Vol. 5
You’re Invited! Haute Headz 1950 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303 6 P.M.
Come Visit Us At Our Tallahassee Locations! 2101-3 W Pensacola St, Tallahassee, FL 32304 (850) 900-5182 MON. - SUN. 10AM - 8PM
EDITOR’S LETTER
Spring is strange. Between winter and summer, spring is filled with transitional outfits, time change, pollen, people who say they aren’t affected by pollen, tax filing, humidity, bathing-suit-body-anxiety, and final exams. For my generation, spring also brings forth existential questions—What’s next? What should I be doing this summer? What should I be doing with my life? Although we all might be confused, this season finds each and every one of us doing one thing in common—pursuing, the underlying theme of this issue. In “Confused and Corporate,” we acknowledge the all-too-common struggle between what society expects versus what a creative brain wants. “Within Shadows” moves to intimate territory, where we bring light to the pursuit of an identity that conflicts with the status quo. Also in this issue, we sat down with sculptor, Dillon Gleeson, and musical collective, 105, who are artists of different mediums and both creating unique paths in a saturated art scene. Our cover story, “Home, Sweet Home,” considers our venture into a future that might be smothered in plastic. Enjoy!
Nicole Tripodis Editor-in-Chief
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Contributors
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Kassadie Nieto — Home, Sweet Home @gorlgerms
“It’s cool to work with all of the creative people involved in Strike and to see my work in print!”
L’jai Brown — Orange/Pink @prodbysj
“It’s really rewarding seeing the finished product and acknowledging your part in it.”
Elizabeth Lehman — Within Shadows @inlehmanterms
“When shooting with Strike, the environment was uplifting and open-minded. We were able to collaborate and experiment in order to reach the vision.”
Samantha Becker — Corporate and Confused @samshotthebride “The team at my shoot was incredibly supportive and some of the most creative people I have ever met.”
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Hector Lozada — Glossy @hectormlozada
“I had an amazing time working with strike, the shoot I did with the team will be one that sticks with me for a long time.”
Eugene Savitsky — 105 Collective @saviitsky
“Working with Strike was great because they really gave us the freedom to take the shoot in our own artistic direction.”
Robert Dillard — In the ‘Shop “Writing for Strike was cool because I got to share a little piece of my life with other people. ”
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Confused and Corporate In the ‘Shop Glossy Me First Fashion Rewind Orange/Pink Ms. MC All the Hype Within Shadows REDACTED Home, Sweet Home Skincare in the City
FEATURED 49
Dillon Gleeson
We sit down with a young artist who creates wearable technology to deal with America’s skewd ethos, and laugh at it too
WHO WHAT WHERE
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105 Collective
This up-and-coming rap collective from South Florida is about to be your favorite new sound that you never knew you needed
Vol. V Editor-in-Chief Nicole Tripodis Associate Editor/Director of Production Haleigh Feix Art Director Sophie Li Business Director Alina Tkachova Production Assistant Grace Alexander Business Assistant Lauren Kacperski Digital Janna McCabe, Hali Azpeitia First Digital Assistant Emily Jensen Digital Assistants Diane Fish Carsol Howl Jonathan Santos Bijan Adili Art Assistants Gabriela Lanes Megan Guasto Ksennia Chikankova Zoe Moye Layout Assitant Teaghan Skulzki Videographer Jorge Holguin Reed Video Assistants Adrian Cadavid, Alexis Puolos Social Media Christina Diniaco Website Rachel Weinstock Merchandise Natalie de la Guarda Blog Savannah Tindall Blog Assistant Kierstin Zankl Writers Gillian McKendree Alessandra Cruz Kamari Pless Mia Permuy Samantha Minns Emily Waters Saralyn Lerner Giselle Parks Jacob Richards Audrey Estupian Photoshoot Directors Lucy Hurley, Chelsea Percopo, Kyra Allen, Michael Ramos Photoshoot Assistants Ashley Freeman, Emily Russell William Tamayo, Amy Brecker Beauty Haley Gagnon, Abby Morrow Beauty Assistants Amy Dantin, Camilla Suarez Public Relations Dasha Johnson Public Relations Assistants Lyra Durr, Abby Morrow Marketing Heaven Rubin Marketing Assistants Kendall Singer Jennifer Pirkle Karli Fable Devin Feix
confused and
By Jacob Richards. Photographed by Sam Brown. Styled by Kyra Allen and Michael Ramos.
