Cheers to our first year Sisters make a splash America’s drinking landscape Kramies Windt rising
Anniversary issue â—Š August 2012
Facets is now available to order in print! Order a printed copy via HP MagCloud today and have it on your coffee table in as little as three days.
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Inside Facets
From the fashion shoot See what really goes on behind the scenes and camera lens
We rocked out To Chelsea Williams’ irresistible cover of “Billionaire” by Travie McCoy featuring Bruno Mars. You may recognize it from the Chevy Cruze commercial that aired late last year. Listen to her croon.
Makeup artist Alison Penner perfects model Dana Landa’s neon coral pout. See the full summer makeup look in “Sisters make a splash” on p. 13.
We hydrated (sort of) With John Dalys—1 ½ ounces vodka and Arnold Palmer Half & Half—in tumblers
Down under We gave our models a Kodak water-resistant disposable camera so they could capture a few photos of each other underwater. Head to p. 22 for the sisters’ developed snaps.
Best quote of the shoot “I’m just a hoe in the garden.” Model Renee Landa, while shooting her most colorful look in the garden. volume 7
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Say hello to the Facets team. To commemorate our one-year anniversary, our staff confessed what they think no celebration should be without.
As seen on Instagram! Follow Tom at @kelasmot, or Facets at @facetsmag.
BRITTANY ABEIJON
founder and editor in chief Two bottles of bubbly. One is never enough.
TOM SALEK
founder and managing editor A bonfire to fire up the party.
RACHEL KOSMAL
LYNN W. CONWAY
MELISSA GRIFFIN
ASHLEY JOHNSTON
founder and creative direction/graphic design A half-keg of your favorite local microbrew.
founder and photographer A chocolate treat. It’s a scientific fact that chocolate makes you happy.
To snag the recipe for this delicious bruschetta, check out Melissa’s Tumblr.
lead graphic designer Hors d’oeuvres and a well-stocked bar.
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graphic designer Festive decorations to set the scene.
JENNY SCHULER web publisher/designer The little black dress that makes you feel dazzling.
MAX CRUMPLEY editor A bottle of Knob Creek to start the celebration properly. On the rocks, of course.
BECCA FRUMKIN social media strategist A digital camera for capturing the memories.
SAIGE HOOKER advertising coordinator A tube of your favorite lipstick. Reapply as needed.
SAM LAWWELL advertising coordinator Good music and friends to laugh and dance with. volume 7
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Facets Contributors Ryan Cary Agrees with the Doobie Brothers: Music is the doctor that has always been covered Cleveland, Ohio writer
Steven Cohen Bringing Van Halen to life, one jump at a time Chicago writer
Jessica Deming Massages are the second best way to a woman’s heart ... first is diamonds Chicago writer
Keith Kosmal Snap happy Chicago photographer
Courtney Leiva Beauty is my middle name Stanhope, N.J. writer
Jessica Leep Aspiring free spirit Chicago photographer
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Renee Mailhiot Wannabe world traveler Frankfort, Ill. writer
Alison Penner Never leaves the house without at least a little blush Lake Zurich, Ill. makeup artist
Allison Sickert All about neon and highlighter hues this summer Libertyville, Ill. writer
Tony Vitale Probably listening to 70s pop at the moment Skokie, Ill. graphic designer
Kathryn Wright Idea seeker Wheeling, Ill. innovation intern
?
We love contributors! Email info@thefacetsmag.com if you’re interested in working with us.
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Contents
August 2012 ANNIVERSARY issue
13 Our first year A letter from the editors
Party pics We’ll show you how we do a summertime celebration
FASHION/BEAUTY Sisters make a splash Poolside fashion goes from regular to radiant
Got sunscreen? The smartest protection for the hottest time of the year
SOS: Save our style Style savior Katie Schuppler is here to reinvent your wardrobe
FOOD/DRINK Cheers to our first year Femme de Coupe creates a Facets anniversary cocktail
Dinner and a movie College-style snacks and The Social Network
America’s drinking landscape 8
How microbreweries are changing our drinking habits AUG 2012 | thefacetsmag.com
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52 ENTERTAINMENT Who needs the IMAX? Drive-ins are the real deal for summer movie experiences
Kramies Windt rising Singer-songwriter parallels a changing music industry and his life after success
SPORTS/LEISURE I might as well … jump! Zip lining gives thrill seekers a 50-mph adrenaline rush
Become your own massage therapist Skip the appointment with these professional tips and DIY
TRAVEL From the Eiffel Tower to the Tower of London
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Indulging in Casadei wedges, crepes and cappuccinos in Paris and London
Cruisin’ right along These must-have items and smartphone apps will make your next road trip a breeze
Facets’ favorites What we’re loving this summer
Consider donating to the Aurora Victim Relief Fund
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Helps meet immediate and long-term needs of the victims and their families
Social media fridge Stay cool and stay social
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Our first year
A letter from the editors
P
op the champagne and pour yourself a drink because we have so many reasons to celebrate. After seven issues, 30 photo shoots and more than 500 pages of content, this month marks our one-year anniversary as a publication. First, a toast to everyone who supported Facets during its first year. We’d like to thank you, our readers, for coming back every other month to read the latest issue. The Facets founders and staff would also like to toast to every person who has contributed in the last year. Whether you wrote an article, took a picture, posted a Tweet, contacted an advertiser, designed an article or refined our website, we could never be where we are today without you. Thank you. If champagne isn’t your thing, we have something even better for you. To help us celebrate properly, we turned to mixologist Revae Schneider of Femme de Coupe to craft a custom cocktail just for us. If it’s an icy craft beer you crave, jump to p. 48 to read about how craft brews are sweeping the nation. As a nod to our origins and one of the most successful young companies around, we kicked back,
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snacked on some dorm room finger foods and watched The Social Network for this issue’s Dinner and a movie feature. Celebrating something of your own with an end-of-summer vacation? If you’re planning to hit the road, check out our essential items and smartphone apps for your next trip. If your schedule has you stuck at home, fill your travel gap by reading about one of our writer’s recent adventures to Paris and London. Thrill seekers can get a glimpse of what it’s like to zip line at 50 mph over a lush forest, or play it safe with a nostalgic night at your local drive-in movie theater. And if your final moments of summer have you lounging by the pool, check out how we do it in style— and always with proper sun protection. As the summer comes to a close and Facets enters its second year as a publication, we hope you continue to enjoy reading each issue. We love hearing from our readers, so don’t hesitate to send us an email, Tweet or Facebook message. Here’s to many more years of inspiring content, and more importantly, here’s to you— cheers!
Party pics
Our editor in chief opened her doors to friends and family for a summertime celebration. Photography by Keith Kosmal
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1. Seated partygoers were all smiles (and expressive hand gestures). 2. Brad Kruk (left) and EIC Brittany Abeijon welcomed guests for a celebration. 3. Hallmark hit it on the head with this greeting card. 4. Courtney Abeijon enjoyed some fresh air, solid company and vodka lemonade on the balcony. 5. Special reserve Facets wine for extra special occasions. 6. Guests got the memo: stripes in every color. 7. Thai chicken pitas were served—and devoured—as an appetizer. 8. Web publisher/designer Jenny Schuler wore her sunglasses at night. 9. Six wonderful reasons to celebrate. 10. Courtney and Brittany Abeijon posed in front of Facets year one. 11. The menu was packed with dips, chips and southern-style fare. 12. Jenny Schuler laughed with husband Rick (left) and Pete Kosmal. 13. Party people littered the balcony.
Chicagoans: interested in being photographed and interviewed for a future fashion feature?
Email info@thefacetsmag.com if interested.
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• FASHION/BEAUTY •
Sisters make a splash Poolside fashion goes from regular to radiant
By Brittany Abeijon • Photography by Lynn W. Conway Makeup by Alison Penner • Styling by Becca Frumkin volume 7
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FASHION/BEAUTY
F
or this issue’s fashion feature, we asked two of the beachiest babes we know, Dana and Renee Landa, to play models for an afternoon of poolside cocktail sipping, beauty pampering and swimsuit styling. It was an offer they couldn’t refuse. Makeup artist Alison Penner was on scene to glam up the duo with lush eyelashes, bronze body shimmer and glossy, neon lips. Channeling their favorite Real Housewives with over-the-top indulgence, our models found themselves asking for more. More bracelet stacks. More neon gloss. More John Daly, please. Although the sisters had a blast putting on the ritz, we pressed them on what their reallife swim style looks like, and we threw an underwater camera their way so they could steal a few submerged snaps. Read on to see who prefers a simpler spirit, who has a sportier style and whose poolside must-haves include a Kindle and a vodka lemonade.
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Dana Landa, 25 Registered nurse Schaumburg, Ill. STYLE Q&A What do you love most about your style? I love to be comfortable and simple. How do you stay stylish amid the summer heat? Loosefitting tops with a cute pair of shorts, maxi dresses and a great pair of flats. What is your go-to beauty item right now? It is, and always has been, mascara. Most of the time, it’s all I need. We glammed you up for the shoot, but what’s your real poolside style? I always have my hair back and a bandeau top to prevent bad tan lines. What did you enjoy most about the photo shoot? I loved getting my hair and makeup done and all of the style options. Although I’ve never done a photoshoot before, I felt so comfortable having all my friends and sister with me. I also loved jumping in the pool at the end!
