Hindsight 2020 by Paisano Plus

Letter from the editor A new year. A new era. A new decade. 2020 has arrived, leaving the 2010s a part of history. Before we can move forward into the second rendition of the Roaring Twenties, we need to reflect on significant moments, personal and societal, of the last decade. Down with animal testing! Brands became more aware of their ingredients and developmental practices. One by one, brands turned away from animal testing, and some are going the extra mile by becoming fully vegan. Look for bunnies on your cosmetic packaging, and do your part to protect our furry friends. “Love wins.” On June 26, 2015, gay marriage was legalized in the United States. The support the LGBTQ+ community received in the last decade steadily increased

every year. Celebrities such as Hayley Kiyoko, Halsey, Sam Smith, Amandla Stenberg and Ezra Miller became gay icons and role models to LGBTQ+ youth everywhere. While we’ve made a lot of progress in accepting sexuality, we still need to change the all-toocommon misconceptions about our non-binary and transgender friends. The 2010s saw an increase in global temperatures but also in awareness. Going green became trendy, and single-use plastics slowly went out of style. While reducing, reusing and recycling has helped, we need to do more. Getting the government involved is crucial, especially after the U.S. abandoned the Paris Agreement, a coalition with the United Nations to mitigate greenhouse gases. We need to vote not just for politics but for our planet as well.

This decade was defined by protests and activism. Feminists across the country fought tirelessly, and their work was not in vain. As we continue into the 2020s, small victories will add up and affect change. The 2020s are here, and it’s up to us to define this decade. We have a blank canvas on which we can paint whatever we want. Hopefully, we can further the positive progress already made in various social and federal movements. As we dive headfirst into a new decade, ask yourself:

“Where will you go?”

“With luck,

forward.”

On the cover The dragon for “Game of Thrones,” Harry Potter riding off into the sky, Prison Mike and Jung-kook of BTS clinking glasses, and a collection of celebrities and political figures scattered across the bottom — the “Hindsight 2020” cover is just as chaotic as the decade. By Emmanuelle Maher

Paisano Plus

30Toast to the 20s

6Cruelty-free beauty

The makeup industry made strides in animal protection with cruelty-free brands emerging and long-famed brands launching vegan lines or avoiding animal testing.

9Climate Crisis

Global temperatures are fluctuating, and people need to take action. Recycling can only get us so far; we need to hold our government accountable and vote for change now.

16Feminism in Motion 20Music Memories Equity for everyone gained more support; however, the fight created extremist feminists and social disparities along with legal change and awareness.

Photo by Mahin Sheikh

Music unfailingly defines decades. New artists stole our hearts in the 2010s, and established musicians dazzled us while discovering their new sound.

10Polarizing Presidents The Obama and Trump administrations were the most contentious topics of the decade. Josh Peck investigates the Trump administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s failures and lack of professionalism.

26Athletic Legends

The highlights, underdogs and team trades of the recent past left sports fans in shock and awe from the Miami Heatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s domination to Simone Bilesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Olympic triumph.

{ Paisano Plus }

Est. 1990

Magazine Editor: Maha Qadri Assistant Magazine Editor: Tali Duarte Editor-in-Chief: Rudy Sanchez Managing Editor: Joseph Torres

The Paisano is an independent studentrun multimedia publication for the UTSA community, which produces the newspaper and Paisano Plus magazine as well as videos, podcasts and blogs. The Paisano Plus magazine celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. A multifaceted publication, the Paisano Plus discusses everything from the legalization of marijuana to UTSA culture to gender and sexuality to mental health. As the Paisano Plus gears up for middle age, we would like to thank our readers and donors for making this publication possible. Without your support, we would be a bunch of college students with voices but no audience. Your readership and donations mean the world to our advisors, editors and

staff. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and we hope to continue creating magazines for you for decades to come. Completely student-run, The Paisano offers learning opportunities for students of all majors. We have a welcoming space for students to expand their skills in writing, journalism, copy editing, graphic design, web design, business management, marketing, photography and more. Experienced Paisano members and staff advisors are more than willing to help you navigate through the wide array of opportunities available. Without a doubt, joining The Paisano will expand your skill set and make you a part of an organization that is a family.

Paisano editors celebrate the groundbreaking for the Paisano Media Arts Center (pictured left). Construction began in 2013, and the grand opening was held on Sept. 13, 2014. The Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, purchased the land. The editors and UTSA architecture students designed the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s look and layout respectively.

Business Manager: Will Stransky {Writers} Robin Molina, Jake Striebeck, Josh Peck, Tali Duarte, Edysa Vazquez, Kasandra Parker, Johanna Reduque, Maha Qadri, Geoffrey Okolo, Ana Cecilia Martinez, Jada Teague, Brysen Streeter, Kayla Burford, Robyn Castro, Alex Hanks, Sofia Garcia, Ryan Garza, Max Aguirre, Jose Bouquett {Cover} Emmanuelle Maher {Page Designers} Maha Qadri & Kat Joseph {Advisor} Diane Abdo {Advisory Board} Stefanie Arias, Jack Himelblau, Steven Kellman, Red Madden, Sandy Norman Paisano Plus is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization. The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper Association, a registered student organization. The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed towards: 14526 Roadrunner Way Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78249 (210) 690-9301 magazine@paisano-online.com ÂŠ 2020, All Rights Reserved, The Paisano

looking back the mixtape Curated by our editors, each song was chosen to represent a moment in time for each editor. Along with a few of the most streamed songs of the decade, here are The Paisano editorial board’s choices for their decade:

‘10

‘11 ‘12

‘13

‘14

Back Down South by Kings of Leon GHOST! by Kid Cudi Like A G6 by Far East Movement Not Afraid by Eminem Raise Your Glass by P!nk Teenage Dream by Katy Perry

Levels by Avicii Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO Rolling in the Deep by Adele What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction

Backseat Freestyle by Kendrick Lamar BURN IT DOWN by Linkin Park Classic by MKTO English Town by Matchbox Twenty Gangnam Style by PSY Love Sosa by Chief Keef Pyramids by Frank Ocean R U Mine? by Arctic Monkeys

