Your Magazine Vol. 1, Issue 4: December 2011

December

YOUR introduction

Letter from the Editors

The holidays are right around the corner,and we know you’ve got your work cut out for you.

After a stress-filled finals week and a long trek home,you probably don’t have much time for holiday shopping. Well, the perfect remedy might be closer than you think, literally.

Before you book it out of town, take your last few weekends in the city to explore the local shops in the area. The Bean is filled with wonderful little mom and pop stores where you can find unique treasures perfect for that someone special. Why spend money buying a present for mom and dad at Pottery Barn when you can support our local business and find a truly one-of-a-kind gift.

Places like the South End and Beacon Hill have streets of shopping without a chain name in sight, but why do we care? Because boosting our local economy will benefit us. We think it just might be the way to make a change starting with yourself to help diminish the recession.

Make a list, check it twice, and shop specific for a one of a kind!

Olivia Moravec

Kilian Webster

Editor-in-Chief

Assistant Editor

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YOUR introduction

Featured

Articles

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Dealing with Distance Article by Caitlin Anders

Stark Contrast

Article by Olivia Hoffman Photos by Taylor Meacham

SBTRKT

Concert Review by Dagny Blomster

Why Our Meal Plan Bites Article by Christina Jedra

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YOUR introduction

Staff Editor in Chief/ Founder Assistant Editor Managing Editor Copyeditor Copyeditor Copyeditor

Olivia Moravec Kilian Webster Krista Firkins Madeleine Andrews Rachael Moore Katelyn O’Brien

Photo Director Photographer Photographer Photographer Photographer Photographer Photographer Photographer

Taylor Meacham Hope Kauffman Meredith Cohen Nelson Ramm Alex Fierro-Clarke Hannah Wallace Fred Kim Rebecca Roche

Creative Director Layout & Design Editor Designer Designer Designer Designer

Pete Ivanecky Liz Cormack Adriana DePalma Marissa Ericson Jussie Martin Haile Lidow

Fashion Editor Fashion Fashion Fashion Fashion Fashion Fashion A&E Editor A&E A&E A&E A&E

Romance Editor Romance Romance Romance Romance Romance Features Editor Features Features Features Features Features Features Marketing Director Asst. Marketing Director Marketing Marketing Marketing Research & Development Branding & Web Design Branding & Web Design

Emily Tannenbaum Kelsey Leahy Elijah Clark-Ginsberg Tess Babbitt Haile Lidow Olivia Hoffman Devan Norman

Head Stylist Head Stylist Stylist Hair Stylist Blog Editor Web Writer Web Writer Web Writer Web Writer Web Writer Web Writer

Madi Silvers Taryn Balchunas Jen Prince Molly O’Connor Lorena Mora

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Madeleine Andrews Matthew Grossbart Julie Travers Frankie Olito Caitlin Anders Paige Newman Cecille Avila Kiera Murray Christina Jedra Alexandra Parker Taylor Smith Liz Mantey Beata Rybka Callina Patterson Ean Williams Roxi Fernandez Crystal Yuen Lauren Dizazzo Tiffani Hilier Joelle White Elijah Clark-Ginsberg Nick Hayes Val Navarro Lacey Russell Bonnie Ong Lorena Mora Raymond Bellinger Molly O’Connor Madeleine Andrews Alexandra Parker Amelia Viner Bryan Chabrow

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YOUR introduction

Table of Contents

ROMANCE 6 7 8 9

(author)

(photography)

Madeleine Andrews Caitlin Anders Frankie Olito Julie Travers

How Much Do You Really Love Me? Dealing With Distance Awkward Romantic Timing December Date Ideas

FASHION 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 20

Tess Babbitt Kelsey Leahy Elijah Clark-Ginsburg Devan Norman Kelsey Leahy Haile Lidow Olivia Hoffman

Tess’s Tips for Staying Warm Trend of the Month - Hat Holiday Men’s Layering 101 Thrift Find of the Month 7 Easy Steps for a Fishtail Braid I’m Not Blushing: Winter Make-Up Trends Knit Pick / Stark Contrast Trees

Fred Kim Alex Clarke Hope Kauffman Kevin Sweeney Meredith Cohen Rebecca Roche Taylor Meacham Nelson Ramm

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 25 26 27 28 29 30

Taryn Balchunus Molly O’Connor Joelle White Madi Silvers Lindsey Train Dagny Blomster

Monthly Playlist The Kooks Christina’s World is Taken by Zombies Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Concert Review: SBTRKT Boston Calendar

FEATURES 36 37 38 39 40

Kiera Murray Beata Rybka Christina Jedra Liz Mantey Taylor Smith

Stay Young, Go Protesting Remember Movember Why Our Meal Plan Bites Next Stop: Harvard Avenue A Rockin’ Tribute: Atomic Age Theater

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Ashli Bickford, Liz Cormack

YOUR romance

How much do you really love me?

(Otherwise Known As: The Holiday Gift Exchange) Text // Madeleine Andrews The holiday gift exchange is often a source of great anxiety for people involved in a romantic relationship. There’s a great deal of pressure to get your significant other the perfect gift; one that has sentimental value and costs enough to show you care without seeming you care too much. When I was a 16-year-old with my first real boyfriend, I was remarkably unconcerned.

He’d specifically asked for a pair of flip-flops with the name of my boarding school on the straps. However, this simple request somehow slipped my mind until after I’d left school for our month-long break. He must have liked me quite a bit because I readily admitted this to him and he still decided to drive two hours from his hometown to bring me my gift.

When he arrived, he handed me a small silver box. Jewelry! I thought, how lucky am I?! I wanted to open it but he insisted that I wait until Christmas Day. I think he thought it was a romantic idea, and though it didn’t make sense to me, I didn’t care because I was officially a girl with a boyfriend who bought her jewelry. You’re going to love it, he told me.

It’s a good thing he wasn’t there when I did open it because it made my face fall. It was a silver linked bracelet with a heart charm on it from a nice jewelry store. Problem was, this design was a knock-off of a bracelet from the classic Tiffany’s I already had, a bracelet I had worn everyday for the past year straight.

I was distraught. How could a guy who so vehemently professed his love for me so often not even notice something I was wearing every time I’d ever hung out with him? And worse, I knew he’d spent a decent sum of money on it.

But like I said, I hadn’t even gotten his gift yet so I was in no position to complain.

I never had the heart to tell him the truth, and I even went as far as switching the bracelets every time I went to see him.

This gift exchange was a microcosm of our entire relationship. We had always been impossibly wrong for each other. He thought I was the girl for him but never paid close enough attention to me to see who I really was. I loved the idea of him but never felt compelled to put any effort into the relationship. No surprise there, but we didn’t last a day past Valentine’s Day.

