Your Magazine Vol. 3 Issue 6: February 2014

FEBRUARY 2014

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 6

JAMES DISABATINO: All hail the Grilled Cheesus!

MISSED CONNECTIONS A second chance at love at first sight

DAPPER DAMES

They’ve got “it”

EMERSON’S POETRY PROJECT

Slam poetry for the soul

STAFF PICKS:

COFFEE SHOPS Take your Valentine on a coffee date to these staff favorites.

Café Vanille in Beacon Hill has the best chai I’ve ever tasted (and I’ve tasted a lot of chai). Their Parisian pastries are crazy good, too. There’s absolutely no reason not to go!

MADELINE BILIS Living Editor

My apartment is right next to Pavement Coffehouse, which has become my home away from home. Their breakfast sandwiches and tea are always great.

BEKAH SKOPIL Design Director

Once you try the iced coffee at Pavement Coffeehouse on Newbury street you can never go back.

MATTHEW MULLEN Managing Editor

L.A. Burdick is my favorite.

It’s actually a chocolate shop that also sells coffee. But since I only drink coffee that is at least half chocolate, it’s like heaven to me. Also, their macarons are delicious!

CAITLYN BUDNICK Head Copy Editor

Boston Common Coffee Co; I'm not a coffee drinker, so I've found a spot that sells amazing teas and chai lattes just a few steps from Paramount. The cashiers are also always up for a chat!

DANNY LEMAR Asst. Editor-in-Chief

My pick is The Thinking Cup. It's great for project meet-ups, people-watching on Tremont, or simply for grabbing a cup of damn good coffee.

MICHAEL MAHIN A&E Editor

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Love is in the air here at Your Mag. Although the magazine is pretty much my second boyfriend, my actual boyfriend and I have started to pursue a lot of new activities together. So far we have been baking delicious treats like Earl Grey tea infused cupcakes with lemon buttercream. I have also tried my hardest to stick to my New Year’s resolutions all on my own, but it definitely helps that my boyfriend accompanies me to yoga on Saturdays.

Next on our little bucket list is acrylic oil painting! We both really love art, and although we are not the most technically skilled artists, we want to attempt to make ‘abstract’ paintings for our apartment together next September.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day I will bestow this small piece of love advice from my best friend’s mom to you guys.

She told me, “Look for someone with the same interests as you, but with an opposite personality. Never the other way around.” All of my aforementioned activities with my boyfriend would suck if he wasn’t inept at baking, too inflexible to do yoga, and sly enough to

get me to buy us expensive art supplies!

He makes an incredible better half ;). I wish you guys a sexy, fun, and happy Valentine’s Day! Claudia and her boyfriend may have an amazingly romantic February planned, but I, like much of the Emerson population, am spending Valentine’s Day single. Howevter, “single” shouldn’t have the negative connotation we seem to place on it. I prefer to think of us as “Single and Fabulous!” And while Cupid hasn’t been very kind to me in the past, it doesn’t mean I don’t have hope. Claudia’s best friend’s mom’s advice is incredibly inspiring and I have some words of my own to share with you: always be open and ready to take a chance on someone who fills your heart full of love. It’s important to remember that every person you see on the Boylston on your way to class or waiting for the T in the subzero temperature has a heart. Which is why I personally would like to dedicate the February Issue to all of our hopeful single readers. I hope you find what you’re looking for.

CLAUDIA MAK Editor-in-Chief

DANNY LEMAR Asst. Editor-in-Chief

YOUR MAGAZINE Volume 3 Issue 6 • February 2014

CLAUDIA MAK Editor-in-Chief

DANNY LEMAR Asst. Editor-in-Chief

ELIJAH CLARK GINSBERG Creative Director

OLIVIA JACOBINI Editor-at-Large

MATTHEW MULLEN Managing Editor

BEKAH SKOPIL Design Director

ABBY WOODMAN & OLIVIA POST Head Stylists

KATHY COLLINS Photo Director

ANDREA PALAGI Style Editor

CEDRINE STREIT & MICHAEL MAHIN A&E Editor

MADELINE BILIS Living Editor

CAITLYN BUDNICK Head Copy Editor

MEGAN TRIPP & MADELINE BILIS Blog Editors

CHELSEA TREMBLAY Romance Editor

LEIGHA MORRIS Marketing Director

KAREN MORALES Asst. Blog Editor

CHEN XU & ASHLEY JURANICH YMtv Directors

Layout Designers MADISON FISHMAN, MEGAN TRIPP, ELISE SABBAG, VICTORIA LOUBERT

Copyeditors DEVAN NORMAN, MORGAN METZ, JANELLA ANGELES, MEGAN TRIPP, JACQUELYN MARR, MADELINE BILIS, JULIA LOEWENTHAL, MOLLY LEGROW, CHRISTABEL FRYE, ELISE SABBAG, OLIVIA JACOBINI

Marketing ELISE MESA, JAMIE IANNACE, KINSEY MINSCHKE, REBECCA FLUHR, KELSEY JOHNSON, TRACY PARCO, LIA BROUILLARD, CAMILA ORIOL, BRIANNA MARTINIELLI, LEIGHA MORRIS, ESTHER GLASIONOV, MAX CHERRY, NATALIE BENJAMIN, STELLA SANGUANSIN, NIKOLAI JACKOWSKI

YMtv AMANDA GOMEZ, LINDSAY GUALTIERI, ASHLEY JURANICH, TERRENA SCANNELL, MEGHIN HEWITT, RORY MCCANN, WILLIAM VICKROY, STEPHANIE PUMILIA, JAIME TOSCANO, ALEXANRDA JAMES, TATIANA OCHOA, ANDY KEYS

EDITORIAL CREDITS: BETTIE PAGE 32 Newbury St, Boston, MA bettiepageclothing.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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ROMANCE

6 Gal-Entine’s Day by Ava Marinelli 8 The Truth About Aphrodisiacs by Jenna Giannelli 9 Scent-uality by Rivka Herrera & Andrea Palagi 10 International Love Rituals by Ashley Juranich 12 Dream Decoding by Molly LeGrow 14 Love Written in the Stars by Chelsea Tremblay

STYLE

16 His Best Foot Forward by Brian Thomas 18 Once Upon a Beauty Classic by Molly Coyne 19 Know Your Polish by Andrea Palagi 30 The Unisexy Blazer by Antonia DePac 32 Is S(He) Really Wearing That? by Serena Kassow

LIVING

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34 Your Guide to Chinese New Year by Danny LeMar & Claudia Mak 36 Sci-Fi Invades Boston by Matt Mullen 37 Yoga For All by Claudia Mak 42 Ride Roundup by Madeline Bilis 44 Love and Chocolate by Matt Mullen

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

46 The Future of Music Videos? by Jacob Dmochowski 48 The Soundsuits Arrive by Pimploy Phongsirivech 52 Spectacular, Spectacular by Cedrine Streit 54 SoWa’s Must See Exhibits by Christabel Frye 56 February Playlist

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FEATURED

13 MISSED CONNECTIONS

by Danny LeMar

20 DAPPER DAMES 38 SUCCESS AND CHEESE

by Madeline Bilis

50 EMERSON POETRY PROJECT

by Joanne Paquin

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GALENTINE’S DAY text by ava marinelli photo by maya rafie models: lauren kelly & olivia harvey

Don’t have that single, special someone for this Feb. 14?

Then celebrate all of the special people in your life.

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It’s that time of year again. Hearts are everywhere, red and pink decorations clog storefronts, and chocolate sales are skyrocketing. That’s right…it’s Valentine’s Day, the day that celebrates romantic love around the world. But that’s not the only kind of love out there. Who gets us through every heartbreak, stupid crush, and love-related dilemma? Our friends. So this February, let’s celebrate that love too.

For those of you who watch Parks and Recreation on NBC, you’re already familiar with the concept of Galentine’s Day. On Feb. 13 every year, Leslie Knope, played by the legendary Amy Poehler, celebrates the women in her life by throwing a Galentine’s Day brunch. The women all go out to talk about their relationships, breakups, and love interests. The single ladies and happily taken women all hang out together and celebrate love as friends. It’s not about bashing love or relationships, rather, it celebrates friends regardless of their relationship status.

So this year, consider throwing your own Galentine’s Day party for you and the gals (or guys!) that keep you sanest during your crazy romantic escapades.

Take a page out of Leslie’s book and take everyone out to brunch (or lunch since Feb. 13 is a Thursday this year). Breakaway from DH food and treat you and your friends to a quality meal. You can chat about the trials and tribulations of trying to find that perfect someone, tell horror stories of Emerson-goggle moments, or tell romantic tales of what you might be planning for Valentine’s Day with your significant other. But Galentine’s Day is about friends too – don’t forget to appreciate the love your friends have given you throughout the year!

If you’d rather spend Galentine’s Day in, consider throwing a Galentine’s Day party– it’s like the pre-party for Valentine’s Day! Since yellow roses represent friendship, decorate your place with some yellow balloons or roses, stock up on all your favorite snacks, and grab a few cheesy rom-coms to laugh at with your friends. Some of YourMagazine’s favorites include Crazy, Stupid Love, About Time, Friends with Benefits, Say Anything, Love Actually, You’ve Got Mail, and 10 Things I Hate About You. Sure, if you’re single this Valentine’s Day the love stories might not seem like fun; but with your friends, you might find you’re laughing right along!

The reason Your Magazine likes the concept of Galentine’s day so much is that it’s inclusive. With all the Broken Hearts Clubs and Single Mingles on Valentine’s Day, it’s easy to think that you’re either totally pro or totally against Valentine’s Day. But with something like Galentine’s Day, you can celebrate with all your friends regardless of whether or not they have a significant other waiting for them when they get home. Instead of splitting a group of friends into the singles and the takens, everyone can celebrate together. Because through it all, our friends are always there. Happy Galentine’s Day, everyone!

“Sure, if you’re single this Valentine’s Day, the mushy love stories might not seem like fun; but with your friends you might find you’re laughing right along!”

THE TRUTH ABOUT APHRODISIACS text by jenna giannelli photo by alex lau

Here’s some food for romantic thought. Bon appétit!

Can certain foods really increase sexual desire? Millions of people swear by it, but scientific evidence proves otherwise. It is a tough to accept, but in 1989 the FDA said that the sexual effects of aphrodisiacs are based on folklore as opposed to fact.

Contrary to your own personal experience, perhaps a time you ate oysters and had a rather “frisky night,” much of the power behind aphrodisiacs is in the mind.

Understand that while it is entirely possible that those oysters livened up your libido, it was not because they have aphrodisiac abilities.

You see, your belief in the folklore might have caused an arousal in sexual desire simply because you expected it to. This belief is called the placebo effect. A more bizarre explanation is that you may have believed the oyster had sexual powers simply because it resembles genitalia. This is referred to as the “law of similarity” or “sympathetic magic.” Exotic foods are also sometimes considered to be erotic. However, just because some foods are rare and expensive, does not mean they are sexually exciting. In addition to these methods, warm, wet foods like chili, are mistaken to cause “heated passion.”

Although there have been attempts to explain these methods and the possible aphrodisiac effects through science, none of them have been validated.

Here are a few examples of popular “aphrodisiacs” and why they do not work.

OYSTERS

High zinc content in oysters is the leading supporter as to why they can be considered an aphrodisiac.

You see zinc plays

a role in the production of the sex hormone testosterone. The mistake is that zinc only enters the picture when there’s a deficiency of the mineral in our bodies. According to an article in the government magazine FDA Consumer, the idea that oysters could increase testosterone production may have originated from a time when oysters’ “contribution of zinc to the nutritionally deficient diets of the day could improve overall health and so lead to an increased sex drive.”

CHOCOLATE

Although it has been said that chocolate can affect mood, a study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found no correlation between daily chocolate consumption and sexual function. However, some studies have found that because chocolate has a chemical called phenethylamine, it could play part in sexual attraction and arousal. Still, the chemical usually is reduced and deactivates when consumed.

ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

Although the connection between alcohol and sex is blatantly obvious, alcohol does not increase one’s libido. Alcohol, marijuana, and other psychoactive substances could increase sexual pleasure and reduce sexual inhibition, but they do not increase sexual desire.

SCENT-UALITY text by rivka herrera & andrea palagi photo by oliver degabriele

Smell that? It’s attraction and it’s right under your nose.

You see his or her beautiful smile from across the room, their voice rings in your ears, their hand grazes your hand so you shiver with excitement, then you drink in their sweet scent and you’re hooked. Especially once you get a taste with your first shared kiss, something that wouldn’t be possible without your sense of smell. Dr. Wilhelm Fliess, Sigmund Freud’s colleague, stated in his nasal reflux neurosis theory, “genital spots inside the nose could excite the male libido and kick-start ovulation in women.”

Fliess died with no research to back his claim, but modern science has started to prove he may have hit it right on the nose after all.

In an article from Smithsonian Magazine entitled The Truth About Pheromones, Dr. George Preti of the Montell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia said, “So far the search for a human sex hormone has failed, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. It just means we haven’t found one yet.” The study of pheromones, thus far, has mostly uncovered “what turns us off,” but there are a few findings that report on the attraction of smell. For instance, the article also outlines a 2005 study that demonstrated that gay men were more attracted to the sweat sample of another anonymous gay man, and heterosexual men preferred the scent of the anonymous woman’s sweat sample. Another portion of the study asked women to rate the odors of t-shirts worn by different men. It was found that the women preferred the scent of the men whose DNA scent differed enough from their own that it would

increase the likelihood of producing a child. Much like in prehistoric times when people could “smell” the genetic material of others, allowing us to perceive attraction via pheromones and proving your nose still helps identify a genetically compatible mate.

