Artichoke Vol.5 No.1

mag

WELCOME BACK 06

Game On Winters Frosh 2015

SEPTEMBER 2015 | VOL. 5 N o . 1

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ARTICHOKE

CONTRIBUTORS Editor-in-chief

Mayeesha Chowdhury

Writers

Katie Wolfsbane Chantaé Candize Elijah Budgeon Nadia Rompas Cole Kennedy Peter Ellman Melissa D’Angelo Diana Edelhauser Phoebe Gibb Rielle Ullberg Susan Chen

Art Director

Karen Keung

Designers

Camilla Dinardo Caroline Gonzales Daniel Kim Justin Veneracion Maryanne Cruz Michelle Fok Olivia Chan Thaddeus Miya

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CONTENTS VOL 5. No. 1 | SEPTEMBER 2015

FROSH 2015

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Game On Winters Mayeesha Chowdhury

Major Speak

Creative

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Philosophy Isn’t Dead Susan Chen

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Breaking Free Katie Wolfsbane

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Jean Baudrillard Rielle Ullberg

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Inspiration from the Six Chantaé Candize

Entertainment

Lifestyle

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Summer of Girlwave Nadia Rompas

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Say Goodbye Phoebe Gibb

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Action Bronson and NXNE Peter Ellman

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Health First Melissa D’Angelo

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Between Panels Elijah Budgeon

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Nostalgic No More Diana Edelhauser

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Harrison Wells Cole Kennedy

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ARTICHOKE

Editor’s letter The Artichoke is entering its fifth year (!!!) and I am so honoured to be carrying the baton for the upcoming year. Conceived in 2010, the Artichoke was founded and run by Lindsey Presswell and Brian Cass for its first two years. My immediate predecessor, Emma Beckett ran it for the two years that followed, alongside Jacob Colosi—the brain behind the colours that brought these amazing writers’ works to life. This year, the torch has been passed on to me, and Karen Keung. We have both worked extremely closely with Emma and Jacob, and are very excited to be providing a progressive and artistic platform for the young and talented artists that we have in the Winters community! I look forward to reading and sharing the voice of Winters for the upcoming year!

MAYEESHA CHOWDHURY

WINTERS

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A note from design Welcome back to a new year!

I’ve been a part of the Artichoke team since my freshman year and am so happy to be continuing as the art and design director for the year. It is such a pleasure working with the amazing talent and energy that Winters brings to the magazine.

We hope that the continuous visual evolution of Artichoke into a mature publication still captures the energy that is so characteristic of Winters yet remains a familiar face on the newsstands.

KAREN KEUNG

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ARTICHOKE

GAME ON WINTERS Frosh ‘15

BY MAYEESHA CHOWDHURY

artichoke: Tell us more about the theme! Game On Winters—I’m guessing it is a video game inspired theme? What made you guys choose this? jeff & tegan: Technology is the current generation so our theme is hella relevant. It also has an epic and recognizable aesthetic and we like our Bosses and Frosh to look bad ass.

a: And how has the theme shaped your events this year?

seen before like life sized Angry birds and Duck Hunt.

j&t: We’re putting a video game theme spin on everything. From calling meals “powerups” to rest time being “respawn” to having a mystery box quad party, we’re going all in. The theme lets us put a twist on old traditions but also introduces a whole new world of opportunity that Winters has never

a: Which event are you most excited about? j&t: Duck hunt. No, bubble soccer.

Actually, mystery box quad party.

Or boat cruise, that’s always cool.

But dat beach day at Wasaga, doe.

Or move in because the magic and anticipation is unreal. Halp.

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FEATURE

a: We actually had a lot of writers suggest articles for incoming Froshies who choose to opt out of frosh activities (due to shyness or the fear of not knowing anyone).

What would you say to an incoming freshman who is scared to be a part of frosh? j&t: These concerns are totally fair and valid. Winters specifically does everything we can to accommodate everyone. Whether you’re super outgoing or quiet and shy, there’s a place for you. Our boss team is also that diverse because our community is that diverse. Our advice is to try it because you can always scale back on going to all of the events and talk to like-minded bosses to find your own comfort level and the right way for you to fit into this new home and family.

a: What tips would you give to someone going into frosh, in terms of meeting new people? j&t: Everyone is in the same boat.

You can be shore that everyone is experiencing wave after wave of emotions, nerves and excitement.

There’s dolphinatley bosses around to help frosh make lasting connections. Nerves will happen and diving right into the week can be scary but there is a community of people that want nothing more than to make the same connections that you’re after. a: We often have a lot of commuters!

What sort of accommodation are you providing for commuters? j&t: There is a commuter room for commuter Frosh to put their things in during the day. Then, at night,

we offer commuter sleepover! It’s basically a giant slumber party and it’s awesome. We also offer showers in the mornings for Frosh who want to be clean for whatever weird reason. a: How should incoming froshies prepare themselves for the upcoming year? To what extent does frosh allow for a smooth transition into university life? j&t: Be willing and open to new experiences. Never be afraid to seek advice and find what works best for you. a: What’s the most exciting thing about being a part of Winters? What about winters should be making the incoming freshmen feel at home with the Winters community? j&t: Winters is more than a community. It is a home and a family. It’s a space that allows

Winters is more than a community. It is a home and a family. you to be who you are with no judgement. Differences are celebrated and friendships that last a lifetime are formed. a: What is one of the things that really made you feel at home in Winters?

