October 2024: All The Things We Cannot See

thread

thread CONTENTS

WHO, WHAT, WEAR

18 Runway Realway: Heavenly Bodies

20 Runway Realway: Iris Van Herpen 2019 Couture

22 Celeb Style: Ethel Cain 24 Celeb Style: Lil Nas X 26 Anti-Aging Cosmetics 27 Styling Spirituality

Unveiling Tradition

The History of Henna

Chappell Roan 34 Mary Shelley: Forming Frankenstein

5 Haunted Places in Southeast Ohio:

38 The Ridges

39 Moonville

40 Ohio State Reformatory

41 Wilson Hall & Licking County Historic Jail

MIDDLE OF THE BOOK

44 Slumber Party Possession

56 Sirens

68 The Secret World of Plants & Insects

80 Parallel Universes

92 Six Looks: North American Urban Legend Inspired Fashion

CAMPUS CASUAL

100 Studying the Stars

102 QUIZ: Which philosopher are you?

104 BTS: Producing Pride & Prejudice

FEATURES

108 Dealing with the Dead

112 Recognizing Responsibility

116 Passionate Prodigies

ALL THE THINGS WE CANNOT SEE

BACK OF THE CLOSET

120 Dia de los Muertos

122 Hijabs in Athletics

124 The Science of Soundwaves

126 Mindful Movement

128 In Good Fashion: Steven Rhodes

130 Rant/Rave: Astrology

Haute Online

Looking for a new internet obsession? Whether you want to listen to podcasts or watch some videos, weive got you covered virtually.

THE SECRET OF US

DISHA HOQUE

Gracie Abrams’ second studio album, The Secret of Us, released June 21, and plays with concepts of falling in love, out of love and finding what love really is in all of its many forms. Throughout the summer, her album blasted through my car speakers, played in my headphones while walking, rang throughout my room while folding laundry, and continues to be replayed now that I’ve returned to campus. My social media is still flooded with commentary about the relatability of the albums lyrics and imagery, analyzing and interpreting the songs to match real-life situations.

The album’s tracks continue to be referenced in everyday conversation with my friends as we navigate living through early adulthood and forming relationships. Through admitting her own faults in ‘I love you, I’m sorry,” by singing, “trust me I know, it’s always about me,” and stating that wasting her twenties on “random men” is pointless in ‘Tough Love,’ her lyrics feel relatable and poignant for both myself and the other girls in my life. As the weather simmers down and fall begins, the tracklist remains in my ‘recentlyplayed’ during runs with friends, walking to class and when I need a soundtrack to over dramatize my teen-hood.

ROLLING STONE

FRAGRANTICA

ABBY JOYNER

I have recently become enamored with perfume and the art of smelling good, amassing a small collection of scents from trendy brand Sol de Janeiro, Bella Hadid’s new fragrance line Orebella, and luxury perfume house Kheir which line my vanity. It is a difficult decision each morning, choosing which scent will define my presence for the day. For this reason, I am now an avid user of the perfume social media site Fragrantica. While its interface is dated and can sometimes be difficult to navigate, Fragrantica provides a wonderful platform where users can rate, log, and review perfumes, search for scents based on preferred notes, and even add specific perfumes to their wishlist.

Fragrantica provides a comprehensive platform that includes over 90,000 perfumes, nearly 2,000,000 reviews, and lists the full notes for each fragrance. Users can also provide feedback for each scent they have tried, commenting on attributes like longevity, sillage (the radius of the scent), and price value. Fragrantica is a fun platform that reminds me of playing dressup games on my family computer growing up, allowing me to create a virtual gallery of my scent history.

DANCING WITH THE STARS CAMI SEYMORE

After its start in 2005, “Dancing with the Stars” remains one of the biggest reality TV shows to date. Celebrities are partnered up with professional dancers and in a ballroom dance competition, where they perform live and are eliminated weekly based on the audience’s votes.

Season 33 premiered on Sept. 17, featuring big names like Olympians Ilona Maher and Stephen Nedoroscik, NBA player Dwight Howard, along with Bachelor Joey Graziadei and Bachelorette Jenn Tran. However, the most shocking celebrity to join the cast is Anna Delvey, a con artist sporting her bedazzled ankle monitor on the dance floor.

The dynamics between the pairings are hilarious to watch. Howard and his partner,

Daniella Karagach, have a staggering foot-anda-half height difference, making choreography challenging to put together. Delvey is pretty negative about dancing all together, but has the slightest smile on her face when she’s around her partner, Ezra Sosa.

Watching these celebrities attempt to match these professional dancers is entertaining, but watching them together on social media is even better. Whether you’re supporting your favorite celebrity or actually watching the dancing, season 33 might just be the best season of “Dancing with the Stars” to date.

Being a college student on a budget often means that if you want to wear brand name fashion, you have to get creative. A site that I’ve been loving recently is ThredUp. ThredUp is an online consignment and thrift store that sells clothes, shoes, and accessories (some up to 90% off retail). When you create an account and log your sizes, only items that fit within your personal categories show up. The ThredUp tagline is: “Inspiring new generations to think secondhand first.”

I love this concept not only for the affordable fashion and brand names, but because buying secondhand is a sustainable solution to buying new clothing items as it reduces waste and conserves resources. This includes cutting down on the trash pollution that goes into the ocean. ThredUp is truly fashion you can feel good about, and designer that won’t break the bank.

THREDUP

LILA NEWMAN

5 TOP

Find out the top five things that our exec board is inspired by right now.

PORCHES

SOPHIA ROOKSBERRY

One of the unspoken benefits of growing up in college is moving off campus, an experience that comes with innumerable freedoms and perks. Although I knew I would enjoy living off campus, an unexpected favorite thing I have found about my house in Athens is my porch. It’s no wraparound veranda, but my porch is spacious enough to seat myself, my four roommates and a decent amount of houseguests. After only two months living in my house, the porch already holds more memories than any other space in town, from my friends and I gathering outside to debrief the party we just came from to late nights sitting alone just to get some fresh air. I’ll often come home from a long day uptown to see my roommates sitting on our wicker outdoor furniture, sometimes working on an art project, sometimes reading a book, and sometimes just observing the people and cars passing by our house. Growing up with a porch, I was always familiar with the comfort of having an outdoor space attached to my home, exposing me to the elements and scenic views while still being safe and personal. However, I didn’t realize how much I had missed it until I started living the porch life again, and I don’t ever want to go back.

GETTING SOMEONE FLOWERS GABRIELLE CABANES

Getting someone flowers may be cheesy and probably the most basic example of how to make a girl smile but I simply cannot get over a beautiful bouquet and how happy it makes me feel to have someone buy me flowers. I read somewhere that flowers are one of the only gifts you simply get because of their beauty and thinking of someone else. You don’t eat flowers or wear them. You can’t read them or use them beyond their singular purpose, to enjoy them. Whether an expensive bouquet from the florist or a simple singular flower picked off the side of the road, getting someone flowers does not need to be expensive but rather a thoughtful gesture. A way to remind someone that you think of them. Whether it’s telling your best friend how much you appreciate them or getting some flowers for a special someone, whoever they may be, getting someone flowers is a classic gesture which to me, will never lose its sparkle. As I look over to the bouquet on my desk, I think of how lucky I am to have so many people in my life who I could give flowers to. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to make someone smile, this is your chance: buy the flowers.

TWILIGHT HADLEY FAIN

Fall is the time of cool weather, falling leaves, and corny comfort movies. This time of year, I always come back to one movie series in particular: Twilight. I first read the series in sixth grade, but didn’t watch the movies until I was well into high school because I had heard how “bad” they were, despite the impact that they had on pop culture. Turns out, the movies quickly turned into fall and winter classics in my bedroom. There’s a particular charm about movies and shows that you don’t have to take so seriously, but can simultaneously be fully invested in. Plus, the soundtrack is amazing and perfectly emulates the vibe of the movies. I can look past the fact that Jacob imprints on a baby (spoilers, sorry) when everything about the saga is so iconic.

OUTDOOR CATS ALEXANDRA HOPKINS

I have a visitor that comes to my backdoor every morning and screams. His name is Craig. He is a wonderful orange cat who wanders around the perimeter of my house like a tiny, furry sentinel. His mysterious owner, whom I only know from a phone number on his collar, lets him roam free everyday to explore the outside world.

When Craig is not at my home, I often wonder about his other adventures around Athens. Does he have a favorite spot? What other homes does he patrol? Who else does he enchant?

Craig isn’t the only cat I see on a daily basis. Dozens of cats stalk the suburbs near me. Tuxedos lounge on neighbor’s porches and tabbies frolic through gardens. Craig is one of the many orange cats that lay on the Athens Bricks, soaking in the sun.

Though I have my own thoughts on the ethics of outdoor cats, I can’t help but feel a wave of adoration wash over me every time a small feline pops its head out from the bushes on Elmwood Road.

I look forward to my daily visitor. He is a furry, and demanding, ray of sunshine in the otherwise stressful climate of college. His adventures confound me, but act as a source of creativity for my often bored mind.

TROYE SIVAN HUNTER GIBSON

One person I am obsessed with right now is Troye Sivan. I have liked Troye for as long as he has been around but he’s having a huge resurgence right now with the success of his most recent singles “Rush” and “One Of Your Girls”. New music isn’t the only thing to thank for his rising success, as he is also on a world tour with one of his best friends as well as collaborator, Charli XCX. Her current success is undeniable. I have always found it really interesting when an artist who has been around for a while finally has their big moment and people start to recognize them. This has been super common especially this year for many of the rising artists such as Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan.

It has been a massive year for pop music in general with releases from almost any artist you can think of. Surprisingly, it seems we aren’t having conversations about these huge artists like one would think we would but instead focus has been shifted on people like Troye. There is something in the music he makes which absolutely sweeps me away and makes me feel so many emotions. I really love when an artist has the ability to tell so many stories in so many different ways and he has absolutely mastered that.

Editor’s Note

Hello! Welcome to the first issue of the year for Thread! I am so thrilled and exhilarated to share this issue with you all. Thread has continued to grow larger and larger each year and this is reflected heavily in the creativity, passion, and magic we create. Speaking of magical things; our first issue is “All The Things We Cannot See.”

In this issue, we really wanted to tap into a darker side of Thread that might not often get to be seen. It is exactly as it sounds. We creep into all the things we cannot see from parallel universes to fashion inspired by North American urban legends. Here at Thread, we love to dive into Athens culture which has allowed us to highlight places such as The Ridges and Wilson Hall in our Who, What, Wear section of the magazine where we’ll cover five haunted places in southeast Ohio.

Our middle-of-the-book shoots are absolutely something you’ll want to see — bring your sleeping bag and your flashlight for “Ghost Hunting Slumber Party Turned … Possession.” Cover your ears or be lured in by our mesmerizing “Sirens.” Grab a magnifying glass and discover “The Secret World of Plants and Insects.” Finally, remember everything is not always what it seems in “Parallel Universes.”

The work done at Thread would not be possible without the love, passion, and creativity of the people behind the scenes. This year, our executive team has grown to 29 members who all play a crucial role in producing the largest student media publication on campus. Lila Newman has perfected our social media to showcase our issues and everything in between. Emma Hedges and Sabine Obermoller work alongside her in the business department to perfect our creative strategy, event planning, and fundraising for the publication.

There would be no Thread without the brilliance of our editorial staff Avery St. George, Abby Joyner, Cami Seymore, Sophia Rooksberry, and Alexandra Hopkins. We are so grateful for each and every one of you and the storytelling you are capable of.

Visual storytelling is something highly valued at Thread and it would not be possible without the work of our outstanding photo staff Disha Hoque, Jori Husted, Emma Odson, and Jack Hopper.

