MUSE Magazine Issue IX

YOURS,

CREATIVELY

ISSUE IX

IN THIS ISSUE:

5 7 8 9 11 13 15 19 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 31 32 33 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 45 47 48 49 51 52 53 55 57 59 61

Guilty Pleasure Styling Why Fashion Isn’t Style: A Guy’s Perspective Mod, Modernized He Said, She Said The Daily Scribble...

Hijabi Fashion: Where Modesty Meets Style Editorial: Golden Girl The Truth About Business Casual Sweat(s) Never Looked So Good Sufficiently Superfluous Getting in on the Secret of City Park...

Queen’s Poetry Slam: The Gym for Your Mind Canadian Music Festivals American Horror Story: Femme Fatale Q&A: Netflix Edition We Can’t Stop and We Won’t Stop...

Something About Art Meet Isabel Editorial: Cut Out My Life Revival: Art Through the Ages The Art of Henna Going Underground Geoffrey James’ Inside Kingston Penitentiary The Truth About “College Life” Hidden Gem Study Spots Editorial: Fine Dining DIY Holiday Gifts Dropping It Nailing That #instachef Shot Doctor Friendship 107 Days of Summer A Beard Grew on A Man Reflecting on Existence Editorial: Bearded Beauties An Insider’s Guide to Natural Beauty Solutions Photo Diary: Spain-in-Progress Meet the MUSE Team To All Those With A Fashion Conscience

cover photography by Jenna Gartlan modeling by Mytchel Lynn 3 | TABLE OF CONTENTS

dear reader, With Issue IX ready and printed, MUSE Magazine has officially entered into our fourth year of publication. But even with nine issues under our belt, we’re still always learning. This issue marks our first male model on the cover; this creative choice represents our constant growth. We are always looking for new ideas, new inspiration, and a wider audience. And we are always open to more creative input from you, our loyal readers.

Issue IX features articles on topics ranging from the new Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts to how to become an Instagram food chef. Keep your eye out for our growing “Musings” section, with personal essays and editorials all by Queen’s University students. All this and more may make this issue our best yet.

So pick up your copy of MUSE Issue IX and settle in. Take it with you to the library as a study break; to CoGro for your midday pickme-up between classes; or bring it to bed after a particularly harrying night out. Leave it on the kitchen table, by the toilet, or on a friend’s bed. Read it with your housemates, a significant other, or alone. Rip out pages and hang them on your bulletin board, or save them to read for later. Take us to the cafeteria, or on a train ride home. Now that our magazine has been printed, we just want to inspire you. So take us everywhere, and enjoy.

And as always, we’d be nothing without you.

yours creatively, Jaclyn Marcus, Editor-in-Chief and The MUSE Team

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jaclyn Marcus CREATIVE DIRECTOR Abigail Conners BUSINESS DIRECTORS Judy To Lulu Tong CREATIVE ASSISTANT Hannah Pearlman

PHOTOGRAPHY Head: Jenna Gartlan Sophie Barkham Erika Misasi Hannah Pearlman Sahib Purba Erika Streisfield ARTS EDITOR Diahanna Ramadhar ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Lauren Luchenski FASHION EDITOR Sanam Yar LIFESTYLE EDITOR Rachel Wong ONLINE EDITOR Sophie Barkham ONLINE COLUMNISTS Nick Perry Shanelle Furtado LAYOUT TEAM Sarah Elston Leandra Guillet Melissa Lin Katelyn Maclachlan Shannon McCabe Riley Zuckerman FINANCE Tegan Valentine MARKETING Katherine Kim Jaclyn Sanscartier Tiffany Tang VIDEOGRAPHERS Zander Startup Enoch Ncube SOCIAL MEDIA Avery Hoffman Alexandra Kopij SPONSORSHIP Director: Vivian Lau Rachel Adams James Davis Agnes Wong EVENTS Natalie Kugler FROSH REPS Rylee Elfert Ashlyn Garcia Michael Kirreh

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e r u s ea

l P y t

l i u G

an article by ISABEL MUNDIGO-MOORE photography by RILEY ZUCKERMAN modeling by ZOË BELKIN

makeup by BRODY HERBERMAN

g n i l y t S

We’ve all been there: those days when you just… don’t want to wear clothes. In my case, I hate pants and tried to do without them in Grade 12 by wearing large t-shirts and tights— not a good look.

Not all of us come from such humble fashion beginnings. The more fashion-minded of us spend the entire summer perusing runway shots and fashion blogs in order to cultivate a perfect, entirely brand new look.

And yet, as the semester rolls on and we become more at ease with campus life, even the most fashion-savvy have moments when comfort overrides our desire to stick to our style. Not to worry! Because I am a total comfort sneak, I have made an easy guide for being massively snuggly while still feeling as fab as Alexa Chung.

If you…

LOVE SWEATPANTS Why don’t you try wearing joggers instead? A printed pair can give you total steeze. If you’re feeling a little more daring, try a drop crotch because… why not add more room for your crotch?

Snag ‘em at: Zara, Topshop, Aritzia DON’T WANT TO LEAVE YOUR HOODIE AT HOME Wear a blanket as a scarf! I know it sounds nuts, but it looks super cute and you get to burrow into it during class (but beware of the sneaky urge to snooze). Try a plaid pattern or a chunky knit. The bigger the better.

5 | FASHION

Seen at: Michael Kors, The Row, Jonathan Saunders

LIVE FOR UGGS You’ve defied everybody who has ever told you they look dumb. You will defend UGGs and their comfort forever. But perhaps the time has come to grow up and find an equally comfortable, maybe sliiiiiggghtly more chic version. And I have found you one. UGG lover, meet the slip-on ankle boot. Zara has pairs that rock.

Consider them the autumn/ winter sibling of the slide trend this summer. For a dare: try them in leopard print.

Find it at: Zara, Aldo, Madewell WANT TO STAY UNDER THE COVERS It’s cold and it’s snowing and, honestly, a cup of tea and another viewing of When Harry Met Sally... is far more appealing than styling a blazer for class. The gods of fashion have heard you. They have given you Burberry’s monogrammed capes as inspiration to take the covers with you! Belt a fabulous cape or wool blanket over your PJ top and no one will ever know you’re wearing pyjamas around town.

Seen at: Sacai, Burberry WOULD RATHER NOT WEAR MAKE-UP BUT FEEL AS THOUGH YOU SHOULD BECAUSE YOU WATCHED ALL OF SEASON 5 OF GILMORE GIRLS LAST NIGHT WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND DRANK TWO BOTTLES OF RED WINE Red lipstick (NARS in Jungle Red or Gabrielle by Chanel) and a fab pair of sunglasses. If you must be indoors for a while, swipe a quick coat of mascara on, but really, the lipstick should have your back. Easy peasy. Voilà!

Inspired by: Garance Doré and Carolyn Bessette WEAR BLACK ALL THE TIME AND YOUR FRIENDS TELL YOU TO “WEAR MORE COLOR” For starters, they are silly. I once wore the same black sweater with black jeans for five days and no one noticed. This is the brilliance of an all-black uniform. If you DO feel like expanding into wearing color, try adding army green to your wardrobe (Pantone calls it “Cypress”)— it is the color of the season.

Seen at: Isabel Marant, Balenciaga, Hache, Fendi So there you have it. For days when snuggling > everything else, including style, WE HAVE OPTIONS! We style-savvy people never have to throw in the towel. Instead, we can chicly use that towel as a blanket to wrap around us and walk out the door looking ace.

MUSE | 6

W H Y FA S H I O N ISN'T STYLE: A GUY'S POINT OF VIEW an article by SEAN THORNBER When was the last time you looked at a men’s fashion magazine and thought, “I could truly wear that?” There aren’t many fashion magazines aimed at men to begin with, and the ones that do exist feature only the best looking models and actors that are supremely famous. A regular, third year Queen’s student, however, wrote this article, and while I am not a male celebrity, I do think we need to talk about men’s fashion— especially why the term “fashion” should not be used when talking about everyday clothing.

If there is one thing I can say about fashion, it is this: “fashion” should not exist when talking about men. What should exist in its place? Style. We all have one thing about how we dress, get ready, or do our hair that gives us a unique flare, making our style our own. When looking at fashion trends for men today, most of them feature exposed chests and abs with boat shoes. I’m not entirely sure how others feel, but I know that I would be less than comfortable in that during the negative thirty degree winters of Kingston.

Here is the thing about having a style— in order to find it, I believe that you need to first know yourself and be comfortable with who you are. Nobody can tell you what makes you comfortable or what you should wear. As you get dressed in the morning, start getting dressed for yourself, and not in what you think others will like. When I came to university, I stopped caring about what other people thought of my clothing. Frankly, if people are going to judge me by what I am wearing and not based on who I am, do I really want to surround myself with them?

Over the last little while, I have grown in many different ways— confidence being one of them. I have truly discovered what my style is, and now, I leave the house feeling consistently good about what I am wearing. Look good, feel good, right?

It may take a while to find your own personal style, but start small— for example, with a new pair of shoes, or a shirt that you like. Slip into it slowly if you don’t want to make a huge change all at once. It’s up to you; follow what the perfectly sculpted men in fashion magazines are sporting, or find your style, get to know your wardrobe, and start feeling comfortable with what you are wearing. When it comes to clothing, more than anything else, you do you.

7 | FASHION

moD,modernized Go-go boots, mini dresses, and fur coats; who doesn’t miss the ‘60s?

That many of us weren’t there doesn’t matter— the glamour of the mod period in fashion is timeless, fun, and it’s making a big comeback on the runways and in magazines this year. The ‘60s are everywhere: Lana Del Rey, Ariana Grande, and Megan Draper are just a few of the luscious ladies that rock the look. Here’s how to bring a little mod into your every day life…

an article by MICHELE GARDNER

HAIR Let’s start with the hair. Oh, the hair! Basically, go big and don’t be shy with the teasing comb. Chopped bangs are a favorite, but if you don’t want to make that commitment, a heavy side part or teased middle part is also reminiscent of the swinging sixties. Throw on a headscarf for a pop of color, and don’t worry about unwashed, next-day bedhead: go full on Brigitte Bardot!

MAKEUP When you think of ‘60s makeup, Twiggy immediately comes to mind. Her heavy eye makeup may be a bit much for everyday life, but you can just go heavy on the liquid eyeliner, dark eye shadow, and volumizing mascara (I recommend Better than Sex by Too Faced) to achieve the same effect. Don’t forget your bottom lashes! Keep the focus on the eyes by using a nude shade of lipstick, or just throwing on some clear lipgloss.

CLOTHING Mini dresses, mini dresses, mini dresses! The great thing about this look is that you can go in so many different directions. Geometric mod patterns are a great throwback, as are bold florals. Empire waist and shift dresses are era-appropriate, as long as you show lots of leg (pair it with tights in colder weather). To accessorize, go for big hoop earrings, kneehigh boots, and a (faux) fur coat!

MUSE | 8

He Said She Said an article by JACKSON LUND and CARA CISHECKI photography by ERIKA STREISFIELD

Ah, the age old question. When we get dressed, do we do it for ourselves, or do we do it for others (and if applicable, significant others)? Whether it is for you or for an audience, style can speak volumes. Still, let’s face it; there is always a little curiosity about what the opposite sex might think of your sartorial exploits.

What you might feel the most amazing in could completely baffle someone else, making perspective one of the most fascinating elements of style. Inspired by this notion, we asked stylish couple Cara and Jackson to select their own ideal looks for three different occasions: class, night, and day. Ahead, they break down each other’s outfits, and provide a no-holds barred account of their opinions.

DAY

Casual Friday/Saturday/ Sunday morning attire.

Trying to keep it together from the night before, and trying to maintain our last bit of dignity by not giving into the Queen’s sweat-suit combo.

Cara: Jackson is wearing a salt n’ pepper t-shirt with a lightweight jacket overtop, blue jeans, and Jordans.