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j&t: Walking into the Ab alone knowing that you’ll be seated among friends in no time is a feeling that you can’t put a price on. That’s what it means to be home. There are also so many ways to get involved and meet new people. We met some of our best friends (including each other) through playing intramurals with Winters. Everyone has the opportunity to find their version of home. a: Just for some insight, what were you like­—as a freshman? tegan: I was head-over-heels in love with Winters from day one of my Frosh Week. I got out of my van after a 5 hour drive from Ottawa to a guy with an afro yelled at me to give him my mini fridge so he could carry it for me. He ended up being the closest thing I’ve ever had to a brother. I started playing soccer and gradually making more friends.

ARTICHOKE

I started going to the Ab in my 2nd year. In my first year, I’ll admit, I was a little intimidated of the Ab but as I spent more time in Winters, I found myself as a person and found my spot in this crazy fucking family. jeff: I wasn’t involved. Before coming to York I was crazy involved in high school, college and work.

When I first came to York, I came here to do school. Then, halfway through first year I knew I wasn’t having a good time because I wasn’t involved. I didn’t do frosh, I wasn’t playing sports, I just came to campus for class and then went home. That’s when I made a change and I tried my best to get involved and now here I am. a: What has been the best part about being an O-Chair so far? j&t: We get to see first hand how much love and passion runs through

this college and university. Working with all of the other O–Chairs and Presidents from all the different colleges and faculties that are doing Frosh Week has been unreal. Seeing so many people work their buns off towards a common goal is beautiful. a: State one funny thing about your Co-o-chair? jeff: Tegan has a statistic that I like to tease her about. You should ask her in person. But let’s just say she’s 100%. tegan: 90% of the debates that Jeff gets into are with himself. I just sit back and watch. Sometimes it… Jeff just threw part of a tree at my face and asked me if it cut me like a little bitch. Then he gave me permission to kill a deer fly that was on his longboard and now he’s lying in the grass making car noises and this is literally my life.

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FEATURE

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ARTICHOKE

MAJOR: PHILOSPHY Philosophy Isn’t Dead, It Was Just On Life Support

BY SUSAN CHEN

We often ask what is the use of philosophy? Stephen Hawking famously wrote in his book, The Theory of Grand Design, “philosophy is dead”. Throughout history, philosophy has always been the dominant field if human beings wanted to attain some kind of ultimate truth about the nature of reality. It was not until science became the dominant discipline that philosophy experienced a gradual collapse. But—given that philosophy is a kind of inquiry—and given that science is only a special, more

Major Speak

precise kind of inquiry—the only difference it has with philosophy is that it yields tangible results that are otherwise, in-executable by philosophy. We have the scientific method, and physical procedures competing with the nonphysical, logical procedures that requires only the mechanics of the human mind.

It is thus, persuading to conclude that philosophy is horribly weak because it heavily involves human subjectivity: it involves us to solely think about things, rather than go out and measure things. Now,

my intent here is not to persuade you of switching your major to philosophy, but rather—to show you how philosophy is a catalyst in the whole of all intellectual life.

Philosophy—in its totality—is the soil in which seeds sprout, and trees grow. Philosophy—in its totality—is far from dead.

Often, philosophy wears the facade of complexity. The way academia has communicated philosophy is rather knotting to the average mind. It is not actually as complicated as it seems. Once we omit the useless jargon, the skies clear, and we get to meet the discipline more accurately. So what is philosophy, essentially? Can everyone be a philosopher, and what use is philosophy if it is “dead”?

Well first, philosophy or philosophia in Greek, means: love of wisdom. To love wisdom is to love learning, and to love learning, one must first have a deepening itch for truth. Second, I highly regard that all human beings are natural philosophers. We are curious beings who are determined to make the unknown known. A philosopher is a participating observer of his or her’s existence.

A philosopher is an artist—he or she is very creative; he or she may need to be multiple people at once.

Why? Because overall, a philosopher is a dedicated investigator of all

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possible perspectives while in the pursuit of truth. This is highly beneficial when it comes to making decisions in all aspects of our lives.

Third, given that philosophy is such a broad discipline, its usage depends on the individual. If all knowledge has equal application in any given situation, then knowledge is dependent upon the individual who sees its use. Philosophy is an excellent way to exercise one’s critical thinking skills by strengthening one’s ability to be divergent and convergent with all kinds of information. In the age of information, and in an age that puts emphasis on individualism and entrepreneurship, philosophy seems to be one of the wiser routes to explore. Oh, and lastly, philosophy is an excuse to be curious and awed.

The incomparable, immeasurable satisfaction one experiences when a thing is realized—it is as if equivalent to Christopher Columbus—he was one of the first people to discover a new world.

And in a way, the philosopher also discovers a new “world”: a new truth. So my apologies, Dr. Hawking—philosophy is very much still alive. Without philosophy, science particularly, cannot further persist in new directions. Without philosophy, science ceases to locate where to water the soils.

