Slick. MAGAZINE
Contents
Contents
GIVING BACK
4
SLAM JAM RECORDS
6
COLORIZE
8
POW!WOW!LONG BEACH
12
BREAKING ADDICTION
14
AVI BUFFALO
18
ONCE BY THE PACIFIC
20
SUSPIRIA FILM REVIEW
24
THE BEATLES: ABBEY ROAD
28
SCOTCH PIE RECIPE
30
EVER PLAN TO MOTOR WEST?
32
NINETIES RAP: VOICES OF AN ERA
36
OUTRUNNING THE MANSON CULT
40
SHOT GUN IN SEATTLE
42
KEEPING CHILDREN JOYFUL
46
Hey You! Welcome Back! The sky is a hazy shade of winter here in Huntington Beach and we’re bundling up for some of our favorite holidays. We couldn’t be more grateful we caught you! The calming tides of our cover may have drawn you in, but we can assure you we have plenty more to offer within the pages of this publication. For our eighth issue, the team set out to capture California’s bold, gold, and old. From Route 66, circling back up to Long Beach, we aimed to inspire or inform you about California’s treasures. Though some pieces travel far beyond our state’s bounds, we rooted our research to help you discover new foods, movies, history, and music that more of us should pay attention to. Our class stepped out of our comfort zone this month and hosted our very first “Open Mic Night.” Hearing all of the unbelievably talented musicians, poets, comedians, and yes, Mamma Mia! impressionaters, drove us even further to make this issue one that anyone could appreciate. We are all eagerly waiting to ring in the New Year. Slick Magazine will be celebrating its three-year anniversary in 2019! Though you may now just be hearing of us, we are thankful for your support even if you’re just stopping by. If you are a returning reader, we urge you to stop by our classroom, A24, to learn more about our program. Our class is continuously growing and harboring the generation’s next great artists. If you can’t fit us into your schedule, don’t worry! Just promise us that you’ll work towards being the best version of yourself. Don’t stress upon the little things and continue to treat the ones around you with love and kindness. We wish you a happy and safe break Oilers!
Candy Hart-Peratt
Dixie Chatt
Ally Brodmann
Gracie Briquelet
giving back In a vast world of simple-minded human beings and crazed sinners, the world has become averse to society, though, we are too oblivious to see. The world simply asks for a sign of respect; in requital—a deed unlike kindness. So little acts of humanity against a giving Nature. For the world takes the blame, we are let off for our wrongdoings. When in a bind, we carelessly accuse nonetheless, nature keeps composure. We are offered the whole world, but—life isn’t always a bowl of cherries. Regardless of what the world has to give, be thankful, and give back.
-k.n
artwork by: Grace Briquelet
Featuring
ACID BLONDIE By: Zoe Letterman
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Teenagers with musical talent using their passions and taking advantage of their creative outlets to do something remarkable is common in Huntington Beach High School. With programs like Music Media Entertainment Technology (MMET) and guitar classes offered, kids are coming together to form melodies mostly about their high school experiences and speak about things they feel strongly about.
In an interview with the co-founder, Jake Ramos, he mentioned that they both release songs on streaming services, such as SoundCloud and Spotify, while also having a way of physically releasing music by using social media and wordof-mouth to make their presence known. Lucas runs the business side of the label, making sure every signed band is working on something. He also stated that they have, “a lot of releases slated for 2019.”
One student, Jake Ramos, and former student, Lucas Nyhus, have taken a special interest in the music scene presence. They have established their very own record label, Slam Jam Records, who represents many bands including their own, along with Acid Blondie, the Beachstones, the Calicos, Ecstatic, Fockstail, and Panacea. The professional label has the responsibility of working to spread their name and recruit bands.
The record label originally started with Lucas’ band. Jake had pushed him to make the record label something they had always talked about, Lucas wanting to produce his friends’ music and try to give them the credit he felt they earned. The name was just simply something, “Lucas had said all the time.” From then on, they set out to start a professional business while maintaining especially fun experiences in their local teenage music scene.
photography by: Zoe Letterman
Their band, Acid Blondie, formed with two members, Aidan Atkinson and Rhiannon Finley, meeting in guitar class. At the same time, Ciera Williams had come out with a song called “Manic Panic” with the help of Lucas’ production skills. Aidan soon discovered Ciera’s song and eventually, they had all taken note of each other. Rhiannon and Ciera began thinking about forming a band knowing both were very fluent with music. Rhiannon, friends with Aidan, asked him to join, knowing he was capable of playing drums well. After the three played their first show, Alana Johnson had admired them, always wanting to be involved with a talented band. She had previously been in a few other bands, and never being content with them, she finally joined a band she enjoyed.
Acid Blondie represents the company well, maintaining a professional attitude and ethics. The band just played a show at The House Of Blues which was significant for them, as a larger venue. The members explained that it was serious, having artists wristbands, backstage passes, and a soundcheck. They felt as though this was one of their best shows yet, playing songs written about “politics and annoying/cool boys.” Organized with the Sound Garden, these bands have been performing at a small venue, located in Santa Ana above a quinceanera and bridal store. The atmosphere never fails to be full of life. Each person attending is friendly and radiates positivity that can be felt throughout the shows. Slam Jam Records is one example of the outcome that results from the most creative, passionate, and dedicated Huntington Beach teens who are turning their talents into the beginnings of many careers to come.
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COLORIZE By: Andrea Cervantes
Got7 “Eyes On You” 2018 concert
The dazzling lights beaming across the arena tucks you into the massive crowd. A look at Got7’s “Eyes On You” tour at The Fourm in Los Angeles, CA.
Yugyeom
Jinyoung of Got7
of Got7
photography by: Andrea Cervantes
Mark of Got7
BamBam of Got7
JB of Got7 photography by: Andrea Cervantes
Jackson of Got7
Youngjae of Got7
! W O W ! W PO By: Lea Nguyen
Pow!Wow!, a company created by Jasper Wong, has inspired many people and thousands of artists who create beautiful murals throughout the world in places like Japan, Hong Kong, New York, Hawaii, California, and many more. On the website of Pow!Wow! Long Beach, the meaning shows that “POW! [is] an impact that art has on a person, [and] WOW! is the reaction that art has on a view.” Together they form “POW!WOW!, a term which describes a gathering that celebrates culture, music, and art.
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As I walk down the streets in Long Beach with my partner, Isaiah Cintron, we began to realize how stunning Pow Wow! truly is. We thought it would just be paintings on walls, but in reality, each one has a unique meaning. Artists such as Sydney James, NYCHOS, and 123Klan create their own murals and show an inspiration for the audience. Either they are old-fashioned or funky, and collectively, they present a positive atmosphere to make people smile as they pass by.
photography by: Lea Nguyen
My father, Binh Lam, works with Pow!Wow! along with another company that makes commercials. He has been creating commercials throughout the U.S. and Asia with companies such as Toyota, Chase, Wells Fargo, and many more as a producer. He has been working with the Pow!Wow! industry since 2015 making commercials, sponsoring them, and bring artists worldwide to long beach to create murals. Pow!Wow! doesn’t just paint on walls but also makes everyone happy around the world. As my father and I were wondering who to interview, we decided to have a conversation with the main organizer of Pow!Wow! To learn about what it’s like to work with the company. Today, we are interviewing Tokotah Ashcraft from Long Beach, California.
