Thread_December 2020 by Ohio University Student Magazines

BEDAZZLED AND BEGUILED

WHO, WHAT, WEAR

MIDDLE OF BOOK

Hues and Royal Blues

Polished Gems 112 Six Looks: Album Covers

Editor’s Note

Welcome back, Threadies!

I’m so excited to be back with a new issue. Since we decided to cancel our fourth issue of the 2019-2020 school year and to only do one this semester, this issue comes with a lot of enthusiasm from everyone involved. We’ve changed up some parts of the magazine, but I promise all of the stories and photoshoots that you know and love are here. We decided to cut down on stories published in the magazine to make it easier for our designers and editing team to do work remotely, so Celeb Styles, Haute Onlines, and other stories can be found on our website with the Blogs.

I know it’s been a rough year for everyone and this semester could have gone significantly better in more ways than one, but I hope that for at least a short while Thread can help distract you from everything else.

Seams is chock full of new fashion ideas if you’re looking for ways to change your personal style over the break (“Hop on the Bandwagon” P.12, “Making a Comeback” P.26, and “Dressing Up, Down to Earth” P.08). To learn more about the designer behind the iconic strawberry dress and her sister, check the blog for the Runway Realways features on the Matoshi sisters.

Looking for something to bring home for the holidays that will use all of the food left in your fridge? Check out “Made in the A.M.” (P.38) for an easy crockpot recipe that you’ll want to make

again and again. Our Who, What, Wear features stories on Hickory House BBQ (P.58), the food truck on East State that has you dreaming about smoked food from a mile away, and I got the chance to interview OU grad Steve McJones about his podcast (P.52). If you’re looking for a heavier read, check out our story on gender reveal parties on the blog, it’s personally one of my favorite articles and I think it’ll be worth everyone’s time to read it.

Stay safe and happy holidays! Much Love,

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Hannah Pridemore

MANAGING EDITOR

Emily Gayton

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Grace Sublett

PUBLIC RELATIONS CHIEF

Amy Szmik

BUISNESS MANAGER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Mack Wagner

WHO,WHAT, WEAR AND CAMPUS CASUAL EDITOR

Jillian Craig

VIDEO CHIEF

Lily Gephardt

PHOTO CHEIF

Lauren Britt

FASHION DIRECTOR

Lindsay O’Nesti

PHOTO EDITOR

DIY EDITOR Leanna Siupinys

Caleigh Kinney

WEB EDITOR

Kailee Richey

COPY CHIEF

Cristina Formichelli

PHOTO:

Lauren Britt, Ansel Lavigne, Abby Kelman, Andrew Guidarelli, Kate McCarthy, Evie Sears, Ella Calhoun

DESIGN:

Ian Lucic, Grace Sublett

VIDEO:

Lilly Gephardt

WRITERS:

MODELS: Cristina Formichelli, Caleigh Kinney

Lauren Britt, Ella Calhoun, Chloe Green, Destiny Reynolds, Nia Caldwell, Marcell Byers, Morgan Orr, Jess Cacho, Brooklyn Stallworth, Aaron Bryan, Lindsay O’Nesti, Kate McCarthy, Julia Siupinys, Lanae Lang, Kayla Randolph, Paul Devil, Jacob Koerper, Colin Tube, Jacob Schoeler, Rylan Lee, Delani Dorsey, Madison Sayler

Behind the Scenes of Thread Photoshoots

SEAMS

From the runway to the streets, and everywhere in between, here are this season’s most sought- after trends.

HOP ON THE BANDWAGON P.12

BY HANNAH

PRIDEMORE PHOTOS BY BRE SEVERNS

Is it another quarantine craft or is it a trend that will stick around for a while? As we turn towards eco-friendly options and saving money through making our own accessories, it’s no wonder that earthyinspired jewelry has become popular again.

By using dark earth tones mixed with warm reds, oranges, and yellows, it’s easy to craft pieces to go with any outfit, even if it’s been worn for the second day in a row. From beads and stones to crystals and engraved metal, there’s no one right way to design them. While earthy jewelry is a bit notorious for being gawky and oversized (thank you early 2000s), that doesn’t have to be the case. Dainty pieces can easily be crafted with wire and

make layering accessories easier to do without weighing the wearer down.

For those who aren’t too crafty or are looking for something out of their skill range, eco-friendly jewelry can be found online for fair prices. Etsy is full of options and some pieces can even be customized. Earthly Elegance Jewelry, run by OU student Alexa Hope, is a great example of this. Her products are cute, affordable, and supporting small businesses is always good for the soul.

Whether you’re in the mood to take a trip to JoAnn’s to craft up some earrings and a bracelet yourself or perusing Etsy for the perfect necklace, there’s an eco-inspired jewelry piece waiting to be worn during the next Teams meeting.

BY ANNA BIRK PHOTOS BY ELLA CALHOUN

Move over hair clips and scrunchies, there’s a new hair accessory that is great for every outfit: cottagecore bandanas.

The use of bandanas has made the rounds throughout our culture, by going from work use to the high-fashion industry. Beyoncé and Christina Aguilera were among the first in the early 2000s to make the bandana popular. Following their example, Carrie Bradshaw, a “Sex and the City” icon played by Sarah Jessica Parker, often wore bandanas in episodes.

History loves to repeat itself in the fashion industry, and models at the Fall 2020 Ready-to-Wear

...HIGHLIGHTS A ROMANTICIZED LIFESTYLE THAT INCORPORATES A PEACEFUL AND QUIET WAY OF LIVING. “ ”

Womenswear fashion show by designer Christian Dior wore bandanas while walking the runway.

What helped to increase the popularity of this headwear in the past year? Quarantine and TikTok.

The isolation of quarantine has given many the opportunity to create an idealized version of reality. More specifically, cottagecore. Cottagecore highlights a romanticized lifestyle that incorporates a peaceful and quiet way of living. Think farmers markets, bike riding, baking, and flowers in the countryside.

TikTok has further accentuated the cottagecore lifestyle by allowing an escape for its users. Videos layered with sepia-tone filters and soft acoustics are circulating the app, with images of people wearing cottagecore bandanas while frolicking through fields.

