Atlas Magazine

fi r s t y

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r u o Y r Wea n o e s Cau e v e e l S Your

Industry Professionals answer your burning questions

She’s the First: Educating Females Worldwide

editor’s note

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here is a first time for everything. There is no way around it. Whether it’s a first annual fundraiser, a first dollar earned, a first job; these events are monumental in the lives of an organization, a business, and an individual.

Good, bad, or absolutely absurd, firsts cannot be forgotten.

Although I have tried to forget it, one first that I will always remember is my first kiss.

A scrawny, young lad of sixteen and I had walked away from our friends and were standing on a sand dune at Round Hill beach. It was just as romantic as it sounds—not at all. After staring at each other awkwardly for a few moments, my suitor wrapped me in his bony arms, pushed his tongue into my confused lips and proceeded to wiggle it around. I responded by immediately pulling away and exclaiming, “I’m sorry if I’m a bad kisser; I have a short tongue!”

While I continue to try to push that particular first out of my mind—thankfully— the debut issue of Atlas Magazine is a first that I know I will be glad to remember and am incredibly proud of. Throughout the issue, I hope that each of you enjoy interesting firsts from students, faculty, and staff, learn from the experiences of students in their first internships and alumni in their first jobs after graduating, and pick up a few tips on how to make a strong first impression in the workplace, the classroom and nights out on the town. You will also find healthy-living tips and DIY ideas for dorms and apartments, advice from industry professionals, and suggestions for places to visit and activities to partake in on campus and in the city.

Our staff hopes to act as a service to you in helping you make the most out of your time at Emerson.

I would like to sincerely thank our dedicated staff and each and every person who has helped this issue become not only a reality, but a professional, informative, and fun debut of the publication. Thank you for joining us on our monumental first, and I hope you enjoy the issue!

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SARAH DWYER Editor-in-Chief

Managing Editor RHEANNA BELLOMO Artistic Director KATIE REYNOLDS Design Team CHELSEY MOODY, ALICIA ZOLA, ALEXANDER PIERCE, MARISA PERKINS Campus Contributing Editors JOSHUA BARNABY, HOLLY VAN LEUVEN Writers CAITLIN ANDERS, CARA ROTSCHAFER Arts Editors REGINA MOGILEVSKYA, MAUREEN MCDERMOTT Writers ANNE WHITEHEAD, DANICA BURT, PATRICK DELGADO, RACHEL BIRKENTHAL Style Editor LAUREN BISCALDI Writers ALEKS FONSECA, CELINA COLBY, ISABELLA SETARO Health Editor TAMARA OMAZIC Writers ELIZABETH NASH, ASHLEY ALONGI, KIERSTON RUSDEN City Editor TANYA WLODARCZYK Writers SARAH RUGGIERO, CASSIE SCHAUBLE, ALEXA ZAHARES, MADELINE SMEATON Industry Editor Samantha Howell Writers MARISA FINKELSTEIN, STEPHANIE MICELI Globe Editor VALERIE ADAMSKI Writer JULIA DOMENICUCCI Blog Director LORENA MORA Writers ELIZABETH VENERE, JAMIE LOFTUS, DEVON KOTCH, KENDYLL BOUCHER, ALEJANDRA LEE, BRYCE FALLON, MIRIAM AVILA, ANGELA FERRAGUTO, CHRIS PECK Photography/Copy/Marketing Photography Editor LAURA FRANZINI Photographers KATIE OUELLETTE, MADELINE SMEATON, NICK HAYES Copy-editors CHRISTINE GRANT, AMBER CUNNINGHAM, CHELSEY FALCO, MEREDITH MANN, TESS FLETCHER Marketing Directors MARISA FINKELSTEIN, ARIEL ROSEN Treasurer ALESSANDRA DIMONDA

01 E ’ N 02 M 03-04 T ditor s

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asthead able of

Contents

ARTS ehind the

Scenes:

the Musical Theatre Society’s Sweet Charity

07 A A C T 08 DIY: Make Your Own rt

lock

icks

Photo Trees

09-10 T

here’s

No Show

Like Homeland

11-12 P

icture

This: Potential

Oscar Nominees for Best Picture

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pen

15-24 W 25-28 F 29-32 U

ear

05-06 B s the

STYLE

Mic, Open Mind

Your Cause on Your Sleeve

ashionable ncovering

First Impressions Boston’s Underground Fashion Scene: The

story of three local designers and their haute couture pursuits

33-34 A

rts and

Stick Art

Crafts All Grown Up: DIY is the New Popsicle

HEALTH 35-36 H 37-38 M 39-40 F 41-42 G

ealthy

Microwavable Meals

ultitasking ood

Moves

Cures

Anxiety? Eighty percent of college student struggle with anxiety. The good news? There is help ot

CAMPUS 43 S P 44 F F 45-46 S 47-48 P taff

unny

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rofile:

Hanane Boumkan on Happiness

irsts

tudent

Showcase

rofile:

Tania Piao

Check out our style section on page 15

CITY

49 A N N 50 T MBTA P 51-52 C 53 F F D 54-56 A C ew

ame for

he

Beantown

ersonality

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estive

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Quiz: What Line of the T are you?

Cell Phone Coverage on MBTA

ates

affeinated

Boston

GLOBE 57-58 W 59 T 60 S ’

here in the

Nigerian Journalist: Profile on Abdulafiu Lawal

ales of a he s the

World?

First: Educating Females Worldwide

INDUSTRY 61-62 A 63 Y Q 64-65 K 66-67 T 68-69 E 70 I 71 V

lums’

our

First Jobs

uestions ing of

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Answered: Industry professionals answer your burning questions

Screens: Peter Rallis

First Internship

ntry-Level Jobs

nternship

Listings: Spring and Summer 2012

olunteer

Opportunities

ARTS Behind The Scenes Of Musical Theatre Society’s Sweet Charity by anne whitehead

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ith only four weeks to prepare for their performance, the members of the Musical Theatre Society (MTS) overcame intense rehearsals and tight time constraints for their presentation of the Broadway classic Sweet Charity. The ‘60s musical takes place in New York City where Charity Valentine is a dance hostess at the famous Fandango Club. The musical details Charity’s relationships with her fellow dancers and close friends Nickie and Helene. Most importantly, the production centers around Charity’s relationships with different men and her attempts to find the right one. Before a performance full of upbeat songs and sassy dancing could take the stage, there was an extensive planning process that started months in advance.

Senior theatre studies major and director of Sweet Charity, Alberto Familiar submitted his application to direct an MTS show in hopes of producing the well-known 1920s flapper musical Chicago. “You

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submit applications the semester before the semester you are proposing for. It’s a very official process with cover letters and resumes,” he said. “It’s just like you are applying for a job.”

The Executive Board of MTS, currently consisting of six members, receives a large amount of applications each semester.

“Throughout the programming for the entire year, all of the shows we’re doing complement each other in such a way that they give a variety of learning opportunities for everyone involved,” said senior musical theatre major Braden Joyce-Schleimer, MTS President.

Once the shows are decided, the Executive Board spends a great deal of time applying for the rights to produce each musical.

Hopeful actors, singers, and dancers auditioned for Chicago through the Common Auditions.

During this audition, everyone was required to perform a monologue and a song, but Familiar knew exactly what he was in search of in terms of talent. “You get a five minute chance to create an

impression,” he said. In two days, 80 people auditioned, and after a stressful round of callbacks, Familiar found his cast.

Familiar already began working on the intensive beginning stages of Chicago when he found out that the Executive Board was struggling to get the rights to the play.

Familiar had no choice but to move on quickly and worry about new things with its replacement Sweet Charity.

“Sweet Charity was the best transition from the show we had originally intended to do,” said Joyce-Schleimer. Familiar and the E-board had to keep the cast in mind at all times when deciding the new musical, in fear of losing participation.

“They wanted to keep the same cast and tried to give people who had leads [in the previous show] leads in this show,” sophomore acting major Victoria Petrosky said.

“They kept it as nice and fair as they could.” Petrosky was given a major role in Chicago and one of equal standing for Sweet Charity.

Almost all members cast for

Chicago saw Sweet Charity through to the end.

Because the theme of the musical is considered racy and even a bit scandalous, the costume design team worked hard to keep the cast looking classy. “If they’re dancing in a scandalous way, they don’t need to be dressed that way, too,” said junior design technology major, Dana Olinsky. She explained that it was important to find a balance between the cast looking like strippers and looking like showgirls.

Olinsky had an organized plan for handling the stress that came with the show change and short deadlines. “I make lists.

Today, I had to order leotards and sunglasses online. Later, I have to go through the script again and make a list of things I need to pull from the Emerson costume stock,” she said. In addition, Olinsky worked a little bit on the costumes each day whether it was paperwork or shopping.

As the show got closer, the time commitment definitely increased, but, thankfully, Olinsky had her assistant Haley Vigil working by her side. Although her lists kept her nerves under control, Olinsky did get butterflies before the show, even though she was backstage. “I get nervous during tech. I get nervous that the actors will say that they don’t like [their costume] or something won’t fit,” said Olinsky.

Since dance is Familiar’s strong suit, he wanted to direct a piece with a powerful dance component.

With Assistant Choreographer, Ashley Maietta, by his side, Familiar drew from all sources of his experience to make the choreography tell the story.

“With dance shows, usually the choreographer or the director either work very closely with each other or are the same person,” Familiar explained. By being both director and choreographer, Familiar was able to make sure that his vision for Sweet Charity was told through dance in the way he imagined it. He recognized that it is added work in terms of preparation, but he definitely did not mind.

Outside of the intense time commitment designated for rehearsals, the cast never stopped practicing. They even had a private Facebook group where choreography videos were shared so that everyone could practice and review the routines they just learned.

“Alberto calls it Sweet Charity boot camp” said Petrosky who played the role of Nickie, Charity’s best friend. “It’s good to really put all of your energy into one show for the next four or five weeks,” said Petrosky. Her favorite song is “Big Spender,” which is probably the most well-known song from the musical. Sweet Charity will featured colorful performances of

the popular songs “If My Friends Could See Me Now” and “I’m a Brass Band.”

Familiar’s rehearsals were four hours long, Wednesday through Sunday, but that didn’t mean the preparation stopped outside of rehearsal. Sweet Charity became a 24/7 endeavor for Familiar. “We are putting this show on with a four week rehearsal process, which is a very short amount of time for people who are not doing this professionally. So, it is a five days a week rehearsal process,” said Familiar.

As the director, Familiar was the equivalent of a teacher and had to make sure he came to rehearsals prepared to lead. He had to constantly think of the big picture because he recognized that the crew and cast mainly focused on their individual parts until it got closer to the show.

“You’re the one who has to be the most prepared, have the most knowledge on the show and have a very clear idea of what you want and where you want to get with what you’re doing,” he said. With between four and five weeks to rehearse in total (even less with the switch from Chicago to Sweet Charity), Familiar had a limited amount of time to prepare Sweet Charity for the stage, but he had a passionate and responsible cast that helped him present a fun and professional performance he could be proud of.

As The Art Clock Ticks by patrick delgado

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he clock strikes 4:00 p.m.

Chris MacNeil greets the priest who is set to treat her possessed daughter in The Exorcist.

A sickly Rosemary answers a phone call from her neighbor in Rosemary’s Baby. Dale and Saul wake up from a drug-induced haze in their car, trying to figure out where they are parked in Pineapple Express.

No, this is not an afternoon spent flipping through television channels.

It’s The Clock, a new exhibit at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, which has garnered much acclaim since its debut earlier this fall. The exhibit itself is composed of thousands of film and television clips that create a single 24-hour video, which perfectly syncs up with the time in its respective time zone. The Clock edits the sequences of thousands of these clips into a montage that indicates the exact minute in real time.

Christian Marclay, a world-renowned SwedishAmerican artist, created The Clock after decades of work.

His previous endeavors incorporating photography, video, film, and sound led up to his most ambitious work, which incorporates all of these aspects into one complex piece. The exhibit has been featured in numerous museums and art galleries around the world and was awarded a Golden Lion at the 2011 Venice Biennale, the international contemporary art exhibition. The Clock debuted at the White Cube gallery in London and then traveled to the Pompidou Centre in Paris and the Israel Museum in Jerusalem prior to its stay at the MFA. Each film clip is united by time, using clocks, watches, alarms, and other devices, to flow through each hour of the day. Emma Thompson brushes her hair before checking the

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time at 4:13, followed by Maggie Smith arriving at a friend’s house at 4:15. Interesting patterns occur throughout the 24-hour cycle of footage. In one sequence, Dustin Hoffman waits to meet with a politician during a scene from All The President’s Men, and a few moments later he meets with a divorce attorney in Kramer vs. Kramer.

Scenes play at intermittent lengths.

Some shots last a second while others play for much longer. Most of The

Clock’s scenes begin on an unrelated note, leaving audiences waiting for the eventual moment in which a character recites the time or a clock becomes visible. No clip lasts too long, quickly pulling the viewer out of the moment just as they get a chance to identify the piece of film or television it comes from.Watching for as little as half an hour allows one to be taken on a ride of nostalgia as the exhibit effortlessly interchanges recognizable and obscure films.

The audience reacts with typical excitement at scenes they recognize throughout the screening. One

woman signals to her husband when she recognizes Denzel Washington in a scene, while he later points out to her a sequence from the 1997 film Good Will Hunting.

The works featured in The Clock span both decades and countries. The 2000 Hong Kong film In The Mood For Love follows a scene from the 2006 Spanish film Volver. The films may not be recognizable to some in the audience, but they provide brief glimpses into the diverse cinema of every culture. However, perhaps the most interesting aspect of the exhibit is how prominent certain actors’ careers become. Besides Dustin Hoffman’s numerous appearances, Bruce Willis, Jack Nicholson, and Renée Zellweger come to view multiples times in a single sitting.

This is more than a simple showcase of familiar works, but rather it is an artwork of its own. Although the work keeps the time for you, using everything from sundials to digital alarms, audience members become so enamored with the experience that they forget its basic premise and continue to check their watches and cell phones throughout the display. The MFA’s hours prevent audiences from witnessing the after–hours segments of the work; however, the museum occasionally holds 24–hour screenings for those wishing to catch it in its entirety.

Originally scheduled to leave Boston during the first week of October, The Clock’s popularity has pushed the MFA to extend its run to the end of this year. Fans of contemporary art, film buffs, and casual viewers are sure to be delighted by The Clock’s unique vision. No one should miss the opportunity to catch a glimpse before time runs out.

Make Your Own Photo Trees

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by rachel birkenthal s the holiday season approaches, college students are scrambling to come up with inexpensive gifts for their family and friends. It may be easy to run down to Quincy Market and buy everyone a Norm Peterson magnet at the Cheers Store or a $10 gift card to Urban Outfitters, but these gifts have no personal touch (unless your dad really likes Norm Peterson). Get in touch with your crafty side and make some photo trees that are, depending on your levels of commitment and creativity, as fun to make as they are to get.

Most supplies can be purchased at the Target and Home Depot located in the South Bay Shopping Center off the Andrew Stop on the T’s Red Line.

Mother of Swirl. This tree adds a bit of sophisticated flair to any space. Start by

picking up a small glass fishbowl or short glass vase. We found a small, square glass vase at Target, but you can also search flea markets, thrift stores and antique shops for the perfect container that fits the personality of your gift recipie,nt. Stick some crafting wire into a small brick of floral foam or Styrofoam and bend it into swirls with varying degrees of “swirlitude.” These make fantastic holders for your classiest photographs and ticket stubs from performances at, say, the Boston Ballet or Boston Symphony Orchestra.

To really impress your gift recipient, snag some art postcards from the Museum of Fine Arts and place them in the swirls.

Au Natural. Feeling inspired by nature? Want to bring a little bit of beautiful fall

weather indoors before being enclosed by the white winter? Make this (literal) tree by heading out to the Common to pick out some moderately thick, “Y” shaped branches.

Insert them into a piece of floral foam or Styrofoam, and then place the base into a medium sized terra cotta flowerpot. Make sure to tape the hole on the bottom of the flowerpot closed (dorm rooms are messy enough as it is) and fill the flowerpot up with sand, stones, or mulch. Take some large paper clips and bend them out straight, and then curve over the branches so they form an upside down “U”. You can either attach your photograph directly to the paperclip by punching a hole through the top and having it hang or adding a small piece of tape to the back. Don’t be afraid to get creative! You could spray-paint the branches crazy colors, bedazzle the flowerpot, get funky with some glitter glue, or create an earthy tone by hanging seed packets from branches.

Industrial Evolution. Maybe you’re looking to add a little new age, industrial

flair to your dorm, or maybe, your dad’s a plumber. Go to Home Depot and get some small PVC pipes. This is your chance to step outside of the box and think. There are many different pipes to choose from and while you can copy the one we made (see pictures), try to use our example as a springboard for your own ideas. The pipes fit together in different ways, so you can make all of the shapes your little gift-giving heart desires. Once you have your pipes, hot glue them together for added durability. Then take mini-Velcro strips and place one on the pipe and one on your photograph. This makes for fun interchangeability, so the tree will be in bloom during every season.

There’s No Show Like Homeland by christopher peck

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herever your loyalties lie, it is undeniable that TV drama has established high standards, adding to the canon four universally acclaimed series over the last decade.

Unfortunately for network dramas, this quartet consists exclusively of cable shows. First, HBO took over. The Sopranos and The Wire redefined our expectations offering not only compelling characters, but tragedies worthy of Shakespeare and Sophocles. The torch has since been passed to AMC with their critical darlings Mad Men and Breaking Bad. Showtime, living perpetually in HBO’s big, bad paid cable shadow, has been racing to catch up, and the hype meter is a-buzzing for the network’s newest gem: Homeland. TV Guide calls it, “Hands down the best new drama on TV this fall.”

Because Homeland was conceived by “24” and “X-Files” producers Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa, one might assume this is a retread of the same “shoot first, ask questions later” approach to terrorism. Though that kind of vigilante justice has its merits in entertainment, this show offers a more nuanced, morally ambiguous viewpoint. Both Gordon and Gansa have acknowledged in an interview with motherjones.com that “24” was catering more towards conservative sensibilities of torture and justice, and this show aims to challenge national perceptions of terrorism, Islamophobia, and our reactionary Defense Department. Despite the anti-terrorist framework, at its core this show is a psychological assessment of two emotionally crippled characters and how they came to be paralyzed by their

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anxieties. One is the chaser—the other, the chased.

Emmy and Golden Globe winner Claire Danes plays Carrie Mathison, a CIA operations officer. We are introduced to Carrie as she conducts an unauthorized mission in Iraq. She is subsequently reassigned to the counter-terrorism office in D.C., bringing back to her cubicle a troubling piece of intelligence: a U.S. Marine was turned. Carrie is dismissive at first.

She cannot recall any United States P.O.W.s still in captivity. Her boss, David Estes (David Harewood) sheds her doubts, however, when he calls Carrie and her colleagues for an impromptu debrief. She is informed American soldier, Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis of “Band of Brothers”), was recovered after being declared M.I.A. in 2003.

Danes’ turn as Carrie is epically inspired, adding a level of perilous unpredictability previously unseen in TV’s all-too-literal definition of drop dead gorgeous heroines.

Her first Emmy was for the lead role in the HBO movie Temple Grandin, but a second cannot elude her long. Throughout the season, those around Carrie allude to a psychological illness that might cloud her judgment, yet it hasn’t been explicitly defined. This possibility tremendously ramps up the tension. Her obsession with Brody reaches unhealthy levels of impulsiveness as she uses her sexuality, illegal practices of surveillance, and unethical persuasion to get to the truth.

There’s no telling how far she will go to prove she’s right or to save her country. Even more troubling: which is her priority? With a

widening of her eyes or simple tuck of her blond locks behind her ear, Danes clues us in. This woman is dogged and dangerous, willing to manipulate others for her ends. The effects of her selfdestruction extend to even her closest confidants. She particularly leans on her mentor Saul (Mandy Patinkin of Criminal Minds).

Saul is tolerant for a man in federal law enforcement and incredibly loyal. He sticks by Carrie’s vehement cries of foul play, but ultimately grows weary of her relentlessness. Patinkin adds a wiseman-like calm to Saul, who has a lot to be angry about.