To start, I’m happy he is not wearing the “you can’t arrest me because my daddy’s a lawyer” combo of a powdered blue Ralph Lauren dress shirt, pink shorts, and brown leather Sperry’s. He is also on trend with Miley, “J’s on his feet.” But realistically, his sneaker game is on point. Jackson looks good and casual without looking like every other guy on campus.

Jackson: Cara is wearing a Rick Ross t-shirt, a scarf, a hat, and heeled black boots/booties (as I’ve been told). Cara claims she is hung-over, but I’m pretty sure it took her two hours to get ready and pick this outfit.

I don’t understand why she insists on wearing a hat when Kingston is so windy. I like how she is trying to maintain her Toronto girl persona even after a Stage Rage though— A for effort.

“

It’s not about a specific brand or having a certain style. Not every brand suits ever person, and not every style looks good on everyone.

For example, Jackson probably cannot pull off a preppy style (thank God he doesn’t try).

-Cara 9 | FASHION

”

CLASS

It’s a new school week— time to actually make it to all my classes and tutorials. Look good, feel good mentality, even for a Monday 8:30 AM lecture. The going-to-class look takes just a bit of effort, but has the ability to get you through the day.

Cara: Jackson is wearing all Club Monaco and has a Herschel backpack. He looks good, even though he stole the look from the Club Monaco mannequin. The navy sport jacket over the polka dot button-down is a good touch though. Finding a good patterned top is hard to find and harder to pull off, and I think he did a good job.

Of course he has a Herschel backpack, because there are apparently no other brands that sell bags to students. Overall, Jackson has pulled off looking like Patrick Bateman, while somehow making Chinatown sunglasses seem like Ray Bans.

”

Jackson: Cara is wearing a turtleneck, leather jacket, and jeans. She actually looks good today; the leather jacket hides the fact that she is wearing a turtleneck.

Even though the jacket makes her look like she is in a biker gang, it has some stylish appeal to it. Her slip-on blue loafers are casual and trendy but don’t scream, “try hard.” They’re respectable and studious. I like how she is putting some effort in for class. It’s stylish but not severe.

NIGHT

It’s Thursday night, which is apparently the new Friday in Kingston.

Cara: Jackson just got out of prison in time for Stage Rage, in a striped navy blue shirt complimented by navy blue dress pants. Again, all from Club Monaco. I don’t think he saw the mannequin wearing this outfit, but good try. All joking aside, he looks good. He can’t really go wrong with a button down and pants, even if it’s all navy.

Navy on navy is certainly better than powdered blue and pastel pink together. Just don’t do it, guys.

Jackson: Cara is wearing a Nike sports bra, knee length skirt and leather jacket… again. I am assuming she saw this outfit on Tumblr. This may take a few years to get to Queen’s, settle down, Toronthoe. The one blatant thing I do not like about this outfit is those blue-laced heels; they do not match with anything she is wearing and have some stripper vibes to them. However, the majority of the outfit is good and she definitely doesn’t look basic, which is a unique ability to manage at Queen’s.

“

So whether you are going to class, going out, or just taking a stroll down Princess Street, a casual yet stylish outfit will always be appreciated. Jeans do look better than sweatpants and leggings. No one likes a try hard, but a sweat-suit combo isn’t necessarily recommended either.

Finding the happy medium in between those two extremes is what’s essential.

Even though Cara’s big green hat makes her look like she is a member of the Sopranos, it is still fashionable. Ultimately, what looks good is to put in some effort, but to seem effortless.

-Jackson

The Daily Scribble:

The Life of a Fashion Illustrator

Once upon a time, nearly 500 years ago, fashion’s central form of communication was illustration, and the ones telling the stories were fashion illustrators. A fashion illustrator conveys ideas through art using various mediums, including watercolors, inks, pastels, and pencil sketches. Beginning in the 16th century, fashion illustration’s main focus was sharing the costumes of different cultures. The industry has diversified since then, working with corporations, design houses, theatres, interior designers, and magazines to bring creativity to life through artwork.

The mark of a true artist is more than the ability to make something unique with strokes on a blank page; it is the ability to inspire. Jamie Lee Reardin, a fashion illustrator and Dior Beauty’s resident illustrator, inspires. She makes magic with her whimsical sketches, featuring models that come to life with attitudes as colorful as her artistic palette. These drawings have personality, whether they feature posh beauties showcasing New York Fashion Week’s roundup, Sarah Jessica Parker’s sultry stare in her elegant Met Ball gown, or a wonderfully amusing Karl Lagerfeld and cat animation. Her drawings are like Ms. Reardin herself— they ignite and excite, making you smile and appreciate the beauty in life. Reardin’s is the gift of Disney moments, the ability to illustrate instances where everyday beauty becomes a fairytale.

I had the chance to interview Reardin about the whimsical world of fashion illustration, and, as it turns out, the glass slipper isn’t handed to a princess; she works for it. Having applied to Ryerson’s Fashion Communications Program, Reardin was initially wait-listed and, at the last minute, able to enroll in the fall semester. The program encompassed everything from business and marketing to art history and illustration, giving her a great introduction to the creative industry.

“I grew up with the dream of being a Disney animator. By the time I was looking for universities… I was unsure what type of art career I wanted.” At Ryerson, Reardin’s unstoppable passion allowed her to achieve great things. “It was hard work, but I loved it. One of my most influential professors… would stroll around class…and jump in to assist us with our sketches. He would show us little tricks and techniques that would instantly transform our drawings! I still use some of his techniques today.”

:

Quick Questions

Favorite Jay-Z rap lyric ”I just want a Picasso, in my casa.”

Toronto, Paris, or Los Angeles?

“Paris, always.”

Tim Burton or AuDrey Hepburn ???

“Eek, that’s tough, but I have to say Tim Burton.”

11 | FASHION

After Ryerson, Reardin moved to Los Angeles to work at a popular style site. However, this was not enough. Reardin wanted to be creative on a daily basis, “I wanted a job where I could put pencil to paper and actually draw… I decided the only way to be completely happy was to create my own career— a job that would satisfy my talent and interests. So I quit my design job and began drawing!”

While waitressing supported her financially, she entered a contest with V magazine, not winning the first time. Reardin eventually entered again and became a finalist. “I was ecstatic! It was the first time my art appeared in a magazine, and it motivated me to continue pursuing my dream of illustrating.” This confidence and attitude set Reardin apart from other artists. Her dream came true when Dior discovered her via Instagram, and hired her to be their beauty illustrator. Since then, she has been featured in Teen Vogue, Nylon, and Allure, to name a few.

She describes her process as, “always [beginning] by searching for inspiration. If I already have an idea, I will look for images to reference while drawing— usually a collection of pictures that demonstrate a particular theme or feeling that I want to express.” Reardin also cites music as being crucial to inspiration. When it comes to the length of her projects, she says, “my drawings can take anywhere from five minutes to thirty-five hours. It depends on the scope of the project, and also whether it is a personal piece or for a client.”

With her perseverant attitude and optimistic outlook on the world, Reardin is drawing herself a bright future. “I find beauty in many, many things. People, flowers, [and] nature in general. I like watching people watch sunsets. I love seeing how many people stop in their tracks to appreciate the beautiful colors in the sky, and the soft light that’s cast upon the earth for those few moments.”

It is clear that for Reardin, this isn’t the happy ending to her story, but only the colorful beginning.

One might even call it Disney-worthy. an article by CAITLYN MCTAVCISH

MUSE | 12

H I J A BI FAS H I O N : W H E R E

That girl across the street: headscarf, covered body, reserved clothing. That’s the Hijabi. There’s something quite refreshing about seeing Queen’s University students from different backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, and religions, and Hijabis are a part of the increasingly unique faces spotted on campus. But there’s more to a Hijabi than just the modesty, or the piece of cloth covering her hair.

So who are they? Why are they different?

The hijab is part of a woman’s quest to fulfill and represent her religion of Islam. It is strictly a personal choice, and does not indicate the oppression of women or their lack of freedom. A Muslim woman will put on the hijab to be more conservative, allowing her to feel more secure when covering her skin and more comfortable with her own beauty.

Five years ago, fashion was never associated with the hijab. It seemed to be a mind-blowing idea for a woman to look stylish whilst maintaining her modesty. However, that is now all changing.

Women are looking chic and striking with their hijab. The guidelines that need to be abided by while wearing a hijab include covering the body except for the face, feet and hands, in addition to dressing in a non-provocative manner.

Does this mean a woman can’t look stylish and attractive? No! 13 | FASHION

MODE ST Y ME E TS ST Y L E

article and photography by RAWAN ABD-EL-AATTY Fashion is about self-expression, and Hijabis are achieving this notion extraordinarily. Expression of Hijabi fashion, just like non-Hijabi fashion, is based on women communicating their identity through their clothing. The fusion of popular trends, celebrity styles, and fashion within a Hijabi’s modest wardrobe is quite invigorating. Women pursuing the hijab who choose to dress modestly are exhibiting eccentric magnitudes of conservative fashion whilst still preserving their spiritual values.

More importantly, this more prevalent, trendy, and inspiring notion of Hijabis is spreading and empowering young women who choose to cover themselves. A few years back, women who made the choice to cover were given a negative connotation and faced criticism. Today, they are able to feel more confident and fashionable in the hijab. In capturing the numerous Hijabi trends and the convergence of spirituality and style, this faith-driven fashion allows women to fuse current trends with their personal style, while still pursuing their Islamic faith.

It’s no doubt that social media is an important trigger to the ever growing international Hijabi trend.

There are countless Hijabis who inspire young women to express their sense of style while maintaining their modesty and abiding by religious guidelines. My personal favorites are: http://www.devotedlyyours.com http://www.hybridheadpiece.com http://modeststreetfashion.com

MUSE | 14

Photography by Jenna Gartlan Direction by Abigail Conners and Hannah Pearlman Styling by Abigail Conners, Hannah Pearlman, and Sanam Yar Modeling by Alexandra Harris-Lowe Hair by Anabel Hallewell Makeup by Lauren Hodson Clothing provided by Agent 99 Shoes provided by Heel Boy Kingston

gol DEN Kingston-born model Alexandra HARRIS-Lowe shines in this season's must-haves from Agent 99 and Heel Boy

girl

MUSE | 16

17 | EDITORIAL

MUSE | 18

The Truth About

BUSINESS CASUAL an article by FAYE YU

19 | FASHION

GUYS

So you just landed a new job (congrats!) and you found out that the dress code is the dreaded business casual.

Your insides instantly churn at the thought of the oxymoron that has caused so much confusion for you and countless of your friends. It’s a term that means both business and casual—so what does that even entail? I hate to break it to you, but in a nutshell, it means that while more lax dress codes allow for jeans and t-shirts, you’re expected to be as classy as a Chanel bag. As a commerce student, I had to learn the ropes pretty quickly, especially considering the fact that I constantly had a plethora of events, mock-interviews, and presentations to attend. While style may be in the eye of the beholder, business casual is in the eye of the boss, and in most cases, the boss has a particular look in mind. So grab your blazer and let’s jump into my how-to guide for the guys and the gals.

Yes

Blazers (a less formal color such as brown is appropriate)

No Yes

GALS

Trousers/Khakis Collared shirts Oxford shoes Sweater vests (think Benedict Cumberbatch as opposed to your grandfather) Conservative colors and formal fabrics Tucked-in shirts Belts

No

Jeans Sneakers Baggy sweatpants Hoodies Sportswear of any kind Flip-flops/Sandals (there’s no such thing as “nice” flip flops that you can wear to the office) Crocs (No, just no) Ties Anything with a large, overbearing logo Nice blouses Light jewelry Blazers (color can make them less formal) Close-toed shoes Pencil skirts Pantyhose Purses/Clutches Conservative make up Polished hair (minimize flyaway strands)

Skin showing below the shoulders Hemlines above the knees Leggings/Yoga pants High-slit clothing Sundresses Boudoir-style clothing (or anything else that couldindicate you are going to a strip club/stripping)

If you still aren’t sure whether or not your outfit is appropriate after looking at the list, refer to the checklist below. If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, perhaps it’s time to go back to the drawing board and change your outfit.