This square piece of fabric has become a key staple of the cottagecore aesthetic. A solid-color paisley bandana is traditional, however, this style has become more creative by incorporating colorful scarves, silk handkerchiefs, and all-but-the-ordinary patterns.

Cottagecore bandanas are generally worn by folding the fabric into a triangle, with the long end tied under the base of the head. For longer hair, tie it up into a ponytail before placing the bandana to achieve prime positioning. After tying the bandana, simply untie the ponytail and pull a few pieces of hair out in the front for a face-framing effect.

Just because cottagecore bandanas have a rustic vibe doesn’t mean they don’t go with statement outfits. Pair a silk bandana with a collared shirt, sweatshirt, and tennis skirt for the latest on-trend look. To keep it vintage, try pairing it with overalls with a blouse underneath.

“Being rare is about being comfortable with yourself. I’ve stopped trying to be perfect. I just want to be me.”

- SELENA GOMEZ

It Comes Naturally

BY MADDY FINK PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, it feels like just about every celebrity and beauty guru has come out with a makeup line. Some of these brands seem to have started a revolution by being original and inclusive, like Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, but others seem to miss the mark, like Jaclyn Hill’s launch of lipsticks that had fuzzy fibers and bacteria in them. However, the newest celebrity to add “Cosmetic Company Owner” to her resume is Selena Gomez. Gomez launched Rare Beauty on Sept. 3, exclusively at Sephora and the Rare Beauty website, and

at first, people were skeptical and wondered what made Gomez qualified to start a makeup line. But quickly, people realized that this brand was not just another generic beauty brand that a celebrity slapped their name on: it was a brand that had a purpose.

Rare Beauty launched with a massive variety of products. The line includes foundation, concealer, liquid blush, liquid highlighter, eyeliner, brow pencils, blotting powder, brushes, and more. Like Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, Rare Beauty launched

with a wide range of foundations and concealers, with 48 different shades. Along with extensive foundation and concealer shades, Rare Beauty also had eight different shades of both the liquid blush and highlighter, so that anyone with any skin tone can find the right shade in all the products.

The inclusivity of the brand does not stop at the shade range,

though. Gomez has been open and honest about her history with lupus, an autoimmune disease that can negatively affect many different organs in the body. She knows how this disease affects her own life, so she wanted to make sure her brand was easy to use for everyone else out there with similar situations. She designed the packaging of each product to be easy to open, with

circle-shaped lids that are easy to grasp and to open compared to normal twist-off lids on makeup products. She also made most of her products liquidbased because, for many with autoimmune diseases, it is easier to blend in the products with their fingers rather than using a powder product with a brush that requires more precision. Along with making products that are

easy to work with and made for everyone, Rare Beauty has pledged to raise $100 million for mental health services over the next ten years. They plan on doing this by donating 1% of product sales to the Rare Impact Fund. Along with helping those with lupus and autoimmune diseases, mental health is another cause very close to Gomez’s heart.

Rare Beauty and Gomez are only a few months into the world of makeup, but the brand has been met with positive reviews from fellow celebrities, influencers, and fans of Gomez. As a makeup lover myself, I was curious about the brand when I heard about it launching in early September, so I bought the foundation, blush, and highlighter, and they are phenomenal products. They are easy to open, blend beautifully, and leave the skin looking glowing and youthful. Gomez and Rare Beauty have really taken hold of the beauty community, and will surely continue to improve with each launch.

New Face, Who Dis?

BY CALEIGH KINNEY PHOTOS BY ABBY KELMAN

Faux freckles are a trend that has been slowly emerging for the past several years in the makeup world. There are many ways that they can add a transformative feature to an everyday look. Since they’re not real or permanent, these freckles can even be done with a multitude of colors to add some vibrancy and uniqueness to a look.

Interestingly enough, one of the first faux freckle application strategies was done by using broccoli and a dark chocolate brown eyeshadow. It might sound crazy, but after trying brushes and eyeliner pencils, this remains an all-time favorite method for some. You can still use a thin brush or ends of tweezers if you’re going for a smaller focus around the nose. If you’re looking to cover the majority of your face, broccoli and an eyebrow gel duo is your guaranteed best bet. If you’re more interested in eating your veggies than you are in using them as a beauty tool, henna freckles might be the move. Comparable to the broccoli stippling method, henna can be used on your face to temporarily dye freckles. However, you can’t use just any dyes. You have to make sure

the henna isn’t derived from any harmful chemicals. Makeup artists typically buy their henna from a henna artist who curates natural dyes that are specifically intended for skin application.

If you don’t want to use brown, you can switch it up and use a white liquid liner, or any other color really. Applying white dots all over your nose and just above your cheeks gives off an innocent and angelic look. The nice thing about using a liner to create the freckles is that you don’t have to blend. There’s no limit to how many or how few can be applied; whatever satisfies you and the look you’re going for. As long as you use some color and your application of choice, you can blend it in for a more natural and smooth finish. Have fun with it, try any method, any color, and however many or little you desire.

Elf Cosmetics

Eyebrow Gel Kit $4

NYX Cosmetics

Professional Makeup White Liner $7

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade $21

Morphe Liquid Liner Blank Slate $12

MAKING A COMEBACK

BY KAYLA BENNETT PHOTOS BY EVIE SEARS

Dr. Martens, (more commonly known as Doc Martens,) made their first appearance in 1901 labeled as “durable work boots.” Over the decades, the boots became symbols of self-expression, and with their innovative air-cushioned sole, the slogan “with bouncing soles”

came to be. These well-known work boots gained a stylish edge when they became fashion statements in the ’70s.

The ’70s and ’80s brought Doc Martens center stage with gothic British bands like The Cure donning them for performances. Doc Martens were a staple for those who broke the rules. The

only people that wore “Docs” were those who associated themselves with the indie and grunge lifestyle. In the late ’80s, Docs became a way to show off an individual’s style and a popular outlet for women to do so. This revolved around the growing selection of different colors and patterns.

The ’90s adopted the boots into their festival culture and those involved continued to individualize every pair by adding their own patterns and styling them in unconventional ways. The ability to wear Doc Martens more for fashion and less for work led young adults to pick louder colors and style them with bolder

clothing. Each decade took what they knew about the boots and conditioned them to fit their new purpose.