Fragrance departments have been trying to discover the right combination of pheromones for decades, but meanwhile have produced some similar smelling perfumes and colognes, including scents from flowers, vanilla, and jasmine. More specifically, L’air Du Temps

by Nina Ricci and Something Blue by Oscar de la Renta are both described as “light floral” scents; however, in a survey among Emerson College students we found that participant preferred the L’air. L’air is described as evoking “a fun, exciting, and unpredictable relationship” type feel, while Something Blue is described as evoking “a more serious relationship” type feel. When speaking to college students, it makes sense that their nose would choose the “fun relationship” seeing as most are not looking to “settle down” at this point in their lives.

Our attraction by scent is characterized by what we like as individuals, like Ashley Howard ‘17 said, “I like the smell of coffee grinds and cinnamon.” While Katie Caro ‘16 said, “I like something subtle, that you have to get really close to smell.” So whether it’s your genetic makeup, your age or just your scent preference, take a deep breath and let your nose do some of the picking. You may find it knows before you do!

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INTERNATIONAL LOVE RITUALS text by ashley juranich photo by bekah skopil

Have you ever wondered what love is all about? You can search the world to figure it out..

Love is a universal word. There are so many ways to say it: amore, amour, laska, liebe... It is celebrated differently everywhere, yet everywhere, it is celebrated. Cultures have a myriad of beautiful ways to commemorate romance. Here are some of our favorite traditions.

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE/LOVE LOCK BRIDGE- PARIS, FRANCE The Pont des Arts Bridge in Paris is where love gets locked forever. Years ago a new fad developed when couples started to lock padlocks onto the chain link fence of the bridge. The bridge crosses from one side of Paris to the other, leading walkers to the Louvre museum. Thousands of love padlocks are locked onto the bridge with couples names written across them with the date that they were there. After each couple writes their love message on the lock and then locks it to the fence the couple together will take the keys and toss them into the Seine River, which is a sign of their eternal devotion. If the lovers kiss each other on the bridge they will be happy together forever! The lover’s bridge is one of the most romantic spots with the Île De la Cité in the background and the twinkling lights from the Eiffel Tower and you can not forget about the scenic view that hasn’t changed for over 200 years. This bridge is the ultimate romance spot. If you’re not in a relationship, don’t be upset because it’s a place for you to spend some time thinking about how special love is and that one day you can throw your locks into the river.

Celebrities have been caught visiting the bridge to read the locks. Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively took a romantic stroll across the bridge earlier this year and attached their own lovelock to the bridge. Leonardo DiCaprio has visited the bridge with family taking pictures and hopefully praying for some love luck down the road.

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HOUSE OF JULIET- VERONA, ITALY The House of Juliet is part of one of the greatest and saddest love stories of all time, Romeo and Juliet. This house belonged to Juliet Capulet and her family in Verona, Italy and is where the famous balcony scene happened when Romeo confesses his eternal love for Juliet. Each day crowds of people enter the courtyard of Juliet’s house.

Pieces of paper cover the walls from the ceilings to the floor.

The belief is that you write down all your love vows to your partner and stick it on the wall and you will stay with your partner for the rest of your life and will be happy. Besides writing down your vows, you can write your love wishes in hope that Juliet will help you out with what your wish entails. In the courtyard there is a statue of Juliet. The bronze statue is good luck and by touching her right breast will bring you luck to finding your true love. If we have to grab a statue’s boob to get a little luck on finding true love, of course we would do it!

TREVI FOUNTAIN- ROME, ITALY The tradition of throwing the coins in the Trevi fountain in Rome, Italy has brought thousands of people to visit this fountain. The rules are you have to stand with your back facing the fountain and throw the coins with your right hand over your left shoulder. If you throw one coin in it means that you will definitely return to Rome. If you throw two coins into the fountain it will lead you to a new romance. Lastly if you throw three coins in it will lead to marriage. It might sound un-romantic to throw a coin into the water and wish and wait, but we at Your Mag know a lot of people who have thrown their coins into the fountain and their hopes for love have come true.

BRAUTIGAMSEICHE- LUBECK, GERMANY Brautigamseiche is a 500-year-old oak tree in Lubeck, Germany. At first, it probably sounds weird hearing that people send love letters and lasting memories of their relationship to this tree through direct mail, but it comes from an amazing love story. In 1891 under the tree Miss Ohrt and Mr. Schutte Felsche professed their love for one another and talked about marriage. Of course there are two sides of the story: the lovers and the parents. The father of the bride was against the connection his daughter and boy had with each other and forbade contact between each other. As in any other love story the girl and boy found a way to communicate, which was to write letters to one another and use the oak tree as a mailbox. Her father eventually found out and had no other choice then to give his daughter permission to marry her lover. They later got

married under the tree, since it was a place that saved their love.

After this happened, the tree promises lovers a happy marriage. People will now send love letters to the tree, and since the letters sit in the tree, anyone is allowed to open them and read them. If someone likes what they read in the letter they are allowed to keep the letter and the other letters wait to find its recipient. It is the only tree that has an address so if you feel like writing a love letter, send it to the tree: Bräutigamseiche, Dodauer Forst, 23701 Eutin, Germany JOHN LENNON WALL- PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC The John Lennon wall in Prague, Czech Republic was started in the 1980s and has been filled with John Lennon inspired graffiti. At first the wall was something bad, but now it’s a place that represents a symbol of love and peace.

It’s nice to visit a place that so many people just write their feelings about love on the wall for everyone and anyone to see. Imagine all the people in love who write their names and other romantic notes. In the words of John Lennon, “All You Need Is Love!”

THE TOMB OF ABELARD AND HELOISE- PARIS, FRANCE The story of Abelard and Heloise is a romantic one.

Abelard, a 12th century philosopher, fell in love with his younger student, Heloise. Their romantic and passionate relationship scandalized the community in the city they lived in. The two became extremely intrigued with one another while Abelard was teaching Heloise, which led to being irresistible to one another. They knew the laws of the time forbid their relationship but their physical love and strength of their passion proved to be impossible to resist.

They both flee from Paris and get secretly married. However, the man that marries them was going to rat out Abelard and keep Heloise for himself. Heloise gets away and escapes to a convent. Abelard is humiliated as punishment and agrees on taking holy orders as a monk and Heloise also agrees to become a nun. After many years of not seeing each other, they are reunited at a ceremony in Paris. Though they have not seen each other in years, the sight of each other makes them realize that their love is forever and is the only reason for their human existence. As they’re about to leave and never see each other again they promise to remain forever one. Hundreds of years later their remains were entombed together. Lovers from all over the world come to visit the tomb where the two lovers lay. People pay their respects by leaving letters next to their tomb to express how much they are in love just like they were.

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DREAM DECODING text by molly legraw photo by kelsey davis model: renee smith

Mr. Sandman might bring us our dreams, but it’s up to us to understand them.

We’ve all had that moment in the dead of night when we suddenly wake, sit straight up, and mull over, with confusion, what just played out in our heads.

And we always ask ourselves the same question: What does this mean? Well, have no fear because dreams aren’t as scary as you might think. Interpreting your dreams is a way to put your feelings into perspective.

there are some lingering feelings. That’s normal! There’s no switch to turn off everything all at once. Dreams are usually more symbolic than literal. So if you’re still having dreams about your ex while entering a new relationship, it doesn’t always mean you still have strong feelings for that person. It could just be your brain sorting out your old feelings and your new ones.

FRIEND DREAMS

SIGNIFICANT OTHER DREAMS

You’ve never consciously thought of them romantically in any capacity, yet they appear nightly as the star of your very own rom-com (or porno). Before you fret that you must have some hidden desire, remember this: a lot of dreams come from curiosity. It doesn’t mean you have deep, repressed feelings for them. You may subconsciously want more romance in your life, not necessarily with that person. However, before you write it off, you may want to examine it closer. You could be fostering some feelings for that person and it wouldn’t hurt to look into them.

EX DREAMS

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These are common, especially when you’ve just broken up. Whether the relationship ended badly or not, you were still involved emotionally and that takes time. It does not mean you should get back together, but it could mean

These seem pretty straightforward, but they can have different interpretations. Mostly, if you dream about them romantically, then congratulations because it would seem you are very happy in the relationship! However, sometimes you may dream about your partner doing something out of character. This could mean that you want them to behave that way in real life. Many dreams depict our inner needs, so if there’s something you need from your partner that you’re not getting but are dreaming about, it wouldn’t hurt to mention it to them. Who knows, your dream may become reality!

There are many kinds of romantic dreams you could have, so don’t over-analyze. However, they’re still worth looking into to gain a deeper sense of self-realization.

That way, you’ll better understand your mind.

MISSED CONNECTIONS text by danny lemar photo by beth treffeisen models: julianna buck & ethan weiser

Look for love wherever you can, even when it passes you by.

The world is a busy place. People are always moving from one place to another, always looking for the next thing to do. In this haste, how many moments do we miss out on? Not just the big events. There are those specifics that pass us by even when we have the opportunity to act on them like a quick glance in the library or a soft bump of a stranger’s shoulder at a crosswalk. Some of these missed moments mean more than others. We all have a “one that got away,” especially when that “one” feels like a person we could have had a special relationship with.

“I walked closer to hear the guitar playing at the end of the platform. You came up and asked me where I got my haircut. You were funny about it, then you ran away.”

Scrolling through the “Missed Connections” section of Craigslist and www.missedconnections.com brings a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s easy to feel uncomfortable (Is that post talking about me?) and a little creeped out (Why would someone say that?). Like any online forum, people allow themselves the small thrill of being anonymous.

Anyone can be anyone. Some use the opportunity to be as crude as possible. But the best posts are the ones that make you stop, sit back in your chair, and think about how beautiful words can be.

“I wish I was with you. I said I wouldn't wait but I think for you, I could wait forever.”

“I ran by you, you smiled and turned back. I should have stopped.”

“The three times throughout today our eyes briefly met will haunt me for days. I have to stop thinking of you but I cannot.

How can I when a wonderful alternate world exists in your green pools?”

Repeated are phrases like, “You’ll probably never see this, but why not?”. And the subjects could never see the posts. So why try? Why spout emotions to a place where

the one person you want to read them probably won’t?

Because there’s hope. As busy and lonely as the world can be, optimistic people are still looking to connect.

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LOVE WRITTEN IN THE STARS text by chelsea tremblay

Romeo and Juliet, Cleopatra and Marc Antony, Brad and Angelina...

Star-crossed love is hot! Here’s how to understand it.

Astrology is the study of celestial body movements interpreted to affect human lives. It can be used to determine romantic compatibility as well.

A few different things determine zodiac compatibility, such as personality characteristics and typical goals in life. So let’s break it down for you.

Aries: You’re quick to open your heart—and take it back. Your curiosity to see what’s out there keeps you from long-term commitments.

As a fast actor, you’re interested in self-directed people like Gemini, Leos, Sagittarians, and Scorpios.

Stay away from Cancers, Pisces, Virgos, and Libras.

Taurus: You are loyal and perfect dating material once you’ve found someone you truly care about. You’re laid back and sensual, which attracts you towards Cancers, Scorpios, Pisces, and Taureans but turns you away from Gemini, Sagittarians, Libras, and Leos.

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are very flirty, which makes dating a breeze but commitment difficult. The one for you will be the one who is patient and intelligent. For these reasons you are attracted to Aries, Leos, Libras, and Sagittarians.

Cancer: You are very emotional.

Unfortunately, you have a hard time expressing these feelings.

When you feel comfortable and open up, it’s a match made in heaven. You gravitate towards the laid-back compromisers such as Pisces, Virgos, Scorpios, and Libras but not the more aggressive Aries, Leos, Sagittarians, and Gemini.

Leo: You love love! Sometimes that can get you in trouble because you rush into Gemini:

You

things, but sometimes you need to sit back and wait to see if it’s real. This tendency attracts you to high-spirited, confident people like Aquarians and Capricorns but not Scorpios or Taureans.

Virgo: You need someone who can keep up with you.

You enjoy being selective and secure, but once you’ve found someone you will do anything for them. You enjoy the company of witty people like Taureans, Cancers, Scorpios, and Geminis but not Aries, Sagittarians, Leos, or Aquarians.

Libras: Love and partnership is important and thus it’s hard to let it go. You are constantly in relationships but always yearning for better. You may find that with serious and loyal Geminis, Aquarians,

Sagittarians, and Leos but not with Virgos, Pisces, Cancers, and Capricorns.

Scorpios: You are passionate and intense but this can make you seem awkward. Avoid those who don’t instantly give you butterflies.

You’ll most likely find these feelings with secretly sexy types like Taureans, Cancers, Capricorns, or Pisces but rarely with Geminis, Aquarians, Aries, or Sagittarians.

Sagittarius: You love adventure and the fast paced life and cross paths with many potential lovers, but rarely to keep them.

The right person will be an eccentric, ambitious person like a Leo, Gemini, Aquarius, or Aries.

Taureans, Virgos, Cancers, and Pisces are unlikely matches.

Capricorn: Romance is not of utmost importance to you, but you’re successful and practical if you put your mind to it.