Our website is growing every day with constant changes and an influx of weekly online content which we couldn’t do without our brilliant web director, Carly Hart.

The talented multimedia team, Jenna Skidmore and Maggie Musto, have devoted countless hours to producing new content and videos to promote this issue and showcase moments through visual storytelling that you don’t get to see when reading the magazine.

This year, we have expanded our makeup team to create the outstanding looks you see in every shoot all thanks to the work of Stella Pegoli, Shyla Algeri, and Kamryn Clark.

At the end of the day, we are a fashion magazine and the outstanding style that brings our creative vision to life in every shoot would not be possible without the work of our fashion masterminds Kendall Bergeron, Natalie Schoolcraft, and Bella Bolin.

Lastly, what you are seeing and reading now, the final touch to put everything together is brought to you by our brilliant design director, Cassidy Woods, and illustration assistant Kendall Wiff.

I want to especially thank our creative director Hadley Fain and our art director Morgan Clark. Without you both, this issue would not exist. Hadley is the mind behind this issue and I am constantly shocked by her talent and creativity. Morgan can conceptualize and execute ideas like no one else I have ever met. Thread is extremely lucky to have you both.

I would like to express my extreme gratitude to our managing editor, Gabrielle Cabanes, who has been able to devote so much time and passion to this issue from Washington D.C. while she is not physically here this semester. Your dedication and love for Thread is inspiring in more ways than you know.

To our staff, being a student and also being involved in an organization like this can have highs and lows but the dedication you all have put into every little detail of this issue will never go unseen. You all are the reason we are able to keep going and grow exponentially every year. Thank you.

Finally, thank you to the ones reading this. Our readers are the reason for this publication and your outpouring of support and dedication to the magazine inspires us to do bigger and better with each issue and give you the absolute best. We introduce to you, “All The Things We Cannot See.”

Forever Yours,

Hunter Gibson

Editor-in-Chief

thread

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: HunterGibson

MANAGING EDITOR: GabrielleCabanes

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: HadleyFain

ART DIRECTOR: MorganClark

EDITORIAL

COPY CHIEF: Cami Seymore

SEAMS EDITOR: Abby Joyner

WWW & CC EDITOR: Avery St. George

FEATURES & BOC EDITOR: Sophia Rooksberry

ONLINE CONTENT EDITOR: Alex Hopkins

STAFF WRITER: Jackson McCoy

EDITORIAL STAFF: Emily Henderson, Stella Pegoli, Adam Marcum, Avery Tyla, Sophia Anness, Susie Iannone, Peyton Ann Hodge, Disha Hoque, Olivia Leggans, Mackenzie Carr, Kitty Crino, Sabine Obermoller, Tess Altier, Lauren Stidham

BUSINESS AND SOCIAL MEDIA

DIRECTOR OF PR & CREATIVE STRATEGY: Sabine Obermoller

HEAD OF EVENT PLANNING: EmmaHedges

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: LilaNewman

BUSINESS & SOCIAL MEDIA STAFF: TaylorBlevins, CamdenCampbell,AbigailKates,Andrew Ryan,AveryCallison,CamiSeymor,Carmin Barcus,CatalinaLitts,EmmaMcGowan,Halle Andrus,JackieTullos,KaraSwitala,Maris Cordial,OliviaBeatty,SofiaBaer,TessAltier

DESIGN

DESIGN DIRECTOR: CassidyWoods

ILLUSTRATION DIRECTOR: KendallWiff

WEB EDITOR: CarlyHart

MULTIMEDIA STAFF: EllaHuelskamp,JaylaNeal, SeanTerrell,GabbieWeil,NicoleBell,Maddie Benedict,AveryTyla,AveryCallison,Alayna Talladino

DESIGN STAFF: SophiaCianciola,NicoleBell, CarlyHart,HadleyFain,ZoeCranfill,Tanner Vance,GretchenStoner,EllaHuelskamp, MorganClark,MarisCordial,MeredithViox, GwynethShoemaker,EmilyPetertonjes

ILLUSTRATION STAFF: CarlyHart,Emily Henderson,SophiaCianciola,MarisCordial,

PHOTO

PHOTO CHIEF: DishaHoque

HEAD PHOTO EDITOR JoriHusted

EXECUTIVE PHOTO EDITORS: EmmaOdson&Jack Hopper

PHOTO STAFF: ZenniaLam,NatalieYan, CatLyons,NateConklin,EmilyHenderson, NicoleBell

MULTIMEDIA

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR JennaSkidmore

VIDEO EDITOR MaggieMusto

MULTIMEDIA STAFF EllaHuelskamp,JaylaNeal, SeanTerrell,GabbieWeil,NicoleBell,Maddie Benedict,AveryTyla,AveryCallison,Alayna Talladino

FASHION, MAKEUP, & HAIR

FASHION DIRECTOR: KendallBergeron

ASSISTANT FASHION DIRECTORS: BellaBolin& NatalieSchoolcraft

STYLISTS: JackieTullos,ReyDeSpain,Abby Joyner,JuliaBrown,AdamMarcum,Catherine Lyons,AbbeyKates,CarminBarcus,Ella Marcinec,MeganHarlan,AlexCunningham, JaylaNeal

MAKEUP CODIRECTORS: KamrynClark& ShylaAlgeri

MAKEUP ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: StellaPegoli

MAKEUP/HAIR ARTISTS: MikaylaSpaulding, CatherineLyons,JuliaBrown,GenevaDay

ABBY JOYNER SEAMS EDITOR

CARLY HART WEB DIRECTOR

HUNTER GIBSON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EMMA HEDGES EVENT PLANNING

DISHA HOQUE PHOTO CHIEF

GABRIELLE CABANES MANAGING EDITOR

SABINE OBERMOLLER PR & CREATIVE STRATEGY

HOPKINS ONLINE CONTENT EDITOR

MORGAN CLARK ART DIRECTOR

FAIN CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Executive BOARD FALL 2024

ALEXANDRA

JORI HUSTED HEAD OF PHOTO EDITING

LILA NEWMAN SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

HADLEY

STELLA PEGOLI ASST. MAKEUP DIRECTOR

NATALIE SCHOOLCRAFT ASST. FASHION DIRECTOR

MAGGIE MUSTO VIDEO EDITOR

KAMRYN CLARK MAKEUP DIRECTOR

BELLA BOLIN ASST. FASHION DIRECTOR

EMMA ODSON PHOTO EDITOR

SOPHIA ROOKSBERRY BOC & FEATURES EDITOR

KENDALL WIFF ILLUSTRATION ASSISTANT

HOPPER PHOTO EDITOR

SHYLA ALGERI MAKEUP DIRECTOR

KENDALL BERGERON FASHION DIRECTOR

CASSIDY WOODS DESIGN DIRECTOR

: an energy field that is held to emanate from a living being au ra noun

AVERY ST. GEORGE CAMPUS CASUAL EDITOR

SEYMORE COPY CHIEF

JENNA SKIDMORE MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR

CAMI

JACK

SEAMS

FROM THE RUNWAY TO THE STREETS, AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN, HERE ARE THIS SEASON’S MOST SAUGHT AFTER TRENDS

UNVEILING TRADITION P. 28

BY STELLA PEGOLI

PHOTOS BY DISHA HOQUE

DESIGN BY TANNER VANCE

EDITING BY EMMA ODSON

The 2018 Met Gala is often recognized as the best-dressed and most ontheme Met Gala in history. Andrew Bolton, head curator of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, announced that year’s theme of “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” inviting designers and celebrities to curate outfits that explored the relationship between fashion and catholicism. They were encouraged to use historical representations as the blueprint for their exquisite designs.

The event was extravagantly hosted within the Met, with hundreds of sacred and holy items setting the stage for the designers’ work and the A-list celebrities in attendance. The stunning attention to detail in the looks is commendable, taking inspiration from famous Catholic historical figures and artistic movements, such as Zendaya in Atelier Versace chainmail, Tiffany & Co. jewelry, and silver Jimmy Choo heels to depict the French saint Joan of Arc.

Other designers took similarly inspired creative direction, such as Rihanna dressed as the Pope in a dazzling custom Maison Margiela by John Galliano cape, dress, and papal tiara, with a Judith Leiber Couture clutch, Christian Louboutin heels, and Maria Tash, Cartier, and Gilan jewelry. The musician and Fenty Beauty founder was bedazzled head-to-toe in priceless jewels, a nod to the rich and elegant history of Catholicism.

Jared Leto and Lana Del Rey were a matching pair in Gucci depicting various artistic symbols relating to Jesus Christ, including a golden crown of thorns and the sacred heart. Many other designers and stylists were inspired by Catholic art and symbols, like Ariana Grande’s angelic Vera Wang gown constructed to look like Michaelangelo’s epochal painting of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. The male attendees finally ditched the black suits and ties and let the designers show off their creativity in menswear.

Chadwick Boseman wore an all-white Atelier Versace look adorned with gold crosses and ornate embellishments that stood out as an especially divine male outfit.

The 2018 Met Gala contained multitudes of

IRIS VAN HERPEN RUNWAY REALWAY:

BY

ABBY JOYNER

PHOTOS BY ZENNIA LAM

DESIGN BY GWYNETH SHOEMAKER

EDITING BY EMMA ODSON

Inspired by celestial cartography represented in the 1600s star atlas, “Harmonia Macrocosmica,” Iris van Herpen’s Spring 2019 womenswear couture collection — called “Shift Souls” — masterfully constructs garments reminiscent of mythological and astrological creatures found in the atlas. In 18 looks, van Herpen takes the viewer on a journey through the stars with dreamy pleating, intricate curvatures, and mesmerizing color stories.

The chimera, or human-animal hybrids, van Herpen references in the collection look into “the evolution of the human shape, [and] its idealization through time and the hybridization of the female forms within mythology,” van Herpen said. She further explained that Japanese mythologies played a large role in the silhouettes and identity of the collection, such as the “Nue,” also known as a shape-shifting chimera figure.

The movement of Herpen’s pieces in the collection — like look seven’s voluminous sleeves, long skirt, and gradient of rust

orange, cream, and deep plum organza fabric — demonstrate the mutability and evolution of the celestial world. Many of the looks have insect-like silhouettes, with tall arching shoulders and accentuated hip bones.

Look 10, an alluring exploration of the dynamic between color and movement, looks like a hypnotic cloud of smoke, luring us in before transforming into a mythological being. The ochre and purple shades on the gown move like liquid painted onto the dress.

A fusion between fashion and the scientific world emerges in an exploration of design, construction, and yearning for knowledge of the unknown in the collection. While the “Harmonia Macrocosmica” was concerned with tracking celestial bodies and extending civilization’s understanding of science, van Herpen’s “Shift Souls” materializes what some of these bodies may have looked like, and how they would move and change through color, pattern, and design.

BY EMILY HENDERSON

AND DESIGN BY HADLEY FAIN

Ethel Cain

PHOTOS, EDITING,

Ethel Cain has redefined the alternativeindie-pop landscape with her unique style and distinct, melodic, and sometimes haunting sound. Cain established herself as an artist who is raw, evocative, and unapologetically herself. Ethel Cain, the stage name of Hayden Silas Anhedönia, began her music career in 2019 with her first EP, “Carpet Bed,” followed by her 2021 EP “Inbred,” which was her breakthrough project and proved to be a significant player in the alternative pop scene.

Cain explores themes of family, sexuality, religious trauma, and the typical “American dream” in her music. Her fashion style seamlessly blends Southern and Midwestern Gothic styles with the Americana aesthetic, which was heavily popularized by alternative pop artist Lana Del Rey and her fanbase.