corporate
The clash between professional say-so and your true self. 6
The feeling of losing oneself to the world of corporate ambiguity is a concern that our generation knows very well. This culture involves pressure to conform with little importance placed on the individual. It can be hard to maintain an identity throughout the repetitive routines, the monotonous offices, and the same tedious work every day. It’s difficult not to lust for a more creative environment. A place where you can make your own schedule, where you control your own path. Finding yourself between these two positions leads to a difficult choice. A corporate world where success is defined and always is attainable, if you follow the guidelines. A creative world where you are free from any parameters but must believe in your identity and be dedicated to your passions.
In the ‘shop Here’ are some of our best tips for a successful trip to the barber. By Robert Dillard
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hile everyone enjoys a good haircut (and dreads a bad one), going to get your hair done has been considered a form of pampering that only women had the luxury to find joy in. Now, however, more and more men are taking an interest in the salon experience. A recent statistic shows that over 75% of men today see a barber or hairstylist regularly. Men tending to their locks is a growing trend that the world needs, but there are a few things every guy should know before going into a barbershop. First, don’t cheat yourself. The average barbershop or salon haircut will cost you around $30.00. Most of the “cheaper” places start at $18.00, so you might as well pay the premium and see how much more you like the results. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much of a difference that extra $12.00 can make! For many guys, getting a haircut has likely been a staple in life since childhood. Most of us go every month to the same place, and get “just the usual, please” with the same guy we’ve had for years. That brings me to my next tip, which is to get to know your barber. You’ll be surprised how easily
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you can make a great friend who will give you valuable insight, or at least just some really funny stories. When you walk into your barbershop, you want to know you’re going to have a good time, get excellent service, and walk out feeling like a million bucks (even if your haircut was only twenty). Over the years, my barber, Moses, and I have become pretty close. I know about his wife and kids and get caught up on what everyone’s been up to, everytime I go see him. With ESPN and some good music in the background, seeing each other feels like hanging out with a friend instead of a business exchange. I have a couple of reasons for bringing up Moses. One, is because over the years of talking with him, he truly has become a good friend. Two, he always appreciated that I take the time to describe exactly what I want and even show him pictures. This makes his job way easier, and I always love the outcome. So, my last tip: be thorough about what you want. In the long run, you will appreciate the work, and your stylist will feel good about making you a happy customer.
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By Saralyn Lerner. Photographed by Hector Lozada. Styled by Haley Gagnon and Abby Morrow.
Makeup artists and shoppers alike are embracing new beauty trends by questioning the conventional standards. Powdery complexions and perfect lines have been at the height of beauty standards since the beginning of time, but recently, the beauty world is undergoing a shift. “Glossy” and “glowy” are some of the frequently used adjectives at the forefront of this shift, and special products are being manufactured to achieve these specific looks. Steer clear of shimmer and fully diving into all things slick— gel highlighters, waterproof eyeshadow, clay foundation, and hair oils. Whether it be drugstore or high-end, the possibilities are limitless and the results, illuminating.
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Me What happens when middle school sexed doesn’t really prepare for the future. By Teaghan Skulzki
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loaded term is described as: “rhetoric used to influence an audience by using words and phrases with strong connotations associated with them, in order to invoke an emotional response.” A thing that is natural, human, part of our biological makeup, brings life into the world and makes people happy, is also one of these loaded terms—the word sex. Why? Well, it does “invoke an emotional response,” as the definition above mentioned. Oftentimes, this term elicits more than just emotions; it can make or break someone’s whole world. It leaves people speechless, hopeless, excited, terrified, lonely, and loved. The connotations of the word, itself, can be negative or positive depending on the values a person was raised on. No matter what, the word sex is perceived differently by everyone, and for some, can even be difficult to utter. Our nation has never before been more comfortable with the topic of sex as it is today. Around the turn of the 21st century, the United States was the only country to have “abstinence unless married” as a standardized policy taught in sex education. Currently, only 13 states require the information taught in sex education classes to be clinically accurate. State governments still have no official guidelines on teaching sex ed, which 23
First. means, each school district is left to their own judgement on how to approach the topic. A child in the conservative South would certainly not be receiving the same sex education as someone of the same age in a large, urban setting. Because of the closed-minded sex education that many were raised on, sexual freedom and exploration was naturally repressed, and engaging in it premaritally was taught to be taboo and flat-out wrong. Luckily, now, things are changing. Youth around the age that would start experimenting with sexuality are exposed to more body, relationship, and dating conversation via social media and online magazines. These sources are covering territory that schools were always too afraid to. More lighthearted media is also being produced on the subject of sex, which is something that would have never happened even 20 years ago. The new Netflix series, Sex Education, features a high school student who is raised by a sex therapist. He helps his peers discover and learn about sex through his makeshift therapy clinic. The show touches on all sex topics, from masturbation to exploring one’s sexual identity. It’s an educational binge-watch with a great lesson.