When we were in the meeting, I asked Tokotah when she first heard about Pow!Wow!, and what it feels like to work with them. She responded happily, “I first heard about Pow!Wow! when they came to Long Beach in 2015. I am very excited to help Pow Wow beautify the city of Long Beach and make it a more inspiring place to live.”
! It made me feel inspired to see how a worldwide company keeps people happy and creates inspiration for young teens and adults illustrated in different ways. Takotah chooses 10 local and 10 visiting artists along with her colleagues. She explains, “We keep an eye out for local and international artists that are doing great things in the city and around the world.” I asked both Tokotah and my father what they are most proud of within the Pow!Wow! community. They responded, “We are proud to be a part of the team. It is an honor to have the trust and respect of some of the most creative people in the world.” At the end of the interview, Tokotah discussed some upcoming events within the company. She explained, “Pow!Wow! Long Beach will take place this coming summer again. Before the summer, there will be a PW in Hawaii and Washington DC.” She also mentioned that they will be adding a “prominent music element for this year’s festival in 2019”.
The experience looking at the murals around the city is amazing, but did you know that Pow!Wow! also sells other people’s art such as clothing, toys, bathing essentials and other items? If you are an artist getting involved in selling your products, you can take a survey from their website at https:// madebymillworks.com/pages/i-make-stuff. Also, consider taking a survey of how you feel about the company once you’ve interacted their art around the city, and tell your friends and family about the murals around the city to spread the word! Pow!Wow! Long Beach would love you to share their history and give everyone an inspiration with many artists such as walking around and taking pictures to spread the word on social media. They will be holding a huge festival in the year of 2019 during summer, bringing families together with joy. If you need further information, go to the Pow!Wow! Long Beach website to see other interesting stuff they will be providing. Instagram: @powwowlongbeach @powwowworldwide
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artwork by: Alexis Jacinta
BREAKING
ADDICTION By: Alexis Jacinta
A
ddiction is one of the many foundations of an individual. Whether it is shopping, gambling, or narcotics, everyone falls to the weakness of addiction. An opioid epidemic is currently happening in our nation and affecting our family and friends in neighborhoods many call home. To fully understand addiction, gathering multiple perspectives, first-hand accounts, and accurate statistics is crucial. Yet the mysteries that many are yearning to understand is what creates an addict and how drugs can affect one’s life. Opioid Addicted Orange County Orange County is a prime illustration of how addiction does not discriminate on race, gender, sexual preference, or economic status. In the luxurious suburbs of Orange County lies several generations of addiction. I’ve witnessed parents bury the burden of addiction within their offspring. Orange County has a prevalent culture of alcoholism.
A large portion of parents in Huntington Beach, who are returning from one of the numerous bars in town, inflict their addictive behaviors on to their own children, setting a standard of acceptance towards substance abuse. According to an article on drug overdose published by the Orange County Care Agency, between 2000 and 2012, “over one-third (35%) of all overdose deaths in the Orange County were due to using multiple drugs and or alcohol at the same time,” thus proving that the alcoholic culture of Orange County and growing opioid epidemic intertwine. It also states that addictions most commonly occur in upper middle-class neighborhoods, such as Dana Point and Seal Beach. Additionally, in Orange County, over half of all opioid related deaths are linked to prescription painkillers such as OxyContin and Hydrocodone.
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Addiction Amongst Youth Along with the nation’s opioid crisis, addiction hits even closer to home. We are currently facing a mass drug epidemic in Orange County. From a student’s perspective, I’ve witnessed good kids wreck their futures with shady friends and foolish decisions. The root of teenage drug use is simple: naivety. In this area, there is a large group of wealthy students who have their luxurious lives to blame for their drug use. Often, with privilege comes very little understanding of the consequences of risky behavior. Some parents of said teenagers are also to blame for spoiling and censoring their children. In doing this, the consequences of drug use are shielded from them. The second way in which parents influence their children’s drug use is by having a “don’t ask, don’t tell” mentality. The fear these parents have of their children doing any wrong conceals the truth of what behaviors their child has truly been engaging in. This fear creates a barrier between the parent and child because neither party admits to the inevitable truth of needing guidance towards sobriety. Teen drug use is also highly accredited to the urge to fit in. Although it is a well-known cliche, it rings true. It may be due to the fear of being perceived as uncool or maybe even wanting to hide their true personality, but most teen users are aching to belong. “Teen Addiction” by Next Generation Village, a youth rehab facility in central Florida, argues that the top causes of drug use are peer pressure and social boost. Next Generation Village explains that “teens are quite vulnerable to copying the behaviors of those around them.
For example, if your child’s friends are ‘robotripping,’ then your teen is more likely to try the same method of drug abuse.” Robotripping is a form of overdosing on the prescription drug dextromethorphan, also known as robitussin, which has the side effects of drowsiness and dizziness. This correlates to the research done by the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), which demonstrates that a teen’s developing brain increases the likeliness of engaging in risky behavior. This evidence proves that the easiest road to sobriety is by aiming towards self-acceptance. Personal Connections Sobriety is a true value of mine. Most of my life has been lead by the addictions in my environment. I’ve witnessed numerous lives tossed away by the temptations of substance abuse. As most of my family has a background of substance abuse, my genetics are designed for me to also become an addict. Breaking the cycle is what I so determinedly tried doing. To my surprise, sobriety occurred naturally. I filled the void with daily distractions, keeping busy from depths of narcotics. Yet what allowed me to maintain my sobriety most was by simply declining. The straightforward answer of “no” installed a firm and decided answer to my peers about how I truly felt about substance abuse. My situation is fortunate, as it did not take extreme effort to avoid drug use, yet any negative responses to the offered narcotics may also work for you when you want to decline. Two crucial factors into one’s response is continued persistence and the mood I established towards sobriety. My tone of voice was important in this part. By using a very stern and absolute voice, the message of my abstinence was very clear. In order to maintain my concrete beliefs of sobriety, frequently reevaluating the direction I desire my life to follow is key. Lamentably, this may result in loss of unguided friends and stereotypical “teenage activities,” such as experimenting with marijuana and going to uncomfortable parties.
Interview with an Addict To understand fully why addicts use, we need to take a closer look at first hand accounts. An ex-addict, who remains anonymous, is a Huntington Beach native. He went to HBHS and sat in the same classes as the rest of us. He was introduced to the life of substance abuse through marijuana, proving it as an example of a “gateway drug.” As a teen, he would mask reality in psychedelic drug use as he tried desperately to fit in and drown away his sorrows. There were multiple accounts in which he had slept in parks to avoid coming home high and facing the reprobation of his parents. Like most teenagers, he attended parties, which were flocked with messy and drug-ridden acquaintances. This is an excellent example of how his poor choice in friends held him to the same standard as other users. As he looks back years later, he realizes how invisible and untouchable he believed he was and how selling marijuana at sixteen gave him the feeling of superiority. His drug use eventually led him into the new world of speed, also known as methamphetamine. Speed is far from the luxurious life that TV shows like Breaking Bad may lead teens to believe. When he was under the influence of speed, he would frequently hallucinate. He would have hallucinations of dangerous and scary scenarios. He was also extremely truculent, causing him to constantly want to fight. This rabid behavior later resulted in countless domestic violence charges that later returned to haunt him. In the interview with the recovered drug addict, he talks about how his greatest regret is using drugs. His drug use has continued to torment him and has everlasting consequences. Having arrests for drug possession and the intent to distribute narrowed his chance of jobs that would potentially hire him, making it excruciatingly difficult to further develop his life. His advice towards teens is to to avoid drug use, and to take advantage of the opportunities given to you and always appreciate what you have.