Celebrities and influencers like Gigi Hadid, Hailey Bieber, and Emma Chamberlain rock their Doc Martens out in the public eye. Celebrities have a big impact on the younger generation, especially when it comes to the current trends, and Doc Martens caught on fast in the media and with those who paid attention.

Today looks different, though, as Doc Martens come with a new meaning. Wearing Docs now doesn’t associate anyone with one “group,” but instead with the 20th century. With the advancement in versatility and creativity, people are styling their boots in several different ways. Dress? Jeans? Sweatpants? Doc Martens go with any look on anyone. Being a shoe of every season, consumers face many choices when it comes to picking the style of boots they want: Platforms, laces, no laces, slipon, and sandals are just some available options.

There is power in individuality, and Doc Martens allows one to possess that power. Here are

some ways to style Doc Martens:

- A night out. Doc Martens are great for supporting feet for an extended period of time, and they look great when accompanied by a knee-length dress. Add some fishnets or tights of any color and top off with a jean jacket or a statement jacket.

- A walk around campus or around town might mean running into someone. Wear some Docs that empower with business pants, a tank top, and a blazer. Power moves only!

- A visit to a favorite coffee shop might include a teddy coat, an oversized crewneck or sweater, mom jeans, and the comfiest Docs that pull it all together.

- A trip to the fair calls for a calf-length or long skirt, a chunky sweater, a pair of lace-trimmed socks, and, of course, Docs peeking out of the skirt.

- A look that throws it back to the ’70s calls for some flared pants, a loose-fitted, flowy shirt or graphic tee, round sunglasses, and Docs that vibe with the era of flower power and vinyl.

Doc Martens are making a comeback, with endless ways to style them, and everyone is here for it.

BY SARAH TODACK PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

Hijabs are an important tradition in the Islamic religion, representing a principle of modesty in both dress and behavior. However, this takes on different forms for different people. Some interpretations include a full-body garment, whereas other Muslim women may choose not to observe any dress rules at all.

For those who wear hijabs, accessorizing may come differently than to those who don’t. Hijabs come in a variety of styles, which is a great way to express individuality and fashion sense. There are other ways to express a unique fashion sense that excludes hair, the commonly-covered feature for Muslim women who wear

hijabs. Muslim women show their unique taste through clothing and makeup, as well as accessories like shoes, bags, and belts. But what about earrings?

For years women have been wearing earrings carefully while rocking their hijab, but through the fabric of their hijabs in the area that their ears are. Now the game has been changed with the popularization of “pinrings” made by and for Muslim women. Instead of wearing earrings designed for pierced ears, women can buy pins made specifically to adorn hijabs.

This idea became more widespread through social media, where TikTok user Fatini Zamri, (@fatizle,) created a video showing how she came about the idea of

starting her own pinring business. The video has since been shared across sites like Twitter, where the video went viral and attracted almost 100 thousand retweets. The response from hijab-wearing women has been overwhelmingly positive, many expressing their interest in buying the pinrings instantly.

“HOW

DO YOU WEAR EARRINGS WITH YOUR HIJAB?”

Zamri is a recent college graduate and a hijab-wearing Muslim woman. She had already been making the pinrings for her own use when, at a family gathering, her cousins were wowed by her accessories, saying things such as, “how do you wear earrings with your hijab?” She

explained that they were pins, not earrings. Their amazement led to the suggestion of making these pins to sell, allowing more women to express themselves in the same way. This is how her store, LushPins, came about, according to her story documented on TikTok.

Zamri does everything herself from managing the business, designing the marketing, modeling the products, and, of course. creating the pinrings. The idea is to maintain modesty by ensuring the wearer can safely hide their hair while showing off beautiful jewelry. They’re more versatile and hijab-friendly when

compared to earrings, since she creates them with sharp pins to prevent snagging no matter the hijab style or fabric the wearer chooses that day. In addition to modesty and versatility, LushPins also express that the pinrings are stylish, readymade, comfortable, travel-friendly, and both quick and easy to wear.

On the LushPins Instagram account, there are a vast variety of styles to suit the tastes of customers. She has fringe pinrings, cute puffs, simple gold shapes, intricate flowers that cascade down, and many more. The hand-made pinrings typically cost between $25 and $40 and have become so sought-after that

the products are often going out of stock.

Perhaps the best and most inspiring part of the business is that it is created and run by a young Muslim woman. Buying from small businesses not only helps the business owner, but also contributes to a healthier marketplace, in comparison to fast fashion. The quality of the pins also exceeds fast-fashion jewelry while tailoring to a minority group. Zamri has found a way to express her interests and culture while creating a profitable business. Check out LushPins on Instagram and see if they’d fit yours or a loved one’s needs.

DIY

Crafting the most intricate of knick-knacks, working out the mind, body, and soul, and making the most delicious treats.

SPIRIT-FREE SPIRITS P.48

PAINT AND PONG

BY HANNAH PRIDEMORE PHOTOS BY MACK WAGNER

While it may be too cold out right now to play pong, there’s no reason why prepping for the warmer weather can’t be done over winter break. Every pong table has its own personality and can take a lot of thought and handy work, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Themes can range from local bars, school spirit, or favorite beverages, but a theme isn’t always necessary. If it’s cute and cohesive there’s nothing wrong with putting miscellaneous ideas.

SUPPLIES

·Spray paint or acrylic paint

·Painters tape ·Paper

·Sealant

STEPS

1 Prep the table by washing it and painting it white.

2 While the paint dries, plan out the design on paper, try drawing it out to scale.

3 Sketch the desired designs on the table, adjust as needed.

4 Paint and let dry.

5 Finish with sealant.

HAVE FUN, BE SAFE, AND WATCH YOUR ELBOWS!

BY CRISTINA FORMICHELLI PHOTOS BY ANSEL LAVIGNE

Let’s be honest: no one really wants to be doing a whole lot of moving around during a pandemic, especially now that it’s colder out. The months of not being able to leave the house certainly took a toll, and wearing a mask at the gym isn’t easy or very comfortable when breathing hard. If working out just isn’t the move right now, here are some basic stretches to do to feel good without the awful soreness that often accompanies working out.