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FASHION/BEAUTY
Wearing Black triangle top - Victoria’s Secret; Black tie bottoms Everything But Water; Black heels - Steve Madden; ALDO Accessories - Francesca’s, Kohl’s; Hat - Target Silver suit with chain details - Target; Chain and diamond necklace - BCBGMAXAZRIA; Black square ring - ALDO; Jeweled bracelet stack - Express Floral strapless top - Victoria’s Secret; Black bottoms Everything But Water; Cover up - Old Navy; Fedora - H&M
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Renee Landa, 26 Registered nurse and master’s student Chicago STYLE Q&A What do you love most about your style? I love mixing sportiness with the latest fashions. Being able to go from wearing a cute pair of shorts with wedges one day to a fitted mini skirt and heels the next night keeps things fun. How do you stay stylish amid the summer heat? The humidity can be a real killer in Chicago, so I’ll let my hair air dry and throw in some curls with a curling iron. I’ll also wear looser dresses with cute flat sandals during the day. What is your go-to beauty item right now? My Physician’s Formula Shimmer Strips Blush and Highlighter. It’s a sheer, shiny blush that has different shades of pinks and reds so you can wear it in the day or night. We glammed you up for the shoot, but what’s your real poolside style? Simple and comfortable. Just my bikini, hair up and my Kindle—and maybe a vodka lemonade. What did you enjoy most about the photo shoot? I loved getting glammed up, especially with the false eyelashes and bright pink lip gloss. I also loved the awkward and silly moments with Dana and my friends. 18
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FASHION/BEAUTY
Wearing Black swim top - Victoria’s Secret; Black bottoms with floral detail - Pacific Sunwear; Black wedges Steve Madden; Chain necklace - Charming Charlie; Bracelets - Target, Kohl’s; Hat - Target Neon yellow swimsuit - Victoria’s Secret; Hot pink fringe necklace - Forever21; Geode bracelet Francesca’s; Blue gemstone ring - Cookie Lee; Floral shoes - Aldo Floral suit - Victoria’s Secret; Straw fedora - H&M
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Makeup mastermind Makeup artist Alison Penner used Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Makeup on both sisters in areas that needed coverage. To ensure even skin texture and color, she used a foundation brush to lightly blend the concealer outward from those areas.
Full, flirty lashes
Bronzed, dewy skin
Neon, glossed lips
Penner applied LORAC TANtalizer Deep Body Bronzing Luminizer to the models’ cheekbones to contour and sculpt their faces, sweeping up toward the temples and blending with a Make Up For Ever HD Kabuki Brush. The models also wore the bronzing luminizer on their body, mainly on the chest, neck and shoulders. Penner finished off their faces with NARS Bronzer in Casino and Kevin Aucoin Candlelight, a luminous powder, to give their skin a dewy finish.
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To give the pair a doe-eyed, lush look, she used Benefit Little Flirt Lashes. Penner craftily chose the lash style because it made the lashes appear wet, as if they had just gotten out of the swimming pool.
Penner knew she wanted to give the Landa sisters the glossiest of lips, and saw no other option than using the hottest of neon hues. For Dana, she mixed MAC Clear Lipglass with MAC pigment in NeoOrange and MAC lipstick in Morange. For Renee, she mixed MAC Clear Lipglass with MAC pigment in Magenta Madness and MAC Sheen Supreme lipstick in Royal Azalea. â—Š
FASHION/BEAUTY
Mix it like a makeup artist Penner suggests cleaning a metal jam jar lid the next time you want to craft a custom color. Just like an artist’s palette, you can use it to mix products and colors and recycle it after you’re done.
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Sisters Dana (left) and Renee Landa enjoy a refreshing end to the hot photo shoot. volume 7
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Got sunscreen? The smartest protection for the hottest time of the year By Courtney Leiva • Photography by Jessica Leep
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summer, and Dr. Tony Nakhla, author of the bestselling book The Skin Commandments: 10 Rules to Healthy, Beautiful Skin, said buying sunscreen is now a lot less misleading.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued new sunscreen label rules that went into effect this
“For the first time,” Nakhla says, “new FDA regulations permit manufacturers to advertise that sunscreen helps protect against skin cancer and signs of aging based on key elements in the formulation of the product.”
s the warm summer sun beams down in full swing, get a head start with proper skincare protection. With a brand new summer season comes brand new SPF rules, so take note from several skincare experts about the changes in sunscreen labels, the SPF number to start with and the shadow-shade rule to live, play and sun by.
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FASHION/BEAUTY
Catch up with this recap of recent FDA sunscreen label changes: • Sunscreens that block UVB radiation and some UVA radiation may be labeled as broadspectrum products
• No sunscreen product may claim an SPF above 50
• Broad-spectrum products with an SPF of 15 or higher may state on the label that they reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging
• Any claims that sunscreen products are waterproof or sweatproof must be reworded as “water-resistant”
• No sunscreen can advertise as a “sun blocker”
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FASHION/BEAUTY Start with 30 According to Dr. Tina Alster, founding director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, grab SPF 30 the next time you’re shopping for sunscreen. “Load up on sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher, regardless of your skin tone,” Alster said. “It’s just the right amount of sun protection you need.” The three most common types of skin cancers— basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma—are related to cumulative sun exposure, so protecting your skin from the sun is imperative, regardless of skin type. Skin cancers have been reported in patients with naturally dark skin as well as pale skin, so even if you tan easily instead of burning, it doesn’t mean skin cancer is any less likely. Think your makeup with SPF in it is protection enough for your face? Think again. “Makeup and face moisturizers that contain SPF provide enough protection if you’re only going to the office,” Alster said. “If you’re going to be outdoors, these products will only protect you if you apply them frequently. At least every two hours is necessary.”
Go for faux For those seeking a deep bronzed look, apply self-tanners, bronzers or go for a spray tan in lieu of a tanning bed. Most tanning booths claim to be safe because they emit UVA rays and not UVB rays, which don’t burn your skin. However, these same rays, while non-burning, are responsible for deeper
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dermal damage over time causing wrinkles and skin cancer. In the summer months, if not protected, UV rays can be extremely damaging, so take extra precautions during midday hours—between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.—when the sun is at its strongest. “Remember this rule: If your shadow appears to be shorter than you are, seek shade,” Alster advised. “And when in the direct sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face, ears and neck.”
The deadly truth Why care so much about SPF? Life-threatening diseases such as melanoma and other skin cancers are on the rise. In a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute, half of adults younger than age 30 reported being sunburned at least once in the last year. The study also found indoor tanning rates to be the highest among white women less than 25 years old. “The cure rate for melanoma is high when it’s detected early by a dermatologist, but very low once it has spread to other organs,” Nahkla said. “It’s considered one of the most deadly types of cancers among all cancers.” This summer, don’t underestimate your sun exposure or your sunscreen’s protection. Learn your sunscreen label, lotion up and let the light hit your skin. ◊
FASHION/BEAUTY
Sunscreen rundown
Sunscreen shopping can be tough, especially when you don’t know where to start. We’ve rounded up this summer’s best sunscreen and slathered on two other protective products to our list of six sun-worshiper must-haves.
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1. Dr. Murad Acne can be a real problem during the summertime as increased perspiration allows dirt and oil to clog pores, leading to unwanted breakouts. Famed skincare specialist Dr. Murad believes your daily sunscreen should never be the cause of your acne woes. Murad’s waterresistant sunscreen is here to help, providing just the right amount of protection without the grease.
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2. W algreens Continuous Spray Sport SPF 50
3. S kin Authority Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 30
Perfectly sized for your beach bag, the latest spray-on sunscreen provides broadspectrum UVA and UVB protection, and is resistant to swimming and sweating. Consumer Reports recently rated this drugstore favorite as one of this summer’s “Best Buys.”
Guard your skin with Skin Authority’s Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 30, which can be used as an everyday moisturizer worn under your makeup. Combating signs of aging as well as calming blotchy skin tones, this smooth product delivers much-needed moisture retention.
6. Sol Inspired 4. S oleil Organique Sunscreen Collection Perfect for hiking trips, impromptu beach romps and everything else in between, Soleil Organique offers maximum coverage, shielding your skin with the best organic ingredients. From mineral sunscreen mists to serums, make Soleil Organique your organic sunscreen headquarters this summer.
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5. Soft Lips Believe it or not, good skincare protection also applies to your lips. Pucker up with Soft Lip’s newest shades in juicy coral or soft nude pearl available at both Walmart and Target. With a smooth formula, each tube of this non-sticky gloss contains SPF 10, which is essential for sunprotected lips. Your summer lip routine just got cooler.
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Summer skincare protection goes beyond lotions, sprays and lip glosses. For the SPF obsessed, update your wardrobe with Sol Inspired, a line of SPF-friendly clothing that protects your body from harmful UVA and UVB rays. In sporty and chic designs, stay stylish and protected while blocking out more than 99 percent of damaging rays. Protection never looked so chic.
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YOUR AD HERE If you are interested in advertising your brand, product or company to Facets readers, email advertise@thefacetsmag.com for rates and availability.
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FASHION/BEAUTY
SOS: Save our style Style savior Katie Schuppler is here to reinvent your wardrobe By Allison Sickert • Photography by Lynn W. Conway
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he repetitive beeping of your alarm sounds at 6 a.m. You groggily stumble over to your closet, only to find it filled with nothing you actually want to wear. It’s a frustration we’ve all faced, and it makes you want to jump under the covers, go back to sleep and wake up with a closet full of shiny new options. volume 7
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The first thing style consultant Katie Schuppler suggested our EIC change was her hangers. Thinner, space-saving hangers can be snagged on the cheap.