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ARTICHOKE

JEAN BAUDRILLARD WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE

BY RIELLE ULLBERG

I often consider the value of theory. Most of my classes are taught exclusively on communication theory, marketing strategy, aesthetic design and the like. Practical applications of this knowledge are often entirely absent from the discussion. I have learned to tolerate and find personal academic value in understanding and digesting the abstracted concepts taught in university classes, but it occurs to me, what value does academic theory really bring to my life?

University academia proves to be less about learning tangible skills and more about learning how to think, persevere, and survive in the world that has been constructed. As a summer intern, I am beginning to understand how corporate mechanisms work to

sustain the rhetorical structure of academia. It’s all bureaucracy, inter-departmental cooperation, office morale, and facilitating effective communication. From the entry‑level position I inhabit, corporate theory and strategy is much more useful to me than tangible skills.

As one co-worker said, it is much better to “learn by fire,” as in, acquire skills on-the-job, than it is to learn skills in school and try to apply them after the fact. I am presently performing office administrative duties, which require fairly little specialized skills, and an enormous amount of chess-like strategy and manipulation of the office environment, which either brings me success or proves me a failure.

MAJOR SPEAK

Navigating the tumultuous waters of organizational hierarchies within the company structure has proven an easy challenge for me, and I have communications theory to thank. The CEO at my company likes to ground his corporate work in theory presented by relevant academic scholars. As a software developer in the technological revolution, he has found special kinship with the writings of Jean Baudrillard. For any communications major, this guy Baud is a killer. I remember crying while reading his “Ideological Genesis of Need.” It was two in the morning in October 2014, I couldn’t understand why he had to be purposefully exclusionary in his writing, and I was crying. Come May 2015, one week into my internship and I notice everyone buzzing about this book that our CEO has left on the reception couches. So I picked up the small little novella assuming it was going to be a published work by the CEO, or some literature on the company. Lo and behold, it was Jean Baudrillard’s “The Ecstasy of

Communication.” This was still the first days of my job, and I have honestly nothing better to do, so I picked up the book and began pursuing it at my desk, thinking I might as well add hellish Baudrillard to the monotony of a Thursday afternoon at my desk in reception.

Along comes the CEO, cheerily ready to leave work for the day, and he spots me flipping through the pages of the book. “You know,” he says, “That’s a really important piece of work. His theory is directly related to what we try to accomplish as a company in information technology.” I look stunned for several moments and then, with as much blasé posturing as I can muster, I reply “Yeah, absolutely...

I love Baudrillard.” This earns me a huge grin, a high five, a few words of praise from an accompanying co-worker who claims “He [the CEO] has been waiting to hear that all week!” Brownie points with the boss, which I thought would never taste quite so good, have suddenly flooded my desk. He leaves after

13 I promise to read the entire book, a task yet to be completed, and I thank my lucky stars for that sad October morning when I absolutely couldn’t stand another dribbling page of Baud’s writing. As it turns out, all that communications theory was useful to me in a way I absolutely could not expect.

I guess this is my attempt to bring up morale. I’ve been questioning my decision to stay the course of university, rather than attend college. I’ve been filled with doubtful hesitation towards my professors and their subject matter.

But fear not, as we enter in to the university’s dank brutalist halls this September, there is value to be found. The benefits of your time in school are likely to visit you thorough out the rest of your life and surprise you in unexpected ways, continuously. Good luck!

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ARTICHOKE

BREAKING FREE

BY KATHERINE COLLIER

Broken It’s times like these Where the pain fades To nothing at all That I look at myself I look at my arms And I see them Bare Plain And I feel they need to have Something to give them a little Depth Scar them Tear them up Like my soul Maybe the pain will make me Feel

No. I can’t let others see my pain I can’t let the world see my pain This is my cross to bare My pain to bare They can’t find out how truly Broken I am.

The Cycle Life is a cycle Of never ending pain but I can make it through

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Creative

The Broken Cycle Free I am finally Free.

The cycle of pain It’s broken I can make it through I can be All that I want to be.

This This is my happy life

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ARTICHOKE

INSPIRATION FROM THE

BY CHANTAÉ CANDIZE

Toronto. Home to one of the world’s most diverse communities filled with culture, delicious meals, groovin’ music festivals, outstanding talent, and absolutely picture perfect (let’s be real, for Instagram) views from any beautifully crafted location of the blooming city. Toronto is a place we all can call home and feel safe and sound on even the gloomiest of days.

Our city is all that I know— born and raised and I couldn’t be more in love with this place. With the flourishing tourist attractions, pan am games settling their way in and the warmest people who share welcoming and comforting smiles create this everlasting and indescribable electricity in the air. There is this sense of pride

and acceptance as we boast and absorb the astonishing city. The overwhelming outreach for support and words of encouragement are etched in the city streets and our passionate souls.