FOR THE BACK: SEATED TWIST

Sit on the ground with both legs straight and together. Cross one leg over the other, and put that foot as close to the opposite hip as possible. Take the arm opposite of the crossed leg and rest it just above that knee. Twist opposite the direction of the legs and push the arm against the knee. Hold for about thirty seconds, then switch and repeat.

FOR THE SHOULDERS: DELTOID STRETCH

Start standing up for this stretch. Reach one arm across the chest and hook underneath it with the other arm for support, pulling the crossed arm closer to the chest. Hold for about twenty seconds, then switch arms and repeat.

FOR THE TRICEPS: ELBOW-UP STRETCH

Start standing up for this stretch. Reach one arm behind the head and place that hand in the middle of the upper back. Grab that elbow with the free hand and pull it toward the arm that grabbed the elbow. Hold for about twenty seconds, then switch arms and repeat.

FOR

THE HAMSTRINGS: MODIFIED HURDLER STRETCH

Sit on the ground and straighten one leg. Bend the other leg and meet the bottom of that foot to as high on the other thigh as possible. Then reach both arms down and bend the torso low over the extended leg for about thirty seconds. Switch legs and repeat.

FOR THE QUADS: KNEELING STRETCH

Start in a wide lunge position with one foot forward and the other leg kneeling. Find a balance, keep the hips square, and make sure everything’s straight. Place both hands on the front leg’s knee and lean forward as far as possible. Hold for about thirty seconds, switch legs, and repeat.

Now that you’re all limbered up, you might as well go work out! With all the sitting around that comes with an online semester and a global pandemic, getting up and stretching every once in a while is crucial for when the world is back to normal and everyone’s itching to get back out there. In the meantime, try aligning your stretch breaks with your study breaks!

MADE IN THE A.M.

BY HANNAH PRIDEMORE

PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

Taking it slow over winter break is no new idea. It can be hard to work up the motivation to get stuff done unless it’s completely necessary after four months of nonstop work and stress. Pile that on top of the continuous dilemma of trying to find something to cook, and the short days can feel like they’re dragging on with the same four meals being interchanged. Crockpots can help solve this issue, though. Put some soup on in the morning, let it cook throughout the day, and then there’s a delicious dinner without the immediate prep beforehand.

INGREDIENTS

1. Wild Rice

2. Vegetable Stock

3.Desired vegetables (sweet potato, carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms, etc.)

4. Garlic

5. Bay leaf or Old Bay seasoning

6. Coconut milk or cream

7. Greens (spinach, kale, collard greens, etc.)

8. Seasoning

9. Optional: Chicken

STEPS

1. Prepare the base. Simmer the vegetables and rice in the vegetable stock until the rice is done.

2. Add in coconut milk or cream sauce and greens. Taste and season as necessary.

3. Let all the ingredients cook together and serve.

4. Note: The soup will thicken as it cools. If it gets too thick, add more broth.

This recipe from Gimme Some Oven is pretty flexible, so feel free to add different vegetables and meats as desired.

Spirit-Free Spirits

BY JILLIAN CRAIG

PHOTOS BY KAILEE RICHEY

As the holiday season approaches, so does the season of assorted parties and get-togethers. For those under the age of 21, or anyone who abstains from drinking alcoholic beverages, holiday party season can be intimidating. If you want to enjoy holiday parties without feeling awkward about not having a cocktail in hand, try this Gingerbread White Russain mocktail. It’s affordable, can be made in a matter of minutes, and will make plenty of servings.

make it

Ingredients Needed:

4 tablespoons of iced coffee

3 tbsp. of milk or half and half

1 1/2 tbsp. of vanilla creamer

1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger

1/4 tsp. of cinnamon

1 small pinch of ground cloves and nutmeg

2

3 1

4 Instructions:

Combine all ingredients into one glass.

Pour combined ingredients over ice in a separate glass.

Garnish with a gingerbread man (optional).

Serve and enjoy!

And that’s all there is to it! The Gingerbread White Russian mocktail is the perfect drink to sip on at your virtual or sociallydistanced holiday parties. This year may look different, but it won’t feel like it with this mocktail in hand.

WHO, WHAT, WEAR

A glimpse into some of Athens’ most captivating people, places, and events.

HICKORY HOUSE BBQ FOOD TRUCK P.50

BY HANNAH PRIDEMORE PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

It’s almost a trope, now; an archetype of sorts. Starting a podcast because what else is there to do. Many do start out from a place of enjoyment for the topic, though, and ARTICULATE with Steve McJones is a great example of doing something purely because of that enjoyment.

Created by Ohio University graduate Alec Bolger, aka Steve McJones, during his junior year of college, ARTICULATE is a passion project about passion and projects.

“Each episode is about the guest. What does the guest want to come on and talk about with me, what is this person passionate about enough to talk with me for 30 minutes to an hour what do they really enjoy about life what makes life worth living and getting up every day possible for them. I

love hearing people talk about their passions and that’s kind of what it’s turned into and what it’s about for me at least,” said McJones.

McJones majored in hospitality at OU, but plans on leaving the field as he moves from Athens to New Jersey. Starting out at a mom-and-pop shop at 15 and continuing hospitality work throughout college, he realized that it wasn’t for him long-term as it can be physically, emotionally, and mentally taxing. As an

alternative, he’s turned to the entertainment industry.

Starting as an interest during his sophomore year of high school, McJones familiarized himself with screenwriting and storytelling. Trying his hand at standup that following summer, he realized entertainment was for him and podcasting seemed like the next step for his career. Like most new projects, it started out a little rough, but it’s safe to say that McJones has easily grown into his podcast as it’s taken on a

personality of its own.

“It’s sort of like a scrapbook for me and all of the people that I meet and have on it are like little snippets of a memory that I had in my life. It’s sort of become a part of who I am,” said McJones.

Even though the podcast is about other people and what they’re passionate about, McJones will have an episode or two every season discussing his own ideas and thoughts. It’s supposed to feel like a conversation like you’re hanging

out with a couple of friends on a porch or roof discussing your ideas about anything and everything. McJones even came up with the idea for ARTICULATE while on his roof hanging out with friends.