Addiction can be influenced by many factors: genetics, mental state, and even a person’s social environment. Yet the conclusion I have come to is that despite the attempts of a person’s free will, if they are surrounded by narcotics, they have a high risk of eventually using. This constant state of viewing others under the influence, desensitizes the effects of drug use, supporting the old saying of “monkey see, monkey do.” The other major influence on drug use is the prevalent stance it has in modern media. Seeing posts on social media and hearing songs on the radio about drug use is a manipulative, but efficient way to tempt people, especially teens, to enter the realm of substance abuse. Celebrities such as Amy Winehouse are known for being very beguiling and glamorous, yet society sadly accredits her glamour and success to her frequent drug use. This provides great intel into how society influences and openly accepts drug use as a successful professional boost. It merely leads back to the idea that addictions shape our personalities, values and how society plays a great role in our choice of sobriety. Despite your personal beliefs on substance abuse, please take time to reevaluate what you’re putting into your body and the possible consequences of your actions. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, here is a list of local resources and support centers.
New Life Spirit Recovery: (714) 841-1906 Wavelengths Recovery: (844) 392-8342 Beach City Treatment: (877) 228-2401 Surf City Recovery: (714) 841-3863
By: Natalie Han
Long Beach native, Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg was only in high school when he began his musical project, Avi Buffalo with a few of his friends. It started out small with them touring around the Los Angeles area, but after only a year, the group was signed to the major indie music label Sub Pop after a friend recommended their music to a manager. Under Sub Pop, the group came out with two singles, What’s In It For? (2009), How Come? (2011), along with two studio albums, Avi Buffalo (2010), and At Best Cuckold (2014). Each release was filled with lush guitars playing poppy hooks and Zahner-Isenberg’s soft falsetto voice, which sang of forsaken childhood romance, broken relationships, and the awkward transition from innocence to adulthood. Critics from sites like Pitchfork, AV Club, and many music bloggers wrote positive reviews and were excited for the prospects of the young band.
photography by: Natalie Han
Avi Buffalo
On January 15, 2015, Zahner-Isenberg wrote on the official Avi Buffalo Facebook page, “The Avi Buffalo band is over; [he was] done with [his] 2-record-contract with Sub Pop” and proceeded to talk about how “the Avi Buffalo project went too far, and […] ended up causing a lot more pain and drained [his] creative energy.” Many fans were confused by the abrupt statement released and cried out for clarification from the artist. Zahner-Isenberg explained how the actual band would just separate and how he would now be alone when playing at gigs. He then edited the post after a while and said, “This post is actually void. Of course I'll never quit! Apologies for the confusion. Lp3 and more tours on their way in due time.” Following his post, he took a short hiatus to focus on his mental health and then began collaborating and producing for other artists such as Kelvin Litrow and JP Bendzinski. In October of this year, Avi Buffalo released an almost all instrumental single, “Panegyric,” which was an interesting blend of distorted guitar and somber piano notes laid on top of an atmospheric track of horns. By the end, Avi Buffalo’s classic vocals come in leaving the listeners yearning for more.
“ALWAYS JESSICA, WHY DO YOU MAKE IT SO HARD?
When reflecting over Avi Buffalo’s discography, the band’s most overlooked work is the first version of the song “Jessica” on the B-side of his debut single, What’s In It For?. At the time of the release, the band was fresh to the music industry and had just graduated from high school, which allows the song to perfectly encapsulates their youthful endeavors with love and heartbreak. When I first heard of the song, it seemed like a juvenile attempt at differentiating the band’s sound from the sea of indie rock songs in the scene, but after repeated listening, it soon enthralled me with it’s strange production. The song begins with an off-kilter tambourine partnered with a dissonant organ in the background. The opening lyric, “Jessica, why do you always make it so hard? You know I'm kidding, but sometimes, I feel like you're all I've got” is sung by Zahner-Isenberg which duels the crescendoing howls and growls that are heard throughout the track.
YOU KNOW I’M KIDDING, BUT SOMETIMES, I FEEL LIKE YOU’RE ALL I’VE GOT.
When the second verse arrives, the animalistic noises turn into sobs as Zahner-Isenberg confesses to the listener, “I can't tell when something's real, nobody tells me how they feel, it's always right beneath my nose.” The song itself sounds like a plea for closure from the singer’s past love and stands in stark contrast to the title track, “What’s In It For,” which exemplifies a higher and more expected production from such a young band. When the band’s first studio album came out, “Jessica” was re-recorded and placed on it. The background noises were taken out and instead, a guitar accompanied the vocals. While this second version parallels the production of the album, the character of the song was lost in the process of the recording. The raw and disturbing clamor in the background was what distinguished itself from Avi Buffalo’s discography, but in the studio-version, it seems like a transitional song to more uplifting tracks like “Truth Sets In” and “Remember Last Time.”
”
The Avi Buffalo project began as a 15 year-old Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg’s way of escaping the mundanity of high school life, which quickly spiraled into a full-fledged musical career. From playing local gigs at Dipiazza’s Pizza, to touring across the world, the Long Beach native has achieved success on a global scale. New listeners should try the track, “Jessica,” and experience how he has matured as an artist throughout his album. Avi Buffalo has grown in success and in life, and great things undoubtedly await his next project. What comes next from Avi Buffalo is unknown, and what direction he decides to take with the new album will be interesting to see in the future considering his career in music is still young.
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Once By The Pacific By: Lilly Vu
Looking from the pier, to see a brilliant sun, radiating across the glistening ocean. Dark-winged seagulls; hungry and tenacious. Enchanting turquoise bays, a color that resembles the purity of a gem. I feel the white powdery sand brush up against my feet, as I walk along a path of seashells leading me. The sea song of the waves soothed me, as I admired the essence of the horizon and its silver lining. The ocean’s gray waves run up against the sand, clumps of seaweed being washed up against the shore. Coming to the end of a wonderful day, I watched a gleaming sunset with colors spread across the sky, like a brush against a pure white canvas.
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photography by: Dixie Chatt
photography by: Dixie Chatt
SUSPIRIA A FILM THAT Stares
BACK By: Cole Clark
Dakota Johnson Suspiria \ Photo: Amazon Studios \2018
D
on’t try to pigeonhole Suspiria (2018). Slasher, gothic, and body horror influences combine here to form a film that is like the original in name alone. Characters are bolder, more complex, and the campy humor of the original is all but gone. The setting is dark, less vibrant and deceptive than the colorful Tanz Dance Academy in the 1977 classic, also referred to as the Markos Dance Company; but there is something much darker at the heart of Luca Guadagnino’s latest, something that justifies the change of tone. Dario Argento’s original film is a kaleidoscopic slasher masterpiece that has gone on to inspire dozens of art house directors. Guadagnino’s remake looks toward modernist horror like Hereditary and Mother!, in a film that feels grafted from the corpse of the original onto a new and bulkier body. What sets this remake apart from others? 2018 has seen a (second) new take on Halloween, another bona fide classic, but it is likely to be forgotten. Horror remakes rely on characters, making a straight rehash of Friday the 13th (Jason Voorhees) or A Nightmare on Elm Street (Freddy Krueger) a safe bet. Audiences will turn up for the legends of horror history. Guadagnino understands that there is little value in this type of film, save an opportunity for a director to relive their golden age of cinema or to make as much money as possible. Suspiria’s appeal comes from the way it draws the original out of the dark and into a blistering new light. The film is still set in the past, it aims to scare, and there is a happy ending, but the ways in which it arrives at these places could not be more different than Argento’s.