The bad news is there’s no fashion fairy godmother, but if you’re in need of a closet overhaul, we suggest the second best option: style consultant Katie Schuppler. When our editor in chief Brittany Abeijon needed some help refining her wardrobe, Schuppler was happy to lend her talents for an afternoon. As a stylist for more than six years, Schuppler heads her own Chicago-based company, KS Style Consulting, which offers services such as style assessments, consignment assistance, personal shopping and closet clean outs. For those who live outside Chicago, she offers e-styling, style consulting via email for everything from special events to everyday clothes. She works with both men and women of a diverse age 30 AUG 2012 | thefacetsmag.com
range—her youngest client was just 9 years old. Although even children’s clothes have trends, Schuppler says it’s more about dressing for your personal style than sticking to trendy pieces. Another service she offers is creating lookbooks, which contain pages of outfit inspiration and items to help clients put outfits together on their own. “Lookbooks are a great go-to for those early mornings when the last thing you want to do is think about what to wear for the day,” Schuppler said. If your closet is in desperate need of a redo, don’t fret. You can tackle it yourself with Schuppler’s tips to make cleaning out your closet less daunting.
FASHION/BEAUTY
Style guru Katie Schuppler tackles more than just the clothes in your closet. She’ll also fine tune your accessories, shoes and handbags. volume 7
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One of Schuppler’s must-follow rules: if you haven’t worn something in more than a year— especially if the tags are still on it—toss or donate it.
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FASHION/BEAUTY
What to keep or buy • Try not to buy more than five trendy pieces per season. Trends like neon and nautical stripes are current, and colors like seafoam green or coral look great in the summer. For shoes, think wedge sandals.
Steve Madden, $90
• If you don’t have them already, buy regular or peeptoe nude pumps. They go with everything and make your legs look 10 times longer. Jessica Simpson and Steve Madden are two great brands for affordable shoes. • Every woman should have clutches for both day and night, a small- or mediumsized hobo bag and a doctor’s bag.
H&M, $25
• The basics every woman should have in her closet are T-shirts, leggings, a cropped blazer and a pencil skirt. For both men and women, try Target’s v-neck T-shirts.
What to toss or donate
Target, $10
ASOS, $53
• If an item is old, worn, pilled or the fabric is discolored, it has got to go. • The one item no woman should have in her closet: An ‘80s power suit. • Follow this rule: if you haven’t worn it in more than a year, there’s a reason. Toss it. Maybe Schuppler really is a fashion fairy godmother in disguise. For more of her fashion advice, check out her blog Fashion Speak on Chicagoshopping.com. ◊
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Don’t miss out! Check out our social media vehicles between issues for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes photos and inside information.
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• FOOD/DRINK •
Cheers
to our first year Femme de Coupe creates a Facets anniversary cocktail By Brittany Abeijon Photography by Lynn W. Conway
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he Facets Magazine turns one this month and we have so much to toast to. To help us celebrate, we turned to Revae Schneider of Femme de Coupe, to handcraft an original cocktail. Schneider was kind enough to open her doors to us, and we were blown away— mesmerized by her Chicago studio on Michigan Avenue, by her rooftop herb garden off an idyllic pool and lounge area with a 360 degree view of the city, by her fresh, feminine frock and her signature crimson lips. But perhaps most of all, we were blown away by her knack for mixing up a damn good drink. Schneider founded Femme du Coupe (French for “lady’s cup”) in the fall of 2011. The company offers personal-styling services for your home bar, mixology classes for your first date or first anniversary and menu consulting
Revae Schneider of Femme du Coupe holds a cocktail in her namesake coupe cup, shaped after Marie Antoinette’s breast. volume 7
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rind up a few basil leaves and add to G martini shaker.
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dd a splash of bitters if you prefer. Schneider A used Bittercube, a Milwaukee-based company that specializes in slow-crafted bitters.
dd lime juice, grapefruit juice, honey syrup A and vodka to shaker, then add ice and shake. Pour cocktail into glass over ice, and top with Pellegrino for a bit of effervescence. old the stem with basil leaves in the palm H your hand, slap it with your other hand to activate the oils in the leaves and place it in the glass as a garnish.
“Naming is the hardest part,” Schneider said about coining “The First Angle” term for our cocktail. “I start by looking at the whole story behind the drink, and I go from there.”
A woman of many flavors
for restaurants and bars. They’ll also work alongside caterers mixing and serving drinks at your next event, or create a signature cocktail that represents you. In our case, Schneider asked us what we liked, what we stand for and why we were celebrating, and whipped up a drink to complement it.
The First Angle • Fresh basil, for mixing and garnish • ½ ounce of fresh lime juice • ¾ ounce of fresh grapefruit juice • ½ ounce of honey syrup • 1½ ounces of vodka • Splash of San Pellegrino sparkling natural mineral water • Optional: bitters (aromatic, alcoholic liquid flavoring) 36
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Admittedly born in the wrong era, 28-year-old Schneider feels drawn to everything vintage, French and feminine. She grew up in Indianapolis in a home filled with antiques, and moved to Miami four years ago to break into one of her first loves, the fashion industry. After a year of sun, sandals and white furniture, she hauled it back to the midwest and made a name for herself in Chicago. So what exactly makes her vy for vintage? “Etsy!” she said, outing the source, which labels itself the world’s handmade marketplace, for the majority of her living room furnishings. But it’s clear Schneider’s love for vintage
FOOD/DRINK
Taking it to the shelves Schneider has more in store for Femme du Coupe than getting Chicagoland tipsy. She’s developing a product line of mixology syrups called Le Sirop by Femme du Coupe to make it even easier for you to craft couture cocktails from the comfort of your home. With a national launch planned, you can expect to see her products on shelves in the next six months. Can’t wait? Get a jump on your own le sirop with the recipe Schneider used in our cocktail: • 1 cup sugar • 1 cup water • Honey
goes beyond her living room. She incorporated it into her business and brand—you’ll see gorgeous vintage photos all over the Femme du Coupe website and blog. For others looking to model Schneider by going after their own dreams, she offered a word of advice. “Do your research, and make sure it’s truly, truly what you love,” she said. “There will be days when it will be easy to give up, but there will be other days that will reward you tenfold.” ◊
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Create the simple syrup by heating the sugar and water in a saucepan until the sugar dilutes.
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ix equal parts honey and simple syrup, M and stir together.
Create different syrups by steeping fresh herbs in the water and sugar or adding juice. Then, store in your refrigerator for up to four months.
Mixology made simple
Schneider served up a few tips for mixing your own cocktails. • Lemon and lime juice go bad about 4-5 hours after you cut the lemon or lime.
• Bitters are to a bartender what salt is to a chef. It helps marry flavors.
• Don’t build your cocktail over ice. You want to be the one to start the dilution process, otherwise it begins immediately.
• Translate a summer patio sipper to a fall body warmer by adding spicier bitters to the cocktail.
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Dinner and a Movie
College-style snacks and The Social Network By Brittany Abeijon and Tom Salek • Photography by Lynn W. Conway
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s we celebrate our one-year anniversary, we decided to throw a Dinner and a movie party in honor of our origins and one of the most successful young companies around today: Facebook. Like the founding of Facebook, Facets’ origins date back to our editor in chief’s college days. While we skip out on offerings of cold pizza and warm vodka, we’ve got a budget-friendly, college-themed food lineup to complement
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the dramatic retelling of Facebook’s rise to power in The Social Network. Hey, in a few years, maybe Aaron Sorkin will write a fictionalized version of Facets’ founding. But until that film exists, we recommend you create a Facebook event, invite a few of your closest friends, cue up this brilliant film and enjoy our rendition of a college-style movie night.
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APP/SNACK – Easy Mac balls Start the night off in a cheesy way with some Easy Mac balls. This isn’t just a great appetizer to eat, making it is half the fun. Embrace the mess by rolling up your sleeves, grabbing a handful of cold macaroni and cooking up this app with friends.
Made from this!
• 2 packages Easy Mac, prepared and cold • 2 cups Panko bread crumbs • 1 egg, beaten • ½ cup vegetable oil for frying • Shredded parmesan for garnish
1. Shape leftover Easy Mac into 1 ½ inch balls. 2. Roll in Panko bread crumbs, then dip in beaten egg and roll in bread crumbs a second time. 3. Fill a deep frying pan with vegetable oil and heat until boiling. 4. Slowly immerse the Easy Mac balls into the oil, and brown each for about 1 minute, rotating to evenly brown all sides. 5. Garnish with shredded parmesan and serve warm.
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DRINK – Sour apple and basil martinis In The Social Network, Jesse Eisenberg and Justin Timberlake, who play Mark Zuckerberg and Sean Parker, sip these during their first meeting at a Manhattan sushi restaurant. Since we’re suckers for a great martini, we added a twist to the traditional cocktail by throwing in a fresh basil leaf to spice things up.
• 2 ounces citrus vodka • ½ ounce DeKuyper Sour Apple Pucker schnapps • ½ ounce Cointreau orange liqueur
1. Pour all ingredients except the basil in a cocktail shaker and shake well with ice. 2. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with a fresh basil leaf and serve.