You’re more likely to find true love with

achieving, responsible, predictable signs such as Scorpios, Taureans, Cancers, or Virgos opposed to Sagittarians, Aquarians, Libras, or Aries.

Aquarius: You have no problem finding love; it’s ending it. You’re very compassionate and thoughtful, but need to find someone you can breathe around.

Geminis, Libras, Sagittarians, and other Aquarians are great options while Taureans, Capricorns, Scorpios, or Cancers may keep you trapped.

Pisces: You have a Disney movie perspective of love and need to be brought back down to reality. Big softies like Taureans, Capricorns, Scorpios, and Cancers are great for you for this reason while Leos, Aries, Sagittarians, and Virgos are likely not your ideal Prince Charming.

But do these predictions hold true? Rose Fodera ’16, an Aries, and Jim Cain ’16, a Virgo, looked into their compatibility when they first began dating. According to astrology, their relationship is

an unlikely match. “It’s so true!”

Fodera responds. “I’m not worried though, I think we’ll work it out.”

According to Cain, Fodera was more hesitant to commit. “I knew right away I wanted to go out with her and it took her a little more than two months to finally become official with me… To me, it just felt right from the start.”

Longtime couple, Isabella Loskutoff ‘15, a Leo, and Lawrence Neill, a Libra, find more comfort and stability in quality time than in the stars. “It’s a set of rules for dating and living life,” Loskutoff says. “A sign doesn’t determine compatibility, spending time with someone does. A sign doesn’t get to tell me who I do and don’t like.”

Ironically, a Leo and a Libra are an ideal match and, as Loskutoff mentioned, many of her exes are Pisces which are astronomically bad signs for a Leo. Whether the two believe it, their love might be written in the stars!

So whether or not you are a true follower of astrology, take the hand of that special someone, lead them out into the night to look at the stars, and you’re bound to find some kind of love—either celestial, or right there between you in the frigid Boston Common air.

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HIS BEST FOOT FORWARD text by brian thomas photo by danny molyneux

Say goodbye to Nikes and New Balances, and hello to the wide world of men’s classic footwear.

Shoes can say a lot about a man. Although men commonly pay most of their attention to the more visible aspects of a wardrobe, like the suit, owning a good pair of shoes indicates a well-dressed man because of his impeccable attention to the small things. A good pair of shoes will compliment the body by showcasing the feet in a flattering way while tying the entire ensemble together. Also, another important aspect of the shoe lies in its functionality. Shoes offer comfort as well as protection to the foot, so why not invest in something that is durable and stylish? With your best foot forward, you can show off some rich personality without solely attracting attention to your feet.

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STEP ONE: Know the Quality of Your Shoe. Shoes can be expensive but investing in a good shoe is absolutely worth the money. The signs of a good shoe lie in its construction. A rule of thumb for spotting a well-made shoe is immediately flipping a shoe over to inspect the “underbelly’. Less expensive, more cheaply made shoes, from Aldo for example, are usually manufactured by merely gluing the sole onto the shoe itself.

However, with a better quality shoe, there will be noticeable stitch lines lining the outer rim of the sole. The stitching marks where pieces of thread have been sewn, by hand, in order to secure the sole onto the body of the shoe. Shoes with sewnon soles tend to be more expensive, but these are shoes that will last and age well over time. Knowing your materials is also very crucial. Leather, probably the most commonly used material, is definitely the most versatile. Ranging from dress shoes to casual loafers, true leather is always a safe choice. It is extremely durable and it even looks great with some age.

However, if you are tired of the traditional leather, try suede.

Suede shoes, a type of leather with a napped finish, can dress up a more casual outfit – especially during the summertime.

Different materials will influence the way shoes age and how they shape with your foot. Leather expands while suede is firmer. Some trusted shoe brands that really bring together good quality in materials and construction are: Johnston & Murphy, Nordstrom, Sperry Top Sider, and J. Crew, to name a few. Though potentially expensive, a good shoe will last a lifetime.

STEP TWO: Finding What Fits Your Personality. Shoes,

like other pieces of clothing, come in many different styles accommodating different personality types. Shoes should streamline your feet as much as possible. For example, if you are a bold guy who appreciates craftsmanship and detail- go with the wingtip. Wingtips have been around forever. Usually constructed out of brown leather, wingtips are very ornate and can really sharpen a suit and even casual attire. However, if you enjoy simplicity and more soft-spoken accents, try oxfords or horse-bit loafers. Oxfords are similar to wingtips in that they maintain the very slim, pointed end construction, but they solely let its construction do the talking, without all of the intricate designs. Horse-bit loafers are even more simplified in their construction - it is essentially a slipper without any laces – and they give a country gentleman feel.

Also, colors can say a lot, too. Browns are the select color for deep thinkers and those living in academia. Blacks are dignified and sleek- the choice of people who step out in the evenings with class knowingly. Also, apart from the conventional browns and blacks, oxfords and saddle shoes offer alternatives. Saddle shoes were big among teenagers in the 1950s, and now they are back. They are made out of suede and are usually two-toned, like oxfords. For a more subtle appearance, go with the combinations of browns, but my personal favorite is a white body with its top dipped in

reddish, brick color. It really adds some personality to a blazer, and even to shorts and a tee shirt when the heat is unbearable. Stepping out with some personality can alter a whole look, and maybe, an entire night.

STEP THREE: Pairing It Up. Shoes not only tie an ensemble

together, but they also tie the occasion together as well. Some shoes are made for formalwear; some are casual, while others are both. The shape and material of the shoe can determine this. For instance, thinner, more streamlined shoes made out of hard leather that have rounded, almost pointed tips, are great for dressing in suits and going out to that five star restaurant. These shoes are usually deeper colors like dark browns, blacks, maroons, and so on. However, earthy browns can be paired with almost anything that includes suits, or even darks jeans and a nice shirt. The brown oxford, for example, is perfect for hitting up that swanky jazz club where you’ll eventually take off the blazer and partake in the atmosphere. On the other hand, more casual scenarios that include going out to lunch, putting around the family yacht, or even just hitting the town calls for shoes that are more relaxed in their construction. Great examples include shoes from Sperry Top Sider and Johnson & Murphy. Sperry’s famous boat shoes come in a wide variety of colors and styles.

Their most common shoe is the leather loafer – it can be worn in almost every casual situation. They also have shoes made out of canvas, which are the lounger’s pick. They look great outside on the beach while sporting light-hearted linen shirts.

Johnston & Murphy’s suede saddle shoe adds some nostalgia to what could be a boring pants and t-shirt combo. When

walking around the park or eating at your favorite restaurant outside, go with simple subtle colors and let the two toned definition of the saddle shoes do the talking. They are also great with shorts and a polo. Just don’t mess it up with highrise, white socks; these shoes deserve to be worn with low-cut socks where the ankle can be fully visible. When pairing shoes to your ensemble, remember to think about the occasion and how they look when blended in with everything else.

AFTERTHOUGHTS: A good shoe deserves tender love.

With proper care, a shoe will age and last a long time. A shoe’s material determines the type of care it needs. Leather shoes, for example, are probably the easiest to take care of because leather shine kits are usually available at any shoe store. Also, at more old-fashioned bars and nightclubs, the classic shoeshine stations are actually very prominent. Just tell the guy what type of shoes you’re wearing and you are all set; when you walk into one of these places it is assumed that he is a pro. However, shoes made out of other materials, like suede, need more, diligent care. A suede cleaning kit consists of different sprays and a brush. When not wearing these shoes, always make sure to place a wooden shoe stretcher inside it. Moisture and your foot movement can cause it to deform. Also, try to avoid running out in the rain with saddle shoes – they stain very easily. Paying care and attention to your shoes can allow them to last a lifetime.

Steppin’ out with the right pair of shoes means walking with confidence and your head held high. Not only do you know how to dress well, but you also know yourself. Confidence in oneself is what makes a well-dressed gentleman.

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ONCE UPON A BEAUTY CLASSIC text by mollie coyne

It was love at first sight...and second and third. These are the timeless beauty brands you just can’t get enough of.

In the world of beauty products there are brands that create one hit wonders, brands that hope to make their mark, and brands that are seasoned veterans, still gracing the shelves of stores with just as much popularity as when they first emerged. From their humble beginnings to their notable status today, we’re celebrating just a few of our favorite classic beauty brands.

MAYBELLINE: Transitioning from a small, family owned

company to one of the most well known makeup brands in the country, Maybelline New York has sold some of our favorite products. We love Maybelline for their statement worthy, trend setting makeup that’s still affordable. Created in 1915 by Tom Lyle Williams and named after his sister Mabel, Maybelline made its mark in the cosmetic industry with the creation of Maybelline cake mascara. Since then, Maybelline has produced a variety of cosmetic products, such as foundation, eyeliner, and eye shadow. New to the Maybelline brand and unsure of which product to try first? Go for their Falsies Mascara for a defining look that won’t overdo it.

company has stayed committed to creating some of the best products on the market. What’s our go to Kiehl’s product? Definitely the Ultra Facial Cleanser, enriched with natural ingredients that work to cleanse and remove dirt and makeup without drying out your skin.

BOBBI BROWN: How could we ignore the cosmetic

empire created by one of our very own? After graduating from Emerson with a degree in theatrical makeup, Bobbi Brown made a name for herself in New York City when she and a chemist began the Bobbi Brown Essentials line in 1991. Since then, the Bobbi Brown makeup has expanded its product line from every type of makeup, including a line of skincare and fragrances.

Though the company is fairly new, Brown has made quite an impact on the cosmetics industry. We recommend the Long Wear Gel Eyeliner; it glides on smoothly and doesn’t smudge or wear off throughout your day or night.

“We’re celebrating just a few of our favorite classic beauty brands.”

KIEHL’S: One of the most trusted names in skin, hair, and facial care, the Kiehl’s company has been around since 1851 producing quality products for both women and men. The ingredients used in all of the products are natural, ensuring healthy benefits for all of its users. Even the packaging is eco-friendly, making the company all the more lovable. From its humble New York City drug store beginnings to its fame and popularity today, the Kiehl’s FEBRUARY 2014

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AVON: Created in 1886, Avon was not only a popular beauty product company, but also an employment opportunity that empowered women in the workforce.

David McConnell, a book seller-turned-perfume entrepreneur realized that his female customers would make great salespeople due to their beauty expertise.

Today, Avon is still being sold as it was originally intended to be, by women for women, with the addition of numerous celebrity endorsers and a much broader range of products. The company supports charities such as Breast Cancer Research and natural disaster relief funds.

The Anew Skin Care is the company’s best product, with powerful anti-aging creams and moisturizing lotions.

KNOW YOUR POLISH text by andrea palagi photos by paola camargo

Pretty polishes that you can feel good about, while looking great.

We always thought painting our nails was all about beauty, glamour, and finding just the right shade of red.

Yet there is nothing beautiful or glamorous about what may be hiding in your bottle of crimson polish -- a deadly threesome of chemicals known as the toxic trio.

The first of these chemicals is toluene, which helps nail polish go on smoothly without lumps or streaks.

However, when inhaled this toxin can damage the nervous system and cause nausea. The second chemical is dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which prevents polishes from chipping. This may seem like a great addition, yet DBP has also been linked to cancer and birth defects—chipped polish doesn’t sound so bad anymore. And, finally, the third musketeer in the toxic trio is formaldehyde, the chemical used to embalm dead bodies. If the creepy factor isn’t enough, formaldehyde is also a carcinogen.

Now, don’t be frightened. Unpainted nails can be scary, but fortunately many beauty companies have created “3free” polishes that do not contain the chemicals in the toxic trio.

NO MISS

No Miss polishes have it all, minus the harmful toxins.

These nail polishes are made with earth minerals that make them ultra-moisturizing, and perfect for damaged nails. These polishes also contain nontoxic, ultraviolet inhibitors that protect nails from the sun. And, if you’re on the hunt for a super specific shade, it is most likely that you will be able to find it in No Miss’s collection of over 150 colors—that’s a lot of 3-free! One bottle of No Miss

costs $7.95.

ACQUERELLA

This revolutionary line of polish is 100 percent water based. Therefore, in addition to being toxin free, Acquarella polish can be quickly removed with water after application, making it easy to correct mistakes. This polish is also completely vegan, for those who love the lettuce, and entirely odorless, for those who can’t stand the harsh nail salon smell. A single bottle costs $18.

PIGGY PAINT

Perfect for your little piggies, Piggy Paint is an all-natural, eco-friendly, polish that can be used safely on humans and animals. Piggy Paint’s formula is hypoallergenic and designed to dry hard for chip resistance. Every bottle comes with the guarantee of being cruelty free and, because of its youthful target audience, Piggy Paint comes in fun colors like Pinky Promise and Mac-And-CheesePlease—the perfect colors to get you back in touch with your childhood. One bottle of Piggy Paint costs $8.99.

AMERICAN APPAREL

Not only is American Apparel nail lacquer free of toluene, DBP, and formaldehyde, it is also manufactured in the U.S.A.—each bottle is made at the hands of at least five fair-wage American workers. Also, unlike most of its 3-free competitors, American Apparel nail polish comes in glow-in-the-dark, sparkle, and neon colors in addition to over 25 classic shades. One bottle sells at the affordable price of $6, and three can be purchased for $15.

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Dapper Dames photographer: kathy collins

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vanessa and abby wearing betty page dresses, ean wearing his own suit.