Thinking back to this disastrous gift exchange prompted me to ask some Emerson students to share their stories: “Just before the holidays my sophomore year in college, I joined a nearby gym. I was starting to get pretty built, and my girlfriend loved it. One day, I left my favorite pair of shoes at the gym and they never turned up. I thought it was awesome that she bought me a similar pair for Christmas. She didn’t think it was awesome when I got her a threemonth membership to my gym. I thought it was nice but she found it offensive. I stand by my decision. If she liked my new look so much, why was it so horrible for me to think she would want to get healthier, too? I also thought it would have been something fun for us to do together. I don’t think our relationship ever really bounced back from that whole fiasco.”

– Senior, film major

“When I was 13, my boyfriend and I had been together a year. We both loved The Offspring so I bought him their latest CD. One day after school we met up and as all my friends watched, we exchanged gifts. He loved his CD. Inside the small box he’d handed me was a silver and gold necklace with a small diamond in it. Everyone thought it was the biggest deal! It was the best gift exchange I’ve had with a boyfriend since.”

– Senior, marketing major

“I remember last year I was set on buying my boyfriend a specific thing, but couldn’t find it anywhere. One day I went to Border’s and instead found the perfect page-aday calendar. He loved it.

And while he never got into the page-a-day habit, he still has the calendar for the pictures. Sometimes all you need to do is go browsing to find the perfect gift!”

– Junior, WLP major

The holiday gift exchange can feel like a test in your relationship, but don’t let it worry you too much. If a middleschool age couple can nail it, so can you. If you’ve been an active member of your relationship, you’ll know when you’ve thought up the perfect gift. Even if you’re disappointed with the gift your partner gives you, don’t let it taint your feelings towards them; your relationship can absolutely survive. It is, after all, only a matter of material possessions.

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YOUR romance

Dealing With Distance Text // Caitlin Anders

Thanksgiving has passed, classes for the spring have been chosen, and first semester is coming to a close. Whether it was your first semester on campus or one of your last, there’s no doubt that you met a ton of new people, had crazy times, and maybe even entered into a new relationship. Now winter break is upon us and it’s time to return to our homesall over the country and beyond for a whole month before we return to do it all over again. But how do we say goodbye and allow new relationships to thrive from distances that range from hour car rides to six-hour plane rides?

I’ve done my fair share of long distance relationships, and each time I ignore all rational thoughts and let my emotions fuel my actions instead. Distance sucks, there’s no denying that, but there are a few things you can do to make it easier on yourselves and ensure that your new relationship carries on into the next semester.

Once you’re all packed and ready to board the BlueLine to Logan, it’s time for that dreaded goodbye. Don’t put so much emphasis on it; instead think of it like a “see you later.” After all, it isn’t forever.

A month may seem like a long time, but in reality you’ll be back together snuggling in the comfort of the

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Little Building in no time. Turning the goodbye into a huge deal, with tears and words of “how will I ever survive without you?” won’t do anything to help.

Once you’re both home, it’ll be tempting to text each other all day long with updates on every detail of your life. This may go well for a while, but one or both of you is bound to get a little testy about the constant contact and inquiries..

Remember, they can’t miss you unless you give yourself space to be missed. Telling them about every aspect of your day as it’s happening may seem like a good idea in the moment, but when you call them up later in the day you’ll realize you have nothing left to tell them.

Put a little distance between yourselves so that when you do find time to actually talk on the phone or on Skype, you’ll appreciate each other more.

Distance can cause tension. We all have separate lives at home with different friends and consequently the potential for disagreements you wouldn’t encounter at school arises. Whether one person is jealous of a “just friend” from home or perhaps anxious about the lack of texts they’re getting after the parties start, there are going to be factors that can easily lead to fights. Unlike

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fighting while you’re at school, when you’re on break you don’t have the ability to be with each other in person. Instead all you have is an angry voice on the other side of the phone. When you can’t even hug the person once the argument has died down, it can be hard not to make rash decisions about the relationship that you’ll regret later. While honesty is important, it’s best to save the big issues and confrontations for when you’re back together in person.

If you’re visiting each other in your hometowns, however, it would probably still be best to wait until you’re back at Emerson to bring up any big tension. You want to be able to enjoy the time you have together and let the other show you their favorite places to go and show you off to their friends.

As hard as it may be, save things that may cause fights for when you’re back in the environment you started in.

Dealing with distance is definitely one of the harder struggles to go through in a relationship. However, if both of you relax and agree to trust each other the month you’re apart will fly by and you’ll be back wreaking havoc in the city together in no time.

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YOUR romance

Awkward Romantic Timing

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Text // Frankie Olito

I’m dreaming of an awkward Christmas Just like the ones I always know.

Where couples lie and the lonely try to drown lovers in the snow.

Yes, it is that time of year again. No, I am not talking about Santa and the Christmas tree or the menorah and the dradle. I am referring to the most awkward, often saddest part of the year for relationships. When the holidays roll in, it seems no matter what stage in a relationship you are in, you run into some form of an awkward situation. Here are some ways to deal with some of the most common awkward romantic situations: The Stale Cookies

The Mr. Scrooge

The Reindeer that Ran Over Grandma

The Baby Mr. and Mrs. Claus

Many relationships experience the “it’s-time-to-breakup” stage; however, this situation causes a problem during the holidays. Is it worse to be alone during holiday festivities or to suffer through a crumbling relationship?

Think of the solution like this: Santa doesn’t want stale cookies, and you don’t want a stale relationship—even during the holidays. You have to end it because you two are not happy together. In addition, to buy a gift for someone you will not be with in a few weeks is pointless and wasteful. End the relationships that are in awkward limbo, even if it is in the middle of holiday cheer.

Broken hearts and holiday cheer are an awkward combination. Coming out of a relationship just before the holidays begin can be really difficult. The holidays can be a romantic time for couples; the cold weather and constant cheery sentiments bring lovers closer together than ever.

But there you are, lonesomeness burning within you.

As you see lovers radiating with passion, resist the urge to chuck snow at their love-stricken faces. If it makes you feel better, mock the happy couples in your head, but keep yourself in check, Mr Scrooge. Before “Bah Humbug!” becomes a nasty slur, remember that a new year is right around the corner. This may not be the best holiday season you’ve ever had, but it is the perfect time to look forward to new beginnings.

Most individuals go home for the holidays, but should you bring your loved ones with you? Many wonder if it is too soon to introduce the loved one to the entire family.

Bringing home a loved one to meet the family is tricky, especially during the holidays because the family tends to expect something. It is a sign of serious commitment, so it raises serious alarm and questions. You do not want your significant other to be the reindeer that kills Grandma with shock. Therefore, this one is based on personal preference. You should be able to gauge how serious the relationship is based on your comfort and emotions.

Typically, bringing lovers home for the holidays is acceptable after 6-12 month of dating.

So, you’ve waited all year for that special someone to come into your life. There are 11 months of the year, but of course that soul mate walked into your life during the twelfth. You have no time to worry about where things are heading because now you have greater things to worry about: the Gift. The gift is that scary object that represents how well you know your loved one. It cannot just be a tie or perfume because it shows you only see the superficial side of your lover, though you also cannot buy expensive jewelry because it shows you are moving too quickly. What are a baby Mr. and Mrs. Claus to do? Go small, but with meaning. In other words, do not empty the bank account, but make sure it has a personal touch.