Does it look like an outfit for a sports game?

Does it look like an outfit you would see at a club?

Does it look like something you just threw on?

Does it look like something appropriate for yard work?

Can you picture this on someone at Halloween?

There you have it, folks! Business casual, the former bane of your existence, demystified!

MUSE | 20

We are living in what is now the new era of sweatpants!

However, this does not mean that your friend/that dude next to you in chem, who is currently wearing baggy, stained sweatpants, is on trend.

Exception: If your baggy sweatpants are used exclusively for gym-related outings, or due to the complete absence of heat in your student house (winter is coming), they are acceptable. In that case, try not to sweat it (I will use terrible puns throughout this article, continue reading at your own risk).

There comes a time in every person’s life when they feel the need to dress head-to-toe in sweats (most likely grey), basically camouflaging in with the stone buildings currently making up most of the Queen’s University campus. Indeed, this common migration of sleep-deprived, caffeine-crazed, slightly intoxicated individuals could be classified as either an oddly comfortable cult, or the largest gathering of Roots salt and pepper sweatpants wearing enthusiasts ever. Queen’s may bleed tricolor, but come exam period, we sweat grey.

Few times in history have the use of sweatpants been commended for being appropriate attire (see exception). Well, no longer! Lazy people unite, fashionistas, relax, and general students, nod your heads— there are new rules for this season! Sweatpants, check. Grey?

Okay. Laundry? Please do... often.

From now on, you are no longer throwing on an old pair of sweats; you are choosing to embrace the new sweat(y) movement. But hold on, there are rules: 1. Slim is key. If your sweatpants can conceal a whole 24 of Old Milwaukee, then you are doing it wrong and revision is needed.

H&M

J. Crew

Uniqlo

S W E A T (S) Never Looked So Good an article by ANDREW HUM 21 | FASHION

2. Basic Colors. Keep them simple, either solid, or in geometric designs. Try to avoid sweatpants that would attract local dogs from the park.

3. Taper (otherwise known as getting tighter as the pants progress downwards). Avoid the “I have no idea where my ankles are” look, and pick out a pair with a generous enough taper that an onlooker would be able to discern that you do have calf muscles after all.

Consider the fine choices shown above, as they not only fulfill the rules, but also involve unique details, such as zipper pockets, low prices, and well... low prices. When shopping for a pair, don’t sweat the details.

The slim shape in comparison to everyone else’s old pair will have you looking cool all day.

Sufficiently Superfluous an article by JENNA ZUCKER

It’s that time again: new year, new classes, and new readings.

Whether you’re plunging into first year, exploring a new major in second year, or further delving into your interests in third or fourth year, it’s safe to say that beginning a new semester is intimidating.

Balancing your social life while maintaining a high level of academic achievement is only made more difficult by one thing: an author’s verbosity.

In the least verbose way possible, verbosity is the practice of wordiness, or as I believe it should be called, obnoxiousness. I get it, all these writers are geniuses and like to display this through their writing, but wouldn’t it be more rewarding to actually have someone understand your vision on the first read? From my experience, many writers don’t seem to feel the same way.

The only thing more intimidating than scavenging for a seat in Stauffer during exam season is trying to comprehend exactly what Freud is trying to say. I mean, why do academics feel the need to overcomplicate every sentence within their works? How am I supposed to interpret my dreams properly if I can’t even understand Freud’s task of “investigating the relations between the manifest content of dreams and the latent dream-thoughts, and of tracing out the process by which the latter have been changed into the former” (Freud 818)?!?!?! He could have simply said that one’s unconscious thoughts are disguised within one’s dreams. Which means that just because you dreamed of the perfect wedding between you and Dave Franco does not mean he’s secretly pining for you.

Like when watching a three-hour movie, you wonder if the author even knows what they’re trying to say, or if they’re just dragging you through their train of thought (with a thesaurus in hand) while they too try to figure it out. Yes, Dickens was being paid by the word, but that doesn’t mean that Mr. Thomas Traddles “should have the privilege of ordering the ingredients necessary to the composition of a moderate portion of that Beverage which is peculiarly associated, in our minds, with the Roast Beef of Old England” (Dickens 934). Meaning, punch. That drink he is referring to in exactly twenty-six words can be summed up in one: punch.

It is, of course, a stylistic preference as well, but I stand by being understood and appreciated, rather than being intimidating and academic.

Good thing we’re meant to bathe in the beauty of literature— with the amount of time it takes me to get through a single page of some of these authors’ works, I’ve lost all time for personal hygiene.

MUSE | 22

getting in on the secret of city park with

Stones in the Woods

Every day, many people stroll through the paths and grassy areas of Kingston’s City Park. To most, it probably never occurs to them who may have walked those same places centuries before them.

So, what’s next for The Cellar Door Project?

“Something surrounding World War I, and something to do with Queen’s,” discloses Jackson, who is also the playwright of Stones in the Woods in addition to his co-Artistic Direction. “It’s been 100 years since WWI began. We tend to celebrate those chunks of time.”

Along one of the trails, there’s a series of four round, concrete stones scattered on the grounds of the park that often go unnoticed. Noticed or not, these stones are subject of the Cellar Door Project’s most recent play, Stones in the Woods. The show is an exploration of Kingston’s observatory that dates back to the 19th century, and is performed entirely outdoors in City Park at one of these four stones.

The Cellar Door Project is a not-for-profit, student created and run theatre company that “re-animates” stories from Canada’s historical past through site-specific theatre. According to co-Artistic Director of The Cellar Door Project, Devon Jackson, this show is “a depiction of how we interact with and remember history in Kingston as told through the observatory that once existed in City Park.”

With both Artistic Directors graduating in the fall with their B.A.’s in drama and history, where do they see The Cellar Door Project going beyond Queen’s and Kingston? “Historical, site-specific theatre can be lifted out of Kingston; it can be taken to Calgary or Iqaluit,” Jackson says, with Horner gleefully interjecting, “We want to get a van!”

Cameron Horack as Nathan Depuis, Sean Meldrum as William, and Nikki Clydesdale as “Maybe we’re not meant to go to grad Colette. school right after undergrad,” Jackson says. “Maybe we are meant to drive a van around Canada and spend a month in each province and do a show in each capital city.

But, we’ll finish Stones in the Woods first.”

Stones in the Woods ran from September 23rd – 27th, 2014 in City Park. For information about The Cellar Door Project, visit http://www.cellardoorproject.com/.

In the intimate, outdoor venue, the show takes audiences back to the 19th century.

Just under an hour long, the story follows a fictional account of a young Nathan Fellowes Depuis. He is perhaps known best to Queen’s students as one of the minds behind the iconic clock on Grant Hall, and as a founder of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. The story looks to question many aspects of time, memory, and what it means to remember.

“People need to hear the stories of ordinary people,” says Mariah Horner, one of the co-Artistic Directors of the company. She also plays the role of Violet in Stones in the Woods. “We’re doing these stories a favor by blowing the dust off of them. We need to find things that are closer to us to understand them,” says Horner. “The reason I think they need to be told theatrically is the fact that they need to be embodied.”

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Cameron Horack as Nathan, Mariah Horner as Violet, Nikki Clydesdale as Colette, and Sean Meldrum as William.

“People need to hear the stories of ordinary people,...

We’re doing these stories a favor by blowing the dust off of them.”

an article by JACQUI SIROIS photography by TIM FORT and JACQUI SIROIS

Queen's Poetry Slam: The Gym for Your Mind an article by LAUREN LUCHENSKI photography by ERIKA MISASI Our generation has witnessed the rise of quinoa, the takeover of kale, the conquest of almond milk, the shaming of gluten and lactose, obsessions about the perfect workout routine, and everyone becoming yoga gurus.

Essentially, our biggest cultural fads regard cleansing ourselves, being the healthiest we can be, and truly embodying the phrase: “your body is a temple”.

While we have a huge amount of concern for our physical health, I think that the powerhouse of our bodies– the mind— is often left to deplete in our quest for health.

This is not to say that I don’t believe that these conscious choices put us on the right track for a healthy lifestyle, but rather, that the healthiness of our non-corporal selves become secondary.

I’m saying all this because I went to my first poetry slam this month. Reflecting on the overall experience, I think that it was the healthiest thing I did for myself this month… healthier than my ten kilometre jog the other day, believe it or not.

Queen’s Poetry Slam is a monthly poetry competition, founded by current Queen’s student, Danielle d’Entremont. It encourages students to step on up onto the stage of self-expression and reveal their creative minds in a completely accepting and free environment. Students are invited to read their poetry aloud, covering all and any topics they choose. This month showcased

poets reading on anything from creeping your hook-ups on Facebook, relationships and friendships of all sorts, and even one about mothers! The slam is so welcoming that first year student Emily Keeler was inspired to do her first poetry reading. The audience took to her beautiful words, and she won the slam that evening.

When audience members felt that they related to any aspects of the poems being read, they were invited to snap their fingers in appreciation for the poet’s words. So yes— people really do snap at poetry readings (the only disappointment was that not everyone was wearing all black and berets).

The poetry slam gave me an opportunity to peer into the minds of fellow students in an unfamiliar way. I felt like I had been invited to step into exclusive parts of their lives. In a humbling and comforting way, listening to these poems allowed me to see how my own thoughts aligned with the thoughts of others. Listening to fresh perspectives and experiences gave me the chance to reflect on myself a little more coherently.

So, by all means continue to live a healthy lifestyle; all I’m trying to say is to make sure you’re doing good things for every part of you.

Give your mind a work out and go to next month’s poetry slam (it’s not scary!). Get inspired to read a little more, write a little more, get to know someone else a little bit better, and give your mind a much needed flex.

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canadian mu It could be said that Canada is currently in its golden age of live-events. With a recently struck down “tour tax”, musicians are flocking to Canada in record-breaking frequency and numbers. While it is safe to say that live concert experiences are becoming increasingly popular, one specific style of live experience reigns down over the others: music festivals.

In general, music festivals have enjoyed a longer lifespan south of the border; however, the contemporary landscape of Canadian music festivals has become quite exciting. From coast-to-coast, music lovers are offered a diverse selection of genres and live events to choose from. Live performances are increasingly interested in expanding and capturing the Canadian market. This provides Canadians with more and more chances to see his or her favorite artists; everyone from Migos to Miike Snow is now touring Canada.

Here is all the background information you need to know about Canada’s most popular and accessible summer music festivals:

OSHEAGA MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL Established in 2006 by concert buyer Nick Farkas, Osheaga was originally developed to take advantage of the thriving indie rock scene coming out of Montreal. The objective of Osheaga was to book mid-level ‘festival-circuit’ bands alongside a strong contingent of local offerings. Through booking a strong core of likeable and accessible indie bands, Osheaga could create a headline through consensus (Osheaga 2014— Festival Musique Et Arts). Getting to see six to eight upcoming and relatable bands over one superstar headliner is what has students returning year in and year out to the Montreal festival. As Osheaga grew in size and reputation, the production of the festival and quality of bookings began to match the expanding demand. Recently, Osheaga has featured headliners like Outkast, Mumford & Sons, and the Black Keys. Management at Osheaga has still managed to maintain a fine balance between reaching out to young concertgoers as well as established music lovers. As one of the largest and best-executed festivals in Canada, Osheaga now offers more than four stages each with a distinct genre or theme grounding the experience. Osheaga has also started to recognize the importance of appealing to youth ticket holders and, therefore, have expanded their Electronic Dance Music (EDM) centered stage, Piknik Electronik, to bring in favorites like Baauer, Flume, and Montreal hero Kaytranada (Osheaga 2014— Festival Musique Et Arts). Osheaga is one of the many festivals that have recognized the importance of EDM in attracting the majority of university students.