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models: vanessa boss | styling: olivia post ean ryan abby woodman

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makeup: abby woodman

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hair: sarie gessner

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THE UNISEXY BLAZER text by antonia depace photo by emma fishman model: joann dibuono

What? When? Where? Why? Every girl and guy’s guide to the perfect blazer.

If you are looking to feel more professional or chic, a blazer is a very useful item to have in your closet. From actress, Rachel Bilson, to supermodel, Miranda Kerr, everyone seems to be rocking one.

Blazers come is so many different styles, from bright colors to dramatic patterns, to long sleeve and three quarter length. Because there are so many styles, one can wear blazers on a normal basis, or over a dress for a date or party.

Women have an advantage when it comes to blazers because they can wear men’s blazers as well. While they are not as fitted, a man’s blazer adds a sexy and chiseled look to any outfit.

And guys- don’t worry. You can rock your own blazer as well. Take a plain navy blazer and pair it with a lightly striped dress shirt. If you use your blazers for formal

reasons, you can also go classy with a black blazer and white dress shirt with a bold tie.

However, while men have specific blazers that are appropriate for different occasions, women have to look at the whole picture of the blazer: what it looks like, and how it feels.

YOUR PERFECT FABRIC Cashmere: The queen of fabrics, cashmere is soft, cozy, and warm. Unfortunately, this fabric comes with a high price unless it is mixed with cheaper fabric. To know this, check your tags. Hand wash in order to prevent shrinking or fuzz balls. Cashmere blazers work very well for special occasions.

Cotton: Cotton is a universal fabric. It’s comfortable,

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT TYPE OF BLAZER:

Overall, the two basic rules that you need to know about blazers are that they are styled by the amount of buttons and breasts they have.

SINGLE-BREASTED BLAZER: A blazer connected by one button that connects both sides of the blazer to the center of the torso.

This blazer is usually the most flattering for women.

DOUBLE-BREASTED BLAZER: A blazer that has two overlapping sides and rows of buttons in the front. This type of blazer is more conservative and draws attention to the shoulders.

LENGTH MATTERS: When looking for a blazer, it is important to know the length that you prefer. They come in all types of lengths from cropped and hip-length to long. If it is for business, a hip-length blazer is best as it still allows you to show off your figure, but is also conservative. If buying for style reasons only, a cropped blazer is best as you can wear it with jeans, leggings, and skirts.

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not too expensive, and is easily washed in a machine.

However, it will shrink in the dryer. They differ in quality depending on where you buy. Cotton is usually mixed with different fabrics such as linen or polyester.

Velvet: A velvet blazer is perfect to stand out. You should pair it with a basic outfit. For women, a black skirt or jeans and a plain top. For men, black or white dress shirt and dress pants or dark jeans. Styled right, it works in casual and formal situations.

WHERE CAN I WEAR A BLAZER? Work: Many people think that just because they are working in an office that you have to wear a typical navy blue or black blazer. JCrew has tons of professional, yet fun, looking blazers, and if you catch them at the right time, you might be able to score one for cheap.

Dates: A blazer on a date adds a sense of style to any plans. Before you decide to wear one, make sure to check where you are going. A restaurant or night outing is perfect, but not a movie. If you don’t feel cute or pretty enough, spruce it up with some sparkly jewelry.

Formal: During the winter, you are going to be invited to holiday parties. You want to look cute with your dress and heels, but it’s hard when the weather is 50 degrees.

While it will not keep you as warm as a winter coat, a

blazer will keep your shoulders covered.

WHERE SHOULD I LOOK FOR A BLAZER? On a budget: Depending on how much you can spend, blazers are anywhere from Forever 21 to The Limited and The Gap. Keep in mind that they probably will not last as long as nicer ones. If you cannot afford a nicer one, look around for sales, as you may be able to get one for a really good price.

Can spend a little extra: Places like Lord and Taylor and JCrew sell good blazers for a decent price. JCrew tends to be more conservative. If you want something different, Lord and Taylor is a good place to look. And, since it is a department store, it carries many different blazers by different designers, often at a discounted price.

Bring on the expensive blazers: If you are really willing to pay a lot for a blazer then look at BCBGMAXAZRIA and Bloomingdales. The blazers from BCBGMAXAZRIA will probably be fancy, but should be able to be dresseddown. Bloomingdales, just like Lord and Taylor, is a department store and holds tons of designer clothing.

With these tips, you should have no problem rocking a blazer this winter, but do not be afraid to try something new.

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IS (S)HE REALLY WEARING THAT? text by serena kassow

She loves it, he hates it - what the opposite sex REALLY thinks of your clothes.

High-wasted jeans, hair bows, oversized sweaters: the liberal arts college gal’s standard wardrobe, and, apparently, the man repelling one too. In a recent article from The Huffington Post entitled “23 Trends Guys Hate, but Women Love,” our closets were ripped to shreds by the likes of a handful of anonymous (and very opinionated) men. So we’re turning turn the tables: instead of letting guys be the only ones who have a say, we’ve decided to have a good old battle of the sexes and ask both ladies and gents how they really feel about their boyfriend/girlfriend’s “trendy” new outfit.

GIRLS:

GUYS:

Catherine Collins ‘16: “Cuffed jeans, but if he’s tall it’s okay, when guys are too matchy, badly grown beards…really just bad facial hair in general. Oh, and when guys wear THOUSANDS of undershirts. Why do they do that?”

We really couldn’t tell you. It must be so hot under there. And yes, bad facial hair is not only a fashion faux pas and gross to look at- it also shows a lack of personal up-keep and mindfulness of looking presentable. No thanks, boys.

Jon Khalev ‘15: “I hate when girls wear juicy sweatsuits.”

We’re not going to fight you on this, Jon. Juicy sweatsuits are a travesty of fashion that should be banished until infinity.

The next time you see a girl sporting head-to-toe salmon terry cloth, adorned with a glittery “J,” please inform her of this.

Erin Riley ‘16: “Don't wear bro tanks if you don't have the arms. Don't roll up your button- up shirtsleeves too high... right at the elbow is high enough. And I don't like to see your boxers.

You’re not 14.”

Amen, sister. We’re right there with you! Guys and tank tops are rarely successful; it takes a really special case (and really special arms) to pull one off. This logic does not apply to visible boxers, though. That will never be okay.

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Jamie Iannace ‘16: “Baggy jeans, hoodies (it’s especially awful when guys wear them together, I mean can’t you put SOME effort in?), chubbies, which are shorts that are way, way too short and usually in pastel colors, and when guys wear full sporty sweat suits.”

Couldn’t have said it better. There’s nothing less attractive than a grown guy walking around in his pajamas during the day. Not only is it unflattering, but it also says you’re a total slob and you lead a careless lifestyle. As for the shorts…knee-length or below, guys. Come on.

David Samuels ‘16: “I don’t like when girls wear aviator sunglasses…I immediately think of Tom Cruise.” …and that’s a bad thing why? Aviators are a timeless staple of the effortless chic woman; they go with everything, never make you look like you’re trying too hard, and they let the world know you’re a chick who’s not to be messed with. Sorry, David.

Warren Lotus ‘17: “Girls who wear snapbacks can die, girls who can’t pull off boyfriend jeans, and those girls who shave one side of their heads…oh and when girls wear clothes that say b****h on them because they think its edgy.. AND girls who wear Jordan’s when they can’t pull them off.”

Well okay, then. Tell us how you really feel! Where to start?

Boyfriend jeans really are the best sometimes. I mean, when finals roll around, its those or sweatpants. Paired with a great pair of heels, a cute top and some great accessories, any fierce lady could rock them. As for bolder visual statements like undercuts and profane clothes, it’s really a matter of opinion.

Charlie Greenwald ‘16: “I don’t like ponytails…or Crocs.”

PONYTAILS? You try having hair! Cut us a break, Charlie.

As for Crocs…no. Just no.

Well, you’ve heard what your peers at Emerson have to say. Let’s see what opinions the anonymous critics had in the original article from the Huff Post: Peplums: “Looks like maternity wear.”

While we vehemently disagree with the “maternity” portion of this statement, it is true that peplums highlight the middle region of a woman’s body. However, the A-line silhouette is a great, versatile solution for many women who like to highlight their waistlines.

Floppy Hats: "There's this look I would call 'the bourgeois bohemian" that involves those floppy felt hats. This look is played out."

Oh, well, sorry to offend, Mr. Anna Wintour. We do also have to keep our heads warm in the fall and winter months. I would suggest beanies as an alternative…but he didn’t like those either. I guess it’s cold ears for us, then ladies!

Bright Lipstick: "It's like hooker red lipstick."

Or, the most timeless and feminine staple of all time (Marilyn Monroe, Coco Chanel??) But okay. Sure.

Bandeau Bikinis "Definitely strapless bikinis, they just make your shoulders look like a linebacker's."

We wear strapless bikinis to avoid the tan lines that make us look like linebackers, actually. And to add to that: don’t you think women have enough to be self-conscious about within the subject of bikinis? You’re telling us that you guys pay attention to our SHOULDERS too? How about this: take a moment to realize how brave a woman is to bare all in a bikini, and go enjoy the beach. Jeez.

High-Wasted Shorts "The return of our moms' high-wasted shorts is the most unattractive recycled trend going on nowadays... It makes the fittest girl look frumpy and the less fit girls look even more unfortunate."

Um, we’re going to have to disagree again. The high-wasted silhouette sits on

the waist line, the narrowest part of the body, making it universally flattering. Maybe it’s not accentuating the butt region enough for you, but we’d rather be stylish, trendy and feminine then walking around in denim underwear.

Our apologies.

Fold-Over Ankle Boots "Booties with flaps of fabric folded over on top - it looks like the shoes have foreskins."

You know…. he does have a point.

Oversized Sweaters "Overlarge sweaters -- seriously, get out of the '80s."

But it’s okay when guys do it? Also, the great part about big comfy sweaters is that most of the time, they have a story. Maybe you got it at a funky thrift store, or it’s your boyfriend’s, your dad’s, or your grandpa’s… whatever.

Point is, they keep us warm and they make us happy.

You’re gonna argue with that?

Leggings “Once in a while is fine, but as a standard pant option, it's boring and predictable. Florals spice it up a bit but they're also a little gimmicky."

“Gimmicky?” What does that even mean? Apart from being extremely comfortable, there are many new approaches on leggings that up their fashion credit. “Pixie Pants” have taken the fit and tailoring of dress slacks and removed the zippers, making them a cute, stylish and easy-to-wear option that is still acceptable for work.

Open-side shirts "Shirts that reveal the sides of their bodies showing their bra... do you know what I mean?"

This one we can understand. Ladies, if you’re not at a music festival or the gym…leave those at home. Too much side-exposure leaves little to the imagination.

You’ve heard what the critics have to say, and yes, they can be ruthless. But keep one thing in mind: you are your own worst critic and the only one that truly matters, so if those highwasted shorts make you feel like a million bucks, then rock them, girl.

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YOUR GUIDE TO CHINESE NEW YEAR text by danny lemar & claudia mak

Learn how to celebrate with Emerson’s neighbor — Chinatown!

While most people will be ringing in the new year with a bottle of champagne and the ball drop on Jan. 1, there is another celebration a little later in the month. Chinese New Year and Chinese New Year’s Eve are the most important holidays on the Chinese calendar. Instead of a bottle of bubbly and a midnight countdown, revelers opt to make merry with a feast of rich, mouthwatering dishes and a table full of family. Traditions and customs are integral parts of Chinese culture. However, around the New Year, traditions pack all that more of a punch. While some resolutions will have faded by the time Chinese New Year rolls around, try to join in on the traditions! You might just adopt some as your own.

The Chinese New Year's Day is Jan. 31, 2014. The year of the Horse lasts one lunar year until Feb. 18, 2015. 2014 is the 4712th Chinese Year.

Called hong bao in Mandarin, red envelopes filled with money are given to children or unmarried adults with no source of income. If you're single, working, and making money, you still have to give the younger ones the hong bao money.

College students should be safe to still receive envelopes. It was believed that the money in the red packets would suppress the evil from the children and keep them healthy. The color red means good luck, fortune, and happiness in the Chinese culture.

Many people celebrating the holiday decorate their homes with dragons before the New Year comes. Dragons symbolize prosperity, good luck, and good fortune. Dragons are also featured in parades during New Year celebrations. If you want to really experience something amazing, head to Chinatown on Feb. 16 for the Lion Dance Parade. The parade

begins at the Chinatown Gate on Beach Street and then weaves its way from business to business. Two people operate a lion costume and are accompanied by dancers and Kung Fu students as they go from door to door in the Chinese community to perform “cai ching,” literally meaning, “plucking the greens.”

Local businesses hang vegetables and fruit by their doorways to draw in the lion. In turn, the lion dances and offers the business owners good luck for the New Year. In addition to the lions, there are also people operating dragon puppets, performing dances for spectators. Make sure to arrive before 11 a.m. for a prime festivity-viewing spot. It is quite the show!

In the days leading up to the Chinese New Year, families completely clean homes in order to get rid of the old and welcome the new. Every inch of the home should be scrubbed and swept.

The floor is swept toward the door, symbolic of sweeping away any misfortune.

However, this is only before the New Year comes. If the floor is swept during the few days following the New Year, the new luck will be swept out of the house.