There is no mystery to this film. Witches control Tanz, murder is commonplace, and men are the playthings of powerful women. The sole male lead is played by Tilda Swinton, although it is credited to a Lutz Ebersdorf: Swinton in heavy makeup. Where the whodunnit mystery was, Suspiria inserts an aching feeling of rot. As soon as Susie (Dakota Johnson) arrives at the Markos Dance Company, demented dreams begin and students’ moods turn perverse. Her arrival coincides with the departure of Patricia Hingle (Chloe Grace Morëtz), the most promising student at the famed academy. This leaves space for Susie to demonstrate her talent, and as she takes the lead for a dance she has never performed, the students and instructors stand in awe. A touch from Madame Blanc, the woman who choreographed the dance, and Susie’s jumps are higher, her landings sharper.
FROM LEFT: Tilda Swinton Suspiria / Amazon Studios/2018, Dakota Johnson & Cast Suspiria \ Photo: Amazon Studios \2018
In 1970s Berlin women are prey not only to misogyny, but the fierce violence and cultural upheaval of the decade; it’s horrifying to watch Susie’s transformation into a head-exploding super-witch, but there’s a palpable sense of euphoria in her power being released on screen. Horror with a righteous purpose. She is smooth, lean, possessed by a fury she could not have expressed herself. The delicate poison from Blanc is transferred as her movements affect a disgraced student trapped in a mirrored cage below, and rather than shudder at the feeling, she embraces it. If there is a moment where events begin to turn sour, this is it. The horrid ways in which trapped dancer Olga is contorted are excruciating, like the twist of an arm behind one’s back. We’re shocked, but Suspiria demands more. Increased appreciation. By the end of the film violence has become so desensitized that there is nothing left but appreciation, and that is exactly what this film aims to accomplish. In an earlier scene, several witches of the Markos Dance Company are seen playing with police sent to investigate Patricia’s disappearance. This scene can come across as light, but the carelessness in which they humor themselves with the helpless police officers quickly turns the scene rancid. Susie spies the officers, enchanted and unable to move, while the witches have their devilish ways with them. The demented scene is played for laughs, and whenever I thought back on it I couldn’t help from smiling. The Tanz Dance Academy is a shrine to women who have lived for thousands of years, feeding from the purity and talent of their students.
An ethereal and blood-curdling score from Radiohead’s Thom Yorke strikes a keen balance between distant and confrontative. Secluded synths rush to the forefront, booming percussion turns a dance into a dirge, and the influence of Aphex Twin’s Selected Ambient Works Vol. 2 looms in the background of tracks like “Volk” and “A Choir of One.” Suspiria is centered around the dance, which naturally asks for appropriate music. Yorke’s score is frequently used as musical selection for the film’s dances, “Volk” taking its name from the dance it is based on. Scenes in which the actresses are dancing mix everything there is to love about this film: suffocating and dense sound design, dominant yet gentle performances from Swinton and Johnson, and deeply troubling music, not to mention the expressive choreography and costume designs, which will likely be in consideration come awards season. The power of dance is an echoed statement in Suspiria. The 1977 original contained almost none, and while a masterpiece of Italian slasher horror, does not place itself in the same league as 2018’s Hereditary, quite possibly the best horror film of this decade. This film takes cues from the original, but choreographs its own dance of rebirth and mutilation. It can be ridiculous, overlong, and difficult to watch, but it does what few remakes have done before: it creates a new image.
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artwork by: Grace Briquelet
WHY DID THE BEATLES CROSS THE ROAD ? By: Ally Brodmann In the late summer of 1969, the four Beatles members stood in front of EMI studios, about to take one of the most famous photoshoots of their career. For most people, the cover of the Abbey Road album may simply portray the band walking across the popular London street. Though this is true, some major Beatles fans have made an observation that the imagery includes disturbing symbolism. Was this a grand conspiracy or a complex marketing scheme?
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One of the biggest hoaxes of the Beatles’ career was the “Paul is Dead” rumor. For most of the late 60s, this odd concept hit newspapers all of the world: that bass player, Paul McCartney, fatally crashed his car in 1966 and for the later years of his career, was replaced by an impersonator. According to Biography.com, “conspiracists based their claim on a car accident report involving one of McCartney’s cars [and] note years’ worth of clues found in song lyrics and on album covers ranging from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band to the Magical Mystery Tour.”
Many theorists have come to the conclusion that it is a funeral procession, possibly McCartney’s funeral based on the “Paul is Dead” conspiracy. Based on the album cover, they have pointed out that John Lennon, who is the first in line, is wearing a white suit which is the color of mourning in some Eastern religions and represents the preacher in the scene. Ringo Starr, who is dressed in black, is the mourner and George Harrison, who is last in line, is wearing denim, which denotes the grave-digger. Paul McCartney is barefoot and wearing an old suit, which leads to believe he is the corpse. The bass player later explained that he was wearing sandals earlier in the photoshoot because it was a hot day and he took them off. If this was the case, though, the hot concrete would have been too uncomfortable to walk on, which urges conspiracists.
photography by: Ally Brodmann
Based on McCartney and photographer Iain Macmillian’s comments, they chose this particular photo because they were all in “mid-stride” with their legs in a “V.” Though this may be true, it is seen that Paul was the only Beatle out of step. According to McCartney in his interview with LIFE magazine, the photo was intended to show the Beatles walking away from the studio where they had spent so much time for the last few years; it was not intentional to start new rumors. Other miniscule details that have sparked theories include the cigarette and the cracked “S.” As most fans know, McCartney was left-handed and, in the photo, he was holding a cigarette in his right hand. Though this may seem insignificant, at the time cigarettes were known as “coffin nails,” which was just another push for the hard-core conspiracists of the “Paul is Dead” theory.
On the back cover of the album, the band’s name is plastered above an Abbey Road sign. If looked at closely, there is a crack on the “S” in the word “Beatles,” which, of course, led some people to believe that the band was having problems and had already broken up; in reality, John Lennon left the band earlier that month and about a year later, Paul McCartney announced the band’s official break up. Whether the theory is true or not, nobody will probably ever know. The crazy rumor that Paul McCartney died in a car crash in 1966 and was replaced with a lookalike imposter is so well-known that LIFE magazine referred to it in the title – “Paul is Still with Us” – of a cover story about the musician in 1969. McCartney even referenced the “Paul is dead” myth on his album Paul Is Live (1993). It has continued for more than 50 years and is still an ongoing topic with conspiracists and major Beatles fans around the world.
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photography by: Dixie Chatt
S
Scotch Pie
cotch pie is an unknown food treasure that originated in England, gained popularity in Scotland, and found its way into the United States. According to Claire Ritchie of The List, “The Scotch pie actually seems to have originated in England some 500 years ago, although records are predictably vague.” This dish has become so popular in Scotland, Canada, and England that there is an annual event based around it, that is open to registered food businesses. This treat is a single-serving, double-crusted pie that is usually filled with minced meats, herbs, and spices. Traditionally, the Scotch pie filling consists of minced lamb and is served with a hot drinks, such as Bovril or coffee. Over many generations, variations have occured in the way that it is made and what it is served with. Some of the most notable of these variations include: steak pie, steak and kidney pie, steak and tattie (potato) pie, among many others. Scotch Pie can be found in England, Scotland, Canada, and at most Scottish festivals. During the Scottish Fest, at the Orange County Fair & Event Center, they had scotch pies booths, where they sold beef pie and my personal favorite, mac and cheese pie. Similar foods can be found in locations such as Pie-Not, the Aussie-style bakery, where they have the “That’ll Do Pig.” The World Scotch Pie Championship takes place in the middle of November, usually on the fifteenth, but the results are not announced until the middle of January, the most recent champions of this event were James Pirie and Son from Newtyle, Scotland.