Boss Of Me by David Bowie Harlem Shake by Baauer Ilahi by Arijit Singh The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?) by Ylvis The Way (feat. Mac Miller) by Ariana Grande Young And Beautiful by Lana Del Rey

Love Yourz by J. Cole Uptown Funk (feat. Bruno Mars) by Mark Ronson

‘15 ‘16

‘17 ‘18

‘19

A.M. by One Direction Hotline Bling by Drake My Shot by Hamilton Original Broadway Cast Sorry Not Sorry by Bryson Tiller Wait a Minute! by WILLOW 4 Your Eyez Only by J. Cole

Die For You by The Weeknd Jabra Fan by Vishal-Shekhar Maybe IDK by Jon Bellion Nights by Frank Ocean Pick Up The Phone (feat. Quavo) by Young Thug Self Control by Frank Ocean Waste A Moment by Kings of Leon White Iverson by Post Malone

BLEACH by BROCKHAMPTON Drinkin’ Problem by Midland Motorcycle by Colter Wall Up in the Old Hotel by Tom Russell XO Tour Lilf3 by Lil Uzi Vert

come out and play by Billie Eilish Guatemala - From Swaecation by Rae Sremmurd In My Feelings by Drake Lucid Dreams by Juice WRLD moonchild by RM Paradise by BTS SICKO MODE by Travis Scott When I Get to Heaven by John Prine

Lover by Taylor Swift Nightmare by Halsey Saturday Nights REMIX by Khalid & Kane Brown thank u, next by Ariana Grande This Life by Vampire Weekend

Scan with your smart phone to stream this mixtape on Spotify.

Easy, Breezy, Cruelty-free By Robin Molina

Makeup is personal. It’s not only a form of selfexpression but also has the capacity to bond people, to help us feel like our best selves and to inspire us. By now, you’ve probably noticed that certain brands can convey cultures, attitudes and ideals — among them one is conscientiousness. I’m particularly referring to cruelty-free beauty companies. Whether you’re the kind of person who got in trouble for stealing your mother’s mascara at five years old or just started getting familiar with makeup during college, knowing what the brands behind your products stand for can deepen your connection even further and make using makeup all the more personal. The idea of using animals to test cosmetic products dates back to 1938 when the U.S. Food, DrWug and Cosmetic Act was signed into law. This law required some safety “substantiation” and defaulted to the idea of testing on animals. I’ll spare you the extensive details of the various bans and regulations that have been implemented since then. What’s important is that, about 80 years later, the Humane Cosmetics Act (HSA) was introduced into the U.S. in 2014 and reintroduced in 2017. The HSA places a national ban on animal testing, supports the development of testing alternatives and aims to “restore America’s position as a world leader in cruelty-free safety methods that promote the wellbeing of everyone, humans and animals, alike.” The influence of the HSA and new beauty companies — specifically from this past decade — have set a trend that is permeating the industry and influencing new and old brands alike. So, without further ado, The Paisano has compiled a list for you to peruse and send to all of your friends.

Fenty Beauty Cruelty-free, not completely vegan but has vegan options, formulated without gluten-derived ingredients, paraben-free and phthalate-free.

The line was created in 2017 by Rihanna, “so that women everywhere could be included.” Additionally, she focused on making formulas that work for all skin types to accommodate the “wide range of traditionally hard-to-match skin tones” which resulted in 50 inclusive shades. Best Sellers: • Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick “Spanked” – $18 • Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation – $32 • Full-bodied Foundation Brush – $34 • Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation – $35

Lush Cruelty-free, 100% vegetarian, handmade and “naked” packaging. Mark Constantine, a trichologist, and Liz Weir, a beauty therapist — former owners of Constantine & Weir and Cosmetics To Go — launched Lush in 1995 with a focus on simple packaging, quality ingredients and crueltyfree practices. They’ve focused on issues like fighting animal testing and have integrated policies that ensure their product suppliers don’t test on animals. Best Sellers: • “Eyes Right” lengthening wheatgrass mascara – $14.95 • “Feeling Younger” luminous skin tint – $14.95 • “Charisma” warming skin tint – $14.95 • “Independent” true jet black eyeliner – $16.95

Jeffree Star Cosmetics Cruelty-free, not completely vegan but has vegan options. The brand was launched in 2014 and was made for people who feel “fearless enough to be themselves.”

This brand first launched with three “velour liquid lipsticks” and has expanded ever since. The line is cruelty-free and ensures their manufacturers are as well.

be applied with your fingers. They are cruelty-free and only work with vendors who uphold their same standards.

Best Sellers:

• Lip Gloss, cushiony glassy shine – $14

• The Gloss: Shane Glossin’ – $18 • Diet Shine Lip Balm – $18 • Ryland – $18 • Shane x Jeffree Conspiracy Palette Bundle – $72

MILK Makeup

Best Sellers: • Boy Brow, grooming pomade – $16 • Generation G, sheer matte lipstick – $18 • Cloud Paint, seamless cheek color – $18

E.L.F.

Cruelty-free, paraben-free, 100% vegan.

Cruelty-free, 100% vegan and free from phthalates, sulfates and parabens.

This brand was created in 2014 by Mazdack Rassi, Dianna Ruth, Georgie Greville and Zanna Roberts Rassiin. The founders were “hyper-aware of all the toxicity in the world” as a result of having young kids at the time. They believe that “there is no animal product or by-product that doesn’t have a safe natural or synthetic alternative” and that “great beauty products don’t harm animals.”

e.l.f. — which stands for eyes, lips and face — was created in 2004 by Alan and Joey Shamah who offered an alternative approach to beauty — one that delivers great products at a low price point. Their products are versatile in that their range offers the ability to create various looks. Their “look good and feel good” philosophy is accompanied by their cruelty-free, vegan and safe ingredient practices.