The podcast, Call Her Daddy, is a modern version of Sex and the City. Two girls who live in New York City talk about their sexual escapades and try to figure them out on-air. Each episode is around forty minutes and published every Wednesday. They cover pretty much everything that you always wanted to ask someone, for girls and guys, but were too embarrassed to. Today, the topic of sex has evolved way past the raunchy and discouraged connotations of the past. We are redefining the perception of the term to be normal, natural, and human. By doing so, future generations won’t be embarrassed to talk about something that brought them into the world in the first place, but will be comfortable with it, as they should be.
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Fashion Rewind Fashion déjà vu is no joke.
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By Alessandra Cruz
eason after season, in Paris, Milan, New York City, and London, an eerie, familiar feeling fills the air. Have I been here already? Where have I seen this before? The light hits the couture and you swear you’ve already experienced this. The style is reminiscent of the ‘30s, ‘50s, ‘60s and you suddenly feel transported to the past. You can’t quite put your finger on it, but what you’re experiencing is fashion déjà vu. It’s a fascinating, spellbinding phenomenon where time seems to stop and the world moves in retrograde. When it feels like we’ve seen it before, we most likely have. Trends are cyclically reincarnated among fashionistas/istos who disguise it as “fresh!” and “innovative!” Well, it’s actually not. Trends from the past are constantly re-emerging and the perfect place to seek them out is the runway. Twice a year, creative directors of fashion houses like Dior, Comme des Garçons and Fendi showcase their most brilliant designs at Fashion Week, serving as the introduction of the next season’s trends. At these sacred events, it’s like you have taken a time machine to another decade. Earlier this year, at the Dior Fall/Winter ‘19 show, the runway was littered with bucket-hat-wearing models, and the 1950s flashed before our eyes. Dior’s inspiration for the collection was the Teddy Girls of the ‘50s, a British mass-girl-gang who preferred blazers and caps over sweaters and bows. The girls’ aim was to reject youthful culture and create an identity of their own, much like our quickly maturing youth culture of today. The Teddy Girls decorated themselves in velvet scarves, mini dresses with disheveled hems, and skin-tight pantsuits. They defied gender norms and turned girls to a brazen, new look. Dior’s runway mirrored just that, but in a contemporary way. Long skirts with bare legs poking out, paired with cashmere, polo-neck bodysuits, tied together with thick belts. The looks demonstrate a ready-for-the-office attitude, targeted for powerful women. 25
Comme des Garçons blasted the world back to the Victorian Age with dark, taffeta ruffles and grandiose, dome-shaped skirts. Even the models’ hair was slicked into greasy, high buns, alluding to the traditional style of the Victorian Age, yet in an anti-traditional way. In the past, the Victorian woman was put together to perfection. Her hair was combed and silky, her corset pulled tight, and her stature completely collected. The Victorian woman’s dress was satin, silk, and lace, and beauty took precedence over comfort. Her stomach was cinched in so much, to not even allow for a pocket of air. She was the epitome of perfection, or at least for the male gaze. Now, things are different. A woman is no longer simply an object of male desire, and that message delivers through the couture. Comme des Garçon challenged the romantic, Victorian look with a dark edge, using black leather in almost every look. The Victorian puffball skirts in the collection did not suffocate the model with an attached corset, but rather, sat low-waisted to expose the stomach allowing for plenty of healthy breathing.