So, whether you are Romeo and Juliet on Christmas morning or Kevin McCallister left home alone, remember these simple steps to ensure a significantly less awkward holiday season.

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YOUR romance

December Date Ideas Text // Julie Travers

The weather is changing rapidly as the holiday season approaches. The scarves are out and so are all the lovebirds. There’s just something in the air that brings a cuddly mood. But if you’re ever thinking of just staying in with your cutie, remember that

Boston in the wintertime isn’t something you want to miss.

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While the fall lasts, take a quick ride on the red line to Central Square and find yourself in Cambridge surrounded by lights and decorations. The Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub is a small venue but comes to life with your favorite artist. The tickets are generally range from $20 to $60 so you can take your honey and dance the night away.

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What better way to get in the spirit by starting December off with the 70th Annual Boston Common Tree Lighting Ceremony?

You can go ice-skating at the frog pond for $12, or walk through the park and get lost in the wonder while munching on a candy apple.

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Make it a bella notte with a romantic Italian dinner in the north end. The walk is only about 15 minutes up Tremont Ave and leads to cozy narrow cobblestone roads that will have you holding hands without noticing. The Mama and Papa bakeries and restaurants are on every corner and won’t make you regret the spaghetti on your chin.

Christmas is right around the corner and with a honey cinnamon latte at The Thinking Cup Coffee Bar, it’ll be swirling in the air around you while you share laughter and warmth with your loved one.

Suppose it actually does end up getting cold this winter… you and your sweetheart might not want to venture outdoors.

But if you want to make it a date you won’t soon forget, WAKE UP and go to F1 Boston. It’s an indoor kart-racing track open 7 days a week that will spark a little friendly competition and get your adrenaline pumping on what would have otherwise been a boring day inside. F1 Boston is located in Braintree, MA and is accessible by public transit. Call ahead for reservations.

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YOUR fashion

Tess’s Tips for Staying Warm Text // Tess Babbitt

Photography // Fred Kim

Staying warm in these northeastern winters can be difficult.

Here are some tips to help keep you cozy while making your trek across the vast intersection of Boylston and Tremont.

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Don’t lose your head. This tip may seem like common sense, but did you know that the majority of your body heat escapes through your head? Throwing on a warm knit hat or even pulling up the hood on your coat will make a world of difference. Knit head wraps (a cuter version of the ear-muff) are also a great way to stay warm while also staying stylish.

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Layers and Layers. In this unpredictable Boston weather it’s important to be prepared for anything. That’s why layering is the perfect way to ensure you’ll be comfortable in any temperature. Before going out, throw another sweater on under your coat. Adding a scarf to any outfit will not only look great, but also help keep your face and neck warm. My personal favorite is the infinity scarf. It engulfs you in it’s warm coziness, and you never have to worry about it falling off or tying it a certain way.

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Secretly cozy. A trick of the trade that I incorporated during those freezing nights of Halloween weekend is to double-layer your tights.

Throwing on an extra pair of nylons under your knit or ripped up tights makes showing off a little leg in the winter a little more bearable! Even sneaking a pair of thin tights under any type of clothes you wear, like jeans or leggings, will keep you secretly warm.

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Hands-on. Having a cute pair of mittens is crucial for this winter.

A good pair of mittens can be a staple accessory for an outfit, much like your bag or your shoes. My favorite are the “ho-bo” gloves that can be transformed from gloves to mittens so you can text, or show off your new manicure, while still staying warm. Find a pair of gloves that match your personality (and the majority of your wardrobe) and you’ve got yourself a staple item that will help keep you warm and winter-ready.

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YOUR fashion

trend of the month: Text // Kelsey Leahy Photography // Alex Clarke

hat holiday

‘Tis the scene to be jolly”…warm? Yes, winter is well on its way and you know what that means, Bostonians. Snow, snow, and oh yea, more snow. It’s time to unpack those wool socks from Grandma, throw on your puffy floor-length marshmallow coats, and don your warmest and most stylish head huggers.

From tweed fedoras, to floppy beanies, to knitted caps, there are many stylish ways for every college kid to stay warm and keep those luscious locks weather damage free, and your ears warm and cozy.

What are my ultimate faves this season you may ask? The floppy felt caps for just $34 at Urban Outfitters. Keep it basic black, or go with a crazy color if you’re feeling daring.

Come on, everyone knows a toasty tête is no fashion threat.

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YOUR fashion

Men’s Layering 101

Text // Elijah Clark-Ginsberg

Photography // Hope Kauffman

To all the Emerson Men out there, when Jack Frost starts nipping at your toes, you’ve got two options: throw on a giant coat and try to look marshmallow-chic, or learn to layer. I advise the latter.

Model // Eric Twardzik Sometimes two cardigans are better than one. Layer a chunky cardigan (shawlcollared for best results) over a simple, fine-gauge one. If that’s simply too much sweater for you, wear a chunky cardigan over a fitted waistcoat.

And what goes on top? A pea coat is the timeless standby, but a duffle coat is just as warm and adds some uniqueness to your look. Navy’s a failsafe choice for just about anything, but a camel topcoat pairs wonderfully with jewel tones and rich browns. If you’re more about waterresistance than warmth, try a waxed canvas jacket. Your inner English country gentleman will be pleased.

Let’s start with the basics. A collared shirt (the oxford cotton button-down is unimpeachable), sweater or cardigan, sport coat (a grey tweed is perfect for fall) can be a great and simple look. Normally, fine-gauge v-neck sweater is advisable, but feel free to bulk up the knit a little bit as Boston slowly turns into a frozen wasteland. Whatever you do, make sure the sweater fits under your jacket and keep your shirt collar tucked into your sweater.

For a more advanced look, try a bold striped rugby shirt over an oxford with a sport coat on top. Have some fun with the jacket – maybe a shadow plaid or windowpane? It’s a super preppy look that does Michael Bastian proud, but it won’t keep you very warm. Try layering a down vest over (yes, over) the sport coat for some added warmth. Alternatively, sub out the sport coat for a fitted quilted jacket.

No matter what you wear, remember some cardinal layering rules. Avoid pattern overload: stick to one really bold piece and don’t pair similarly sized patterns together. Be careful, even a subtle herringbone tweed can cause eye overload if paired poorly. When layering, you should generally keep the least bulky layer on the inside and become more rugged as you work outwards. And, lastly, make sure everything fits when worn together. Don’t try to cram an oversized grandpa sweater under a fitted jacket.

It’s time to give the Michelin Man his coat back. You’re ready to brave the winter weather in style.

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YOUR fashion

thrift find of the month Text // Devan Norman

Photography // Kevin Sweeney

Model // Micah Schure

WHAT WE FOUND: $21 black cotton

dress with safety pin details by Betsey Johnson, $20 black BCBG Max Azria sweater dress, $13 ribbon belt with chains (worn as a necklace). And all of this came from Second Time Around at 176 Newbury Street.