Because she grew up in southern Florida as a trans woman, Cain has a very unique perspective on the Americana aesthetic. Her religious, southern background was a heavy influence on her music and her style. In an interview with The New York Times, Cain said she felt “strangled by the strictures of her Southern Baptist upbringing,” but still “clung to the culture, turning the lows of Americana and fantasies of freedom into a caustic and self-aware Southern Gothic persona.” Cain channels the satirical aspect of Americana of her style, wearing Budweiser tank tops, hunting boots, and even a Givenchy cheerleading uniform during her first Coachella performance in 2023.

Cain’s fashion choices often served as a narrative device, encapsulating the themes of her albums. During her New York Fashion Week debut, Cain blended Americana and the elegant, Southern Gothic aesthetic. When she was not wearing tank tops, T-shirts, and baggy jeans, Cain often donned corsets, long dresses, and high-necked frocks representative of early 1900s women’s fashion. These fashion choices directly channel the persona she sings about in her first studio album, “Preacher’s Daughter.” While “Inbred” may have been Cain’s breakthrough, “Preacher’s Daughter” skyrocketed her into fame.

This narrative-driven album explores the life of a fictional character — the preacher’s daughter — who grapples with love, religious trauma, and her sexuality while living in the Deep South. The listener is taken through the character’s series of

lovers and heartbreaks, until the story ultimately darkens in the album’s eighth track “Gibson Girl,” when she is kidnapped and sold into prostitution. The album comes to a climax in “Ptolemaea,” where the protagonist is killed and cannibalized by her lover.

Cain’s style in this era switches a bit from Americana and instead aligns more with the Southern Gothic aesthetic, highlighting the religious undertones of her music. She was often dressed in long, off-white, flowing dresses that covered nearly her entire body. This, in contrast with the scandalous cover photo for Cain’s single “Gibson Girl” only showing her in a pair of platformed high heels reminiscent of those worn by sex workers, serves as a critique and commentary of Cain’s experience with religion and its relation to sexuality.

Cain’s storytelling and fashion decisions reflect both a reverence for and a rejection of the culture that shaped her. Her ability to evoke the eerie beauty of American culture while commenting on its darker aspects positions her as a significant voice in the music industry.

When rapper Lil Nas X broke into the modern music scene with his hit “Old Town Road,” no one expected him to evolve into one of the most controversial artists of the 21st century. Although his 19-week-long reign over the Billboard Hot 100 generated discussion about what country music is and who is allowed into that world, it was not transgressive. Lil Nas X’s many over-the-top outfits, often featuring demonic or religious imagery, would eventually cause a firestorm of online discussions on what’s social critique and what’s offensive.

Lil Nas’ many controversial stylistic moments have a wide range; from a bloody tampon Halloween costume, to twerking on Satan, to dressing up as an angel holding two firearms, there’s something for people of all backgrounds to gawk at. The music video for his song “J Christ” shows him dressing up as Jesus Christ, hanging from a cross while dancers wreathed in white cloth worship around him. When he eventually arrives in Heaven in the music video, he’s dressed as an angel with a golden necklace that reads “SEXY.”

Lil Nas’ most controversial moment in recent years was his music video for “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” with the infamous shot of him sliding down a pole into hell. Doubling down on the controversy this

caused, he released “Satan Shoes”, which were modified pairs of Nike Air Max 97s, allegedly containing one drop of human blood in each pair. An ensuing lawsuit from Nike didn’t stop his messaging, and he continued to incorporate satanic imagery in his wardrobe.

Spiritual and religious motifs have shaped his fashion outside of music videos. On the VMA red carpet, he donned a black outfit stylized as a biblically accurate angel with rings of spiky feathers surrounding him. He often adds bold jewelry to these looks, establishing an element of camp that he incorporates into his already campy clothes.

Lil Nas’ style choices are usually meant to be one of two things: a joke or a serious critique of religious or anti-LGBTQIA+ views. While his bloody tampon Halloween costume is almost certainly the former, his more spiritual get-ups fall into the latter.

Lil Nas has criticized the religious right’s attempts to demonize queer people since he came out as gay in June 2019. From then on, he was one of the most provocative voices in support of queer people across the world. His trolling — notably a series of social media posts in which he declared his enrollment in Liberty University’s religious studies program — often addresses politicians and businesspeople who target genderqueer and non-heterosexual people. Additionally, he has spoken at length about his experiences with homophobia, citing both strict gender norms and his Christian father in his upbringing as shaping his divisive brand of bold activism.

It’s no surprise that this ethos would translate into style. Lil Nas has collected a core group of followers with his theatrics on and off the stage, in front of and behind cameras. Although he remains a polarizing figure and hasn’t had a musical hit quite like “Old Town Road,” Lil Nas X’s stylistic impact will never be undone.

L IL NAS X

BY JACKSON MCCOY

PHOTOS BY NATALIE YAN

EDITED BY JORI HUSTED

DESIGN BY HADLEY FAIN

HIDING IMPERFECTIONS

WITH ANTI-AGING SKINCARE PRODUCTS

BY AVERY TYLA ILLUSTRATION BY CASSIDY WOODS DESIGN BY MEREDITH VIOX

Anti-aging creams have been around since Cleopatra’s time, attempting to keep skin looking youthful and hydrated regardless of age. Skin products throughout the years have ranged from cleaning pores to smoothing out unwanted wrinkles.

Serums, creams, foundations, and concealers have been created to fix or cover dark spots and lines on the skin. Women, specifically in older generations, have had the same desire: to prevent time from altering the appearance of their skin. However, anti-aging products can be used by all genders and ages although starting too young may also cause damage.

According to Consumer Review, the appearance of aging skin is due to the lack of moisture and water within the skin cells caused by environmental factors such as pollution or weather conditions. As skin cells become damaged, what was once a plump, hydrated cell becomes flat and shriveled. This then creates wrinkles on the surface of the skin in areas such as the forehead and under the eyes.

Thousands of formulas promise to give skin that desired glow and work to create faultless skin in a matter of weeks; however, not all products advertised to do so really work.

Recently, U.S. News Health released an article explaining the top nine most effective anti-aging creams, putting Neutrogena’s “Rapid Wrinkle Repair” in first place. The publication consulted with 120 dermatologists to rank the most effective anti-aging products.

According to Neutrogena, applying this wrinkle control cream two to three times in the first week, every other night in the second week, and only when needed in the following weeks, should leave skin looking refreshed and improve fine lines and texture. This cream is sold for around $30 at stores such as CVS, Target, and Walmart.

In addition, TODAY rated several moisturizers used for aging skin, giving L’oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-aging moisturizer a 5/5.

This product was also given the “Best Overall Anti-aging moisturizer award” by TODAY. The formula leaves skin feeling replenished and fights to brighten skin tone in just one week based on its ingredients with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and pro-retinol, according to L’Oreal.

Skin will naturally age over time, but the availability of anti-aging products ensures your skin can look and feel luminous and replenished; as time moves forward, your skin won’t age with it.

Stylingpirituality

BY ADAM MARCUM

ILLUSTRATION BY KENDALL WIFF

DESIGN BY ELLA HUELSKAMP

Jewelry plays a significant role in selfexpression, particularly in conveying faith. This type of jewelry can be categorized into two main types: religious and spiritual. While some pieces may blur the lines between these categories, they generally serve different purposes.

Religious jewelry is designed to express a specific religious belief. It includes symbols and items associated with particular faiths such as Christianity, Buddhism, and Paganism. Common examples are crucifixes and saint sigils in Christianity, which serve as forms of protection or reminders of faith. While Christian symbols are widely recognized, information about Buddhist and pagan jewelry is often less accessible.

Unlike Christianity, which has universal symbols like the cross, pagan jewelry is often linked to individual deities and can include a variety of materials such as crystals, stones, and runes. Each piece carries its own significance, often representing energies, protection, or good luck.

Spiritual jewelry, on the other hand, is more personal and fluid. It encompasses accessories that reflect individual beliefs and practices without being tied to a specific organized religion. While spiritual jewelry may have broad themes, it is deeply rooted in the wearer’s personal experiences and intentions.

According to Jewelry Shopping Guide, in Buddhism, for instance, the Buddha is not meant to be worshiped as a God. Instead, representations of the Buddha in jewelry serve as reminders of personal practices and philosophies rather than objects of veneration. This perspective is consistent across other forms of Buddhist jewelry, which aim to inspire mindfulness rather than signify devotion.

According to Glor-e, Pagan jewelry presents a more complex relationship between spiritual and religious expression. The distinction often hinges on whether the jewelry is worn in honor of a specific deity or for its general attributes.

Given the vast range of spiritual jewelry, it can be challenging to capture all of its meanings in a single discussion. To understand spiritual jewelry fully, individuals should conduct their own research into the pieces they choose to wear. This is essential not only for personal significance but also to avoid potential misunderstandings or disrespect towards the associated practices or beliefs.

Both religious and spiritual jewelry offer meaningful ways to express faith and personal beliefs. While religious jewelry tends to be more structured and universally recognized, spiritual jewelry invites individual interpretation and connection. Ultimately, each piece tells a story, reflecting the values and experiences of the wearer.

BY GABRIELLE CABANES

PHOTOS BY CAT LYONS

DESIGN BY CARLY HART

EDITED BY MORGAN CLARK

Veils have been used in religious ceremonies for many centuries. Usually made of tulle with a hint of lace, these accessories add an extra layer of whimsicality to an already very special day. According to Brides, one reason for veiling during Catholic weddings was to add to the bride’s modesty. However, veils today can be used for many different purposes. While some women choose to use a veil to keep up with tradition, other women find it a beautiful accessory, adding to their original look. In addition, some women may skip the veiled look altogether to save costs, with the average veil costing anywhere from $300-$400, according to One Blushing Bride.

When looking at the history of veils, the true story faces much speculation; however, most experts believe the origin of veils comes from the Romans. According to Samantha Stark, a veil creator for the past 10 years and founder of Blanca Veils, Roman brides would

wear veils to protect them from evil spirits before their ceremony.

In other religions or cultures, veiling holds a different origin. In Judaism, for example, according to Stark, couples will take part in a Bedeken ceremony. During this ceremony, a groom looks at his bride and places a veil over her head to make sure that he is marrying the right woman, almost as an identifying mark. Additionally, according to B Anu Designs, some northern communities of India will wear veils known as “ghoonghat” or “sehra” which are worn to cover the face during ceremonies. These symbolize modesty and purity.

In modern times, veils can hold a very different meaning. Women will often wear a veil passed down for generations, making it a significant heirloom for the special day. Wearing a veil is ultimately a personal choice. It all comes down to what the bride and groom see as a priority for their special day. While some women find it to be an essential part of their wedding day, other women choose to go without it.

FASHION, FAD, OR FOLKLORE HENNA:

DESIGN

BY STELLA PEGOLI

ILLUSTRATION BY KENDALL WIFF

BY ZOE CRANFILL

Imitation freckles, spiritual body art, or unfortunate tourist traps; one way or another, most people have interacted with henna. Henna is a paste applied to the skin from a piping bag that deposits a temporary stain. Henna originated in North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, carrying a rich history. Culturally, henna is still used to decorate ornate patterns on hands, arms, and other areas of the skin. Drawn with meticulous designs to represent beauty, happiness, and spiritual awakening, henna has been most commonly used for weddings, rituals, and festivals in places such as Morocco and India. However, because of recent media trends and tourist towns looking for quick cash, henna has gained widespread popularity.

Recently, faux freckles have become a booming beauty trend, from flicking eyeshadow off a brush to using brown eyeliner and meticulously applying tiny dots across the face. Influencers became disappointed with how temporary these options are, and many people turned to using henna for a long-lasting solution. Because of social media, an increasing number of people have taken an interest in using henna to line their lips, dye their hair, and contour their noses, in addition to imitation freckles.