Best Sellers:

• KUSH Lip Balm – $16

• Instant Lift Brow Pencil – $2

• KUSH Fiber Brow Gel – $20

• 16HR Camo Concealer – $6

• KUSH High Volume Mascara – $24

• Flawless Finish Foundation – $6

• Hydro Grip Primer – $30

• Poreless Putty Primer – $8

Glossier Cruelty-free, not completely vegan but has vegan options. Glossier was founded in 2014 on the “belief that beauty isn’t built in the boardroom — it happens when you’re a part of the process.” Their philosophy that beauty should be “fun, easy, imperfect and personal” is reflected in product design and it’s intended use — everything can

What I learned from trying to find cruelty-free brands is that there are various sources that conflict in their reports of standards, but I managed to find two that anyone can use to check the status of makeup brands: leapingbunny. org for a list of approved brands and crueltyfreekitty. com for a list of companies that test on animals in 2019. Lastly, if you see a cute little leaping bunny on any of your makeup products, that’s an indication that it is indeed a cruelty-free company.

The Rights of the Rainbow LGBTQ+ Liberation By Jake Striebeck

Never has there been a better time to be unapologetically gay. Pronouns are to be respected. Gender norms are to be squashed. PDA is to be encouraged. Gay is more than okay. The LGBTQ+ community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and more) in the U.S. is widely accepted and welcomed by the public now more than ever before.

Our current presidential administration has also gone out of its way to roll back on the progress made for LGBTQ+ rights. President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are responsible for multiple attacks on LGBTQ+ rights over the past few years in office. Trump opposed the Equality Act, which guaranteed non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people.

An Obama-era rule banning foster care organizations receiving federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services to discriminate on the basis of religion was rolled back, encouraging discrimination against the thousands of LGBTQ+ parents willing to provide a home for children in foster care. These are just a few of the sinister things the Trump administration has done, but there are still many role models to look up to.

Today’s young adults and teenagers are growing up in a society where gender is more than genitals, sexuality is more than reproduction and diversity is our best bet for evolution.

Trump appointed anti-LGBTQ+ Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, who both have histories of antiLGBTQ+ records.

Society has not always been this encouraging of self-expression. Prejudice and violence plague the history of the oppressed LGBTQ+ community. Gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgenders, queer individuals and others have experienced violent assaults and hate crimes throughout the history of our nation. Unfortunately, many victims go undocumented, and it is impossible to describe all of the atrocities that have occurred throughout the decades.

“Gay is more than okay.” Transgender people have been banned from serving in the military under Trump’s presidency, one of the most atrocious and blatant forms of discrimination under this administration.

Laverne Cox (she/her) is the first trans person to be nominated for an Emmy for her performance as Sophia Burset on Netflix’s “Orange is the New Black.” She advocates for the access to health care for LGBTQ+ communities and the rights of transgender people and people of color.

LGBTQ+ rights vary state to state. Only in 2003 did sexual acts between persons of the same sex become legal nationwide, thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Lawrence v. Texas.

Trump’s Department of Labor pushed a directive permitting federal contractors to claim religious exemption from anti-discrimination laws, allowing them to fire LGBTQ+ workers due to their sexuality or gender identity.

Reggie Bullock (he/him) is an NBA player for the New York Knicks. He has been a strong voice advocating for LGBTQ+ rights within the sports community ever since the murder of his transgender sister Mia Henderson in 2014.

The Supreme Court has also expanded LGBTQ+ rights through landmark rulings: invalidating a state law banning protected class recognition based upon homosexuality, invalidating sodomy laws nationwide, ruling Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional (a federal law passed under President Bill Clinton that defined marriage for federal documentation as the union of one man and one woman) and, most recently, legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.

The Department of Health and Human Services developed a new office whose function would be to protect physicians and other medical professionals who refuse care to LGBTQ+ patients.

The overall public opinion on the LGBTQ+ community has progressively improved as we approach 2020, but there is still much work to do.

The U.S. currently does not have any federal laws outlawing discrimination due to sexual orientation. This means that residents in some states are unprotected against discrimination in housing, employment and public or private services.

The Departments of Education and the Department of Justice rolled back Obamaera rhetoric specifying that schools must respect transgender students by referring to them how they identify. This includes the use of bathrooms of their identified gender, use of correct names and pronouns and other permissions of harassment toward transgender students. Ben Carson, head of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, proposed a rule to allow emergency shelters to deny access to homeless transgender people.

Alok Vaid-Menon (they/them) is a writer, performance artist and a vital voice in the fight for gender non-conforming rights. They have presented work across the world, enlightening humanity on the beautifully complex nature of gender and its place in society.

For the sake of all humanity, we need a presidential administration that isn’t hell-bent on restricting civil liberties. A new round of presidential elections approach in 2020, and it is your civic responsibility to vote. Another way to support the LGBTQ+ community is to share their stories. To eliminate the taboo behind gender identity and sexuality, we need safe spaces to speak about these topics. Fight for the freedom to express, fight against oppression and fight for the civil rights of everyone.

It’s getting hot in here... By Jake Striebeck

According to NASA’s website, the Earth’s climate has varied throughout history. Over the last 650,000 years, our planet has experienced seven cycles of glacial advance and retreat, with the end of the last ice age occurring about 7,000 years ago. The current trend of rising global temperatures is significant because it is the result of the mid-20th century’s industrial growth and is rising at a rate unlike natural climate changes throughout history. The largest contributor to climate change is the greenhouse effect. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases halt the transfer of infrared energy through the atmosphere, meaning increased greenhouse gases will lead to rising temperatures globally. Carbon dioxide is released through human activities like deforestation, land development and fossil fuel usage. The atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide has increased by over a third since the start of the Industrial Revolution. Methane, a hydrocarbon gas created by human activities such as landfill decomposition, agriculture, rice cultivation and manure management of livestock; nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas created by soil cultivation practices and fossil fuel combustion; and chlorofluorocarbons, synthetic compounds created specifically for industrial use, are all major gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect. Our planet responds to changes of greenhouse gas levels in a variety of ways that can be examined through ice cores, tree rings, ocean sediments, coral reefs and sedimentary rocks. Evidence provided by these sources includes global temperature rise, warming oceans, shrinking ice sheets, glacial retreat, decreased snow cover, sea-level rise, ocean acidification and extreme weather events. To put this another way, many of our industrial and agricultural practices have led to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. Due to this increase, our climate is changing drastically. It’s only going to get worse. The U.S. will experience heat waves, extreme downpours, droughts, sea-level rise, reduced water supplies, risks to infrastructure, increased ocean acidity,

insect outbreaks and increased wildfires. With all of the evidence supporting the argument that corporate greed has a heavy influence on our climate, there is no excuse to not lessen our impact on the environment and work toward rehabilitation and regrowth. Unfortunately, Donald Trump, the 45th president of the United States, doesn’t seem to understand the concept of climate change.