When it’s cold out, people tend to dress to match the weather.

Not only do I mean warmthwise, but also color-wise. The outfit in this article was based on the neutrals most people opt for in the winter months.

Some suggest wearing pops of color, to brighten up your look.

I say embrace the darker colors, if that’s what you prefer.

Black clothing doesn’t necessarily mean you’re copping out or taking the easy route while getting dressed in the morning. As long as you add textures, such as the chunky sweater and chain necklace shown here, the look can have as much power as one with a more diverse color story.

Second Time Around is consistently rated one of the best secondhand clothing experiences in Boston. With locations on Newbury Street and in Cambridge, they’re also very easy to find. However, like any store of its kind, it is very hit-andmiss. With racks of designer and lower-budget clothes, there is something for everyone. From my experience, their “Designer Dresses” and “New Arrivals” sections have the best items.

Keep in mind that they have a “no-returns” policy (to maintain the nature of the store). Tons of options ranging from H&M’s

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everyday wear to upscale clothing from Burberry can be found on the racks and shelves in all three of the Newbury Street locations. Most clothes are in nearly brand new condition and with a quick wash, you can pretend you just picked them up from the original boutique. The tough-yet-simple outfit shown here is a prime example of the excellent condition these clothes are in. Go out and buy your own outfit (or even just some interesting pieces) for the price of a single regular store purchase!

YOUR fashion

7 easy steps for a fishtail braid

Text // Kelsey Leahy Photography // Meredith Cohen Model // Devan Norman

Connotations with the word “fish” aren’t always great—it conjures images of a childhood pet being flushed down the drain while the phrase “smells fishy” is cringe-worthy. But lately, the term “fishtail braid” has left me shuttering!

Fret no more ladies because I have found that this puzzling braid is nothing more than a few simple steps to pure perfection.

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Separate your ponytail into two sections.

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Take a piece of hair from the outer right side and bring it to the inner left side.

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Repeat steps 3 and 4 until finished.

STEP

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Pull your hair into a ponytail and fasten with a clear elastic band.

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Then, take a piece from the outer left side and bring it to the inner right side.

Fasten the end of the braid with another clear elastic band.

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Carefully cut the top elastic with a pair of scissors.

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I’mmakeup Nottrends Blushing: for winter Text // Haile Lidow Photography // Rebecca Roche Makeup // Kelsey Leahy Model // Jess Dyer

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ow that we are almost welcoming winter, we can kiss the last of our tans goodbye. But this doesn’t mean you have to give up on color entirely. With cold weather also comes flushed cheeks, a concept that should be thoroughly embraced if for no reason other than to avoid looking like a sun-deprived vampire.

And don’t worry, you don’t have to wait around for the cold to cause this naturally beautiful look; you can control the rosy cheeks of the upcoming season by simply purchasing a great shade of blush.

Generally, there are two different kinds of looks you can achieve when it comes to cheeks. There’s the creamy, sort of stained and moisturized feel, and the powdery, lighter texture found in a compact.

For the cheek stain, I usually recommend the Benefit’s “benetint.” This product alters according to your skin type and color and gives off a nice rosy glow that lasts all day. And the best part: it also doubles as a lip stain!

Benefit’s “Benetint” $29 at Sephora

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With the powders, however, you have many more options. MAC Cosmetics offers fortytwo different shades of their “Powder Blush” that can be chosen according to individual skin color. This product works great for a more defined look, one that really pops with any outfit.

If you are going the powder route, however, it is essential that you have a good brush as well—the brush can make or break the look, as the application is key to its success. The “129SH Powder Blush Brush”, also at the MAC store, is what I personally use. It basically does the work for you, and is definitely a great investment.

But regardless of the products you ultimately use, there is no doubt that rosy cheeks can be a statement. We’ve seen it on the runways, many times with little other makeup. If you decide to spice up your daily cosmetic routine with some blush or cheek stain, try to keep the other colors to a minimum. With a simple mascara, touch of brown eyeliner, nude lip, the perfect winter look is that easy.

MAC’s Powder Blush: $19.50 at MAC Cosmetics

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MAC’s 129SH Powder Blush Brush: $34 at MAC Cosmetics

YOUR fashion

Text // Olivia Hoffman

Since it’s December and we

are all in need of some warm winter garb, I decided to sit down with Eric Maxwell (’14) and discuss what suggestions he might have to fashionably dress for the chilly Boston seasons ahead. Last spring, Maxwell showed his passion for knit accessorizing in Emerson Fashion Society’s spring fashion show and has been an avid knitter since. Maybe you aren’t a knitter and well, neither am I, but the great thing about Maxwell’s talent with knitwear, is he only learned how to knit last December! So if you want to learn to knit, there’s still time before it gets cold to make your very own signature knit accessory. When asked what his favorite accessory is when battling the cold, and looking good doing it, Maxwell answered, “I have this yellow, thick chunky cotton scarf that I wear whenever it’s cold out.”

KNit pick

So knit accessories are definitely warm, but are they fashionable?

“I made my dad a knit tie before they became popular this year,” beamed Maxwell, “and he said they would never be in style. Well, I took a picture of the H&M ad of a man with a knit tie, and I sent it to him.” Knitwear is appearing all over the place right now: thick and chunky scarves, knit ties, knit dresses, knit hats… You name it, and it can be knit.

During my street-fashionscoping at Emerson, I’ve noticed the pieces that stand out the most in the erratic fall and winter weather are in fact the chunky, bright knit accessories.

I personally own a vibrant red knit beanie that I could not brave Beantown without.

Another thing that Maxwell said really stood out to me: “I think that people making their own clothes is a dying

stark Contrast Jenifer Stark is bringing a fresh and innovative edge to the knitting world.

Each Blue Alvarez item is a uniquely beautiful and luxurious piece of wearable art. From whimsical skirts to gorgeous gowns, every piece will fit seamlessly into any wardrobe. The fabulous Jody, Meredith, and Joel took to the streets and turned heads all over Harvard Square. Go to bluealvarez.com, to find your own one of a kind, showstopper outfits!

Text // Olivia Hoffman Photography // Taylor Meacham Models // Meredith Cohen, Jody Steel, Joel Ahumada

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art. And I think creating fashion and art is so important. And making your own clothes is so pacifying during the stresses of Emerson.” Maxwell’s next project: “My best friend for Christmas last year gave me fisherman wool, chocolate brown, and I’m making a big Brooks Brothers scarf and I’m so excited!” Chocolate brown fisherman’s wool? Where do I sign up?

As our discussion came to a close, I asked Maxwell if he would consider making knits for those of us who don’t exactly have the patience to try and learn a new art form. Maxwell replied, “If people pick out the yarn, I’ll make them whatever they want.” Eric, if you’re reading this, I am going to find some colorful wool and take you up on your offer.