Often, people get their hair cut before the New Year comes, but not after, in fear that the good luck will be chopped off. Additionally, people buy new clothes to wear. Another superstitious tradition is paying off all debts before the New Year comes (if possible). It is believed that financial troubles especially follow you all through the coming year.

The New Year's Eve dinner is the most important dinner of the year for Chinese families. Normally this is the family reunion dinner, especially for those with family members away from home. During New Year's Eve dinner, fish is typically served to signify

“Traditions and customs are integral parts of Chinese culture.”

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prosperity. Long noodles are also served as a symbol of a long life. It is imperative that they are not cut into pieces, to preserve the symbolism. Chicken and fish are served whole as a token of happiness and prosperity. Dishes with duck symbolize fidelity, while eggs signify fertility. Tofu or bean curd, however, should be avoided because the white color symbolizes death and misfortune. The table is set with photos of ancestors and family elders as a sign of respect and remembrance. Family members sometimes put out fruit and pour small glasses of alcohol for the elders to enjoy. Dishes made with oranges represent wealth and good fortune, because they are a very symbolic fruit in China.

Before the family sits down to eat, there is some time beforehand for the elder spirits to enjoy their dinner before the living dig in.

The Vice President of Asian Students for Intercultural Awareness (ASIA), Leeanne Dillmann ‘15, enjoys going over to her mother’s friends’ houses where she eats a lot of food, receives her red envelopes, and plays mahjong. “One time we went to the local Chinese food restaurant and they closed the restaurant and cooked dinner for us,” Dillmann says. “Now we have family and friends over and the restaurant cooks our vegetables.”

ASIA member Rainnie He ‘15 says, “My favorite tradition is during New Year's Eve, we go out for dinner. Afterwards, everyone returns to my grandma's house together.” He’s favorite part of the Chinese New Year is the big dinners. “Every relative and extended family pays each other visits.”

Dillmann recommends joining ASIA for activities leading up to and during the New Year. “We go out to Dim Sum together and explore Chinatown,” she says.

“It’s fascinating. My favorite part of the holiday is celebrating my Chinese heritage and my roots the best way with family, friends, and new friends.

There’s great food and good times!”

Chinese New Year can be celebrated by all! You can dance with lions in Chinatown, convince your family to give you red envelopes filled with cash, and stuff your face with noodles in order to achieve longevity. The celebration is rich with years of tradition and focuses on renewing yourself for the New Year. It is a symbolic and meaningful celebration that can help spark some important lifestyle changes. If you don’t end up reflecting on all the mistakes you made last year and how you can improve on them, at the very least you’ll have a spotless floor. Gong Hey Fat Choi from Your Mag!

“There’s great food and good times!”

How to Celebrate

Your Chinese New Year celebration isn’t complete without the proper traditions and preparations! Instead of wandering aimlessly around Chinatown, here is a list of the best places to find…

Red Envelopes- C-Mart, 50 Herald St. Boston, MA Pick up a few bags of candies while shopping! The red-wrapped ones are good luck.

Dragon Decorations- Ming’s Market, 1102 Washington St. Boston, MA Buy your kitchenware here too! They have a great selection of pots, pans, utensils, and dishes for you to prep and serve.

Fish and Long Noodles- Super 88 Market, 1 Brighton Ave. Allston, MA Even if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking to make, the food court makes this one a hotspot.

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SCI-FI INVADES BOSTON text by matt mullen illustration by pimploy phongsirivech

Don’t miss out on a truly out-of-this-world experience.

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Science fiction is often relegated to the world of online fan clubs and old paperbacks. But in Boston, Sci-Fi is as alive as it was when its forerunners first envisioned the lurid, captivating future people would come to enjoy.

February marks the 39th Annual Boston Sci-Fi Film Festival, known as Sf39. Organizers of the festival say it is the longest running sci-fi film festival in the nation. The 10-day festival features a plethora of curated sci-fi films— both new and old. The festival, which runs from Feb. 7-17, is organized by BostonSci-Fi.com, a year-round website that serves as a virtual gathering place for those fond of science fiction.

The genre is often misrepresented. Science fiction is any form of fiction that deals with imaginative content in a futuristic context, often featuring science, technology, space, and time travel. It has been around longer than most people think— originally coming into existence in the 18th century, along with the development of the novel. Sci-fi’s heyday is considered to be the 1930s with the emergence of the Futurists, a group of sci-fi writers in New York City. Popular pulp magazines helped spread these fantastical stories to people with big imaginations all over the country. It has evolved over the decades— new wave sci-fi in the 1970s and cyber-punk in the 1980s— but its core has remained largely unchanged.

Starting in January, films were submitted to Sf39— these included shorts, features, documentaries, animations, and web series. The only rule was that they must be unmistakably science fiction. The films will be shown over the 10-day period in the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square. Garen Daly, head programmer and curator for Sf39, says he tries to find works that are “emotionally challenging.”

“When the festival first began, over 30 years ago, having a collection of sci-fi films in the same place at the same time was a big deal,” he says. “Nowadays, anyone at home can make their own sci-fi festival with a stack of DVDs or a Netflix cue. So my job as curator is to bring people films

they normally wouldn’t be exposed to.”

In recent years, Daly has sought films from increasingly global locations— this year pieces will be shown from England, South Africa, Peru, and China. Daly says it is a long-term goal of the festival to expand to include works from even more countries.

The festival culminates with the ‘Thon, a nonstop 24hour science fiction movie marathon in the Somerville Theatre. The ‘Thon is a giant slumber party for science fiction fans. People may come and go during the ‘Thon but true fans stay the entire period.

Film production major Tony Simonetti ‘16 says he loves

sci-fi. Simonetti has aspirations to one day submit to the festival.

“I don’t think I’m ready to show my work. Not this year, I don’t have anything yet. But it would be so much fun to make something and show it.”

At the very least, he will be attending some showings of classic films during the festival. Simonetti says he is most excited about being able to see his beloved favorites on the big screen.

“And the best part is the guy sitting next to me in the theater will be just as excited as I will be.”

YOGA FOR ALL text by claudia mak photo by nydia hartono

A firsthand look at Boston’s first, and only, all donation yoga studio.

Tucked above a boxing studio in Allston is a little slice of nirvana. At the third floor of this narrow building green wooden doors meet you, and what lies behind these doors is a romantically lit yoga studio. The “yogis,” or other yoga students, gather outside of the studio before class and remove their shoes to enter the sacred room. I follow them in, and the second my bare feet touch the warm wooden floor, I breathe a sigh of relaxation.

Karma Revolution is the first and only all-donation yoga studio in the greater Boston area. Outside of the studio, yoga instructors place a wooden box and a sheet to fill out with your name and method of payment. All donation amounts are anonymous so there is no need to feel awkward if you spent all your cash on take-out and rent, but still need a workout. Fifty percent of the donation money goes to the instructors, and the rest is used to upkeep the studio.

Jesse Winder, the founder of Karma Yoga studios, established Karma Revolution in Allston after 12 years of yoga success. Karma Yoga began with one studio in Harvard Square, and now has three other locations across Boston besides their all-donation location in Allston. Winder and his partner work with rehabilitating injured animals, and in order to sustain their work with animal rescue, Winder founded Karma Yoga.

Yoga has helped guide Winder through his experiences with post-traumatic stress and depression. The positivity he has gained from yoga has inspired him to create a relaxing setting that is accessible for all. He says, “I really believe that people are good people and sometimes just need a hand to get their lives back on track. I really wanted the yoga community

to be more aligned with the concept of helping other people.”

During my first class at Karma Revolution, my teacher, Ahreum Tanner, starts our warm up for our Forrest Vinyasa class. Forrest Vinyasa is characterized by long poses corresponding with breathing exercises. Tanner assures me that she will pay special attention to my poses because this is my first yoga class. She is small, joyful, and pregnant! I am ready to be impressed by this woman’s yoga moves.

A few of the poses were difficult to get right at first, but Ahreum helped me get into the correct position so I didn’t injure myself. The other yogis around me were able to bend in all sorts of ways, and it inspired me to try and surpass my own physical limits. The atmosphere was very positive and encouraging. I never felt like I was embarrassing myself, even when my downward dog looked like a collapsing St. Louis Gateway Arch rather than a graceful triangle.

Karma Revolution survives with profits from Karma Yoga’s three other studios and from donations. It has only been eight months since Karma Revolution was created, and the studio is nearly about half-sustainable. In order to keep the studio running, Winder goes in every night to clean, restock, and repair the studio himself. Karma Revolution is a project Winder has a lot of personal investment in, and he values the benefits that yoga can do for the community above all else. Winder wants to “try to connect yoga to the principles of yoga and to give back and be a part of contributing to something I believe in.”

Karma Revolution is located at 971 Commonwealth Ave. Class schedules can be found at: http://karmayogastudios.com/allston-class-schedule/ LIVING

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SUCCESS AND CHEESE text by madeline bilis photos by kathy collins

From food truck to brick-and-mortar, Roxy’s Grilled Cheese’s success story as told by its founder and Emerson alum, James DiSabatino.

A stolen Zipcar. A trip to the U-Haul store. Loading boxes of flooring into the back of a truck rented 15 minutes ago. All in a day’s work.

There doesn’t seem to be a “typical” workday for James DiSabatino ’09, the founder of the famous food truck Roxy’s Grilled Cheese. Before he sat down with Your Mag, he ran into some trouble transporting the flooring for the new brick-andmortar restaurant he’s opening in Allston. Zipcar couldn’t locate the car he rented, so he walked to the nearest U-Haul store, grabbed a truck, and loaded over a dozen hefty boxes of hardwood flooring into the back to bring to Allston. The perks of being a small business owner.

The marketing communications graduate came up with Roxy’s shortly after leaving Emerson. After much planning and deliberation, the truck officially opened in March 2011.

“Food trucks were popping up all over the country and I thought it would be cool if there was one in Boston. At the time, there weren’t any.”

That business move seems a little risky for a recent graduate of a pricey private liberal arts school. But 26-yearold DiSabatino reasons, “I did it because I wanted to be disruptive. I just wanted to do something different

and I understood that I had the opportunity to start a culture that changed the way people looked at food.”

Boston’s food truck scene grew from just a few to a whopping 70 trucks in less than three years, in part thanks to Roxy’s. DiSabatino explains that one of the interesting challenges in the success of Roxy’s was encouraging competition. Potential customers were at first skeptical of

“I just wanted to do something different.” the idea of getting their lunch from a truck, but as the number of food trucks grew, the skepticism lessened.

Now, food trucks seem commonplace in our beloved Boston.

“If people are eating at food trucks 2-3 times a week as opposed to a Subway or McDonald’s, that’s a very significant cultural change. It means more people are paying attention to small businesses and eating food that wasn't prepared a half of world away.

I’m glad I could be a part of it and help build it,” he says.

Out of all of the culinary

concoctions that can be created on and served out of a truck, why grilled cheese? That’s simple—it’s fun to eat, it’s fun to make, and there’s a lot of room to be creative with it, says DiSabatino. With choices such as the Mighty Rib Melt, Summer Curried Veggie, and the Green Muenster Melt, creative is an understatement.

“I have vivid memories of my grandmother making me fried bologna sandwiches with American cheese. At first I remember thinking how disgusting it sounded and then I tried it, and it was the best thing I ever ate. Maybe subconsciously that’s what brought me to do it.”

DiSabatino owes a big thank you to his grandma. Roxy’s has been recognized by foodies across the country and was featured on Food Network’s show t, where the truck made it to the semi-finals in Atlanta, Georgia.

So, where does Roxy come in to all of this? We may never know. She is named after someone, but she’s a secret, a secret that will be carried over into the Roxy’s Grilled Cheese restaurant. DiSabatino always knew he’d create a restaurant out of Roxy’s as well, and after spending a year looking for a location, it’s become a reality.

“A lot of business people will be LIVING

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like, ‘Why are you in Allston? That’s not a good idea, there’s not enough traffic.’ But I don’t really care. I just wanted to find a neighborhood that I think had more potential. When we opened the truck we were taking a big risk doing something no one had done before and it’s kinda the same here,” DiSabatino says.

With neighbors such as Fomu, a vegan ice cream parlor and café, and Root, a plant-inspired food and juice bar, Roxy’s will fit in just fine.

DiSabatino explains the block wasn’t much two years ago. Where Roxy’s is now was once a convenience store.

The area is in the process of being revitalized and he predicts it will become popular over the next few years. DiSabatino, along with the owners of Fomu, Root, and other businesses on Cambridge St., want to make the section of Allston a destination place.

“It’s pretty quiet now, but I think we can pull people in. Instead of hanging down on Brighton Ave where it’s just a bunch of bro bars, they can hang out down here. Sure, there will be a lot of students, but our mailman said all of the guys at the Allston Post Office are really excited to come in for lunch.”

DiSabatino has a few surprises lined up for the brick-and-mortar, including an expanded menu. The truck’s small cooking space doesn’t allow for specialty orders such as vegan or gluten-free grilled cheeses, but with a full kitchen, these options can be made available. The Roxy’s in Allston will allow experimentation with recipes, as well. DiSabatino says that if the restaurant were in Back Bay or Chestnut Hill, people would be looking for consistency, and this sort of experimentation wouldn’t be possible. On Cambridge St., the cooks can play around with the recipes and get outside of their comfort zones to try different things.

Marketing and entrepreneur studies students alike can learn a thing or two from James DiSabatino.