• ½ ounce fresh lemon juice • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
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MAIN – Grilled cheese pizza sandwich What would college be without grilled cheese and pizza? We’ve taken the two best dorm room delicacies and combined them together for this delicious grilled cheese pizza sandwich. Just grab some bread, cheese, a tomato and your favorite pizza toppings, and grill up your toasty sandwich.
• 2 slices of bread • 2 Tbsp butter
1. Dice the grape tomatoes and mix with italian seasoning.
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese
2. Heat up a skillet over medium heat.
• Diced grape tomatoes
3. Dip your pizza toppings in olive oil.
• Italian seasoning
4. Butter the outside of the bread and sprinkle with garlic salt, then layer your ingredients on the bread beginning with the cheese. Make sure to add cheese between layers.
• 8-10 pepperoni slices
5. Put your sandwich on the skillet; let the cheese melt and brown the bread to your liking. Like • Comment • Share •
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1977
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7 • Yesterday at 7:16 pm •
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FOOD/DRINK DESSERT – Ramen noodle fried ice cream Easy Mac, check. Pizza and grilled cheese, check and check. But what would college be without Ramen noodles? They’re the keystone of this unusual, sweet and crunchy ice cream dessert.
Made from these!
• 1 package of Ramen noodles, any flavor, finely crushed (throw away seasoning) • 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream • ½ cup honey
1. Add two scoops of ice cream to four bowls. 2. In a small skillet, heat butter over medium heat, add in crushed Ramen noodles and saute until noodles are brown and crispy.
• Whipped cream
3. Reduce the heat to low and add in honey, stirring until the mixture starts to boil.
• 2 Tbsp butter
4. Pour mixture over each bowl of ice cream.
• 4 Tbsp chocolate syrup and/or caramel
5. Add a dollop of whipped cream and drizzle chocolate, caramel or any other topping you’d like on top. ◊ Like • Comment • Share •
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Party playlist
We shared the soundtrack on our YouTube channel for your listening convenience. Enjoy!
Soundtrack from movie
1. “Ball And Biscuit” – The White Stripes 2. “Man Fi Cool” – Roots Manuva 3. “Dreadlock Holiday” – Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman (performed by 10cc) 4. “So I Wait” – Three Hour Tour 5. “I Swear” – UCLA’s Bruin Harmony 6. “Like A Bad Girl Should” – The Cramps 7. “Ital Visions” – Roots Manuva 8. “California Über Alles” – Dead Kennedys 9. “West Coast Poplock” – Ronnie Hudson 10. “The Sound Of Violence” – Dennis De Laat 11. “In the Hall of the Mountain King Op. 23” – Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross 12. “Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba” – Lumiere String Quartet 13. “Crazy Baldhead” – Bob Marley & The Wailers 14. “Hesitation (Instrumental Version)” – Exray’s 15. “Underground Rapstar (Post-Mortem Remix)” – Cage 16. “Bleed Forever” – Super Furry Animals 17. “Black Book Lodge” – Gluecifer 18. “Baby, You’re A Rich Man” – The Beatles
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America’s drinking landscape How microbreweries are changing our drinking habits By Max Crumpley
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ike Reis’ fascination with American craft beer started, in all places, amid the ruins in Rome.
“While studying abroad, I’d walk by this pizza place every night on the way back to my apartment at the foot of the Colosseum,” Reis recalled. “And every night I’d grab a plastic cup filled with a different Italian craft beer and drink it as I walked. I fell in love with Italian craft beer culture, and when I got home, I realized just how exciting the U.S. scene was, too.” From then on, Reis wanted in—but he wasn’t the only one. As beer consumption remains flat overall, the American craft beer scene is steadily rising. Since 2004, microbreweries have doubled their market share to 6 percent. And according to the Brewers Association, as of May, the total number of craft brewers in the U.S. reached more than 2,000—a sharp increase from the 100 recorded craft brewers in 1996. “Visibility is growing,” said Reis, director of beer programs for Monk’s Kettle and Abbot’s Cellar in San Francisco. “And as long as craft beer as a whole can maintain a high-quality program, enthusiasm will continue to grow.”
Consumer tastes go local Propelled by a growing distaste for corporations and Americans awakening to the benefits of supporting local businesses, the microbrewery scene is enjoying the fruits of the locally-minded shopper. Even though they only distribute in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, Half Acre Brewery recently acquired a nearby storefront to double their brewing capacity to 15,000 barrels per year—that’s 465,000 gallons of beer. Although microbreweries have been expanding in recent years, more established macro breweries are trying to catch up to the shifting tastes of the public. Beer drinkers generally shunned Bud Light’s Golden Wheat Ale, which was (perhaps unfairly) perceived as Anheuser-Busch’s attempt to break into the craft beer market. In 2011, Anheuser-Busch InBev made further attempts to break into the market by acquiring Goose Island, provoking an outcry from locals who feared a decline in taste in their distinctly Chicago craft brew. This, however, could prove to be a prudent business move on Anheuser-Busch’s part.
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FOOD/DRINK “The breweries that are tapping into the craft beer market are the ones who will find themselves in a more advantageous position a decade from now,” said Matt Simpson, owner of the Beer Sommelier. “Those who accept this trend as fact and join them, are going to be much more successful and happy down the road.”
Crafting a new kind of beer drinker Even though the craft beer world is enjoying their new status, these microbreweries aren’t stopping at simply redefining America’s choice of six-packs. Craft brew masters want to see you ditch the wine for the draft list at a restaurant. Restaurants are quickly assimilating, snatching up the growing number of beer sommeliers, traditionally defined as trained wine experts, in order to lure the discerning beer drinker. Simpson attributes this new role as a natural evolution of the public’s shifting palate. “I think the beer-drinking public’s perception is changing, even though there are more opportunities for peripheral vocations, like a beer sommelier.” Even with this emergence, the idea has not completely caught on, competing with the more traditional idea of the wine-focused sommelier. According to Reis, elevating the status of craft brews is a deliberate, calculated move by the industry to elevate beer’s status. Reis sees this move as necessary to please the beer-centric customer and the general population alike. “Changing that perception will only happen through exposure,” Reis said.
“Getting a great pairing in a skeptic’s mouth is the number one goal.” As craft beer seeks to reimagine America’s drinking landscape, the public seems to be overwhelmingly receptive to their product. In 2011, the industry grew 13 percent by volume. “For the foreseeable future, it’s a vastly expanding industry,” Simpson said. “In fact, there are many larger scale craft breweries pulling out of those markets because they’re doing so well that they can’t produce enough. We’re seeing expansion in breweries that we haven’t seen in decades, if not ever.” ◊ 50
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From mash to mouth: the three-step brewing process Brewing processes vary, but the fundamentals remain largely consistent throughout the industry. So how does a brewer create beer from malt, hops, water and yeast?
Mash The malt (dried and germinated barley) is crushed and mixed with hot water in a process called the mash. The type and amount of malt used greatly determines the color, grainy character, sweetness and boldness in the final product. While other alterations can take place during this process, the main function of the mash is to convert the grain into fermentable sugars and activate the malt enzymes.
Boil
After separating the malt from the water, it’s time to add some flavor. The water from the mash is placed in a kettle and boiled for 90 minutes. Hops are added to the boil, giving the beer bitterness. They can also be added near the end of the boil to add flavor and aroma.
Ferment
Next, the mixture of solids and water (now called the wort) is separated and the water is cooled. At this point, the next ingredient, yeast, is introduced. The yeast’s job is to convert the glucose in the wort into ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide, giving the beer its alcohol content and carbonation. Near the end of the fermenting process, which can take up to two weeks, the yeast settles to the bottom of the fermenter where it can be easily removed. The water is then filtered into a bright beer tank where its CO2 levels can be adjusted. The beer is then packaged and shipped to your local bar, liquor store or to your home, where the complex chemical process can be properly enjoyed.
Facets is now available to order in print! Order a printed copy via HP MagCloud today and have it on your coffee table in as little as three days.
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• ENTERTAINMENT •
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Who needs the IMAX? Drive-ins are the real deal for summer movie experiences By Melissa B. Griffin Photography by Jessica Leep
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s my husband, Sean, and I excitedly pulled up to the drive-in movie theater, we discovered hundreds of other people had planned out the same night. With a shrug, we made our way to the back of the winding line of moviegoers sitting in their idling cars, waiting for the box office to open. It was just as I remembered. After living in other parts of the country for years, I recently moved back near my hometown in Indiana. As I reassociated my adult self with my younger self, I felt nostalgic about visiting some of the local spots I frequented as a child. The drive-in had parked itself at the top of my list.
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ENTERTAINMENT Affordable and enjoyable While drive-in theaters used to charge by the carload, now most charge per person, with discount rates for children. Tickets usually range from $5-8 a piece and you get a double feature, which makes it an affordable extended-movie experience the whole family can enjoy.
When it comes to snacks, are you staying simple or feeling fancy?
Speaking of money, it’s no secret that movie theaters inflate the price of food and candy. According to one Morningstar equity analyst, of every dollar spent on candy and pop in movie theaters, 85 percent is pure profit. And when it comes to the most popular movie snack, popcorn, a study revealed that just $30 worth of raw popcorn is worth as much as $3,000 to movie theaters. Drive-in concession stands are where most theaters make their money, but you can easily save by packing a cooler.