DIGITAL DREAMS In 2013, when Swedish House Mafia announced that three installments of their “One Last Tour” were to take place in Canada (one in Montreal and two in Toronto), it became clear to businesses and fans alike that Canada was ready for it’s fair share of live music events.

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s i c f e s t i va l s an article by MIKE OSHELL Currently valued at over six billion dollars worldwide, the market for Electronic Dance Music festivals is the largest in the world (Godard). According to smartasset.com, social media ticket sales for EDM events are now six times higher than traditional events such as plays, sports, or other live music events. The interlocked relationship between social media and EDM has contributed to the incredible rise in scope and volume of EDM events in North America (Godard).

Canada is no different when it comes to enjoying EDM events. Since 2012, major businesses have begun to organize and execute large-scale, high capacity festivals solely centered on the genre of music. Digital Dreams Festival is organized by Electronic Nation Canada (the Canadian branch of mega-event corporation LiveNation), and is held annually at The Flats at Toronto’s Molson Amphitheatre.

Taking place throughout Canada Day weekend, Digital Dreams Festival aims to showcase the biggest talent in the EDM, house, and techno genres over a two-day period (Gaughan). With huge international DJ bookings like Tiesto, Afrojack, and Bob Sinclair, Digital Dreams is a festival geared towards the college demographic. It also stays true to Toronto’s house and techno roots by snagging performances from renowned underground heroes like Richie Hawtin, Dubfire, and Luciano (2014 Digital Dreams Music Festival Toronto). The stage at Echo Beach has provided quality underground house and techno artists for three years to balance out the larger crowds drawn by mainstream EDM. The folks at Electronic Nation are extremely mindful of striking a workable balance between the two, in order to maximize the festivals appeal.

OVO FESTIVAL Whether you’re a Drizzy fan or not, the style and shear impressiveness of OVO Festival is hard to ignore.

Founded in 2010, OVO has established itself as the Toronto alternative to Osheaga for early August festivalgoers.

In earlier years, OVO focused exclusively on the biggest and brightest names in hip-hop and R&B, bringing in everyone from Jay-Z to The Weeknd. Drake’s ability to attract top talent (or maybe just his friends) has resulted in performances from Kanye West, P. Diddy, Lil’ Wayne, and even TLC. Creatively, Drake has also included artists that might not necessarily fit the standard hip-hop mold. When The Weeknd was booked in 2011, his mix tape trilogy had just been released. Although he was an established name in Toronto, he had not yet become the globetrotting R&B songsmith we know and love today. Another artist showcasing the contrasting aesthetics of OVO fest is James Blake. Booked in 2012, the artist is known for his eerie vocals, weaving synth work and incredibly intricate drum work into his music. OVO Fest is perhaps the best success story in recent memory; the festival is entirely organized, planned, and run by Drake and his OVO crew.

Hopefully this insight on the ins-and-outs of Ontario’s most popular music festivals will help you pick the perfect festival for you this summer. But let’s face it– whether you’re rocking out at Osheaga, dancing up a storm at Digital Dreams, or grooving to the beats of OVO– you really can’t go wrong with these extraordinary concert options.

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AMERICAN HORROR STORY:

FEMME FATALE

If the words “American”, “horror”, and “story” mean nothing to you, then chances are you have not been captivated by the past three seasons of the Emmy-nominated television show known as American Horror Story... yet. Each season introduces a new set of chilling characters and a horrifying plot, so it’s never too late to jump on the bandwagon and have your wits scared out of you.

The anthology has received critical acclaim for its ability to appeal to a broader audience, as it reaches beyond those who already enjoy the horror genre. American Horror Story: Coven, the third instalment in the series,is particularly notable for the female fan base it established.

This is not surprising considering that Coven’s stellar cast is almost completely composed of females, including big names such as Kathy Bates, Frances Conroy, Jessica Lange, and guest star, Stevie Nicks.

Coven is centered on young witches who attend Miss Robichaux’s Academy, a boarding school in New Orleans for the descendants of the Salem witches. With a stark absence of males in Coven, the powerful women who reside in the Academy are the ones who create and solve conflict, a refreshing contrast to the many male dominated television shows.

Perhaps one of the most revered and hated characters in Coven is the vain head sorceress Fiona Goode (Jessica Lange). Fiona holds the title of “Supreme”– an ultimately powerful witch born once a generation who leads the Salem coven. Constantly at odds with Fiona is her daughter, Cordelia (Sarah Paulson), the headmistress of the Academy. Cordelia acts both as a maternal figure to the girls and executor the Academy, leaving her with the generally masculine responsibility of being the head of the house. Supernatural powers and redefining gender roles?

The creators of Coven are on to something awesome here.

Enemy to the coven is Marie Laveau (Angela Bassett), a voodoo priestess. Fiona and Laveau are both omnipotent leaders, embodying often unrecognized female abilities, which earns them praise from viewers. Taissa Farmiga, a veteran in the AHS franchise, plays the character of Zoe Benson. Zoe is appreciated for being one of the series’ main protagonists who is both a virtuous and clever witch. The excellent female roles in Coven do not end there; the witches residing in Miss Robichaux’s academy are all individuals who posses both supernatural abilities and exceptional self-sufficiency. Sassy, sexy, and possibly the next Supreme, Madison Montgomery (Emma Roberts) is the archetypal egotistical mean girl— often antagonizing the other girls in the house— and is loved by fans for her assertive attitude (not to mention her killer wardrobe).

So, why is it that Coven is so admired by females? The ladies of this season are the agents who drive the plot forward. They are all assertive, fearless women, who don’t need males for protection (rather, the males may need protection from them). Although their magical abilities may not be realistic, the characters in Coven are still the baddest... ahem... witches in town.

an article by CELINA FAZIO 27 | ENTERTAINMENT

Q&A:

an article by JAKE BLUM

Edition

With the average user spending over ninety minutes a day streaming videos, particularly on Netflix, there are many questions that need to be answered to make this hour and a half as successful as possible.

So, here are some questions from my devoted (imaginary) readers, answered by me: Question: I live in Canada, which is great for healthcare and geese, but doesn’t offer the same variety of shows as U.S. Netflix. How can I beat the system?

Jake Blum: It’s actually pretty crazy when you look at the differences between Canadian and American Netflix. Sure, both offer access to Netflix original series, such as House of Cards and Orange is the New Black, but the amount of shows exclusively offered in the U.S. greatly exceeds what is available on Canadian Netflix. Since we both pay the same amount per month, it should only make sense that we get access to the same shows, right?

I recommend downloading Hola. It’s great, especially if you’re travelling, because you can get access to Netflix in places like the U.K. and Brazil, all with their own offerings. You want to watch Friends on Netflix? You could either fly to the Dominican Republic, or check out Hola. As much as we all want to go on vacation, downloading Hola takes a lot less time.

Plus, it will get you access to all U.S. Netflix has to offer.

Q: Now that I have U.S. Netflix, what do I watch?

JB: Seven essential shows I’d recommend are: Arrested Development, Breaking Bad, Lost, Mad Men, How I Met Your Mother, Sherlock, and The Walking Dead. These shows deserve to be recognized as the most popular current television series, and I strongly recommend each of them.

Q: Okay Jake, but let’s say we haven’t been living under a rock. What can I watch that’s less mainstream?

JB: Good question. As far as animation goes, Archer, Bob’s Burgers, and pretty much anything featuring voice actor H. Jon Benjamin, will never disappoint. Archer is filled with endless cameos and recurring gags, while Bob’s Burgers is a fresh take on a family cartoon about running a burger shop. For dramas, I recommend Arrow, Rescue Me, Firefly, The Tudors, Alias, and Twin Peaks. As for comedies, 30 Rock, Parks & Recreation, Community, Faulty Towers, Freaks and Geeks, The Dick van Dyke Show, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Louie. All and any of these will get you on track for a classic Netflix binge.

Q: What about movies? Is there anything other than TV Shows to watch on Netflix?

JB: Of course! In no order, here are five great movies offered exclusively on Netflix: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

The Graduate Who Framed Roger Rabbit Robin Hood Men in Tights Fargo Reservoir Dogs

And there you have it! All your burning Netflix questions, answered.

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we can’t stop, and we won’t stop (watching reality tv) Be careful— a few episodes of Real Housewives can be a gateway to the drug some call: reality TV. Reality TV is unscripted and can be about anything and everything. And yet, the allure of reality TV is a turn off to some— what makes reality TV so liked and so disliked?

Reality TV is an escape from our everyday lives. After a long day of classes and writing papers, binge watching a reality TV series serves as a satisfying time waster— you can truly turn your brain off. And, you will never run out of shows to watch, because after one series ends, it’s easy to find something related that is of the same quality.

Of course, nothing is exactly the same as the other— there will only be one Real Housewives of New York— but who’s stopping you from watching Atlanta, Vancouver, and L.A.?

Watching strangers interact with one another on TV seems to appeal to societies’ inner Peeping Tom, and we can’t resist keeping up with our favorite family or housewives. They don’t know us, but we know them— how creepy does that sound? But, despite how creepy it is, the start of these shows draw you in, and it’s not as though we’re violating someone by watching their show if they are consenting to it…

Right? It’s almost like watching tabloids without violating the subject.

Think about how much you know about someone because you watch him or her on TV. Think about how much more you feel like you know because they are sharing it all, rather than a reporter or detective uncovering it.

It’s really cool to think about reality TV as a large-scale social experiment. With Big Brother, Utopia, and more, we see how people interact. Even with Survivor and Bachelor in Paradise, we can see how strategy and gameplay works in a reality TV setting.

Reality TV does not equate to trash TV. Several shows can actually have a very positive impact by employing healthy competition. Shows like Project Runway, TopChef, Survivor, Amazing Race, and America’s Got Talent are all positive shows that encourage growth and development. These are shows that often touch a soul and impact those around the world for the better. There are even some shows that build homes for those in need!

Lastly, reality TV tackles complex issues like diversity and acceptance.

TLC stands for The Learning Channel, and its goal is to expose you to different perspectives and cultures. Though it has evolved to encompass a lot more than education, how can we deny that it shows us new perspectives? We can’t.

an article by JULIA MISKEY and MADISON ZARNETT

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Though there are positive aspects to reality TV, there are definitely many negatives as well. If you’ve ever reached for a bottle of Advil to numb the headache caused by the constant screaming and high pitched bleeps that encompass reality TV, you have witnessed this trash that is passed off as entertainment. Scientists have undertaken research on the correlation between reality television and the decay of civilization as we know it... seriously. Can we really even call it reality TV? Is it even real?

Unfortunately, we cannot call reality TV “reality”, because it’s not real. There are aspects of it that exemplify an understanding of reality many of us can understand, but to what degree is what we’re watching real? How many of us live like The Kardashians? Like the people in Breaking Amish or the participants in Big Brother? Unlike the people in these shows, we’re not always scheming... that would be terrifying! These shows are a temporary and inconsistent representation of real life— even The Kardashians film only a few times a week.

We fall into the suspense of every episode, but if we take a step back, we can clearly see what’s unfolding. Sure, there’s nothing wrong with caring about reality shows, but to what degree do we truly care? If we miss an episode, how will we feel? It’s interesting to think about how much we invest in these shows, in thinking about how connected we are to the “realness” of them.

A more specific example of this “false reality” is seen through how these shows portray a false expectation of love. There are many shows that claim to help find true love— The Bachelor, A Shot at Love, Are You The One— but is this really how love happens? How can we say that this is love when it is not real life? Love is very different than the love we see in reality TV. Reality television also influences thoughts of low self-esteem and body image by endorsing drastic changes and different looks. Shows like Bridalplasty and Extreme Makeover (not the Home edition!) expose it all and more. It rewards bad behaviour—why should Snooki make about $100,000 an episode when she was just messing herself up? Though she has reportedly cleaned up her act, it’s something to seriously consider.