Although Roxy’s was not the company

he formed in the Emerson Experience in Entrepreneurship, or E3, he suggests not clinging to your first venture if it’s not everything you hoped it would be.

“Don’t feel like you need to be married to your first idea. That just might not be right for you.” he says.

DiSabatino’s E3 project was a green limo company, consisting of vehicles that only ran on vegetable oil. He admits it would have been a mistake doing it because it was a little too formal. Working in a casual environment with people like himself is key. However, DiSabatino once met with John Pepper, the former CEO of Boloco, and told him about his old idea about the green limousine company. It turns out Pepper once had the same idea and never implemented it. Perhaps successful foodies think alike?

Foodie or not, starting a business is no easy task. Coming up with an

“I think you need to get over the fear and just do it.” idea and trying to make it work was just the beginning of DiSabatino’s entrepreneurial challenges.

“When I started, I worked a minimum of 15 hours a day. The only reason I would go to sleep is because if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be able to do the things I had to do the next day,” he says.

He breaks the startup process down into two stages: the idea stage and the stage where everything finally happens. Once the second stage is reached, the new business becomes a lifestyle instead of simply a job.

“It may feel like a crazy dive into a very scary situation, but eventually you will be comfortable with yourself and the situation,” he says.

During a process filled with changes, getting used to these changes can be frightening. For a while, new business owners may not have lives

outside of their businesses.

“Some people aren’t cut out for it. Some people are totally fine with change. For the people who aren’t, it might not be for them.”

He admits that he didn’t see his family for long periods of time and lost relationships over Roxy’s. He says at the beginning, small business owners might question if it’s worth it, but then things will work themselves out.

The business will take unanticipated turns. He says it’s important to hold onto your vision but explore other opportunities as well.

His biggest piece of advice? “If you want to do it, just do it, and don’t make excuses at all. I could have just walked away from it. I almost walked away from it all because the process is just so tedious and I was like ‘I’m just gonna go get a job’. I think you need to get over the fear and just do it.”

Thankfully, DiSabatino’s knowledge acquired at Emerson helped him out during the process of creating Roxy’s Grilled Cheese. At first, though, he wasn’t so sure.

“I was in marketing but I still had the mindset that, ‘Oh, I’m selling people stuff they don’t want.’

But then I had a few professors who were really great and I learned I could really do it and not have to bullshit.”

It wasn’t until his senior year that he was able to connect with his professors and classes in a way that helped him understand what it took to turn an idea into a reality. Would Roxy’s exist without the help of Emerson? Maybe. Or maybe not. After all, the idea might just be the most important part of any budding business. There is, however, one thing that rings true for all startups: “Innovation rarely derives from big business. It’s all about small teams with unique ideas.”

Roxy’s Grilled Cheese brickand-mortar is scheduled to open this spring at 485 Cambridge St., Allston Mass.

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RIDE ROUNDUP text by madeline bilis photo by kathy collins

The best ways to navigate Beantown after dark.

There’s plenty to do and plenty to see in our beloved Boston, but it can be difficult figuring out how to get home after darkness falls. When the T shuts down at the dreaded time of 12:30 a.m., a plan B must be in store. Fortunately, Governor Deval Patrick has launched a one-year pilot program to keep the T open until 3:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays this spring. Spring is just around the corner, but students can’t be expected to miss out on nightlife until then. Here are some ways to navigate the city in the late (or early) hours of the night:

1

UBER

A ride in minutes? Yes, please! Uber is an app that allows you to request a ride via text or though the app by typing in your location. A ride of your choice arrives in 5 to 10 minutes.

You’ve got a few options: uberX, uberTAXI, uberBLACK, uberSUV, and uberLUX. While uberX and uberTAXI are seen as low-cost options, you can order a sedan, SUV, or luxury car for some added comfort and space. Iffy about the cost? Uber gives you a fare estimate (plus a $1.25 booking fee) before you decide to choose a ride. It also lets you track the vehicle on its way to you, and even shoots you a text when it has arrived.

The driver’s name and car details are visible once the ride is accepted, so it’s easy to call the driver directly if necessary.

Paying is pretty simple too, even if you’re in a group. You can pay directly from your phone after you put your credit card on file and you can easily split the fare. What’s not to love?

2

HAILO

Hailo is not transportation by angels, but it comes close to it. No longer do you have to fear waving down a cab, for Hailo is here to do all the hypothetical arm flailing for you. Originating in London, this Boston-version of the taxi app allows you to choose your location on a map and then connects you with the closest licensed and trustworthy taxi drivers in the area for a stress-free cruise home. Hailo also lets you track the cab on its way to you, as well as pay through the app with a credit card on file. Hailo’s booking fee is usually $0.99, but it rises to $1.99 during peak hours, which are Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 3:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

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LYFT

If you’ve ever wondered why some cars around the city have bright pink mustaches on the front of them, Lyft is why.

The ridesharing app allows you to be picked up by people in the area with cars, and is quite literally “your friend with a car”, as its tagline boasts. Night owls on a budget love Lyft, mainly because it costs about 30 percent less than the price of a cab

ride. Instead of charging passengers fares, Lyft drivers receive donations. The company seeks to create a friendly community through its nontraditional transportation services. If it sounds a little sketchy, take comfort in the fact that it is not. Drivers must have background and Department of Motor Vehicles record checks, a phone screen, an in-person interview, be 23 years of age, and own a four-door car that is from 2000 or newer. For added peace of mind, there’s also $1,000,000 excess liability insurance.

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BOSTON CAB

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BOSTON PEDICAB

Sometimes good old-fashion Boston Cabs are the way to go. The Boston Cab app is somewhat similar to the other ride request apps, like Uber and Hailo, but has some extra features that can be useful. Instead of choosing your location from a map on your phone, you can adjust the address within the app if the GPS is a little off. You can also book a cab in advance, perhaps to save yourself from awkwardly exiting a party—other ride request apps usually only offer on-the-spot requests. The Boston Cab app can retain useful information, such as previous bookings, and can create a favorite addresses list. Another pro—no booking fees!

Riding in style can be important. If you’d like to sit back and enjoy an unconventional ride home while being entertained by a hilarious driver (or peddler), Boston Pedicab is the way to go. The energetic drivers are so convinced that you’ll love your ride, Boston Pedicab has instituted a “pay as you please” method. The pedicabs can be found all over Boston proper, but you’re guaranteed to see them at Copley Square, State Street, and Hanover Street. While Boston Pedicab may not be an option if you’re making the trek out to Allston, the zany experience is worth it if you’re in the city. While late night services are definitely more popular in warmer weather, pedicabs don’t go missing in the winter! Scheduling a ride ahead of time will be your best bet until spring rolls around.

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LOVE ON BEACON HILL text by matt mullen photo by kathy collins

A trip to chocolate-y heaven will do a body good.

Paula Barth, founder and owner of Beacon Hill Chocolates, stands behind the counter of her shop. She is slight of frame and breathlessly sweeps hair out of her face as she discusses the chocolates before her. They are arranged like a bed of jewels.

“Chocolate is a personal addiction of mine,” she says, pointing to a brownie bite truffle. “I opened this store because I wanted chocolate at my fingertips.”

Beacon Hill Chocolates, located on Charles Street, has been open since 2006. Inside, the walls are painted in colorful stripes, chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and there is the unmistakable aroma of chocolate.

Barth, who had never worked as a chocolatier or owned her own store, calls opening the shop an “impulsive decision.”

“I’ve always had a passion for chocolate. And when I moved here I realized there weren’t any specialty shops in the area. So I made one.” she says.

The store has found incredible success in the Beacon

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Hill community, where Barth says it is enjoyed by a wide assortment of customers— men and women, old and young, those who are wealthy and those on a small budget.

“We get a lot of students. Sometime people just come in here and buy one piece of chocolate.” she says.

“I’ve been to Beacon Hill Chocolates just once,” says theatre studies major Hazel King ‘17, “and it was magical.

But magic doesn’t come cheap.”

The delicacies do range on the pricier side— individual truffles are around $3.50, and gift boxes can easily run into double digits. Barth emphasizes that the quality of the chocolates account for their hefty price tags.

“I work with small batch artisan chocolatiers. I really want something unique. I source out very specialty chocolatiers. Our niche is stuff you can’t find anywhere else.”

Barth scouts the globe for the best ingredients and then makes them with a small team in her kitchen here on Charles Street. Her recipes vary from the classics— Viennas and toffees— to the obscure— ZinfandelBalsamic truffles (made with red wine and balsamic vinegar).

Some other exotic offerings include Candied Bacon Caramels, Lavender truffles, and Guatemalan milk chocolate. Barth’s personal favorite is the brownie bite, an unassuming morsel of dark chocolate that sits next to the bright blue marzipan squares. It becomes clear soon after observing the goods that this is not an ordinary candy store— Paula Barth prides herself on bringing the best of the world to Boston.

Another specialty of Beacon Hill Chocolates are the decorative gift boxes you can purchase to store your chocolates. The boxes have dozens of different designs— most depicting charming vintage-inspired scenes or locations— and are mini works of art themselves.

With big business increasingly encroaching on the pristine Beacon Hill community— a Whole Foods

opened down the street five years ago— Barth says fighting competition can be tough. Fortunately, as when she started, she is the only chocolatier in the area. She also cites Beacon Hill as a particularly supportive environment for a specialty store such as hers.

“People here seem to know good chocolate,” she says.

While she once had plans to expand the business and open a second location in the North End, she has decided to stick with Beacon Hill. After moving to Miami three years ago, Barth has a rigorous schedule of commuting between here and Florida. She’s at the shop during major holidays and goes to Florida in the off time.

While not in Boston, she can remotely view her store on camera.

Beacon Hill Chocolates continues to stay resolute in its goal to not “sell out” and provide only the highest quality to its customers. While there are a few recognizable packaged brands, all chocolates sold are made from top-notch ingredients without any artificial additives or preservatives. Most come from very small batch manufacturers. In order for a chocolate to make it into Beacon Hill Chocolates, it must first go through Paula.

“Well, I travel extensively, of course,” she says, on the quest to find the best chocolate and ingredients. “I go to all the fancy-food conventions in the United States. I go to Belgium, France, Italy…”

“Luckily for me, though,” she continues, “it’s gotten to the point where people now send me samples from all

over the world; whether it’s from out in Europe or on the West Coast. I’m sampling every week.”

As February approaches, Paula receives more samples than ever. Valentine’s Day is the store’s busiest season. Red velvet hearts adorn the walls and there are bouquets of roses placed on the tables.

“You can’t even get in the door here on Valentine’s Day. It’s always those last minute men who pile in here,” she says, laughing.

According to Barth, each Valentine’s Day breaks the record for number of sales than the last. She expects no differently this year.

But are chocolates a clichéd gift?

“Are you kidding?” she says, “You can’t go wrong with chocolate. It can be so personal.”

The day I visited Paula in the store, I watched a customer make his purchase.

Mike Kuppenberg, a resident doctor at Mass General Hospital, stared into the truffle counter for a while before finally deciding on a coconut snowball. His eyes lit with delight as he was handed the delicacy in a paper bag. Immediately he placed the truffle in his mouth and smiled.

Kuppenberg says he visits the store fairly regularly after a long day at work, or just as a treat to himself.

“I think I’ll quote Charles Schulz,” he says, his mouth still dusted with white confectioners sugar, “‘All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.’"

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THE FUTURE OF MUSIC VIDEOS? text by jacob dmochowski stock photos

An insight to the changing landscape of the music video industry.

The music industry is finding new, innovative ways to make music videos really pop. In the past few years, filmmakers have been teaming up with tech-savvy computer scientists to create interactive music videos, and the results are impressive.

After 48 years, Rolling Stone’s “best song of all time” finally has a music video. Rolling Stone released a unique interactive video for Bob Dylan’s “Like A Rolling Stone.”

The music video was created by the digital agency Interlude to coincide with Dylan’s recent Rolling Stone cover story.

The video replicates a television broadcast, which allows the viewer to surf through 16 channels. While “Like A Rolling Stone” plays in the background, different channels are shown, varying from news shows and a tennis match to Pawn Stars and The Price Is Right. The awesome part about this video, however, is that whatever channel the viewer is on, the people on the screen lip-sync along with Dylan’s lyrics.

A viewer can watch and interact with the video a hundred times and have a different experience each time. Representatives from Interlude said the video was created this way because “you’re flipping yourself to death with switching channels in real life. You’ll always miss something because you can’t watch everything at the same time.”

Similar to the Interlude video is the interactive short film The Wilderness Downtown by Chris Milk. However, instead of being able to switch from channels, the viewer is asked to type in their home address. Arcade Fire’s “We Used To Wait” begins to play as windows pop up and show different images, like birds flocking and a man running. The cool part comes in when images from Google Maps pop up and show aerial shots of the address entered. Later in the video, a window pops up and shows the Google Street View of the address.

At the end, computer animated trees begin sprouting up in the street in front of the house. The video also asks viewers

to type a letter of advice that they would give their younger selves if they could go back in time.

The interactive music video craze does not stop here.

Pharrell Williams came out with a 24-hour music video in 2013 for his song “Happy.” In his video, the viewer can either watch the video for 24 hours straight to catch every moment, or can skip around to different times of the day.

“Happy” continues playing from where it left off whatever time is clicked; it’s pretty extraordinary. Pharrell is on the screen for most of the video, lip-syncing with dancers.