By: Aydann Hambruch
SCOTCH PIE RECIPE Ingredients for the Meat Filling: 1 pound (500g or two cups) lean lamb, minced (ground) Pinch of mace or nutmeg Salt and pepper 150ml (About 5 fluid ounces) gravy Ingredients for the Hot Water Pastry (crust): 1 pound (500g or four cups) plain flour 6 ounces (175g or ¾ cup) lard (fat) 6 fluid ounces (225 ml or ¾ cup) approximately of water Pinch of salt Milk for glazing You will also need glasses or jars, approximately 3-3½ inches (7.5-8.5cm) in diameter to shape the pie.
PREPARATION Method: Create the filling by mixing the minced (ground) lamb, spice and seasoning. Make the pastry by sifting the flour and salt into a warm bowl. Make a well in the centre of the flour. Melt the lard in an adequate measure of water and, when it is bubbling, add to the flour and mix thoroughly. Take a small amount (remember the mixture should make 8-10 pies, with their tops) and form into a ball and keep the rest warm while making each pastry case. This is done by rolling a suitable amount for each pie and shaping the crust round the base of a glass or jar approximately 3-3½ inches (7.5-8.5cm) in diameter. Make sure there are no cracks in the pastry - you can trim around the top of the case to make it even. As the pastry gets cool, remove the glass and continue until you have about a quarter of the pastry left to make the lids. Fill the cases with the meat and add the gravy to make the meat moist. Roll the remaining pastry and use the glass to cut the lids. Wet the edges of the lids, place over the meat and press down lightly over the filling. Pinch the edges and trim. Cut a small hole or vent in the centre of the lid (to allow the steam to escape). Glaze with milk and bake for about 45 minutes at 275 degrees F. If the pies are not eaten immediately, they can be stored in the fridge but always ensure they are properly reheated before being eaten. Recipe inspired by Duncan Swi’s recipe on epicuious.com.
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photography by: Moses Sandoval
o t n a l P Ever ? t s e W r o t Mo By: Moses Sandoval Nature, it’s hard to come by sometimes. Living in Southern California, I barely get time to enjoy it. I drive from my house to school, and from there, I head back. I know, it’s not much of an fascinating life. However, now that marching band is over, I gain more time to walk in the park with friends and chill at the beach with a bunch of mischievous high schoolers. To most drivers, it might be easier to take the interstate when traveling long distances. Interstate 40, for instance, was created to make up time lost on the Mother Road, and slowly but surely, she failed to retain her popularity among drivers. Back in the day, one would not care for making time; one would wake up one morning and exclaim, let's go for a drive. The now historic Route 66 was built in 1926 on November 11th. She starts in the state of Illinois and runs through Missouri,
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Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California eventually ending all the way at the Santa Monica Pier. For those of you who might not know, the tale of Pixar's Cars entails the story of an arrogant racer, Lightning McQueen, who loses his way on the interstate he believes to be going to Los Angeles. Ultimately, he ends up on Route 66 and from then on finds himself in the fictional town of Radiator Springs. At this location, he acquires many traits, like love, respect, and control.
Along the way, he unwittingly learns interesting racing techniques from Doc Hudson, one of the best old-timey racers. When McQueen eventually stumbles upon the Doc’s identity as the Hudson Hornet. The elderly racer is afraid that the town may not accept who he was in his past. He eventually contacts the media to let them know where their missing racer is. They then take Lightning to his final race against the two of the best competitors in the world. Not to worry, the story eventually ends on a pleasant note, but I have already spoiled too much. This great adventure really captivated me with its scenery and I decided to go check it out for myself. Because of the fact that I do not live in Illinois, I didn't get to go to the start of Route 66. However, I did start in Victorville. Mind you, I also went in reverse. Though the two-day car ride only lasted 24 hours, it left me with a lasting impression. One does not get to enjoy nature in their everyday life. To me, stepping out of the car, walking through old towns, caverns, feeding wild cattle, hugging burros, and eating roadkill seems like the ideal way to enjoy life. Starting in Victorville, we decided to stop at an historic gasoline station to get a snack for the road and to refuel. Once ready, we set off to Barstow. While there, we visited one of the route’s many museums. It was closed, so we stopped at the local Jack in the Box. After acquiring our food and getting back in the car, it was time to fly the coop out of Barstow and resume our trip.
We drove past Newberry Springs, Ludlow, Amboy, and were almost out of gas again, so we stopped in Goffs to refuel. Now, I’m not complaining, but the cost of fuel here was expensive as heck. 5.99 for a gallon. My dad bought five gallons just to continue the road and eventually refuel somewhere else. We drove past Needles and crossed the Old Trails Bridge, which is a bridge that passes over the Colorado river linking the two states of California and Arizona. At long last, we reached a city called Oatman. Here, we rested for a while, ate our food and took a look around. I know I said city, but it genuinely felt more like a town. It really had that cozy everyone likes each other vibe. While looking around the numerous shops, I was instantly drawn to a blanket which I bought as a gift for my best of friends. I also got to stroke and feed untamed burros, and I even watched as they fought each other.
After a while, we decided to get back on the road and before we left the shop, one of the residents advised us to buy a CD because in certain parts of the route there were no radio signals. I did just that, and we were off. We rode through Sitgreaves Pass, the “the long and winding road.” It eventually leads to Cool Springs Camp, which is more of a historic gas station than a camp. Driving past Kingman, we rode till we got to Hackberry. There wasn’t much here, but there was a general store in which I decide to buy a Black Cherry soda for my favorite teacher, Ms. Trelease. We continued on towards Peach Springs, and after getting additional fuel, I decided to buy more Rice Crispy Treats. After about let us say 7 miles, we got to the entrance of what is known as the Grand Canyon Caverns, which I will elaborate upon later. Once our tour of the caverns was finished, we drove off to Seligman, which was our final stop. Here we wanted to visit a store called the Rusty Bolt, but it was closed for the night. Instead, we grabbed a bite to eat. The restaurant was called the Roadkill Cafe. I decided to buy a meal called Rack of Raccoon (which wasn’t actually a raccoon; it was pork ribs) and it was delicious. Below the surface of Route 66, ten miles off of Peach Springs, we have an interesting natural formation called “The Grand Canyon Caverns.” Allow me to go indepth, so you can enjoy the Grand Canyon Caverns Tour.
photography by: Moses Sandoval
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In 1962, the main elevator was opened. It descends 210 feet into the caverns. The shaft took two years and 90 cases of dynamite and the electrical wiring took an additional twelve months. The caverns have been dry for thousands of years. Some of the formations seen in the caverns are Cave Coral and Grape Clusters. These are composed of Calcium Carbonate. There are only a few stalactites in the caverns. Above the giant room called the Chapel of the Ages is the Cathedral Dome, which is an ancient 3 channel waterway that did not reach the surface. The largest of the channels reaching up to 90 feet. As we continued, we came to a walkway on which either side are ancient drains. They were formed like the Cathedral Dome. As the entire Colorado Plateau began to uplift above the water table, the drains are where the salt water would escape through. the drains descend 33 feet before they become too small to follow any further. A number of weddings have been performed on a certain platform in the caverns. The very first was on April 15, 1977. The second was on November 11, 2000. You can still see the bridal veil from the 1977 wedding ceremony and the bridal bouquet from the 2000 wedding along with other wedding bouquets. The flowers are still perfectly preserved.