Reality TV can be both positive and negative, as you can already imagine. So we ask you, as a critical thinker— what

everything that is wrong with reality tv

do you think? How does reality TV make you feel, and how does it really make you feel? Is it your guilty pleasure or your enemy? In any case— happy watching!

an article by JULIA MISKEY and MADISON ZARNETT

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something about art

It’s a crisp, foggy, autumn morning. You step outside and let the smells of the season tickle your nose. There’s something about bearing witness to the graceful fall of an orange leaf from a tree preparing itself for winter. Now, you’re enjoying a night in with your friends. Wine in hand, your chatter fills the room as you waltz around the kitchen. There’s something about digging into a palette of flavours and allowing your taste buds to enjoy the masterpiece you’ve created.

an article by SATINDER KAUR

You’re walking down the street, in a rush to meet a friend, when a tourist suddenly asks you to take their picture in front of a building you don’t recognize. There’s something about discovering a building you didn’t know existed, feeling your breath catch at its cobblestone exterior. Now, you’re at your sister’s house for dinner, when she sends you to grab the salad dressing that she forgot in the fridge. You stop for a moment to admire the arrangement on the front of the fridge door. There’s something about feeling the trace of textured lines created by a crayon on a child’s family portrait.

There’s just something about art.

It’s easy to get lost in the idea that artists are an exclusive group of people who constantly create masterpieces to be admired by the public. However, that is not true. The outfits in which you dress yourself, the words you speak, the thoughts you have, the way you design your room— those are your masterpieces. The advice you offer, your smile, the exuberant wave you give to your friend from across the street— that is your artwork on display. Your note to your roommate, your feelings about that cute guy you see everywhere, the way you grocery shop— it’s all art.

It may seem silly to you— why would these things be seen as art? Who would consider them art? But, as Edgar Degas eloquently put it: “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”

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“Art is everything, and everything is art”-unknown

MEET ISABEL

Let September 13th, 2014 forever be known as the day creativity was reborn at Queen’s University. It was on this day that I was fortunate enough to be present at the official opening of the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts. The Isabel now stands on King St. West overlooking the horizon of Lake Ontario, thanks to a most generous donation by none other than Alfred and Isabel Bader themselves. The Isabel is big— very big.

I’m not just talking about the building, but also what it means for the future of Queen’s University. Not only is the Isabel the new home of the Film and Media department at Queen’s, it also houses the Music and Drama departments as well.

So, why exactly does this constitute the rebirth of creativity at Queen’s, you wonder? The Isabel features a 566-seat performance hall, a 100-seat black box theatre, and a 92-seat film screening room, as well as various event rooms, a sound studio, and fully equipped editing rooms. This shared space for the performing and visual arts means that collaborative projects will be facilitated harmoniously in an inspiring setting.

Built upon humble beginnings, the Isabel has been erected around the remnants of the stable building found on the property of Morton’s Brewery. This building was created from limestone in 1832, and was incorporated into the design after the City of Kingston sold it to Queen’s University in 2007.

an article and photography by ZANDER STARTUP

Its soon to be next-door neighbor has restructured elements of the old brewery into the Tett Centre, a centre that will operate as an arts hub in Kingston while cooperating creatively with the Isabel. Designed by Ottawa’s N45 and Oslo’s Snohetta (a Norwegian architecture and design firm responsible for a library in Alexandria, Egypt as well as a theatre in Busan, South Korea), the Isabel’s most stunning feature is its performance hall. Surrounded by rich colors and inviting warmth, the performance hall also offers a unique acoustic experience through its soundproofed two-foot walls found on all sides. It is a masterpiece that must be seen, and heard, in person.

The Isabel has its own gravitational pull, bringing in the latest talent and performers, as well as many new faces eager to bear witness to the art and beauty that the new centre holds. The Isabel is undoubtedly the newest haven on campus for studying and creative inspiration. Since it is situated at a 20-minute walk away from main campus, it is never as busy as other Queen’s buildings are, with students rushing to get from one class to another. So, if you own a bike, or you don’t mind getting your legs pumping a bit in the name of art, it can be your new haven, too.

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T U O CUT E F I L MY PHIE BARKHAM O S y b y h p a r g o ot artwork and ph

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Traditionally, the Vogue Charity Fashion Show has encompassed one overarching and inclusive theme for its entire show. However, the Creative Directors of VCFS 2014 chose to depart from this tradition— and this year, we decided to do the same. The 2015 show will be themed “Revival: Art Through the Ages”, and will depict the progression of historical art periods from the past seven centuries. From Renaissance to Pop Art, we will journey together to display a revival of art in an entirely new form: fashion. Below, VCFS has detailed this theme through a short timeline of each of the seven eras featured in the show:

RENAISSANCE

The Renaissance is one of the largest European art periods, characterized by darker colors contrasting with light colors, complex patterns, biblical imagery, and fresco painting. The context of Renaissance art profoundly changed the culture of Europe by encouraging artists to look at nature carefully and consider the human experience as a valid subject of art.

ROCOCO

The Rococo style is ornate and used lighter pastel hues, asymmetrical designs, and curves, while promoting playful and witty themes. Originating primarily in architecture, Rococo is characterized by delicate and intimate imagery that evoked happiness and playfulness.

IMPRESSIONISM

Impressionism often resembles a snapshot, characterized by natural landscapes, diffused lighting, and thin brushstrokes. Altogether vibrant, visionary, and emotive, Impressionist artists paint what they see, rather than what they know.

EXPRESSIONISM

Expressionism permeated fine arts, architecture, theatre, and film. Artists often resist stylistic categorization, but emphasize dynamic, energetic gestures, distortions from reality, stark contrasts, and agitated movements.

CUBISM

Cubism, intended to be this year’s men’s wear line, emphasizes the geometric nature of forms, containing colour-blocking, broken and reassembled imagery, and muted colors. Cubist painters reject the inherited concept that art should copy nature, as well as the adoption of traditional perspectives and modeling techniques.

Pop Art is minimalistic, containing bright colors, geometric shapes, bold lines, and repetition, and often including imagery from popular culture. Our most popular era will feature heavy, exaggerated hair and makeup to reflect its comic book-like qualities. The concept of Pop Art refers less to the art itself and more to the attitudes that led to it.

We at VCFS hope that this theme connects with you and inspires you.

Fashion is not only about appearances; it is about being imaginative, innovative, and experimental. Our show seeks to push the boundaries of fashion and art — will you do the same?

SURREALISM

Surrealism allowed artists to create unnerving, uncanny, and illogical scenes often evocative of dreams and the unconscious, particularly those concerning sexuality and violence. Blue hues, skylines, mystery, and concepts pulled from the works of Sigmund Freud characterize this era. Surrealism grew from the desire to push the boundaries of socially acceptable behavior and traditions in order to discover pure thought, as well as the artist’s true nature.

Vogue Charity Fashion Show runs from February 28th – March 2nd at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts.

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POP ART

an article by VCFS CREATIVE DIRECTORS Katy Maclaclachlan, Erin Millar, and Mckenzine Cairns

an article and photography by KRISHNA PATEL Lawsonia inermis: the plant from which mehndi, or “henna”, is made. The plant is dried, crushed, and mixed into a paste using lemon juice, sugar, and essential oils for scent and warmth. For centuries, cultures from Egypt to India have applied this natural paste to nails, skin, fabric, and hair as an aesthetic enhancement.

Today, it has made its way onto the hands of students all over campus, in the form of intricate, unique designs. Traditional henna designs are often compared to lace, and are inspired by the sun and earth. They also often incorporate twists, turns, leaves, flowers, and, notably, peacocks.

Many folktales talk of the traits henna possesses: it is believed to promote fertility, ward off evil, and bring good luck.

Furthermore, henna is associated with marriage and love. Often an entire night is dedicated to bridal henna application—to adorn the designs can take upwards of 6 hours! One cheeky, age-old tradition is hiding the name or initials of the bride’s groom somewhere within the intricate details of her henna. The goal, post wedding ceremony, is for her new husband to find his hidden name. Another popular belief for a bride involves the intensity of the henna’s colour. Tradition says the darker her henna, the more her husband will love her.

Although it is pretty unlikely that henna is actually an indicator of of one’s future

romantic endeavors (but you can dream on!), there is an actual reason behind the colour of the henna stain. Its intensity concerns blood circulation and body warmth, and warming your hands by any means will allow the ink pigments activated by the lemon in henna to darken.

Typically, a design done with natural henna will last between 3-5 days before fading begins.

Modern artists have expanded henna patterns from traditional nature designs to fit Aztec and abstract inspirations.

Some bridal artists go so far as to decorate their pastes with glitter, for aesthetic and durability purposes. As an artist, my designs stem from my love of symmetry, though the shape of a hand allows me to branch away from repetitive patterns into randomized curves and shapes. Henna paste as a medium can often prove challenging— like with pencil and paint, shading can be achieved, but it requires much more practice. The texture, and the cone container henna comes in, also hinder its workability.

The recent trend towards antiquity and bohemian fashion has brought henna to the forefront of modern style. As a unique temporary accessory, henna designs have made their way into contemporary art. Following the trend of wearable art pieces, henna is no longer only a cultural component, but also an expression of style individuality.

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GOING

UNDERGROUND an article by SAM HUME photography by SAHIB PURBA

Speaking as a fourth year Queen’s University student, the nightlife in Kingston has become quite stale. Each location in the hub tends to provide me with the same experience: large crowds, sticky floors, blurry photographs, and strained eyes from trying to see through the darkness and strobe lights. Overall, my nights have turned into a series of similar stories with repetitive endings.

Yet the funny thing about these nightclubs is, it’s not really the location that influences my night out. These clubs, with their lights on and music off, are just big, empty shells, with dirty carpets and barren walls.

But there is one unique nightclub on campus— and no, I am not talking about Club Stauff. The Underground is not just a space, but also a hub for art and Queen’s culture. Walking down the stairs, students are faced with a large graffiti wall, accompanied by neon pink paint and dim lighting seducing them to come inside. Indoors, you’ll find a selection of murals and stylized designs, composed of acrylic and spray paints. These designs capture the essence of community and youth, with a hint of sensuality; qualities that describe all that The Underground has to offer.

In August of 2013, the TAPS management team called upon students of the Fine Arts program to bring their creativity to The Underground. Because of their talent, these students were given an opportunity to leave their mark on a space that belongs to the Queen’s community. Following the re-branding of the Underground, the management and artists opted for a design that would emulate the bright works of various famous street artists. Outside of this idea, the artists’ direction was not restricted in any way, leaving their creativity to guide them.

In darkness or in light, The Underground’s artwork and design injects the nightclub with a unique ambience and visual experience.

The graffiti tags, painted acrylic pair of locked lips, and Morse code over the main bar all offers unique ingredients lacking in many Kingston clubs. These artists didn’t just paint pretty pictures on the walls of The Underground, but rather gave the club character and life.

The Underground has been pushing boundaries for the past two years. As a student nightclub, it has challenged the status quo in terms of both design and Kingston night culture. Nightlife is meant to be exciting, especially because it is the one time we’re allowed to step outside of our daily lives and be who we want to be. The Underground differentiates itself by offering more than just a space to let go and come as you wish—it offers an invitation into a stimulating nightlife community.

37 | ART

Geoffrey James’

inside kingston penItentiary The hauntingly beautiful Inside Kingston Penitentiary exhibit by Geoffrey James’ is currently on display in the Agnes Etherington Art Centre. James is an artist and photographer whose work is infamously known to explore the relationship between human society and its social and physical surroundings. James’ work can be described as equal parts evocative and thought provoking— his images of the last moments he managed to capture of the Kingston to its closure last September are the perfect example of this. The images themselves portray every aspect of the prison itself, from the daily monotony of prison life to the exceptionalities of violent offender segregation cells and inmate cell artwork. His frequent employment of the panoramic landscape shot certainly puts 21st century Instagram users to shame.