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Clockwise from right: Gown ($1,500), Purple Vest ($125), Scarf ($55), Red and Blue Skirt ($145)

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trees

Models // Divya Kehr, Ashley Holland, Zachary Wilkinson, Michael Rivera Photography // Nelson Ramm

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playlist

YOUR arts&entertainment

Monthly

Text// Taryn Balchunas

This December, cozy up to some holiday-inspired songs, whether familiar or unfamiliar, and discover some new music for the new year!

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“Watching You Watch Him” -Eric Hutchinson (Moving Up, Living Down 2011) Not everyone has someone to snuggle with during the holiday season. And while you are waiting for that person to become available, here is a E. Hutch single to tide you over! Emerson alum Eric Hutchinson has kept fans on their toes and finally premiered on November 15 a full version of this addictive single off of his new, highly anticipated album (release date still TBD).

Keep it coming, E. Hutch! We’ve had three years to memorize Sounds Like This backwards and forwards!

“Christmas Kiss” -Meaghan Smith (It Snowed, 2011) After seeing Meaghan Smith open for Eric Hutchinson in 2008, I immediately coined her one of my favorite singer/songwriters. Meaghan’s style is quirky, jazzy, and absolutely adorable, as portrayed in this catchy original Christmas song.

“In the Morning” -Jack Johnson (This Warm December, a Brushfire Holiday, Vol. 2, 2011) Jack Johnson captures the sentiment of a child’s joy the morning of a holiday in this little ditty. Instead of singing about gifts being the source of their happiness, he sings about the gift of love and sharing family moments: “These moments are the only gifts we need.” Be sure to check out the rest of Brushfire Records’ holiday album for more heartwarming songs like this one!

“Jingle Bells (Feat. The Puppini Sisters)” -Michael Bublé (Christmas, 2011) Though produced in 2011, this single sounds like it was recorded in the 40s with the very fun “boogie-woogie” inspired vocals of the Puppini Sisters accompanying Mr. Bublé. His inspiration for this cover is based on Bing Crosby’s version of “Jingle Bells,” and that influence definitely shines through.

“Baby, It’s Cold Outside” -She & Him (A Very She & Him Christmas, 2011) For those of us that are Elf enthusiasts, we’ve already heard Zooey Deschanel sing this classic Christmas tune. But her version with bandmate M. Ward on their new holiday album stays true to the original tempo of this song and they add a nice touch with the acoustic guitar.

“Bust Your Kneecaps” -Pomplamoose (2011) Last year, YouTube sensations, Pomplamoose, were featured artists in Honda Avalon’s holiday commericals. Whether you found them on your tv screen or on YouTube, you will find that they never fail to impress with their multi-talented music abilities and self-produced videosongs. This song in particular is about a mob family that threatens to physically harm the speaker’s boyfriend if he leaves her. It includes interesting chord progressions and a cutesy tempo in 50s-style 6/4 time, and makes you want to eat a traditional Italian Christmas Eve of the Seven Fishes dinner and watch The Godfather.

“I Can Breathe Again” -Baywood (2011) Denver-based band Baywood entices listeners with their three-part harmonies and “retro-southern rock” sound. By the end of this song, you’ll find yourself joining in with the chorus and clapping your hands along with the band: “I lost myself to the snow again/ I found my way back home again/ But I can only stay for awhile.”

“Ghost” -Ingrid Michaelson (Human Again, 2011) Maybe you have a “ghost haunting these halls” instead of decking these halls this holiday season. Michaelson’s single, “Ghost,” is a good song to listen to when you are missing the presence of a loved one that is no longer with you. Even if you are ruminating in that loss, be sure to share the rest of Michaelson’s music from her newest album, Human Again, with others.

“Us Against the World” -Coldplay (Mylo Xyloto, 2011) Coldplay fans old and new would agree that their latest album is crazy good. It features a combination of electronic-based songs and acoustic gems like this one, an anthem for enduring hard times, that remind us of why we fell in love with Coldplay. They unite us during the holidays and year-round.

“Leave My Body” -Florence + the Machine (Ceremonials, 2011) This song is the best way to end such a critically-acclaimed album. Florence’s sassy powerhouse vocals are joined by a choir that reminds her that she is not alone, and the tribal feel creates an almost out of body experience for the listener. It‘s the perfect song in which to transition into the new year and start anew.

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YOUR arts&entertainment

Alternative Music Review

The

In the music industry, a band’s third studio album is often a significant and telling milestone. Take a look at The Beatles’ A Hard Days Night or Led Zeppelin’s immortal Led Zeppelin III. It can say a lot about the band: where they are headed or if their success and their original sound are here to stay. The Kooks’ Junk of the Heart is no exception. The album’s leading track and is the titular song Junk of the Heart (Happy). This track kicks off the album with an bracing, foot-tapping, indie-pop tune that puts on display frontman Luke Pritchard’s staple use of his voice as a rhythmic device as well as a melodic one: singing hard consonants on the down beat of the pre-chorus to give the song that immutable ‘Kooks’ groove. In true Kooks form, the song comes full circle going from a playful verse to rousing chorus. All the while telling the story of young love, as tormenting as it is intoxicating.

The rest of the album chronicles an interesting exploration into some new territory with different sounds like the artificial, synth bass we hear in the track “Runaway”. The group also experiments more with string compositions on a number of tracks, something they had only used very sparingly in previous albums. It also appears that the group chose to stray from the

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Kooks Text// Zach Connolly

gritty, treble-heavy sound that had become a staple of their music with previous fan-favorites like “Naïve” and “Sofa Song.” Instead, they seem to gravitate towards a fuller more studio-quality sound than we have heard in their previous albums. Make no mistake though, despite new directions in style of form on this new album, Junk of the Heart still retains the bright melodies and enchanting, thick British vocals of Luke Pritchard and Hugh Harris. Upon a full listening, the album could be summarized as an amalgamation of The Faces and The Strokes peppered with occasional surrealist tones reminiscent of The Flaming Lips.

All in all, Junk of the Heart is a solid third album that displays the band’s versatility of style while still holding true to the charming, jovial indie-pop sound they do so well.

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YOUR arts&entertainment

Christina’s World is taken by Zombies:

The Walking Dead Text// Joelle White

What do zombies and art masterpieces have in common? The answer is nothing, but season two of AMC’s zombie drama, The Walking Dead, points out it sure is fun to mash the two together. Before the show’s premier, creator Robert Kirkman told entertainment weekly this season would be “like an Andrew Wyeth painting – with zombies.” So far, I’d say he has delivered on this statement, infusing the values of American Realism into the series setting and story line.

For those of you who are not familiar with the show let me introduce you: Facing the hope dashing fact there is no cure for the zombie virus (thanks CDC), a company of apocalypse survivors flee Atlanta to the rural Georgian country side. There, their paths cross with a farmer and his adopted family, whose home on the range seems to be virtually untouched by the undead.

But like in Andrew Wyeth’s Christina’s World (pictured above) everything is not as it seems on the farm. At first

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look at this painting, you may think, wow how peaceful, everything in that girl’s life is dandy. Wrong! Wyeth’s Christina had polio that paralyzed her legs, she actually can’t move from that position.