“Porch time is always the best time to have the best conversations and I don’t know why. There’s something about sitting on the porch that really –you’re watching things unfold in front of you and you’re looking in that direction but it’s actually

just you and one other person in that environment,” said McJones. From there, he got himself a cheap microphone from Walmart in the middle of the night and hit the ground running. While he won’t always have access to a roof or a porch to hang out on, there will always be people and they will always have ideas that they want to discuss and articulate with others. This is why he chose to go with ARTICULATE instead of Porch Time or Roof Time.

McJones has had about 40 guests on his show and at the time of publishing, there are 63 episodes. When asked which one was his favorite, he shared how he had done an actual “porch time” episode with his friend and roommates over this past summer, but his juvey story, told in the form of a drunk history, will hold a special place for him.

read the director’s cut script for “Donnie Darko”, his favorite movie, and has floated the idea of doing a whole podcast centered around reading scripts.

As parting words, McJones urges others to start a podcast if they really want to, stating how the act of podcasting is not hard, but discipline and consistency can be.

"THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT SITTING ON THE PORCH THAT REALLY – YOU’RE WATCHING THINGS UNFOLD IN FRONT OF YOU AND YOU’RE LOOKING IN THAT DIRECTION BUT IT’S ACTUALLY JUST YOU AND ONE OTHER PERSON IN THAT ENVIRONMENT,”

Even though he is moving to New Jersey to work in mortgage sales loans, McJones has no plans on stopping the podcast or his relationship with the entertainment industry as a whole. In one episode, he

“I’ve done this through COVID and the riots and emotional downfalls that I’ve had and there’s been some weeks where I didn’t want to upload, or I didn’t have anything to say or I was in such a bad place that I was worried it was going to come off as negative, but it was really beneficial and still is really beneficial for me. It keeps me on track, it keeps my mind thinking about ideas for the next podcast or ideas about who I’m going to have on, and it keeps me wanting to meet people.”

To hear this interview, check out Episode 62: Interview for Thread Magazine with Hannah Pridemore.

HICKORY HOUSE BBQ FOOD TRUCK

BY RILEY RUNNELLS PHOTOS BY ANDREW GUIDARELLI

“HOW WAS YOUR DAY TODAY?” Ryan Peters, owner of Hickory House BBQ, said as he prepared his customer’s dinner. As the two discussed fishing, biking, and plans for the upcoming week, he braised the customer’s meat in thick, sweet barbecue sauce, just enough to make the line full of customers’ mouths water.

Though there’s typically a healthy line waiting to eat at the truck, Peters doesn’t rush the preparation –– rather, he takes care to pay close attention to detail with each customer’s order and serve authentic, delicious barbecue.

Nestled in the crowded chaos of East State Street is Hickory House’s trailer, known for having the “Best Butts in Athens.”

Complete with a connected smoker, Hickory House offers ribs, chicken, pork, brisket, bratwursts, and more. Peters also has classic barbecue side dishes on the menu like macaroni and cheese, potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans, and he gets all of his food either from local resources or from Gordon Food Service and Sam’s Club in Columbus.

But Peters hasn’t always been running the food truck. In 2014,

he was working as an IT specialist in Cincinnati. When the company moved to Michigan and forced its employees to move with it, Peters had the perfect opportunity to start his own business venture.

“I’d always been a fan of concessions and things like that, just by being a consumer,” Peters said. “I got an opportunity to buy my first concession trailer and I was on my road to being my own boss.”

He started with a shaved ice trailer. A few years later, a man named Ralph Shetzer set up shop with a barbecue trailer right near his business, and the two quickly became friends.

Then, in August of 2018, Shetzer told Peters he was selling the trailer and the business to retire.

“We got to talking,” Peters said, “Long story short, next thing I know, I’m pulling this barbecue truck into my driveway.”

Once he acquired all the necessary licensing, Peters set the truck up at Russell’s Riverside Services on Columbus Road in Athens. After that he moved to East State Street, moving from People’s Bank, to Don Wood Toyota, to Ohio University Credit Union, and finally, in May, to his current location in front of NAPA Auto Parts.

Occasionally, Peters will cater at local wineries such as Dutch Creek or Pleasant Hill. Peters said his customers get sad when they don’t see the truck in its

regular spot, but he feels it’s his responsibility to give his time and money to other local businesses, and catering is one way he can help out.

Hickory House’s normal hours are Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Hickory House is meant to be an experience, even though it isn’t a dine-in restaurant.

The truck’s design looks like a miniature log cabin with quirky decor, such as license plates from several states and a Stumpy Pete’s House of Ham picture.

“[The customers] have things to look at and keep them busy while I’m preparing their meal,”

Peters said.

Though Peters is the businessowner, he doesn’t work alone. In September, Peters’ stepson Brandon Magee started working at the truck to help out. The two have found that working together has been a great bonding experience. They’ll even occasionally break out the cornhole boards to play when business is slow.

“I love to see [the trailer] grow in and of itself because it’s really a form of entrepreneurship that’s dying,” Magee said. “It’s an art of service. You can take it anywhere, and as long as you’ve got what you need to run it, you can run it, and all you’re doing is

making work for yourself.”

Additionally, the two want to bring the idea of family and connecting to the business itself. While still following COVID-19 guidelines, they’ve set up a couple of picnic tables for families to eat their food at instead of having to take it to go.

only support his local business, but also experience his hard work firsthand through a delicious meal.

“My food is just excellent,” Peters said. “People love it; they come back for more and more and more.

“PEOPLE LOVE IT; THEY COME BACK FOR MORE AND MORE AND MORE.”

More than anything, Peters knows Hickory House is one of the only –– if not the sole –– authentic barbecue options in Athens. He hopes people will continue to not

-RYAN PETERS

I’ve smoked meats for years… but actually owning a trailer like this commercial barbecue trailer and feeding hundreds of people, thousands of people, is a whole ’nother thing. It takes time to do that stuff, but it’s enjoyable.” who,

Strong

gazes and soft winds.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN BRITT

Dripping into darkness.

MIDNIGHT

BY KATE MCCARTHY

PHOTOS

&

blues R oyalhues

Playing with light to captivate radiant elegance.

PHOTOS BY LEANNA SIUPINYS

Polished Gems

Bedazzled and beguiled.