We have a little taste (literally and figuratively) of every culture imagined. Little Italy that runs from College Street all the way through to St. Claire, to Chinatown on Spadina and the feels of Jamaica on Eglinton West. There is so much to learn and take in when you reside in a city like ours and with that, inspiration truly surrounds us. Walk the streets of Queen St. West that was deemed that second coolest street in the whole entire world according to Vogue Magazine. Seriously. There is an immense amount of eye catchers,

head turners, spunky shopping, vegan eats, and awesome photoops to acknowledge and study, or casually glance and pass with a nod of the head. Or be like me, and take a seat watch the “happy go lucky” of our city burst into laughter and cheers with one of a kinds and make you understand why Toronto is place to be. There’s something about the city where getting lost can only open your eyes and mind to new adventures and experiences all that inspire and drive you to do better.

Do more.

It feels as if there is a hand knitted blanket wrapped around Toronto as we all feel as one. The sense of minorities isn’t present because well simply, we’ve got a bit of all. There’s so much we learn off

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CREATIVE

of each other’s unique cultures, the diversity unites us and sets us apart from cities around the world.

Toronto is home, happiness, love and comfort and all things great. But who am I kidding, Toronto now known as #THESIX thanks to our dedicated Torontoions that fill the “Jurassic Park” rain or shine outside of the ACC to show love for our boys on the Raptors.

The outpour of love floods our feeds and makes waves worldwide that allows for Toronto to make a clean cut stamp on the map.

There’s just something about this place we call Toronto. Home.

We’re safe and sound.

Photograph taken by Michaela De Waal from her balcony in the Annex Area.

#THESIX

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SUMMER OF GIRLWAVE

ARTICHOKE

BY NADIA ROMPAS

Open your music library and count how many indie female musicians you have. Mine is around twenty-six out of four hundred and sixty two artists— including non-exclusively all-girl acts. Although this may be due to subjectivity of music taste, I think it is safe to say that women are not in the spotlight as often as men, especially in the world of alternative music.

However, there has been a spur of notable female acts that have caught the attention of many people this summer, including mine, who are mainly from the DoIt-Yourself bedroom music scene.

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ENTERTAINMENT

GIRLPOOL

FRANKIE COSMOS

Philadelphia-based duo Girlpool bring passionate and quirky music with a simple guitar, bass and microphone setup, which can be found consistently in their Junereleased debut LP, Before The World Was Big. While Cleo Tucker and Harmony Tividad’s soulful plucking and nostalgic lyrics may sound too familiar, it is their strong in-sync vocals that make them different and instantly gripping. On top of that, their young ages (18- and 19- years old) contribute to their evergrowing list of impressive qualities.

Listen to: “Before the World Was Big” and “Ideal World.”

Brooklyn songwriter Greta Kline (a.k.a Frankie Cosmos) has come a long way from putting out free acoustic songs on Bandcamp to releasing her first in-studio album Zentropy last year. As Kline’s delicate vocals and bright melodic hooks are staples in her pop sound, she delivers them through a simple yet eccentric performance at Smiling Buddha this summer. With a live show that parallels the record’s quality, she brings a more personal dimension to her songs on-stage by adding in cute short dances and a shy personality. Listen to: “Buses Splash With Rain” and “On The Lips.”

WAXAHATCHEE Ivy Tripp is the third full-length effort from Waxahatchee – a project

by Alabama singer-songwriter Katie Crutchfield – that came out earlier this year. Playing at a soldout Toronto show back in May, it is evident that she has caught many ears through her lo-fi, demo-tape vibe and personal lyrics, that stems from her prior involvement in a fair share of DIY punk bands. Listen to: “Air” and “Under A Rock.”

ESKIMEAUX Associated with Frankie Cosmos as her live keyboardist, Gabrielle Smith’s bedroom pop project, Eskimeaux, shares a similar musical style but with softer vocals and more electronic instruments.

Her newest album, O.K., released in May 2015, consists of eleven tracks that takes you from fragile emotional grounds to fun dance floor atmospheres. The simple pop structure enables Smith’s shining voice to be put in the forefront, and thus, her songs are offers solid tunes for a chilled out day. Listen to: “Folly” and “Broken Necks.”

MILK AND BONE After their debut album Little Mourning got nominated for the 2015 Polaris Music Prize, it is hard to not include the Montréal duo on this list. Camille Poliquin and Laurence Lafond-Beaulne produce electropop tunes based on slow punchy dance beats and piano-driven airy melodies that are covered with dainty vocal harmonies. By having complementary personalities that transfers creatively, their chemistry comes through effortlessly in the duo’s laidback tunes. Listen to: “New York” and “Coconut Water.”

WARPAINT If you are looking for an all-girl band in a traditional band setup, then this Los Angeles-based fourpiece might be the one. Touring in support of their 2014 self-titled LP, the group stopped by Toronto’s Adelaide Hall during this year’s North by Northeast (NXNE). Known to deliver a groove-heavy set led by Theresa Wayman and Emily Kokal’s haunting voices, Warpaint’s sound is somehow dark and hypnotic but still incredibly danceable. Listen to: “Disco//very” and “Bees.”

Images courtesy of unsplash.com

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ARTICHOKE

Action and Bronson

BY PETER ELLMAN

By now this might have come and gone completely from your newsfeeds, but this summer Action Bronson was scheduled and then removed as a headliner at Dundas Square for NXNE. When he was initially announced as the headliner, fans cheered, and others took issue with his violently misogynist lyrics. Torontonian Erica Shiner started a change.org petition, “Stop Action Bronson From Performing at Yonge and Dundas Square,” citing the lyrics to the song “Consensual Rape” and the music video for “Brunch” which you can look up on your own. NXNE responded, at first defending their schedule and advising concertgoers to check out another showcase; then they acknowledged the issue and said they were in discussion with the community; then they cancelled Bronson and booked Shad as the replacement.