So why is this important? With technology progressing at a rapid and seemingly unstoppable rate and MTV declining at a similar one, music videos seemed to be stuck in limbo.

With the help of the Internet, music videos moved from television to YouTube.

Yet, most of the “music” channels rarely show music videos today like they used to.

If the reason for the decline of music videos being played on TV is because audiences are becoming bored, then a change of medium (television to Internet) does little to solve anything. However, by upgrading and updating the product, through such interactive music videos, a solution appears to have been reached. The Internet is wonderful in that it globally connects people and ideas in an instant, opening possibilities that have never been imagined.

There are some downsides to having such elaborate videos, though. Of the utmost and most obvious is expense.

The greatest expense is the time it takes to create the video.

The “Like A Rolling Stone” video, a total of an hour and 15 minutes of footage, took two months to put together. The crew had to travel from California and New York to Israel to film. Paying the crew and actors individual leg of the trip was costly. Additionally, Pharrell’s video took weeks of filming around Los Angeles and depended heavily on the dedication of hundreds of extras and celebrity cameos.

“The greatest expense is the time it takes to make a video.”

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For “Like A Rolling Stone,” the actors even had trouble concentrating on the lyrics. The directors told the actors to embody the part of their character — whether it was a cooking show host, news anchor and historian— and say the lyrics how their character would say them. To the actors, this was easier said than done. The woman who plays the cooking show host told Rolling Stone that she would rehearse the part by saying directions to the actual recipe, and then switch to Dylan lyrics only at the last minute when they would film.

Another component of expense is the cost of technical production.

The Wilderness Downtown took technicians many long hours of writing code to synchronize each window to pop up with the information provided by the viewer in the preface with the music.

“Happy” and “Like A Rolling Stone” did not face this problem as much, as both are streaming videos, not encumbered by a great deal of technical tweaking or perfection.

Another problem that interactive music videos face are the viewer’s Internet speed and computer strength.

Directors and producers who dish out the money to create these extravagant music videos often overlook this problem.

In order to watch “Happy” smoothly with no pauses or skips - like one would expect from normal music videos, which only have to download three or four minutes of data - the viewer’s computer must download 24 hours of video data.

This often causes problems.

The Wilderness Downtown also faced some technical problems due to home addresses that did not have Google

Street View pictures or sufficient information. Instead of the windows popping up with pictures of the street and house, the windows were just black screens.

Still, the idea of interactive music videos is brilliant because it makes watching a music video again a unique and exciting experience. In today’s world, instant gratification online is everything. It is difficult for an artist— of any genre —to grab a viewer and make him or her sit through a whole presentation without being distracted. Interactive videos enable a viewer to feel self-importance, by giving them a “hand-of-God” type feeling.

This makes music videos not only watchable, but gives the viewer an active role, in a world where passivity is rarely accepted.

Additionally, this new type of video gives a better glimpse into the intended meaning of the artist.

Seeing 16 different people sing “Like A Rolling Stone” shows that a song can be interpreted in many different ways in various contexts, which is the true beauty of the Dylan’s classic.

“Happy” shows that no matter when or where you are in the day, you can always enjoy the music. While The Wilderness Downtown shows the nostalgia encrypted into “We Used To Wait.” The visuals and emotions in the video compounded with the lyrics of the song create a whole new experience and new meaning.

Whether it is becoming a part of the video like The Wilderness Downtown, or controlling how to watch the video like “Happy” or “Like A Rolling Stone,” the age of interactive videos is changing the landscape of the music industry and is the future of music.

“it makes watching a music video again a unique and exciting experience.”

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THE SOUNDSUITS ARRIVE text by pimploy phongsirivech

A look into the Institue of Contemporary Art’s latest exhibition.

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Keep an eye out for this month’s exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Arts. The ICA will be hosting renowned artist Nick Cave’s whimsical artworks from Feb. 6 to May 4.

Nick Cave – artist, sculptor, dancer, and performer – is known for his flashy and flamboyant works that combine visual arts and dance, creating artwork that portrays elements with impeccable balance.

Cave trained as a dancer through the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in New York City, and currently directs the fashion graduate program at the School of Art Institute of Chicago.

Cave gained worldwide recognition through his “Soundsuits,” which are life-size fabric sculptures that Cave designed and crafted, worn in some exhibitions by performers who give them life through dance.

Cave’s Soundsuits are guaranteed to stop almost anyone in their tracks thanks to their bizarre aesthetics.

Compiled with anything and everything ranging from metal armature, wool, handbags, toys found from the streets, nature, and antique flea markets, these Soundsuits are otherworldly.

Though seemingly joyful and vibrant on the outside, the origin and purpose of these creations are less so.

Cave crafted his first Soundsuit in response to the Rodney King beating in Los Angeles in 1992. Out of disbelief towards the incident, Cave explained to The Washington Post that he was urged to ask himself questions about his identity, his significance to the world and how he could take action against such discrimination. His first Soundsuit was built from twigs, Cave recalls that he “…built this sort of suit of armor and by putting it on, I realized that I could a make a sound from moving in it…” This gave the creation its name. He said, “It made me think of ideas around protest, and how we should be a voice and speak louder.”

Soundsuits are regarded as a type of camouflage, concealing and – in a way – protecting the race, gender, and class of those who embody them.

Cave aimed to subtract from the audience the judgments that could be made of the performers underneath the suits.

The combination of materials that Cave chooses to create his artworks with not only are interesting to gaze upon, but also fascinating to listen to.

The subtle swish and rustling sounds accompanying the fluid movements of the Soundsuits are simultaneously enchanting yet strangely unsettling.

The sounds that the mix of materials create, the powerful yet elegant

movement of the dancers along with the pure flamboyance of the suits create an artwork that is vibrant in colours and movement, yet resonates the sombre note of race and discrimination, reminded unobtrusively through the structure of the suits that resemble traditional African masks.

Cave has created multiple series featuring human Soundsuits; however, his exhibition in New York City last year starred different characters.

Though continuing his Soundsuit theme, Cave’s performances in Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall featured thirty Soundsuit horses, each worn by a pair of dancers.

The exposition and performance, titled Heard NY, ran twice daily for one week in late March 2013, and the public response was remarkable.

The performance consisted of the Soundsuit horses, which were worn by dancers from the Alvin Ailey dance company. These Soundsuits expressed the same flamboyancy and flashiness present in the human Soundsuits in Cave’s previous pieces. The dancers sashayed around Vanderbilt Hall as the audience watched in awe, bewildered and amused by the swift movements of the horses juxtaposed by the brazenness of the Soundsuits.

The Soundsuits, like in many of Cave’s previous pieces, resembled traditional

West African costumes and portrayed the idea, again, of being protective masks against judgment; however, Heard NY also contained a different aspect – dreams and imagination.

In an interview conducted by Artspace’s editor-in-chief Andrew M. Goldstein, Cave explains the intention behind the performance.

He wanted to create a piece “…that really spoke about and brought us back to the place where we dream, that imaginary place in our minds, that helps us stay connected to our own aspirations.” Heard NY allowed him to create an artwork for the public, and as an artist he said that it was his “civic responsibility” to remind people to stay connected to their dreams and aspirations by creating this enthralling experience for the public. In another feature in Interview Magazine, Cave describes Heard NY as a way in “getting us back to the dream state, this place where we imagine and think about now…”

When questioned about the choice of horses as the characters in the performance, Cave explained that he was drawn towards their “majestic grandness,” and their “implication of power and strength and dignity.” He also made a connection with Grand Central, saying that Vanderbilt Hall in the performance was almost like “…another sort of stable – a place where the crowd is penned…”

Cave’s goal to create a dream-space and an escape was successful, as the public responded with much enthusiasm and glowing reviews. The coordination

of the dancers contrasted the outlandish, different Soundsuits, achieving a balance and creating a strange harmony. (To watch Cave’s Heard NY, captured by Derek Schultz, visit: http://vimeo.com/63130708) The exposition at Boston’s ICA will not only showcase Cave’s famous Soundsuits but also a selection of his newest sculptures. In his more recent exhibitions, Cave has created other sculptures that are an odd compilation of materials. These new creations are composed of objects and materials ranging from porcelain figures (some he found while “thrift store shopping in Chicago”), dead leaves, beaded strings and discarded furniture. At his exhibition named Sojourn at the Denver Art Museum, a sculpture t i t l e d “Rescues” w a s

displayed, and Cave explained that he wanted “to maintain this ‘found’ sort of mentality” through the piece. This “mentality” he illustrates certainly is conveyed through the lost-and-found feel that his creations emanate.

One can never be certain of the extent of quirkiness that Nick Cave’s artworks could have, so be sure not to miss out on his exposition at the ICA; it will be there long enough for you to make time for, but not long enough for you to get bored of. Enjoy the pleasant balance of urban fur and flea market finds.

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EMERSON POETRY PROJECT text by joanne paquin photo by brenna kleiman

A look into Emerson Poetry Project’s upcoming role in the College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational and how to get involved.

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Poetry in itself is a form of art, but when the author performs their piece, a greater sense of beauty and intimacy can become associated with it. This art form is called slam poetry and if you are interested in learning more, or wish to see more, the Emerson Poetry Project is the place to be.

Emerson alums Max Kessler ‘09, Carrie Rudzinski ‘09, Steve Subrizi ’08, and Carlos Williams ‘09, founded the Emerson Poetry Project in 2008. The group was created with the hopes of establishing a place where students could share their work through the medium of performance by hosting open mic nights, poetry slams, and workshops to help others improve their writing and performance technique. Not only has the project achieved these goals, but members have also competed nationally at the College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational (CUPSI), which has been held annually since 2001.

The EPP also invites featured poets to campus. Past guest speakers include Ed Mabrey, a two time Individual World Poetry Slam Champion and 2012 poetry slam artist of the year, Buddy Wakefield, a two-time Individual World Poetry Slam Champion, Bill MacMillan, the Worcester Poetry Slam Founder and the Poetry Slam Champion in 1986, Emily O’Neil, part of the 2010 Hampshire NPS (National Poetry Slam) team, and Janae Johnson, the Simmons College Slam Coach.

Brenna Kleiman ‘15 is the current president of the Emerson Poetry Project, and has been involved since the beginning of her freshman year. First starting as a member in the fall of 2011 and getting on the 2012 CUPSI team, she then became a curator in her sophomore year during which she created the organization’s Facebook page and organized the 2013 and 2014 CUPSI trip.

This year, the CUPSI is being held at the University

of Boulder, Colorado, between March 12 and 15. Teams from all over the United States and Canada will come to compete. Though an individual slam poetry competition, one typically competes with teams that consist of four to five people. The three-day competition is broken down into two days of preliminaries and a day of semi-finals, where the top twelve teams slam against each other. The final slam takes place in the evening between the top five finalists.

This year there are five students representing Emerson: Kieran Collier ‘16, Allison Truj ‘15, Jonathan Mendoza ‘17, Maggie Dunleavy ‘16, and Sierra Lister ‘14. Collier and Truj, both veterans, look forward to this year’s competition and team. Kleiman states, “We have a really good spread of people this year. Everyone has very different styles so it’ll be interesting to see how that combines.”

Emerson students have been going to the CUPSI competition since it’s foundation in 2008. Yet, it was only was only during Emerson’s first entry into the CUPSI that the team reached the final stage. The 2008 team has been affectionately deemed as the “dream team” consequently.

Despite the difficulty of making it to the final stage, the experience of going to the CUPSI in itself has a lot to offer. Kleiman reflects on her time at the CUPSI stating, “It’s really about hearing other voices, figuring out what you like and don’t like about other’s poetry and what you can improve on with yours. It’s a really good learning experience, great for students. I remember the first time I went I had no idea what to expect. I was a freshman and I had been doing competitive poetry for about four months, and I was like, ‘Oh yeah. It’s going to be great, I’m going to be lovely,’ and then I just realized it was a completely different game, but it’s so great. You meet so

performance workshops allow people who may want more practice performing their poetry a chance to perform in front of an audience and receive feedback. Kleiman suggests, “If you are unsure of how to do the whole poetry slam thing, the workshops are really beneficial. We’ll tell you what you need to do to get this point across or you really need to hit this point here. Things like that.”

However, the best way to get involved though is to just show up. “Anyone is welcome to come,” says Kleiman.

“Even non-Emersonians. We always love having people come in to read their poetry at the open mic. We are going to be having some really fun slams and features this semester. Our bookers are working on some really cool stuff.”

Meetings take place every Monday in Walker 233 at 8:00 p.m. Each usually consists of an open mic, a featured poet (if one is scheduled) and a poetry slam, where each performer is given five minutes to perform as many poems as they wish. This follows EPP’s ideology that “everyone has something to contribute and should.”

Kleiman adds, “I think EPP is one of those groups that really can exist in isolation. The slam itself is such a political thing, I mean you see things on YouTube and Upworthy all the time, but I think there really isn’t a space like that at Emerson other than where we are. There really isn’t a group for performance writing, which is a really weird mesh, but I think it’s necessary. So I’m happy that we have it here.”

For more information on Emerson Poetry Project, please visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook. com/EmersonPoetryProject and check them out on

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many people from all over, you make a ton of friends, and your Facebook blows up for about three weeks. It’s a really neat experience.”

On top of their participation at the CUPSI, the EPP just released a chapbook in January of the CUPSI team’s work.