BY: MACK WAGNER

PHOTOS

Gems

SECOND HAND NEWS DREAMS NEVER GOING BACK AGAIN DON’T STOP GO YOUR OWN WAY SONGBIRD THE CHAIN YOU MAKE LOVING FUN I DON’T WANT TO KNOW OH DADDY GOLD DUST WOMAN

RUMORS BY FLEETWOOD MAC

ABBEY ROAD BY THE BEATLES

PURPLE RAIN BY PRINCE

LET’S GO CRAZY TAKE ME WITH U THE BEAUTIFUL ONES COMPUTER BLUE DARLING NIKKI WHEN DOVES CRY I WOULD DIE 4 U BABY I’M A STAR PURPLE RAIN

MY BEAUTIFUL DARK TWISTED FANTASY BY KANYE WEST

DARK FANTASY GORGEOUS POWER ALL THE LIGHTS (INTERLUDE) ALL THE LIGHTS MONSTER SO APPALLED DEVIL IN A NEW DRESS RUNAWAY HELL OF A LIFE BLAME GAME LOST IN THE WORLD WHO WILL SURVIVE AMERICASEE ME NOW

LEMONADE BY BEYONCE

PRAY YOU CATCH ME HOLD UP DON’T HURT YOURSELF SORRY 6 INCH DADDY LESSONS LOVE DROUGHT SANDCASTLES FORWARD FREEDOM ALL NIGHT FORMATION

CIRCLES BY MAC MILLER

CIRCLES COMPLICATED BLUE WORLD GOOD NEWS I CAN SEE EVERYBODY WOODS HAND ME DOWNS THAT’S ON ME HANDS SURF ONCE A DAY

CAMPUS CASUAL

Light-hearted reads for the quiz-taking, listicle reading, horscope believin’ spirit in all of us.

WINTER HORSCOPES P. 122

WINTER HOROSCOPES

BY JILLIAN CRAIG ILLUSTRATIONS BY GRACE AUBLE

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOV 22

December is going to start off with a newfound sense of confidence. Use this newfound sense of confidence to address any inner pain you may have been facing. When the sun enters Capricorn later this month, it is the perfect time to set a detailed goal with a realistic deadline. If you’re looking to excel in your career, later this month is the time to do that. During the full moon in Cancer at the end of this month, you’ll have a desire to nurture people around you. While it is a good time to nurture your current children or try to either conceive or adopt children, don’t forget to take time to nurture yourself.

CAPRICORN

DEC 22 - JAN 19

Due to your Venus and Virgo linking up, you’ll find that there will be difficulties with making connections with the people you’re close to. You may also find some financial goals will come to a halt. With Pluto going into Capricorn this month, you’ll find that you can do even more than you set your mind to. The sun moving into Scorpio will help guide your decision making as you find yourself with more intuitive abilities.

As the leaves change in Athens, so do the signs as the season transitions from fall to winter. With all the changes associated with transitioning into a new season, new things are in store for the signs. Read more to find out what this season has in store for you:

THIS MONTH’S SIGN

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 23 - DEC 21

Your Pluto in Capricorn will help remind you of the strength you’ve had in the face of adversity. When Mercury goes into Scorpio, you may find yourself feeling more jealous. Make sure you have evidence before making accusations. When the sun transitions into Scorpio, you will find a renewed sense of resoluteness and stamina. This month, you may find yourself seeking social justice due to your Venus entering Libra.

AQUARIUS

JAN 20 - FEB 19

This month, you may find yourself feeling more confused and irritated while Mercury is in retrograde. You can use Scorpio’s intuitive abilities to help you out of that funk, though. The sun moves into Scorpio this month; a good time to investigate and learn, Aquarius. Toward the end of this month, though, it’s time to tie up loose ends and get some closure while the moon is in Taurus.

PISCES

FEB 20 - MAR 20

This winter, Pisces, let loose a little when Mercury changes from Scorpio to Sagittarius on December 1st. With your Venus also in Sagittarius, you may feel more obligated to take financial risks. Any investment in higher education, philosophy, or adventure would be a good investment. At the end of this month, you may find yourself feeling more emotionally connected to the women in your life, so honor that connection with someone who has been influential or important to you.

ARIES

MAR 21 - APR 19

At the start of the month, Sagittarius is running the show for your Mars, Mercury, and Venus signs. Whether it’s raunchy jokes or the last word, you may find yourself becoming more bold in conversations. This month will also bring out your competitive nature. Aries may feel obligated to engage in risky behavior and financial choices. If the time is right, go for it — but don’t overindulge.

CANCER

JUN 21 - JUL 22

With Sagittarius ruling your Mercury at the start of this month, you may find yourself becoming more talkative and friendly with strangers. This could push you out of your comfort zone and broaden your horizons, Cancer. This month, you may experience overall well-being, but don’t let that distract you. Any long-term decisions need to be made with rationality and care. This month, you may be experiencing uncertainty and passion in your love life, due to Venus entering Sagittarius. You may experience the best adventures with the most painful lessons at the same time. At the end of this month, take time to take care of yourself, as a full moon will enter your emotion sign.

LIBRA SEPT 23 - OCT 22

TAURUS

APR 20 - MAY 20

Your dreams and fantasies may take over at the beginning of this month, Taurus, but don’t get too lost in the clouds. Your judgement and decisions will be poor if you don’t come back down to reality. December is a month for you to start fresh, but don’t rush this month. Acting too fast can result in even bigger mistakes. With your Venus in Sagittarius this month, you’ll find that your love life may have an increase in passion and adventure. You may find that your social circle will grow as you allow yourself to see new perspectives.

LEO JUL 23 - AUG 22

This is the month to let loose, Leo! Starting December 1st, you may feel more extraverted and more empowered to speak your truth. Guided by Sagittarius, you may be feeling more passionate and motivated, but your Neptune will encourage you to pause and reflect on the direction you’re going in. Although you may feel more optimistic this month, be weary to not get ahead of yourself. When the sun moves from Sagittarius to Capricorn at the end of the month, you may feel motivated to accomplish any goals or tasks that have been left behind. There’s still time to check things off your to-do list.