This sparked the argument of whether this cosmetic practice disrespects the art of henna, or if it demonstrates cultural appreciation versus appropriation. While this is an important ethical debate, this isn’t the first time henna has become a fad. Henna is deeply rooted in American capitalism and tourism.

Many people who’ve gone on vacation have fallen victim to tourist traps. Henna has had a fascinating relationship with tourism over time — and despite its origins and spiritual meaning — it has gained popularity overseas in North America. Henna booths can even be found in common vacation spots like Hawaii, coastal cities, or sometimes amusement parks.

However, that still poses the question of how these American tourist traps adopted henna — it began as cultural appreciation. The United States is a melting pot of diverse cultures, including those who historically use henna. These henna artists founded businesses to afford to live in the U.S. They used their ancestral skills to share their art with tourists, although recently, traditional art has gotten lost in the demand for culturally unaware tourist traps. While everyone has a different relationship and opinion on henna, it is up to individuals to decide if it currently falls into fashion, fad, or folklore.

BY CAMI SEYMORE

BY NATE CONKLIN

BY GRETCHEN STONER

EDITING BY JACK HOPPER

The sudden rise of

C Roan

happell

PHOTOS

DESIGN

THE UNEXPECTED CONSEQUENCES OF FAME

Chappell Roan has taken over the pop music scene this past summer. The pop star went from an underground LGBTQ+ icon to a global sensation seemingly overnight, but at what cost?

After releasing her first full-length album “The Rise and Fall of the Midwest Princess,” on Sept. 22, 2023, Roan’s music slowly but surely garnered a cult following. However, she only gained worldwide popularity after opening for Olivia Rodrigo on her “Guts” tour starting in February 2024, which launched Roan into superstardom.

From February to April of this year, Roan’s monthly listeners increased by more than 500% on Spotify, and tickets to her “The Midwest Princess Tour” are sold out, demonstrating her greater visibility and massive following. Roan performed at several of the biggest music festivals in the world, including Lollapalooza, where she had the largest crowd in the festival’s history while not even performing as a headliner. However, with big crowds come big fans. Reaching this level of fame in such a short time took a toll on Roan and her mental health. Roan has dealt with fans harassing and stalking her, and she can no longer safely be out in public.

Roan posted a video to her TikTok addressing some of her fans’ inappropriate behavior: “I don’t care that abuse and harassment, stalking, whatever, is a normal thing to do to people who are famous or a little famous, whatever,” Roan said. “I don’t care that it’s normal. I don’t care that this crazy type of behavior comes along with the job, the career field I’ve chosen. … That doesn’t mean that I want it, that doesn’t mean that I like it.”

This is not a new phenomenon: Celebrities often have little control over their personal lives. Paparazzi are relentless in following their every move. However, this behavior is not limited to paparazzi. People can take their fandom to an invasive level that even puts the celebrities’ safety at risk.

This is a shared experience among many big celebrities, not just Roan. At age 15, Selena Gomez was stalked by paparazzi at the beach to get a

picture of her in her swimsuit. While attending a friend’s wedding, Taylor Swift was swarmed by hundreds of fans outside the venue hoping to get a glimpse of the pop star. Just this year, Harry Styles’ stalker was arrested after sending him 8000 handwritten cards in the mail in a singular month.

In the case of Roan, the artist went from having a normal life to being one of the biggest faces in the music industry in a couple of months. Adjusting to this newfound fame and all the pressures that come with it is overwhelming, especially when dealing with intrusive fans. By posting that video, the singer wanted to set boundaries with her fans to preserve her mental health and well-being.

As much as celebrities appreciate the adoration from their fans, there is a fine line between fandom, fanaticism, and obsession. Chappell Roan and other celebrities are humans just like us. They deserve to have their personal space respected and have a private life outside

FRANKENSTEIN FORMING

BY ALEXANDRA HOPKINS ILLUSTRATION BY SOPHIA CIANCIOLA DESIGN BY EMILY PETERTONJES

Mary Shelley, born in London on Aug. 30, 1797, is best known for her groundbreaking novel Frankenstein. Often regarded as the first science fiction novel, Frankenstein not only redefined literary boundaries but also delved deep into the moral responsibilities of scientific innovators.

Shelley’s mother — renowned feminist and philosopher Mary Wollstonecraft — died just days after her birth. Raised by her father, William Godwin, who was a radical political philosopher, Shelley grew up surrounded by a myriad of intellectuals, including former U.S. Vice President Aaron Burr. Her unusual education instilled her with revolutionary and unconventional beliefs — a trait she would share with her future husband.

At 16, Shelley met Percy Bysshe Shelley, a radical philosopher and poet, who was friends with her father. Their whirlwind romance blossomed against her father’s wishes, leading the two to meet up in secret at her mother’s grave. In 1814 they eloped and fled to France, accompanied by Shelley’s step-sister Jane Claire Clairmont.

During a summer spent in the artistic company of romantic poet Lord George Gordon Byron in Lake Geneva, Switzerland, Shelley was encouraged to write a ghost story. On a dark and stormy night, after days of writer’s block, Shelley was overtaken by a “waking dream.” In this dream, as she later wrote, the story of Frankenstein was revealed to her.

As the novel goes on, young scientist Victor Frankenstein, fraught with the horror and hideousness of his attempt at human

creation, casts away the creature. Facing the loneliness and isolation of being unwanted, the creature seeks vengeance on his creator. Frankenstein is a horrifying tale, underscored by philosophical questions of human nature and life itself.

Shelley’s work invites readers to face the moral dilemma associated with innovation, the unseen consequences of creation, and the responsibilities of a creator. In the fashion industry, the repercussions of rapid production and the pursuit of profit and trends often go unseen. This creates a culture that prioritizes consumption over care and allows creators to avoid consequence and shift damage onto their customers.

Shelley asks us to examine all that we choose not to see as a result of our choices. Her creature, abandoned and misunderstood, carries the burden of Frankenstein’s choice, paralleling those in today’s society who bear the brunt of our collective choices, in fashion or beyond.

Frankenstein was titular in its time and remains relevant in all facets of media now. The creature is plastered across lunchboxes, t-shirts, and posters; her novel has inspired everything from episodes of “Scooby-Doo,” to music like “Walk This Way” by Aerosmith.

Shelley, now considered the mother of science fiction, lived a turbulent and unusual life. Her works and the questions they raise are timeless and invite us to see beyond the visible and to recognize the hidden impacts of our choices.

WHO, WHAT, WEAR

A GLIMPSE INTO SOME OF ATHENS’ MOST CAPTIVATING PEOPLE, PLACES, AND EVENTS

5 HAUNTED PLACES IN SOUTHEAST OHIO P. 40

5HAUNTED PLACES IN SOUTHEAST OHIO

Southeast Ohio is a historical area plagued by ghost stories of those who once inhabited its buildings, cities, and small towns. Ghosts and spiritual entities are controversial subjects, yet fascinate many people. Where there is history, there is usually a spooky story to go along with it. From old reformatories to an asylum right in the heart of Athens, here are five haunted places in southeast Ohio.

BY SOPHIA ANNESS DESIGN BY CASSIDY WOODS

1The Ridges

The Ridges is a popular spot for Ohio University students to visit that holds a lot of history. According to OU’s website, The Ridges was once the Athens Lunatic Asylum. However, the asylum was shut down and the state transferred the property to the university in 1993.

The Ridges is now a multi-purpose facility that houses places such as the Kennedy Art Museum and OU Police Department, but the majority of the building is abandoned. A few say they have had chilling experiences at The Ridges.

One OU student, Georgia Booth, a junior studying studio art with a focus on graphic design, hikes up to The Ridges often. She described her experience visiting The Ridges.

“I went on Wednesday, and I didn't stay as long as I usually do,” Booth said. “I was there midday, but I was a little on edge because being out there in the woods alone, even in broad daylight, is kind of eerie.”

For those looking for a spooky location to visit, The Ridges match the season, especially in the increasingly chilly autumn months.

The Moonville Tunnel

The Moonville Tunnel, located in Vinton County, is part of an old, abandoned mining town. The tunnel, located about 30 minutes from OU, is a spooky spot where many visit to look for spirits.

The tunnel has an old railroad track that runs through it creating a path that was previously used to travel between towns. Moonville Tunnel’s website said approximately 21 people passed away on the path of the tracks, and said these spirits still haunt the tunnel today.

Sean Eifert, a senior studying journalism, visited the tunnel a few times and experienced some frightening encounters.

“We all went out there and walked on the bridge,” Eifert said. “We went out with flashlights first, and then we walked through the tunnel. When we were inside the tunnel, we shut off [our] flashlights, which was kind of startling.”

The tunnel gives off a spine-chilling vibe, and it is an interesting place to visit if the opportunity presents itself.

With all these locations to visit, southeast Ohio is potentially plagued by ghosts and spirits haunting the area. Skeptics and believers alike can get into the Halloween spirit by going out and exploring these southeast Ohio locations to see what they might find.

HADLEY FAIN

HADLEY FAIN

The Ohio State Reformatory

The Ohio State Reformatory, located in Mansfield Ohio, has quite a lengthy history. The first inmates were admitted in 1896, according to the Ohio State Reformatory’s website. Since a vast amount of prisoners have passed through, the reformatory is said to be haunted by the spirits of inmates and prison guards.

After a series of lawsuits from inmates in the ‘80s, the reformatory officially shut down in 1990. Shortly after the site closed, filming for a popular movie began.

The reformatory was the filming location of the classic “The Shawshank Redemption,” which was shot there in 1993. After the filming of the movie, activists rallied to restore the building and bought it from the state for $1, according to the reformatory’s website.

The location now hosts multiple historical, informational, and paranormal tours and experiences for people to visit. Kathy Feketik, the paranormal program manager at the reformatory, has been investigating the reformatory since 2004 and has had many paranormal experiences. One in particular involved a full-body apparition.

“I was looking at the entity,” Feketik said. “It turned to his left and got down on all fours. When he got on all fours, he crawled to the hallway. When he got to the hallway, he turned into a ball of light. That's what he turned into, he turned into a ball of light that was about the size of a softball, but I said it was fuzzy because it had a lot of electrical energy to it.”

There are many similar stories of entities and spirits roaming the halls of the building. The paranormal experiences are open to anyone looking to book on the Ohio State Reformitory’s website.

EMMA ODSON

Wilson Hall

Wilson Hall is one of 36 residence halls on OU’s campus. Many of the residence halls are rumored to be haunted, but Wilson Hall is reportedly one of the most eerie.

In Wilson Hall, there is a sealed room on the fourth floor, which is the only room closed off to students at the university. Room 428 no longer exists, and there are a few reasons why the room is closed.

According to the Haunted Athens Ohio website, a student passed away in the room after practicing witchcraft and astral projection in the ‘70s, and it’s said the room was closed due to negative energy.

Students recall hearing strange noises and getting weird feelings ever since. Mason Deberry, a junior studying entrepreneurship and strategic leadership and management, lived on the fourth floor of Wilson Hall during his freshman year, and he has various odd memories from his time there.

“They just seem old,” Deberry said. “It definitely is in need of renovation(s) compared to some other dorms. But yeah, just that. It’s the aura, or the atmosphere of it that (gives) it a spooky vibe.”

Licking County Jail

The Licking County Jail opened in 1889 and operated until 1987, closing its doors when the jail no longer met state standards, according to the jail’s website. The Licking County Jail was turned into a historic site for tourists to visit and investigate.

The website discusses visitor’s paranormal experiences:

“True believers in the paranormal and skeptics alike have reported hearing cell doors slamming, being touched, whispering in your ear, whistles, the sounds of footsteps — some of those being what seemed residual, the jingling of keys, screams and moaning, as well as seeing strange light anomalies, full shadow figures, and photos with unexpected images in them.”