Admittedly, there is a lot of hope to be found in this painting just as the characters of The Walking Dead find in their new dwelling, but my facetiousness has a point. Imagine this painting with zombies, and Christina is dead meat. And so will be the principal characters of The Walking Dead if they let the beauty of their situation soften their resolve and survival instincts.

Here, in this conflict between outward appearances and reality, each character must develop past the archetype they fell into last season in order to navigate the issues of the season. Limited supplies and missing and injured children all challenge the previously held morals and beliefs of the group’s leader, Rick. He has the burden of deciding when the needs of the group out

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weigh the needs of the individual, but when those individuals are children… well things get messy.

But all these serious philosophical questions aside, the series remains true to the genre with plenty of zombie brain bashing moments to delight in. This season dwindling supplies and growing desperation will add to the fun and make sure there is never a dull moment on the zombie farm.

YOUR arts&entertainment Classic Movie Rev iew:

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Text // Zach Connolly

Everybody knows the name. But the sad fact is, not enough kids have seen this flick.

A legendary piece of cinema, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid follows the eponymous heroes, played by Paul Newman and Robert Redford respectively, on their gun-slinging, train-robbing exploits and into their flight as fugitives on the run from the law with their beautiful accomplice Etta Place, played by Katharine Ross. Throughout the film, the chemistry between Newman and Redford is nothing short of infectious with Newman as the quick-witted, silver-tongued idea man and Redford as the enigmatic, crack-shot, golden-boy with a swagger that exudes sex. The pair’s repeated brushes with death by bandits, lawmen, and a waterfall jump make for well-developed tension peppered with moments of immortal comedy (i.e.

“The fall’ll probably kill ya!”). The music of the film is nothing short of prolific. The soundtrack, composed by the legendary Burt Bacharach, won the 1969 Academy Award for Best Original Song as well as Best Original Score. The film itself was also nominated for Best Director, Best Picture and Best Sound winning the awards for Best Cinematography and Best Writing. The film was the break out role for Robert Redford and helped solidify screenwriter William Goldman’s (The Princess Bride) position in Hollywood.

What seems to separate Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid from other westerns of its day is it’s ability to retain that adventurous, outon-the frontier tone of a western while injecting a comedic lightheartedness uncommon in a western picture. As film reviewer James Berardinelli puts it, “the film is jovial without being silly; it retains the sense of adventure that characterizes the western, but replaces the often somber mood with one that is airy and often times comedic.”

Director George Roy Hill (The Sting) sought to differentiate the film from other westerns by limiting graphic violence and eliminating music during the shoot-outs and chase scenes to heighten the tension more organically. Hill also gave Newman and Redford room to develop their give-and-take dynamic which resulted in the ‘buddy’ comedy rapport that Hollywood has been reproducing ever since.

The legacy of the film is undisputed. It is listed on nearly every “Greatest Films of All-time” list and when Robert Redford started the Sundance Film Festival its namesake came from his character in the movie. The film added to Newman’s already sterling resume and was the spark that ignited Redford’s own long and illustrious career. A truly immortal film, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is a movie that will be regarded as a classic such for generations to come. It’s a picture you must check out and hey, it’s on Netflix Instant Watch too!

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SBTRKT YOUR arts&entertainment

Text // Dagny Blomster

They answered the crowds pleads for a speedy stage presence by bursting a booming sound through the speakers above and about the stage, instantly relaying vibrations that achieved an utter and complete mind alteration for those present.

The duo known as SBTRKT (pronounced “Subtract), wore signature ceremonial masks hovering over their mixing desks evoked a spiritual characteristic to their chimes that which every respective fan was waiting for. Their aura became the pins and needles that cinched and mended the fellow swayers’ and head-bobbers’ troubles they’ve encountered throughout the week.

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After several songs or so, the grooving and slow hip-shaking of the crowd suddenly shifted into a totally turned on mob of fans, gazing at the musicians in rapture as they introduced the steady beat of their hit song, Wildfire. Switching the sound from their previous numbers on the setlist to a rather lyrically-strong fly number, they invited verses into the mix spat out by the modern hiphop prince, Drake. Nonetheless, the synthesized squirms of bass lines and the omni-pitched moans sprung from Little Dragon’s vocals.

I do stand partial to the band’s performance due to the failure of delivering a ridiculously

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deserved encore. The band name spoke for itself when performers Jerome and Sampha exited stage right, taking away their stirring, urban aura with them. What does that equal? An entranced audience unable to adjust to reality as the houselights cued the end of the show. The combination of Club Royale housing a congregation of SBTRKT-ors and the band’s subliminal “come hither” harmonies provided a thoroughly face-melting experience.

YOUR arts&entertainment MONDAY

SUNDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Academy Award Winning Production Designer Brigitte Broch @ Bright Family Screening Room, 7pm

VEGan food fest

@ Bill Bordy Theater, 6pm

OH LAND @ Brighton Music Hall

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14 Hanukkah begins

18 Christmas day

19 kwanzaA begins Disney on ICE presents “Treasure Trove” @ TD

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Disney on ICE presents “Treasure Trove” @ TD

Disney on ICE presents “Treasure Trove” @ TD

Garden

Garden

Garden

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YOUR arts&entertainment FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SHE LOVES ME

Rock and Roll Jesus: A Celebration of Shepards

SHE LOVES ME

@ 35 Bowdoin St, 8pm

EVVY AWARDS VOCAL SHOWCASE

@ Semel Theater, 8pm

Rock The Red Kettle Tour featuring Honor Society @ Brighton Music Hall

@ Semel Theater, 2pm

SHE LOVES ME

@ Multipurpose Room, 7:30pm

@ Semel Theater, 8pm

Rock and Roll Jesus @ 35 Bowdoin St, 8pm

Pat McGee Band @ Brighton Music Hall

1 Inside the Cutting Room: Carol Littleton and the Editing of “The Big Chill” @ Bright Family Screening Room, 7pm

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2 Miracle on Lansdowne Street: Beady Eye with Black Box Revelation

Miracle on Lansdowne Street: Matt and Kim, Mute Math @ House of Blues

@ House of Blues

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THE MAINE

@ Brighton Music Hall,

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16 CHRISTmas eve

Winter solstice

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23 Boston’s Resolution Ball

Disney on ICE presents “Treasure Trove” @ TD Garden

@ Seaport Hotel

Back Bay Gala - 40+ New Years

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@ Seaport Hotel Waterfront Ballroom

New Years Eve at Candy Factory @ The Greatest Bar

Boston New Years Cruise @ Marika Yacht at Rowes Wharf, 8pm

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BOSTON CALENDAR

THURSDAY

YOUR features

Stay YOUNG Go PROTESTING Text // Kiera Murray

A magic marker squeaks a message of democracy and justice onto a sign that will be held up, stuck in the ground, or carried throughout the city. A man speaks into a microphone as people assemble to listen.

Flyers are handed out. Someone strums on a guitar and people join in song. Cars drive by and honk. The police and the media are never far.