already-established electricity plants powered by fossil fuels. President Trump has also promoted drilling on public lands. In 2017, the U.S. government reduced the landmass of Utah national monuments, Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase Escalante for drilling use. We need a revolution. We need to go vote. Vote in federal elections, state elections and local elections. Vote for candidates that hold strong, progressive stances on combating climate change. Vote for candidates that have a history of environmental activism.

To him, it’s fake news. Scientific facts, provided by NASA, aren’t enough to convince Trump that the world is at risk.

The 2020 presidential election is vital for the future of our planet and for humanity. We can either have another four years of science denial, or we can have four years of progress toward combating drastic climate change.

This can mean two things: he is either misinformed, or he is influenced by oil, gas and agricultural lobbyists. In 2017, the U.S. government announced its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, which focused on uniting a global response to the danger of climate change. The Trump administration has also called for the Environmental Protection Agency to eliminate the Clean Power Plan, an effort made under President Obama’s administration to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and regulate carbon dioxide from

We can vote with our dollars, too. Boycott industries that are major contributors to greenhouse emissions. This means avoiding large-scale and mass-produced agriculture, buying less gas from your neighborhood gas station, preserving electricity and water and supporting local businesses invested in reducing their impact on the environment. Every day we aren’t taking a step toward progress, we are taking a step further toward the point of no return. Our planet can’t sustain the burden of humanity for much longer — the fate of humanity lies in what we do today.

A Decade of Political Turmoil By Josh Peck News Editor

The American political system is unlike any other in the world. Since its inception, it has inspired struggles for democracy and liberty across the world, from the French Revolution in the 18th century to the Arab Spring in the early 2010s to the Hong Kong protests today. The American Dream has called thousands to our shores and borders who are fleeing religious persecution, war, famine and incessant poverty. America is a symbol of freedom and liberty across the world, perhaps indicated by the alternate name given to the American president, “leader of the free world.” However, the United States is a country founded on contradictions, and this past decade of American politics demonstrates the persistence of those contradictions. Many Americans consider politics a nasty affair. A Pew Research Center poll in 2018 found only a quarter of Americans viewed political discourse as respectful (no one better represents this belief than President Donald Trump). Trump was one of the primary proponents of the explicitly racist and untrue “birtherism” movement against President Barack Obama before and after his 2008 election, which argued Obama was not born in America. Trump refused to denounce the claim publicly until 2016. However, reports suggested he still discussed his belief in private as recently as 2017.

“Domestic politics have been volatile and vicious.” When he ran for president in 2016, Trump brought a level of unprofessionalism and nastiness to the national stage that has not been seen in modern U.S. history. Trump began his presidential campaign with a speech that included this grossly racist remark: “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.” This came after the Republican National Committee said, after the Republican presidential loss in 2012, that, “It does not matter what we say about

education, jobs or the economy; if Hispanics think we do not want them here, they will close their ears to our policies.” Whether Trump was remarking how he likes war heroes “who weren’t captured,” referring to Vietnam veteran Senator John McCain, or falsely alleging that Senator Ted Cruz’s father was involved in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Trump has never failed to find a new plane of political discourse. This continued into the 2016 general election when he called for Hillary Clinton to be arrested and led chants of “Lock her up!” at rallies around the country. As president, his rhetoric did not soften. Trump has publicly taunted foreign leaders, threatened Democrats with charges of treason and referred to African nations as “shithole countries,” among a wide variety of other adjectives and actions. Trump’s cruelty toward immigrants, indifference toward the environment and tacit approval of white supremacy has sharply shifted the Republican Party to the right, and his authoritarian tendencies toward the press and congressional oversight, in particular, have made precarious claims that America is a free and fair democratic republic with an adequate system of checks and balances. For their part, Democrats have certainly changed this decade as well. The charisma and change-making nature of Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign have carried over into what Democrats expect from their presidential candidates today. This admiration for charisma is part of the reason that Senator Bernie Sanders fared so well in the 2016 democratic primary against Clinton, even though she was expected to win the primary. Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist, has inspired millions around the country, and his 2016 run moved the Democratic Party to the left with policies like the federal legalization of marijuana, Medicare-forAll and a platform based on a “political revolution” of working-class people. Sanders’ status as a front-runner in the democratic

Graphic by Geoffrey Okolo

presidential primary demonstrates how much his ideas have influenced the Democratic Party. The modern-day Democratic Party is younger, more liberal and more racially and ethnically diverse than it has ever been, according to a 2019 Pew Research Center poll. This has led to a group of democratic presidential candidates that are younger and more diverse in race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality than ever before, with visions for the country far different than that of the current president. The past decade of domestic politics has been volatile and vicious, and some say it is worse than it has ever been. But this represents the short memory that many Americans have today. Americans seem to have forgotten the lynchings of African Americans in the Jim Crow era, the cruel indifference toward LGTBQ+ people during the AIDS epidemic and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. The United States is no stranger to political conflict, but this country has been in far worse places. What will make this era of political unrest different from others is whether Americans will find their way out of discord or further into it.