The location was featured on various ghosthunting shows, including the 2008 series “Ghost Adventures.” The jail became a popular location for people to visit and decide if they believe in the paranormal.

The jail currently hosts a haunted event every year during Halloween. Sidney Shoemaker, a freshman studying business, said the scare quality has declined in recent years.

“When I went a couple of years ago, there were only five or six actors throughout the entire (jail),” Shoemaker said. “It was just a quick little walkthrough, it took me five minutes to get through the place.”

MIDDLE OF THE BOOK

A LOOK INTO THREAD’S CREATIVE SHOOT CONCEPTS

SIRENS P. 56

SLUMBER PARTY POSSESSION

PHOTOS BY EMMA ODSON

DESIGN BY CARLY HART

Sirens

& EDITING BY MORGAN CLARK DESIGN BY ELLA HUELSKAMP

half-bird half-woman creatures believed to lure sailors with their love promising songs

PHOTOS

PLANTS INSECTS AND THE SECRET WORLD OF

PHOTOS & EDITING BY JORI HUSTED

DESIGN BY TANNER VANCE

Þarallel Universe

PHOTOS BY ZENNIA LAM

DESIGN BY CASSIDY WOODS

EDITING BY MORGAN CLARK

IN A parallel universe, WE MIGHT JUST BE ONE DECISION AWAY FROM A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT LIFE.

SIX LOOKS WE LIKE :

NORTH AMERICAN URBAN LEGEND INSPIRED FASHION

La Llorona

Bloody Mary

Jersey Devil

PHOTOS BY NICOLE BELL

DESIGN BY MARIS CORDIAL

EDITING BY JORI HUSTED

An urban legend is a fictional tale that is passed from one person to another. They are told as truth, but most of them end up being false...

A MODERN TALE:

Fresno Nightcrawlers are a thin white humanoid figure with long legs and no arms.

CAMPUS CASUAL

LIGHT-HEARTED READS FOR THE QUIZ-TAKING, LISTICLE READING, HOROSCOPE BELIEVIN’ SPIRIT IN ALL OF US. QUIZ P. 104

Studying the StarS

BY SUSIE IANNONE ILLUSTRATION BY EMILY HENDERSON DESIGN BY GRETCHEN STONER

On clear nights, Ohio University’s astronomy club meets at the Ridges to observe the stars through a 10-inch telescope. The group regularly holds events at the observatory for the public and students alike to admire the constellations and stargaze

George Eberts, the faculty advisor to the club, studied astronomy since childhood. He explained that light pollution affects larger cities, more densely populated cities, whereas somewhere more rural, like Athens, is perfect for stargazing.

“I realized that the skies in Athens are a lot darker than the ones in Columbus because of light pollution,” Eberts said. “So I thought this would be a good chance to rev up my old boyhood hobby: stargazing. I had a little telescope, and I used it well.”

In 2017, the university-owned telescope from the 1950s began to rust. Around the same time, a spot at the Ridges became available as a potential location for an observatory and that is when interest in the club began.

“People and students began to materialize to help out,” Eberts said. “They [wanted] to help out with family night and any public observing, which they started doing back then.”

Using the observatory, the club created

It’s also just an amazing opportunity to get to go up to the observatory and [go to] astronomy-related events.”

-TRISTAN RIEMAN

outreach opportunities for the students and other members of the public to participate in. In the future, the club plans on creating weekly or bi-weekly public viewing events on Fridays for students, parents, friends of the university, and Athens residents.

Tristan Rieman, a sophomore studying physics, is the club’s outreach coordinator and astrophotographer. Rieman described his involvement in the club and their potential plans for expansion.

“It’s also just an amazing opportunity to get to go up to the observatory and [go to] astronomy-related events,” Rienman said. “We’re trying to set up more things with John Glenn Astronomy Park and more public observing events.”

Participating in the astronomy club allows students to understand and apply concepts in real time while also making strong personal connections and absorbing the idea of being a part of something bigger than themselves.

Sofia Davis, a senior studying astrophysics and applied mathematics, is the vice president of the astronomy club and shared her thoughts on her passion for stargazing.

“The club has had a positive impact on my time at OU, and it has allowed me to meet so many great people I wouldn’t have met otherwise,” Davis said. “I love to share my interests, and I love to talk. I’ve had so much fun teaching people about astronomy and have had many great opportunities come my way.”

Being one of the only women in the club, Davis discussed the lack of gender diversity within the field professionally.

“The astronomy and astrophysics program

at OU is shockingly quite equal when it comes to gender, with a large number of my classmates being very strong and smart women,” Davis said.

“That being said, there is still a strong preference for males in the field. It can be difficult to make your voice heard and difficult to feel important.”

Eberts commented on the history of women in the club explaining that a woman had never operated the telescope dedicated to the club until the current female members joined.

“It had been in use since 1950; there is no evidence of any kind that any female got to open it and run it,” Eberts said. “Most sciences

in their day are male-dominated. That’s no surprise. Astronomy, perhaps more than the others.”

Davis explained that her time in the astronomy club has strengthened her interest in the topic, and she hopes to inspire other women to follow scientific interests as well.

“I want to continue to drive engagement with astronomy and astrophysics in young people, as well as continuing to empower women to participate in those same fields,” Davis said. “I enjoy doing outreach and educating people about astronomy, and I plan on continuing that passion in my career.”

Which philosopher are you?

BY DISHA HOQUE ILLUSTRATION BY DESIGN BY CASSIDY WOODS

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A FRIDAY NIGHT?

a. Alone and journaling about the truths of the universe and other ponderings

b. Out on Court Street, interacting with new people and finding friends

c. Getting dinner with a tight-knit group of friends

WHAT IS YOUR PET PEEVE?

a. People. They annoy you and always seem to disappoint

b. Being bossed around by others; you enjoy your freedom!

c. Pessimists

TO YOU, HUMAN NATURE IS…

a. Reckless and immoral; we need people in charge to keep us in line

b. Inherently bad, but our rules and laws keep people in check

c. Inherently good, but society and civilization have corrupted humans

YOUR GOAL IS TO HAVE A LIFE FULL OF…

a. Security and stability

b. Freedom and individuality

c. Interaction with society and learning from others

THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH GROUP CONFLICT IS…

a. Picking one person to be in charge and following what they say

b. Hosting an intervention and discussing with the entire group until a consensus is found

c. Picking one delegate from each side of the issue to further discuss in detail

IF YOU PICK MOSTLY…

A.) Hobbes

You are probably an introvert and love to spend time by yourself! You tend to be nervous around new people and have good intuition. You most likely have a competitive personality, excel in individual sports rather than team ones, and love to spend your downtime journaling, meditating, or pondering thoughts of the universe. You definitely had/wanted a single dorm your freshman year, and you enjoy going on long walks along the bike path on Saturday mornings.

B.) Locke

You are a social butterfly! You have a big group of friends and love to spend your nights wandering Court Street and meeting new people. You tend to run into people you know everywhere and have been called a “campus celebrity” by others. You love to make everything a group activity, from doing laundry to going to the grocery store. You are probably best friends with your roommate(s) and frequently share clothes, snacks, and makeup.

C.) Rousseau

You have a small group of friends you are always with and love to keep close! Your favorite nights tend to be hanging in the dorm with two or three others, going out for dinner, or just being in the company of your favorite people. You are likely very close with your family and try to go home every other weekend. By nature, you are very compassionate and love to help someone in need. You also probably love outdoor activities in nature, such as gardening and hiking!

BehindtheSceneS o f ohiouniverSity’ S

‘ Pride and P rejudice ’

BY PEYTON ANN HODGE ILLUSTRATION BY KENDALL WIFF DESIGN BY NICOLE BELL

Ohio University’s theater company, Tantrum Theater, stepped into the world of Jane Austen for its production of “Pride and Prejudice.” Kantner Hall will transform into the town of Meryton, England from Oct. 25 through Nov. 9 in the Forum Theater of the Radio and Television Building.

The director, Sully White, a graduate of Northwestern University, was hired by the School of Theater to lead the production. She has been an asset to the creative environment and has created a relaxed atmosphere, ensuring that none of the cast feels stressed. She introduced a refreshing relationship between director and cast by creating a space where ideas are encouraged to be shared.

Amy Pilgrim, a junior studying musical theater, embraced this new environment as she developed her role as Elizabeth Bennet.

“Every director I’ve worked with has a unique approach, and I’ve been fortunate to work with many directors who encourage creativity and open collaboration,” Pilgrim said. “However, Sully brings a distinct energy and process I’ve never experienced before and never want to be without again. She showed us from day one that our space needs to be respectful, creative, and brave above all else.”

“Not every show offers this level of creative freedom, but here, I truly feel empowered,” Pilgrim said. “Instead of trying to fit into a cookie-cutter mold of Elizabeth Bennet, I’m shaping my own interpretation that feels genuine to me. Sully has given us the freedom to explore our character’s journey, and when something clicks in our actors’ minds, she often encourages us to pursue it.”

When rehearsing a scene, White takes a participatory approach with the actors. She remains always on standby if clarification is needed for a certain direction or to deliver any notes. Her process thrives on mutual respect. The cast and crew function as a team and everyone’s ideas are listened to and met with serious consideration.

Each rehearsal starts with what White calls “circling up.” The cast meets in the middle of the room and places one foot in a circle as White goes through the agenda for the rehearsal. This method aims to open up the space for any questions or concerns, or just for the actors to be silly and catch up with one another. Ultimately, the goal is to get the cast in the mindset for rehearsal while still enjoying each other’s company.

Throughout the months of rehearsals, the cast has been given the rare opportunity to have hands-on experience in the production by sharing their own creative visions with White.

“For me, having a rehearsal space that encourages creativity and values everyone’s input is so important,” Pilgrim said. “When there’s respect in the room, it creates a more enjoyable and collaborative process. Feeling respected and heard allows me to fully immerse myself in the creative work, bringing my best to the stage while feeling safe in the process.”

At the end of rehearsal, White meets with the two leads, Pilgrim and James Evans, to analyze their characters’ behavior. She invites them to share their opinions on Darcy and Elizabeth’s feelings and discuss how they plan to communicate them to the audience.

“I believe the way to explore and understand a script, character, [or] story is by asking questions,” White said. “I certainly do not have all the answers, and I don’t believe there is one answer to a question, especially about humanity. We learn, fail, succeed, try and retry together, all in service of communicating the story, not one person in the room.”

BACK OF THE CLOSET

AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT TODAY’S MOST BUZZ-WORTHY TOPICS.

ALLEVIATING RECYCLING PANIC P. 114

THE Ghoulish AND Gross

THE HISTORY AND PRESENTATION OF GHASTLY CINEMA AND LITERATURE HAVE SURPRISING SOCIAL MEANINGS

BY JACKSON MCCOY ILLUSTRATION BY CARLY HART DESIGN BY CASSIDY WOODS

“The Substance,” 2024’s surprising blockbuster body horror flick, shocked audiences with its grotesque imagery. Other films from this year, like “In A Violent Nature,” “Cuckoo,” and “Lisa Frankenstein” celebrated the macabre, engrossing viewers with their morbid imagery.

Before these, ‘70s and ‘80s horror genre titans like John Carpenter, Tobe Hooper, and Dario Argento stacked their filmographies with gruesome stories. Inspired by the Hammer Film Productions era that gave moviegoers some of the first-ever horror features, filmmakers of the late 20th century crafted several of the most foundational horror movies.

However, even before the contemporary horror boom, novels like Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” were flying off the shelves and keeping readers awake in fear long before the invention of television and film.