Aside from his lyrics and music video performance, Action Bronson has a quite storied and problematic history with violence and hate speech. Pitchfork reported on a 2012 incident in which Bronson “went on a Twitter tear in which he posted Instagram photos of a supposedly incapacitated transgender person that a friend of his had poured water on.” Bronson responded with disrespectful and abusive language, including “I love gay people. Trannies not so much.”

Back to summer 2015, when Bronson was canned by NXNE: his fans and supporters decried the cancellation as censorship and an infringement on free speech, but was it? Numerous commentators have pointed out that no one is arresting Bronson or telling him what kinds of art he can or cannot make. He is not even being told not to perform in Toronto at all, just not in a public space

like Dundas Square (indeed NXNE offered to book him at a private ticketed club where is fans could still seek out his art). As Lisa Ladouceur wrote on the topic, “freedom of speech isn’t freedom from consequence.” In an op-ed on homophobia in electronic DJ culture, Jonny Coleman wrote “Critics—civilians—are simply expressing their right to disagree, shame, protest, and boycott, which— you guessed it—is what the First Amendment is all about”. Artists may still be free to say and do more or less anything, but that doesn’t mean they are exempt from public outcry, or any of these possible reactions.

ENTERTAINMENT

NXNE

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Free Speech, Hate Speech, and Hip Hop

Another issue brought up in relation to this discussion is that of misogyny, homophobia, and transphobia as genre traits in hip hop. Critics characterize the whole genre as violent and misogynist by default (often based in generalizations or misinterpretation), while “free-speech”-defenders expect some kind of pass because it’s just part of the style. While there is a grain of truth in this, and it is somewhat explainable, it is only a grain, and it is becoming less and less excusable in the new millennium. Historically, African American men have

been emasculated by white men (grown men being called “boy”), and have had their sexualities policed (via miscegenation laws and the like). Since hip hop began as a largely African American musical phenomenon, these sexual tensions were exorcised lyrically. This could take the form of hyper-masculinist performance, including fraternal love juxtaposed with dismissal or even derision of women or LGBT people. That’s the story anyway.

Others argue that hip hop has been no more misogynist or homophobic than mainstream culture generally, and that if anything, the potential for raw honesty in hip hop lyrics just exposes and amplifies these tensions.

Either way, Action Bronson is a white rapper so the “race” element is even less relevant to his case. He is living and working in a time when these negative ideas in hip hop (and mainstream culture generally) are dissolving faster than ever thanks largely to the connectivity of social media and the internet’s democratization of information­—hate speech is becoming less and less excusable. Many hip hop fans are flocking to LGBT performers like Frank Ocean and Angel Haze, and enjoying more progressive ideas like that of Macklemore’s song “Same Love” or the uniting and egalitarian positivity of Shad. If recent events are any indication, we are living in an age where musicians are judged not just on their art, but on their real world conduct and social media output as well.

Let this summer set a precedent and act as a warning for future performers who would perform on public stages: you can still say whatever you want, but so can your audience, so you’d better be ready for some real dialogue.

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ARTICHOKE

BETWEEN

BY ELIJAH BUDGEON

The Golden Age of Comics began approximately around 1938. The Great Depression was on its way out and war against the Third Reich brewed on the horizon. During this time, comics were strings of panels that were only really seen in newspapers and would be reprinted in book form.

There were a few different games in town, the two most notable of them being Detective Comics and Timely Comics, who we now know as DC Comics and Marvel Comics respectively.

Action Comics #1 began the Golden Age and the superhero genre with the debut of Superman who fought for the common man and liberal values, facing off against corrupt businessmen. Superhero comics weren’t the only genre available. Newsstands sold horror and romance comics as well, but when Superman proved to be successful, more and more comics were churned out between 1938 and 1941 with people running around in garish costumes and secret identities, producing characters

like Batman and Robin, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, HawkMan, the Atom, and the Flash while Timely Comics produced Namor the Submariner, the Human Torch and Captain America.

Superman knew only one real rival in the beginning, and that rival was Captain Marvel published by Fawcett Comics, a boy that shouted a magic word and became a man with speed and strength comparable to the Man of Steel, who even outsold him at newsstands. Captain Marvel was a prime example of wish fulfilment. Kid sidekicks like Robin and Bucky Barnes were conceived to be the young reader’s way in, to fantasize about fighting crime with their hero. Captain Marvel was different because he was the hero. Instead of fantasizing about fighting with the heroes, you get to fantasize about growing big and strong and being the hero. Detective Comics felt that Fawcett Comics’ own super-powered strong man

ENTERTAINMENT

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PANELS A Golden Age Explained

looked enough like Superman that they sued Fawcett, a legal battle that dragged into the 50’s. The kids never knew the difference though.

Comics were an escape from the dirty 30’s depression and there was room enough in the kid’s heart for two.