By Tali Duarte Assistant Magazine Editor

Technology over the past decade has evolved rapidly, making revolutionary changes to our day-to-day lives. It has transformed the way humans communicate, work, entertain and educate themselves as well as others. The way we connect with each other through technology is quite impressive as we continue to advance ourselves and the world around us. Human relationships have always been complex, especially romantic ones. It’s just human nature, whether it was kissing at the doorstep on the first date or yelling “ooga ooga” in the cave during the Paleolithic times. Romantic connections are some of the most fascinating relationships you can have and has evolved through technology with each generation. With the help of technology, meeting people has never been easier. Dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble, Grindr, OkCupid and many more give you the opportunity to flirt and find love without having to wait for your “zing” moment. It’s also very straightforward whether you want something serious or if you want something casual — if you know what I mean. You can get to know people through these apps to see if there

is a connection, and then you can plan to meet in real life. According to eHarmony online dating statistics, “20% of current, committed relationships began online.” This is a huge step in the dating world. It gives people who usually don’t date a chance to find someone at their own pace. Social media also has a huge role in the dating game. Have you ever stalked your crush on Instagram? No? Well, you should. That’s how you can make sure they’re someone you would want your mother to meet. This helps you get to know potential partners through social media apps. Sometimes, social media makes or breaks relationships. You may discover your partner decided to slide into your best friend’s DMs. But don’t let this discourage you on your journey of finding love. Dating through technology has increased in the past several years. Will this be the leading form of dating in the next several years? Whether it is or isn’t, don’t be afraid of the world of online dating. Technology is just a boost to put yourself out there. So, stop reading, start downloading and find your “zing.” Graphic by Jacqui Cantu

Looking Back: Film & Television

THE OFFICE

BY JAKE STRIEBECK

That’s what she said or, that’s what he said. What Michael Scott said, anyway. “The Office,” a four-time Emmy Award-winning mockumentary-style sitcom, is one of the most streamed shows on Netflix to date. It focuses on the workplace routine of a group that is diverse, obnoxious and wholesome. These characteristics describe the employees of Dunder Mifflin, a paper company based in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The cast of this show included Steve Carell, Jenna Fischer, Rainn Wilson, Mindy Kaling, John Krasinski, Rashida Jones, Ellie Kemper, Ed Helms, Craig Robinson and Amy Ryan, along with featured performances by James Spader, Will Ferrell, Kathy Bates, David Koechner and Idris Elba. Star-studded is an understatement. Greg Daniels and Michael Schur served as leaders of the production of “The Office,” as well as the iconic series “Parks and Recreation.” Michael Scott, the main character of the show and regional manager of the fictional workplace, is a man of many tastes. His love for pop culture and artists like Meryl Streep and Britney Spears keeps him hip. He is a social advocate,

fighting to find the cure to rabies and encouraging diversity in the workplace through Diversity Day seminars and Diwali Christmas celebrations. He shares Prison Mike’s experiences with Dementors. His financial literacy regarding bankruptcy, effective public speaking skills and ability to be self-aware in all situations makes this character a strong and impactful leader. Dwight Schrute, the assistant to the regional manager, is as skilled at martial arts as he is at paper selling. He is an entrepreneur, running his own beet plantation and hosting a bed-and-breakfast at Schrute Farms. Jim Halpert and Pam Halpert (Beasly) have one of the most organic and romantic love stories portrayed on television, representing the complexities and realities of romantic attraction in life and in the workplace. Oscar Martinez, Kevin Malone and Angela Martin make up the brilliantly diverse accounting team. Stanley Hudson, Phyllis Lapin-Vance and Creed Bratton share wisdom that can only be held by people of that stature and age. Andy Bernard’s flamboyancy, Kelly Kapoor’s bubbly attitude, Meredith Palmer’s ability to always turn things into a party, Erin Hannon’s innocence and kindness, Darryl Philbin’s leadership skills and Ryan Howard’s ambition are all traits of good people. Every character is magnificently unique yet relatable. Michael Scott and the whole workforce at Dunder Mifflin have all made “The Office” one of the most iconic shows of the past two decades. Since “The Office” will be leaving Netflix at the end of 2020, let’s make it go out with a bang and stream the show until its removal.

people who used it and the decisions they made that determined its morality. That was what the franchise was about: choices.

HARRY POTTER BY EDYSA VAZQUEZ

The “Harry Potter” franchise evolved alongside a generation that followed the same journey as its protagonist. They were young, confused, often misguided by the adults in charge, and everybody knew an Umbridge or two. The only difference between our two worlds is the Harry Potter Universe had magic, and, depending on how it was used, it made problems better or worse. Akin to the ever-growing technology of our world, magic was not inherently bad; it was the

With a new generation, Harry Potter has grown up and defeated Voldemort, and instead of looking to see what happens in the future, “Fantastic Beasts” travels to the past. “Fantastic Beasts” introduces Newt Scamander, fresh out of Hogwarts and led by his curiosity to learn and discover new and fantastic creatures. It isn’t so much a coming-of-age story like “Harry Potter” but more of a “how-to” guide when dealing with life in general. School is difficult and life after that even more so. How does one go about life after school without looking like a fool? “Fantastic Beasts” shows us that growing into adulthood and dealing with real-world problems can be a nightmare, but that is not why we are looking into the past. It teaches this generation to look at past mistakes and learn from them, so we can have a better and brighter future. Though magic does not exist in the world we live in, nor do fantastical beasts, there is still some magic in the air that can bring us all together.