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUN 20

December looks filled with an optimistic attitude for you, Gemini, as Mercury enters Sagittarius. You’ll find optimism through spontaneous conversations with others this month. Your financial judgement may cloud when Venus and Neptune trine, so you may be more motivated to splurge. Later this month, you’ll be doing some soul-searching and confronting some darker moments from your past. When the sun changes from Sagittarius to Capricorn in the latter-half of this month, that’s your cue to be productive. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty as you work harder than before.

VIRGO AUG 23 - SEPT 22

This month is looking up for improved communication, growth and personal connections, Virgo! As Scorpio transitions into Sagittarius, you’ll find yourself becoming more talkative and outgoing. There’s an opportunity for inner growth this month, but that starts with confronting painful issues from the past. Later this month, you’ll find yourself making more connections with others, both personally and professionally. To finish the month, you’ll find yourself becoming more goal-oriented. Even through the holidays, you may be working harder than normal to accomplish your goals.

You may find yourself dreaming both day and night, Libra. A trine between Venus and Neptune are to thank for starting your month with visions of what life could be like under certain circumstances. In the following weeks, you may feel ready to take both financial and romantic risks. Some of the spontaneity from these risks may have consequences further down the road. When the sun transitions to Capricorn, you may feel a commitment to your work and to diligence, but don’t forget about those close to you. The full moon enters Cancer at the end of this month, so listen to the advice from women in your life who will have amazing wisdom to bestow unto you.

WHAT KIND OF QUARANTINE STUDENT ARE YOU?

BY CRISTINA FORMICHELLI ILLUSTRATIONS BY IAN LUCIC

Are you the student checking everything off your to-do list every day? Or are you the person that just can’t stop scrolling through Tik Tok, no matter how hard you try. Take this quiz to find out what your academic vibe is this semester of ~unprecedented times.~

ON A TYPICAL WEEKDAY, YOU’RE WAKING UP AT:

A.) 6 am. Gotta get those gains in before class!

B.) Class time. I have my camera off, anyway.

C.) 3 pm. And I missed all my classes.

WHAT DOES YOUR EMAIL INBOX LOOK LIKE RIGHT NOW?

A.) I have zero notifications.

B.) Organized chaos, but it works for me.

C.) Thousands of emails. I always figure things out, though.

YOU’RE ON AN IMPORTANT VIDEO CALL. YOU’RE WEARING:

A.) Your very best outfit. When you look good, you feel good!

B.) Something comfortable.

C.) What you woke up in. And no pants.

IT’S 11:30 AND YOU FORGOT YOU HAVE AN ASSIGNMENT DUE AT 11:59. YOU’RE:

A.) Panicking for no reason. You turned that in days ago!

C.) Not doing it. You’re taking the S either way.

HOW ARE YOU TAKING NOTES THIS SEMESTER?

A.) By hand & color-coated!

B.) Directly onto the PowerPoint presentations.

C.) I’m not. I don’t feel like I’m learning anything, anyway.

C.) Hate them. I’d rather go to an in-person class at this point. 2 3 4 5 6

B.) Doing the best you can with the time you have left. Better than nothing!

WHEN IT COMES TO SYNCHRONOUS CLASSES, YOU:

A.) Love them! I miss seeing everyone’s faces.

B.) Don’t mind them, but I’m getting kind of used to bumming it at home.

IF YOU GOT MOSTLY A’S, YOU’RE A VIRTUAL VIRTUOSO

Power to you for making the most of every day. You listened to the experts at the beginning of quarantine and developed a routine that you stick to. You’re not putting anything on hold; you’re powering throughthe less-thandesirable world we’re living in and getting stuff done. You’re organized, on top of it, and absolutely thriving.

IF YOU GOT MOSTLY C’S, YOU’RE A FLU FIGHTER

Online learning just isn’t your thing, but don’t fret. Soon the world will be back on track to some type of normal, and maybe you’ll be able to go to an actual class. Hopefully. It’s definitely hard to feel motivated when you’re not physically at school, but hang in there. This won’t last forever.

IF YOU GOT MOSTLY B’S, YOU’RE A WORK FROM HOMIE

You’re the kind of person that says “it isss what it isss” any time you’re encountering a minor OR a major inconvenience. But you stay calm, chill, and flexible, and you make it work. While yes, you’re bummed about the state of the world, you don’t mind making the most of the goodness you can find within it. You’re digging the excuse not to go anywhere and wear comfy clothes every minute of every day.

PLANT PARENTING 101

BY HANNAH PRIDEMORE ILLUSTRATIONS BY EMILY ALLEN

Some people work wonders with plants and have flourishing gardens to show for it. For others, though, it’s not so easy. Anyone who picked up a leafy buddy or two during quarantine as an impulse buy might know that figuring out how to take care of the plant can be a little harder than originally planned. Buying succulents because “they’re easy to keep alive” is nothing new, but if the petals are dropping and the leaves are wilting on the plants that are steadily accumulating at home and it feels like all hope is lost, check out this guide to better understand the basics of plant needs. Remember that every plant is different and requires different care, so if the basics aren’t cutting it and the plant isn’t bouncing back, try doing more specific research online.

LIGHT

Knowing just how much light a plant needs is crucial to keeping it alive and well. Not every plant can be placed on a windowsill, and when the instructions say to place it 6-10 inches in front of a window, it means it. Too much sun can and will kill a plant, so try moving it around the room, or to a different room completely if necessary, to see what works best.

WATER

Obviously underwatering a plant will kill it but overwatering a plant can be just as deadly. Most plants only need watered once a week or once every two weeks but check to see if distilled or filtered water is required. For example, bamboos need filtered water to grow indoors, and using tap water can cause them to brown and wilt.

How often a plant needs watered can change each season depending on the amount of light and humidity in the room.

Try to pay close attention to how the leaves themselves are moving. If they’re starting to curl in on themselves during the day, they might need a little more water. If a plant is curling in on itself at night don’t fret, it’s common for them to do that to prevent water loss.

AIR

Air purifiers have gotten more popular in the past couple of years and have seen a rise in sales recently thanks to people quarantining within the same four walls. While indoor plants can’t necessarily get “fresh” air without an open window, air purifiers or airflow in general can help greatly in maintaining their health. Try to avoid placing plants in drafty parts of a room if the provided instructions do not say that it can survive it.

In this same vein, heating a house can dry out the air and cause issues for people and plants alike. Try using a humidifier to help keep moisture in the air.