• Potato chips
Get your tailgate on A prominent part of the experience is tailgating before the movie begins, which is typically around dusk. My perfect viewing location is close to the center, two or three rows back from the screen and away from any large trucks. Once you’ve picked the
If you decide to bring your own goodies, consider these traditional snacks: • Pre-popped popcorn or pop it on-site • Trail mix • Hot dogs wrapped in foil (store in a thermal-lined bag to keep warm) • Peanut M&M’s • Hot Tamales • Beer, soda and water Foodies can plan ahead for these gourmet indulgences: • Twizzlers-popcorn snack mix • Sweet potato chips (buy or make them) • Creamy avocado yogurt dip with pita chips • Finger sandwiches (we suggest cheddar and apple or grilled ham and cheese waffles) • Chocolate and peanut butter cheesecake bars • A refreshing Sarasota punch, a mix bag of microbrews or Izze as a pop alternative
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ENTERTAINMENT To find a drive-in theater near you, check out Driveinmovie.com.
Five drive-in ’don’t forgets’ 1. Get to the theater early to get a good parking spot. 2. Bring window cleaner, blankets, bug spray and trash bags. 3. Tune your radio to the designated station for great sound quality. Or for a bit of nostalgia, hang the provided speakers on your window. 4. Don’t be that guy who blinds people with car headlights during the movie—keep your parking brake engaged. 5. Keep your key in the “accessory” position, or you may end up with a dead car battery.
perfect spot, park as far back as you can. If your car has a hatchback, try backing it in so you can view the movie with the hatch open. This leaves room in the front of your space to spread out a blanket, chairs and food. Enjoy your “first course” of snacks, people-watching and fresh air. Bring a frisbee or football to play catch in the aisles or back rows while you wait for nightfall. If it’s allowed, bring your pets! We brought our dog, Riley, and talked to fellow moviegoers while we walked her around the lot and up and down the aisles before showtime.
Love the experience for what it is It had been a long time since I’d been to the drivein. Watching Netflix on a Friday night with takeout can be a perfect evening in its own right, but this change was well worth the extra cost for tickets, food and gas. The drive-in theater is about the total package: people watching, snacking, making out in the car, talking during the movie, wrapping up in blankets, kids running around, mosquitoes buzzing, and fuzzy sound and picture quality. Just before our movie began, Sean and I noticed fog rolling in that was thick enough to mask the screen, so we opted for a raincheck. Like any outdoor event, Mother Nature rules. But until we return, raincheck in hand, I’m working to bring the spirit of slow evenings, people-watching dinners and shared time to more of my summer evenings. ◊
Drive-ins differ across the U.S. From urban grassy parks to suburban gravel lots, check out how these cities bring the experience to their communities: Chicago: The Chicago Park District holds Movies in the Parks in 128 parks around the city. La Quinta, Calif.: The Civic Center Campus hosts an open-air cinema series, where movies play on a 20foot screen. Syracuse, N.Y.: The Everson Museum has Film Under the Stars, projected onto the face of the museum as the community plaza becomes an outdoor movie theater.
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we’re hiring and we want you. We’re currently looking to bring on graphic designers, advertising coordinators and PR/marketing specialists. Interested? Read more details on our website, or email jobs@thefacetsmag.com.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Kramies Windt rising Singer-songwriter parallels a changing music industry and his life after success By Ryan Cary
Photos by Kramies Windt
“I
don’t know anything about music. I really don’t,” confided Kramies Windt as we sat in a coffee shop just outside downtown Denver this spring. “It’s just an artistic outlet that something inside me needs to follow.” The Dutch-American singer-songwriter, who performs as Kramies, knows much more about music than his modesty suggests. As we talked that morning, he shifted from surfer-like slack one minute to animated chatter the next. Our conversation spanned topics as diverse as the low-fidelity recording movement, the quality of the reverb on Peter Gabriel’s vocal recordings in Genesis and whether or not ZZ Top is cool (note: it’s at least up for debate). Windt’s views on how music is created and experienced carry considerable authority. In two decades as a recording artist, he has flirted with major label contracts, witnessed his first shot at notoriety dashed by substance abuse and resurrected his career to growing international
acclaim as an independent solo artist. In some ways, his journey reflects that of the music industry at large over the past 20 years—from success to excess, crash to reinvention. Through all of this, Windt asserts that sticking to his personal style and vision has been the key to his creative longevity. “If you want to last as an artist, I think it’s about putting stuff out that’s about who you are and celebrating things you like without anticipation of success,” he said. “If success comes with that honesty, then that’s even more satisfying.” American struggles, European success Despite being active as a musician for the better part of two decades and releasing three albums in the past five years, chances are most Americans haven’t heard Windt’s music. And that’s fine, according to him. His last two releases, the
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ENTERTAINMENT atmospheric folk-pop albums Castle of Ghosts (2010) and The European (2011), have charted in Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands. A 2010 Irish tour had him playing to several hundred fans a night as he traveled across the country. Being “big in Europe” while achieving limited acceptance in America has traditionally been a stigma for musicians in many ways; from racism against minority artists—as in Josephine Davis’ flight to France in the 1930s—to more recent tragicomic portrayals of artists’ failure to reach mainstream success. Windt suggests his recent releases, which highlight waltzing guitar lines, orchestral synth sweeps and soaring vocals that address topics of loss, hope and change, have found favor with European audiences because of the themes that have inspired him. “I’ve been more influenced by visual elements in the past few years, castles and architecture, for example, than by other music,” he said. “I love really old buildings, things with character that have survived over time. Those aren’t things that American audiences identify with as much.” That hypothesis may be collapsing. For a few weeks this spring, Windt had the second-most requested song, “Antiquarian Days” from The European, on Soma FM, an online radio station that boasts more than 5 million listener hours each month internationally. Respected American critics awarded Windt glowing reviews. And more and more fans are rebuilding an online buzz around his work that hasn’t existed in a decade. 58
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rushed to invest in unknown artists like Windt with the hopes they would ride the blossoming alternative music scene.
Kramies Windt's latest album, The European, was released in 2011.
“You used to get, like 100,000 Google hits with my name, and then I dropped back down, “ Windt said. “Now it’s growing again.” But he’s still surprised by the types of attention fans pay to his music. “There are websites out there that have my lyrics,” he said, laughing. “I don’t even remember my lyrics half the time!” Going solo Windt always knew he wanted a career in music. In 1990 at the age of 15, inspired by David Bowie’s Hunky Dory and the first Jane’s Addiction album, Windt traveled to Nashville with cassettes recorded in his parents’ basement on a four-track. As bands like Nirvana began to emerge from the underground to superstardom, record labels
Windt took his first shot at success by fronting bands rather than trying to exist as a solo artist. One band, Channel, recorded a couple of albums and opened for indie rock luminaries like Spiritualized, Yo La Tengo and Grandaddy, but something wasn’t clicking. One reason was that Windt begrudgingly found himself succumbing to democracy in the creative process. “What has always worked best for me is writing songs on acoustic guitar, where I can hear the other parts in my head and how they should be,” he explained. “Once you’re in a band, other people bring ideas to the table. I had a hard time saying no to them, even if I didn’t like them or didn’t think they would work.” Living the band life also turned dalliances with cocaine, methamphetamines and prescription pills into an alltoo-familiar rock ‘n’ roll tale of addiction and decline that doomed a planned major label debut as a solo artist. After wasting money, a major label development deal in the
recording studio and falling off the music industry radar for several years, Windt got sober in 2004. At the time, with passion and wisdom from more than a decade in the business, Windt became determined to rebuild his music career. “This might sound crazy, but I wouldn’t go back and have things happen any differently than they did,” he said, resting his inner forearm with its tattoo of his sobriety date on the table. “Everyone has this sense of urgency to get signed and do something significant at an early age. Especially with indie music, there’s a lot of pressure to make it happen in your 20s. I think I really had to live through that in order to be a real artist and have meaningful perspective.” The digital takeover Just as Windt’s career went through a period of decline yielding an opportunity for a fresh start, the fortunes of the music industry as a whole followed a similar trajectory over the same time.
“In our old place, I actually had my home studio set up in a closet. Literally, a shoe closet.” Records, only continued the show after the fan agreed not to place photos on the Internet without formal permission.
ENTERTAINMENT already radically changed how music was recorded, stored, shared and listened to. New truths, trends and ways of thinking now dominate record labels. Digital music sales (and thefts) eclipse those of physical music media by a wide margin. Artists’ music and images proliferate for free on the Internet—often initiated by the artists themselves. And even former garage label Merge Records capitalized on both of these truths to help propel Arcade Fire to multi-platinum sales and an Album of the Year Grammy award in 2011. This evolution of the music industry has led more labels to operate within a business model that recognizes that giving consumers something for nothing is wise marketing, and that thinking about albums and videos in traditional ways is counterproductive.