The recycling process of trends is the secret battery that keeps fashion running, which means that fashion déjà vu will never go away. As summer approaches, maybe pull out your mom’s old babydoll dress from the 80s and pair it with a miniature picnic basket for a purse. For summer evenings, you may consider pulling out a mini skirt and an oversized blouse with some stilettos. You may remember the seashell jewelry trend of last summer, and use your childhood collection to create new chokers for this summer’s rooftop dance parties. You won’t want to forget a good bucket hat either. As fall comes back around, don’t be afraid to be risky, taking inspiration from the nostalgic fall 2019 collections we saw this past March. Be wise, and stay ahead of the fashion curve by returning to the past. 26
Orange Colors of spring mean more than just their hue. Poems by Gillian McKendree. Photographed by L’jai Brown. Styled by Chelsea Percopo and Lucy Hurley.
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Pink
I come in stinging and sweet my warmth does not burn, but rather, saturates the soul memories of children with popsicle sticks, citrus stained grins with insatiable glee I set and I rise, bold and brazen ripened and sweet against supple tongues nothing can wither me away I, like fresh fruit finding finish against the cut of a knife my light bends and filters smile between breaths, the sun hasn’t yet set
with enriched greed, I seek more I want to overflow into cascading rivers of crisp honey billowing like Apollo or perhaps I am Demeter for I favor Persephone, the gold so low beneath the homemade juice stands bloom about the neighborhoods humid wind brews, pushes my hair back, slick I come in all forms like cool drink flowing through gleaming white teeth and tropical straws my radiance dies and I loiter amongst horizons, find me, for I am her 8 PM regular
I am what all flowers aspire to be, I’ve beaten them to it dreaming of suitors who serenade sweet pleasantries posh petticoats, piquant petits fours remember the bubblegum you got stuck in the bangs you cut schoolgirls pressing uniforms, pins and ribbons and tassel clipped ballerina, toss me a pointe shoe and fall beneath the tulle of blush bed drapes sometimes you’ll find me in rainy streets squeaky rubber and splashing both sweet and powerful, I am familiar with both we burst through fields of petal with quickened pace we lock eyes and smile I am smeared from my lips to yours I permeate the hushed excitement seeping from high-school cheerleaders as they descend from their bedroom window after curfew gleam and glitz with parental disapproval don’t let the door slam backseat they check their teeth for gloss and glitter in compacts whispering and wondering of who they love
“Ms. MC”
It’s
to you.
Not only are female rappers dominating the industry, they’re also changing the rules.
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By Kamari Pless
ntil now, there has never been a time where feminism and hip-hop coalesced so seamlessly. We’ve seen legendary female rappers in the past, those regarded as “Queens of Rap”, such as, MC Lyte, Salt-n-Pepa, Queen Latifah, Lil Kim, Missy Elliot, Lauryn Hill, and more recent, Nicki Minaj and Cardi B. These women paved the way for many more barrier-breaking rappers who are ready to make waves in the industry. Thanks to social media, women are able to create content that instantly and directly reaches an audience with no middle man. Mega-star of the moment, Cardi B, rose to stardom from social media and reality TV, spearheading the internet-based movement that relies not on record labels, but on social media. The reason for the stronger female presence now, compared to rap of the past, is because of social media. Take internet personality Danielle Bregoli, a.k.a Bhad Bhabie. She was introduced to the world from an infamous episode of Dr. Phil in September 2016, in which she uttered the phrase “cash me outside, how ‘bout dat.” Her racy antics and growing popularity ultimately landed the 15-year-old a deal with Atlantic Records. She’s been making hits ever since with features from the likes of Kodak Black and DMX. It’s no longer about going platinum, it’s about going viral. Societal issues in tandem with female rap culture are also transforming, as women are more vocally embracing and redirecting sexual politics. Women in hip-hop have historically been expected to fall within certain parameters—either as “one-of-the-guys” or a hyper-sexualized doll-like object. Women who sexualize themselves are criticized for falling into the ploy of hip-hop and rap expectations, but that’s not the case.