Instead of treating his stressors like itches he can’t scratch, he remains subdued, staying several steps ahead of opposing forces. Patinkin and Danes nail the mentor/mentee relationship that totters between toxic, parasitic, and heartwarming.

Between Saul’s whisper yelling and Carrie’s profanity, the confrontations are a sight to behold. We are also offered the privilege of watching the contrast in their methods of extracting information. Saul likes to kill them with kindness while Carrie skips the foreplay. This not only adds dimensions to the character study aspect of the show, but it further muddies the Homeland universe where what is right versus what is wrong is never as it seems.

Damian Lewis skillfully immerses himself into the role of the other “damaged good” Nicholas Brody, a man difficult to decode. Brody deceives the audience at every turn and has yet to provide an easy answer to the nagging question, has Brody been turned? Early in the season we are convinced he converted—to

Islam that is. Concealed in his garage, he recites Islamic prayer in strikingly fluent Arabic following a drawn-out sequence where he suspiciously purchases a mat. Our prejudices are challenged. We are forced to engage the uncomfortable notion that assumes his Muslim affiliation translates into his Al-Qaeda allegiance. Almost as intriguing as Brody’s uncertain terrorist status is the tightrope he walks as a returned, and yet emotionally removed, father and husband. In addition to squirminducing sex sequences, there are even more domestic disturbances via jealousy and violent outbursts with Brody’s wife Jessica (Morena Baccarin).

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) sees its symptoms depicted tastefully, given ample and haunting airtime.

Brody’s breakdowns reverberate throughout the walls of his home, shaking the foundation and rattling his kids as he suffers silently. Writing Brody could have been tough. Much of who he is must be shrouded in mystery, but audiences want enough so that we can choose whether or not to root for him—so far, so awesome.

Without spoilers, it can be said that Brody is both thrilling and unsettling to watch as he copes with a world he can’t relate to, one that has no place etched out for him. As the object of our watchful eye, every one of his actions could be his saving grace or proof positive of his guilt. This could feel like cheap trickery, but since it is executed amidst weekly character development it feels organic and intellectually stimulating in its layering of implications for all involved.

Homeland outshines all other dramas currently airing thanks to its complexity and pulse-pounding tension. Twists and turns are more aptly described as thrashes and lurches in what can only be described as the most paranoid show on the air. Capturing the trepidations of our post-9/11 generation through a humanist, and thus far apolitical, lens has been a smart choice. The focus on character over showy action sequences, emotional payoffs over cliffhangers, is paying off week by week as viewers’ beliefs in who can be trusted is cast in doubt.

Comment sections for popular review sites are rampant with

speculation. No one and everyone could be the villain.

The questioning of motives seems to be encouraged by juxtaposing our two unstable main characters as the voyeur and the object of an overbearing gaze.

As cerebral dramas often do, this show implicates the audience as a potential threat. The lens is turned on us, examining our sense of gratification. We are not only satisfied in watching Brody but in watching Carrie watch Brody too, making us accessories in their descents. Clearly the title implies that we should root for America’s safety (it would be a hard sell if we were to root against self-interest), but the CIA is not glorified nor entirely blamed for ethical indiscretions. The agency is likened to a necessary evil for enemies that are draped in morally gray shadows. As the first season ends (Showtime has graciously ordered a second season), we hope the blurred lines become clearer, but the show has expertly crafted a world where morality is relative: a world that hits awfully close to home.

Picture This: Potential Oscar Nominees for Best Picture by bryce fallon

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t’s almost that time of year again—a time to celebrate and embrace tradition— Oscar season. All year long, films vie for those coveted spots in the Best Picture category. While many of the year’s best films don’t come out until later this month, here are my observations of ten films that could end up being nominated for Best Picture.

1. THE TREE OF LIFE (Release Date: May 27)

Terrence Malick’s long awaited brainchild may serve as one of the most experimental films of the year, maybe even the decade, but it certainly stands out for its true craftsmanship.

He tells the story of a family in the 1950s and how a child’s loss of innocence figures into an exploration of the meaning of life. The film is visually mindblowing, showing the creation of the Earth with amazing digital effects. While the film is conceptually highbrow and not very commercial or relatable, the leading performances by Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain really resonate.

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2. THE IDES OF MARCH (Release Date: October 7)

While I am not a huge fan of political thrillers, The Ides of March won me over. The intrigue and suspense of this film, which resulted from a plot about all the things that go on behind the curtain of a presidential campaign, is aided by a great performance from every member of the amazing cast, including Ryan Gosling and Evan Rachel Wood. Some of the bigger plot points are hit a little too deliberately, but nevertheless George Clooney proves once again that he can helm a feature film with dexterity and punch.

3. LIKE CRAZY

(Release Date: October 28)

As one of the breakout hits of the Sundance Film Festival, Like Crazy delivers a lot of emotion and depth for its short running time and small budget.

Director Drake Doremus shares a semi-autobiographical story of two college students who fall in love but are driven apart when one of them is deported. British newcomer Felicity Jones and indie film veteran Anton Yelchin improvise most of the dialogue of the movie, which leads to some hits and misses as far as emotional poignancy.

4. MIDNIGHT IN PARIS (Release Date: June 10)

Woody Allen returns to form with this magical tale of Paris.

Owen Wilson fits right in as a lost writer just trying to find inspiration and some time away from his controlling fiancé, played by Rachel McAdams.

Allen takes you on a beautiful tour of what Paris used to be, bringing you back to Paris of the 1920s where F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway play integral roles in the plot.

5. 50/50

(Release Date: September 30)

Joseph Gordon-Levitt turns in an amazing performance as a struggling cancer victim simply trying to get through life with the help of his best bud, portrayed by Seth Rogen. Writer Will Reiser details his own struggles with cancer, and Jonathan Levine’s direction handles the film very well.

The cast and crew succeed in finding humor in such bleak subject matter, like when Rogen’s character tries to use Gordon-Levitt’s cancer diagnosis to help him talk to girls.

6. SUPER 8

8. BRIDESMAIDS

10. DRIVE

J.J. Abrams delivered a true summer blockbuster with Super 8, bringing the audience back to the late 70s and even throwing in an alien encounter. Abrams’ script and direction keep the suspense going throughout the film. The true stars of the film are the remarkable young cast led by Joel Courtney and Elle Fanning, who make up for some of the older, more experienced actors who leave a little to be desired in their lack of real suspicion.

Undeniably the biggest and best comedy of the year, Bridesmaids may not be typical Oscar material, but it certainly succeeds on many levels. The outrageously amazing female cast including Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy, delivers blow after comedic blow. Director Paul Feig provides insightful direction that only enhances the great script and the talent of the cast. While Bridesmaids as a whole is a fantastic film, it will undoubtedly have to fight against the idea that comedies are not the most typical Oscar fare.

A true filmmakers’ movie, Nicholas Winding Refn provides a creative and stylistic take on this car chase thriller.

Ryan Gosling plays up the lead role of a getaway driver with great subtlety, and the supporting roles of Bryan Cranston and Albert Brooks are just as strong. Unfortunately, the female characters do not really add to the plot, maybe with the exception of slightly raising the stakes. The performances are solid, but the film does mainly focus on creating interesting visuals and employing its killer soundtrack, featuring artists such as Kavinsky & Lovefoxxx and College.

(Release Date: June 10)

7. MONEYBALL

(Release Date: September 23)

Capote director Bennett Miller makes a comeback with Moneyball, a film about the triumph of the Oakland A’s under the guidance of general manager Billy Bean, played solidly by Brad Pitt. Moneyball manages to be much more than just a sports movie. It delivers plenty of laughs and strong, engaging dialogue, even though it runs on a tad too long. I would consider it a solid triple as opposed to an out-of-the-park home run.

(Release Date: May 13)

9. THE HELP

(Release Date: August 10)

Tackling such a tricky subject as racism in the South, The Help was successful in conveying an era that is equal parts scandalous and charming. A stacked cast of strong female actors, including Emma Stone and Viola Davis, add layers of emotional depth and power to the script. The story could have pushed the boundaries of racism a little further, but the message still gets across well.

(Release Date: September 16)

These ten pictures definitely have a chance of making the cut into the top ten, but other strong contenders, such as Shame, War Horse, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, have yet to be released. Despite how the nominations turn out, 2011 has undeniably been a sensational year for unique and interesting movies.

Open Mic, Open Mind

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by danica burt pen mics aren’t just for poets and the avant-garde artist anymore. With few to no rules, these performances allow complete freedom of expression and feature bands and comedy troupes, as well as slams. For less than $10 each, here are the best places in the Hub to take your sweet jams, funny thoughts, and creative musings to the stage.

The Boston Poetry Slam at the Cantab Lounge

Housed in the basement of The Cantab Lounge in Cambridge, The Boston Poetry Slam (BPS) is anything but underground.

Bringing in guest speakers from all over the country, the BPS is part of a large slamming community.

Stop by Wednesdays for an open mic at 8 p.m., followed by a feature and a slam. Rare is the Wednesday without a crowd, so get there early if you want a spot on the stage or a seat. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. Cover is $3, 18+ only.

738 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge (slamnews.com; 617-354-2685

Singer-Songwriter Open Mic at Cantab Lounge

Above the dark and mysterious Cantab basement is the singersongwriter night upstairs on Mondays. Geoff Bartley hosts this weekly open mic for musicians beginning at 8 p.m.

Unlike the slam downstairs, you’ve got to be of drinking age to enjoy this show. Cover is $5, 21+ only.

Lizard Lounge Poetry Jam

Lizard Lounge creates a selfproclaimed sultry and intimate atmosphere every Sunday at its poetry open mic. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. with a feature. Starting at 9 p.m., the Jeff Robinson Trio complement the night of poetry with their smooth sound. Cover is $5, 21+ only.

1667 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge (Poetryjam.org; 617-547-0759)

Open Mic Challenge at Lizard Lounge

Lizard Lounge also offers an open mic of the non-poetry variety every Monday. This open mic comes with a few rules, though: original music only and no amps, pedals, electric keyboards, effects, or drums. Acts are given two songs or ten minutes, whichever comes first. Still on board? Open mic starts at 8 p.m. with doors opening at 7:30 p.m.

Cover is $5, 21+ only.

1667 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge (lizardloungeclub.com; 617-547-0759)

Stone Soup Poetry

For a smaller and connected feeling in the poetry community, check out the open mic at Stone Soup Poetry at the Out of the Blue Art Gallery.

Rooted in the Beats, but accepting of all kinds of poetry, the gathering of poets occurs each Monday at 8 p.m. with open mic sign-up at 7:30 p.m. A weekly feature follows.

Cover is $4, all ages.

738 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge (cantab-lounge.com; 617-354-2685)

312 Broadway St., Cambridge (stonesouppoetry.blogspot.com; 617227-0845)

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Trident Booksellers isn’t just a bookstore and café that holds art workshops, weekly trivia, and

Atlas magazine

Trident Booksellers

cooking demos. It’s also a great place for poetry! The independent bookstore hosts an open mic and slam, or a poetry workshop, on alternating Mondays beginning at 6:30 p.m.

With no age limit and no cover, Trident is the most convenient place to share a poetic experience with others.

338 Newbury St., Boston (tridentbookscafe.com; 617-267-8688)

Dick Doherty Beantown Comedy

When you walk by Remington’s on Boylston every day, you’re passing an opportunity for comedic freedom. Located in the restaurant, Beantown Comedy is a popular spot for comedy shows and open mics. The once-stomping ground for Dane Cook hosts a weekly open mic for stand-up comedians.

Shows are Sundays at 9 p.m. No cover, 18+ only.

124 Boylston St., Boston (boston. laughstub.com; 800-401-2221)

ImprovBoston

If you’re looking for an open comedy experience but don’t want to be alone on stage, ImprovBoston could be the answer. In the third of a three-part show, audience and cast members join forces for a 16-person open comedy jam. Shows $5 on Sundays at 7 p.m. All ages.

40 Prospect St., Cambridge (improvboston.com; 617-576-1253)

Emerson Poetry Project

Emerson’s poetry authority hosts an open mic, feature, and slam each week for Emerson students.

This event is free and accepting of all ages. Stop by Walker 210 on a Monday at 8 p.m. to take in some poetry, Emerson style. Arrive early to sign up for the open mic.

Send an e-mail to poetryproject. emerson@gmail.com to become a regular part of the Emerson Poetry Project.

120 Boylston St., Boston (poetryproject. emerson@gmail.com)

fusion ADVERTISEMENT

An Emerson Dance Company production

Saturday, December 10, 7:30pm Paramount Mainstage Theatre Tickets will be sold outside of the DH from 6-8pm Monday, December 5 through Thursday, December 8 and 12-2pm on Friday, December 9

STYLE

written by lauren biscaldi photography by nick hayes hair by filisha jones makeup by audrey geiger

Wear Your Cause

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On Your Sleeve

adies and gentlemen, it’s time to listen up: charity is this season’s hottest trend.

Whether you’re interested in youth literacy, empowered female refugees, or mental health awareness, there’s a cause for you to promote, and even more ways for you to support it. According to Charity Navigator, an online resource with the tagline “Your Guide to Intelligent Giving,” charitable donations in 2010 topped $290 billion, with individual donations with individual donations making up over 70% of that number. Don’t fret though, if monetary

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donations aren’t in the cards for you right now.

You can hold a rally, sponsor a fundraising team, or follow our lead and wear your cause on your sleeve. Not only are charitable contributions beneficial to the recipients, they’re beneficial to you too – according to a recent BBC News Health report, people who support charities are, on average, happier than people who don’t. Still not convinced? Check out our causes and let our models charity-inspired looks be your guide to giving back.

Doctors

Without Borders

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octors Without Borders, or Médicins Sans Frontiers (MSF) as it’s known in its native French, was created in 1971 as an international medical humanitarian organization.

Providing impartial, independent assistance to more than 60 countries, the organization pays special attention to people threatened by violence, neglect, catastrophe, armed conflict, malnutrition, epidemics, or natural disaster. MSF operates under the principles of medical ethics, drawing no influence from political, military, or religious agendas, a standard that has encouraged more than 27,000 individuals worldwide to volunteer with MSF on a daily basis. MSF has provided notable aid during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, the 1998 Russian military bombardment of the capital of Chechnya, and in 1999 received the Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts.

“To me, the most important aspect of Doctors Without Borders is that they are a neutral, nongovernmental organization.

They help people based on need, rather than politics.” victoria martins, writing, literature, and publishing 2015

Visit doctorswithoutborders.org to learn about this globe-spanning volunteer effort, and either donate online, apply to be an intern in their New York City office, or plan a Médicins Sans Frontiers fundraiser to support those in need.

Reading Is Fundamental

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og on to the website for Reading is Fundamental (RIF) and the first thing you see will be a startling fact: “There is only one book for every 300 children in poverty.”

Founded in 1966 by Margaret McNamara in Washington D.C., RIF has been committed to putting books in the hands of the most underprivileged young readers. While RIF places their highest priority on disadvantaged children from birth to age 8, there is no restriction on who can join the cooperative of parents, teachers, and volunteers who work tirelessly to encourage youth literacy. As it stands today, RIF boasts more than 400,000 volunteers who serve more than 4.4 million children in all 50 states. Since its founding, the organization has given more than 380 million free books, fostering a love of reading that RIF believes will lead to productive people, strong communities, and inspired learning.

Visit rif.org to contribute a monetary donation to the cause, become a RIF volunteer, or join a Reading Is Fundamental campaign in your area.

“I think the adult interaction with the children is most important. When kids have support, they’re more encouraged to read.” angeline vo, broadcast journalism 2013

Mental Health

America

“It’s important to get people’s attention, so that more people can contribute and help those with mental illnesses.” yuhaojie zheng, film production 2015

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lmost 1 in every 4 Americans suffers from some type of mental illness. In the 100 years since Mental Health America was founded by former psychiatric patient Clifford W. Beers, the reality of mental disorders as legitimate ailments has come to the front of American consciousness.

As a reform movement, Mental Health America serves as a network for those suffering from anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and schizophrenia, offering additional resources for suicide recovery support. The Mental Health American Advocacy Network is the oldest and largest of its kind, coupling mental health awareness with a push for legislative recognition.

Visit mentalhealthamerica. net to become a member for a $5 donation every month and contact your state representative to see the mental health laws that you support become a reality.

Invisible Children

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ost people take for granted that access to clean water, healthcare, and education are unalienable rights.

During the 23-year-long conflict between the Ugandan government and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), the only rights more than 1.8 million displaced citizens know are the rights to overwhelming poverty, disease, and starvation. This disturbed filmmakers Jason Russell, Loren Poole, and Bobby Bailey, who traveled to Uganda in the spring of 2003.

Horrified by the realities of what they describe as the world’s most neglected humanitarian emergency, the documentary Invisible Children: Rough Cut, details life in Uganda and calls for extreme change and action. As the film’s popularity grew, millions of people contacted the filmmakers in search of ways to help and send aid. Through this growing support system, the Invisible Children nonprofit organization was born. In the years since the documentary has gone public, the international community has taken numerous steps to peacefully end the conflict, including issuing an arrest warrant for the leader of the LRA, Joseph Kony.

“One incredibly important long term goal of Invisible Children is the creation of sustainable schools for children that would otherwise be forced into violence. The war will have a greater chance of dissipating if young, future generations are able to avoid it.” ellen duffer, writing, literature, and publishing 2014

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Visit invisiblechildren.org to educate yourself on the conflict in Uganda, locate a screening in your area to view the inspiring documentary that started it all, or donate to the cause.

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Empowered Women International

ounded by Romanian immigrant Marga Fripp, the award-winning nonprofit organization Empowered Women International (EWI) fosters an entrepreneurial spirit in immigrant, refugee, and lowincome women. Geared specifically towards those women who have an interest in the arts or a creative talent, EWI provides the training and support necessary to allow these women a chance to create successful life and career plans.

Fripp, who left behind a successful journalism career in Romania and struggled to find a place for herself in the United States, vowed to help the women she supported in EWI to start their own businesses.

“This charity reveals the underlying creative talents and pure sprits of disadvantaged women.

Being a woman is a powerful thing—being a woman who overcomes many obstacles with grace, integrity, and creativity is a life-changing thing.” madeline otto, marketing communications 2014

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Visit ewint.org to read Empowered Women International’s “Herstory,” explore the programs the organization offers, or contribute to their Scholarship Program.

Visit lls.org to Make a tax-deductible donation and help fund life-saving research, or pay tribute and donate in honor or memory of a loved one. Visit their volunteer page to learn about Leukemia and Lymphoma Society events, or learn how to sponsor a LLS fundraising team.

I

n the early twentieth century, a blood cancer diagnosis was almost always synonymous with a death sentence. Rudolph and Antionette de Villers experienced this grief firsthand when they lost their teenage son, Robert, to blood cancer in 1944. Five years later, the couple started a fundraising and educational organization in their son’s name, which quickly became known as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). In the six decades since its foundation, the LLS has made great strides in the field of blood cancer research, starting with the development of the first chemotherapy drugs in the 1950s to the first bone marrow transplant in the 1970s to the deep understanding of genetic and molecular abnormalities that cause blood cancer in the 1990s and beyond. Today, one of the main focuses of the LLS is increasing public awareness of the disease, as well as developing a globe-spanning network of patients, survivors, doctors, and volunteers, who—along with outside donations—have raised a total of $76 million towards research funding.

“It’s important to find a cure, but it’s just as important to make sure that patients live longer, more comfortable lives.” christine clayton, visual media arts 2015

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

“We all enjoy the immense variety of animals on this earth. It would be a shame not to do everything we can to keep it that way.” jennifer ortakales, journalism 2015

Visit worldwildlife.org to take a trip with the World Wildlife Fund and between 5 and 10% of your total trip cost will directly support the organization’s global conservation efforts. Learn how to become a member, make a donation, or adopt an animal—Rockhopper Penguin, anyone?

World Wildlife Fund I

n the time it takes to read this article, another one of Earth’s millions of species will have vanished. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has been working hard to combat this unfortunate phenomenon since 1961.