KOREAN DRAMAS Hello My Twenties (2016)

GAME OF THRONES BY JOSH PECK

“Game of Thrones” was a television phenomenon of the past decade. Since its first season, the HBO drama has been nominated for 160 Emmy Awards, winning 57 of the prized television awards. The show was based on George R. R. Martin’s book series “A Song of Ice and Fire” and quickly gained millions of followers. The “Game of Thrones’” medieval fantasy setting plunged viewers into a world comparable to J. R. R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.” The world building is done in an innovative way with an introduction detailing the different cities and lands across Westeros. Throughout the seasons, the family banners shift depending on who is in power in each location. The show’s readiness to kill off beloved main characters was one of the facets of “Game of Thrones” that set it apart from the crowd. Viewers entered every episode ready to be heartbroken by the death of characters they invested so much time in. A viewer was able to feel an entire range of emotions in a single episode, from anger and shocking loss to lighthearted laughter and righteous triumph. However, the show’s following has not come without criticism. The final season of “Game of Thrones” faced backlash for nearly every episode because of its direction. Regardless of the criticism, over 19.3 million people watched the series finale, breaking the record for live television viewers that had been set by “Game of Thrones” the previous week. The shining jewel of “Game of Thrones,” and the reason people were so emotionally invested in the show, is its characters. Characters like Daenerys Targaryen and Tyrion Lannister complete astonishing transformations over the course of the show, following enthralling and unsuspecting character arcs. The characters, while often tinged with magic, are incredibly human in their flaws and complexities. They struggle with loyalty, deception, loss of family and the power of ego, experiences that all of us endure on some level. The show also expertly mixed well-established actors and brandnew faces. Actors Peter Dinklage, who played Tyrion, and Charles Dance, who played Tywin Lannister, have already enjoyed long careers in the industry. But actress Emilia Clarke, who played Daenerys, actor Kit Harrington, who played Jon Snow, and actress Maisie Williams, who played Arya, saw their careers jumpstarted by their involvement in the HBO drama. The show’s method of storytelling, the way it was nearly always willing to kill off main characters and its character development are compelling to all viewers. No matter if you loved the show, hated it or didn’t even watch an episode, its impact on the decade has been massive, and it won’t end with the show’s close.

When five girls share one apartment, personalities clash and drama will naturally take root. As five college students, all of varying ages in their 20s, live together, they learn some of life’s hardest lessons: how to find true friends, complicated romances and how the past will always catch up to you when you least expect it. Fight For My Way (2017) Learning how to change their reality, four friends rediscover their passions and, this time, nothing will stop them from making their dreams come true. Full of cringe-worthy and raw moments that come with reallife dilemmas, this drama is a refreshing take on post-school life.

HISTORICAL FICTION Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (2012) 1920s Australia was filled with crime, fashion and a will-they/won’tthey relationship for our snarky, smart heroine, Miss Phryne Fisher. The show is witty, funny and at times shockingly wild during each mindchurning mystery. Endeavor (2013) Gorgeous golden sunsets lighting Oxford. Classical music building tension. Corruption in the government and police department. And a youngish detective puzzling together the most confounding cases in the middle of it all. Endeavor is a wonderful reboot of Inspector Morse from PBS Masterpiece. Each episode is an hour and a half long, so get ready to be enthralled by deep mysteries. The Highwaymen (2019) Hunting down the notorious Bonnie and Clyde was impossible or fatal for most who tried. It was time to bring in the Texas Rangers — the retired Texas Rangers. This film tells the story of Frank Hamer and Maney Gault, the men who tracked and killed the most famous (and murderous) couple of the 1930s.

STRONG FEMALE LEADS Switched at Birth (2011) Daphne and Bay went home with the wrong mothers. Well into their teens, they find each other and learn to cope with the knowledge of a life that could’ve been. Grappling with topics like deaf rights, sexual assault and family dynamics, the two girls learn to lean on each other as sisters. Good Trouble (2019) A spin-off of “The Fosters,” “Good Trouble” follows sisters Callie and Mariana as they begin their careers in law and technology, respectively. Casual sexism and sensual romances aside, the sisters are punched in the stomach by life’s hardest trials. This show has enough drama to last multiple lifetimes.

DISNEY REMAKES BY KASANDRA PARKER

When I was a little girl, my weekends consisted of binging Disney films. I had my collection of VHS tapes, a large assortment of snacks and my enthusiasm at the thought of getting to sing along to songs from “Mulan,” “Beauty and The Beast” and other films. For me, those weekends were times when I let loose and got to be someone else, someone special. Those were the times I learned about life, love and death. I cried with Simba when his father died, I ran along to the “Colors Of The Wind” with Pocahontas and I felt what it was like to be different like Lilo. The Disney films I grew up with served as a guide to understanding the deeper complexities of life and navigating the unknown as I got older. Fast forward to 2014 when the first live-action Disney princess film was released. “Maleficent” hit the screens and helped give the Disney franchise a soft reboot. Although the film was met with mixed reviews, it was an overall success, grossing over $758 million and becoming the fourth-highest grossing film of 2014. Since 2014, one major live-action remake has been released every year, and one can conclude it’s from the major success of the franchise. The live-action remake of “The Jungle Book” came out in 2016 and was once again met with acclaim, winning an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects of that year. The

2017 live-action remake of “Beauty and The Beast” was highly anticipated because it was also a musical. Two other Disney live-action remakes were released in 2019. “Aladdin” was met with a lot of mixed reviews from critics and audiences but proved to be a worldwide success, grossing about $1 billion and becoming the sixth-highestgrossing film of 2019. The film was also a musical remake and received praise for staying true to the original animated film’s musical scores. The most recent remake to hit the screens in 2019 was “The Lion King,” another highly anticipated film due to its all-star cast and photo-realistic live-action remake. “The Lion King” has proven to be Disney’s most successful live-action remake to date, grossing over $1.6 billion dollars worldwide, becoming the second highest-grossing film of 2019 and the seventh-highest-grossing film of all time. The film was praised for its visuals, music, vocals and storyline, which were similar to the original animated version’s. With the success of the Disney franchise, the resurgence of live-action remakes has propelled new and old Disney lovers alike into a new era of film. Whether we watch these films for the nostalgia it provides us or for the experience of seeing the latest computer-generated image advances in film, it’s clear the remakes have garnered enough interest in the public to keep them alive going into the new decade.

BOLLYWOOD

ANIME

My Name is Khan (2010)

Attack on Titan (2013)

Rizwan Khan is a Muslim, and he is not a terrorist; this is the message Khan wishes to deliver to the President. He pushes himself out of his comfort zone and treks across the country despite his severe Asperger’s syndrome. Set after the events of 9/11, Khan faces false accusations in an Islamophobic and fearful world.