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Up-and-coming rapper, Megan Thee Stallion exudes sex and confidence in her hit single, “Big Ole Freak.” She comments on the topic of sexualization in a recent interview — “Women make the world go ‘round,” she says. “You don’t have a lot of women doing things for women, so when I’m rapping, I gotta talk all this mess so the women can feel as confident and empowered as the men.” While it’s true that “sex sells,” these female rappers are taking sexualization from the angle of being liberated, not restricted. While much of the industry conversation attempts to put female hip-hop artists in boxes, the newest generation of female rappers is working to dissolve the descrimination and celebrate their contributions to the genre. Chicago native, Noname, whose lyrics are influenced by her poetry background, continues to earn recognition with the release of her latest album, Room 25, following the success of her debut album, Telefone. Her style focuses on very specific storytelling and raps with complex rhyme schemes, which differs from that of her peers. In Telefone, she takes listeners through intricately detailed stories from her life, and with Room 25, she takes the opportunity to unapologetically merge her two passions of rap and poetry. Though record labels regularly approach her, Noname continues to remain independent.
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Rico Nasty is a trailblazer reigning from Brooklyn, whose “sugar trap” style mixed with punk rock makes for a unique blend that’s never been done before. “I want to be remembered for mixing genres,” Rico says. “Of course I’m not the first girl to do rock music. I’m not even the first girl to do rap music. But to blend them together multiple times successfully? I think that’s my shit, right there.” Her music celebrates women’s emotions in a world where they are often labeled as “angry” and “bitter”; her grunge-rap establishes a territory that rap, and especially, female rap, has not yet explored. So, what can be said of the future of female rap? At this critical point in hip-hop’s evolution, support for female artists is still important to encourage. The future will see a lot more female rappers signed with record labels, and hopefully, more record labels run by women. With every powerful stride they make, there’s no doubt that female rappers will continue to rise up and break the glass ceiling.
What’s the Hype? H
It’s a Sneakerhead’s world, and we’re just living in it. By Haleigh Feix
ow is one supposed to feel when the teenage hypebeasts you regularly made fun of have suddenly become you? When one day, you were watching Gone With the Wind with your cat, and the next, you are obsessed with limited edition sneakers that have a resale value of up to 60%? Welcome to the Sneakerhead Economy. Let’s get this straight. This industry is no longer for skater-basketball kids (what even is that? I don’t know), the Sneakerhead Economy now includes fashion-forward celebrities, professional women in their 30s, and even me. At first, it was hard for me to comprehend this market but then I remembered the last time that I accidentally stepped on my friend’s Jordans. That face of disdain and resentment will always resonate as a dark stain in my memory. Since then, I have come to respect the real estate below the knee as something special, if not, expensive. The sneaker industry has climbed to an astounding $55 billion, with a secondary market of rare, limited-release sneakers that value at an estimated $1 billion. Even though those Jordans weren’t anything extraordinary to me, I’m starting to understand those dirty looks post-sneakertrample. This sneaker craze has long been fueled, originally by Nike’s Jordan brand. It’s no wonder these retro sneakers are making a comeback, when consigned Air Jordans can have a resale value of nearly $1,000 more than their original price. Wearing these sneakers is more than just support for the foot, it’s a status symbol. Wearing Jordans is wearing money, which is the reason why celebrities and Instagram trendsetters alike have taken to starting their collections. And yet, the exchange doesn’t stop there. Consignment of these sneakers is almost, if not, more attractive than buying a fresh pair from the store. Because of the rare nature of limited sneakers, consignment is how the industry stays alive.
The exchange of a rare pair of sneakers has become something so elusive and sought-after, that there are even hired brokers in big cities like New York who make a living by negotiating deals between buyers and sellers. The next time you walk past what seems to be a normal sneaker store, pause a moment and take a second look. Chances are you missed the layer of plastic film and security system protecting the valued goods. If you’re lucky to ever get your hands on a pair of these babies, maybe consider keeping them in the box for a few years and, like stock, see their value surge.
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Within Shadows Exploring the natural canvas that is our skin. Photographed by Elizabeth Lehman. Styled by Chelsea Percopo and Lucy Hurley.