A new life, online Independent labels and artists generally embraced the digital distribution world Kramies Windt isn’t shy about his past, but doesn’t regret it either. His quicker than major left forearm is tattooed with his sobriety date: Nov., 17, 2004. labels like Geffen In the spring of 1997, and RCA. With I went to a marquee event for lower overhead and the ability That minor incident symbolized any alternative rock fanboy of to reach a wider customer the music industry’s recognition that era: post-punk legends base via platforms like iTunes and at-large unease—from small Superchunk opening for indie and Amazon, smaller labels music labels to international rock darlings Guided by Voices can provide more access for media conglomerates—that at the tiny Newport Music Hall musicians than ever before. emerging technology was going in Columbus, Ohio. I remember to alter their business in radical the event vividly, partly because These industry changes provided and unpredictable ways. And the Superchunk briefly stopped Windt with fertile ground to begin industry was right to be anxious: their set to address a fan taking the second act of his career. He in just a few short years, the unapproved photos in the front was able to salvage large chunks vast fruits of the digital music row. Band members, who also of the recordings from his failed revolution, including Pro Tools, owned and operated the small, major label sessions, add some Napster and MP3 players, had independent music label Merge finishing touches and release volume 7
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ENTERTAINMENT
“It’s all about being able to write a song that helps someone relate to a situation or a feeling. And that has never changed.” them independently in 2008 as the ambient rock album Golden Like a New Thing. In 2010, Windt released Castle of Ghosts, a full album of psychedelic folk material. Windt jumped to Australian independent music label Hidden Shoal for the 2011’s The European. In general, independent artists face new and different headwinds in gaining broad exposure. Todd Tobias, another Hidden Shoal recording artist and the producer and sound engineer of Windt’s recent albums, said that while it’s easier and cheaper for artists to record and distribute music than ever, many music labels have slashed aspects of their artist support. “Without the help of a dedicated record label, the artist is forced into the position of spending more time and resources on promotion, and less on actually creating the music,” Windt explained. “For me that’s a big downside.” Windt has kept his day job as a professional event designer, but spends time each week marketing his music on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter, among other digital resources. 60 AUG 2012 | thefacetsmag.com
He says his independent label relationships have been profitable and notes that Hidden Shoal has been the most supportive label he has worked with yet when it comes to development and sales support. Of course, not all music that’s transacted online is sold. While Windt acknowledged the downsides of music piracy, he said theft of his work doesn’t fully disappoint him. “$3.99 on iTunes is a great price for an album like The European,” he said. “Still, I’m sure more people have illegally downloaded my music than have paid for it. It’s a jagged edge because I’d love to make a living on my music, and labels need to make money, but it’s also a strange source of pride that people want to steal your stuff.” Windt also noted that despite the changes in the industry, the way he records now has reverted back to nearly the same way he recorded those demo tapes more than 20 years ago in his parents’ basement—the sound quality is just better. “I just set my digital recording equipment up on the coffee table in my living room and lay down the basic tracks, and then polish them up in the studio as needed,” he said. “In our old place, I actually had my home studio set up in a closet. Literally, a shoe closet.” Despite the conveniences and clarity afforded by the digital revolution in recording technology, Windt rejects the notion that they produce better music or auditory experiences. “Even when you listen to Led Zeppelin III, you can hear the vocal mic popping in the background, and it sounds horrible,” he exclaimed. “But no one cares about it because
the song structures and performances are so amazing. Everybody wants to sound so pristine these days, but there’s real emotion and integrity in capturing what’s raw about what you’re doing. Robert Plant is a great example of someone who captured authentic moments for people. Simon and Garfunkel were the same way.” Laundry detergent jingle I asked Windt what the concept of authenticity in music means to him, whether it has changed over time given his experiences and the transformation of the music industry. Perhaps surprisingly, he said it’s the same today as it was when he was recording songs in the basement more than 20 years ago. “It’s all about being able to write a song that helps someone relate to a situation or a feeling,” he explained. “And that has never changed.” Windt recently contributed a song to Terres Neuves, a multimedia project in which French photographer Jérôme Sevrette’s selected cuts from his favorite musicians to accompany a new photo series. Windt isn’t getting paid, but he said that’s not the point. “It wasn’t about making money, but about being part of something cool, a movement,” he said. “That’s what gives me meaning.” But what happens, I ask, if Procter & Gamble calls tomorrow and offers a windfall to sing a song about laundry detergent? “Hey, if they want to offer me seven figures to write a cool, meaningful song that sells detergent,” he said, “I’d be more than happy with that.” ◊
• SPORTS / LEISURE •
I might as well …
jump! Zip lining gives thrill seekers a 50-mph adrenaline rush By Steven Cohen
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SPORTS / LEISURE (Previous page) Zip Chicago guide Dan Voeltner creatively maneuvers his way across a suspension bridge. (Below) Voeltner safely zips across the Illinois River valley. Very safely.
M
oments before I leapt out of the building, several questions flew through my head: No fire? No Hollywood camera crew? No newborn child to save? No inflated mats to land on? Oh well. Here I go! With no plans to land below, I took a deep breath and voluntarily jumped out of a perfectly functional building in the middle of the woods. Why, you ask? Because I’m an urban dweller looking for a little sense of adventure. And because I was zip lining for the first time in my life. Before moving to Chicago five years ago, I called either the Illinois suburbs or Ann Arbor, Mich., my home. Still, I’m confident that I’m one of the least outdoorsy people in the 773 area code. My outdoor adventures have been limited to a quiet hike through the red rocks of Utah or Arizona, a lazy stroll through the Chicago Botanic Gardens or a peaceful gaze at the sun rising over Lake Michigan. I enjoy these outdoor pleasures, but I also enjoy that I can go home and sleep on a mattress, shower daily and walk a few city blocks to find anything I need.
The course, of course I’m willing to try just about any outdoor thrill at least once— as long as it doesn’t involve the words “sky” and “diving.” So when I saw a two-for-one Groupon deal, my girlfriend and I jumped at the chance to try zip lining, one of our bucket list experiences. Our destination was 62
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Zip Chicago in Marseilles, Ill., about 75 miles southwest of the Windy City. After signing a liability waiver, the Zip Chicago tour guides started teaching us the zip lining basics. They made sure the zipping group was fastened into our safety harnesses and had our helmets securely fastened, and then we literally jumped out, one by one, of the second floor of the welcome center—about 20 feet off the ground. Our first landing spot was a platform several hundred feet away. I was the last to take the plunge, not by choice, mind you, there was an 8-year-old girl in front of me, but I figured if a kid could zip across while smiling, I probably could, too. However, we’re not the only ones who enjoy the thrill. Zip lining is one of the fastest-growing outdoor adventures in North America. According to Michael R. Smith, president of ArborTrek Canopy Adventures in Vermont, the number of zip line, canopy tours and aerial trekking courses in the U.S. and Canada has increased by almost 66 percent since last year. It became easy for me to see why the numbers are climbing. As I whizzed across the Illinois River valley, I literally sat back, relaxed and enjoyed the ride. The thrill factor was definitely there, but once I jumped, my mind entered a very Zen-like state for the few seconds I was suspended in the air. But reaching speeds up to 50 mph didn’t give me a lot of time to reflect.
Jump around The Zip Chicago tour offered six different zip line runs and two suspension bridges to cross, plus some hikes in the woods between each post. Each jump was between 150 and 1,000 feet in length, with heights up to 85 feet off the ground. On some runs, we jumped off a platform high up in the trees, and on others, we jumped from a post just above ground level. Either way, the two guides made sure their clamps were always ahead of ours before we jumped so we didn’t launch too soon and interfere with the jumper ahead of us. Once we landed on the other side, there was another guide there to attach our harnesses to the nearest hook if we were in the trees, or slow us to the point where we could easily touch the ground. While zipping, common wisdom told me to not look down, but if I hadn’t, I’d have missed the birdseye view of the lush vegetation and the ATV-ers carving up the muddy valley below. As if the daytime tours weren’t enough, Zip Chicago also offers tours at night. My thoughts on that? I might as well … jump. ◊
SPORTS / LEISURE
Don’t look down—or do! Zip lining is becoming a popular activity for all Americans—even the less adventurous ones.
Safety first Zip Chicago helps mothers across Chicagoland breathe easy at night. The company is part of a larger network of tours owned, operated or licensed by Experience Based Learning, Inc. (EBL), the largest operator of canopy tours in the U.S. Not only is Zip Chicago the only licensed tour in Illinois, they’re also an accredited vendor with the Professional Ropes Course Association, which outlines the construction and operational practices for the ropes course and canopy tour industry.
the year to train and test guides and make sure the site adheres to all current industry safety standards. My guides performed every safety check imaginable—from communicating with walkie-talkies from each end of the jump to making sure we were secured after a jump before unhooking our harness from the line. Although they placed a large emphasis on safety, I never felt like the guides were overbearing or taking away from the fun of the thrill.
During my adventure, one of the tour guides assured me that the EBL checks in at their location at unannounced times throughout
Not in Chicagoland? No worries. There are 12 other EBL canopy tour locations across the country, so find one near you.
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SPORTS / LEISURE
Become your own
massage therapist Skip the appointment with these professional tips and DIY By Jessica Deming • Illustrations by Rachel Kosmal
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aves crash gently against the shore and sand slips out to sea. The smell of salt hangs heavily in the air. An icy Corona sits cooly by your side. You get comfortable on a lounge chair as the sun blankets your skin. Sound like a regular Saturday afternoon to you? We didn’t think so. Although a week of lying on the beach—or even just a few hours—would work wonders for your mind and body, most of us don’t have the luxury of being beachside every weekend. Amid all the demands of life, it’s important to find simpler ways to relax and restore yourself. To make it easy for you to get some convenient R&R, we consulted massage pro Michele Maruniak for simple and effective techniques you can do at work and at home. Pampering yourself at home just niak, found got easier. er and own Michele Mar er of Eleme suggests u unts Therap sing a tenn eutic Massa is ball to al ge, leviate pain and pressu re.