One of James’ images captures the south-facing guard wall of the prison, overlooking Lake Ontario and the Wolfe Island windmills.

What struck me the most was not the inherent quality of the photo itself, but the thought provocation that ensued afterwards. Sitting in the gallery, I discussed with a friend my ideas regarding the view of the Island’s windmills in the distance, reflected over the lake. It seems that we, as Queen’s University students, look out unto that same view. However, we see it from a drastically opposite position, especially when we consider the dichotomies of socio-economic status, privilege, and freedom. Yet, spatially, our position and physical sense of nearness couldn’t bring our locations any closer together— all of which goes to say that James was yet again successful in arousing questions of human positioning within our social and physical surroundings.

The Agnes only displays a portion of the complete Inside Kingston Penitentiary collection. However, within the exhibit itself there are two bound copies of the collection in its entirety, available for perusal. Upon examining one of the bound collections, I was exposed to just how effectively James managed to juxtapose the individual to their physical surroundings, purely through his employment of the photograph. The exhibit as a whole is beautiful and frightening, engaging and accessible— the latter even more so when you consider that admission is free for all Queen’s students.

The Agnes Etherington Art Centre is an amazing resource on campus, and I would highly recommend perusing their collections if you haven’t already. The breadth of art available is one of the largest and most extensive for a university-based public art gallery, and I would encourage any curious or art-minded Queen’s University students to take a look at the Geoffrey James exhibit, on display in the Agnes until December 7th, 2014.

an article by TARYN WELCH

photography by ERIKA STREISFIELD

MUSE | 38

The Truth About

“college life” an article by ZOE KELSEY photography by ERIKA STREISFIELD

- history paper - reading responses

If I had access to a time machine, I would probably attend an 18th century ball, make out with Harrison Ford circa 1975, and find my pre-university self, sit her down, and explain to her a thing or two about “college life”.

Like most high school students, I was riddled with false assumptions about what this phase of my life would entail. With mostly movies to go off of, I was confused about how university could simultaneously be like The Social Network, Animal House, and Legally Blonde.

These hyperbolic impressions were with me as I moved into Victoria Hall, and some of them persisted well into my second year. Past me thought: I’m going to get drunk every night!

Wrong. I’m going to have sex every night! No. And eat KD every day because we’re just poor students ha-ha! No, stop, that’s a terrible idea. I’m probably going to gain a freshman 50! Only if you eat KD everyday— what’s wrong with you?

Listen up younger me: you’re not going to get drunk every night. No one gets drunk every night. And if they do, there is a good chance they’re struggling with alcoholism. Drinking every night is too expensive and too time consuming. Plus, we really only have three or four good “going out” tops– so forget it.

Watching a movie, or playing Euchre, makes for just as good of a Friday night if you’re with the right people.

39 | LIFESTYLE

Every movie emphasizes the crazy party scene at university, but there’s so much more to do than going dancing at bad clubs and yelling “I’m so drunk!” at eachother. So yes, go out and have a good time, but don’t feel like you’re not “yolo-ing” enough if you’re not going out every night.

Similarly, the image of the sex-crazed university student isn’t real either. Yes, you will meet people who hook up with strangers regularly, but you will also meet people who wait for someone they’re really crazy about. There is no right answer here – there’s only you and what you’re comfortable with. It’s okay to take your time. Remember that you have the power to say no (or yes!) in any circumstance. It’s also okay to be single and fantasise about Tom Hiddleston. What’s most important is that you respect yourself, and be with respectful partners too.

Finally, past me, take care of yourself. One day you’ll be in second year eating directly out of a microwaved bag of Uncle Ben’s rice and it’ll occur to you that you don’t have to eat like a child home alone for the first time. Even on the tightest budget, you really don’t have to have pasta for dinner four times a week. Likewise going to bed at 4 AM instead of at midnight.

University is what you make it, and no movie or nostalgic adult can tell you how you should enjoy your experience. Listen to your time travelling future self and set your own expectations; take care of yourself, and have fun. Easy.

As a little froshie at Queen’s University I’ve hit my first roadblock: It’s exam season and I think I’ve become victim of being stuck in Stauffer library. Whether you’re a first year like me, or a fourth year student, having a spot to call your own is key to having a great study session. Here are some little gems that you can find hidden around campus — the perfect candidates for your new favourite place to hit the books.

1. Theological Hall Study Room 415

This hidden treasure on the top floor of Theological Hall is a great room. It’s not very well-known, so it’s always empty.

It’s huge (ideal for group projects or study groups!), and has a ton a natural light.

Ideal for: Someone who prefers a quieter setting to study, or a big group of people who need a lot of space.

5. Douglas Library 2nd Floor Music Room Filled with cool vinyl records and other music, it’s a lesser-known room in Douglas library. It just as quiet as the ever so popular “Harry Potter reading room”, so if you ever find yourself trying to scramble for a spot to cram for your test, never fear. Just go down the elevator and head to the Music Room.

Ideal for: Someone who needs a hearing-a-pin-dropquiet setting and that quintessential library atmosphere to study.

So, whether you end up enjoying one of these spots or find your very own, take some time and explore the beautiful campus that surrounds us. Don’t limit yourself to being stuck in “Club Stauff”! Your perfect study spot is waiting for you, and you’ll be bound to find it somewhere if you just look.

2. Kingston Hall Red Room

Another huge room, the Red Room’s atmosphere is super casual. Filled with comfy couches, it’s always busy with people who are all just doing their own thing.

Ideal for: The student who likes a bit of background noise, or even wants to take a quick nap.

3. Sir John A. Macdonald Law Lounge The Law lounge is another chill place perfect for studying or (you guessed it) — lounging. Complete with foosball tables, it’s also the perfect place to take a short break from writing your essay.

Ideal for: If you like some background noise and a less stiff atmosphere. They also have a kitchenette on site, so you can bring your own food and drinks!

4. 3rd Floor of the Queen’s Center A floor above Common Ground, this spot is the perfect place for the student who wants the best of both worlds.

The third floor is quiet, yet comfy with couches and tables.

They also have outlets nearby each table, so there are no wars caused by duking out who gets to plug their dying laptop in.

Ideal for: The student who wants to be able to grab a bite to eat and chat with friends during study breaks!

an article by SYDNEY WONG photography by RACHEL WONG

MUSE | 40

FI N E

a guide to college cuisine by AVERY HOFFMAN

DINING PHOTOGRAPHY Jenna Gartlan DIRECTION Abigail Conners and Hannah Pearlman STYLING Abigail Conners, Hannah Pearlman and Sanam Yar MODELING Brennan Caldwell, Melanie Nelson, April Young MAKEUP Lauren Hodson

What is it? Essentially, it’s own food group; you’ve got the gourmet kind, delivery kind, and freezer kind. For these purposes we’re going with the delivery kind, which needless to say, is the best.

Why You Love It: Nothing beats hearing the doorbell ring, saying “hello” to your favorite delivery man, and opening up a box of fresh ‘za. Whether you like it smothered in chili flakes, accompanied by some random dipping sauce, or au natural, pizza is always the call.

When You Eat It: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner baby! Because, face it, everyone knows that if you don’t have cold pizza for breakfast, you aren’t really living.

A Z Z I P

MUSE | 42

E N I T POU

What Is It? A representation of all that is good, holy, and beautiful in the world.

Why You Love It: Because you are Canadian, and it’s in your blood. Don’t even pretend that your heart doesn’t beat a little faster when you pull a glistening fry out of the bunch and a string of cheese follows behind.

When You Eat It: After 2 AM. The bar is closed and you are drunk. The only next logical step is poutine. Don’t feel bad about the disgusting amount of calories you just ingested, because your odds of a hangover just folded in half. Now that’s what I call responsibly planning ahead! See you at 8:30 AM tomorrow!

43 | EDITORIAL

N E M A R What Is It? A packet containing: Justin Timberlake’s hair circa 1998, unidentifiable yellow powder, and questionable peas that you will pick out later because, ew, who likes the peas?

Why You Love It: Ever had a pizza delivered with the wrong toppings?

You probably have trust issues.

Opening up your poutine and finding an awful curds-to-fry ratio? The same goes for you! The beauty of ramen is that it’s always the same. Couldn’t even let you down if it tried. Oh, and it’s ready when you are. Reliable and convenient, people!

When You Eat It: When you have no money left in your bank account because you were, uh, buying textbooks.

MUSE | 44

Among all the commercial craziness surrounding the holidays, there is nothing sweeter than receiving a homemade gift. Getting crafty while gifting is a great way to get something for everyone on your list, even if you’re on a tight budget. What makes DIY gifts so special is that you’re always able to add a personal touch. Read below for some of our best DIY gift ideas: article and photography by RACHEL WONG and KATY MACLACHLAN

Wrapping your gifts in DIY paper adds a unique touch and is super easy to make. Purchase inexpensive Kraft paper from any office supplies store, and let your creativity flow! This paper is really sturdy, so feel free to use any paints or markers you have. Patterned Washi tape also works really well when you want to add an extra touch. To finish off wrapping your gifts, use twine instead of ribbon to give your packages a woodsy feel.

To take it a step further, you can even use some pine tree leaves as extra décor, giving your present a festive holiday look.

DIY gifts are heartfelt, fun to make, and won’t break your bank. For supplies, try scoping the dollar store craft section; they are always stocked with fun stickers and other hidden crafty treasures. Don’t fret if your DIYs are not identical to their Pinterest inspiration- the best part of DIY gifts is that they’re made from the heart.

Also, these crafty gifts are all about adding a personal touch. Make sure you always accompany your DIY present with a handwritten card, and it’s good to gift!

Jars are “all the rage” in the craft worldthey are really inexpensive and have endless DIY possibilities. Buy hot chocolate mix (any flavour you desire) and mini marshmallows (they’re much easier to fit in the jars). Layer the hot chocolate powder, then top it off with the marshmallows.

Screw the lid on tight, and you have your very own HoCho kit! To complete the kit, add a couple of accessories as well as some labels (you can make these yourself on Microsoft Word, or find already made printables online). For a “grown up” kit, you can also add a mini-size bottle of Baileys. Tie it with a festive ribbon, and there you have it! A great gift for anyone on your list!

Expensive Kate Spade or Moleskine notebooks are beautiful, but it is way easier (and less expensive) to decorate them yourself! Depending on who the giftee is, you can even decorate them based on their personality. Find notebooks with a hard spine (I found mine at the dollar store), as well as any stickers (or Washi tape!) you want to use. Decorate to your heart’s content. For the more ambitious crafter, you can also use permanent markers (metallic ones look very festive), and draw your own designs.

Add a bookmark by gluing a ribbon or a tassle (which are super easy to make!) inside the spine of the notebook with a glue gun. Vibrant colours always look great. For more inspiration on how to decorate your notebooks, you can also browse Pinterest or your nearby Indigo stationary section to get the creative juices flowing.

MUSE | 46

F It doesn’t just roll off the tongue. It is incredibly gratifying to pronounce in a number of different ways, with all types of inflections. Punctuating the “ph” and “ck” keeps it quick and sharp, appropriate for situations requiring a sudden reaction. For example, burning your hand while attempting to retrieve an oven pizza.

Drawing out the “u’”like a piece of gum can express an impending sense of doom, as it slowly dawns upon you that your assignment was due two weeks ago.

Although commonly used to relay negative emotions, “fuck”, and it’s eleven grammatical variations, can be used in the context of literally any emotion— even at the happiest end of the spectrum, where it is commonly used in conjunction with, “oh my god!”

DROPPING IT

When we’ve got something so wonderfully versatile and descriptive on it’s own, it would be logical to assume that a chain of them would be even better. Here I introduce the “F-cluster bomb”. To drop an “F-cluster bomb” means to send a barrage of “fucks” into the immediate air.

Dramatic as it sounds, this is actually the way most of us speak, consciously or not.

Consider this sentence:

“Yesterday man, I went to McDonalds at four fucking AM and ordered a fucking McGriddle.