Currently, they consist of a network of more than 5 million members globally and have more than $1.165 billion invested in more than 11,000 projects in 130 different countries. Focused on the protection of endangered species, WWF concentrates on damaged and at-risk ecosystems and habitats. Rather than solely addressing rehabilitation, the WWF pours much of its resources into a curriculum of education, aiming to conserve through transforming businesses and communities into sustainable supporters of wildlife. Current WWF President, Carter S. Roberts, assures donors that 83% of all funding goes directly into WWF conservation activities, which includes ensuring the health and well-being of all species, as well as our planet’s breathable air, clean water, accessible food, medicines, energy, and climate regulation. models: victoria martins, angeline vo, yuhaojie zheng, ellen duffer, madeline otto, christine clayton, jennifer ortakales

Fashionable First Impressions by celina colby photos by nick hayes makeup by audrey geiger

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ollege budgets are notoriously tight—after the mandatory class visit to a museum exhibit, the movie tickets, and the Venti mocha soy caramel latte, it doesn’t look like there’s much room left for fashion. However, looking fabulous doesn’t have to be left out. H&M, Forever21 and thrift stores can all provide great inspirations to spice up your wardrobe. The looks featured here prove that fashion doesn’t have to be shunted to the side, even in the crazy life of a college student.

Him: Keep an outfit for a lecture comfortable and versatile without forsaking style. A button down with fun colors adds enthusiasm to the regular ensemble and cuffed jeans show off cool kicks. This outfit will last through that three hour seminar and seamlessly transition to coffee with friends. Roll the sleeves to the elbow for a more laidback look when class gets out.

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On Her: Sweater, H&M, $25; sneakers, Payless, $15; ring, Forever21, $3; jeans, model’s own.

On Him: Button down, TJ Maxx, $25; sweater, Old Navy, $27; sneakers, Payless, 30.00; jeans, model’s own.

Her: Take a basic outfit that is comfortable and easy to throw on as you head out the door and add fun, quirky details. Neon accents stand out against a neutral, geometric pattern and funky shoelaces add an unexpected pop of color. The pink bow on the sweater and the heart ring keep this outfit interesting. Go light on the makeup to avoid looking overdone for a casual class.

On Her: Skirt, H&M, $18; Shirt, TJ Maxx, $6; boots, Payless, $40;necklace, Forever21, $5.

On Him: Button down, TJ Maxx, $25; blazer, H&M, $40; pants, Old Navy, $30; shoes, model’s own.

Qualified to look good Him: Use unexpected colors and prints under a polished blazer to spice up traditional office attire.

The vivid purples and pinks show your fun side without coming off as too informal. Wearing a pant in a neutral other than black is another way to distinguish yourself from the norm. Add a black tie to create a more formal look.

Her: Avoid business casual drab by layering a bold solid with a soft neutral. The bright turquoise skirt and edgy boots will make a powerful and professional impression. Leaving behind the traditional pencil skirt will make you stand out. Add a fresh manicure and classic makeup to complete your look.

On Her: Dress, H&M, $7 on sale; shoes, Payless, $40; belt, Forever21 $5; earrings, Forever21, $3.

On Him: T-shirt, H&M, $6; Suspenders and bowtie, H&M, $15, $13; jeans, model’s own; shoes, model’s own.

Save The Date Her: Add modern sass to a romantic and flowy dress with edgy accessories.

The boots and belt in this outfit add structure and an urban flair to keep the dress current. A swept back, messy updo continues the pretty and carefree vibe. This outfit would be perfect for a dinner date or to see a show.

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Him: The best way to dress for a date is to pay attention to the little details.

This outfit is quirky and cute—not too formal, but the bowtie and suspenders show you put in a little extra effort. A navy blazer with elbow patches would be a great way to dress the outfit up. A picnic, bowling or café date would be the perfect setting for this adorable ensemble.

New Look For A New Year Her: A bright, unexpected color and a mod-style dress will make you the center of attention wherever you go.

This fabulous shade of vermilion will make you stand out from the crowd and the contemporary accessories add a fabulous accent to the retro collar of the dress. In a sea of black you’re sure to make a statement and snag that midnight kiss.

On Him: Jacket, H&M, $40; graphic T, Old Navy, $17; shoes, Payless, $30; fedora-H&M, $8; jeans, model’s own.

On Her: Dress, H&M, $35; shoes, model’s own; earrings, Forever21, $6; bracelet, Forever21, $7.

Him: This sleek look can be worn to a big party or a small get together. The fedora and graphic tee give the look attitude, and the blazer adds a classic touch. Rolling the sleeves of the blazer up gives the look a cool and casual vibe. That special someone is sure to notice the charming details that set you apart from the other guys.

Uncovering Boston’s Underground Fashion Scene:

Three Local Designers And Their Haute Couture Pursuits

by alexandra fonseca

copyright: angela michelle perez (amp photography)

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lazing red leaves sweep across the Common, leaving the trees bare and defenseless against the coming snow. It’s that time of the year, where Bostonians come out walking their retrievers and terriers, sporting Boston Bruins caps and puffy Celtics jackets. Tourists, too cold to understand where anything is and wearing sweatpants tucked into the tops of their Uggs, effortlessly blend in with the locals—walking the Freedom Trail to Fashion Hell. It’s no wonder GQ named Boston worst dressed on their website this summer.

There might have been a greater chance that the pilgrims had a better fashion sense than most Bostonians today, but from those ashes rises the phoenix with three prominent New England designers to the rescue: Casey Desmond, an enthusiastic singer-songwriter with fire-engine red hair, Kate Alves, a world traveler and mother of two, and Stina Sayre, a Scandinavian nature-aficionado residing in Martha’s Vineyard.

These women all design for the same reason: they enjoy expressing themselves through their garments.

Alves, who was born in Ukraine and moved to Boston eight years ago, dons practical designs that emulate her life as a 30-year-old mother and once civil engineer. Her new city is inspiration.

“There’s a lot of creativity...but sometimes it’s a different type of fashion. There is a lot of street style going on. [There’s] this relaxed casual look and I love that—the effortless look,” she says.

Alves earned a spot in the semi-finals of Project Runway’s casting this summer. Although she did not continue past the interview, Alves’ Etsy shop and website have given her an established name in the Greater Boston area. Her line, Beresta Design skillfully intertwines her interests and cultural background into its wardrobe. Fashion has interested Alves since she was very young. “I made my first design when I was five, dressing up my Barbie doll,” she says.

In her opinion, the Hub has great potential to be more fashion-forward. “Boston just needs to work on its own style more by embracing it’s quirky nature.

[It] is getting there, I’ve seen changes with Boston Fashion Week and I think things are going to come around,” she says.

In contrast, Stina Sayre believes New Englanders are uninterested in fashion, which conflicts with her European style. Born in Sweden, this “age-less Swede” and powerful role model is a champion windsurfer who was inspired while working in her grandfather’s clothing stores.

Describing her fashion line, Stina Sayre Designs established in 1989, she is influenced by the

simplicity and tradition of Scandinavian culture, as well as a life-long romance with the sea and nature.

Sayre says she aims to understand what others need and what they look good in and what she can do with her designs to fit both criteria, whether for office or recreational use. Her collection is urban, but still very Nantucket-esque with soft and crisp colors that evoke the beach’s island air. Sayre has gained numerous loyal followers since the start of her line 22 years ago. “I find a lot of people from Boston who come here who are interested in design and buying my clothing,” she says.

Casey Desmond, a 25-year-old entertainer turned fashion designer decided to make her own outfits after she was asked to perform at a fashion show.

Desmond’s getup was praised so much she decided to launch her line, OHDEERGOD, this summer with designs for both herself and the inquiring public.

Desmond creates vibrant Technicolor combined with deer, owls, and geometric patterns creating an organized chaos. Her psychedelic garments elicit

photos by mary lee desmond at red hot box studios hair by kayla dupras make-up by jessie ammons-carswell

playfulness, a perfect fit for those who want to stand out.

Desmond’s stint on The Voice over the summer encouraged her work in design to grow and mature after millions of viewers watched her perform. “They enjoyed that I stuck out from the rest,” she says, because of the clothes that she chose to design and wear. She does admit, however, that she often butted heads with the styling team because she wanted to wear her own designs and refused to not have a say in what she wore on air. Ultimately, she was able to get one of her designs on the show. This was empowering for Desmond, who has never had a design reach such a large audience.

Because of her new growing fan base, she has been pushed to strengthen her design and performance skills. This has proved to be a challenge for Desmond, whose lifestyle doesn’t allow for a typical nine to five job. While being her own boss has its perks, she confesses that sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated to work.

Since appearing on national television, Desmond’s outfits have been in the public eye for promotional use, but Desmond is currently working on launching a website that will feature more attainable every day style that still have the same type of flair as her showcase pieces.

These designers may not have average occupations, but designing is more of a lifestyle choice than a career choice. Not all designers began their fashion careers when they were young, so getting into the practicality that designing includes can be a struggle. Alves took pattern making classes at Massachusetts College of Art and Design after earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. “I was exploring

photos by randi baird

different things and [fashion design] is where I ended up,” she says Alves says her strength is the result of traveling the world and having two children. “I have an idea of what a woman goes through,” she says. But in embracing her experience she also accepts the fact that it is difficult to start a fashion line later in life because she had to learn the basics of designing, and especially marketing to gain exposure and make the necessary connections to expand her line.

She is currently working on her next Ready To Wear collection, which she hopes to launch in Fall 2012 and get into local boutiques.

“I would say that I love very contemporary designs, but at the same time most designers who do modern, their contemporary stuff is a little aggressive,” she says. “My goal is to bring together something that is very feminine and sexy but at the same time a little bit edgy.”

Similarly, Sayre is a driven woman who does not pay attention to her competitors but rather focuses on creating simple

elegance with minimalism. She is proud of her products, which use clean lines and high-end fabrics.

As a veteran in fashion design, Sayre artfully creates garments as a supporting factor and tool in the lives of her customers.

As for newcomer, Desmond, learning how to be a seamstress has been a large struggle. “I have no problem coming up with some ideas and going all out and finding awesome fabric. It’s the mathematics and measurements and just telling the accuracy I have trouble with,” she says.

“Sometimes I’m a little bit off because I’ve never been properly trained, but at the same time that also doesn’t keep me stuck in the guidelines and I’ve been able to experiment. I’ve come up with some of my favorite pieces completely out of the blue.”

It’s a part of Desmond’s personality to wear vibrant pieces because the extravagance makes her feel like herself. “I don’t want anyone to feel like they can’t express themselves through fashion,” she says, adding that she obviously takes it to the next step so it’s overthe-top but still practical.

There wouldn’t be fashion without inspiration, and music is one of Desmond’s biggest inspirations, which helps her provide personalized pieces.

“People write to me about custom orders and I kind of like that. It’s nice for people to reach out and be like, ‘Hey, would you make me a custom piece?’” she says. “I’ve been getting a lot of requests lately so it’s just going to be interesting juggling that with a full-time music career.”

Her requests range from designs more closely associated with her colorful and playful palette to much more plain styles in allblack.

The messages and themes

these designers convey through their clothing are important for them. As Desmond describes, it is important that people feel like themselves when they wear her clothing. Comparably, Sayre adds that first impressions are very important and acknowledges that it is a critical component when she sketches her work.

“Anyone should feel strong and comfortable and I want to help people get their lives done,” she says.

Sayre’s passion is designing clothing for strong, powerful women. “For me, a woman who is self-assured and knows who

she is—who knows her work — is sexy,” she says, adding that attire should make people feel confident. If that means being flirtatious, she sees no reason not to do just that.

“When you have the opportunity to choose what you want to do with your life, you should choose something that makes you feel creative,” she says.

Arts And Crafts All Grown Up: DIY Is The New Popsicle Stick Art by isabella setaro photos by nick hayes o-it-yourself projects, also known as DIY, seem to be popping up everywhere. Found inside the glossy pages of Teen Vogue and all over the blogosphere, they range from fashion to home interior adornments. Even cooking blogs are teaching readers to become gourmet chefs overnight. Charles DeRupé, a junior marketing communications major at Emerson, has adopted the trend, creating his own homemade goods that most of us are spending too much on—personal care products.

When he moved off-campus his junior year, DeRupé realized he needed to be more economically savvy. He decided to stop spending money on things he could make himself, an idea sprouted from the the DIY tab on Tumblr, a popular blogging website. “It’s an activity where you get something in the end and you can keep reusing it,” says DeRupé, who started experimenting with lip balms and quickly advanced to spray perfumes, cologne sticks, and even his own homemade toothpaste.

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DIY appealed to DeRupé not only for its financial friendliness, but also because he knew exactly which ingredients were going into his products. Whether it be scented candles or roll-on perfumes, DeRupé carefullly measures each natural ingredient poured into the concoction that most mainstream brands dance around and replace in favor of unpronounceable chemicals.

Alex Moorman, a senior acting major, started her DIY career at the end of her freshman year. “I would go to Urban Outfitters and other places and it would be $30 for a piece of feather and a gem and I was like, ‘You know what? I can do this myself!’”

Moorman first made headbands with her mother’s best friend, an artist who makes her own jewelery.

“We got back to her workspace and started playing around with different ideas and from there it just took off,” she says.

Sites like I SPY DIY are encouraging others to get crafty and emulate the latest trends. The blog, created by Jenni Radosevich, a blogger and staffer Where To Find Ingredients: at InStyle, shows Essential oils: Wyndmere Naturals ($3.99-$7.49) readers how to create (found at Whole Foods), pieces straight off the 365 ($5.99-$12.99) (found at Whole Foods), runway. Radosevich Dessert Essence Organics ($18.99) (found at Trader Joes) states on her blog Cocoa Powder: Navitas Naturals ($10.29) that “DIY is not only (found at Whole Foods) about making the Jojoba Oil: The JoJoba Oil Company ($8.99-$34.99) trends affordable, (found at Whole Foods), Dessert Essence Organics ($12.25) it’s about putting a (found at Trader Joes) personal touch on Sweet almond oil: AuraCacia ($5.99-$17.89) your style,” quickly (found at Whole Foods) denouncing the claim Coconut oil: 365 ($10.29) (found at Whole Foods), Jarrow that DIY is strictly for Formulas ($11.99)(found at Whole Foods) those who can’t afford Shea Butter: Alaffia ($4.99) (found at Whole Foods) “the real thing.”

Vitamin E Oil: Trader Joes Vitamin E Oil ($3.99) “I think [DIY] (found at Trader Joes), Jason ($13.99) (found at Whole kind of gives people Foods) an outlet to express

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their own creativity and a chance to kind of dive into your own style,” Moorman says. “I can express myself through it and I can do it on the cheap and with my own flare.

You can make things that are one of a kind and really special.”

Along with the benefit of creating your own style, DeRupé adds that the process is often the best part. “If you love cooking, if you love doing homey sort of things, especially around winter time when you’re stuck inside and you really want to do something, it’s a great activity,” he says.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to unleash your inner Martha Stewart, minus the insider trading of course, and start the search for the kind of projects that interest you and your friends. DIY might imply working on it alone but it also lends itself as a bonding experience.

Whether you and your friends are trying to PIMP-out the dorm or sport the tie-dye look á la Michael Kors Spring/Summer 2012, its all for the taking. “[DIY] adds a very special nature to your hands-on style and you kind of show that to the world and it just make it a lot more fun and easy and kind of carefree,” Moorman says.

When searching for DIY projects online, the hits reveal an infinite trail of how-to guides. How about dipping wicker baskets into paint to make a statement piece for your stack of Vogue? What about whipping up a batch of oatmeal chocolate chip sandwich cookies for your roommates during finals? Maybe a killer chandelier for the living room? Or what about smearing some homemade blueberry jam made on your toast?

Some steps are easy as one, two, three. You just have to be creative and do some digging!

Get Your DIY Journey Started:

Try DeRupé’s Secret Recipe For Homemade Lip Balm Ingredients 2 ½ ½ 4-5 1

tsp sweet almond oil or jojoba oil tsp of beeswax, grated or pellets tsp of shea butter or coconut oil* drops of flavor oil or essential oils capsule (3 drops) of Vitamin E

Essential Oils to Consider Adding: 2 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil (anti-bacterial/ anti-septic qualities) 1-4 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil (cooling effect) Orange/Lemon Essential Oil (zesty flavor) Cocoa Powder (chocolate flavor) A bit of lipstick (lip balm colorant)

*Warning: coconut oil melts at lower temperatures – do not put in pockets

Directions Prepare all of the ingredients.

Grab a small pot (or a double boiler if possible) and a ceramic bowl.

Fill the small pot with water and boil. Pour boiling water into the ceramic bowl.

Add the beeswax into the ceramic bowl with the boiling water. Wait until the beeswax melts in the bowl.

Add the shea butter or coconut oil, the essential oils, and vitamin E into the bowl.

Turn off the stove. Use an eyedropper and fill chapstick tubes. Do not touch! The mixture should settle in one hour.

For easier clean-up, pour hot water into ceramic bowl before mixture hardens.

When the mixture is solid in the chapstick tubes you can start using your own homemade lip balm!

HEALTH Microwave Meals and How to Replicate Them in a Healthy Way

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by elizabeth nash

hen navigating the battlefield known as the microwaveable meals freezer section, a perfectly healthy, yet decently delicious and super quick meal is hard to find. With the delicious-looking Photoshopped cover image and cooking directions consisting of “just add water,” it can be easy to get sucked into the world of boxed nutritional bombs. The fine print usually consists of indecipherable nutrition labels, and many options are loaded with a minefield of unhealthy amounts of fat, calories, and sodium. It seems as if nothing which cooks in less than five minutes could possibly be a healthy option.

Good news! With a little bit of label reading and enough patience to operate a microwave, the health-conscious eater can, in fact, enjoy dinner. Robyn Kievit, Nurse Practitioner and Registered Dietitian at the Emerson Center of Health and Wellness, provides a comprehensive list of healthy guidelines that will make sense of any nutrition label.

“A microwavable meal can be a perfectly fine choice for someone who is really on the go,” says Kievit. “As long as you’re picking the healthiest option you can have a preassembled meal almost every day.” With Kievit’s guidance, the overbooked college student can easily locate nutritious microwaveable meals--a definite convenience when there are only ten minutes available for dinner.

Learn Your Labels

This is the first step a health-conscious eater should take.

All those numbers and percentages actually do mean something and fortunately, only a few key aspects need to be looked over in order to tell if a meal is healthy or not. Kievit lays out the blueprints for a typical healthy microwavable meal as one that falls in the following ranges: • 400-600 calories per serving • 300-600 milligrams of sodium • 20 grams of protein • 15-20 grams of mono or saturated fat Ideally you want your ingredient list to be as short as possible,” says Kievit. “And pay attention to the first few ingredients because if you’re having a bowl of chicken curry and rice, the first ingredients should be chicken and rice.”

Just as important as what to look for in a healthy meal is what to watch out for in an unhealthy option. “Don’t buy 35 Atlas magazine

something that says Low Carb,” warns Kievit. “Because if the manufacturers are taking out the carbs, they are filling the product with something else—something bad.”If a boxed meal has the following in its ingredient list, leave it on the shelf: • Anything that contains the word “hydrogenated” such as Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, a form of trans fat: stores in the body as bad cholesterol • High Fructose Corn Syrup: cheap substitute for sugar that’s hard to metabolize • Monosodium Glutamate (aka: MSG): flavor enhancer that may cause headaches • Aspartame: artificial sweetener that has been linked to cancer • Over 600 milligrams of salt “The number one thing to look for in microwavable meals is sodium,” says Kievit. “The calories from the extra salt can cause weight gain and bloating. Two thousand milligrams of sodium is what most people need per day, but some boxed meals can contain that much in just one serving.”

Although a meal labeled as Low Fat is probably an okay choice, don’t buy into the idea that a no-fat diet is a healthy diet. All people need some fat, so just be sure to pick meals which have healthy fats, like monounsaturated fat, from foods such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts.

Tasty Choices

As important as choosing a healthy microwavable meal is, the food must also taste good to be worth the purchase.

“Keep a variety of boxed meals in stock,” says Kievit.

“Having many good choices on hand promotes good health and good nutritional habits because you’ll never get bored.”

With the help of Atlas’ staff members, the healthiest pre-assembled meals were brought together for a taste-test showdown.

Here’s how the contestants ranked: 1) Kashi’s Mayan Harvest Bake $4.49; 340 Calories, 9 grams of Fat, 380 milligrams of Sodium, 9 grams of Protein

“So unique, it wasn’t like eating microwavable food at all.”