Gravel crunches beneath everyone’s feet. The whole scene is an explosion of color and energy underneath the watchful eye of the looming, grey buildings that surround it.

For a Bostonian, this is Dewey Square. For an American, this is any Occupy protest. For the generations before us, however, this could be a scene from the anti-war protests in the 1960s. This decade has been infiltrating our modern society for years in the form of Mad Men, high-waisted skirts, and Bob Marley. We flirt with the line between intrigue and trying it out for ourselves, and some of the trends turn out to be just that.

But with these protests going on nation and worldwide, it’s apparent we’ve held onto something longer than NBC did to the Playboy Club.

No, the protests are not exactly the same. In the ‘60s, the protests focused on ending the Vietnam War. Today, the Occupy protests have many goals. While financial fairness is a

huge factor today, they are also concerned with environmentalism, the justice system, education and jobs, according to Occupy Boston. But that’s not to say these movements don’t have anything in common.

The anti-war protests of the 1960s were held mostly by young people and many took place on college campuses. The decade began under the leadership of young, charismatic Kennedy, major social changes were taking place, and more young people voted than ever before. A fresh face, changing times, and people our age inspired to be involved? That does sound familiar.

It is true that all kinds of people, with every kind of backstory and reason for being there imaginable, are involved with the Occupy protests. Just walking around for an hour is like Orientation Week all over again, except you make friends with a chef, a medical student, a mother, and a banker on his lunch break. But this is also largely a young people’s movement, especially when it comes to education. Suzi Pietroluongo, a sophomore Theatre Education major, is involved

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with the Students Occupy Boston general assemblies. In her own experience, she has met many fellow-occupiers that are college-age.

“It’s our futures that are on the line,” she said. “We are the ones who will benefit most from this movement. We have been fighting for student loan reform and against the rising costs of higher education.”

People our age have not experienced a movement like this first hand until now. Before we started occupying, we only had a paragraph about the “counterculture” in our textbooks and maybe the insight of our parents. We’ve learned that it’s made changes and made history before, and now it’s just a matter of seeing if it does the same for us. Many varied goals means many varied victories, which can be hard to measure up against the large impact of the 1960s movement. So will our generation be given a catchy, rebellious subculture name too? Will we be part of history?

“Whenever hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets and stand up for their rights, it will be remembered,” said Pietroluongo. “If it is not in history books, I will tell my children, and I’m sure my brothers and sisters in the movement will do the same.”

OCCUPY OCCUPY OCCUPY

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YOUR features

Remember

OVEMBER Text // Beata Rybka

Wispy, bushy, overrun or handlebar—rows of men grew out their mustaches for “Movember”, a month dedicated specifically to raising money and awareness about men’s health and prostate cancer.

All a “Mo Bro,” as they’re called, had to do was register on the Movember Foundation’s website, then groom his ‘stache for the entire month of November in any way he liked whether it meant channeling the brilliant-but-unkempt Albert Einstein or the fantastical Salvador Dali.

Movember wasn’t only about supporting men’s health. A thick mustache also served the dual purpose of keeping our guys’ upper lip from getting cold and chapped-kind of a “lip sweater”, if you will– a men’s essential, since we live in Boston (read: Antarctica).

“In the winter there are biting winds,” said Peter Yannantuono, a junior film major. “And a mustache kind of cut down on that.”

Grey VanDeMark, a junior political communications major, said that

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instead of Movember, he indulged in “No Shave Movembeard.” This is otherwise known as an excuse not to shave for an entire month that is unassociated with Movember and only benefits the individual insofar as practicing laziness goes.

“Shaving is a pain in the ass,” VanDeMark said, “It takes precision and patience, otherwise you can cut yourself. It’s just tedious and I don’t have the patience for it.”

Yannantuono agreed that shaving requires a lot of work. “It’s like a ritual, I have to actually allot time to it,” he said, “First I have to shower to soften the whiskers then lather up, it’s a process.”

Yannantuono’s mustache came into existence by a twist of fate. He had grown a really thick beard when one of his friends suggested that he just leave behind a mustache making him one of Emerson’s main representatives for Movember.

When Yannantuono first rocked his lip-adornment on Halloween, he did so as Freddie Mercury, the

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Queen vocalist proudly featured in the official Movember Hall of Fame.

He said he didn’t find out about Movember until a couple of weeks later.

“Growing a mustache for Movember seemed like a good idea, and I was already ahead of the game,” he said.

If supporting a good cause isn’t a solid reason to put your razor down, consider this: mustaches are sexy. According to senior print journalism major Megan Donovan -- whose boyfriend of four years usually wears a full beard -- mustaches, like beards, are a sign of manliness if worn the right way.

“You want a manly, hairy, burly thing,” she said. “It communicates ‘I’m a real man who can handle a real woman like you.’”

And in the month of Movember, such is the style-- until you go home for Thanksgiving and your mustache is one less thing your mother is thankful for.

YOUR features

“why our meal plan bites” Text // Christina Jedra

Now that we’re approaching the end of the semester, many students are worried about how they are going to feed themselves for the remaining weeks.

You’d think that because our parents dish out the cash for our meal plans, we’d be set for the semester. But for students who are just realizing that they only have a week’s worth of food left on their plan, a lesson must be learned: think before you swipe.

snacking between meals, another recommended practice by health experts, or bottled drinks.

Most students use the Flex Plan, the default plan that provides 101 dining hall meals, 10 guest meals, and $650 Board Bucks, which can be spent at any of Emerson’s dining facilities: the Em Café, the eatery at The Max, or the Paramount Café. But let’s see what those numbers really mean.

SGA Vice President, Tau Zaman, has made it one of his goals to improve the meal plan options.

Assuming that most students live on campus from September 4 to December 17, it’s safe to say, not taking into account 5 days for fall break, most students are living and eating here for approximately 100 days. Using the Flex Plan, a student can easily eat at the dining hall once a day, meaning that the other two meals of the day should be able to be covered by Board Bucks.

Any given meal served at the eateries that take Board Bucks charge about $7.00 a meal (a typical serving + a fountain drink). If a student eats two of these types of meals a day, which would be recommended by any nutritionist, they’ll spend $14.00 a day in Board Bucks. To last 100 days on this budget, that student is going to need $1,400 Board Bucks. The Flex Plan only gives us $650. This isn’t even taking account

While sophomore marketing major Maria Dolman is generally pleased with the Flex Plan, she admitted, “I would like more meals in the DH.” She added that she is usually able to get by eating three meals a day, “if I don’t buy coffee or a snack in the middle of the day.”

“Where I think our meal plans are lacking is that there is no one meal plan which guarantees three satisfying meals per day, every day, all semester,” said Zaman said in an online interview.

“The closest meal plan to that goal is the Weekly Plan II, which I think gives 2 meals per day… and $100 board bucks. $100 board bucks is not enough to buy a daily meal every day, all semester. Not even half of a semester. This is because of the prices of the food in the C-stores and cafés.”

Those prices are worth investigating: Why is it that a box of Cheerios cost $6.39 at the C-store in P-row, but it costs $4.49 at the CVS down the street?