When World War II began, the superheroes fought the war before real life American soldiers entered the war themselves. Superman took out Hitler and Stalin in a few pages and dropped them off to the League of Nations to await punishment.

Captain America punched Hitler in the face in his debut issue Captain America #1. When Pearl Harbour was attacked by the Japanese, week after week stories were cranked out fighting the enemy. The Americans hadn’t forgotten about the Germans, but they mostly turned their attention to their fanged or bucktoothed attackers. Heroes enlisted in the army, and even took an aside to urge the kids reading at home to help the war effort by spending a dime to buy war bonds, and collecting materials like tin, scrap metal, and paper for recycling— the comics being the first to get recycled.

Once the war was over, some lost interest in super hero comics and turned their attention to other genres like comedy, romance, and westerns while in the meantime output had be scaled down from wartime numbers. Even some of the creative teams wanted to do something other than superheroes.

Heroes like Batman sort of lost their edge and became lawful authority figures of the establishment instead of vigilantes who operated on the fringes of the law—in fact the only heroes who endured the era of war were Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, with the rest falling to the wayside. The Golden Age came to an end in the early 1950’s, ushering in the brave, bold, and weird Silver Age.

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ARTICHOKE

HARRISON WELLS How the perfect villain and more raised The Flash to greatness

BY COLE KENNEDY

Harrison Wells represents the most intriguing villainous aspect of all: the hidden evil, the one we don’t explicitly know about, perhaps until it’s too late. Early on in the show’s run, Wells was revealed as something sinister. From then on, he only grew more sinister, more intriguing, and someone you couldn’t keep your eyes off of, not that you wanted to. The CW’s The Flash recently concluded its premiere season, and things could not have gone much better. Already setting records such at the CW, The Flash has established itself as legitimately great television. The Flash was successful for a number of reasons: Grant Gustin’s outstanding performance, the special effects,

the dynamic relationship between Barry and Iris, the diverse cast of supporting characters, etc.

However, it was the show’s villainous representation of the mysterious Harrison Wells and their unique adaptation of the original Flash comic books that attributed most to the show’s standout first year.

The Flash set itself apart from other superhero shows that preceded it. Not only were the CGI and effects mesmerizing for a budgeted television series, but the handling of the characters and the comic mythology by the show’s creators helped place The Flash at a higher standard than other shows like Gotham or even Arrow. The

show truly presented its audience with an appropriate “comic book adaptation”, one that didn’t simply employ the exact elements of the lore it was based on, but one that changed just the right amount of narrative material to peak the interest of both comic and noncomic readers alike. I like to think of myself as someone fairly well versed in the comic book mythology, my favorite character being the Scarlet Speedster himself, and even I was surprised by the many twists and turns that were developed, namely the ongoing mystery of Harrison Wells.

Wells, or at least the steady, well-choreographed progression of the character, is one of the biggest

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ENTERTAINMENT

Image drawn by Cole Kennedy

reasons for the show’s escalating success. Wells is a villain that we love to hate, or is it hate to love?

In either case, he was enjoyable to watch. Villains propel the story.

After all, it’s the villains who create the catalyst or the jeopardy that forces the hero to leap into action.

Without the villain, the hero serves a much smaller purpose. The fact of the matter is, we as a society enjoy taking a glimpse at the darker side of things every once and a while, and villains act as a gateway into those darker portrayals.

Often, the most intriguing segments of the show were the 30-second teases at the end of each episode, giving us a small glimpse at the inner mastermind behind his

exterior façade. Never had there been a more alluring and engrossing question than: “Who Is Harrison Wells?” Even when we received an answer we still didn’t know who he really was. The real answer was only a half-truth, and that is an incredible understatement. Even those who suspected Wells’ true identity, and were correct, were baffled by the number of layers that identity truly had. That’s what makes a great villain: layers. The Flash’s villainous, devious, and perfectly executed portrayal of Harrison Wells cemented him as one of the best villains in recent memory. And if villains truly do propel the story, create the scenarios that push the hero into

action, then what Wells contributed to The Flash helped confirm it as the great series we know it to be.

The Flash has proven itself to be one of the best comic book adaptations, both on the big and small screen. The best part is that for all The Flash has accomplished, and for all the success it has amassed, it’s only just concluded its first of many more great years to come.

Correction: the best part is that actor Tom Cavanagh remains listed as a series regular. This is surprising given certain events in the season finale, but whether this means he’s returning as Harrison Wells or his alter ego, I’m glad that he, and his undoubtedly deep character, is returning.

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ARTICHOKE

SAY GOODBYE TO THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

BY PHOEBE GIBB

Of all the factors that go into making your first year of university a positive and pleasant experience (or not), your roommate may be the most significant and inescapable. They’re there for you when it seems like nobody else is; they have to be. You live together.

To me, the topic of college roommates is a weird one, only because I seem to hear a different story every time. It amazes me how, when the combination is right, two strangers can become best friends after a year of rooming together, while others end the semester vowing never to share living quarters again. Are some people simply better equipped to be a potential roommate? Or is it all about how the roomies in question connect with each other?