2) Amy’s Black Bean & Cheese Enchilada $3.99; 240 Calories, 4.5 grams of Fat, 480 milligrams of Sodium, 8 grams of Protein

“Very hearty with great flavor. It tasted like real food.”

3) Healthy Choice’s Asian Potstickers $2.69; 360 Calories, 5 grams of Fat, 530 milligrams of Sodium, 8 grams of Protein

“Great spice! A good balance between light and filling.”

4) Lean Cuisine’s Sesame Stir Fry with Chicken $3.79; 290 Calories, 6 grams of Fat, 550 milligrams of Sodium, 19 grams of Protein

“The vegetables tasted fresh, which was a wonderful surprise.”

5) Smart One’s Three Cheese Ziti Marinara $2.99; 300 Calories, 8 grams of Fat, 580 milligrams of Sodium, 14 grams of Protein

“A true classic for an every-night meal.”

Side Dishes

You may have noticed that many of the meals listed above did not meet Kievit’s earlier requirements. All that this means is that you get to eat more. Even the healthiest options sometimes need some add-ons to complete the meal. “A lot of microwaveable foods can be heavy on carbs but not on fruits or vegetables,” says Kievit. “So you want to supplement these meals with some nutritious sides.”

A handful of baby carrots and an apple will complete any boxed meal. If fresh fruits and vegetables are too expensive, frozen options will do just fine. Broccoli, spinach, green beans, asparagus, or a side salad with vinaigrette dressing are great choices—the greener the better. If your meal is low on protein, toss some slices of precooked chicken into your side salad or microwaveable soup. This can be found in any grocery store’s deli.

Another good option is softer cheese, like feta or mozzarella, which contains less sodium and fat than harder cheeses.

“Just remember to always enjoy your food and take the time to eat it,” says Kievit. “These meals may only take a few minutes to heat up, but that doesn’t mean you have to scarf it down just as quickly.

Recipe

On days when there actually is time to cook, recreate the enchilada meal listed above with this tasty recipe from Betty Crocker:

Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

Prep Time: 25 min; Total Time: 1 hour; Servings: 4

Ingredients 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 ½

teaspoon vegetable oil medium onion teaspoon ground cumin (15 oz) can black beans, drained, rinsed package flour tortillas for burritos (8 tortillas) cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (8 oz) (10 oz) can enchilada sauce cup shredded Cheddar cheese (2 oz) Salsa, if desired

Directions Step One - Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray 11x7-

inch (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.

Heat oil in 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cumin; cook and stir until onion is tender.

Stir in beans.

Step Two - Place about 3 tablespoons bean mixture

in center of each warm tortilla. Top each with 1/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese. Roll up tightly; place, seam side down, in baking dish. Spoon enchilada sauce over tortillas. Spray sheet of foil with cooking spray; cover baking dish with foil, sprayed side down.

Step Three - Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until

thoroughly heated. Sprinkle with Cheddar cheese.

Serve enchiladas with salsa.

Nutrition Information 1 Serving; Calories 660 (Calories from Fat 300), Total Fat 33g (Saturated Fat 16g), Cholesterol 65mg, Sodium 1170mg, Total Carbohydrate 61g (Dietary Fiber 7g, Sugars 4g), Protein 29g; Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 25.00%; Vitamin C 2.00%; Calcium 70.00%; Iron 25.00% *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Multitasking Moves

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models: alex lonati, sierra schoemehl, nicole gibson, shannon sweeny

writen by elizabeth nash photography by nick hayes

n between 16 hours of class per week, rushing to a publishing internship, filming a documentary, and working at the tap-in desks, it can be hard to make time for a workout. Make that to-do list work overtime by incorporating quick and effective moves into everyday activities.

Sirena Bernal, Master Trainer and Pilates Instructor at Healthworks in Coolidge Corner explains that staying healthy doesn’t require hours at the gym. “Just get as much activity into your life on the days you can’t make it to the gym. All the little things you do to keep your body moving can add up to a decent workout,” she said.

Ron Smithers, General Manager at the Fitness Center at Emerson College agrees: “The key to reaching workout goals includes incorporating small changes into a workable routine.”

With a little planning, workouts can be included into any schedule—no matter how hectic. Why not take some of the following moves and put your inner multitasker to work? Always remember to stretch before and after exercising and keep breathing—muscles need oxygen.

While Doing Homework

Imagine getting toned while sitting in an 8 a.m. speech class-without anyone noticing. Pick one area of the body to flex for a few seconds at a time and this is exactly what will happen. It can also be a good distraction from an ethics class that never seems to end. “Exercises which use your own body weight are good for maintaining your shape in between gym time and can be a challenging workout for beginners,” says Smithers.

Inspired by Pilates: • Leg Lifts - Lie on your side, propped up on your elbow.

With the homework in front of you, lift your top leg as high as possible. Slowly bring back down. Repeat 15 times. Switch sides and repeat with other leg to work the glutes and abductors..

• Plank - Lie on stomach and prop yourself up on elbows.

Keep abs in and hold for 30 seconds to work the entire abdomen. Lower, rest, and

repeat up to 10 times. Place book in between forearms.

• The Donkey Kick - Get on all fours with hands directly under your shoulders, knees under hips. Keeping abs in, lift one leg so it is parallel with the floor, with knee bent so your heel is pushed toward the ceiling. Return to starting position. Repeat 20 times with each leg to work the core, glutes, hamstrings.

Keep homework between your hands.

While in Class, on the Subway, or Waiting in Line

“Exercise has so many positive effects,” says Bernal. “It can help a person sleep better and increase a student’s alertness, making it easier to focus in class and on homework.” There’s one excuse to take a break from that literary paper. Stop every half hour to incorporate a brain-stimulating workout that can be done right in the dorm room. With a little creative positioning, it’s easy to keep reading Chaucer or finish calculations for statistics.”

While Sitting: • Motionless Crunches - Tense abs for up to 30 seconds. Suck in your stomach and imagine bringing together all the muscles to the middle of the abdomen. Focus on tightening up your entire stomach, including your lower abdomen, to work those hard-toget lower abs. Don’t hold your breath!

• Knee Lifts - Keeping legs bent, lift both feet a few inches above the ground. Hold for 15 seconds to work the entire ab-area.

While Standing in Line: • Make a Muscle - To tone the biceps and forearm, flex arms as if trying to “show your guns.” Hold for 10 seconds before resting.

Repeat until it’s time to order.

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Atlas magazine

During Commercial Breaks

Hour-long TV shows like Glee and Good Morning Emerson can have up to four sets of three-minute commercial breaks while on air—make the most of them! “For one commercial you can focus on strength moves, the next can focus on cardio, and the next can focus on ab work,” says Bernal.

“You’ll get a full body workout in under 20 minutes.”

3-Minute Moves

• Basic Interval Bursts - If you don’t want to devote an entire commercial break to one specific area of the body, alternate between the strength and cardio moves listed below for 30 seconds each. At the end of every increment, move to another one. Don’t stop until the show returns!

Strength Moves • Push-ups, sit-ups, lift weights, textbooks, or soup cans, planks, and sun salutations Cardio Moves • Jumping jacks, running in place or up and down the hallways, and boxing moves • The Bird Dog - This is a body-weight move, which Smithers suggests, that works the core, glutes, hamstrings, shoulders, and increases stability. While on all fours, lift one leg straight out so it is in line with the hips. Reach the opposite arm straight out in front so it is in line with shoulders. Hold for 10 seconds before switching legs and arms.

• The Alternative Drinking Game - Grab a group of friends and the movie Anchorman.

Anytime Ron Burgundy’s name is mentioned, drop to the floor and race to see who can do 20 push-ups or sit-ups the quickest. This also works well when done anytime Frodo falls down in the Lord of the Rings.

“

No matter what your workout goals, no matter how much time you have, it’s always best to do something, even if it’s not much, rather than nothing.

”

— Ron Smithers, General Manager

of Emerson’s Fitness Center

While Cleaning Your Dorm or Apartment

Check two things off that to-do list by combining a sweat-inducing workout with a cleaning routine!

“It’s definitely possible to make cleaning your bathroom into an intense workout,” Bernal said. “If you’re sweaty and your heart rate is up, you’re getting a workout.”

Combo Moves: • Vacuum Lunges - While pushing the vacuum out, go into a deep lunge to work the quads, glutes, hamstrings, and basically the entire lower body.

Take a big step forward and bend both knees until your front leg is at a 90 degree angle. Hold for two seconds before stepping back and standing up straight. Repeat with other leg. Work both legs 15 times.

• Laundry Curls - Next time you do laundry, carry the hamper in one hand, bending your arm at a 90 degree angle and curling it up toward your shoulder to work the bicep. Coming back from the laundry room, carry the sack behind your back and point the elbow to the ceiling. Keep hand down by neck to work the triceps.

Food Cures by ashley alongi

E

merson students are dedicated—to classes, clubs, thirsty Thursdays, Quidditch games—everything but themselves. The typical college student doesn’t sleep enough or eat right. It doesn’t help that Emersonians, in particular, work so hard they might explode and sickness settles into the Little Building faster than anywhere else. Many head to CVS and clear out the pharmacy section when a bug is on the move in the dorms.

“It’s the day to day maintenance that people forget about when they look at the picture of their week,” says Lindsay Day, senior writing, literature and publishing major and resident assistant of the Wellness Learning Community. “I’ll see people coming in at seven with a Red Bull, because they want to get all their work done at once. Or they’ll come in with fried food because that’s the easiest to get when rushing.” Working as an RA and at the front desk of the Colonial, Day constantly sees these bad habits first hand.

But taking the time to take care of one’s body isn’t as intimidating as it may seem. In fact, it’s even simpler with foodcentered practices that are easy to incorporate into any busy lifestyle.

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Atlas magazine

Stress

During a hectic week it’s important to relax the mind and body. Start each day off with some daily exercise. Exercise activities like yoga are great ways to relax and prepare for the day ahead because they wake up both the muscles and the brain.

“Yoga doesn’t put strain on your body. It’s all about you and what you need, which makes it more than a just fitness thing,” says Giuliana Hazelwood, junior film major and yoga instructor at the Emerson Fitness Center.

During the day, have a cup of tea when the stress starts piling on. The soothing cup contains an amino acid called theanine, which has been known to improve mood and relaxation, according to weight loss coach and nutritional healing expert, Dr. Jonny Bowden, author of The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth. Theanine also increases energy without the jitters frequently accompanying coffee.

For those who don’t like tea, theanine is also available in pill supplements at organic food stores like Whole Foods.

Don’t cut carbs from your diet. Food high in carbohydrates—like pasta, bread, and potatoes—will raise serotonin levels, a chemical in the brain that excites feelings of happiness. Don’t worry about gaining weight, though—when sero-

photos by nick hayes theanine: solgar vitamins honey: davide vizzini chicken noodle soup: eli hodapp

tonin levels increase, appetite will decrease so you won’t overeat.

Headaches

To deal with headaches, it’s crucial to find out what causes them. “Keep a food journal to look for migraine triggers,” says Dr. Peter Martin, a Naturopathic Doctor at The Boston Natural Medicine Clinic on Beacon Hill.

“It’ll help you see patterns in what you’re doing or eating when you get a headache.”

Increasing water intake and eating more vitamin B-rich foods like bananas or tuna will also help keep headaches at bay.

The Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies suggests avoiding foods that contain nitrates, a chemical which many have sensitivity to. Nitrates can be found in smoked and processed meats, so skip hot dogs, bacon, and sausage when you can.

For a stubborn headache, try massaging peppermint oil on the temples of your forehead. The menthol will relieve tension in that area through with its cooling sensation.

Fatigue

As a college student it can be hard to get the right amount of sleep every night, but the best method to stop nodding off in classes is getting those seven to eight hours. “A commitment to a sleep pattern is most im

portant,” says Dr. Martin.

Prioritize your schedule and finish larger, more important items first.

Your body will start to relax and prepare for sleep as you work on the smaller tasks. Put that planner to use, writing down when things are due as well as when you should start them to have the most time to work on them.

At dinner toss out those high fat meals which take longer to digest and leave the body zapped of energy because of all the blood rushing from your brain to the gastrointestinal system.

When it is time to sleep, try food rich in a powerful amino acid called trytophan. It’s the stuff found in turkey that lulls diners into that post-Thanksgiving dinner nap. Trytophan is also found in milk, honey, and bananas.

Hangovers

While nothing completely cures a hangover, many of the symptoms, such as the nausea and headaches, can be remedied naturally. Dehydration is one of the main causes of a hangover. More alcohol means more trips to the bathroom—and that

leaves your body drained of the fluids it needs. Drinking water after a night of intoxicated fun is extremely important. If nausea prevents keeping any water down, suck on ice—this keeps you hydrated and your stomach settled.

For those morning-after woes, Dr. Martin suggests having some tomato soup with fresh lemon. The acids in this meal help speed up the metabolism of the alcohol in the stomach.

Common Cold

Mom got it right when she said chicken soup is your best defense against a cold. According to The Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies, the ingredients in chicken soup have antiinflammatory properties that reduce the amount of mucus in your system. It also speeds up the body’s process of flushing out mucus, which helps relieve congestion. Adding spices, such as chopped garlic, chili peppers, or ginger, to soup can speed up this process even more.

To soothe those pesky sore throats, gargle salt water or drink a mixture of warm lemon water and honey. Salt, which is a natural dehydrator, and the high sugar content in honey, draws out fluids and kills the bacteria and germs wreaking havoc on soft tissue.

It’s important to remember that sometimes natural remedies can’t replace visiting a professional. “Self-treatment and self-improvement are important for students but people consult experts for a reason,” Dr. Martins says. “They can’t always solve their own problems.” If a problem persists, it is crucial to see your primary care physician.

The essential thing to remember about natural medicine is that it takes discipline and commitment. As a student, you have to know what your end goal is and how you can accomplish it. You also have to be ready for trial and error, to find out what works best for you.

Taking these small steps can be the start of better managing an independent lifestyle. For those wanting to make a change in their lives, college can be the best time to start.

“College is when you’re supposed to be figuring out who you are and building the foundation for the rest of your life.

It can get really easy to slip into bad habits,” Hazelwood says.

“Use the opportunity to manage your life in the healthiest way while you’re in college and you’ll take that with you wherever you go.”

Got Anxiety?

Eighty percent of college students struggle with anxiety. The good news? There is help. by kierston rusden

T

here is no arguing that college is a stressful time for students of all ages, genders, or majors. For most, it is the first time they are entirely on their own, taking care of their every need from making time for meals, making sure they’re on top of their schoolwork, and even doing laundry.

Sometimes simple activities like working the washing machine for the first time is overwhelming--for more reasons than that Mom and Dad aren’t around to lend a helpful hand.

With an overwhelming number of students struggling with anxiety, there are an equal amount of resources that students can be blind to when entering the adult world.

There’s a specific reason why sophomore marketing major Tatiana Motevalli-Oliner gets anxious during fire alarms. “In my sophomore year of high school, I lost a good friend to a house fire,” says Motevalli-Oliner.

“The depression came first; the anxiety was more reliant on the depression. [Now] I’m out of the depression, but I still experience severe anxiety based around the event.”

The first time this year that there was a fire drill in Piano Row, Motevalli-Oliner knew that it was only a drill, but she was immediately thrown back into that anxious place.

“I got back into my room, and I was throwing up because I was so shaken,” she says. “I developed insomnia because of the anxiety. Deep sleep equals nightmares for me, so it’s easier to just be awake every hour. And the anxiety medicines don’t help the nightmares; they make your dreams more vivid.”

Feeling uncomfortable in a safe place, fearing a dangerous situation, worrying about paying your loans, and having hypochondriac thoughts—these are anxieties.

According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, these feelings and experiences are called “everyday anxieties.”

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As listed by the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), there are also diagnosable anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety, and specific phobias.

According to a 2008 study by the ADAA, 40 million U.S. adults suffer from an anxiety disorder. Seventy-five percent experienced their first episode by the age of 22. Eighty percent of college students say they frequently experience daily stress.

sarah horwitz

Anxiety disorders are most often diagnosed through another diagnosis such as depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, or post-traumatic stress. Sometimes anxiety disorders are a result of a specific event.

Sophomore marketing major Kyle Koslick, who struggles with comorbid manic depression and anxiety, experiences all of the symptoms of an anxiety disorder, especially performing uncontrollable repetitive actions.

“Mania can be exhilarating and seductive, but it can also become too much to handle and become frightening. Depression is the exact opposite, having an immobilizing

effect resulting in life devoid of pleasure and emotion and constant, unwarranted dread and guilt,” he says.

The third, lesser known, state of manic depression is the mixed episode, where both manic symptoms and depressive ones are expressed, he explained. ”These episodes are the most difficult to deal with, because you have to deal with the negative thoughts and desire to behave in ways that are dangerous to oneself and the energy to execute these feelings

photo by nick hayes

dangerously.”

For a college student juggling the past, present, and future at once, dealing with anxiety impacts school and social life greatly.

“Anxiety inhibits me socially and academically,” Koslick says. “I may choose to stay in rather than go out with friends, worried that they may find my anxious behavior off-putting.

And I spend more time worrying about all the work I have to do and reciting in my mind that I’ll never finish it than actually doing the work.”

Whether anxiety is as specific as a fire alarm, or as generalized as everyday anxieties, there are many treatment options for anxiety available

for Emerson students.

Psychotherapy and cognitive therapy are two of the most prominent sources of relief.

In scenarios of chronic anxiety, medications are available. According to the ADAA, Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, and Ativan) and antidepressants are most commonly prescribed and are found to be effective, but it is important to note their negative effects. Common side effects of anxiety medications include dizziness, depression, impaired judgment, nausea, headaches, sexual disfunction, dizziness, and weight gain. Many people also experience paradoxical effects such as mania, aggressiveness, impulsivity, hostility, rage, and hallucinations.

Antidepressants can, ironically, trigger severe depression stages and are required by the FDA to carry a label warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts, hostility, and agitation. This is not for all cases, however.

“I have flourished with the aid of professionals and medication,” Koslick says. “Modern medicine has allowed [many] ill persons to live completely normal lives.”

It’s important to remember, however, that not all anxiety is bad.

Emerson College Psychology Scholarin-Residence Eileen McBride says, “Anxiety can be good. Our bodies allow anxiety to act as a fight-orflight responder in stressful and threatening situations through a rush of adrenaline.”

McBride explains anxiety like a roller coaster: there are different heights and speeds. “We need anxiety to perform well in school. To compete, pay attention, be alert, and compliant,” says McBride. “On the other hand, once our anxiety reaches a certain level, it will have a reverse effect.”

She suggests embracing anxieties when we go through particularly stressful events such as transition periods. “Anxiety can often explain our uncertainty with ourselves. You can use that anxiety to evaluate your identity,” she says. “Asking questions like ‘Who am I?’ during anxious periods will lead you to beneficial reinvention and experimentation.”

Nearby Support Groups

The Anxiety and Panic Group - first Monday of every month Newton, Mass.

Contact Doreen Menelly: 617-849-3198|doreen@ucanbfearfree.com.

The CALM (Cease Anxiety from Limiting Me) New England Group Greenfield, Mass.

Contact Anita Phillips: 978-790-2568 |calmnephillips@gmail.com.

The Massachusetts Phobia Society - Thursday afternoons Springfield, Mass.

Contact Rita Howie: 413-531-5706 | howieziggy@yahoo.com.

Weekesway - Friday afternoons Lowell, Mass. Contact Steve: weekesway@yahoo Koslick agrees with McBride. “My experience with anxiety has taught me to look critically and logically at my life and experiences when I am feeling emotionally overwhelmed by them,” he said Though not all anxieties are negative and can offer that fight-orflight response, oftentimes college students express their anxiety in negative behaviors.

“Students deal negatively with too much drinking, too much marijuana smoking, being too plugged into electronics, and not getting enough sleep,” Rosenthal says.

There are alternative solutions to psychotherapy and medications, as well. These include meditation and yoga practices, prayer, kava and other herbal products, art therapy, and the 2,000 year old, yet still popular, practice of acupuncture.

Kathy Seltzer, the former dean of clinical education at the New England School of Acupuncture, says, “Acupuncture offers a way to help balance a person’s energy system that helps reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and give a better sense of calmness.”