Suffice it to say, the grotesque has captured our attention for centuries, and it continues to have a hold on us today.

At Ohio University, professors in creative departments encourage student writers and filmmakers to dream up stomach-churning narratives. Justin Daering, the director of OU’s film school, finds himself attracted to gruesome science fiction pieces, a fascination his own projects certainly reflect.

One of his most recent projects, a 30-minute short film titled “Progeny,” follows a man whose life spirals into chaos after his alien boss attaches his parasitic offspring to his neck. Several scenes are not for the squeamish, but the film is not pulpy; it is a powerful allegory representing accessible healthcare and abortion. This is present in films that inspired his work, like 1979’s “Alien.”

“‘Alien’ is a film about, at its core, corporations valuing profits over people,” Daering said. “When corporations value profits over people, and we try to explain that in the news, they can be kind of dry, right? But there is really a horror behind that idea. There's something truly horrific behind the idea of individuals in big, tall skyscrapers deciding that they're okay with other people simply dying so they can make more money. There's something absolutely horrific about that.”

Morbid storytelling has impacts beyond the screen. Many horror narratives are based on societal matters, representing serious political, ethical, and social issues.

This often leads to cult followings around films and identities that weren't originally represented in media. For many LGBTQIA+ people, horror films and grotesque pieces of media represent the struggles they go through.

Writing for Atlanta-based queer art and culture magazine Wussy, author Kenneth Figueroa discussed his attachment to Carpenter’s 1979 classic “Halloween” and the horror genre as a whole, as well as the attachment other queer people have to spooky pieces of media.

“It’s not uncommon for a future queer, brown boy to feel like an outcast in rural Georgia, so naturally I was enveloped by the genre,” Figueroa wrote. “In my later life, it came to be that I found a community with these like-minded individuals who also widely shared queer identities.”

Casey Plett, a professor in OU’s English and film departments, said it is not uncommon for people with marginalized identities to get attached to pieces of media that are not queer.

“I think that it's really common for lots of marginalized populations, not just queer people, to read our lives into more mainstream work, or maybe the work didn't even intend to be read with that lens,” Plett said. “I think there's real power in doing that.”

Plett’s literary work, while mostly centered on realistic stories of transgender women in America, has explored dark themes. Plett and Daering both agree creatives don’t need aliens or demons to be terrifying; reality can be brutal enough.

“The ‘Chernobyl’ TV series, there's a lot of body horror in that, but that's not (an) allegory; that is literally what happened to those poor people in Chernobyl,” Daering said. “That's a different type of morbidity in cinema, which has to do with sort of facing and reconciling with the horrors that we know exist, and just sort of staring them in the eye and coming to terms with them.”

The concepts popular in many horror movies like allegorical storytelling, and grisly imagery are present

in multiple genres of film and literature. For Owen Keller, a junior studying film, his main passion is fantasy films. Having watched films across genres, however, he said any scenes or elements that fall on the grim side need to match the plot and visual aesthetics of the rest of the work.

“I think in terms of violent elements, it just has to line up within the narrative,” Keller said. “I guess if there's a violent act in ‘The Princess Bride,’ you know, I wouldn't expect there to just be a shit ton of blood, and just be a disgusting fight … because of the tone they're setting up.”

For some, including Keller, horror was not an interest. The genre of horror — and, by association, the morbidity that is often present in these pieces of media — have been deemed gratuitous or over the top. Although there are certainly some pieces of media that cross the line of acceptable violence, many violent films and novels are still artful. From a more material standpoint, Keller enjoys practical effects representing grotesqueries

but also acknowledges their limitations.

“I think at a point we do have to acknowledge that we're in the digital age,” Keller said. “As cool as it is that some movies have practical effects, they just don't get that same effect if you're just using practical effects, but … they don't get that same effect if you're just using CGI. I think we're at a point where there has to be an interesting blend to make things realistic.”

Daering also enjoys practical effects, preferring them in his own work. However, he emphasized knowing when they are and aren’t needed from a production standpoint.

“It starts with going, ‘What's the story? Why does the story require this?’” Daering said. “In the case of ‘Progeny,’ we knew we wanted to have this thing implanted in the back of (the main character’s) neck, and that was to live there, and that would be cut out from there. And so it made sense, right? It made sense to tell that story in that way.”

Plett emphasized how shocking material, both fantastical and realistic, can start serious and important conversations, citing her visceral reaction to the book “Women Talking” and its 2022 film adaptation.

“I think … often one thing (books and movies) can do is talk about things that we don't necessarily want to talk about in our own day-to-day lives, and we can examine truths that are difficult for us to talk about in like company, and that can be really powerful,” Plett said.

Alleviating Recycling Panic

Everyone becomes a victim of recycling panic at some point. Lid on or off? Is coffee residue acceptable? The chasing arrow symbol is on the bottom, but does that mean it’s recyclable? Will this actually get recycled? Education on proper waste practices is being pushed for, yet the myths and contradictions persist.

Historically, initiatives to educate the public about recycling were a way for oil and plastic companies to shift blame and justify the continued production of cheap, low-quality plastics in the face of environmental criticisms. There is growing pressure for corporations to take accountability for their contributions to the slew of environmental issues that continue to bubble over. Despite this, a day-to-day social and ideological change in the general population is the first step in securing a stable and sustainable future of waste management.

Palatable infographics and clips of plasticriddled oceans can spark conversations, but quantifiable change cannot happen without the individual motivation to take action with that information. Understanding a system creates empathy and empathy creates motivation. Recycling and waste management are often labeled as inaccessible and complicated, but the systems are not as murky as they seem. The facts are available to the public, but it is just a matter of looking.

Ohio University’s Campus Recycling department makes recycling extraordinarily accessible. Accepted items and plastic types are listed and visually noted on all blue recycling bins around campus. Compost drop-off points are conveniently located at Baker Center and all dining halls for their Cats’ Compost program. Thirty-three green file cabinets are situated around campus allowing students to drop off and recycle batteries, lightbulbs, toner cartridges, CDs, VHS tapes, cassettes, and small electronics. Campus Recycling sorts these items at their campus office at The Ridges and sends them to various recycling facilities.

The Athens-Hocking Recycling Center Inc. (AHRC) handles all of OU’s recyclables and compostables. In terms of plastics, the AHRC can recycle plastics with the #1-7 classification, as indicated on the bottom of plastic products. Both the AHRC and Campus Recycling websites provide helpful resources and highlight rules and exceptions for Athens-specific recycling.

As of September 2024, OU has a 60% diversion rate. This means that 60% of waste that would traditionally go to a landfill is recycled. After being processed by the AHRC, the diverted waste generated on campus is sold and recycled into plastic lawn chairs, aluminum, compost for farms, and cardboard boxes. By 2026, the Office of Sustainability expects OU’s diversion rate to reach 80%.

Despite the resources available, some OU students do not actively reflect on where waste goes and who it affects after it leaves their hands. Gillian Jefferies, a freshman studying biology, feels that her peers don’t think about the aftermath of their actions.

“A lot of people don’t care because it does not directly involve them, so they just throw it in the trash,” Jefferies said. “There should be a class on recycling and reusable stuff.”

Ella Olekszyk, a sophomore studying English, described her sheer disbelief after walking past Earl’s Coop past midnight and expressed concerns about the lack of general waste education on campus.

“Yes, not just on recycling but on trash disposal because if you go to that chicken place at night, there are piles upon piles of trash that are just next to the trash can,” Olekszyk said.

While some instances of recycling faux pas can be chalked up to a lack of common sense or misunderstanding, convenience, and carelessness: a natural reason why people of all ages do not recycle diligently.

Mark Call, the Zero Waste and Recycling Manager at Campus Recycling, believes anyone can educate themselves if they take the time. Taking the time to learn about the local waste issues allows residents to have some skin in the game and thoughtfully contribute to their community so that everyone can benefit.

The issue is not that students in particular are failing to lead utterly wasteless lives, but that sustainable waste disposal is not a typical, default habit for people of all demographics. Some perceive being environmentally conscious as “over-the-top” or “extra,” implying that trash and its landfill’s degradative effects are trivial enough to ignore.

Sophee Newbauer, a recent OU graduate and current Intern Coordinator at Campus Recycling, emphasized the importance of anyone who contributes to waste at OU to be aware of our trash’s afterlife. She emphasized that the recycling shortcomings on campus are rooted in a lack of perspective and consideration for the world outside of the school’s campus.

“Paying attention to where it [trash] goes, knowing that trash goes somewhere, and it’s not just an empty pit,” Newbauer said.

According to the AHRC, they diverted 11,841,400 pounds of waste in 2023, yet they also put 21,051,582 pounds into the landfill. The Athens and Hocking counties rates of recycling contamination sat at 10% in 2023, while the U.S. national average rate is 18%-20%.

Waste contamination occurs when recyclables are overly soiled or incorrectly sorted, resulting in unnecessary contributions to landfills. Items like extremely greasy pizza boxes, plastic grocery bags, and black plastic cannot be recycled. While AHRC contributors contaminate waste significantly less than the national average, the total amount of waste produced by Athens and Hocking County alone remains alarming when quantified.

These added exceptions and fear of contamination can often incite panic and confusion when trying to simply dispose of trash and move on with the day. Ripley Kemp, a freshman studying media arts production at OU, said that the guilt or panic associated with recycling responsibly pops up fairly often.

“If I had a coffee and there’s still a little coffee in it, I feel bad when I put it in the recycling because I feel like it’s going to make everything dirty,” she said.

Must coffee cups be spotlessly clean and dry? What about leftover condiments in take-out containers? The seemingly complex labeling system leads people to believe that all of the plastic recycling industry’s expectations are tricky. Call reassures that aside from sorting plastic based on the labeled number system, AHRC is not picky.

“Empty is what they are looking for,” Call said.

Pushing zero-contamination is an ideal goal and admirable pursuit, yet perfection is neither expected, nor necessary in sustainable waste practices. Contamination is bound to happen. The tons of recyclables that AHRC processes can endure a few drops of coffee, yet a halffull cup of matcha costs the facility money, for sorting through trash that is ultimately unmarketable is a waste of time.

The Office of Sustainability, Campus Recycling, and AHRC provide students with an abundance of learning experiences, including volunteering opportunities and facility tours. These departments and organizations serve to create transparency in the waste and recycling industries. A lack of education and opportunity are no longer excuses for blind disposal. Individuals can create transparency within the recycling industry when they are willing to be receptive to its realities. Is recycling education scarce or are we too scared and selfish to listen? The intermingled strands of various environmental dilemmas cannot be disconnected from each other; therefore, there is no expectation for a single person to rectify everything. Educated, yet manageable choices that evolve into habitual action are likely to produce a long-standing communal shift toward sustainable waste operations.

Passionate Prodigies

BY JACKSON MCCOY

Having a hobby outside central academic work is incredibly important for students’ mental health. In an increasingly digital world, doing things outside of day-to-day monotony gives the stressed students who meander across Ohio University’s many study spots a vital outlet.

Ethan Herx, a sophomore studying photojournalism, carries a passion for bike riding and maintenance that may not seem typical. However, they have found a degree of fun in something highly technical.

“I worked in a bike shop for about two summers, from 2022-23, and I was working in the rental barn at that point … I didn’t know much about them,” Herx said. “I got weirdly interested in bike maintenance even though I’ve never worked as a mechanic.”

This passion for fixing bikes was born out of Herx’s personal emphasis on independence as well as practicality.

“I like being able to do things myself; I don’t want to have to rely on other people for that sort of thing,” Herx said. “At the same time, I was

also getting into backpacking, and a big part of that is you’re gonna be out away from a shop, away from other people. I want to be able to do any kind of fixes I need for myself. And also, I just love tinkering with things.”

