimp-like airship.” It would receive energy from the Sun and be converted to usable energy via solar panels.

The airship would hover above the clouds where the atmosphere is not so harsh. It is said the airship will be three times the size of a boeing 747, making it a massive project to make in and of itself.

A very important factor for human survival is atmospheric pressure. The atmosphere is barely existent on Mars, and the atmosphere on Venus is too thick making the pressure much higher than Earth’s existing atmospheric pressure.

For Venus to have floating cities, the high speed winds high in the atmosphere would have to be considered. The winds are estimated to be 249 mph (400 km/h), which is faster than tornadoes and hurricanes on Earth. This presents a problem for those who envisioned skyscrapers on Venus.

In hindsight Mars would be the more appropriate choice when trying to colonize another planet. The reason being the ice on the planet is on the surface, which can be turned into fuel when needing to get back to Earth. Other desirable traits of Mars include the atmospheric pressure, the resource of natural gases and its many similarities to Earth.

Venus is an unfavorable option due to its many traits that could threaten human survival. The planet is the second one from the sun making the temperature sweltering and unbearable to the human body. Venus is also not ideal for human survival in the sense that the atmospheric pressure is similar to being submerged under 3,000 feet of water.

However, once Venus is explored more there is a possibility that humans could inhabit it. Once scientists find a definite solution to the issues that arose when thinking about colonizing Venus, humans will be one step closer to being an interplanetary species.

Overall the more plausible outcome is the colonization of Mars. That may take decades to make this happen, but it is more likely than the colonization of Venus.

Winter 2019 | 31

TECHNOLOGY

SpaceX

A LOOK BACK AT A COMPANY LOOKING FORWARD

Courtesy SpaceX

KYLE WINFIELD

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Ever since the Space Race ended, it seems like humanity’s aspirations for space travel has stagnated. We have the International Space Station orbiting the Earth, but that does not get humanity any closer to potentially colonizing the other worlds in our Solar System. Of course, this problem is compounded by funding cuts to organizations like NASA, making further attempts to put humans on other planets seem like just a pipe dream.

However, just because NASA is underfunded, doesn’t mean that humanity will be stuck here permanently. Recent history has seen private entities taking matters into their own hands, in an effort to reignite mankind’s interest in reaching other worlds. In a way, this could be seen as a second “Space Race,” one not funded by taxpayer money, but by corporations. Chief among them is SpaceX. Founded in 2002, by Elon Musk, SpaceX was created with the idea in mind to “Revolutionize space technology, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets,” according to their website. Since then, they have had over 100 plus launches contracted, and have created a number of space-faring vehicles to do so.

The first rocket program SpaceX created was the Falcon series of rockets, with the current iteration called “Falcon 9.” 2008 saw the test launch of the first of the Falcon rockets, aptly named “Falcon 1.” This launch was conducted on Omelek Island, in the Kwajalein Atoll, which is part of the Marshall Islands.

What is unique about the Falcon 1 is it’s reusability. The first stage of the rocket, once detached from the second stage, will then release parachutes, allowing it to fall to the ground where it will be scooped up by a recovery team. This allows SpaceX to simply re-use the components, which saves money and time, as new parts do not have to be built over and over again.

This Falcon 1 rocket was the first privately funded space-faring vehicle made since 1982’s Conestoga, made by SSIA, and the Pegasus, developed by OSC in the 1990’s. The first three test launches of Falcon 1 from Omelek, were failures. However, Falcon 1 flight 4 was a success and achieved orbit, on the twenty-eighth of September, 2008.

The success of the Falcon 1’s fourth test flight meant that it was the first privately funded rocket to reach orbit. Fast forward to December of that same year. NASA provides SpaceX with a $1.6 billion Commercial Resupply Contract. After yet another successful Falcon 1 test, the new Falcon 9 rocket is unveiled and has its first flight from Cape Canaveral, Florida, which was also a success.

When looking at the Falcon 9, it’s purpose was to be the same as the Falcon 1, but it’s design was to be extensively redone, while also keeping it’s reusability capabilities, thus keeping costs low.

Falcon 9 was also designed to work in tandem with a new vehicle developed by SpaceX, named “Dragon.”

While it’s name sounds ominous, it is anything but. The Dragon was designed with two things in mind: that it would be capable of carrying people and cargo into space, and that it would be able to return to earth after it’s mission was completed. In 2012, this design philosophy was put to the test, when it became the first commercially owned vehicle to successfully complete a resupply run for the International Space Station.

Looking back at the previous rocket designs, a common thread emerges. Reusability. The whole point of reusing these rockets is to keep costs down, so that the money could be allocated elsewhere. This philosophy is further demonstrated by the “Grasshopper” project.

The Grasshopper is similar to the aforementioned Falcon 1 and 9, namely in that the first stages of launch makes use of a reusable rocket. The test flights that the Grasshopper underwent were instrumental in the production of the Falcon 9’s reusable first stage, despite a few failed launch attempts.

Over the next couple years, SpaceX and it’s Falcon 9 rocket program have been instrumental in launching satellites for many countries, such as Turkmenistan, China, Bulgaria, Luxembourg and Taiwan. Aside from working for developing nations, SpaceX has also helped privately owned companies launch their own satellites into orbit.

SpaceX’s most recent mission involved using their Dragon vehicle to perform a resupply of the ISS on the fifth of December, 2018.