The ancient practice originated in China but has since spread to all of Asia, Europe, and North and South America. “The heart is where joyfulness, hopelessness, and anxiety are held. When there is an overabundance of an emotion, acupuncture will painlessly give more function to this organ,” she says However acupuncture can be an expensive treatment, ranging from $40 to $100 per session, and there are certainly cheaper (and even free) anxiety relievers like taking long walks with friends, and listening to music.

“When anxious, I try to read or relax in some way. Being alone allows me to attempt to clear my mind,” Koslick says.

Motevalli-Oliner calms her anxiety by talking to her father and sitting in the Piano Row Quiet Study Room alone. “The quiet room has become my best friend,” she says.

But if social support would be a greater relief, think about joining Emerson organizations like EmHealth, or sign up for an athletic team.

Therapy sessions are offered all over the Boston area, many of which accept insurance and managed care plans with low-cost co-pays with a referral from the Counseling Center.

The Behavioral Health Partial Hospital Program at McLean Hospital in Belmont provides group and individual therapies ranging from play therapy to insight-oriented models. The Mount Auburn Counseling Center in Cambridge focuses specifically on the treatment of anxiety, depression, and major life transition. Boston’s Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Unit has a specific center for anxiety. For more information, contact the Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Disorders at 1-866-44-WORRY. Remember that everyone struggles with similar anxieties.The key is to follow the basics: get enough sleep, eat right, manage time, and remember to take time off. If stress interferes with schoolwork and other priorities, there’s always a listening ear at Emerson’s Counseling Center, says Director of the Emerson College Counseling Center, Cheryl Rosenthal.

“Even short term—two or three sessions—of therapy can help,” she said.

CAMPUS Staff Profile:

Hanane Boumkan On Happiness by caitlin anders

I

nside the side entrance to the Walker Building down Boylston Place, there is a security desk where someone must be stationed every day, to keep an eye on things and give a friendly hello to people coming in and out of the building. A quiet place to work due to very limited traffic, the desk has been staffed for the past two years by Securitas member Hanane Boumkan and it’s her favorite place to be.

“The people here are so friendly and respectful, they always ask how I’m doing and show that they really care about me,” she says. “Working here is like being a part of a big family.”

Throughout her time at Emerson, Boumkan has worked in every building at every security post in the school but favors her spot in the Tufte. “I get more of a chance to talk to people when I’m here. It’s quiet with not a lot of traffic, so people are able to stop and chat with me. I love it.”

Even though it is not the most frequented place on campus, Boumkan’s post has given her plenty

43 Atlas magazine

of interesting stories. “There are some people I see every day, and yet they don’t always say hello. If they’re in a good mood, they’ll greet me happily, but if they’re in a bad mood they act as if they don’t even know me even though we’ve talked before.

It can be annoying but it’s also kind of interesting.”

Being ignored occasionally and sitting alone at a desk all day may seem dull, but Boumkan has seen her fair share of funny occurrences, courtesy of Emerson’s quirky students. She describes the weirdest thing that has ever happened to her while she was working, “one day, this girl came up to the desk and asked me if I could smell her. I was confused, and she said that people had been giving her weird looks all day, so she wanted to know if she smelled. I looked at her and realized that it was her outfit and not the way that she smelled that was making people give her weird looks. I told her she needed to be more confident about herself and not care about what other people think about her.

Now, I see her all the time and she’s always confident and smiling. I’m really glad I could help her out with that.”

Boumkan helps people a lot while she’s working, and she’s always happy to do it. “I like to help people around here. I also like to talk to people about happiness a lot.”

Boumkan loves to ask others what makes them happy, in love with the whole idea of happiness and what it can do to people. There is so much that makes her happy, and in talking to her anyone can tell that she loves her life, even despite the things its thrown at her.

Boumkan is currently a long ways away from where she grew up.

Boumkan came to the U.S. in 2008 from Morocco. “My family is all back in Morocco, so it was hard choice to make to come here, but I just decided it was what I wanted to do, and so here I am.” Even though she misses her family, she knows it’s worth it for her to be here, and it makes the times she does see them all the more sweet. Since she’s been here, Boumkan visited Morocco once in 2010 for a month and a half, to attend her Uncle’s wedding. “Weddings in Morocco are huge celebrations that can last up to five to seven days, so they’re always a lot of fun. I’m very glad I got to go to that and see everyone during the celebration.”

Boumkan has always loved to travel, and so far in the states she’s been to New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, and Florida, but Boston will always be her home away from home. “I love seeing all the places in Boston, and actually having four seasons. I had never seen snow before I came here, either, and Boston gets so much of it!”

When she’s not working here at Emerson, Boumkan attends classes at Bunker Hill Community College, studying business management. “I’m really into fashion design, so getting a degree in business will help me be able to pursue that. I draw my own designs all the time, so I’m already preparing to start my own business in that way. I imagine it, I draw it, and it comes out perfectly. I know I’m good at it, and I’ll be successful in life, one way or another.”

Funny Firsts compiled by cara rotschafer

“For my first job, I used to babysit for a family. They had four boys, but one of the boys was older than I was and wasn’t around much. So they hired me to watch over the first three boys, and they were a handful. One time they brought a garden hose into the house and had water fights.

The parents were used to this, so as long as the house was standing, the parents were fine.”

– Seth Grue, Associate Director of Residence Life “The first time I got in serious trouble was in second grade. I was always a curious child.

There was a large hole in the middle of the field that everyone could play in during recess. I thought it would be fun if I shoved a bunch of rocks down said hole. So I did. It turned out it led to a sewage pipe that led to the bathrooms.

It flooded the bathrooms and those were our school’s only bathrooms, so they had to set up porta potties. I guess I felt bad enough that I put a rock on the principal’s desk, and there was a note with the rock saying, ‘I’m sorry. Love, Hannah.’ I got suspended for three days. But when I got back, I was the coolest kid.”

– Hannah von Hemert, writing, literature and publishing 2015 “The first time I flew overseas by myself, it didn’t seem like that big of a deal because I had traveled before; I’m originally from Malaysia…There was a storm, so all the flights were completely packed. I was flying from Boston to Chicago and was supposed to get there around 9 a.m. What ended up happening was a wonderful experience of me staying in the airport from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. I caught the last flight out to Chicago, and the next flight to China was in two days. I take the shuttle to the hotel and I’m like, ‘This is my voucher, I’m supposed to stay here for two days.’ They look at me like, ‘This is only a hotel voucher for one day.’ I checked out at noon and I took a shuttle into a shopping center nearby. I literally sat in Border’s from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. After that, there was a Target or a Kmart just around the corner that was open 24/7, so I went there and waited for four hours. Then I called a cab to come pick me up and take me to the airport. At 7 a.m. I get in line for my flight to China. I show this flight attendant my passport, and she’s like, ‘This says your last name is Tang. Your passport says your first name is Tang and your last name is Wen-Cyien. This isn’t right. I can’t send you to China like this, they’re going to turn you away.’

So I have to call my family friend, and he has to cancel my old ticket and reserve me a new ticket with my ‘proper’ name.”

– Samuel Tang, writing, literature, and publishing 2012

“I had in my mind this very clever way to bring in turning 21. The vision was that I was going to go to a grocery store at about 11:45 at night on July thirteenth; my birthday was on the fourteenth. I would go to the beer aisle and I would get a six-pack of Wasatch ale. When I came up to the check-out counter, I would time it perfectly so that at 11:59 p.m., I would put the beer on the check-out conveyer and it would scoot along to the person, and he or she would ask me for my ID. I would cleverly say, ‘Sure, but can you wait a minute?’ I had rehearsed it in my mind so that the timing and what I said would go perfectly. So sure enough I go to Smith’s grocery store, I get the Wasatch ale, and I time it so that I roll up at exactly 11:59 p.m. I give the person the beer and she says, ‘That’ll be eight dollars, please.’ I say, ‘Don’t you want to see my ID?’ She says, ‘No, you’re good.’ So here’s this thing that I’ve built up to for weeks and it’s the only opportunity that I’ll ever have to do this in my entire life, and it doesn’t work.

So I take the beer and leave and as I’m walking out, it dawns on me that my fatal flaw in my first beer purchase was that I had this huge beard and shoulder length hair and I looked like I was in my early thirties.”

– Wyatt Oswald, Liberal Arts & Interdisciplinary Studies Assistant Professor

“I grew up not eating red meat because I was just raised that way. I’ve always avoided steak and hamburger. All my friends would freak out because I’d never had a hamburger. There’s so much hype about it being Americans’ favorite food. So my friend took me to In-N-Out, a fast food restaurant in California, and I got a cheeseburger. I took the first bite, and I was really disappointed. It was such a let-down. I was seventeen when I ate my first hamburger. I haven’t really had any since.”

– Rosa Shields, political communications 2015

“It was my first full day of classes at Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. I was a Ph.D. candidate in English and American Literature. One of the requirements of first year students was to go to a first year seminar, which was headed by a very famous professor, now deceased, by the name of Walter Jackson Bate.

He had in front of him an array of smoking instruments: packages of cigarettes, bags of tobacco, lighters, matches, and two or three pipes. He would smoke on the cigarette and gesture so ashes would fly everywhere… About 30 minutes into his marvelous performance, he put a lit pipe into his jacket pocket, but he continued to talk and continued to smoke. At some point, smoke started billowing out of his jacket pocket, and he didn’t notice at all. There were two or three of us who noticed that he had set himself on fire. Should we dare interrupt this famous person as he talked about Aristotle and Poetics or should we just let him go up in flames? I remember sitting next to this graduate student named Rob. I said to him, ‘Not me.’

He looked at me and said, ‘Me neither.’ Smoke continued to billow out. I never got up the courage, but Rob eventually did and raised his hand timidly and said, ‘Professor Bate, you’re on fire.’”

– Lee Pelton, President “The first time I used a fireplace…I was living out in Amherst. I grew up in an apartment in the Bronx so I was so excited to have a house with a fireplace. It was a cold night and we decided it was time to put that fireplace to use. We got our logs and kindling and lit it, with our hot cocoa and supplies to make s’mores in hand, ready to experience the first of many winter nights in front of the fire. No one ever mentioned that you had to open the flue, and our perfect night by the fire turned into a horrible night in a smoke-filled house. The chaos that erupted when we realized that the smoke wasn’t going out the chimney but into the house was crazy! It took us almost a month to clear out that burnt smell.”

– Sharon Duffy, Associate Dean of Students “My first semester teaching here at Emerson, I taught a Science and Society class. In the first class, I jumped right into the lecture. I talked about DNA structure and how DNA works. At the end, I asked if anyone had any questions and several hands went up. I was excited that people were interested. I called on the first person, sitting in the back of the room. He asked if Jurassic Park could happen. I was surprised because that’s not how I was thinking at all.

It changed how I thought about how students relate to the subject. I actually developed Jurassic Park into the class, which is now called DNA and Society. So that was my first introduction into the Emerson student’s brain.”

– Amy Vashlishan Murray, Assistant Professor of Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies

STUDENT At Sea by marissa giambelluca writing, literature and publishing and theater studies: management 2011

N

oah never really believed in signs from the universe.

He didn’t see the logic in God, or Mother Nature, or whoever is in charge wasting time trying to warn human beings of anything. This often broke his wife’s spirit. Gloria tried not to show it, but he could see it. He could see it in the slight waver of her eyes, in the subtle down turning of the corner of her lips, and in the quiet sigh she omits, almost subconsciously, when Noah discredits her claims of the mysterious workings of the world. If he was going to have a drink with a friend at the local pub and it started to rain, Gloria would be the first to remark, “that’s a sign that you should stay in.” and Noah would have to hold back his response that it really just meant he would need an umbrella.

“All you do is go fishing and then go drinking with your friends.” Gloria said it as they were eating dinner that night, unprovoked. She spat it out like it had been sitting in her mouth all day and she could no longer take the bitterness of it. He tried to explain that he fished all day because it was his job, and

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by emily prescott, film production 2013

as a matter of fact, it literally put food on the table. Gloria seemed to consider this for only a moment before she got back to it. “I feel lonely all day. You don’t care about me.” With that Noah grabbed his coat and left for the boat while still chewing his last bite of Haddock.

He didn’t know where he was rowing. He did know that he had enough fish and beer in his boat to last him a few days.

The waves were fiercer than he remembered them being earlier in the week. Each roll of the water hit the small wooden boat like a heavy fist against drywall.

Noah looked at the oncoming dark clouds and fog in the distance and immediately heard his wife calling, “God wants you out of that boat! You should be home with me, Noah,” and he couldn’t help but let loose a small smile. It soon turned to a

frown when he realized it was the first time he had left home without giving his wife a kiss.

Without warning, a huge wave hit the side of the boat. Noah began to stand to distribute the weight but lost his balance as the boat flipped with a loud thud. The water was colder than Noah’s body could handle. Instead of going numb he was stuck in a sickening state of burning pain. Noah grabbed the paddle that was quickly sinking near him and flipped the boat back to its rightful position and got in. He didn’t look for the beer or the fish because it no longer mattered. He began to paddle towards home. He didn’t take the weather as a sign; he just knew where he belonged.

SHOWCASE Clean Ivory Mornings by kayla maiuri writing, literature and publishing 2013

I

n the mornings when the spring air was still cold but the sun was bright, breaching through our bathroom window, I loved watching you brush your teeth. You with your clean cotton towel wrapped around your waist and the jewels of water adorning your skin. I sat on the edge of the marble tub. I

rested my elbows on my knees with my chin in my palms, watching you in the mirror.

Watching the fresh suds craft a mustache around your mouth, listening to the echo of bristles on your teeth. And then you would squirt shaving cream in your palm like a white Hershey’s Kiss, and smooth it on your cheeks and chin. I’d listen to the glide of blade on stubble and the clink of razor on marble sink.

I’d taste your breath when you knelt to level our eyes, tell me to go back to sleep. I’d take in the scent of my favorite

cologne, the one in the opaque, olive bottle. You would leave the room and get dressed, and come back to say goodbye.

You’d meet me with a kiss and a lingering hand on my shoulder, your warmth shielding me from the breeze that filtered in.

I don’t know how to be okay again or how to pretend there’s a reason for everything. When I think about life before you were gone, I sit on the marble tub. I open the window and let in the morning air and I imagine you floating in, pausing at the bathroom sink to brush your teeth.

by joshua waterman film production 2015

by emily kanzer film production 2013

Meet Tania Piao

“B

Winner Of “Like Us On Facebook” Promotion

eing Korean-Chinese is complicated,” says Baihua Piao. “We’re not half-half.

Chinese-Korean means halfhalf, but Korean-Chinese means Koreans who were born in China.”

Baihua—or Tania, as she prefers to be called in the States—was born in the northeastern part of China in the city of Harbin. Piao, freshman studio TV production major, is the first of her family to go to college in America.

All of Piao’s family is Korean, and while some live in China, others reside in South Korea. Her family moved to China during World War II, along “I felt like Emerson was the with many other Korean right school for me.” immigrants, to flee Japanese rule and economic hardships.

However, since only Chinese “The Chinese government and English were taught in her accepted them as an ethnic school, she has never formally group,” Piao explains. “In learned the Korean language.

China there are fifty-six ethnic Because her family speaks groups.”

Korean and still participates Piao is proud of her heritage. in many of the traditions from “We are different from Koreans their homeland, Piao knows and Chinese since even though more about Korean culture we have Korean DNA, we are than Chinese, and watches only still Chinese and we still live in Korean television. Despite this, China. The way we think is very her family celebrates Korean, as different. We are very tough well as Chinese holidays, such because of our background.” as the Chinese New Year.

Speaking only Korean until At home, Piao grew up with she was four years old, Piao her father, Xixu, her mother, still speaks it as her primary Yueli Jin, and her two older language at home and around brothers, Baiying and Bailin. relatives, as well as at church.

Her father is a businessman and

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creates his own companies, while her mother is a stayat-home mom. “[My mom] supported me a lot and she helped me. She helped guide me to the right direction,” says Piao.

Piao and her mother moved to Indiana when Piao was in sixth grade, and after spending a year there, the pair moved to Hamilton, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston. During her two years in Hamilton, Piao decided she wanted to go to college in Boston. Although she thought Indiana was beautiful, she loved city life.

While living in the United States for three years, Piao learned many things, but the most important is what she discovered about herself.

“I was very shy and I didn’t talk a lot. When I was here, I learned to be more comfortable with myself and to express my feelings more and to not hide how I feel toward somebody. I liked it when I was here in the States.”

When she moved back to China for the remainder of her high school years, she lived in Qingdao and attended a small international school with about 250 students in first through twelfth grade. Most of her classes were taught in English by either an American or an English instructor. Art, music PE, and Chinese math and language, were all taught in Chinese.

Piao was very involved in her here very clearly. “My mom and sent it to a Korean film school. She was the president and I stayed at my mom’s company. Her mother’s interest of the student body her junior friend’s house, and we drove to in screenwriting inspired Piao year, and was also selected as Emerson. I thought it was going to go into VMA at Emerson. She the lead in both her junior and to be really crowded, so I came also has others dreams, though. senior student-written musicals; an hour later. When my mom’s “I love VMA, but I also love even more impressive, she friend pulled the car to the side, the theater. When I was little, wrote the senior piece. there were a bunch of people and even now, I still want to be After her four busy years of screaming. I really like that kind a performer because I have a lot high school, the time came for of energy and I felt welcome. of experience onstage and I love Piao to choose a college, and she Orientation, especially being onstage.” Piao dreams applied for mostly schools in International Orientation, of performing on a stage, from Boston because she remembered confirmed that Piao had made an Emerson play in the Semel how much she loved Theater to it. Tufts University, New York’s “I’m doing pretty well because I really want Boston University, and Broadway to be independent because my parents would Emerson were on her shows. Even never let me do things by myself. Now I feel list of finalist schools, if she doesn’t like I can do everything.” but Emerson was her end up acting, ultimate choice. “I Piao still wants felt like Emerson was to be involved the right school for me,” Piao the right choice. “International in theater, perhaps in stage says. Her favorite things about Orientation was really fun. management. Because she also Emerson are the energy and That’s where you get to meet enjoys singing, dancing, and the people. “[The people] really all the internationals. I’ve playing the piano, Piao wants to make you feel welcome. They made a lot of friends who minor in Music Appreciation. make you feel comfortable, and aren’t internationals and they Regardless of what Piao ends they are willing to help you are very nice, too. But being up doing, she loves it here at with anything. I just really love around internationals is a little Emerson, and although she it here!” bit different than being around grew up thousands of miles Coming to Emerson has a Americans. We always have away, she feels like this is a price: the rest of her family is each other’s backs because place where she can truly be back in China, and most of her we’re all internationals and herself and transform her friends are either in Korea or we know what we’re going passions into a lifetime of doing China. “More than half of my through.” what she loves. In addition friends are in Korea right now.

Now, Piao is involved in to being Korean, Chinese, They are attending college or A.S.I.A. “When I’m at the and American, she now adds university there, and some A.S.I.A. group I feel very at Emersonian with pride. of my friends are attending home, and it’s comfy.” She college in China.” Moving over is also on the committee for ten thousand miles away from Emerson International. home, from family, and from As a Studio TV Production friends takes courage, but Piao major, Piao attributes her is thriving. “I’m doing pretty choice to her love of TV and well because I really want to film, as well as her mother. be independent because my Although she is a stay-at-home parents would never let me do mom, Piao’s mother is also things by myself. Now I feel like working on screenwriting.

I can do everything.”

She took online classes and She remembers her first day has completed her first script

CITY W

A New Name for Beantown

e all know Boston as Beantown and The Bean today, but beans have been a Boston tradition since the Colonial times. New England Native American tribes baked Navy beans in bear fat and maple syrup, creating the first recipe for what would become Boston’s namesake dish. To adapt the dish, piligrims replaced the syrup and bear fat with pork fat and molasses. Then, in 1993, the Navy bean became Massachusetts’ official state vegetable; and so the nickname became immortalized.

But there’s more to Boston than just Beantown. In his collection of essays from the late 1800s titled The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table, author Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. wrote, “Boston State-House is the hub of the solar system.” Thanks to him, people often called Boston The Hub of the Universe, or simply, The Hub. We also know Boston today as The Walking City. Sure, this may be because of Boston’s manageable size, but really, it’s just that the alternatives to walking and public transportation—driving through notoriously awful traffic or getting run over while riding a bike— are not so pleasant.

If you think those nicknames are bad, don’t worry, they get even worse.