The Hall of gold is the largest room in the caverns at 630 feet long. Here, there are enough Civilian Defense supplies her to support about 2000 people for two weeks. In October 1962 these supplies were brought down during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Like the flowers, the food is also perfectly preserved. There are also medical and sanitation supplies. The mystery room is a chamber is where the air goes, which enters and leaves the caverns through the elevator shaft. Beyond this room, there are experienced cave explorers that are digging to follow where the air goes into new passages. Cavern’s legend says that smoke bombs were set off in the mystery room and the gas came out 40 miles away near Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon. Science explains that smoke could never travel that far without dissolving. Still, this is a great story. Mammoth Dome is the longest vertical formation in the caverns. The first level is 92 feet above the floor, and it continues from there another 50 feet. The top of the dome is a total of 142 feet. Warner Brother Studios heard of the fact that these caverns were really good at preserving objects, so they decided to move some very old tapes and seats from one of their traditional studios. To this day, the seats are still perfectly intact. They’re so ancient that Marilyn Monroe, John Travolta, and even Frank Sinatra have sat in them.
Walter Peck discovered the Caverns in 1927. Shortly after the first tours had begun, he realized there was no gold in the Caverns. He and his brother began to lower people with candles on a rope, and this was the start of the Cavern tours. It is extremely sad to say that most of your average American don’t get to experience much nature in their day-to-day lives. As my father says, “Wow, you don’t really get this amazing view of nature while driving to work and back home.” This evaluation stuck with me for a while. He wasn't wrong. When heading to school, I don’t see much barren land or animals roaming. Usually, it's the cars beside you, the road signs above, and the people who walk on the sidewalks. Thank America for local parks, beaches, reservations, lakes, and mountains. If not for them, the world would be iron stacks, or asphalt roads all the way around. Taking everything into consideration, the trip was a success, meaning that I made it back home alive. I really enjoyed going out and having a great time with my dad. Old as he is, he had no clue where the route could have been found. This was a big learning experience for both of us, going from spot to spot, watching the wide open plains in Arizona. I believe I might have found my ideal place for living. However, I'm not sure, it seems like a long drive to the nearest school.
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photography by: Angelina Sotelo
The Post-Civil Rights Movement and 90s Rap: By: Angelina Sotelo
Voices of an Era
The nineties was an era of pushing boundaries and crossing lines. Modesty continued fading further and a new flood of liberation took hold of the nation. This transition took place throughout most pop culture and media, but one of the most prominent forms arose in rap music. The late seventies birthed the new style of sound, the eighties developed the basics of the music, and the nineties perfected it. Here, artists and groups like Snoop Dogg, Warren G, Nas, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony were first initiated into the music scene who later grew into some of the most recognizable hip-hop artists of the 20th century. What made this genre so strong was not only the hypnotic sound and bass, but one more eminent reason: it gave the muted a voice. The songs told true stories about real struggles. The rappers gave listeners their message and said what they wanted to say, no matter the cost. This presence was seen primarily in the African-American community, whose music gave a glimpse into how life as a minority was. These artists felt the pressing of inequality around them and used rap to vocalize their truth. In doing so, they became a part of society’s evolution following the Civil Rights Movement. The Civil Rights Movement swelled from the forties to the sixties, working to gain equal rights under the law for blacks and whites. Nineties rappers were surrounded by people who witnessed or participated in the social justice struggle. It was an event that changed the United States forever, and the decades thereafter became extensions of the development.
When nineties rap began ascending in the music world, it was extensively attacked and often looked down upon. For the first time, artists were calling themselves thugs and gangsters and gave no care to the reaction America would have. They used the most explicit lyrics, rapped about controversial subjects, and were proud to be part of a genre that spoke honestly without censorship. This was done at the cost of many becoming a focus of hate in the country. Because of lyrics speaking out against the police, racial injustice, and the social system during the nineties, people either denounced or worshiped the music. Prior to the Civil Rights Movement, African-Americans were free, but they were not equal in the face of society or the law. In 1955, the Movement began with the arrest of Rosa Parks. The Movement was a fight for social justice for all races within America, and included some of the most well-known events in the country. With activists like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. fronting the cause, it became more widespread and began slowly weakening the racist values that upheld most of the nation. The development reined with morality, justice, and perseverance by the people and for the people.
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The fourteen years of protest reconstructed the society of the fifties and sixties, successfully passing the Civil Rights Acts of 1957 and 1964, the Voting Rights Acts of 1965, and the Fair Housing Act of 1968. These legislative acts ended the lawful acceptance of public segregation and discrimination within the voting system, real estate business, and employment process. Martin Luther King Jr., a minister and the leading spokesperson for the matter, was assassinated on April 4, 1968. This pushed current-president Lyndon B. Johnson to acknowledge the tragedy and quicken the passing of the Fair Housing Act to commemorate his efforts. The Civil Rights Movement officially ended with the signature of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, but the goal to press full equality for races was not lost. The years following brought the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 and The Civil Rights Act of 1991, which expanded on previous laws regulating societal equality. The next step in the fight against racism was taken in the 1992 Los Angeles riots. N.W.A. arguably made the most public display in order to spread the word about police brutality. Each member of the group had been a victim of the crime, which inspired the track, “F*** Tha Police,” which was released in 1988. In 1989 the young men of the group were arrested after a concert for performing the song against the wishes of the police department and F.B.I. This made headlines, and began to incite a revolution within the rap community. More people began standing up against police targeting minorities and showing their support for the group. Other artists also began directing their music toward the cause. Of the most popular songs were Public Enemy’s “Fight The Power,” LL Cool J’s “Illegal Search,” and Tupac’s “Trapped.” Each artist used their own experiences to translate their stance on police brutality into music. Opening into 1991, a tragic video of four police officers brutalizing a black man for a speeding ticket was released to the public. In 1992, the officers were exonerated of the crime and the Rodney King riots broke out in the streets of Los Angeles. N.W.A’s song soon became the motto of the rampage.
Its raw depiction of the fight against racist cops and the simple phrase denouncing corrupt law enforcement led thousands during their breaking point. The aftermath of the riots, resulting in 12,000 arrests, 63 deaths and the estimated 1 billion dollars of damage, made a momentous impression on the entire country. Change was no longer asked for; it was demanded. The absence of the government in helping racial division forced the country to divide between the unheard and the government. Minorities were faced with hardships just because of their color and their white, male leaders could not or would not make change within the systems. Mid-nineties, this frustration soared and rappers could not let their opinions be overshadowed. The Geto Boys recorded “The Point of No Return” which verbalized their anger toward the government into lyrics, hurt and powerful. The title itself was meant to show the severity of the distance between minorities and leaders, declaring that they were at the point of never trusting the government again. In it, the group discusses the “image” of African-Americans to the nation and the inescapable reality felt by many. Directly addressing listeners, Scarface, a member of the group, questions how people, “wonder what [the black community’s] learned while [they’ve] been trapped [there, and they] only learned how to adapt [there].” The artist combatted the misrepresentation of African-Americans by calling to attention that they are a culture of people with limitations not seen by the majority, and their flaws only emerge from their struggles. Within the African-American community, the twentieth century also fought to dismember the identification of shame for young black generations. In the sixties, political organizations began emerging to protect the stability of equality within America. hese groups included some of the most passionate and fiery people who, in too many cases, were forced to sacrifice themselves for the construction of justice.