Dragon was carrying about 5,500 pounds of supplies for the astronauts aboard the ISS. Then on Jan. 13, Dragon made it’s return to Earth, splashing down just off of Baja, California.

So, with all that established, what is the future of SpaceX? An upcoming SpaceX launch looms on the horizon. Falcon Heavy, the more powerful version of the Falcon rocket design has had a booster delivered to a launch site in Florida.

However, it’s not all good news for SpaceX, as a test launch in Iran failed. But, despite that setback, if SpaceX’s history shows anything, they will persevere towards their goal to put humanity among the stars.

Winter 2019 | 33

CREATIVE ENCLAVE

COMPLAINTS PETTIE PERKINS

My boobs hurt. Yes…breasts, boobs, fun bags, milk jugs, rack, whatever. My boobs hurt.

No. Not from pms or lack of sex or even being too big.

My boobs hurt because inside I’m heaving and crying and my heartbeat is dying because I am having trouble breathing in America.

And no matter how I see it, I really can't believe how far we have just been set back.

See, I look and take note of what boobs have made. I am the hope and the dream of a former slave. I'm not looking for reparations I'm just letting you know.

My boobs hurt.

And my boobs hurt. Hurt from the heaving, the scares, the scars, being the pillow, the mourning stop, the hard hugs, holding you while getting shots, or after getting shot, suckling other people’s babies before mine because they had no time.

But, when that happened America was better because we shared time. Even though I was a shipped 3rd class citizen to your priority air delivered Rolex in counting minutes, hours, and days in the steps of time.

Funny...My feet don't hurt because I've been marching forward for a while.

I've marched on til victory was marginalized enough to not ride in the back of the bus and feel the extra bumps to make my boobs hurt. I'm Not wearing a sports bra so I'm not running too far, either.

And now as we ride this wave where we have more women looking for glass slippers rather than breaking glass ceilings. We have women who would rather marry off well instead of building relationships. We have women who just want to lay around and maximize their potential to do nothing but lay on their backs and collect support.

My boobs hurt. And they will probably hurt tomorrow from trying to contain all of the world's problems because all I want is peace. But the misogynistic faction that is grabbing women by the pussy won't allow that to happen because war is profitable.

Now, I'm not against protesting and I don't flash them in public but, I'm not against doing it and receiving no judgement. However, that won't relieve my pain. It will probably get the wrong kind of press as well.

Society wants me to have perky double D's and reveal my cleavage but suck your teeth at public breastfeeding when the babies really need it. The aesthetic quality aside, I get it. You just want to look at a pair of pretty titties... But yeah... I digress So... I just wanted you to know that my boobs hurt.

I needed to get that off my chest.

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Courtesy Min An

Winter 2019 | 35

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Courtesy Joshua Schneider

BY THE BAY JOHNNY RISKTAKER

Sherbert skies wash your lips in violet light Painting our reunion In fools gold strokes Tacoma’s streets And the Puget’s waves Whisper sweet temptation in my ear Or was it the memory of hillside vineyards And the calm river Rhine where we first met?

I watch your eyes flutter Like cashmere wrinkles on my favorite sweater Rustling then smoothing across your chesnut skin Your finger twirls in rings under my chin A little ice skater, giving me chills The icy rink, holding our routine together Reality screams at you like a cashmere goat Love melts off the cone The hairs plucked with your comb They clog the streets Lover’s curls in that Seattle summer heat Your eyes water And I’m drowning In the empty Sound

Winter 2019 | 37

Auto or Manual?

Which is more suitable, or more justifiable?

The set up may be convenient but the accuracy may not be true.

The control factor with manual allows controlled ignorance, suppressed knowledge that is disengaged with its truth.

Oh how nice it would be if all pictures are supposed to look pretty.

With beaming suns that never set and radiant smiles that never turned crooked.

Reality taps in along with a storm Ruining the fantasy Just as the lightning may strike the flash goes off equalizing the darkness and brightness Romanticizing the White balance Making the sun come up when it’s cloudy Making flowers bloom in winter While Taming a fire with oil Consider looking past the viewfinder With your naked eye on their bare face Analyzing the high points of their structure and hollows of their cheeks The intensity within their eyes grabbed by the lens tells a narrative contrary to the perception of the narrator.

But the eyes are out of focus, grainy, not at its purest, blurred by your variables.

The aperture is intensified making a puzzling bokeh when the truth starts to become intelligible The photoshop, masked as an enhancement acts a distorting mirror for your convenience The water on their face is not from the rain that was attempted to be photoshopped and flashed away All the tools being used to be able to see is making you more susceptible to blindness A picture does not need to be made, it needs to be told So long as there are filters placed upon the picture and the saturation is complimented with incandescent lights and a positive ambiance the sourness will seep through.

So show the blacks, greys, blues and other hues And consider their shoes Someone is trying to tell their story through the source of a distorted mirror Keep it in Raw at its purest Where the wrinkles, freckles, and bags can be seen Fake truths, Diluted expressions embodied in the mediocre masterpiece make you question why there was a use of Auto or Manual, or filters or photoshop.

The excuse was that everything was off balance.

Exactly.

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DISENGAGED TRUTHS NATALIE HOCKADAY

Winter 2019 | 39

Courtesy Jessica Ruscello

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