This past July, GQ Magazine ranked Boston as the worst dressed city in America. The blurb begins with, “Boston is like America’s Bad-Taste Storm Sewer: all the worst fashion ideas from across the country flow there, stagnate, and putrefy.” GQ cites Uggs, leggings, and sportswear as a

by sarah ruggiero photography by laura franzini

“The city that always sleeps. It’s just frustrating that everything closes at nine p.m. as opposed to Manhattan, where everything’s open.”

Gemma Simko, Marketing 2013 few of the city’s major fashion faux pas. For Emerson students, who are some of the most fashion-conscious of the local college population, this seems a bit shocking and downright insulting. Perhaps even more startling, just a few weeks after receiving the worst dressed title, two psychologists from the University of Michigan performed a study on fifty U.S. cities, surveying each of them based on character traits such as friendliness and niceness. Boston ranked #50 on the friendliness meter, which raises the question: Is Boston really that rude?

These two insulting labels may just be a fluke, but perhaps it’s also time to reevaluate our nickname situation and find a new title to unite under. These days, it’s hard to find a restaurant that serves Boston baked beans, and New York steals most of our light as the most important American city, which sort of dulls the glory of the name The Hub of the Universe. We need a nickname which Bostonians of all kinds can relate to, and if there’s something most people can agree upon around here, it’s complaining about cold weather.

For anyone who has stepped foot in Boston between the months of October

“Boston is The Land of a Thousand Dunkin’s because it’s almost impossible to walk three blocks without running into one.”

Lee Satterwhite, Studio Production 2014 49 Atlas magazine

and April, it’s impossible to ignore the blisteringly cold New England wind.

Since when does Chicago deserve the Windy City title? According to Forbes’ “America’s Top Ten Worst Winter Weather Cities,” Chicago ranked fifth while Boston ranked second place. If Boston should be given any nickname, I would choose to call Boston The Windiest City. The wind-tunnel that is Tremont Street should be evidence enough. Chicago, your population may be four times larger than ours, but we are not afraid to fight you on this. We New Englanders are tough people (just look at what we have to go through in the winter), and if we happen to look like badly dressed citizens in order to avoid frostbite this winter, then so be it.

The MBTA Personality Quiz What Line on the Are You? by tanya wlodarczyk

1. It’s finally Friday night and after a long week of classes and work you just want to have a good night. You decide to...

a) Grab a friend and try your hand at cooking that new recipe you’ve

been dying to try after hitting up the farmers’ market.

b) Head out for a cannoli and to explore the North End.

c) Cozy up in bed with a cup of tea and good book.

d) Find the nearest house party and crash it.

2. You bring a friend back to your room. When they look around they see...

a) An interesting array of homemade ceramics and old McDonald’s toys

on the desk and the shelf. You like to collect quirky things.

b) Books organized by height on your desk and labels on every drawer.

You like your space to be clean with things in the right place.

c) Books and papers spread all over the desk, the bed and the floor

You’ve been too busy with a research paper to bother with cleaning.

d) The week’s clothing littered around the floor and an unmade bed;

cleaning is a waste of time when you could be hanging out with friends

instead.

3. On average, your week is filled with...

a) Getting together with friends.

b) Exploring places you haven’t been to yet.

c) Classes, meetings with professors, and study groups.

d) Parties with people you just met.

4. A coworker gets sick and asks you to cover for them, you...

a) Agree but get reprimanded by your manager for getting your septum

pierced last night. It seemed like a good idea at the time.

b) Regretfully say no because you are already on your way to

Providence for the day, even though you could use the money for future

adventures.

c) Show up to work 20 minutes early and go above and beyond what

you’re supposed to.

d) Say you can do it but change your mind at the last minute. You just

don’t feel like working today.

5. You make plans to meet with a friend at a coffee shop in Cambridge one

night. How do you get there?

a) You take the sketchy alley shortcut. You’ve been in worse places.

b) You walk, leaving a few hours early so you can explore the

surrounding area before meeting up.

c) You hop on the T and get there right on time. You’re too busy to not

be efficient.

d) You’re an hour late because you noticed a sale at Urban Outfitters,

ran into another friend, and grabbed a quick smoke.

6. At a party, you tend to be the one who...

a) Tells your friends you’ll go but mellows out at your favorite jazz club

instead. Parties are overrated.

b) Flits between different groups of people. You have friends in almost

every group on campus.

c) Makes a brief appearance and then heads home. You have work that

needs to be done and this isn’t really your scene.

d) Tries anything and everything. Nothing is too crazy, especially when

you can be the center of the party.

Mostly A’s—You’re the Orange Line!

You’re eccentric and loving it.

While people may call you “sketchy” sometimes, you enjoy taking the road less traveled. When given the option of the usual or something different, you go for the new experience. You only live once, right? Life’s too short to do what everyone else does. Sometimes in you hustle to experience everything you can be delayed, but you’re pretty reliable.

Mostly B’s—You’re the Blue Line!

You love traveling and seeing new places. You’re quiet, some people may even see you as cold, but you just like spending time on your own. There’s nothing wrong with being introverted.

But because of your travels, you gain friends in many different places that are fun to go out with when you’re in the mood for company. When a friend needs a favor they can usually depend on you-if you’re around.

Mostly C’s—You’re the Red Line!

You tend to be bookish and like staying busy. Luckily you’re good at what you do and are very dependable.

Even when other people would generally flounder under the pressure of work, school, and internships, you buckle down and come out on top. Sometimes your friends complain that you’re too busy but they just don’t understand; you need to get out on top.

Mostly D’s—You’re the Green Line!

You tend to be popular and always busy with friends. You’ll say yes to anything that involves your friends and a good time. When going out, you’re usually the last to be ready and the first to get drunk. People may call you a stereotypical college student, but there’s nothing wrong with getting “the college experience.” Even though you’re rarely on time with anything, you get done what needs to be done. Usually.

R

emember coming back from that party out in Allston, trying to meet up with people, but lose cell phone reception as you ride underground, passing Symphony inbound? Or attempting to doublecheck that flight home for the holidays on the Blue Line, but as you enter the Government Center stop, the bars at the top of your phone’s screen dwindle down to none as you reach the train platform?

Those days will soon be over as cell phone calls, texts, and web surfing will all be possible on the Blue Line and most underground segments of the Green Line, starting with Science Park through Government Center. In other words, for the obsessive email checker or Facebook status updater, worry no longer, wherever you may be.

Back in 2007, Boston was one of the first cities to develop a wireless telephone service at four downtown stops including Park Street, Government Center, Downtown Crossing, and State Street before expanding reception to other stops along the subway system. As demand for cell phone capabilities through the subway system increased, it became obvious to the city of Boston that a project of a larger scale was in order.

Currently, the Orange Line is the only line of the T to provide complete coverage, depending on the cell phone provider.

You’ll have to wait on Symphony and Prudential: those won’t have coverage by the end of this year, but soon afterward. Because of the special tunneling and depth of some subway stops, extra time is spent making this reception improvement. The project is taking on a few stops at a time, not necessarily in order from one end of the line to another. By the end of 2012, the entire Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) system will carry reception, so no matter where you’re coming from or traveling to next, you won’t have to stash your iPhone or Blackberry away for the ride.

The MBTA has partnered with InSite Wireless Group to make this project a success. They did not disclose the exact cost of this project, but is expected to cost millions of dollars over the next year and a half.

“We provide the infrastructure,” said Joe Mullin, Vice President of InSite’s Engineering and Wireless.

The goal of InSite Wireless is to “design, build, operate, and maintain wireless infrastructure for complex indoor environments.” InSite Wireless serves as what is called the neutral host system. It provides the wireless capability for all carriers, and as these companies take interest in providing their costumers with this extra

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by cassie schauble photography by laura franzini

“Peace and quiet. It has a nice ring to it.”

coverage, InSite will help.

As the project progresses, cell phone carriers will join in. As of now, AT&T, Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile have signed on with InSite to offer coverage underground. The MBTA will take in revenue based on each carrier that joins; it is important to the companies that they provide their customers with the best reception to increase satisfaction levels. The T has already taken in about $5.2 million for the Orange Line and downtown locations

on MBTA

alone.

InSite has worked on a variety of big projects in Boston as well as around the country including the Boston Exhibition Center, but nothing on this scale. “We’ve never done something this complex,” said Mullin, “but MBTA cooperation has been great.” Because Boston’s subway system is the oldest in the country, it doesn’t have the better technology that other systems have.

For example, the New York and the

D.C. subway systems can reverse the direction of their train cars, allowing for entire tracks to be closed down for maintenance. Boston’s T cannot, which hinders construction and maintenance.

Since it is only out of service from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., workers have a very limited amount of time to get the job accomplished. “By the time you get out there [with all of the necessary equipment], you really only have 3 hours if you’re lucky,” Mullin said.

Along with this new improvement, the MBTA will make advertisements to encourage respectful cell phone use on the T, limiting loud or disruptive conversation. The expectation is that passengers will use this new capability mostly for texting and Internet use, rather than telephone calls. Along with the initial wave of cell phone reception coverage, the MBTA launched a new slogan saying “Peace and quiet. It has a nice ring to it.” While the MBTA is making efforts to accommodate the people eager to use their phones, it also is mindful of many people that are concerned that their daily T ride into the city will soon become much louder.

Still for most passengers, this improvement has been a long time coming. So the next time you catch yourself sighing as your call is dropped underground in the Back Bay, remember that in a matter of months, any cell phone trouble on the T will be a thing of the past.

Festive First Dates by madeline smeaton

T

he nip in the air, fresh snow on the ground, and twinkling lights around every corner— December’s spirit sets the scene for a budding romance. If you’re planning a first date this winter, don’t settle for the cliché dinner and a movie. Instead, take advantage of the season’s natural charm with these first date ideas, which will help you harness the excitement of Boston and the magic of the holidays.

Hit the Slopes

Nothing beats the feeling of gliding down a mountain at top speed. Skiing and snowboarding are fun ways to spend an entire day with someone without the pressure of maintaining constant conversation. An added bonus are rides on the chairlift: the perfect opportunity for snuggling up. If you or your date has never hit the slopes before, take a mini lesson together and stay close! And on your last run of the day, share a kiss on the summit before the sun sets.

While a little on the small side, Blue Hill Ski Resort in Canton is not far from Boston, a 45-minute ride to Readville on the commuter rail, and has reasonable rates. Weekday passes: four hours for $22, eight hours for $29. Weekend passes: four hours for $30, eight hours for $36. Ski rentals (skis, poles, boots) and snowboard rentals (snowboard and boots) are $28.

Blue Hills Ski Resort: 4001 Washington St., Canton; 781-828-5070; ski-bluehills.com

Take in the View

Venture to The Top of the Hub, an elegant restaurant at the top level of the Prudential Center, for a twinkling view of the snow-covered city. Share a dessert like the Vlrhona warm chocolate cake served with pumpkin ice cream and raspberry couli, $10, or the the Boston Cream pie with raspberry sauce and crème anglaise, $11.

After your meal, take a walk through Skywalk Observatory for a 52-flight-high viewpoint of Back Bay and beyond, $10.

Top of the Hub: 800 Boylston St., Boston; 617-536-1775; topofthehub.net

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Sail into 2012

Coast through Boston Harbor and watch the fireworks shimmer over the water on a Midnight Fireworks Cruise. Your view will be the entire city as it shines with excitement in anticipation for the new year. As the final seconds of 2011 fade away, pull your date close for a midnight kiss. The cruise starts at 11 p.m. and tickets are $35.

Midnight Fireworks Cruise: Boston Harbor, Boston; 617-542-1399; firstnight.org

Crack Up

Ever had naughty visions of the Sugar Plum Fairy, wondered the size of the teddy bear’s present, or wished The Nutcracker was simply nuttier? Then perhaps you and your date should skip the ballet and head to the Somerville Theater in Davis Square for a hilarious and raunchy revision of the holiday favorite. Set to the original score, The Slutcracker is a burlesque parody that will make you squeal with laughter and put your holiday memories in a whole new light.

Performances run from Dec. 3 to Dec. 24 and tickets are $25.

Somerville Theater: 55 Davis Square, Somerville; 617-625-5700; theslutcracker.com

A Caffeinated Boston by alexa zahares

C

ity-dwellers love their coffee. Whether hot or iced, mocha or caramel, latte or cappuccino, this caffeinated substance is cupped snugly in the hands of many Bostonians throughout the harsh winter. While the drink is popular among many age groups, it’s a frequent expense for many college students. The reason to purchase coffee extends past its taste and high percentage of caffeine – it also provides a comfortable environment. Students use cafés to tackle homework, socialize, procrastinate, or simply people-watch. For only a couple dollars, a student can relax in a toasty environment away from the distracting elements of a dish-filled sink or glossy television. And the comfortable java buzz isn’t bad either.

Boston not only appreciates the need for caffeine jolts, but also embraces the unique environment of cafés, which are pieces of art specializing in different styles and creating individual moods. Just as there is a perfect bistro for that certain cup of joe you crave, there is a particular spot for the book you’re dying to snuggle up with. Just pick your mood and caffeinate away!

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Wired Puppy 250 Newbury St., Boston 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily wiredpuppy.com

Any café that offers both regular and chocolate whipped cream definitely has a passion for taste.

Wired Puppy, an underground-vibe internet café on Newbury Street, has quite the eclectic menu.

While sporting all the coffee shop usuals, they also offer steamers (lattes with flavored syrup instead of coffee), caffe freddos (frozen espresso), and green tea smoothies. Also offered are enough types of flavor shots to keep the most restless person happy, and offbeat seasonal specials for the adventurous.

While the word “organic” is plastered all over its menu, Wired Puppy is more quirky than cliché.

Its brick walls and tall arches are reminiscent of a brick-oven pizzeria and the hourglass-shaped seats look like props from a sci-fi set. The ambient music varies drastically, depending on the current barista’s favorite radio station. An added plus is the free WiFi—a gift or a curse depending on what you need to accomplish The atmosphere of Wired Puppy strikes an unconventional bell. Much like the weary needing-ofa-hero environment set up in Watchmen, written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons, there is a sense of adventure and mischief spilling out of the coffee cups and lurking between the walls of this café.

The bubbling energy and creative menu make this spot the ideal headquarters for costumed vigilantes.

It’s easy to picture them sitting around a table in this wacky café, divvying up Boston’s neighborhoods to defend.

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Crema Café 27 Brattle St., Cambridge Mon. through Fri. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. cremacambridge.com

With masterfully swirled coffee, skylights, and music that makes you want to dance, Crema Café was made for the fanciful. Located in Harvard Square, this two-floor café is decently sized and wraps you in a warm-hearted atmosphere. But don’t worry about the shop lulling you to sleep, the shock of caffeine and upbeat techno music will keep awake enough to study or share a laugh with friends. With a dim orange lighting, yellow and green walls, and coffee served in big round cups, it’s easy to sink into your seat and relax in a content stupor.

Crema’s menu goes beyond the basics. The drinks sound like terms found in a fantasy book: red nectar, blackberry limeade, ginger steamer, and red crema.

In addition to java, this café offers sandwiches and soups as well as unique baked goods, including tasty snickerdoodle cookies with currants.

Although Crema certainly has some fantasy aspects, it doesn’t tell a purely whimsical tale.

Perhaps it’s the swirls in the coffee, or the techno music mixed with the comfort vibes, but Crema Café is reminiscent of an appearances-are-deceiving tale like Fight Club, by Chuck Palahniuk. Drinking a red crema, and surrounded by the cascading voices of fellow coffee drinkers, it’s easy to picture yourself as capable of anything. The peppy energy is perfect for a chat with friends or a warm-up for fight club— depending on your mood, of course.

3 Pavement Coffeehouse 1096 Boylston St., Boston Mon. through Fri., 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. pavementcoffeehouse.com

Olive green paint, brick walls, expensive art for sale – if there is a standard decorating scheme reserved for coffee shops, this is it. Pavement Coffeehouse, a café near Berklee College of Music on Boylston Street, is filled with well-dressed students and young socializing professionals lounging in comfy couch booths and straight-backed chairs.

However, the most in-demand seating option is clearly the worn wingbacks perched in front of a decoration fireplace. These chairs emanate the cigar-smoking era, but function just as well for coffee drinkers pondering a big academic thesis or philosophical question.

Pavement’s menu mirrors its environment: basic but classic coffee and food options, presented in a straightforward manner. There are no blatant flavor options listed, and the coffee is strong enough to keep a sleep-deprived mind running. The subdued oldies music and soft colaor scheme play along with the studious and artsy presentation of the café. Pavement is definitely the go-to place for the teetering student loaded with books and assignments.

Just like Pavement, Emily Dickinson understood the calm accomplished of settling down and blending in. Dickinson knew how to combine the whimsical with fact, and her pondering of every aspect of life made her famous, despite her wallflower attitude.

There is something to be said for a quiet café with a serious soul—it gives your heart a beat to rest, but to also learn and grow. A somber, thoughtful mood can prime a mind for success.

4 The Friendly Toast 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge Sun. through Tues. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Weds. through Sat. 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. thefriendlytoast.net

Walk into The Friendly Toast and you immediately think it was constructed for a game of I Spy. The walls are crowded with ‘50s memorabilia and a peculiar assortment of wall art. There is a band of wallpaper running along the walls that depicts young adult mystery books, including the Hardy Boys and the Ken Holt series. Among the collection of images on the walls there is a ballerina, a cowboy, a pair of Siamese cats, and an assortment of old-fashioned advertisements. If you’re not distracted by the lifesize collage, you will be entranced by the sparkly booths and girl punk rock music echoing over you.

The diner is welcoming to groups of all ages and appetites. Although it is best known for its breakfast and brunch items, The Friendly Toast also serves up sandwiches and burritos. It is a bit of a walk from the Kendall Square T stop on the red line, but the trek is worth it if you want to experience a bizarre yet homey shop with good-quality food.

Waiter Rant, by Steve Dublanica, describes how waiters deal with some eccentric customers. This ‘50s diner could easily collect quite a diverse crowd of guests and although the space is jammed with memorabilia, there is just enough room for some fullbelly laughter from the customers and staff.

People say that a balanced college student diet is often a coffee in one hand and a cookie in the other.

Luckily there is no better place to find both than at a café. Next time you find yourself dozing in the library amidst a pile of notes and books, you might want to consider checking out one of these shops—one of them just might become your home-away-fromhome, constantly stocked with enough caffeine and sugar to keep you going all semester long.

GLOBE London – Astronomers discover planet made of diamond Eat your heart out girls, there’s an entire planet that astronomers believe is made of diamond. Too bad it’s 4,000 light years away. In case you’re wondering—no, you cannot get there.

PETA to launch porn site in name of animal rights PETA hopes to gain a new audience by graphic images that people are not expecting to see on their XXX site.

And yes, a real porn site.

According to PC Magazine, the website is expected to, “have pornographic content but that it would be interspersed with undercover photos and footage of animals being mistreated.”

Yeah, okay PETA.

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MIT develops new brain technology It’s no surprise that MIT is leading the way in technology, but researchers at the prestigious institute are developing a chip that allows the brain’s neurons to respond and adapt to new information.

This could someday allow the brain to communicate with artificial body parts, as well as pave the way for artificial intelligence devices.

Nobel Peace Prize recognizes women rights activists Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee, and Yemeni pro-democracy leader Tawakul Karman were given the Nobel Peace Prize this year for their efforts in the “non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights.”

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

compiled by valerie adamski and julia domenicucci

Berlin introduces “tax meters” for prostitutes In order to monitor earning for income taxes (yes, prostitutes pay income taxes in Germany), German prostitutes now must purchase a ticket from a “sex tax meter” for 6 euros a night.

China gets spacey We feared the United States would be hitching a ride into space with the Russians, but now we can also join the Chinese. China has mastered the art of docking in space and is planning trips to the moon, as well as its own space station, in 2020—just in time for the retirement of the International Space Station.

With 24 high-tech fingers, Japan robot washes hair Intended for use inside hospitals, nursing homes, and the homes of the elderly, Panasonic has created a robot that can wash, condition, rinse, and blow-dry your hair. It’s expected to go on sale next year.

East Africa Hunger Crisis East African countries are in dire need of food and water. Even with efforts, it looks as though thousands will die on top of the thousands that already have.