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Audrey Estupian
Artist Feature
Contemporary Scupltural Artist
Wearable Tech
@contemporaryfag
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Dillon Gleeson By Haleigh Feix
’m sitting at the table when he walks into the cafe and gives me a soft smile and a wave. He makes his way to my table and notices my half-eaten croissant and chai tea. I watch his face realize that we are here for more than just an interview— I take breakfast very seriously. He returns with a pastry and an espresso shot—no sugar, no cream. The collar of his shirt is perfectly folded and the grey t-shirt underneath is crisp and wrinkle-less. We chit-chat and sip our drinks as he picks away at his pastry while I devour mine. This is Dillon Gleeson. An interdisciplinary sculptural artist, Gleeson defines his style as “clean and outrageous.” Considering his careful outfit choice and careful pastry dissection, one can imagine the attention to detail that he assigns his work. His art requires skillful knowledge of fine art, complex coding, and engineering. Gleeson’s subjects are often inspired by the complications in everyday society. One of his interactive pieces is a wearable technology project called, Department of Transportation: Anti-Man Spreading Device. This is essentially a harness that is strapped around one’s thighs. It uses microcontrollers to pick up signals and shock the legs as punishment to the wearer (he intends as a man) for spreading them apart on public transit. Gleeson can be considered a mediator between our society and the technology around us. “Technology should be used as a tool, but not a guiding force. Make it work for you, not the other way around” he says between espresso sips. Although his work explores a range of various concepts, the underlying message is humanistic. The ever-growing gap between humans and new digital forms has created a cloud of uncertainty, but Gleeson embraces it. In his most recent work, he was influenced by Elon Musk and Yusaku Maezawa’s decision to send eight artists into space. To Gleeson, this represents endless possibilities and opportunities: “It keeps me optimistic about the future and the work that I make.” 49
Artist’s scetches on right
Home Sweet Home
Plastic is slowly suffocting Earth and replacing the face of Nature. By Savannah Tindall. Photographed by Kassadie Nieto. Styled by Nicole Tripodis.
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e,
Fossil fuels burn, plastics turns up in the bellies of beached whales, waste piles up, and pollution continues to choke us with every breath — we are on an uncertain path. Climate change happens when carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere and is trapped, heating the earth and impacting us in tremendous ways. While scientists, environmentalists, and politicians continue to squabble over their different beliefs, our carbon footprint grows bigger. Yet, we still have the capacity to pursue a better, cleaner future, and a better, cleaner home. The environmentally damaging actions from the past, done by our parents’ and grandparents’ generations has put the weight of solving climate change on our shoulders. Recently, political gridlock has brought such distress to the topic, to the point where climate change is often too controversial to talk about. Years of ignorance about how we affect our planet has lead to our current predicament. Action is needed now, before it is all completely irreversible. One big reason for climate change is something directly derivative from humans, to humans— misinformation. Scientific terms that are said by the media are used interchangeably when they’re not supposed to, which leads to mass, societal disorientation. Contrary to popular belief, global warming and climate change have about as much to do with each other as apples and oranges.
“If it’s this difficult to prove a scientifically-backed discovery, you can only imagine the struggle to motivate people in fighting against it.” Global warming refers to the long-term, gradual increase of the planet’s temperature. Climate change describes the multitude of global, environmental phenomena that occur, including the warming of the planet. When we discuss these topics, it’s important to get our terms correct. It is only then that we can have a productive conversation on what’s actually going on, and what to do about it. As this topic grows more controversial each year, Science has entered the territory of just a particular opinion, and not facts. According to NASA, 97% of published environmental scientists agree that climate change is most likely due to human activity. Yet, when climate change scientists appear on the news, they are presented more like an impassioned hobbyist with subjective views; definitely not as credible as the presentation of economists and other scientists. Attempting to explain a complicated finding like climate change, while debating with commentators who may be more interested in creating a viral video, is hard to pull off. Turning climate change into a question encourages an ignorant society, and endangers our future. If it’s this difficult to prove a scientificallybacked discovery, you can only imagine the struggle to motivate people in fighting against it. About 78% of Americans believe that climate change is real and happening, which is a huge improvement from the past. Today, more republicans than ever before admit that climate change exists, which may lead this conversation to absolute bipartisanship in next few years. With 64% of republicans and 92% of democrats in agreement that climate change is a real issue, one would think that government intervention would be a no-brainer. Unfortunately, another
harsh reality is that while many Americans believe in fighting climate change, very few are willing to finance it. Times are tough and it’s easier to worry about what’s happening today and not about what will happen in the future. There are several things we can do to fight for a governmental stance against climate change and catch the attention of government officials. Participating in a local, peaceful protest is a way that brings awareness to the public who might need more convincing, and also camaraderie with fellow activists around the neighborhood. On a more intimate level, there are small day-to-day changes that, if everyone joined in on, would create a huge, positive impact. Turning off a water faucet while it’s not immediately in use is small, yet major. The water cycle has proven to be one of the most negatively affected systems by climate change. An increase in the Earth’s temperature means an increase in evaporation, which is bad for many reasons. Warmer air holds more water vapor and dries out soil. From here, one of two things happen; one, it can cause rainstorms to become more intense which increases the risk for extreme flooding and water contamination. Or, two, it can cause extreme droughts on already dried out soil, and lead to the extinction of vital microorganisms, animals, and crops. Unplugging things can also do wonders for our Earth.