With the world overrun by man-eating monsters called Titans, the last of humanity is protected by walls to keep the Titans out. In this post-apocalyptic era, Eren Jaeger finally gets the chance to go beyond the walls and discovers everything is not what it seems.

Dangal (2016)

Yuri!!! on Ice (2016)

Retired wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, unable to win gold at the Olympics for his country, trains his daughters to become some of the best wrestlers India has ever seen. Focusing on his eldest daughters, Geeta and Babita, the movie examines their relationship with their father and how they bring pride to India and their family.

Yuri Katsuski gets the chance of a lifetime when his figure skating idol, Victor Nikiforov, decides to become his coach. If character development or figure skating is your thing, “Yuri!!! on Ice” is the show for you.

Sanju (2018)

My Hero Academia (2016)

The son of two famous Bollywood actors, Sanjay Dutt successfully began his career with the film “Rocky.” “Sanju” depicts the hardships Dutt faced in his life since that moment: his mother’s cancer and passing, drug abuse and rehab, imprisonment and terrorism allegations. Honest, funny and heart-wrenching, this film will have you glued to your seat.

In a world where superpowers are common, Izuku Midoriya’s lack of power is almost unheard of. After meeting the most successful hero, All Might, and gaining abilities, Midoriya enrolls in an illustrious hero school.

STREAMING

REVAMPED SHOWS

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017)

One Day at a Time (2017)

Observational comedian Midge Maisel is more successful than her husband, whose comedy stinks. She struggles to make it in the 1950s comedy scene, but with the support of a manager who would bail Midge out of jail, she could be a star.

Inspired by the 1970s show of the same name, “One Day at a Time” is about a recently single Cuban-American veteran mother and her family as they discuss topics like religious conflict, coming out, illegal immigration, mental health and addiction.

MARVEL

BY JUHANNAH REDUQUE

In 2008, a film from a young studio made its way into the limelight. Its main character was largely unheard of because the film was a comic-book adaptation, and it was expected to fail. Still, “Iron Man” shattered all doubt and claimed the number one spot for weeks at the box office. Rotten Tomatoes commended the film by saying, “‘Iron Man’s turbo-charges the superhero genre with a deft intelligence and infectious sense of fun.” With this overwhelmingly positive reception, “Iron Man” was the start of the intricate narrative of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The MCU has more characters and interweaving storylines than I can recite, yet it is that brilliant interconnectedness that continuously attracts people to its

THE BACHELOR BY TALI DUARTE

Oh my god, who is the rose going to? Please don’t be Luke. Please, oh please. I swear, if she picks Luke, I will never watch this show again. “Luke,” she says. What the hell? Okay, ladies, the wine is out, the TV is on, and our emotions are high. Yes, “The Bachelor” is live on television, and it’s the sole reason I asked off from work on Monday nights. The bachelor or bachelorette starts off with 30 contestants who are then eliminated throughout the process in hopes of ending the season with a

loyal fanbase. Marvel films grab our attention through compelling storytelling, jaw-dropping visual effects, brilliant soundtracks and an ever-growing cast. MCU films are influential, and since “Iron Man,” it has wisely used its platform to empower audiences. From introducing strongly written female characters like Natasha Romanov, Pepper Potts and Peggy Carter to producing full features like “Black Panther” and “Captain Marvel” that unabashedly celebrate diversity and inclusion, Marvel has mastered how to weave social awareness into its stories. When I first watched “Black Panther,” I couldn’t stop thinking about Okoye, the general of Wakanda’s all-woman army. She is strong, intelligent, skilled, confident, gentle and beautiful — not once is she forced to compromise any of that. In that certainty, Okoye’s characterization is defined: she is a woman, warrior, friend, wife and more. Her character reassured me that I don’t have to be just one good thing. I can be all of it. Recently, Marvel released their plans for Phase 4, promising more superheroes, stories and opportunities for Marvel to showcase their growth. Marvel knows they are defining an era, and if their track record is any indication of their future, I believe that Marvel will become a legacy for future generations to look back on with awe.

proposal and a new fiancé. The over-dramatic contestants, lavish travel locations and steamy make-out scenes are what make this show binge-worthy. The show has recently made headlines for having the first African-American woman as the bachelorette, a same-sex relationship aired and a man jump over a fence for a woman. Moments like these are what make this show as successful as it is. The sensual franchise has been around way longer than I’ve been watching it. Premiering in 2002 as “The Bachelor,” first bachelor Alex Michel courted 25 women. This led to spin-offs including “The Bachelorette,” where a woman courts 30 men to be her potential husband, and “Bachelor in Paradise,” where past contestants hit it off with each other on a beach, and many other franchises. Despite speculations on how the show was constructed, it became a success on American television. However, the show gained traction in the past several years with the help of social media. Fans, including myself, take to Twitter and Instagram, filling the sites with viral memes, live recordings and comments on the show. Past contestants of the show also give their take on the juicy gossip. The heavily produced show does have its critics, but at the end of the day, it is pure entertainment. The latest season of “The Bachelor” with Peter Weber premiered in January 2020. So, don’t talk to me on Monday nights — I’ll be too busy bawling my eyes out.

The Road to Equality

Activism has been at the forefront of media throughout the decade. Movements like Black Lives Matter, #ChangeRapeCulture and the Women’s March were all established within these years. With social media and determination, the fight for human rights is stronger than ever. During the decade, we faced ups — the legalization of gay marriage — and downs — the banning of transgender people enlisting in the army — but we have come so far. With the new decade upon us, now is the time to reflect on our accomplishments and see where we can continue to grow. By Maha Qadri – Magazine Editor

eminism at its core is about equalizing the power distribution between all genders. During the 2010s, more branches and terms were popularized as the movement progressed.

R adical F eminism Radical feminism sounds intimidating, but it is consistently misunderstood. While a minority of selfidentifying radical feminists use vulgar demonstrations to get attention — like throwing bloody tampons into governmental proceedings or beating innocent men to establish dominance — this is not what radical feminism is about. Radical feminists view the oppression of women as a byproduct of established and corrupt social constructs and cultural values. Radical feminism recognizes the innate bias within the existing structure of society toward cisgender males and claims that the entire system must be reshaped in order to truly achieve equality.