While the number of famine zones in Somalia has been cut in half, aid groups from the UN and US warn that the crisis is not over, and the area still requires more help.

Crunchy crickets going mainstream in Australia?

Chocolate-covered, frozen, or roasted–crickets and silk worms are becoming a snack worthy of doctors, lawyers, and college professors.

She’s the First:

Educating Females Worldwide

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by julia domenicucci

n some countries, the education of girls is neglected. It is not seen as a priority, and, instead, many girls drop out of school to care for siblings or be married without completing their education. That’s where non-profit organization She’s the First steps in: to keep girls who would otherwise drop out in the classroom. With a better education, a girl is able to contribute more to her immediate community and change the lives of those around her. In addition, she will most likely marry at an older age, helping prevent both large families and deaths resulting from pregnancies.

To combat this lack of education among girls, She’s the First helps fund scholarships to ensure girls everywhere have a chance to receive an education.

This nationwide force was founded in 2009 by Tammy Tibbetts, a graduate of the College of New Jersey. She was inspired after creating a directory listing organizations that provided prom dresses to girls who could not afford them. She realized that a similar directory, one that dealt with educational programs for girls, would be extremely beneficial. Today, She’s the First is affiliated with nine other organizations that provide scholarships to girls in eight different third world countries. The organization’s accomplishments in these countries help shape a rising generation of global leaders, future philanthropists, and cross-cultural communicators.

In order to contribute funds for these scholarships, She’s the First relies on donations from individuals and groups, in addition to running

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global fundraising events. Official college branches work with the larger organization and help fundraise. Tibbetts says these groups are a positive expansion of the She’s the First mission. With 12 active chapters, and more applications pouring in every week, She’s the First is a fast growing nonprofit with ambitious, yet reachable, goals.

Amelia Jimenez, a sophomore marketing communications major, is the founder and president of She’s the First Emerson. In April of her senior year of high school, Jimenez won the New York Women in Communications Foundation Scholarship, an award Tibbetts was previously awarded. Jimenez first met Tibbetts and learned of her organization when she visited New York City to accept her award.

Last summer, while interning for McCann Erickson, an advertising agency in Ecuador, Jimenez was asked to create a mock campaign.

“She’s the First popped into my mind,” she says, and from there Jimenez e-mailed Tibbetts and began putting together the new chapter. That same summer Jimenez created a social media campaign, alerting the Emerson community about the developing club. To date, She’s the First Emerson consists of 30 members who regularly attend its weekly meetings.

In addition to promoting awareness and starting a conversation about the sponsored girls, each chapter is expected to fundraise. The Emerson chapter initially chose to focus on Guatemala and the She’s the First partner organization there: Starfish One by One. Starfish One by One not only sponsors girls’ educations,

but also provides a personalized mentorship program that covers topics like family planning, domestic violence, and other nonacademic lessons.

Before the Emerson chapter was able to sponsor a particular girl, they had to raise the $300 necessary for the basic Empowerment Scholarship. The Off Campus Student Service Center partnered with local businesses to sponsor the first fundraiser, a costume contest that raised $145. The Emerson chapter also participated in the National Tie-Dye Cupcake BakeOff. Competing groups, which had eight days to run cupcake-related fundraisers, were scattered across America. There was even one in Australia at the Whitehouse Institute of Design in Sydney.

Emerson’s chapter held an entire week of events, including baking 1,000 cupcakes, holding a cupcake recipe contest, and offering cupcake decorating. By the end of the week, more than $18,000 was made globally thanks to the combined efforts of all the groups.

She’s the First Emerson exceeded their goal to raise two-thirds of their $300 minimum, reaching almost $575 between the two fundraisers. With these funds and those from future events, Emerson’s chapter will be able to provide yearlong sponsorships to three girls in Tanzania and one girl in Guatemala, and they might even expand to other countries.

Tales of a Nigerian Journalist:

Abdulafiu Lawal

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by valerie adamski

itting in a Starbucks at the corner of Tremont and Boylston streets, Abdulafiu Lawal, a journalism graduate student, is far from the life he expected to have. After reaching what he thought was the peak of his career, this Nigerian native is reaching for what some would call “The American Dream.” But his road to the United States was more than luck, requiring a lot of hard work, determination, and a little bit of favoritism.

Lawal’s journey to the U.S. started when he was taking an aptitude test for a Chevron scholarship. Tell Magazine, the Nigerian equivalent of Time Magazine, scouted his university to fill an open reporter position. A senior journalist mentioned Lawal’s work, and Tell was immediately interested. When Lawal returned two days later, he was told the publication was expecting a phone call.

The beginning of his career, however, was far from glamorous.

Just like American journalists, Nigerian journalists have to work their way up to totem pole. Lawal started at a local newspaper while in college, but he soon reported for one of Nigeria’s top magazines.

After six months of being in the field for Tell, the editors were impressed with what Lawal contributed and wanted more from him, regardless of his lack of a completed first degree and bachelor’s degree. Soon after, Lawal started working as a special correspondent. By June 2011, he earned an assistant editor position.

“My work in Tell has shaped my career in such a way that I can’t

imagine what life would be like if I didn’t have the opportunity,” he said.

Lawal was presented The Diamond Award for Media Excellence in 2007 for a story published in Tell on human trafficking between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. This award prepped Lawal for one of the biggest moments of his life.

photo by madeline smeaton In 2009, he won a Ford Foundation Scholarship, a program run by the International Institute of Education, to pursue a master’s degree in journalism. The committee selects individuals from Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal that exhibit leadership potential and have strongly executed their chosen career. Lawal was one of 16 finalists and was chosen after multiple rounds of interviews. All that was left for Lawal was to pick which college to attend.

“Somebody suggested that it would be good if I go to Columbia,” he said. “But as an individual I like to do things differently. So among

the schools I applied to I think Emerson was one of the first … I felt that it was something unique.”

The biggest challenge was adjusting from his tight knit community in Nigeria to the NewYork-minute lifestyle of America.

He was afraid his new American acquaintances didn’t enjoy his company.

“I had the feeling that my classmates did not like me because when we are done with classes you see everyone ran out and that was kind of weird for me,” he said. “But eventually I got to know that people are working people and have busy school schedules.”

While the lifestyles contrast severely, Lawal eventually started appreciating their differences. After the death of his mother during his first year at Emerson, he realized just how much he was cared for and how kind his American professors were.

While America provided Lawal with what seems like endless possibilities and support, the closed-mindedness and rushed atmosphere that surrounds him is often a shocking cultural facet to accept.

“America is a wonderful place to be, but sometimes, when you get on a train and you sit down near somebody and she gets up because you’re a black person,” he said, staring at the ground. “It baffles me that there are still people who think this way in 2011.”

This globetrotting, awardwinning journalist hopes to complete his Ph.D. before calling it quits with school. Lawal also hopes to add a family and teaching career to his already impressive life while continuing his career with Tell.

INDUSTRY Alums’ First Jobs

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rom wide-eyed freshmen to seenit-all seniors, all students strive to leave Emerson equipped with a diploma and a job offer. Here, it’s not uncommon for graduates to begin working almost immediately. Katie O’Neil (’09) and Ed Harding (’75) dig up dirt on their first experiences in the field—the good, the bad, and the hilarious.

Katie O’Neil studied Communication Sciences and Disorders at Emerson... twice. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in 2009, she immediately enrolled in Emerson’s graduate program. Only days after she earned her Master of Science degree, she started her current job at Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, Mass. as a speechlanguage pathologist in the Deafblind program.

O’Neil pointed out that getting hired so quickly was quite simple for her. “It kind of fell in my lap,” she said, attributing her immediate job offer to the connections she made at Emerson.

During her second year of grad school, she began to network through a clinical placement at Children’s Hospital in Boston. “A couple of the kids that I saw at the program went to Perkins School so I was able to meet their teachers,” she said. “So I kind of had this little ‘in.’”

She had little time to adjust from being in school to having a job in her field but she’s glad she didn’t allow herself a break. “Transition-wise, it was a shock at first,” she said. “But it was nice because I never fell out of the flow of having a lot of work to do.”

Beginning at Perkins, O’Neil had three full days of orientation right off the bat. Despite the intense amount of training, however, her experiences at

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by samantha howell

Emerson helped ease her transition.

“I was really glad that I already knew sign language,” she said. “That would’ve been really rough to have to then learn this whole new language in addition to try to figure out how to navigate the workplace.”

When she first arrived at her job, she realized it was not entirely what she expected. “I almost laughed to myself,” she said. “I totally expected a bunch of little Helen Kellers, essentially, to be running around.”

She described the other children who attend Perkins: some who can see, others who can hear, even some with severe physical impairments.

“It ended up being that I like the population much better.”

In fact, one of her favorite experiences at Perkins involved a student with physical disabilities.

O’Neil recalled a going-away party for a coworker, where she spent most of her time entertaining a girl with cerebral palsy and a cochlear implant.

When O’Neil opened a card to read to her student, it began to play music.

Immediately the girl began to laugh.

“It was cool for me because it was a loud room and she’s hearing the little dinky music on the card,” she said, smiling. “She was having so much fun. [There was] just this look of pure joy on her face.”

Unfortunately, her job isn’t only fun and games. O’Neil explains there are instances where she must approach her coworkers and explain to them that there are things about the program that need to be fixed.

“It’s not fun for me to go up to my coworkers who I’m friendly with, and who I like, and say, ‘You know, I don’t

photo by madeline smeaton

think we’re doing this right, right now,’” she said.

This, however, is her only complaint about the job. To find an occupation like the one she loves so much, O’Neil urges undergraduates to apply to graduate school. “[You] have to have a master’s degree to be a speech-language pathologist,” she said. “People will often take a year off... I really valued going straight to grad school.”

For those currently in grad school, she stresses something that Emerson students hear all the time: networking is important. “That’s how I got my job,” she said. “I made these connections at one of my placements.”

However, she doesn’t believe the only connections you make are with your placement organizations. “I was at Children’s Hospital and people from Perkins were coming in, so you’re making connections that way,” she said.

While her job at Perkins is only her first, O’Neil has no intention of leaving any time soon. “I love the kids, I love the population, I love the job in general,” she said. However, she explains that being a speech-language pathologist allows you to pursue a wide range of careers.

O’Neil hasn’t yet decided what her future will hold, but Ed Harding, a news anchor for WCVBTV, Boston’s ABC News affiliate, seems to have finally settled down in his career. Harding graduated from Emerson in 1975, before there was a Journalism major, and when Mass Communication encompassed everything a budding reporter needed to know.

photo courtsey of WCVB-TV

The first job offer he received after earning his undergraduate diploma was from Star Market as a seafood department employee. Harding had worked for the supermarket chain while in school, but was far from enthusiastic about being offered a fulltime position. “I didn’t go to college to cut fish for the rest of my life,” he said. “I didn’t want to do that.” To his mother’s dismay, he declined the job offer.

Instead, Harding sent out a tape of the work he did at Emerson to various news stations in the Northeast. Only a few short months later, he was offered a job as a general assignment reporter and weekend sports anchor at Plattsburgh, New York’s NBCaffiliated television news station, and was quick to accept the position. A native of Newton, Mass.

Harding longed to, one day, end up back home, working for a station in Boston. Before he could do that, he knew he had to start small, and no better word could be used to describe Plattsburgh, which was the 100th media market at the time.

Harding described the nature of the small station, saying that there were so few staff members that when anchors and correspondents weren’t on-air, they would often operate the cameras for those who were. There were also few people to work with outside the walls of the studio. “[In the field] you would gather your own stories and sometimes you would work with a photographer.

Most of the time, you wouldn’t,” he said.

In such a small work community there were a few characters, including Harding. “I had a wicked Boston accent,” he said. “You know, ‘the cah was in the Hahvahd yahd.’ The whole nine yards.”

While this staple filtered its way out of his speech, he said some characters remained constant. “We had a drunk anchor,” he laughed.

“The guy was drunk all the time, it was hilarious. Neil Drew [is his name].”

He said he could tell Drew was intoxicated when he referred to President Nixon as President “Nisson.”

Despite Drew’s alcohol consumption, Harding really enjoyed his company. He recalled a funny prank he and Drew once played on a co-worker.

“One day, Neil was a little tipsy and I was a little playful,” he said, smiling. Their victim was the weather man. “We went up and just unbuckled his pants and dropped his pants down while he was on the air,” he said. The crew had to shoot the weather man above the waist, but he did not miss a beat.

In another instance, Drew was Harding’s victim. “Neil was very organized with scripts,” he said. “One day, he had them all squared up, and I took a stapler and I stapled them all together except for the top page.”

Harding explained that, at the time, there were no teleprompters in news studios. Drew read the first page of the script and ran into trouble when he went to turn the page but didn’t panic. Instead he transitioned to a commercial break. “He was very quick on his feet,” Harding said.

Don’t let all the goofing off and the pranks fool you—Harding’s job required a lot of work. Because the station had such a small number of employees, there was a constant flow of stories to be covered. Harding’s job wasn’t the typical 9 to 5 shift.

He lived and worked depending on the schedule of events on which he needed to report.

“It doesn’t matter when it was, if it was during the day or if it was at night,” he said. “You did any- and everything you could.”

Harding didn’t stay at Plattsburgh for more than a couple of years before moving between a few news stations across the U.S. and finally landing right where he wanted: back home in Boston. He said that for anyone pursuing a journalism career, there is one thing to remember no matter where you end up.

“Be who you are,” he urged. “If you are who you are, then you’re going to set up a good foundation.”

Your Questions Answered Industry professionals answer your burning questions

by stephanie miceli

As a senior graduating in May 2012, when should I begin applying for full-time entry level positions?

“I would suggest networking and having informational interviews now, but would not start applying for positions until about six to eight weeks prior to when you would want to start. I’ve found most positions listed want you to start very soon.”

— Julie Smith, Media Relations Associate at Operation Christmas Child

I’m a PR student looking to get an internship in a newsroom to learn how to work better with reporters. However, do you think my PR background would hurt my chances?

“No. As long as on your cover letter, you demonstrate an interest in news, and have good judgment about what should make the news cycle, you will be a good candidate. But demonstrate genuine interest. Don’t just say you’re looking to dabble in journalism just to further your career.”

— Kathleen McNerney, News Writer, WBUR Morning Edition

What are some thoughts on applicants for positions who already live in a particular city versus applicants who will have to relocate to that city for a position?

“If you have a strong network that can get your foot in the door, your location will be less of a hindrance. When you’re applying from out of state, you need to be on top of your game, since you already have a strike against you. One thing you can do right now is attend conferences. This will cost money, but the networking opportunities will pay for itself.

Another tactic you could use is setting aside a few days, perhaps during your spring break, to set up informational interviews at employers in an area you want to live. It will show some initiative and you might end up with some good leads. Get your name out there. Follow up on social networks and sending thank you notes.”

— Chris McNamara, Online Marketing Assistant, TMW Systems

Where would I find an internship in event planning?

“Look for event planning internships at corporations (Proctor and Gamble, for instance), or something compared to that.

These companies always have events going on, so they require in-house event coordinators. However, if they outsource their event planning, you would want to look at event planning firms and agencies. Also, volunteering for Freshman Orientation, parents weekend, Special Olympics, and all events that take place on campus, is a good start.”

— Bernadette Boyle, Director of Marketing at Creative Channel Services

What’s a job search “dealbreaker?”

Making the mistake of taking the “jack of all trades” approach in your resume, cover letter, and other branding materials.

Too many candidates think they have to highlight all of their skills, hoping something/anything sticks out, and as a result they end up sacrificing the integrity of their brand. You can list all of your relevant skills on your resume, but you need to be very specific about what you are branding yourself as. If you’re the person who does multiple things well, you’re going to be a hard sell against someone who does the one or two specific things the job calls for really well.”

— Dana Leavy, Small Business and Career Transition Coach

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King of Screens: Peter Rallis

written by gina bowen photos courtesy of peter rallis

W

hether delivering witty commentary on the new Avengers trailer on YouTube in a suit or chatting via Skype in a black t-shirt and jeans, there is no denying it— Peter Rallis looks good on a computer screen.

Every Tuesday and Friday, Rallis, 22, directs, hosts, and produces Movie Buzz, an entertainment review video series, in his one-room apartment in Studio City, Calif. Gathering information about upcoming and current films on his laptop, he writes a five-minute script and records himself on video.

To the right of the darkhaired host a portion of the screen flips through images of each movie he reviews resembling The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

But instead of a live audience, Rallis delivers his lines in front of a green screen set up at the end of his bed. He then edits the video and uploads the final product to YouTube for his 146,000 subscribers.

Two years ago, Rallis dropped out of Emerson. After transferring from the New York School of Visual Arts his sophomore year, Rallis felt Emerson was a better environment to cultivate his onscreen personality and produce work that was both professional and meaningful.

While studying broadcast journalism, he quickly became frustrated. For Rallis, the curriculum too heavily emphasized the history of media arts instead of creating and chasing the trends of current media. He did not think this was the kind of education he needed to propel him down his career path.

The decision to leave Emerson without a degree was a nobrainer for Rallis, who believes

that in the next few years many jobs will not require a four-year college education. Thousands of lucrative jobs, he says, will be created through social media and networking sites.

He vividly remembers attending a mandatory lecture on the benefits of the newspaper at Emerson during a time when many print media were announcing their closure and online news sources were gaining popularity.

“I sat there and I just thought, ‘You guys, this is wrong. You’re not on top of things right now.’ I felt like they were buttering me up for the six o’clock news,” Rallis said, shaking his head. Already sensitive to online media trends from producing and managing Movie Buzz from his Beacon Hill studio apartment, he was ready to take his first big risk.

Since December 2007 he has uploaded 390 videos but that’s not enough for Rallis, who plans to launch Film Wire, an entertainment news website that will expand his coverage to include movie reviews, film releases, and official movie trailers.“I want it to be the

Associated Press of movie news,” he said.

Unlike his YouTube channel, Rallis wants to make sure Film Wire is not limited to the computer screen. He is working to create a mobile application that will keep movie enthusiasts constantly connected to his site and receive the latest movie news.

The creation and management of the website will be Rallis’ greatest endeavor yet and he is well aware of the risks involved. But risks like this launched his career in the first place—his decision to put his college career on hold was the first.

“I was already supporting myself on the money I was making from the advertisers on Movie Buzz [when I was at Emerson]. So I took the next step and moved out to California,” Rallis said.

Moving from his steady stream of followers on YouTube to an independent website is another move to establish himself in the industry.

Rallis’ parents understood that the trend of social media was shifting, and wanted their son to follow his passion. But when he

first told them his plan to leave school and live independently in California, they needed some convincing. His father, Basil, admitted he was skeptical of his son’s decision.

“As a parent you always think that having the safety net of a degree is important,” he says.

“At this point, it is Peter’s call whether he thinks he will need it to build upon what he is doing.

The key for him is to continue to grow professionally.”

Since his move to the West Coast, Rallis has done just that and is both teacher and student.

“I take a sticky note and jot down the order of the movies and topics I want to mention,” he said.

“Then I stick it to the side panel of my camera. Most of what I edit is the footage of myself leaning in to the camera, squinting at my script.”

Once finished shooting, he takes a few steps to his computer and refines the footage. The quality of his work is almost misleading. When Disney contacted him last year to see if he would be interested in promoting some of their films on his YouTube channel—what Rallis refers to as “freelancing”—

the company thought he had an entire staff. “It’s literally just me,” he laughs.

The final product, after upwards of six hours of work, is uploaded twice each week and appears in three- to fiveminute clips. In each of these videos, Rallis does what he felt he couldn’t at school: review movies, trailers, and the like with style, confidence, and humor. With no concern for being politically correct, he gives his personality free reign.

Though Rallis is proud of the four million views he has received on his channel and the attention it has brought him from MTV, Disney, and other big industry names, he feels that the wind of media is blowing away from YouTube.

“I’m YouTube’s — for lack of a better word — bitch,” he says.

“It’s scary to think that tomorrow YouTube could be null and void.”

Resting on his laurels and continuing to produce on YouTube is one business risk Rallis is not willing to take.

That’s why, on the release of his 400th episode of Movie Buzz—scheduled for Dec. 15— Rallis hopes to have Film Wire

completed, a task requiring him to hire a website support team. This is a big step into the professional world for Rallis, who will most likely have to expand from his well-maintained but small apartment to an office building.