Using less energy means less air-pollution, and better air-quality. Washing clothes with cold/warm water, using the dryer less, and unplugging the TV when it’s not in use are all easy ways to make a change. Consuming organic food is not only better for our bodies, but it’s also better for the Earth. These foods don’t contain GMOs or synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Non-organic food is usually produced in a way that emphasizes quantity over quality, and uses synthetic elements to grow more crops and faster. This process takes away nutritional value and increases our carbon footprint. Eating organic food is usually easiest (and best for the environment) when done locally. The less distance food has to travel, the less fossil fuels are released into the atmosphere. Luckily, our generation is ready more than ever to take on the fight and take back our home. Instead of shrugging our shoulders now so our children can deal with it later, we are already making smarter decisions as a society that will only grow more relevant, like gardening as a hobby, installing solar panels, and banning plastic from kitchens and restaurants. What separates us from other generations is that we are our planet’s final option, or at least, we are the ones who grew up with the statistics in front of us. Already some of the effects of climate change are irreversible, but it is not too late to save the world as we know it.
“take on the fight and take back our home”
Skincare City Are there really free radicals attacking my skin?
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here’s a particular magic that fills the air of bustling cities. The energy created by its inhabitants is dreamy, aspirational and exhilarating. However, that hazy-glittering-magic is something much less romantic… it’s air pollution. For city-slickers around the world, this fact of life is like a slap in face—literally. Degrading air quality means degrading skin quality, but with the right products, anything can be fixed. Here’s our list of city-approved skincare. FOREO Day and Night Cleansers: Cleansing is inarguably the most important step in any city dweller’s skincare routine. It’s essential to rid any and all grime from the day’s events with a product that is made with all clean ingredients. These cleansers from FOREO act as a two-man-army in a daily combat against pollution. As the night cleanser detoxifies with meteorite powder and moringa extract, the day cleanser preps the skin with probiotics, apricot, bergamot and mandarin oil for increased radiance. Pair these with any washing brush to get an even deeper, satisfying clean. Allies of Skin Molecular Savior Mist: With a name that truly says it all, this toning spray will be your skin’s biggest ally in the war against air pollution. Loaded with antioxidants, probiotics and hydrating oils, this rosewater-based mist has all of the nutrients to protect your skin, and also make it glow. Implement this toner post-cleanse and pre-moisturizer to get all the renewing, protecting benefits it promises.
in the
Supergoop Superscreen Daily Moisturizer: There’s no more shying away from the fact that SPF is a must, but did you ever stop to think about protecting your skin from your phone or computer? Recent discoveries have noted that the blue light emanating from the screens of our devices could be equally as harmful to the skin as the sun. In an attempt to fix this issue, is Supergoop’s Superscreen Daily Moisturizer a.k.a the Clark Kent of skincare. A one-stop-shop, this deeply hydrating moisturizer protects from UVA and UVB rays, blue light, infrared radiation, and pollution, keeping city dwellers covered inside and out. Kensington Apothecary Skin Serum #2 City Girl: With a price tag as sweet as this one, no one should go without it. Pick it up on a grocery run to Whole Foods after work, because this serum is lightweight, simple and precisely made for rebooting skin that has been affected by that crazy city lifestyle. Adding this into your beauty regime means no more compromising good skin for late nights and your city’s pizza. You’ll wake up looking brand new. Farmacy Honey Potion: Carving out time for self-care in a city of constant commotion is a must, but often a rarity. Farmacy’s Honey Potion face mask is the perfect elixir for fully detoxing and hydrating skin from each day’s high frequencies. With clean, all natural ingredients like locally sourced honey, this mask is totally guilt free.