Move your muscles As the founder and owner of Elements Therapeutic Massage, a massage therapy franchise with locations all over the country, Maruniak suggests working your muscles throughout the day to stay pain-free at night. ”While sitting in your desk chair, pull your toes toward your shins and then point them back down toward the floor,” Maruniak said. “While out on lunch, stand on a curb or step with the tips of your
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toes and drop your heels toward the ground. Your calves and arches will thank you later.” Perhaps the most important desk demeanor is good posture. “Adjust your desktop monitor so you can sit comfortably without straining your head and neck,” she advised. “If you’re working on a laptop, do your best to set it on a desk when possible. It will relieve stress in your arms, wrists and back.”
SPORTS / LEISURE
Use your hands or household items
• Baby got back-ache? Lean against a door frame with a tennis ball behind your back. As you move around, the knots will work themselves out. The size of a tennis ball gives you the least pressure, and decreasing the size, such as a racquetball or golf ball, will increase the pressure. If you don’t have any sport equipment at home, reach across your body to your back and use your thumb joint to work your neck, shoulders and upper back.
We all have general aches and pains, but we don’t all have a massage therapist on call. When you find yourself especially achy or stressed, Maruniak suggests using a tennis ball or other items found around the home to alleviate some pain and pressure.
• Sore hands from typing all day? Using the eraser of a pencil, make mini circles in the triangle area between your thumb and index finger on the outside and palm side of your hands. Working the thumb and index area will also help with pain in your elbows.
• On your feet too much? Put the tennis ball under your foot on the floor. Roll your foot around from your toes to heels to loosen the plantar fascia, the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes.
• Siri, are you there? Instead of pulling your chin to your chest to see what you’re texting, let Siri, the voice-activated personal iPhone assistant, or another voice texting program do the work for you. If you’re not OK with the masses hearing your texts read aloud, hold your phone up higher to reduce the strain on your neck.
We hear the beach beckoning loud and clear. If you can’t make it as often as you’d like, try listening to soothing sounds of waves on YouTube and cracking open a Corona from your fridge. It will bring you two steps closer to beachside bumming and one step back from reality. ◊
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An issue dedicated to
ROUTE 66
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• TRAVEL •
From the
Eiffel
T O W E R
to the Tower
of
London
Indulging in Casadei wedges, crepes and cappuccinos in Paris and London By Renee Mailhiot
S
tanding under the Eiffel Tower is dreamlike. While it’s an ubiquitous structure seen through the lens of movies, TV shows and a plethora of Instagram photos, literally being underneath it is something spectacular. This May, I flew to Paris to rendezvous with my sister, who had been studying abroad in Barcelona, but it wasn’t until I was directly under the famous steel structure that reality finally hit me: I was on vacation in Europe. After my sister finished up her studies, we met in France to begin our European adventure through Paris and London. We had plans to see a few tourist hot spots, but we also wanted to get cultured. And we knew three great ways to do that: fashion, food and drinks.
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TRAVEL
Paris Le temps
The weather in Paris was beyond perfect. Sunlight burst through our windows every morning, but my sister and I never broke a sweat because breezes danced off our skin as we strolled through the city. We powered through subpar weather on the first day—high winds, misty rain and plenty of clouds—as we began our journey through French shops, restaurants and tourist attractions. On the aforementioned first day, my ensemble did little to shelter me from the Chicago-like winds. I paired a hard leather jacket with more feminine pieces such as dress shorts and sheer polka dot tights. My turquoise purse added a pop of color, and my taupe flats became my go-to shoes during this trip.
Are you faux real? I wore a fur vest on what was arguably my most inappropriately dressed day. It ended up being a bit too hot, but I loved pairing it with a white buttondown, leather leggings, pink flats and a top knot on my head despite the temperature. I blended in best with this outfit, as Parisians also seem to love neutral and black ensembles.
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TRAVEL Day to night Heading into a day of what we thought would be shopping, I wanted to be comfortable yet fashionable, so I wore pink skinny jeans with a leopardprint blouse I snagged from the Paris Zara on the ChampsÉlysées, a Parisian street lined with cinemas, cafes and luxury specialty shops. Later that night, I wanted to show off a more downtown vibe to fit in with the rest of the leather-jacket-clad crowd, so I went for red lips, a high pony, my trusty jacket and an oversized scarf my sister bought for me in Italy.
Maxin’ and relaxin’ When we ventured to Versailles, we were both feeling maxi-length dresses and skirts and we ended up matching. I layered a short sweater over a maxi dress and threw on a hat to disguise my messy hair. It was a very comfortable outfit for taking a train to Versailles and walking around in cramped areas of the castle.
Travel treasures On one of our last nights in Paris, we got dressed up for dinner. I paired a silky, color-blocked tank with a high-low hem skirt to feel a little more glam. I love the drama of a high-low hem when you walk as it flows behind you effortlessly. As for Paris fashion overall, there are a ton of stores that we have in the States, such as Zara, H&M and Forever21. We also found a few local boutiques that weren’t too pricey. I purchased some unique items, such as a chain-strapped color-blocked dress, a suede top with studs and fringe, and a tangerine dress with a keyhole cutout on the back. volume 7
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TRAVEL Mes amis, this is a croque monsieur I took French all four years of high school and like to think that I retained a fair amount of knowledge. When I saw a croque monsieur on my first Parisian menu at a sidewalk cafe next to our hotel in the Gare du Nord area, my inner 16 year old finally understood why this was one of the only things I could faux-order during a conversational exercise with Madame Floyd in 10th grade French class. These grilled, open-faced sandwiches grace every restaurant menu in Paris. This particular sandwich (right), which was my favorite of the entire trip, was a creamy, toasted baguette topped with ham, cheese and a cream cheeselike substance.
At least the cappuccino was decent Wearing an overly warm fur vest and a pair of pink flats, I was unsuitably dressed for traveling one day. As a result, we ended up ducking into the closest cafe. The menu was disappointing, with about six items that were likely microwaved. I tried another croquemonsieur, but this one—cold and tasteless— reminded me that I should put some thought into which of the dozen sidewalk cafes I choose to venture into. Still, I didn’t complain because I had a decent cappuccino in front of me, and the promise of new blisters from a long walk in uncomfortable shoes didn’t sound like the best plan.
America’s golden arches pop up in Versailles After taking the train to Versailles on a chilly day that we weren’t properly dressed for, we opted for McDonald’s because it was close and we were starving. But does it really count as McDonald’s if you order a huge cappuccino and pain au chocolat?
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TRAVEL How many macarons can I purchase? Even though I’ve visited a Ladurée in New York City, I was ecstatic about stopping in one of the three downtown Paris locations. All of the treats looked delicious, which made it hard to decide which few macaron flavors to order. In the end, we opted for pistachio, chocolate banana and salted caramel. We also got two large macarons post-Versailles at Paul, a chain bakery-cafe combo. It made for a perfect mid-afternoon snack.
Hooked on Paul We got this sandwich from Paul during one of our many shopping excursions at the Champs-Élysées. Paul is great for those who want a quick bite, but also want to sample some high-quality French fare. We went for the mozzarella, romaine lettuce, tomato, pesto and balsamic on an olive-ridden bread loaf.
Craving crepes We couldn’t leave France without sampling some crepes, so we stopped by a fancier, more expensive coffee and dessert place after one of our many rounds of shopping. I got a salted caramel crepe complete with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle. Another day when we were at the Eiffel Tower, we went to one of the nearby crepe stands and had the most delicious pancakes made right in front of us. I got a Nutellabanana combo, which was enough to fill me up for hours. volume 7
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Time to wine All I wanted after seeing the Eiffel Tower was to people watch nearby with a nice glass of rosé. Sometimes you get what you wish for.
And dine As a special gift from our father, he offered to treat my sister and me to a nice Parisian meal. We decided on Bofinger, a restaurant I naively pronounced as it reads, near the Bastille. Note: it’s actually pronounced bo-feen-jay. A group of protesters sat atop the Bastille surrounding the perimeter because it was May Day in France, a political holiday that shuts down mostly everything except for restaurants and hotels. Although these protests complicated some of our plans, our dinner was phenomenal. We started with onion soup (which conveniently drops the “French”). I ordered scallops for my main course, and we ended with crème brûlée. Each bite was absolutely spectacular. I don’t dine at fancy restaurants often—or ever—but this was delectable. Ironically, we were seated next to two older American couples: one pair graduated from Indiana University together and the other from Michigan State. Even stranger, they were both from a nearby Chicago suburb. The world is small.
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TRAVEL
Classic British fare
London
After Paris, we found ourselves in London. We got situated in our hotel and immediately went on the hunt for a traditional British pub and food. Luckily, there was one right down the street. We grabbed a bar stool, ordered some hard ciders and devoured a delicious plate of fish and chips. Later that night, we ended up at the same pub. After spending the entire day sightseeing around London and never using the trains, the pain in our feet prevented us from exploring the city too far from our hotel. Even though we were bummed that the pub was more touristy than hole-in-thewall, we still kicked back and sampled more hard ciders.
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TRAVEL
Can’t buy, but I can look One day, we ventured into Harrods, the “world’s most famous luxury department store,” to ogle all the spectacular items we couldn’t afford. They have an open market, bakery and gift shop on the main level, so we each picked up a mini cupcake and bought a few gifts for our family.
While at Harrods, we came across these pink Casadei wedges and embellished Christian Louboutin pumps. I couldn’t believe I could actually touch them.