That’s a significant difference for the same product. Christina Leal, Director of Food Service for Emerson, declined to comment.

even realize how many Board Bucks they’re spending before it’s to late. “I don’t really look at the prices much because I’m not paying out of pocket,” she said.

Regardless, King said that she is generally happy with her meal plan, the Block Plan II, which includes 130 meals and $500 Board Bucks. “I think it depends on what building you’re in.” Because she lives in the Little Building and the dining hall is the most accessible, she switched out of the Flex Plan. “I needed more meals and fewer Board Bucks, so that’s what I did,” she said. “It’s almost three meals a day… except a week or two.”

Instead of any drastic changes to the meal plan selection, King said, “If anything, they should have different default meal plans per building.”

Ideas are being taken into consideration as change is being pursued, but it’s easier said than done. “We’ve been planning action steps and raising awareness around campus,” said Zaman.

According to him, the response of the administration has been “neutral.” They’re interested in helping, but they haven’t proposed any concrete suggestions. But, Zaman doesn’t think his requests are unreasonable. “We should be able to be fed while we’re at Emerson.”

“I have no idea how you can charge $3 for a candy bar,” said freshman political communications major, Kassandra King. However, many students don’t

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YOUR features

Buffalo Exchange

180 Harvard Ave Sun: 12 - 6 pm Mon - Thurs: 11 am - 7 pm Fri - Sat: 11 am - 8 pm

Buffalo Exchange operates under the slogan: “buy, sell, trade,” but this is not your ordinary consignment shop. Almost all the items are bought and traded by local customers. The store contains both a men’s and women’s section, with most of brand name clothes around $15 dollars - which is perfect for a college student’s budget. There are all different types of clothing from dresses, tops, bottoms, skirts, shoes etc. I personally found a BCBG top that was originally 80 dollars for a mere 20! Stop in and pick up some new pieces for your wardrobe, especially around this Christmas season where you may have to stick close to a budget more than usual.

NEXT STOP:

StingRay Tattoo 386 Cambridge St Sun - Sat: 10 am - 10 pm

Text // Liz Mantey

Right off Harvard Ave, this tattoo parlor offers tattoos and piercings by a friendly and attentive staff. Stingray makes sure to match their customers up with the proper artist for the style and design of the tattoo. Stingray is open daily at 10 a.m., so call (617-254-0666) to make an appointment, or just to speak with an artist. Stingray also offers walk-ins on Saturday, and I would recommend for that impulse to get a giant unicorn carrying a cactus, a walk-in might give you the courage you need to get that tattoo you’ve always wanted.

H A RVARD AVE

Usually when freshmen hear the word “Allston” they think “party” and when upperclassmen hear “Allston”, they think: “Oooh, freshman year.” But there is so much more to Allston than late-night parties and drunken cab rides home. During the day the streets are filled with an eclectic group of locations and people. Artists and college students make up most of Harvard Ave residents. Many Emersonians and BU students live there, you may meet someone new! If you’re looking for a new place to travel to, make sure to take a look at the Harvard Avenue Stop on the B line. .

@Union

Ritual Arts

174 Harvard Ave Mon - Sat: 7 am - 8 pm Sun: 7 am - 7 pm

153 Harvard Ave Sun - Mon: 12 - 5 pm Tues - Fri: 11 am - 7 pm Sat: 11 am - 6 pm

A hot spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, their menu includes omelets, burgers, salads, and other sandwiches.

A favorite is the @Union burger, which is a homemade Angus patty with barbeque sauce and Swiss cheese. It’s one of the many college-friendly coffee/food shops with some interesting crowds. @Union looks to promote an easy-going atmosphere while creating a sense of community. They have tried to change their menu based on the needs of the community and their customers by adding more vegan options to the menu. Another way the small business fosters the community is through the community board. Upon entering the store, the bulletin board is a place where customers can take/leave flyers about local events, art exhibits, etc.

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Ritual Arts is not your run-of-the-mill gift shop--it has an awesome collection of jewelry, crystals, incense, and even some pets like Guinea pigs, cats, and birds. Upon entering you won’t hear any of the typical music you’d expect to hear when entering a gift shop but instead, the chirping of parrots. Most of the prices are very reasonable, although some things can be a little expensive. Though prices vary, a hot item to purchase is incense: 10 sticks for $2! Whether you look to buy or just to browse, definitely stop in. It’s a hot spot among locals!

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YOUR features

a rockin’ tribute

Text // Taylor Smith Photography // Ashli Bickford, Liz Cormack

On the outside, Michelle Roginsky and Jeff Freeman appear to be ordinary Emerson students (if there is such a thing). They are junior theater majors set to graduate in 2013. However, there is much more to them under the surface. Roginsky and Freeman collaborated to create their own non-profit company, Atomic Age Theater. Their next production is going to be Rock ‘N’ Roll Jesus: A Celebration of Shepard, premiering on Dec. 2 and 3.

Their company is made up of an eclectic mix of people, all with their own reasons for starting and joining a nonprofit organization. Roginsky, the artistic director, grew up in California. Her reasons for starting her own company have a lot to do with personal growth. “It goes in the realm of proving a commitment to yourself. This is something I’m just realizing. This company is about learning to develop a commitment and have it be my own,” says Roginsky.

Freeman is the president of Atomic Age Theater. He grew up in Minnesota and his reasons differ from Roginsky in a few ways. Freeman saw the opportunity more as a good educational opportunity. He says, “It’s about meeting the people you like and doing work with them. The other thing for me is the only way I ever learn anything is by just jumping into it.”

Both creators agree on the benefits in the real world scenario of creating their own company. Because it is not funded by Emerson, they have had to find their own ways to get productions off the ground and onto the stage.

“The real struggle is that it’s a new company so we’re getting off the ground. We have a wonderful board and a wonderful company working with us, but some of the little chores Michelle and I are picking up,” says Freeman.

The board consists of Emerson students of numerous majors. “I feel very fortunate in the group of people that I’m currently working with,” says Roginsky. The mix of majors allows for many different views and solutions to

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YOUR features

arguments to arguments say the creators. They are very adamant about being open to every kind of student.

“Fuck it, join us!” exclaims Roginsky.

The play itself is two hours with a ten-minute intermission. It celebrates the famous playwright Sam Shepard in a two act special. The first act, Cowboy Mouth, is directed by Roginsky; the second act, Back Bog Beast Bait, is directed by Freeman. Both involve the protagonist Slim, modeled after Shepard himself.

“It’s a celebration of confusion in culture.

Like, how very confused and over stimulated we are as people. It’s a breakup story in a way,” explains Roginsky.

The play is set to take place in the Church of St. John the Evangelist. It’s a leisurely 15-minute walk from Emerson’s campus, and tickets cost only $5, to cover funding of the play.

Roginsky and Freeman say that their next project is going to be based off submissions from students. They are open to anything from musicals to new works to one act plays. They are currently deliberating on which submission to transform into another work of art.

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December