They also promoted the concept of black identity and pride. The nation at the time was spread with soaring crime, suicide, and poverty rates within black communities, but this new shift in thinking reshaped the minds of the country’s young for the better. Children were then being taught self-love and value in the face of discrimination by leaders in all stretches of the media, and as the nineties hip-hop industry climbed, with it came a new breed of spokespeople for minorities. One of the most remarkable post-Civil Rights Movement leaders is the king of hip-hop himself, Tupac Shakur. Tupac rapped songs from “Hail Mary” and “Brenda’s Got a Baby,” to “Smile” and “To Live & Die in L.A.” What set Tupac apart from the rest was his part in the upbringing of the nineties’ black community. The rapper grew up with little money and a childhood surrounded by gangs, drugs, and violence. Although his upbringing shaped the man he became, it did not define him. His mother, Afeni Shakur, was a Black Panther and an avid civil rights activist, always teaching Tupac what it meant to be a black man and inspiring him to be passionate about the prosperity of his people. Shakur began recording in 1987 and used his music as an outlet to communicate his thoughts and relate to anyone who listened with an intense connection. His song, titled “White Man’z World,” was released in 1996 and had some of the most outspoken lyrics about the oppression of African-Americans in nineties America. As an introduction, Tupac quotes Malcolm X, questioning why black people are ashamed of their color and concluding that the fault lies in the warped ideas brought by the symbolic “white man.” Throughout the song, Pac explains that he feels trapped in a system that favors white men over everyone else, and sends love to all that are confined in this social structure. He also asks for justice for the many political prisoners who are arrested for unjust reasons and mentions his mother’s former boyfriend and member of the Black Liberation Army, Mutulu Shakur.
This song was an anthem for the black community because his frustration and passion was felt through the music. But Tupac does not leave the blame to the oppressors alone; instead, he asks his men and women of color to think clearly, do the right thing, and love themselves if they want to make change. Nineties hip-hop and rap revolutionized not only the music world, but the political scene as well. The music provided a way for many young African-Americans to continue on the path older generations have paved for them through the Civil Rights Movement. In this era, artists popularized two key ideas: the black community needs to be strong and united within itself, and the black community needs to resist injustice at all costs. Just as the sixties motivation began dissipating, these beliefs, translated through music, created a movement with a much stronger hold on then-young America than anyone could have expected. And with that, an entire generation was raised in the arms of the nineties rap community.
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artwork by: Grace Briquelet
OUTRUNNING THE MANSON CULT By: Cooper Gilliard In August of 1969, Daniel Edward was working as a machinist at an United Airlines maintenance base north of San Francisco Airport. He met a man named Bob Greeley at his future father-in-law’s home. He later found out they worked right across the hall from each other. After they became acquainted, my grandfather was invited on a road trip to Los Angeles to pick up some of Bob’s things. My grandfather, who wanted to see what SoCal was like in August, thought, “What the hell, I’ve got nothing else to do anyway,” not quite realizing the mess he was walking into. Bob Greeley and his accomplice Daniel, my grandfather, made the six hour drive to L.A., and after collecting Bob’s stuff, they went sightseeing a bit before heading back. On the way out of L.A., in the evening, they were stopped at a light in Bob’s white Triumph sports car. Bob driving, and my grandfather in the passenger seat, they began the six hour journey back home.
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I find it appropriate to mention that this was August 9th 1969, the day after Sharon Tate and four others were killed at her Hollywood residence, five if you count her unborn baby of eight months. News of the murders were flying all around the local, national, and international news sources. The city was on high alert the next day, as expected. Unfortunately, they were none the wiser. As the visit to L.A. came to an end, they began to leave when they were stopped at a red light somewhere along Hollywood Blvd if my grandfather's memory serves. As they waited for the light to turn green, another car approached behind them. After a minute, a man, who was later identified as Tex Watson, exited the vehicle and proceeded towards my grandfather's rental car. He didn’t think much of it at first, but as he came closer my grandfather grew more curious. It took longer than it should have for my grandfather to realize this man was carrying a revolver. They became fearful - someone was coming towards them with murderous intent.
As this happened, the light turned green, and they made the logical move of speeding away from the murderous man of Hollywood Blvd. As my grandfather explains, they never thought much of the incident after that evening. I would imagine the timing would make them both wonder if it was one of the Mansons. Nevertheless, while Daniel Edward and Bob Greeley suffered a legitimate near-death experience, they lost track of each other, so much that when I interviewed my grandfather about it, he could barely remember Bob’s last name. He proceeded to move on with his life until he read the book Helter Skelter about six years later. The epilogue gave specific bits and pieces about how the day after the Tate murders, Tex Watson had pulled behind a white sports car on Hollywood Boulevard with the intention of killing the people inside. He broke into a cold sweat knowing he had only just escaped the clutches of death.
Over the years, almost everyone in Hollywood has come forward saying that it had been them and they fled the situation never knowing what they were involved in. Public figures including American Basketball player, Jerry West, who was driving a white Ferrari at the time (wrong car according to Helter Skelter) claimed he was the one involved. As soon as my grandfather read this, his blood turned cold, with absolute certainty that it was them, and trying to process the fact they had come that close to a member of the Manson family. If I never have before, I now believe that one moment can change the course of a lifetime.
Shot Gun In
Seattle By: Izzy Agnello
Things in the past tend to be somewhat gloomy, whether it is a memory -- good or bad -- or an event long forgotten. Now imagine speaking about a person in the past tense. One realizes this individual is no longer physically present in anyone’s life; the person fades away like that forgotten photo strip shoved in the front pocket of those jeans that do not fit anymore. This causes one to cast aside those faded blue skinnies to the back of the closet, and one day someone finds those jeans and smiles at the forgotten memories.
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This situation can be compared to the death of a music artist. Some people get so caught up in the more recent artists that are swimming in the mainstream, but what if in the back of the closet, there is a tan and orange cassette tape. On the front, there was a full-bodied female anatomy dummy with wings. The eye is drawn to the band name, Nirvana. The mind is enveloped by a blanket of lyrics and memories of the deceased frontman, Kurt Cobain. How did his life of success and turmoil lead to an early grave? The authorities pronounced the death of Kurt Cobain as a suicide, making this the beginning of his end.
The smell was more intoxicating than teen spirit in a smoke-filled, dimly lit nightclub in Portland, Oregon. Across the intimate venue, a young blonde wrapped in polka-dots locks eyes with a grimy lead singer with a tangled birds nest for hair. This was the first meeting of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love. It was the early 90s, and the future was promising, but who knew? It is possible that this love caused his demise. The two were married in ‘92 and soon after had a baby named Frances Bean. Though all seemed good for their relationship, Cobain and Love’s relationship was stained like one of their daughter’s bibs. The couple was a pair of heavy drug users, which caused many issues. During an interview with Vanity Fair, Love admitted to shooting heroin while pregnant with their daughter, Frances. Soon after the article was released, social services threatened to take away their baby, leading to a long and costly legal battle. The outcome resulting in Cobain and Love being able to keep her. However, a baby is not a strong adhesive for a problematic romance. Many people did not approve of them due to the negative influence they had on each other. The strain in their relationship once led to a fiery argument that ended with Kurt being taken away in handcuffs. Would the anger built by a broken drug-fueled relationship lead to something dreadful?
photography by: Izzy Agnello
It would be about two years after their private wedding on the shores of Waikiki where one lay lifeless in the above garage room in their Seattle home. This casing made of flesh and bones once held the spirit of the one who turns angst into beautiful lyrics: Kurt Cobain. Cobain died at the young age of 27 on April 5, 1994; the ruled cause of death, a fatal self-inflicted gunshot to the head. Cobain escaped the world with nothing but a legacy, edgy music, and a page long letter described to be his “suicide” note. Though it is said that the piece of crumpled paper that he left the world was his suicide note, in the page long letter there is no inkling of suicide. Cobain primarily characterizes the loss he faces when it comes to anything to do with music. He depicts the loss of excitement he feels when listening to and creating music and the guilt that he suffers. Cobain, in his world proclaimed “suicide” note, describes “when we’re backstage and the lights go out and the manic roar of the crowds begins.