SOIL

While a decent number of plants can survive in the soil that they come with, turning over the soil and adding fresh dirt every few months can help them thrive. It’s like changing the sheets on a bed: it’s clean, fresh, and can provide room for more growth. Some plants require specific soil, but that should be listed on the instructions if so.

POTTING

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting the cutest plant pots on the market, but function over fashion wins when it comes to plants. Make sure the pot chosen has a hole at the bottom for drainage into a saucer, but if the most aesthetically pleasing pots don’t have one, try getting one larger than the pot the plant came in. Potting a plant in a simple

terracotta pot with a saucer and then hiding it in a cuter and larger pot is perfectly acceptable.

While every plant is different, following this simple and basic guide can help keep plants going through the winter. Don’t forget that some plants need rest, so if the plant is healthy but not growing, it might be in a dormant state and there’s no reason to worry.

BACK OF THE CLOSET

An in-depth look at today’s most buzz-worthy topics.

CRUSHING YOUR CURLS P.50

CRUSHING YOUR CURLS

BY HANNAH PRIDEMORE PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

As modern fashion and beauty trends start to shift away from Eurocentric beauty ideals, it’s no wonder that black women are transitioning from chemically altered to natural hairstyles. Crown acts all over the nation are being advocated for and natural black hair is being celebrated on and off social media. As wondrous as this sounds, a black person’s relationship with their hair can be more complicated than deciding how to style it each day.

Relaxers, or perms, chemically alter a person’s hair to be straight or curly. Usually, when a black person says they got a perm or relaxer they mean they changed their hair from curly to straight. If “Legally Blonde” has taught

us anything, it’s that perms need a certain amount of upkeep. Every two to four months a perm needs to be redone to touch up the roots. It can burn the scalp and will alter the hair for years to come. When someone decides they no longer want a perm it’s easier to grow out the hair and cut off the damaged ends than striping it at the salon as that can cause more damage. This cut is also known as The Big Chop.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with getting a perm. If someone feels more confident with their hair permed and they feel like it suits them better then there’s no reason why they should feel pressured into wearing their hair natural or vice versa. A common phrase in the beauty

community is the idea of “good hair” but it’s usually used in reference to straight hair. Straight hair does not equal good hair and natural or curly hair does not equal bad hair. Healthy hair is good hair, and that’s it. Ideas like this are where the rift in loving natural hair can stem from. If you’re told all your life that your hair looks better and more professional worn one way than the other, of course, that would lead to self-doubt when it comes to choosing what to do with it. That’s the thing, though, is that there isn’t one look that’s better or more professional. Tashara Parker, a Texas news reporter, went viral in October for wearing her natural hair in a style not commonly seen on tv news. She rocked the boat and will forever be noted as the reference point for why saying black natural hair is in no way unprofessional.

The kicker is, though, that straightening natural hair can sometimes feel like a shameful act. Denying heritage and ascribing to more mainstream beauty ideals, it can be a doubleedged sword. There is absolutely nothing wrong with preferring to have straight hair and switching styles every day can add to the fun.

The point being made here is that one style is not better than the other and they each come with their own time-consuming routines. If one works better for a schedule than the other or if it’s just a personal preference there’s nothing wrong with flaunting the look that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Just like every other aspect of the beauty world, finding the hairstyle that works best for someone is a personal decision and usually comes with a fair amount of trial and error.

"Just like every other aspect of the beauty world, finding the hairstyle that works best for someone is a personal decision and usually comes with a fair amount of trial and error."

RANT/RAVE

BLAZERS WITH CASUAL OUTFITS

ILLUSTRATIONS BY IAN LUCIC

RANT

BY HANNAH PRIDEMORE

My only question is why. Why would you wear such a hodge podge of aesthetics? I mean to each their own but where could you possibly wear this look to? You can’t wear biker shorts to a work meeting outside of quarantine and why would you wear a blazer to the gym? The two don’t blend well together outside of Pinterest.

I agree, it looks cute and in theory it could be great. But in reality, it just doesn’t make sense. A blazer doesn’t allow for much freedom when it comes to “spicing it up” when considering practicality. You run the risk of looking like an 80s teen model, and while there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s far from the classy and upscale look trying to be achieved here.

It all comes down to intention, though. If you’re running out to get a coffee and some fresh air and you’re wearing athleisure, I’d say there’s nothing wrong with throwing on

a blazer to look cute for yourself and anyone you might run into. But if you’re intentionally going out in one of the worst pairings since mixed prints, that’s on you when you look back at old pictures and question why you decided that was a good look for everyday errands. While it might look good on the timeline, I can confidently say that it’s just a trend that won’t make it out of the next year or two at most. Some new combination of athleisure and business attire will come around and usurp it.

RAVE

BY RILEY RUNNELLS

Being fashionable doesn’t come easy. Some work at it for years and still are unable to stay on top of the trends. Others simply can’t afford to keep up with the latest fashion favorites. However, there are some outfits that are affordable, comfortable, and easy to style, while also making any wearer look like a fashion icon.

One of those outfits is the casual combo of a crop top, biker shorts, and a clean-cut blazer thrown on top.

The trend of biker shorts started in the ’80s and ’90s with trailblazers like Madonna and even Princess Diana wearing them. They have certainly made their way back to the 2010s, but throwing a blazer over them has been the most common way to dress up any biker shorts combo.

Truly, a lot of the stylish element comes from the accessories. Pair the ‘fit with a cute hairdo, a simple necklace, some high heels, Oxford boots, or a pair of crisp sneakers, and a matching handbag, and that’s the start to a solid outfit.

Because a blazer typically fits a bit oversized, it’s preferred to pair the biker shorts with a tight shirt or crop top. The blazer itself completes the outfit best when wearing it loose-fitting and unbuttoned, so as to show off the garments underneath.

Another way to clean up the look is by matching the shirt and shorts colors, and sometimes even the boots and handbag. A monochromatic look juxtaposed with an opposite-colored blazer is much more aesthetically pleasing. A great example would be a fully black outfit paired with a beige or white blazer. Match the shoes with either the blazer or the monochromatic theme, and the outfit is sure to be a comfortable, yet easily stylish hit.