Many hobbies are also passed down generationally; from cooking to basket weaving to painting, there are a plethora of pastimes that are rooted in family traditions.

Hayley Mitchell, a sophomore studying journalism, said her passion for knitting began with her wanting to get closer to her grandma.

“I used to cat-sit for (my grandma) all the time, and that kind of turned into wanting to hang out with her at her house with her cat when she was actually home instead of just not being there,” Mitchell said. “I had always kind of wanted to learn how to knit, and she offered to teach me. So she sat me down with my first pair of needles, and we used to get together in high school weekly for knitting sessions, and I’ve been knitting for about three years now.”

Mitchell ran with knitting since then, having created a queen bed-size blanket, pillows, sweaters, scarves, and hats.

“It’s a really good creative outlet, a fun way to just relax,” Mitchell said. “I also really like

ILLUSTRATION BY KENDALL WIFF DESIGN BY CASSIDY WOODS

being busy with my hands and it helps me pay attention. So often, I will knit during movies or sometimes in church just to help me focus.”

Having hobbies and passions that exist outside of a person’s career goals is beneficial in a number of ways. However, some people find passions that command their professional goals.

“It’s a really good creative outlet, a fun way to just relax, I also really like being busy with my hands and it helps me pay attention.”

HAYLEY MITCHELL

Alaina Dackermann, a senior studying photojournalism, found a love for sharks and marine biology after watching Steve Irwin on loop with her brother. From then on, “Shark Week” became her personal solstice, and she reads new shark research daily. They flood her social media feeds and her search engine results, she said.

Despite not necessarily being a “science person,” Dackermann said she still wants to follow sharks within the medium of photography.

“When I first got (to OU), I was like, ‘I’m only gonna be a photojournalist … they only cover wars,’ and I’ve kind of realized … that there are people who study that stuff that I like who started in kind of the same path,” she said.

Dackermann described her dream job with sharks as working with the OCEARCH Shark Tracking platform. OCEARCH is an organization that tags and tracks sharks so that scientists can learn more about their migratory and movement behaviors.

“(OCEARCH) does these big expeditions where it’s this massive boat, they go off, they tag these sharks, and then they have a website, an app that you can track them,” Dackermann said. “I have my favorites that I track, and it’s really cool to see where they’re at, and especially how we had these past hurricanes that come through, we’ll study what happens to them. Where do they go?”

With her current academic work, Dackermann can gain skills that will pan out to help her with a career at OCEARCH or similar work.

“Having that passion (for sharks) and then with the skills I have, I can go out and say, ‘look, I’m really interested in this. I’ve studied sharks for like, really long time. I really am interested in photographing your process that you do for this,’ that sort of thing,” Dackermann said. “So it actually kind of helps, because I know the

“I have my favorites that I track, and it’s really cool to see where they’re at, and especially how we had these past hurricanes that come through, we’ll study what happens to them. Where do they go?”

ALAINA DACKERMANN

“I still like reading about cycling, watching videos on gear and that sort of thing, and different routes,” Herx said. “Something I do a lot is route planning. Half the time, if you see me, I’ll have, like, some kind of map mapping service open. I mean, Athens is really great because there’s a lot of pretty decent, bike-friendly infrastructure.”

Herx emphasized the importance of physical activity in their own hobbies, saying exercising has major benefits for them as well as anyone who cycles.

“Studies show getting outside can boost your mental health, as well as being physically active can improve your mental health, and cycling is probably one of the best full-body workouts,” Herx said. “You’re not only working out your legs, you’re also working on your core and then your wrists, your arms, your shoulders. Especially if you’re mountain biking or something like that, coming off a day on the trail, you feel everything. You feel muscles you didn’t know you had.”

Hobbies and passions also can connect people with others who share interests, making it easier to find friends, Mitchell said.

“My first-year roommate and I, we really bonded over a shared love of yarn,” Mitchell said. “She crochets and I knit, so it was really fun getting together and doing that. And my sister also crochets. So yeah, we just sit together and chit-chat.”

“Something I do a lot is route planning. Half the time, if you see me, I’ll have some kind of mapping service open.”

ETHAN HERX

BY MACKENZIE CARR

ILLUSTRATION BY MARIS CORDIAL

CLARK

Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that honors and remembers deceased loved ones. From Oct. 27 to Nov. 3 celebrants remember loved ones through altars, offerings, and celebrations, opening a gateway for the deceased to return to earth from purgatory.

Karen Ocampo Marquez, a Spanish professor at Ohio University, explained the holiday’s significance in Mexican tradition.

“We pray … that they can come back again to the other world. We believe that they go because that’s part of the Mexican belief, that death is not the end of this life, it is the beginning of a new cycle,” Ocampo Marquez said.

Día de los Muertos is an extremely personal holiday that brings people together with the ones they love who have passed on and can give people the closure they need to continue living without them. This holiday can highlight someone’s emotional journey as they try to communicate with loved ones and witness their family’s grief and joy in remembering them.

According to an information pamphlet given by Ocampo Marquez, Día de los Muertos is estimated to have originated around 3,000 years ago in pre-Hispanic cultures like the Totonacas and Aztecs, who had rituals for the dead. The holiday is celebrated primarily in central and southern Mexico, where people participate in traditions like placing water and food for pets, candles and water for souls, and specific foods for ancestors on the altars.

“Every time they had a loved one who had passed away, they would cover them with what we call a petite that is a corn leaf, and after that, they used to celebrate their life, with their favorite food,” Ocampo Marquez said.

DESIGN BY MORGAN

Altars, also known as ofrendas, are a huge part of celebrating the holiday and are created with seven levels, featuring photos, candles, and marigolds.

“The (altars) have seven levels, and each of these levels, they need to have something,” said Ocampo Marquez. “Most of the time we have to have photos of our loved ones. Most religious people place saints or religious entities. But for people who are not exactly religious, they still do the altars and they only place photos of their loved ones.”

The holiday has evolved, incorporating elements like calaveras (sugar skulls), alebrijes (folk art sculptures depicting fantastical creatures or animals), papel picados (decorative paper crafts), and cempasúchils (marigolds), which symbolize the sun and guide the dead. The holiday is celebrated in different parts of Mexico with parades and boat processions.

The vibrant colors and symbolism of Día de los Muertos have long captivated the imagination of those outside of Mexico. As Ocampo Marquez explained, this centuries-old tradition is far more than just a single day of remembrance. It is a rich tapestry of beliefs, rituals, and cultural evolution that spans over a week.

OU’s Multicultural Center (MCC) is expanding its Día de los Muertos celebration this year, building on efforts to honor Hispanic and Latino traditions on campus. The event, which bridges Hispanic Heritage Month and Native American Heritage Month, will feature ofrendas at multiple locations, including in Gordy Hall and the Multicultural Center.

Ocampo Marquez’s detailed account reveals this holiday’s deeply personal and communal nature. Celebrations offer a powerful way of honoring the dead, preserving indigenous knowledge, and fostering connections between the living and the departed.

As the traditions of Día de los Muertos continue to adapt and spread, it offers a nuanced look at the holiday’s significance and the diverse ways it is celebrated across Mexico.

“The Day of the Dead offers a natural transition between these observances, as much of the celebration is rooted in Mexican indigenous culture,” said Acie Clayborne, an assistant director at the MCC.

Last year, the MCC collaborated with the Multicultural Greek Council and local student Esme Miranda to introduce an ofrenda to campus. This year, plans include larger displays and expanded participation across campus.

“Our goal is to make the Hispanic and Latino community more visible and eventually create a fully traditional ofrenda,” Clayborne said.

The celebration will take place around Halloween, offering students a chance to engage with this cultural tradition and enjoy traditional pastries from local vendors. As the celebration continues to grow, it signals a deeper commitment to honoring the diverse cultures at OU.

“ “

This centuries-old tradition is far more than just a single day of remembrance. It is a rich tapestry of beliefs, rituals, and cultural evolution that spans over a week.

Originally in Islam, veiling one’s head was a status symbol, the secluding act of wearing the hijab reserved only for the Prophet Muhammad’s wives. Today, the hijab serves as a symbol of modesty and empowerment for Muslim women. Though covering is not mandated, the practice holds great and differing levels of value for each individual who chooses to adorn themselves.

Maryam Muzaffar is a third-year graduate student at Ohio University. In August 2022, Muzaffar moved from Pakistan to the United States to further her education in biochemistry. She identifies as a practicing Muslim and chooses to wear the hijab. She chose not to cover while living in her home country but has found immense confidence and a true sense of identity through wearing the hijab in the United States.

“I feel like wearing the hijab has given me a specific identity,” Muzaffar said. “Whenever I wear the hijab and go somewhere people [pay] me extra respect. I’ve observed that the opposite gender [gives] more space and respects my identity. Even the way they are looking at you is [with] a kind of respect. I feel safe with it.”

Muzzafar participates in recreational sports at OU and regularly trains at the Ping Recreation Center on campus. She opts to wear the hijab more often than not during physical activity.

“I play badminton at Ping Center,” Muzzafar said. “To be honest, it’s hard to wear the hijab when you are playing. Sometimes it is really hard to play in front of the boys.”

Muzzafar would feel comfortable removing her hijab and playing freely if the courts were gender-specific. She has noticed a difference in how peers react to her completing physical activity while wearing the hijab. When she is playing badminton in the semi-private courts, people do not seem bothered, but when she finds herself in the general training areas, other students send her questioning looks.

“In the gym if you are covering your head, they’ll give you a look,” Muzzafar said.

It may be considered ‘human nature’ for beings to question things they are unfamiliar with. However, it is vital this interest comes from a place of kindness and genuine curiosity rather than an act of passing judgment.

the sports administration department at OU, instructs a class titled “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Sport.”

surrounding the banning of hijabs in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

revolutionary historical contexts that have created such an emphasis on the separation of religion and the state in France, he also believes the world of sports can be flawed in its uncompromising ideals.

in a space where we say meritocracy is the only thing we care about here, and all the rules that we put in place are completely blind of any kind of outside racism, sexism, or colorism,” Wright said. “Well, that’s not the way our world really works.”

from across the globe to compete in sporting events. The athletes in attendance stem from varying religious and ethnic backgrounds. Wright described the Olympics as a “truly global event” with inescapable religious associations, from athletes competing from religious states to runners praying before a sprint.

hijaBS in athleticS

BY KITTY CRINO AND SOPHIA ROOKSBERRY ILLUSTRATION BY CASSIDY WOODS

DESIGN BY NICOLE BELL

“It really might need a case-by-case consideration,” he said. “If you’re not willing to be open and accept differences about religious affiliations or any other kind of differences, at least have the conversation individually: what can we do here that services and opens access to all athletes, as opposed to closing it off to some?”

Although athletes from opposing countries were permitted to wear hijabs this past summer, French athletes were not. In 2004, France banned the wearing of the hijab in various public spaces. Since then, other modes of covering have been banned, including, but not limited to, the niqab, burkini, and abaya.

Muzaffar expressed her concern in response to the prohibition of French female athletes covering as they desire in the Olympic games.

“I feel like there is no relationship between the hijab and sports or going to recreational activities,” Muzaffar said. “It is just a piece of cloth. It is the same as my shirt, which is the same as my pants, same as the shoes.”

This decision made by the French government displays extreme inequity and has disinterested Muslim individuals and allies alike from the entire country. For Muzaffar, France has been omitted from her bucket list until further notice.

“Every person has the right to wear whatever they want to wear and you cannot judge a person for whatever they are wearing,” Muzaffar said.

“That’s [what] I like over here in the U.S., people don’t judge you. That’s the beauty of the culture.”