It doesn't affect me the way in which it did for Freddie Mercury, who seemed to love, relish in the love and adoration from the crowd, which is something I totally admire and envy.” The guilt he feels when he knows his heart is not in the music when he performs for his fans was a great monster consuming him. Cobain then goes on describing his wife and his daughter and how he has too much empathy in his bones. He thanks those who are reading the letter and signs it, “Peace, love, empathy. Kurt Cobain.” However, the letter does not conclude. It continues for four more lines; these are the words that seem more suspicious to not only conspiracy theorists but also to long-term fans, people who knew Cobain and experts. This was a thought-provoking, well-planned piece all in scripted with Cobain’s own hand, but those last few lines do not seem to fit.
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photography by: Izzy Agnello
The entirety of his words seems more like a plan to leave the limelight, Nirvana, and his family, not the world. Some say it is not even written in Cobain’s handwriting, nor do the words match the overall tone of the rest of it. The handwriting and the sudden change of emotion have led many to believe he was murdered and that the last part was added after he was killed. Cobain and Love’s affair follows the rubric of a whirlwind romance. Like Romeo and Juliet, they were separated by death. Love had always had her eyes locked on Kurt Cobain from day one, but how would she feel if the rumors of him wanting a divorce began stirring? People who personally knew the couple was fans or even professionals who worked with the couple have a dark hunch. Though it is uncertain that Love conspired to kill Cobain, there is liable evidence pointing to a possible murder.
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The majority of the issues with the evidence revolve around the shotgun that was found laying on Kurt Cobain’s chest. There were no readable fingerprints found on the gun. This provokes one to wonder how does a dead man, who was found not wearing gloves, manage to shoot himself without leaving fingerprints on vital areas of the gun? To continue, inside the gun were three shells, all without fingerprints, when Cobain would only need one to kill himself. Kurt had owned guns throughout the duration of his adult life, making it odd that he inserted three shells rather than one. Consequently, another factor that could make the ruling implausible is after Cobain’s death, it was found that there were so much heroin and valium in his system to the point where it would leave him incapable to pull the trigger.
It also would have most likely comatosed him or killed him. Canadian toxicologist, Roger Lewis, argues passionately in his paper, “Dead Men Don’t Pull Trigger,” that the amount of heroin would have had a vast effect on his physical state. He explains that the drug would have “either immediately rendered him incapacitated and in a comatose state or killed him instantly.” Within his writing, he does not express the idea that Cobain was deliberately drugged and murdered. However, he does stick by his claim that Cobain did not pull the trigger. Some disagree with this idea because of the different intensities between injections of “street” heroin and orally obtained doses. In this world, we can be misguided to make unfortunate choices when it comes to life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. This can cause those who worry about their loved ones to take drastic measures.
Two days after Cobain checked out of the L.A. rehab he admitted himself in, Love hired a former detective and private eye, Tom Grant, to watch him. During Grant’s investigation, he discovered Cobain was going to divorce Love. Additionally, according to Grant, the lawyer informed him that Cobain changed his will so that Love would be left out. By this time, detective Grant had grown suspicious of Courtney Love and believes the divorce could be a motive. After speaking to Cobain’s attorney, Rosemary Carroll, she agreed with his hunch and encouraged him to conduct his investigation. Yet here we are; many genres of artists come and go. Some are taken too soon, such as the man who made anger into passion. Kurt Cobain’s case might be closed, but the world’s hearts
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keeping cHildren joyful By: Grace Gillett
In 2002, Samantha Runnion was playing with one of her friends, Sarah Ann, when a light green Honda drove up. The man rolled his window down and asked the little girls if they could help him find his chihuahua. Samantha was hesitant, but before she could make a decision whether to help him or not. He grabbed her and drove off. “Call my grandma!” Samantha shouted to Sarah while battling the kidnapper for her freedom. Sarah was panicked as she ran to Samantha's grandmother and told her the dreadful news. Immediately, her grandmother called the police. Despite Sarah only being 5, she gave the policeman a thorough explanation of the man. About two days later Erin Runnion, who had been searching the county for her first-born daughter, got the call. A man found her body off of highway 74 in Riverside County. “Why do they have to kill [children]?” Erin cried as she fell to her knees in pain. A few days later the police found Alejandro Avila, the main suspect of the crime. He was later given the death sentence for kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder.
Alejandro was a victim of abuse himself. His alcoholic father would beat Alejandro and his brothers. His father would lock the kids in the bathroom, in a room that locked on the outside so once could not escape. Once Alejandro escaped, he went to the police station to report what his father had been doing. When the police finally arrived at the house, they reported that the house was a mess. It looked as if it had not been cleaned for years. However, the children were not taken away. The abuse continued until they moved out of the house. In some situations, there is nothing we can do to stop such a horrendous accounts from happening. “Abuse is a vicious cycle that needs to stop,” Runnion once stated at a speech to recognize the 10th anniversary of Samantha’s death. Erin Runnion promised herself that she would never let what happened to her happen to anyone else. She realized that the only way to stop what was happening to young children is to do it herself.
photography by: Grace Gillett
The Joyful Child Foundation, an Orange County based foundation is “dedicated to preventing crimes against children through programs that educate, empower, and unite families and communities,” was made in Samantha’s honor. Their mission is to teach families in the Southern California community to be able to identify a predator and how to fight back. The foundation also trains law enforcement, teachers, and non-profit partners to help keep the children of tomorrow protected from predators. At Schroeder Elementary School in the Westminster Elementary School District, they have implemented the Joyful Child Foundations curriculum “Brave” in their school. One teacher explained that “It’s hard to teach such young kids about “scary” topics like these, but if there is any way that this could be saving a life, it will be worth it.”
One of the foundation's main collaborators is RAD kids. They teach students proper ways to fight an attacker and what to do in a situation that is deemed unsafe. I have done RAD kids through the Joyful Child Foundation and I can honestly say that it has changed my outlook on the world and how to protect myself from an attacker. In the program, I was taught that not every adult is someone to trust. In most situations, the best thing to do is trust your instincts, because no one can tell you what to do. Since the awful incident in 2002, Erin Runnion has been protecting children and their families from intense heartbreak and loss. We can only assume that her foundation has saved many lives, and will save more in the future. If you are a victim of crimes these, we want you to know that you are not alone. There are so many people that love you and want you to be the best you can be. You can visit their website https://www.thejoyfulchild.org/ to: donate, learn more, or get involved with the program. Be brave and stay Joyful. 47
Candy Hart-Peratt editor-in-chief
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