Rallis intends to continue producing his videos.

Whether students decide to continue or pause their educational careers, Rallis reiterates the importance of networking.

“It’s who you know that gets you in, but it’s what you know that keeps you in,” he says, stressing the use of Twitter in particular.

He suggests reaching out to individuals and companies that may be interested in the work you’re doing. “Send them a compliment,” he says. “Don’t be afraid to say, ‘Hey, I made this.

Check it out.’” Several movie studios now follow Rallis on Twitter.

Despite the inflated ego that could develop from his success, Rallis is not taking anything for granted. “I feel very blessed,” he says. “And the way it’s been going, I just feel like this is destined to work out.”

The First Internship

I

by marisa finkelstein

nternships are a staple of your educational diet for the next few years. They are the carbohydrates that give us energy to keep striving towards our goals. If Emerson teaches you nothing else, it’s that the people that you network with who can help you get your first job after graduation. Internships introduce you to those people living out their wildest dreams and leave you with a taste of what the future has to offer. Emersonians can land their first internships in major cities like Boston, New York, and Los Angeles. Whether in publishing, film, or marketing, Sophie Maes, Alysha Currie, and Corey Starbuck are filling their plates with reallife experience from their desired fields.

Sophie Maes, a junior writing, literature and publishing major, landed her first internship in Perseus Books’ Special Sales Department, which “deals with customers and clients whose business isn’t primarily for books,” she said.

This department targets nontraditional markets. For example, Special Sales selects those coffee-table books you see sprawled out on a table at Urban Outfitters, or the camping and hiking books in REI. This is different from the traditional sales department that targets bookstores. Maes’s primary responsibilities during the day are to write and mail pitch letters for books that would interest nontraditional booksellers.

When not working on that project, there are always the seasonal Perseus Books catalogues and other mailings to send out.

After working at Perseus Books for about a month, Maes can confidently add writing pitch letters to the list of skills on her resume. She has also been able to learn how other departments work in Perseus Books’ Cambridge offices.

“It’s more than just looking through your manuscript,” Maes said. She was surprised to see how much legal and contract work is required of the glorified editing position. Yet, it’s a helpful insight that could help boost her to her dream internship in editorial at Candlewick Press, or another children’s publisher.

sophie maes

photo by madeline smeaton

The application process for this Special Sales internship at Perseus is relatively simple. About a week after submitting her cover letter and resume, Maes went through only one interview. Shortly after that, she was offered the position.

During application season each semester, Maes recommends applying to as many internships as you can, and to ask your friends

or classmates what internships they’ve had and enjoyed—a strategy that didn’t fail her. She heard about this internship at Perseus Books through a good friend who interned there last spring.

“Knowing the environment [will] help you prepare for an interview,” Maes said. “And [having them] put in a good word for you also never fails!”

While internships are plentiful in Boston, many students choose to spend part of their last year at Emerson’s Los Angeles campus.

While this might appeal more to visual media arts students, there are internship opportunities for every major.

Alysha Currie, a senior visual media arts major, showed no hesitation in taking advantage of the opportunities Hollywood presented. She is currently spending her last semester in California taking one class and completing her first internship for credit at Marvel Studios in Manhattan Beach, where she works in Research and Development and Studio Operations.

As a Studio Operations intern, Currie takes care of clerical duties such as answering phones and delivering mail to her supervisors, but her Research and Development internship has a bit more pizazz.

Her main responsibility is to research information for the upcoming Iron Man 3 villain and to create packets for Production Design.

It’s “pre-pre-production,” she said. “Today, I spent six hours just reading comic books.”

What’s interesting about this internship is the amount of knowledge you would need to know about Marvel Comics to

apply. True for any internship, mastering the basics of Marvel was enough to show her enthusiasm for the position.

Researching the company’s background shows a great deal of passion and effort. Currie applied for this internship through eHire, a tool found on Emerson’s Career Services webpage, at the end of July. She sent in her cover letter and resume to the Creative Manager of Marvel Studios, and after two rounds of phone interviews, Currie was offered the position.

Marvel Studios is located in Raleigh Studios lot, a dynamic environment that lends itself to an eager intern in search of knowledge and experience. The offices for the writers of Psych and the sets of 90210, Cupcake Wars, Revenge, CSI Miami, and the future set of James Cameron’s Avatar 2 surround her on a daily basis.

Beyond seeing what the work is like in a lot, Currie is getting hands-on experience in the comic book industry and understands the workings behind pre-production for a big adaption. She now knows exactly how a typical studio office works and has realized that it isn’t for her.

But Currie believes everything she has been involved in will prove beneficial when she graduates in December, when she starts searching for a job that requires living from production to production.

The LA program is an underclassman’s far-away dream, but the application deadline will creep up before you know it. When applying to the program, Currie highly recommends carefully proofreading your short answer responses. She also suggests asking friends to help you send a polished application.

Hopping on a flight from Boston to New York, Corey Starbuck, a

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senior marketing communications major, is participating in an incredibly unique internship with major airline, Jet Blue, headquartered in Queens, N.Y. Every Wednesday, the company brings Starbuck from Logan to John F. Kennedy airport to finish off the week at their office.

Working for the Brand Division of the company, Starbuck is earning both credit and pay at this internship.

He has many short-term responsibilities including booking business partners to team up with Jet Blue, fulfilling special swag orders, and completing other “intern-y things,” as Starbuck put it.

One of the reasons he loves his internship is that it doesn’t revolve around typical intern tasks. Jet Blue really wants its interns to learn about the company.

Starbuck is also in charge of many long-term goals including revamping Shop Blue, checking service consistencies at airports, and helping coordinate the logistics of the Terminal 5 concert series at JFK, like the Jason Derulo concert this past September.

One of his biggest achievements happened shortly after he hopped on board with Jet Blue. The concert series requires a lot of work, so Starbuck was especially proud after working on his first Terminal 5 concert, with Robyn headlining, though he feels just as proud after every concert he finishes.

Another important moment for Starbuck was organizing a day when the interns would work at JFK in their customer service department. As the leader, Starbuck was in charge of producing a t-shirt design for the interns but had to get approval from the board of directors to make sure his design fit the company’s image.

He realized while working on

this project “how the real world works,” when it comes to a big brand like Jet Blue. Even mistakes lend themselves as an opportunity to learn.

When Starbuck lost the key to the free promotional production closet, he admitted it to his supervisors.

“If something doesn’t work out, admit it and move on,” Starbuck advises.

Other important lessons Starbuck has picked up are patience and flexibility with protocol, especially when dealing with government laws and higherups who are constantly traveling and unreachable.

With the dream to be an airline executive in the future, Starbuck will take all the experiences he can get.

When it comes to applying or interviewing for an internship, Starbuck emphasizes the importants of researching the company that interests you. He says it’s important to know the company’s mission and history Starbuck also said it is vital to present yourself in such a way that you stand out. Most important, he believes, is to figure out what makes you different.

Interning is a big commitment, but the hard work always pays off.

You will leave Emerson College with real-world experience to display proudly on your resume.

Companies and businesses all over want your work and insight just as much as you want their experience. So, do your research, go to Career Services, and apply to as many internships as you can.

You never know where the first, second, or third one could lead you.

Entry Level Job Opportunities

compiled by stephanie miceli

Journalism On-Air Talent Journal Broadcast Group, 2330 W. Grand St. Springfield, MO. Contact Simon Nytes at snytes@ journalbroadcastgroup.com. Run an audio board, air live call-ins and remote broadcasts, and record elements for later broadcasts as needed. Send cover letter, resume and on-air demo to Simon Nytes before Dec. 24. Salary to be negotiated.

Reporter KTAR, 7740 N. 16th Street, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ. Contact Connie Drushel at hr@bicphx.com. Write and report news on air, perform live field reports, and enterprise news sources for original news content for air and for the website.

Complete the online application available at www.ktar.com. Apply by Dec. 13. Salary to determined.

Business Reporter LAUNCH Media, Los Angeles, CA. Contact kate@launch.is. Break and find under-reported stories about tech start-ups and product/feature launches for a blog. Apply on company website: http://www.launch.is/jobs. Include cover letter and link to your best/most relevant article or portfolio of clips. Salary to start is 25K, benefits after three months.

Health Care Reporter New Hampshire Public Radio, 2 Pillsbury St., Concord, NH. Contact Sherri Nixon at jobs@nhpr.org. Cover private medical providers, government and nonprofit agencies involved with health care across the state, and examine the New Hampshire health care in regional and national contexts. Apply by Dec. 20. Salary to be negotiated.

Assistant Producer WQXR (New York Public Radio), 160 Varick St., New York, NY. Contact Cindy Prater at cprater@wnyc.org. Assist with the production of on-air content, write daily rundowns, scripts and other show prep materials for on-air hosts. Apply through New York Public Radio’s online application portal: www.wnyc.org/careers/ listings. Submit salary requirements along with cover letter and resume.

Visual Media Arts Audio Supervisor Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria, AZ. Contact Phil Richardson at Phil@ azbroadwaytheatre.com. Manage all aspects of the sound department and create and support productions of high quality and sustainability. Send cover letter, resume, and references by Dec. 18. Salary to be negotiated.

Narrative Designer Harmonix, 625 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA. Contact Janet Freed at jfreed@harmonix.com.

Incorporate creative story lines into gameplay, develop a framing narrative arc. Apply at www.harmonix.com/jobs; include cover letter, resume, and a short writing sample (1000 words) demonstrating creative approach to plot, character development, dramatic tension and resolution, and emotional resonance. Salary to be determined.

Graphic Designer Cooking Vacations, 20 Park Plaza, Suite 400, Boston, MA. Contact Lauren Birmingham at 617-247-4112 or info@cooking-vacations.com. Develop ads, web pages, merchandising graphics and more for our culinary company. Please send resume, cover letter and samples of graphics and/or websites by March 31. Salary to be negotiated.

Video Editor WFTX-News. 621 S.W. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral, FL. Contact Curt Tremper with resume and cover letter at ctremper@fox4now.com. Edit stories for news broadcasts. Take in network and live remote feeds. Organize tapes for playback on air. Operate playback decks during newscast. Apply by Jan. 3. Salary to be negotiated.

Animator Mullen. 40 Broad St., Boston, MA. Create design and composite elements, animate storyboards and environments for videos and websites, and type logo treatments in 2D and 3D. Apply at mullen.com/jobs. Salary to be negotiated.

Assistant Broadcast Producer Mullen. 40 Broad Street, Boston, MA. Assist senior producers with pre-production, prepare production estimates, book studio time and talent, and hosting screenings. Apply at mullen.com/jobs. Salary to be negotiated.

Performing Arts Assistant Costume Shop Manager The Boston Conservatory, 8 The Fenway, Boston, MA. Contact Don Curioso at dcurioso@bostonconservatory.edu. Evaluate costume designs for feasibility and supervise the execution of designs. Send letter of interest, resume and three references. Salary based on experience.

Marketing Online Community Manager Health, Wellness, and Sports Branding Brand, 100 Fifth Avenue, Suite 316, Pittsburgh, PA. Contact Christopher Mason at info@brandingbrand.com. Engage with customers, bloggers, journalists, partners, athletes, and celebrities via Twitter, Facebook, GNC.com, YouTube, Google+. Apply via LinkedIn: http://linkd.in/vnMgov.

Salary to be negotiated.

Social Media Marketing Coordinator Urban Decay Cosmetics, 833 W. 16th St., Newport Beach, CA. Contact Tim Warner at info@urbandecay.com. Maintain daily activity of online communities, collaborate on e-mail marketing, and assist on video and photo shoots. Apply via LinkedIn: http://linkd.in/vYvha2. Salary to be negotiated.

Account Executive Bottlerocket Marketing Group, 71 Elm Street, Unit 8, Foxboro, MA. Contact Pauline Perez at pperez@bottlerocketmarketing.com. Work with the Account Director to develop strategic direction and lead promotion campaigns to support client objectives, draft client communications, manage the budgeting of projects. Apply via LinkedIn: http://linkd.in/v2nM1z. Salary based on experience.

Ad Production Coordinator College Humor, 555 West 18th St., New York, NY. Contact Steph at steph@collegehumor.com.

Develop project scope, schedules and timelines, collect and prepare assets and materials needed for client campaigns, and assist in managing sweepstakes results. Salary based on experience.

Marketing Coordinator Foursquare, 109 E. 16th Street, New York, NY. Contact Andrew Cerda at acerda@foursquare.com.

Execute outreach efforts and to help conceptualize and executive innovative foursquare integrations on college campuses. Apply on www.foursquare.com/jobs. Salary to be determined.

Political Communication Innovation Manager Unite for Sight. 234 Church St., 15th Floor, New Haven, CT. Contact Rachel Turkel at rturkel@uniteforsight.org. Engage in high impact front-line global health programs, and work closely with Unite For Sight’s CEO on global health programming. Submit a resume and cover letter. Reference the position title in the subject line of e-mail. Apply by August 31. Salary to be negotiated.

Resource Development Associate United Way of Westchester and Putnam. 336 Central Park Ave., White Plains, NY. Contact Lynn Clifford at lclifford@uwwp.org. Manage individual donor and local workplace campaign details, prepare database reports, manage logistics for meetings and special events, solicit sponsorships, and handle administrative duties. Send cover letter, resume and salary requirements.

Legislative Associate RESULTS Educational Fund. 1730 Rhode Island Ave., Suite 400, Washington, DC. Contact John Fawcett at jfawcett@results.org. Develop and implement legislative advocacy campaigns, advocate with members of Congress, support grassroots members in campaign efforts, and create advocacy materials and messages. Applications accepted on rolling basis. E-mail resume, cover letter, and relevant writing samples to results-jobs@results.org. Salary to be negotiated.

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Internship Opportunities Spring and Summer 2012

compiled by marisa finkelstein

Writing, Literature and Publishing Summer Intern Penguin Group (USA), 375 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014. Contact Human Resources Department Attn: Internship Coordinator. Apply for specific departments as stated in cover letter by Jan. 1 for a spring internship and Feb. 28 for a summer internship. Paid.

Marketing and Sales Intern Harvard Common Press, 535 Albany St., Boston, MA. Contact Travis Dagenais at tdagenais@harvardcommonpress.com. Draft an endorsement request or conduct market research, help with publicity mailings or represent the company at area trade shows. Apply by April 15 for a summer internship. Unpaid.

Editorial Intern Dollars and Sense, 29 Winter St., Boston, MA. Contact Linda Pinkow at 617-447-2177 or linda@dollarsandsense.org. Write about economic issues and activism. Help plan, edit, and proofread articles for our magazine and books, and learn about the publishing business. Send resume, cover letter, and relevant writing samples. Credit optional. Inquire about due date and payment.

Journalism Entertainment Intern Blast Magazine, 1 Westinghouse Plz, Boston, MA. Contact John Guilfoil at 781-752-9877 and apply to guilfoil.j@gmail.com. Interview bands and celebrities, cover entertainment news, and write captivating feature stories. Send a resume and writing samples by Dec. 16. Unpaid.

Journalism Intern Eco News Network, Charles Street Station, Boston, MA. Contact Jennifer Forbes at 617-275-8257 or jforbes@econewsnetwork.org. Write articles on weekly basis, attend weekly editorial meetings and events held around Boston. Send resume, cover letter and writing samples. Inquire about due date. Unpaid.

Visual Media Arts Lifestyles Production Intern WGBH, One Guest St., Boston, MA. Contact Human Resources at human_resources@wgbh.org.

Conduct general research, logging, dubbing and archiving tape, acting as a liaison between producers, editors and engineers; updating and maintaining materials for the Executive Producer, occasional assistance on field shoots, and other administrative tasks. Send resume and statement of interest and department. Inquire about due date. Unpaid.

Marketing Communications Marketing and Operations Intern WBGH, 1 Guest St., Boston, MA. Contact Jaime Reese at 617- 300-5461 or human_resources@wgbh.org. Perform market research; analyze fundraising results for television and radio; assist with upkeep of communication, databases, inventory, and reporting. Send resume and statement of interest by Dec. 30. Unpaid.

Copywriting Intern Conover Tuttle Pace, 77 North Washington St., Boston, MA. Contact Ashley Meehean at 617-412-4000 or ameehean@ctpboston.com. Write ads for Boston Red Sox, New Balance, the Breeders Cup, Eastern Bank and more. Apply with cover letter, resume, and writing samples by Dec. 19. Inquire about payment.

PR/Marketing Intern Colette Phillips Communications, 1 McKinley Square, 6th Floor, Boston, MA. Contact Tim Riley at careers@cpcglobal.com. Conduct research for new business presentations, maintain editorial calendars, collect and prepare press clips, and maintaining client clip books. Submit resume and cover letter. Inquire about due date and payment.

Political Communications Public Service Intern (Spring 2012) Governor Deval Patrick’s Office, State House, Room 271-M, Boston, MA. Contact Daniela De Caro at 617-725-4010 or daniela.decaro@state.ma.us. Gain insight on the various paths within public service. Send cover letter, resume, writing sample (2 to 3 pages) and three letters of recommendation (at least one from a current or former employer) by Dec. 30. Credit Optional. Inquire about payment.

Volunteer Opportunities

compiled by samantha howell

826 Boston 3035 Washington St., Roxbury. (617-442-5400) 826boston.org Tutor elementary through high school-aged students with an emphasis on creative writing.

Aids Action Committee of Massachusetts 75 Amory St., Boston. (617-437-6200) aac.org Address the needs of people with HIV and AIDS in all communities.

American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts 139 Main St., Cambridge. (617-274-5200) bostonredcross.org Promote preparedness, prevention, and response to emergencies.

Animal Rescue League of Boston 10 Chandler St., Boston (617-426-9170) arlboston.org Help with animal care, office support, special events, and creative projects.

Best Buddies Massachusetts 45 Bromfield St., Third Floor, Boston (617-778-0522) bestbuddiesmassachusetts.org Socialize with people with intellectual disabilities so they can become independent and included in their community.

Boys and Girls Club Boston Clubs in Charlestown, Chelsea, Dorchester, Mattapan, Roslindale, Roxbury, and South Boston.

(617-994-4700) bgcb.org. Mentor and tutor children to help them build strong character and realize their full potential.

Brattle Film Foundation 40 Brattle St., Cambridge (617-876-6837) brattlefilm.org Perform various tasks necessary for the functioning of an independent film theatre.

Boston Center for the Arts 539 Tremont St., Boston (617-426-5000) bcaonline.org Work as a gallery attendant to provide a link between the BCA programs and the public.

Greater Boston Food Bank 70 South Bay Ave., Boston (617-427-5200) gbfb.org Inspect, sort, and package food and grocery products to help end hunger in the Boston community.

Habitat for Humanity Boston 240 Commercial St., Fourth Floor, Boston (617-423-2223) habitatboston.org Build low-cost homes for low-income families in need of decent and affordable housing.

Horizons for Homeless Children 555 Amory St., Roxbury (617-553-5840) horizonsforhomelesschildren.org Play with young homeless children to give them a chance to learn and grow.

Interlock Media The Anthenaeum Building, 215 First St., Cambridge (617-577-0000) interlockmedia.com Assist in various media productions.

Learning Ally Boston Studio 2067 Massachusetts Ave., Third Floor, Cambridge. (617-500-2724) learningally.org Record books for the blind and dyslexic.

Massachusetts Association for the Blind Community Services 200 Ivy St., Brookline (617-738-5110) mabcommunity.org Lend your sight by assisting blind individuals go about their daily lives.

Project Bread 145 Border St. East Boston (617-723-5000) projectbread.org Help feed families who struggle in the winter with the costs of food and utilities.

Respond! PO Box 555 Somerville (617-625-5996) respondinc.org Help put an end to domestic violence by answering hotlines, doing clerical work, or manual labor.

St. Francis House 39 Boylston St. Boston (617-542-4211) stfrancishouse.org Care for poor and homeless individuals by working in the kitchen, the clothing room, or by tutoring guests.

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On behalf of our staff, we offer a sincere thank you to:

Adriana Guida Artful Comics Audrey Geiger Casey Desmond & Mary Lee Desmond Photography Claude Bartholomew & Alternative Spring Break The Emersonian Filisha Jones & Elexisis Beauty Salon Kyle Wright of Improper Bostonian Patrick Doyle of Boston Magazine RenĂŠe Combs Robert & Laurie Dwyer