WHAT ARE THEY AND HOW ARE THEY STUDIED? SOUNDWAVES :

BY SOPHIA ROOKSBERRY

ILLUSTRATION BY MARIS CORDIAL DESIGN BY EMILY PETERTONJES

Out of the five senses, sound is arguably the least tangible. So much of daily life revolves around sound, yet most people don’t have more than an elementary grasp of the concept of sound; others choose to study it in their careers or education.

Nicole Manzardo is a third-year doctoral student studying clinical audiology, as well as the president of the Student Academy of Audiology (SAA). The organization exists for graduate students focusing on audiology and undergraduates interested in that specialization to come together and learn from each other while working in the community.

“We do a couple things,” Manzardo said. “We go out and give hearing protection to students or anybody at sporting events, we do outreach in the community, we’re going to eventually do a hearing aid workshop at a nursing home.”

Although SAA is more hands-on than educational, the study of sound is relevant in all of their discussions, especially ones revolving around hearing aids.

“If sound is coming to the front of you, it’ll basically hit both ears about the same time,” Manzardo said. “If sound is coming from the left side, then it’s going to hit your left ear before it reaches your right ear; it’s called the ‘head shadow effect’ and we talk about that a lot for hearing aids.”

The study of sound is also heavily involved in the music and concert industries. Thom Cadley is a visiting professional in music production and technology and teaches a course in the Media Arts and Studies program focusing on sound.

“Our very first class is [talking about] what sound is,” Cadley said. “It’s just the launching point and then we talk about how we deal with it in numerous ways … we talk a little bit about the science of sound and how it’s basically just vibrations in the air like a ripple in a pond.”

The class covers the details of soundwaves and how to manipulate them in any state and for any purpose, depending on the field of interest.

“Sound stops being sound the second it hits a microphone or the second it hits your ear, then it becomes what’s called audio,” Cadley said. “There’s a difference between audio and sound, and the defining point is when it ceases to be moving, vibrating air … and it becomes electrical pulses.”

While Cadley has used his skillset in the field of sound to mix and record for various artists from Joan Jett to Beyonce, Manzardo hopes to work with the deaf community in a “counselingfocused” career, a path she took an interest in while learning sign language. Despite these two different areas of expertise, the universality of sound allows for a decent amount of crossover between fields.

“Music is basically just a combination of different pitches … and if you have hearing loss of any kind, then sometimes those pitches are just gone from your ability to hear,” Manzardo said.

The study of sound applies to more areas of life than most people realize. People who study sound in its many forms, like Cadley and Manzardo, have the rare ability to educate people and help them not take sound for granted.

THE IMPORTANCE OF YOGA AND MINDFULNESS IN THE DIGITAL AGE

BY SABINE OBERMOLLER ILLUSTRATION BY SOPHIA CIANCIOLA DESIGN BY GWYNETH SHOEMAKER

Amid the growing focus on self-care and health on social media, yoga, and mindfulness have seen a resurgence in popularity. Influencers like Jake Shane and Alix Earle frequently post on TikTok about their pilates workouts at Alo Yoga Studios, often alongside celebrities like Glen Powell and Tate McRae. As these celebrities become health advocates, they also help people realize yoga isn’t just a great exercise for the body, but also a powerful tool to sharpen the mind.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, yoga and meditation improve certain brain functions, like decision-making, learning, reaction time, and enhanced concentration. Yoga has also been shown to boost mood, decrease anxiety, and reduce emotional reactivity in stressful situations, promoting more balanced responses.

Natalie Bennett, a senior studying psychology, is currently taking a class called “Finding the Balance: Foundations and Applications of Mindfulness.” Since taking the class, Bennett was surprised to notice how mindfulness affected her attitude and mindset.

“I found myself walking away a little more stress-free and a little more clearheaded,” she said. “I was a little bit of a non-believer at first, but it definitely is helping me.”

For Bennett, meditation is an important practice that she recommends for all college students.

“People our age are incredibly stressed with school anxiety, and just any other

social stressors out there,” Bennett said. “Participating in … meditation or yoga is just a second for you to calm down and really truly get your mind where it’s supposed to be, and just relax for at least 10 minutes a day.”

Thanks to the rise of digital yoga, yoga, and mindfulness have become more accessible. Creators like Yoga With Adriene, Move With Nicole, and Boho Beautiful offer yoga, pilates, and meditation videos on YouTube that can be done from the comfort of home, often at no cost. Doing these practices digitally can be particularly helpful to those who might not have the money or time to attend an in-person class.

Yoga is about connecting the body to the mind, but people, especially college students, are often too busy or disregard it entirely. There are many misconceptions about yoga, but because of its rising popularity on social media, more people are giving it a shot.

According to Sayujya Yoga, a yoga school based in India, Gen Z is turning to these mindful and healthy practices because they are constantly being exposed to notifications and information overload, and it serves as a “sanctuary where they can unplug and focus on the present moment.” The generation has also turned to yoga because of the social aspect and the sense of community it provides, both online and in yoga studios.

For students, Ohio University offers yoga as one of the group fitness options at Charles J. Ping Recreation Center, along

with cycling, cardio dance, and boxing. Megan Scudder, a sophomore studying journalism and the student supervisor for group fitness classes, has seen first-hand how her students regularly enjoy attending her yoga classes and consider them a much-needed reset and step back from their weekly stress.

Scudder, who is also a certified yoga instructor, said many of her students found it difficult to narrow in on their breathwork and intentions at first, but that after they stayed with it for a while, it made all the difference.

“I would say to just show up to classes. We have them all day, they’re free … you can try any style,” she said. “Once you start going, it’s hard not to get hooked on it,

because it does so much for you, mentally and physically.”

As the demand for yoga and mindfulness continues to rise, so has their accessibility. Through online platforms, as well as OU’s fitness programs, more people can discover the benefits that yoga can bring to the mind and body, especially in the face of stress. In a constantly moving and fast-paced digital age, these practices can provide a space to breathe, relax, and reset.

STEVEN RHODES

BY AVERY ST GEORGE ILLUSTRATION BY KENDALL WIFF DESIGN BY EMILY PETERTONJES

The name Steven Rhodes might not sound familiar, but his work is everywhere, especially around the Halloween season. Steven Rhodes became popular for his artwork combining retro advertisements with famous horror characters like Michael Myers or Frankenstein. His website describes the graphics as a combination of “nostalgia injected with a twist of darkness.” Some of his most popular designs include an illustration of children sitting in a circle with the caption “Let’s Summon Demons” or an alien with the title “Don’t Talk to Strangers.”

Steven Rhodes is an artist from Brisbane, Australia, who has become popular for reimagining children’s illustrations from the ‘70s and ‘80s. Rhodes combines these illustrations with his interest in horror movies and the supernatural to create a humorous subversion of a typical advertisement. Steven’s artwork became especially popular when sold as merchandise at retail stores like Hot Topic and Spencer’s. Most people have probably seen his art on a T-shirt while shopping or maybe even own a piece of his and don’t know about the artist who created it.

Rhodes's interest in art began at a young age and evolved from painting and drawing to studying graphic design and digital art.

According to an interview with Rhodes, his work is a product of researching ‘70s and ‘80s reference material to get a better understanding of the era before he reimagines it as something new. Rhodes grew up in the ‘80s so that period provides a strong nostalgia for him that he tries to channel in his pieces. He wants his viewers to reminisce about good childhood memories while putting a more adult spin on them.

Though his artwork is fairly popular, Rhodes is a humble and normal guy. He lives in an apartment with his wife and enjoys his job as a full-time graphic designer. In addition to his own personal collections, Rhodes also creates client-commissioned pieces. In an interview with Society 6, Rhodes said he enjoys working with clients because they understand his unique identity as an artist and allow him to create work he’s excited about. Crafting his identity took time, though, and young artists shouldn’t expect their art journey to come easy.

“It takes hours and hours of practice and constantly producing work, seeing what works and what doesn’t and refining and evolving and experimenting and failing and trying again,” Rhode said. “I think if you’re really driven and love what you do, it will all come naturally in time and feel more like an organic process.”

Rhodes also said he has struggled with his designs getting stolen or copied. Because of the popularity of his T-shirts, some artists have tried to recreate his artistic style and steal his unique concept for their own profit. This can be challenging because he works by himself, and it’s difficult for him to stop copycats all over the internet. Additionally, fast fashion retailers like Shein or Temu that sell cheap goods often sell Rhodes’s artwork on clothes without his permission. These companies are so large and profitable, making it hard for him to combat copyright infringement.

It’s important to think ethically when purchasing products, especially those involving artwork or design. The cheapest option may be to buy a shirt from Shein, but big companies often steal the artwork rights from small artists. In an interview with Michael Essek, Rhodes said the profits from his officially licensed pieces make up most of his income and allow him to make a living off graphic designing. Even if officially licensed merchandise is more expensive, it tends to be better quality and the money goes directly to the artist. Ethical consumption allows Rhodes and many other artists to make a living off their art and continue to make more pieces that bring people joy.

Astrology Rant

Anew form of rivalry has emerged from Generation Z: the people who live and breathe astrology against the rest of the world.

It's funny though because these “astrologers” are the ones who hold the power. Why aren’t they the odd ones out? Why is it awkward and uncomfortable when one doesn't know one’s moon and rising signs? Why are they allowed to blame their outrageous outbursts on the planets? They should be the most grounded type of people. Considering that is what the planets actually do: gravitational pull and all that.

Like most of the common trends seen today, the astrology epidemic began to gain popularity around the time of COVID-19 when everyone had way too much time on their hands, and everyone came back to school with a new look and new identity the following year. Students who had never piqued interest in the universe before were suddenly infatuated. They had found a new system which could explain the terrible hardships of high school.

The best way to describe someone who is heavily into astrology is a know-it-all. They will decide who they love or hate simply based on someone’s birthday, and that could go either way. They have no shame in thinking that they know who is compatible and who is not, and it is inescapable. The Instagram Explore page is able to say that a marriage will end if a Pisces marries an asparagus. People in class want to know someone’s birth chart before even learning someone’s name. What happened to normal conversations that could go both ways? And why do people feel so belittled when they don’t know anything about astrology? It’s kind of ironic. They claim to be in tune with energies but hardly can read the awkwardness when no one knows what they are talking about.

Astrology Rave

BY TESS ALTIER

ILLUSTRATION BY EMILY HENDERSON

DESIGN BY SOPHIA CIANCIOLA

Astrology is often misunderstood, even by its practitioners, leading to a misinterpretation of its purpose. The core idea of astrology, though varying for each person, is to serve as a guide rather than a strict law dictating one's entire life. It is a form of divination that helps individuals understand the material interactions and karmic influences in their lives. Rather than being a physical and spiritual law that dictates every aspect of existence, astrology provides a map for those seeking insight into their experiences and choices.

According to Adam Elenbaas, a seasoned astrologer, “The child is born at a particular moment and it is sort of like a piece of clay, and the planets at the moment of birth are sort of impressing upon that piece of clay a certain kind of subtle energetic blueprint or makeup.” This analogy emphasizes that planets do not alter the clay but instead offer a blueprint, a kind of spiritual DNA that influences the individual’s potential and tendencies. Astrology is established at birth based on the positions of the stars and planets at that exact moment. This blueprint provides a deeper understanding of one’s personality and potential life path, offering guidance and purpose beyond the mere randomness of existence. It can help individuals gain a sense of direction and clarity, enabling them to move forward in ways they might not have otherwise. While modern science may easily dismiss astrology, this does not diminish its value for those who find comfort and insight within it. Just as with any spiritual belief or religion, its significance lies in the personal meaning and support it offers to its adherents. Astrology, in essence, serves as a valuable tool for navigating life and finding personal purpose. It is amazing in its own right because it empowers people to be who they are and more.