When we look at it, the roommate selection process here at York is far from matchmaking perfection. By ticking off whether or not you sleep with the window open, play an instrument, or enjoy entertaining guests, you are given a list of names. From this list, it is up to you to contact these names and determine which one you are going to share everything with. Often, these names don’t become faces until move in day. I’m not suggesting there’s a more efficient way to pair roommates – I doubt there is – but when it comes down to it, it’s a gamble for those who don’t already have a

friend in mind to room with (and not all of those stories end happily, either.) Never-met roommates go from the impersonal to the extremely personal all in a day. And while that’s fine for some people, is there a textbook way to survive first year for those who realise they may not be roommate material?

The answer is probably no. Truth be told, not everyone is suited for #roomielife, but there are many reasons why people can feel trapped in it. For example, it’s strange that single room priority for first years goes to those who are above a certain average. Again, I realise there has to be some way to determine who gets these spots, and life is unfair. Even now I can hear my mother mimicking the angelic choir voices: you can’t always get what you want. First year is all about rolling with the punches, after all. Maybe you’ve never shared your room before, or maybe you and your roomie have different ideas of what a fun Friday night looks like. You can be introverted and antisocial without being a lousy roommate, so long as you make an effort to talk to one another.

Communication is key to a successful roommateship (and most other kinds of relationships, while we’re at it). Your roommate sees an unedited version of yourself, quite possibly your worst self, and

Lifestye

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You can’t always get what you want that can be uncomfortable for the both of you when the only things you know about each other are bad habits and sleeping preferences. It doesn’t matter if you consider yourself to be low maintenance or easy to live with, if you don’t talk with your roommate, you won’t stop being strangers, and nobody wants to live with a stranger. Talk to your roommate, and try to do it frequently. For some this is a no brainer, but for others, it can be challenging. It makes it easier to share a space when you can also share a conversation and get to know where each other are coming from. Your roommate doesn’t vanish when you leave the room. Remember that they’re experiencing their first year too, and it can be helpful for both of you to talk about stuff, ask each other questions, and vent.

That being said, you don’t have to be best friends with your roommate. I’ve witnessed some roomies spending every minute together, in and out of residence, and that’s definitely not for everybody. The other key to your roommateship is an understanding, which is best reached through communication (see above paragraph.)

To avoid overstepping boundaries, make the Rules of the Room explicitly clear. Worst-case scenario, it’s an awkward conversation, but it’s well worth having.

Without it, a silent misunderstanding of the Rules can

manifest and even the simplest of chores, like taking out the trash, are met with passive aggression. When you know what you expect from each other, there is no room for misinterpretation and resentment. You can bypass gross confrontation by letting your roommate know what you need from them, and by respecting what they need from you. But if something isn’t working, don’t avoid talking to your roomie. A healthy roommate equilibrium can only be met when both sides are in tune with each other.

First year is not something I would willingly repeat. It’s hard enough without realising that maybe you’re not so great at this whole roommate thing. With communication and a mutual understanding, you won’t have to stress about making your roommateship work, and you can focus on stressing out about other things.

And remember, it’s only for 8 months (assuming your school doesn’t go on strike). If you’re lucky, by the time the semester has ended you’ll have found yourself a valuable learning experience and maybe a lasting friendship. Unless your roommate is the one from 2011’s The Roommate. Then I’m sorry.

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ARTICHOKE

HEALTH FIRST!

BY MELISSA D’ANGELO

Welcome back for returning students and staff!

And a big warm welcome to our new students reading our first health article of 2015! With the beginning of a new semester, students often get easily distracted, whether learning their way around campus, figuring out books and classrooms, discovering tricks to studying and proper note-taking, or even forgetting that once in a while we all need a break. When creating a routine, its best to keep in mind a few health factors: diet, fitness, and mental health.

Here’s a list of habits you should try to get into to keep on top of your health and your studies:

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LIFESTYLE

1. FINDING THE RIGHT STUDY SPACE It’s best to figure this out early in the game. The worst thing to encounter is the inability to find a spot at Scott Library. There’s usually room on the quiet floors (#4-5) however, for athletes especially as they’ll usually be lifting, maybe consider the Tait lounge. You may even want to try the colleges around campus (Stong has a great student lounge downstairs). Also, consider doing work without music… yes this seems hard to most of us, but as some of you may learn in psyc 1010: you want to learn in an environment similar to that which you will write your exams in. What does that mean? Consider this: our brain associates in order to remember. So if you study and work with music, it’s assumed that you do best with a song on… during your tests, you won’t have that music to listen to in order to recall your notes. Try to get into this habit!

2. SNACKING The best way to keep your metabolism running is by eating frequently. This doesn’t mean huge meals, but small snacks. Every hour or two, you should aim to eat something small and healthy in order to keep producing energy and using it right away, rather than your body storing it, as this gets stored as fat. Try to have a fruit or veggies: personally, I like having a bag of carrots or grapes when I’m doing homework.

3. ASKING FOR HELP You’ll frequently be reminded that when you need help, you can always visit your department or make an advising appointment at

Central Square. It’s best to learn sooner rather than later that sometimes answers you’re seeking are easier to access than you think.