Pollution Protecting Products
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By Janna McCabe
COMIC SKINCARE
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Up-and-coming rap group, 105, takes us into their world of new sound. By Samantha Minns and Emily Waters. Photographed by Eugene Saviitsky. Styled by Kyra Allen and Michael Ramos.
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outh Florida-based rap collective, 105, is the soundtrack to your next absolutely everything. Their intricate beats and thoughtful lyrics work together to ultimately produce a self-described “hip-hop and alternative” sound that is original and fresh—an increasingly difficult feat in today’s saturated music scene. As a collective, each member adds a unique quality to their work, connecting the overall dynamic and creativity of their sound. 105Chief is known for his high octave performances, while 105Jey focuses on amplification and vocal mastery in all ranges. 105HD has an unmistakable presence and strong lyrical power that gives the group’s tracks an alluring depth.
Each member of 105 writes their own lyrics, but since their conception, Mykey Lo has produced their tracks. From the age of 10, Lo had a passion for music. Now, at 22, he has perfected the art of producing, and aided the group in finding their sound. Their inspiration stems way back to childhood. Chris’s dad is a drummer and introduced him to bands like ACDC and Guns and Roses as a kid. Being around this music at a young age lead him to discovering the taste for the type of genre he wanted to produce. As friends who met in college, each member of 105 still maintains their own independence as individual artists. They have the same goals even though they might think differently at times. They’re not scared to be honest with each other in order to create the music they want.
Consistent inspiration is vital for a collective like 105 to stay on top of their fresh reputation, and 105’s Danny has no shortage of it. Growing up, he was influenced by jazz, particularly Duke Ellington, and rappers, Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West. Danny also pulls inspiration from traveling, noting that “experiencing different cultures and the ways people live has probably been the biggest inspiration for me, as well as the largest impact on my music in general.” Danny also believes that authenticity in music is major. When writing, Danny says he only takes inspiration from “events that occur in [his] life and the emotions that [he] goes through,” which is a reason why 105’s lyrics are so original and at the same time, relatable. Danny emphasizes that his overall goal in his music and as an artist is to keep a sense of honesty and self-expression, so that other people who feel the same emotions can relate to him and not feel so alone. He also wants to inspire people to be comfortable in their own skin and give them the confidence to express themselves in any art form. By listening to the group’s music, you can tell their tracks fall into the same realm of creativity as those aforementioned familiar names—a successful feat considering how young the collective is.
The rhythms, beats, lyrics, and melodies of hip-hop rap and Spanish music inspired 105 to create their idea for their own personal style in music. “It doesn’t need to be the same as the music produced before, even if it’s worse than the last stuff, just to change it up and make it unique is what is really important” Chris says. 105’s creation process is also unique. They take time to sit down and listen to the appeal of sounds in different spectrums, with different music. This process allows them to hear sounds they want to incorporate by closing their eyes and really zoning in on what they appreciate musically, as well as lyrically. More of their inspiration derives from ‘90s hip-hop, in which they experiment with old remixes and find their own sound. Recently, the collective dropped their first visual in partnership with Elevator Magazine. Directed by Benny Flash, the video has an effortless coolness to it with a unique visual style. Through experimenting with unconventional camera angles and colors, 105’s original lyrics are transformed into eye-candy. This summer, the group plans to release many new projects, including more tracks and video experiments.
Pursuit. A word not passed around often, but one that instantly inspires and invigorates. College students are stuck in a constant state of pursuit— grades, a person, career goals, 2AM pizza. We often find ourselves stuck in an awkward paradox of wanting to enjoy college while it lasts, but inevitably looking to the future and wondering what’s next.
I STRKING adjective: attracting attention by reason of being unusual, extreme, or prominent
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STRIKE MAGAZINE SPRING 2019