It includes page poems that the poets haven’t rehearsed in poetry slams before and a couple slam pieces.

Between showcases, a number of slams and workshops take place. This also includes ciphers: “unofficial” poetry readings, which Kleiman states one can think of as “a rap battle, because that’s kind of how it works. If you didn’t get to perform a poem you really wanted to perform, there is a group of people in the laundry room of like a hotel or somewhere else and they’re all just doing poems. It’s a really creative way to get your stuff out there.”

If you want to know more, attending workshops is an easy way to meet members. Last fall, attendance of workshops soared through the roof to the point where Emerson Poetry Project members were not sure how to accommodate everyone. However, this semester, they’re working on solutions and are hoping to have more workshops. The writing workshops are set around a theme, and generally consist of a discussion of individuals’ poems and ways they could be improved. Kleiman notes, “For instance, last year we had a Halloween workshop, so we had people bring in scary poems they wanted to work on.” They also try to include writing prompts and time where everyone can just write for pleasure. According to Kleiman, “There is always time for everyone to sit down and just be forced to write because it can be a little bit difficult for students to set aside time to just write.” The

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SPECTACULAR, SPECTACULAR text by cedrine streit stock photos

An overview of spring theatre productions in Boston.

What better way to take time off and recharge after a stressful week than with a night spent at the theater? Not sure where to start off or what is on? Here is Your Magazine’s list of spring must see productions, a mix of dance, musicals, comedic, and hard hitting provocative theater, that will give you a reason to brace the cold with much anticipation, leaving you with a smile:

Rain – A Tribute to the Beatles http://www.raintribute.com/ Feb. 21 – 22, Various times Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont St, Boston Tickets: $38.75 - $93.75 RAIN performs the full range of The Beatles' discography live onstage, including some of their most complex and challenging songs. This tribute performance features early hits as well as beloved later classics (“I Want To Hold Your Hand,” “Hard Day’s Night,” “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” “Let It Be,” “Come Together,” “Hey Jude,” and more) as well as songs that The Beatles themselves never had the chance to play in front of an audience.

Now together longer than the legendary British heartthrob foursome, RAIN showcases a vibrant, note-for-note performance.

This adoring tribute is great to see after a dismal winter day, as it will infect you with its energy, transporting and reminding you that love and friendship can get you through the toughest of times.

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Neighborhood Watch zeitgeiststage.com Feb. 7 – March 1, Various times BCA Plaza Black Box Theater, 527 Tremont St., Boston Tickets: $20 - $30 Neighborhood Watch is a play by Alan Ayckbourn, (A Chorus of Disapproval (1986), The Norman Conquests (1973)) depicting the quirky yet comic story of Martin and Hilda, unmarried Christian siblings, who are newcomers to the Bluebell Hill Development. After being the latest victims of the crime wave sweeping their modern suburban existence they decide to take action.

Martin turns his neighborhood into a police state to ward of the ills of the petty crimes. Despite thinking that the law of the land, all that’s right and proper, and even God himself, are on their side, the sibling’s nerdy good-natured temperament begins to deteriorate. The Bluebell Hill Development starts to take extreme measures to protect themselves. Their well-intentioned neighborhood watch Witness Uganda scheme slowly begins to develop into something more americanrepertorytheater.org alarming and menacing altogether. An authoritarian force Feb. 4 – March 16, Various times controlling the lives of those they are supposed to protect.

American Repertory Theater, 64 Brattle St., Cambridge As Ayckbourn’s 75th play, Neighborhood Watch Tickets: Start at $25 promises to be a fun social comedy that is highly thought provoking. Acting as a cautionary tale, this fierce Director Diana Paulus, and writers Matt Gould and Griffin production with leave you with something to chat about Matthews, will soon premiere their musical tale of a young with your friends.

New York City man’s life-changing journey to Uganda. The musical is based on a trip Matthews took to Uganda, where he met a group of orphaned teens whose greatest desire was education. After starting a nonprofit initiative to fund the students through college, Griffin came to realize that the attempt to help others, even the ten teenagers, was rifled with difficulty. Witness Uganda “details the complexities of trying to help people in the world,” says Gould.

In November, Gould and Matthews started their educational tour of schools in the Greater Boston area as a way to bring such conversations to the classroom in an attempt to “resurrect people,” says Gould. Witness Uganda demonstrates the power of love and hope, and the dedication needed to help others. It is a truly inspiring story about the moment of inspiration and how it can make a positive change.

The last two musicals Paulus premiered at the American Repertory Theatre (A.R.T.) were considered to be some of the hottest tickets around before they became Tony-winning Broadway hits. We cannot wait to see what Paulus has created with Witness Uganda. Be sure to get your tickets soon as they are sure to go fast!

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SOWA’S MUST SEE EXHIBITS text by christabel frye

Upcoming exhibitions in Boston’s hidden treasure.

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A vibrant and unique community lies in a corner of Boston’s South End. Known as SoWa, short for “South of Washington,” it occupies a rectangular space from the east of Massachusetts Avenue to the west of East Berkeley Street, and from the south of Washington Street to the north of Albany Street.

According to SoWa’s website, the area was “previously known as a mill and warehouse district where pianos, canned goods, shoes, and other merchandise were crafted.” It has since become a haven for creative businesses and people alike. “SoWa today is known for its dozens of galleries, destination-worthy restaurants, marketing agencies, graphicand interior-design studios, modern residential lofts, and unique shops selling everything from vintage clothing to exotic imports.” From May to October, SoWa is best known for it’s open air markets. The SoWa Market brings local artisans, food truck owners, and farmers from around the area together to create an exuberant shopping experience. For about nine years, Sundays in SoWa have allowed people from New England and beyond to “[browse] the multiple tents, [speak] with the artists and farmers, and [enjoy] delicacies from the many specialty food trucks. [It’s] often the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon in the city.”

SoWa is packed full of restaurants, bakeries, and stores as unique as the

city they come from. Places like Beach Ropes, which sell “Repurposed. Nautical.

Bracelets” and Mohr &McPherson Cafe who is described by the SoWa website as “We came. We saw. We ate. And then we bought really cool stuff ” are just to name a few.

As it edges closer to Valentine’s Day, your hearts and artistic selves may be searching for a spot to warm up. The upcoming gallery exhibitions in SoWa are a great place to animate and spark your passions.

ADELSON GALLERIES BOSTON LOCATION: 520 Harrison Ave. Boston, MA 02118 HOURS: Wednesdays through Sundays, 12 to 6 p.m.

About the Gallery: Adelson Galleries Boston was founded by Adam Adelson.

His family was and continues to be involved in the art business, so he decided to pursue a similar career path. Adelson hopes to “show Contemporary and Modern Art that is varied in aesthetic, yet binding in consistent quality” through exhibiting pieces that “in some small way define our generation.”

Exhibitions this February: From Jan. 10 – Feb. 23, Adelson will host works

by Tristan Govignon. His art varies in the form of paintings, sculpture and photography. Some of Govignon’s work can be found on his website, http:// tristangovignon.com/.

BOSTON SCULPTORS GALLERY LOCATION: 486 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118 HOURS: Wednesdays through Sundays, 12 to 6 p.m.

About the Gallery: Boston Sculptors Gallery was founded by 18 local sculptors about 20 years ago on the original concept that “sculpture could and should be championed locally.” The gallery takes strong pride with each of their 36 members, who have a chance to display their work every two and a half years.

“Boston Sculptors Gallery was founded and continues to operate with the belief that sharing resources and championing each others' artistic endeavors produces the most fertile ground in which artists can produce and thrive.” These core values make Boston Sculptors Gallery different in their eyes.

Exhibitions this February: Feb. 5 March 9, Boston Sculptors Gallery will feature Andy Moerlein and Elizabeth Alexander. While Moerlein’s work isn’t described on Boston Sculptors Gallery’s website, photos indicate that his work involves finely sculpted wood. Alexander “makes sculptures, drawings, and installations out of intricately cut paper and found objects,” and creates new versions of these objects by “deconstruct[ing] and then reconstruct[ing] chosen objects [...] vulnerability, loss, escapism, and longing are among the themes projected

into domestic spaces or onto standard building tools,” according to Boston Sculptors Gallery.

CHASE YOUNG GALLERY LOCATION: 450 Harrison Ave. #57, Boston, MA 02118 HOURS: Wednesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Sundays, 12 to 4 p.m.

About the Gallery: The Chase Young Gallery, formerly known as the Chase Gallery, was founded by Jane Young in 2010. As the former director of the Chase Gallery, Young continued the legacy, dedicating the gallery to the exhibition of “exceptional contemporary painting, sculpture, and photography.”

Exhibitions this February: Coming Feb. 5 – Feb. 28 are two artists: Nina Tichava and Pamela Murphy. Tichava gets her inspiration mainly from organic forms, media, design and architecture.

“My paintings are, by nature, imprecise and hand made objects. Perfection is unattainable therefore each piece is unique —it is this inherent quality that continues to engage me in painting,” said Tichava in her artist statement. Murphy collects old photographs and paints the people and figures in the pictures. By doing so, she hopes that “the figures in [her] paintings exist in situations—or as objects—in which [she hopes] the viewer will find a little of themselves.”

KINGSTON GALLERY LOCATION: 450 Harrison Ave. #43,

Boston, MA 02118 HOURS: Wednesdays through Sundays, 12 to 5 p.m.

About the Gallery: Kingston Gallery was named after its original location in Chinatown. It opened in 1982, and was one of the first galleries to move to the SoWa district in the mid-1990s.

The gallery is completely run by artists who must pay dues to be members and show their work. All profits made from any works sold go directly to the artist responsible. It is divided into three galleries: the Main, Center, and Members’ galleries.

Exhibitions this February: The Main Gallery will showcase Jennifer Moses, the Center will feature non-member Jeff Hull, whose profile is not provided, and the Members’ Gallery will have Kathleen Gerdon Archer. In Moses’ newest paintings, she is taking hairstyles from renaissance paintings and incorporating them with her own imagination into her work. According to the Kingston website, Moses says, “as I rework the paintings I am attempting to transform the hair-dos into symbolic images that evoke a range of emotional conditions and complex space.” Archer explores the “inability of women to see beauty in themselves, the intimate connection of women and fabric, and the strength of memory gives this project its purpose” using photography.

SAMSØN PROJECTS

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For more information about SoWa, please visit their website at http://sowaboston.com/.

LOCATION: 450 Harrison Ave/29 Thayer St Boston, MA 02118 HOURS: Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11 to 6 p.m.

About the Gallery: Samsøn’s vision is to “create and present programs that explore the diversity of cultures and voices that continually shape contemporary art today.” They work with contemporary artists who want to further the world of contemporary art. They also want to provide a place for the convergence of film, video, performance, music, design, and visual art as an “interdisciplinary laboratory,” according to their website.

Exhibitions this February: From Jan. 3 – Feb. 28, Samsøn will feature Carlos Jimenez Cahua’s work, specifically “Neoplasms & Pleonasms.” This will be Cahua’s first solo exhibition with Samsøn.

From Feb. 5 - 9, they will also host Zona Maco, México Arte Contemporáneo in their Art Fair.

Other galleries in SoWa not mentioned here include: ACME Fine Art, Ars Libri, Bromfield Gallery, Canvas Fine Arts, Carroll & Sons, Chase Gallery, Find & Form Space, Galatea Fine Art, Galeria Cubana, Gallery Kayafas, gallery@ ArtBlock, Gurari Collections, Jules Place, Khaki Gallery, Laconia Gallery, Miller Yerzerski Gallery, Movimiento, Soprafina Gallery, Steven Zevitas Gallery, and Vessels Gallery.

Be sure to step out and brace the cold this month to visit SoWa galleries, the South End’s pride and joy.

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FEBRUARY PLAYLIST stock photo

With the Hallmark heart attack soon on its way, be sure to show some tender loving care to those special ones around. Whether you have a boo or not, do not forget that friends, family, and little old you deserve some attention. A&E’s February playlist features tracks that aim to get you into the mood, whether that means winding down with some love melodies or gearing up for some fun with a couple power anthems.

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“MY BOO” Usher & Alicia Keys

“4 AND 20” Joss Stone

“L O V E” Michael Bublé

“LOVE IS HERE TO STAY” Ella Fitzgerald

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“CAN’T FOOL ME” Bad Rabbits

“CUPID” Amy Winehouse

“SIGNED, SEALED, DELIEVERED” Stevie Wonder

“SOMETHING STUPID” Robbie Williams & Nicole Kidman

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“SHE’S GOT A WAY” Billy Joel

“WOMAN” John Lennon

“BODY AND SOUL” Amy Winehouse & Tony Bennett

“HEROES” David Bowie

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“WAIT FOR ME” Kings of Leon

“LEY DE NEWTON” Beatrice Luengo y Jesús Navarro

“BONITA” Cabas

“CECILIA” Simon & Garfunkel

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“HEY” Pixies

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“BELLA” Maître Gims

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“TANGLED HAIR” Wild Smiles

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“WE WERE US” Keith Urban & Miranda Lambert

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“THAT GIRL” Jennifer Nettles

“CALIFORNIA” Joni Mitchell

“HOW SOON IS NOW?” Joni Mitchell

“LA INGRATA” Café Tacvba

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“MS. JACKSON” OutKast

“ORANGE SKY” Alexi Murdoch

“WINGS” Birdy

“LET ME LOVE YOU” Ne-Yo ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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