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TRAVEL
Fashion, food and margaritas on Cinco de Mayo After spending the day in Oxford to meet with some old friends, we decided to get off the bus at Notting Hill on our way back, which wasn’t far from our hotel. While there, we came upon the Portobello Market, which sells fresh foods, fur, antiques and jewelry along streets lined with pastel-hued flats. Unfortunately, by the time we got there many of the vendors were beginning to pack up, but it was still a nice way to end our trip. Since it was Cinco de Mayo, we indulged in some British-style margaritas. Whether our bartender thought a lime martini was the same thing as a margarita, we will never know. Unfortunately, the gloomy, rainy London weather prevented us from getting too creative with our fashion. We chose scarves most days and jeans were a must. Our hair got messed up from all the rain, so it became less about what we were wearing and more about the city we were exploring. Despite the chilly forecast, we still searched for nearby shopping areas. We ended up buying the same coat from H&M in different colors because it was both cute and versatile.
European state of mind Seeing Big Ben, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, Parliament, the London Eye, Oxford Street, the Olympic countdown in Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, Moulin Rouge, Versailles and so many other sights is something I’ll never forget. Plus, shopping at Parisian boutiques and checking out London’s unique street trends were absolute thrills for me and my constant need to be in touch with the fashion world. America is where I call my home, but I see many more European trips in my future. ◊ volume 7
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Cruisin’ right along These must-have items and smartphone apps will make your next road trip a breeze By Allison Sickert • Illustrations by Rachel Kosmal
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hether you’re taking a cross-country road trip or a day drive to a nearby hotspot, any trip can be marred by insufficient preparation. While pre-planning the exact route may not be entirely necessary, having the right items is essential. Pack your trunk and prep your smartphone with our suggestions so you can be prepared for whatever’s around the next curve.
Travel tip If you have to rent your own set of wheels and want to save some bucks on gas, companies like Budget, Avis, Hertz and Enterprise offer hybrid options. And for city dwellers who may not own a car but want to get away for the day, ZipCar is an affordable option to reserve a rental online and then pick up at the nearest street corner. 76
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If you’re afraid of drinking fountain germs or hotel tap water, Water Bobble’s purifying water bottle removes chlorine and organic contaminants. The cap is also easy to open, making it ideal for driving.
TRAVEL
If you find it difficult to disconnect, turn your car into a Wi-Fi hotspot with Autonet Mobile. Up to 20 people can connect at once inside the car and up to 150 feet away, turning those long trips through Nebraska cornfields into a Netflix marathon.
Capture photos and videos of an impromptu trip to the lake with Nikon’s COOLPIX waterproof camera. With a GPS function, it can even help you navigate your route and tell you where you’ve been. Unless your budget allows for a last-minute stay at the Hilton, you won’t always have access to a washer and dryer. Pack a small bottle of detergent and a drain stopper for washing clothes in a sink or tub, especially for longer trips.
Sitting around in a hotel room waiting for your electronics to charge is a waste of time. Turn your car’s cigarette lighter into a charger to juice your gadgets on the go.
You never know when you might run into unexpected cold weather, so make sure to grab a blanket. While any blanket will do the job, we recommend a waterproof, outdoor blanket. Opt for one with soft fleece on one side to keep you warm, and nylon on the reverse side for impromptu picnics or outdoor concerts. volume 7
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D
on’t know where to stop to use the bathroom? Wondering what to do if you get a spider bite? These smartphone travel apps will fulfill all your road trip needs.
FOOD
OUTDOOR
Starving for some Mexican food in Salina, Kan.? Urbanspoon (free) or Foodspotting (free) will help with all your dining desires.
Swing by a state or national park by downloading Oh, Ranger! (free). It’ll tell you how to get to the closest park and give you a list of activities you’ll find there, such as hiking, kayaking or mountain biking.
Wet your palate with Find Craft Beer ($0.99) or Local Wine Finder (free). These apps help you locate the closest microbrewery or wine tasting event.
SURVIVAL It’s always best to be prepared for anything that could come your way. Download the Army Survival Guide ($1.99) and GotoAid First Aid (free) apps so you know what to do in any emergency situation. Check out The Backpacker Checklist ($0.99) app to help you pack the essentials for your next longdistance hike. It’ll help you calculate the weight of your pack and let you know if you’re carrying unnecessary items.
If you’re planning a hike through the mountains or just want to see how high that mountain is outside your car, use the augmented reality app Peaks ($2.99). Just point your phone’s camera at a mountain to find out its elevation. With more than 40,000 trail guides to choose from, AllTrails (free) will help you find plenty of places to stretch your legs.
TRAVEL Save some cash by checking out GasBuddy (free). It’ll tell you where to find the cheapest gas and give you directions to get there. If you’re terrified of public restrooms, there’s an app for that. Sit or Squat (free) will help you find the nearest and cleanest toilet. Just make sure to wash your hands on the way out. Find and book a room at the last minute for up to 70 percent off with Hotel Tonight (free).
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FacetsFavorites
What we’re loving this summer
Melissa
I gave Chocomize build-your-own chocolate bars as a gift, and they were a total hit! With fun toppings like gummy bears, potato chips or lavender, there are endless combination possibilities that are fun as a gift or a treat for yourself. As previously confessed, I’m a design junkie. I recently purchased a new home, and I’ve been scouring the Web for ideas. One site I continue to revisit is Design*Sponge. It’s overflowing with ideas for all budgets and styles, and I can’t get enough. Eos, which stands for evolution of smooth, is a natural lip balm that comes in lots of delicious flavors such as tangerine and summer fruit. I recently tried this beauty bargain, and it kept me smiling while protecting my lips from the summer sun.
Sam
A friend of mine found an awesome Aquavit spritzer drink recipe in Bon Appetit, and it has quickly become a new homemade favorite. The cocktail contains vodka that’s infused with herbs and spices, fruit preserves (we use strawberry), lemon twists and soda water. It’s a smooth, light drink for the summertime.
My mom gave me a bottle of WEN Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner a couple months ago, and I use it as a mask to defrizz my hair. Wow, does it work! It leaves my hair looking smooth, shiny and healthy, and it doesn’t weigh it down. I recommend this product to anyone who needs a little hair boost. I’m absolutely obsessed with the boater hat trend. Paired with pants, a skirt or a dress, it has a place in any outfit. It’s flirty, girly, fun and overall edgy. I recently purchased one and I guarantee it will be a staple in my wardrobe from now on. volume 7 79
Tom
Unlike most TV comedy, Louis C.K.’s show on FX, Louie (Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. CDT), literally makes me laugh out loud. This season, C.K., who not only stars in, but writes, directs and produces the show, has added more laughs to each 22-minute episode and more depth to his (fictional) title character. Supporting a great score, performances, writing and directing, Wes Anderson’s new film, Moonrise Kingdom, is really fun to watch. The film is about two unique, adolescent children who run away from home, and the search for them by family members, police and a camping troupe. Technically impressive and filled with dry humor, Anderson’s quirky film is an excellent alternative to the abundance of superhero movies this summer. I recently unearthed my vinyl copy of George Harrison’s amazing 1970, post-Beatles album All Things Must Pass. I’ve always been a fan, but for the past few weeks it has been my first album of choice. While most people are familiar with “My Sweet Lord” or even the title song, some of my favorites are the dense and sarcastic “WahWah,” as well as “What is Life,” a song that makes a prominent appearance in Martin Scorsese’s 1990 film Goodfellas.
Lynn If you’re into alternative music, I highly suggest getting your hands on the latest Smashing Pumpkins album Oceania. I’ve never been a huge Pumpkin fan, but I absolutely loved this album from start to finish. Ladies, did you know when you shave under your arms the skin can get irritated, which creates dark marks? Like we don’t have enough to deal with. This was a new quandary for me, but I came across a solution: Dove Clear Tone. The new deodorant reduces underarm dark marks for a more even skin tone. It’s great for these super hot and humid summer months when you’re wearing sleeveless shirts nonstop. If you’re experiencing the same issue, give it a try. Use this coupon to save $1 now. What can I say, Cookie Monster is my favorite. He took Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe”—a song I despise—and turned it into something that makes me laugh. I can watch this video a million times and laugh like I did the first time.
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Brittany The first time our founder and creative guru Rachel Kosmal suggested I try a sip of her cocktail, a cucumber vodka with tonic water and lime, I wasn’t impressed. But the second time I tried it, I thought to myself, girl got it right. This light, refreshing cocktail is my new go-to for humid summer nights spent relaxing on outdoor patios. Its citrusy, savory flavor is a welcome change from too-sweet cocktails. EFFEN Vodka makes a great cucumber variety. Try it immediately. The hemline of high-low dresses is what you get when you mate a mini skirt with a maxi dress. I’m obsessed with the trend, which I’m single-handedly trying to rename “reverse mullet dresses” for obvious reasons: it’s business in the back, party in the front. Check out this fabulous example from Ella Moss. Its bold, pink chevron stripes and dramatic hemline have me swooning. Fellow news junkies will love HBO’s new series The Newsroom (Sundays at 9 p.m. CDT), created and written by Aaron Sorkin. Each hourlong episode is filled with as much character development and relationship drama as it is with news reporting. While the newsroom name, Atlantis Cable News (ACN), is fictional, the premiere episode covered a real news event: the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. I’m excited to see how the rest of the series develops. ◊
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Photo by Don Emmert/AFP/GettyImages
Our hearts go out to the victims of the July 20 shooting in Aurora, Colo., and their families and friends. Show your support by donating to the Aurora Victim Relief Fund, used to meet the immediate and long-term needs of the victims and their families.
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