Best fucking decision, that shit is the bomb.”

There’s a good chance we’re all guilty of tossing around “fuck” like it’s a candy cane gram and everyone is Glen Coco. Our brains have grown so accustomed to swearing that it’s become synonymous to using “like” and “literally”. We use these words with such high frequency that they are retrieved on default from our mental word bank to fill and connect sentence gaps. Where dropping an F-bomb may have once elicited gasps and giggles along with a stern talk and a phone call to the parents, now it doesn’t deserve a single bat of an eyelash.

It this a bad thing?

We’ll consider expletives your personal storage of verbal arsenal. Firing a stream of obscenities into the air tends to nullify their intended effect, which is to emphasize your fucking point. Ultimately, how you choose to filter your language is up to you as an individual. However, when given the choice, it may be wiser to selectively choose appropriate times and settings to launch your F-bomb— that way, you get more bang for your fuck.

47 | LIFESTYLE

UCK.

an article by CALISTA KIM

F

By now I’m sure it’s safe to say that most of us are obsessed with Instagram. Whether you fill your feed with fashion shots, fitsporation, faraway places, or funny animals, we can all agree that food shots rule the Insta-kingdom…

Except for maybe shameless selfies with awkward captions (#wokeuplikethis).

Nailing that instachef shot is quite the art form. There are several approaches you can take to maximize that delicious goodness you created, and to show off your culinary skills to the best of your ability. No one wants to see a force flash on some sad steak and mashed potatoes. I’m no professional chef, but I self-proclaim myself an Instagram-obsessed foodie, so I will teach you the ways while showcasing some Queen’s University Insta-pros along the way.

1.

MAKE IT ÜBER-HEALTHY

4.

THE

Any semi-decent photographer or selfie master knows that natural light is key. Make sure you’re taking your pictures in a space with big windows to minimize graininess and shadows, and to enhance the colors of your creation. For getting that restaurant snap, a patio is the perfect type of lighting, but inside in the dark will just never turn out the way you want.

3.

2.

LIGHTING

WORK

Everyone knows that going crazy healthy is super trendy right now. Admit it, you’ve tried to make one of those glowing green goddess smoothies— and it probably turned a weird dark greeny-brown. I must admit, smoothies are my go-to breakfast, and I’ve mastered the perfect healthy-but-delicious recipe. But— they will never look pretty. If you’re hell-bent on showcasing your post-gym smoothie game, take cues from instagram accounts like @befitsmoothies or @therawfoodie. Gorgeous colours, crazy superfood toppings, and flavour layering will get you the most appreciation from your beloved followers.

H OW T O NA I L T H AT # I N S T A C H E F S H O T

BACK

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Depending on your personal style, you might want a certain background for your food shot. A popular style is just a simple white background that highlights your food’s yumminess. You could also choose to use a cute printed pillow/blanket/scarf for your photo’s backdrop. Whatever you choose, make sure the background isn’t just your grimy kitchen counter smeared with remnants of last night’s drunk KD munch… it happens.

GO

EXOTIC

Personally, I am obsessed with food from all over the world, and I love it when people post pictures of quality international dishes. When what seemed like most of our graduating class went on exchange (including me, but Sweden wasn’t exactly a culinary mecca), instagram blew up with delicious looking meals from across the continents. This is great because it lends inspiration for trying (and documenting!) new foods you may have never considered before. Yes, sushi is always a good bet for getting a decent picture and racking up the likes, but an iPhone pic of your ten dollar Gina Sushi lunch order just won’t cut it.

So there you have it! A simple guide to unleashing your inner #instachef. @erikabrighton @kellbill_vol2

an article by ERIKA PREECE @tessbev

MUSE | 48

49 | LIFESTYLE

doctor friendship

They make you laugh, they make you smile, and sometimes they’ll drive you crazy, but the truth is, your friends are probably one of the best things about university. It is certainly true that friends are the family you choose, but what happens when one member of your squad is acting a little less “friend” and a little more “enemy”? You know the girl; she always has a not-so-nice comment, a flaky excuse for bailing on your dinner plans, and more drama than season one of Gossip Girl. “Frenemies” can be a toxic virus, and if you think your friendship is in the ER, there is no shame in cutting a nasty gal pal loose. Navigating a BFF break up is tough stuff, but with these simple remedies success is guaranteed.

the diagnosis: little miss jealous

the diagnosis: queen of the drama

Symptoms Everything about you drives her crazy and she can’t keep her jealousy inside. If you get a great mark on a midterm she’ll tell you it wasn’t good enough, if you hook up with a cute guy she’ll scoff, and if you look on point for class she’ll find a flaw.

This is the kind of girl who won’t stop chirping you (for the dumbest things), and it’s all because she’s green with envy.

Symptoms Drama queens are typically defined by their over the top reactions to just about everything, their petty problems, and their undying narcissism. This is the kind of friend who constantly drowns you in her shallow-minded issues (i.e. her boyfriend didn’t text her back within 5 minutes, she chipped a nail, she couldn’t find anything gluten free for lunch, etc.) Whenever you’re with this friend it’s all drama, all the time, and it’s starting to get on your nerves.

The Cure Jealous friends want to make themselves feel better by insulting you, so take everything they say with a serious grain of salt. The best approach for dealing with a green-eyed girlfriend is bucking up the confidence to call her out on her comments. While there is no need to start an all-out catfight, there is also no need for her angry remarks to be getting you down. Playfully remind your friend “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it”, and see if she gets the clue.

The Cure The easiest way to combat a friend who constantly blathers on about her so-called “issues” is to not feed the fire. Don’t obsess over all her issues with her and analyze every little scenario to death. Whenever she tries to make something “a thing”, just play it cool and let it pass. Chances are, she’ll find someone else to blab to, and your friendship will be way less crazy.

the diagnosis: last on their list Symptoms When her plans fall through she isn’t afraid to come to you, but it stings knowing you’re always her Plan B. You can’t help but feel awkward knowing the only reason you’re chilling is because her prior plans failed to formulate. No one deserves to feel like a second-rate friend, so why are you letting this chick make you her backup?

The Cure Relationships are a two-way street, and your friends should never make you feel like you were their last choice. To take a tip from our sociology textbooks, let’s look at the social exchange theory, which was built around the consensus that relationships are an exchange between parties. Bottom line? Successful relationships only work when the costs and benefits are equal, and the friend who comes to you last is clearly not concerned about equality. This is the kind of friend you won’t regret not being available for. The next time she texts you ten minutes before she wants to get together, consider whether or not it’s worth it— chances are, it’s not!

Dealing with friendship ups and downs requires patience and tolerance, but at the end of the day you’ll find out who your real friends are. One last piece of advice? Relationships can be complicated— be a good friend everyday and hopefully you’ll keep the frenemies away!

an article by ANNIE ROBINSON

MUSE | 50

(107) DAYS

article and photography

by CAITLYN MCTAVISH

OF

SUMMER

This is a story of girl meets world.

The girl, Caitlyn of Queen’s University, grew up believing that life would truly begin during her third year exchange. This belief stemmed from early exposure to Mary-Kate and Ashley movies and Audrey Hepburn. Caitlyn left for Québec on May 10th. She will later learn that this is the experience she has been searching for. This is a story of girl meets world, but you should know upfront, this is a love story.

“Bon matin, Bon matin super journée!” I would cheer each morning as I enjoyed the ultimate freedom and endless time that was to make up most of my summer. I had finally become a flower of Québec, enriching my mind and soul with endless opportunities and blossoming wonderment. On my own, I was able to become exactly who I’d always wanted to be: a happy-go-lucky Frenchie working at Urban Outfitters, while also sketching, talking to tourists, dancing on Rue Saint-Jean, journaling on the terrace of Château Frontenac, and rock climbing Montmorency Falls. Exploring the endless and enchanting excitement Québec had to offer with a sweet tooth and a sweet heart.

You can travel even if you stay in one place. Meeting new people, discovering new paths, and getting a fresh outlook can happen from just eight hours away. So for those of you who long to travel and hope to learn more about this wellkept secret, here is my story thus far...

When packing for my summer trip to Québec, I knew the most important thing to bring was “the Cassie smile”, coined by my ever-upbeat Don. A smile that put to ease my worries about beginning My Explore at the University of Trois-Rivières, a smile that encouraged me to be ready for a great adventure.

Now may I remind you, this is a love story. I say this because I fell in love with everyone I met— their stories, the culture, and their lifestyles.

The program was intense and challenging, and I loved every bit of it! Weekends consisted of bigger adventures, travelling to and from Montréal and Québec City. Some of my best memories were learning how to canoe with my best friends, laughing at karaoke with everyone at Explore, writing my own happy endings with long-haired heartbreakers, a one week backpacking trip with Jess, experiencing Osheaga with my sister, and being a true fox of life.

51 | LIFESTYLE

As I was documenting these wondrous, magical adventures, it became my priority to not forgot one thing— not one interaction. I realized that the best memories were the ones of time spent with the people I cared about, trying new things and stepping out of our comfort zones. This summer has taught me more than I have ever learned in class— it taught me how to be myself, and how to be comfortable by myself.

Throught this trip, I became the best version of me.

B

B

an article by CAMERON HORACK photography by JENNA GARTLAN

eards. They come in five or six colors, they’re often prickly, and they’ve been in the crosshairs of the trend setters, the internet machine, and whoever comes up with products for the home living section of Urban Outfitters for so long now that one has to wonder how long the trend will last. Be it a comparison to Ernest Hemingway levels of manliness, an association with the smells of pipe tobacco andmahogany, or embellishing them with flowers, I believe it is safe to say that our society has a beard fetish— including all beard subsidiaries such as moustaches, goatees, and others of their ilk. I myself started growing a beard on a whim about five months ago. Three months in and I had a pretty established beard. I figured I’d shave it off since I was getting bored (and getting lots of complaints about its prickliness from my girlfriend). However, once I’d shaved it off, my face felt somewhat naked. My look seemed like it had less edge sans beard. I didn’t feel like the bad guy walking into the saloon in a western movie; instead I was just some other beardless nobody in the checkout line at Food Basics. Had I shaved off a part of my identity? Apparently the beard had grown on me a little more than I had thought.

In order to get some other philosophical thoughts on the matter, I asked somebody with a beard way bigger than mine. If you don’t know Robbie, you’ve probably seen him around campus sporting a beard that sits about a foot long. Here are some of his thoughts on beards: So tell us a little bit about your beard.

Robbie: I started growing my beard in May of 2013. I’d had scruff since I was 15 or 16, but I’d never really gone for a full-on beard. Then May came around and my beard got to a certain length and I would have to trim it back down to scruff... but that time came and went. I kept meaning to shave it back, but it was just not a priority, so it got to the point where I had a beard.

So I thought, “why don’t I just let it go, why don’t I just keep growing this”, so I did... I found a community on the Internet called Reddit/beards where there’s a whole bunch of people who talk about their beards and how to maintain them. While I was looking through this community I found this thing called a yeard. It’s a yearlong beard where you don’t trim it, you don’t cut it, and you just let it grow for a year.

So your yeard is up, you’ve decided to keep it, but you did get a trim. How were you feeling in the barber chair?

Robbie: I was gripping the armchairs of this barber chair like death was coming for me when he brought a blade to my beard. It’s a really sentimental part of me. I honestly care about it much more than my hair.

So thoughts of anxiety?

Robbie: I had a lot of anxiety, oh my god. I trusted this man with the most important thing I have... arguably. So I had to have a lot of trust, and we got through it together. He did a great job and I was very happy. We hugged it out afterwards; he’s now my beard barber.

At what point did you realize that your beard took on a bigger part of you than just hair on your face?