Consider asking people in the college you are affiliated with, and notice the clubs they host. We have hundreds of clubs to choose from, including homework groups and help with Learning Strategies (This one’s found through cds). Speaking of cds (Counselling and Disability Services)… don’t be afraid to need to talk. cds provides counselors as well as help with classes when it comes to mental health. An obvious hard topic, however, this department is super helpful… and… it’s free.

4. SPARE TIME Use this wisely: you wont get much of it. Perhaps you’re tired of making notes and reading. The best thing to do is create a routine where you make small breaks for yourself.

It’s taught that our brains need a break every so often as we lose focus or interest over long periods of time. If you struggle with this, try to have small 10-minute breaks after every 30 minutes of studying.

You can increase incrementally as you become comfortable with your study patterns.

5. WORKING OUT/FITNESS Everyone will have a period where they become obsessed with the gym… problem with most is that they cannot commit after some time. It’s best to try to exercise, as it’s not just healthy, but mentally stimulating. It’s said that a workout helps you retain information and better study. It’s also a great way to meet new people! Visit Tait McKenzie where you can join teams (recreational and varsity), clubs,

and partake in classes (we have yoga and martial arts too!). You want to try to go at least 2-3 times a week for at least 45 minutes with a 10-minute warm-up and cool down. If you need some help, there are trainers you can ask or even the students helping at the desk (both at the building and gym entrances).

There are free day lockers – bring your own lock – and lockers to rent throughout the year. Get familiar with the gym: it’s fun and rewarding.

6. BEING SOCIAL Remember that humans are interacting beings and we all need a break from school every so often.

Aside from York’s many clubs, there is also the Underground, Student Centre, Tait, Theatre, CDS, workshops, and college-affiliated activities to take part in. There’s so much to do at the post-secondary level, and you’ll come to see that our campus is like a small city, housing many communities of individuals.

Your task: go out there and find your niche.

Feel free to ask our magazine any questions you may have and don’t hesitate to ask me for health and fitness tips!

dangelo5@my.yorku.ca @mdangelo15

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ARTICHOKE

BY DIANA EDELHAUSER

We thought we’d seen the last of it a little over a decade ago, but the zig-a-zig-ahh of the nineties is back in all its berry-lipped glory. Widely known that the saying “history repeats itself” is most vividly seen in fashion, the last decade of the twentieth century is the decade of the supermodel and sexy-grunge. Luckily, its comeback shows us that what it really was: the decade of “Yes! I can finally wear my ugliest sweaters and feel really fab in them!”. Because really, again with the rubber shoes that make your feet smell? Again with the Bam-Bam pony tails? Hell yea! Hit me [with these trends] one more time!

The simple answer to what you should do to get back into the nineties groove is to throw away all your previous inhibitions and misconceptions that fashion is restrictive. Perhaps the most beautiful thing about clothing and makeup and playing with aesthetics is the fact that there are no rules, and the 90s exemplify this creative freedom perfectly. With so many influences emerging in the nineties, it’s so easy to let loose and have fun.

Or get grungy and throw on some dark lipstick. Or wear Union Jack dresses (Hey, Ginger Spice!).

Lifestyle

Comeback Trends that I Will Always Greet with Arms Wide Open (if you don’t get that reference, we need to talk) Rich, brooding berry lips: Finally, I can wear my mac Smoked Purple lippy in full daylight and feel fierce.

Deep dark lips were a fashion staple of the 90s that are thankfully making their way back to the scene. A little bit intimidating at first, deep purples and maroons are universally flattering on any skin tone (just swatch till you find your fave) and as the proud owner of over 15 shades of mac lipstick, darks are the most alluring. They make your features pop while giving you some serious edge. Think Cindy Crawford circa 1992 (meaning keep the eyes natural and your skin dewy).

Chokers: Hated these in grade 7, love them now. I probably would’ve been grounded for even wanting to wear these back in the real nineties (also cause I was 5 back then so…), but now you can find them for about $4 at Claire’s and they’re kinda cute! If you want to add some danger (literally, these used to seem so life threatening omg) to your look and make people think you’re super hardcore when really you’re still decorating your binder with stickers, these are for you.

Doc Martens: This one, I’m not thrilled about but many are. Hey, enjoy.

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Jelly Sandals: These should be sold with foot deodorizer as a public service, but the story behind jellies is quite fascinating: they were created in France post-World War II during the time of the European leather shortage.

They come in tons of colours, although we all know clear sparkly is the only way to go, they’re washable (please don’t forget that­—they are washable) and they’re so darn fun! Grab a pair at Little Burgundy, Capezio or American Apparel.

Flannel: Guys never really stopped wearing this, which is probably the only indication that guys aren’t always wrong (sorry). The flannel shirt is foundational to nailing the nineties grunge look, be it tied around your waist with some torn up jeans and a crop, or flung over your floral skate dress. You (and your parents) probably remember some heavy flannel action going on with Claire Danes in My So-Called Life. Flannel really hit its peak when Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain showed us how its done (if yours smells like teen spirit, buy a new one they’re everywhere).

Things That Should Stay in the Nineties: Crimped hair, bowl cuts parted down the center, hoop earrings + bandana combo, culturally inappropriate cornrows, crinkle shirts (?!?!?!?!?!) and Nickelback (they were formed in 1995, and should’ve ended there).