Robbie: I think I realized a beard was a bigger part of my identity when people started noticing I didn’t just have scruff, but actually had a beard. That was around the time that I could start curling it and playing with it. I liked the way I looked, I liked the way it felt, and it was great in the winter. So I thought, “why don’t I go for it”? Some people, of course, were negative about it and that’s okay, they’ve sort of fallen by the wayside if they’ve continued to not like it. I mean, it’s such an important part of me.

A lot of Robbie’s story resonated with my own beard-ginnings and feelings of attachment to the beard. Will beards of the 2010’s be as iconic as the porn ‘stache of the 1970’s? I guess we’ll just have to wait 30 or so years to see if our kids grow them and put flowers in them to look retro.

A Beard Grew On A Man Reflecting On Existence Read on to meet a few more bearded beauties on campus...

53 | EDITORIAL

Photography by Jenna Gartlan Direction by Abigail Conners and Hannah Pearlman Modeling by Jared Chernoff, Jack Murphy, and Howard Shaw Makeup by Lauren Hodson

MUSE | 54

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Inherently, I am a bit of a beauty product snob. Now, that isn’t to say that I believe all expensive products work better— I know the feeling of opening a $30 mascara in the hopes of getting Twiggy lashes, and ending up looking like Twiggy after a particularly rough night at Studio 54. After several of such disappointments, I knew it was time for a change. In keeping with the gluten-free/dairyfree/soul-free health food trend, I thought I would jump on board and try out some more natural beauty solutions. I mean, if oil pulling is good enough for Gwyneth Paltrow, the mecca of all things organic and weird, shouldn’t it be good enough for me? So read on, and let yourself decide which of the latest natural beauty trends are worth trying, and which are better used in your next meal.

natural

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beau

aztec secret indian healing clay First off, isn’t the name of this amazing? The tantalizing promise of a mysterious beauty secret is enough to hook me. I have both sensitive and acne prone skin (joy), and this goes on like a dream.

You mix one tablespoon of the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay mask with one tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar, a product gaining popularity in the skincare blogosphere. Be aware that the mask has a sort of “pulsing” sensation as it sinks into the skin, which both my housemate, Sarah, and I found mildly alarming at first. My advice is to just ride it out—try to visualize the pulsating as a vacuum sucking up the gunk in your pores. After about ten minutes, rinse the mask off with warm water in a circular motion—this may take a while, as it is quite thick—and then follow up with a moisturizer, because your skin has literally been cleansed within an inch of its life. Although the mask seems a little intense, I experienced no breakouts, inflammation, or rashing: just clear, calm skin. This product is also super cheap to order off the web and comes in a MASSIVE container, so it really is a steal. 10/10.

natural deoderant

I probably took the greatest leap of faith with this product. We all depend on deodorant like an old friend—there to get us through the fun times, the stressful times, and the romantic times (if you know what I mean). Regular, clinical deodorants have been completely chastised as life ruining sticks of sin, but I was still skeptical about ditching my beloved Secret for a healthier alternative. My housemate had a natural deodorant that comes in a little spray bottle, which I tried out in several different scenarios. First off, I spritzed some on before a spin class, which was most definitely a bust. While the sweating was expected, the smell was not, and I ran from that class for dear life after it was done. Igave the deodorant one more chance, during a class presentation that I was fairly anxious about (I was more nervous about my scent than the presentation itself, ironically). However, this product performed well during my thirty minutes of public speaking, and I left the class smelling peachy clean. Moral of the story? Natural deodorant is a great alternative for everyday situations, but if you know you are going to hard-core sweat, my twelve year old self knew best: grab some Secret.

oil pulling

I use coconut oil for so many things, I’m starting to sound like an infomercial (use it in your hair! use it on your body! use it to attract males!), but I will admit that I was slightly skeptical about this practice. Oil pulling is the process of swishing oil around in your mouth for TWENTY MINUTES in the hopes of whiter teeth, fresher breath, and increased mouth health. I took a tablespoon of coconut oil and melted it in my mouth, which I have to admit was pretty disgusting. My housemate reported an overwhelming urge to swallow the oil, whereas I can report an overwhelming urge to spit it out.

However, I kept at the swishing in the name of hard-hitting journalism. When it was over, my mouth felt... exactly the same as before. I really doubt I’d have twenty minutes to dedicate to this practice every day, and I think for now my Colgate, you know, actually cleans my teeth. This was not for me.

avocado, egg, and olive oil hair mask

I am a big fan of hair masks because of my dry, fine hair. The one I usually buy is so expensive I canhear my credit card quietly crying when I fork it over to the cashier, so this DIY mask seemed like a welcome reprieve. I concocted the recipe with my other housemate, Sawyer: it consists of two eggs, an avocado, and two tablespoons of olive oil. We mashed the ingredients together, combed the guacamole like mixture through wet hair, and protected it by covering our heads with plastic bags—I know, glamorous. After about twenty minutes, we rinsed the masks out and waited for our hair to turn into Gisele Bundchen locks. However, we both had very different results—my hair dried shiny and strong, while my housemate could barely put a brush through her moisture-depleted mane. I’m going to chalk this one up to different hair textures, as she has much thicker strands than yours truly. Because you probably have all of these ingredients in your house, I would suggest giving it a try, but be forewarned—you will look like someone threw a salad at your head, so you might want to shut the blinds while you go through the process.

Fellow beauty snobs, try some of these methods out for yourself. If all else fails, at least we can use the money we saved for drinks at QP. My treat.

uty solutions

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F

Photo Diary:

rom the entrance of Macchu Picchu, one can witness, and duly admire, this example of ingenious rock formation engineering for all that it is: an architectural marvel. Building a city for modern day planners is challenge enough on flat ground— but this city was erected on a mountain, leaving it an incredibly slanted land. Wandering through the spaces of the current farming quarters casually found on one of the world’s greatest wonders, I learnt that Macchu Picchu is more than countless slabs of rock thrown together.

Rather, it was an innovation center for the Inca civilization. One of the incredible techniques the Incas employed was their method for fertilization and growing agriculture on imbalanced land; Mother Nature had her way. The slant of the mountain during the wet-season became the irrigation they needed for growing crops all throughout their farmland.

Scattered through Peru’s timeline are revolts and attempted revolutions— toward an eventual colonization. The final calling was the Peruvian-Spanish war, which brought tumult to citizens. Nevertheless, it brought the transference of architectural ideals to Peru as well. With the fusion of Hispanic and Amerindian culture, the wave of colonial and European romanticism had surfaced.

The post-revolution era officiates the dominant influence of Spanish styles in Peru. This is exemplified throughout many beautiful works of neoclassical architecture, such as the Cathedral of Cuzco and the Church of Santa Clara. Wandering through the magnificent Pedro de Osma, a replica of a European urban center, I felt like a figurine from a Jane Austen novel. A significant sector of Lima, the township of Barranco, perfectly illustrates the income inequalities and social differences found between the Peruvian populations.

Expatriates and wealthy locals inhabited the areas with large amounts of European architecture; however a few kilometers away one found just the opposite.

A famous by-product of Confederation was the rise of constructive functionalism, which can be best seen by visiting the eclectic arch in Lima, current capital city of Peru. San Martin Plaza, both on an architectural level and urban planning perspective, epitomizes Peru as the European city Spain had always envisioned.

“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.”

-Winston Churchill

Spain-in-Progress In 1821, General Jose de San Martin liberated Lima from the Spanish, proclaiming Peru an independent nation. Throughout the nation of Peru, one can witness these distinct periods of history by viewing parts of their architecture found in Peru’s diverse urban settings.

Peru’s history can be categorized into three distinct time periods, which starts with the story of the Incas.

As I arrived in Cusco, full of remnants of the Inca dynasty, the city center was thriving. With vendors in every corner of the square, I could not help but ponder over the artisan crafts and gems produced by the locals, or pant over the aromas of roasted cuy (guinea pig). But to really experience the power of the city, I learned to look up. Above the city center stands towering architectural manifestos, infrastructure that defines Cusco today. Catholicism, being the dominant religion, was portrayed through the cathedrals and churches scattered around the city. Amidst the architectural splendor, I constantly had to remind myself that I was not in the historic times of Spain, but in the southern hemisphere.

The Incas, or indigenous people of Peru, were part of a civilization that created similar architecture to that of Mycenaean Greece, or the great cities of Mesopotamia. With massive blocks of masonry, some of the best examples of their structures are found in the city of Cuzco. Granite and limestone, available in large quantities locally, became the most common structural tools. Many rock structures used are found to have natural fracture lines, made using wood planks and water to produce orthogonal contours. This infrastructure technique is highlighted at Machu Picchu, the prime spectacle of the 15th century located in the Cusco region of Peru.

an article and photography by BRITTANY LEE

For more work by Brittany, visit: www.brittafilters.wordpress.com

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WHO WE ARE: JACLYN MARCUS

DIAHANNA RAMADHAR

ABIGAIL CONNERS

LAUREN LUCHENSKI

JUDY TO

LULU TONG

SANAM YAR

RACHEL WONG

SOPHIE BARKHAM

HANNAH PEARLMAN

LEANDRA GUILLET

KATELYN MACLACHLAN

SHANNON MCCABE

RILEY ZUCKERMAN

JENNA GARTLAN

ERIKA MISASI

SAHIB PURBA

RYLEE ELFERT

ASHLYN GARCIA

MICHAEL KIRREH

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yours creatively, SHANELLE FURTADO

NICK PERRY

TEGAN VALENTINE

KATHERINE KIM

JACLYN SANSCARTIER

TIFFANY TANG

ZANDER STARTUP

ENOCH NCUBE

ALEXANDER KOPIJ

VIVIAN LAU

JAMES DAVIS

AGNES WONG

The MUSE Team

2014-2015

NATALIE KUGLER

photography by Jenna Gartlan not pictured: Rachel Adams, Sarah Elston, Avery Hoffman, Melissa Lin, Erika Streisfield

TO ALL THOSE WITH A FASHION CONSCIENCE an article by JACLYN MARCUS Editor-in-chief

It has happened too many times: I am out at a party, and the inevitable conversation about what I want my future career to be comes up. After listening to those around me describe their dreams of becoming a teacher, or a doctor, or a lawyer, my turn comes. I mumble, half-heartedly, “I want to go into fashion.” Suddenly, I feel like the emptiest, most evil consumer to ever live. But I want to justify myself, and all my other future fashion industry fellows, here.

When I was 19 my mother passed away, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. When I think of my mother, I think of her vivacious personality, her endless love for her family, and lastly, of her style. The way my mother dressed represented herself: she was always put together, permanently covered head-to-toe in the chicest shades of black, and she loved to wear pearls.

Once my mother was diagnosed, it was very important to her not to look sick. I remember going shopping with her for an outfit for the holidays; all she wanted was to be her usual, put-together self. It was important to my mother to find clothes that covered her scars from the surgery she had undergone to remove her tumours. When we were walking together in the hospital, my mother wished and wanted to not be immediately stereotyped, upon first glance at least, as “sick”— her clothes helped her to do that.

Many of the gifts that were given to my mother by friends and family were related to her ability to present herself properly: matching pyjama sets to wear to the hospital, or having her hairdresser come to our house to do her hair, because she could no longer go to him. And I never saw my mother light up as much as when my sister and I would sit to do her nails for her. I think one of the hardest moments for my mother during her illness was when she no longer had the energy to dress herself. Not because she was vain in the slightest— rather because she knew that the simple act of styling oneself is a great act of independence, a message that shows the world around us we are who we want to be. I’m not sure that most of us realize that. Limits on what we wear (either from society, or actual physical limits, like those from illness) are a limit to who we are as people.

So the next time you feel guilty for wanting to go into fashion, or question, as I have so many times before, if the world truly needs more of the fashion industry, think about this: Working in fashion doesn’t have anything to do with the runways, the models, or the clothes. Fashion is about giving someone the means to express themself; it’s about allowing someone to be independent, and liberated— or giving them the ability to not feel sick, even if it’s just for a little while.

If you immerse your work— fashion, or otherwise— with passion and purpose, then it will become meaningful.

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