I ntersectional F eminism Intersectional feminism is a term that has recently gained traction. Intersectional feminists understand that everyone faces different struggles based on more than just their gender; their race, ethnicity, sexual identity and economic class are among the things that can add to the discrimination they face. A white lesbian in the middle class faces different hardships than a Hispanic gender-queer person in poverty. Intersectionality ensures inclusivity. We cannot have equality until we account for everyone’s struggles. While the U.S. legally accepts and recognizes gay marriage, countries like Pakistan have yet to make this step, and we cannot say the battle has been won until our LGBTQ+ family across the globe receives the same rights as us.

W hite F eminism White feminism is the antithesis of intersectional feminism. As stated, intersectional feminism recognizes the unique struggles each of us faces; white feminism stems from the ignorance and apathy toward these varying factors. This type of feminism has a convenient-for-you attitude. Most people who are a part of this group only participate in feminism when it will personally benefit them, the rest of their peers be damned. While all women are at a disadvantage due to their gender, a white woman has significantly more privilege than a woman of color. It’s not uncommon for minorities to fall to the background when topics like the gender pay gap come up. When fighting for equal pay, if race is overlooked as a factor of someone’s discrimination, then we are not accounting for everyone, and, therefore, the system remains unequal.

G ender W age G ap According to Pew Research, the gender wage gap hasn’t changed all too much over the past decade. On average, women make 85% of what men make, but that statistic simplifies the problem. The wage gap fluctuates and widens further as we inspect each race. According to Business Insider, compared to a white male, the following women make:

100%

97% 79%

80%

67%

60%

58%

40% 20%

White Men

Asian Women

White Women

Black Women

Hispanic Women

R eproductive R ights

T here

In May of 2019, the Alabama senate passed a law that effectively criminalized the act of abortion, with the exception of life-endangering situations. While this discouraged many — men making the decision on what women can and can’t do with their bodies — abortion is still legal in all 50 states.

As explained in a SciShow video, biologists are beginning to describe biological sex as a spectrum rather than a binary. Not to be confused with gender identity or sexual orientation, there are more chromosome patterns than the preconceived “XX” and “XY” pairings.

G enderqueer and N on B inary D river ’ s L icenses In 2017, Washington D.C. created a gender-neutral option for its driver’s licenses. For our gender-queer and non-binary folks, they can now denote their gender with an “X” rather than male or female.

are more than

T wo B iological S exes

Scan with your smart phone to watch the video now!

Looking Back: Music rey O “Hamilton” by Geoff

kolo

The musical “Hamilton” had a unique cast, message and soundtrack that provide a refreshing take on history. Lin-Manuel Miranda used hip-hop and rap to weave together the captivating rags-to-riches story of founding father Alexander Hamilton. By reimagining ideological debates between the Federalists and anti-Federalists and framing King George’s response to the colonies’ grievances as a catchy breakup song, “Hamilton” was able to hold the audience’s attention to impart a history lesson. Not only was this use of rap and hip-hop innovative, the cast selection was also brilliant. As we go back in American history, it is more common for minorities to be relegated to supporting roles. Due to this, representation was critical when selecting actors. The cast mirrors the people who make up America today. By including black and brown faces as soldiers, politicians and scholars who played a major role in the inception of the U.S., the musical challenges our conceptions of what it means to be an American. Finally, the messages are inspiring and easy to get behind. On a base level, the musical is an endorsement of the American Dream. Though I don’t believe in the American Dream, the play executes its defense in such a manner that I can suspend my disbelief and appreciate its beauty. On a meta-level, “Hamilton” emphasizes themes of inclusion and solidarity which are very poignant in these divisive times. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton” is undoubtedly a cultural touchstone of the 2010s.

Cecilia M Taylor Swift by Ana

artinez

Taylor Swift had one of the most successful musical careers and genre shifts of the decade. With the release of her third album, “Speak Now,” Swift began her transition from a country musician to one of the best-selling pop artists. With pictures posing with her renowned girl squad, serial-dating rumors and a lot of Keds advertisements, it seemed as though Swift was reaching a level of fame that belonged to royalty. The peak of her domination in pop lasted past her world-renowned album “1989.” It ended when Kim Kardashian West leaked a heavily edited phone call in which Swift approved a line in Kanye West’s song “Famous,” which describes Swift in a derogatory way. Swift claimed that West had not informed her of the lyrics. This caught Swift in a lie. After the leak, Kardashian West called Swift a snake, indirectly starting the #KimEndedTaylor trend on Twitter.

After this, Swift disappeared for over a year. She went months without being spotted or releasing new music. Little did we know, Swift was working on an album titled “Reputation,” which showed a vulnerable Swift trying to live her life in a world that scrutinized her every move. Immediately after coming out with her new album, Swift led a much more private life.

Swift has won 294 awards including 10 Grammys.

Expressed in her latest album, “Lover,” Swift has become an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. No longer avoiding the topic of politics, Swift began pushing her followers to become more involved with their governments via a series of social media posts. She has since encouraged her audience to sign a petition imploring the government to sign the Equality Act. It is important to view Swift not only as a woman who has had one of the most successful musical careers of the decade but also as a girl who started off small and became one of the most influential stars in the spotlight.

Jada Te Ariana Grande by

ague

The multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning recording artist Ariana Grande blew the world away with her wide vocal range. Her rise to fame began when she starred in the Nickelodeon TV show “Victorious.” Before she fully pursued her music career, she recorded songs for the show’s soundtrack. In 2013, she released her debut album titled “Yours Truly.” This album featured her first U.S. top 10 single, “The Way.” The 1950s-inspired album claimed its spot at the top of the U.S. Billboard 200. Her second charttopping album, “My Everything,” featured four U.S. top 10 singles, the most any artist had that year. Grande is no stranger to creating hit songs. Even her third studio album single, “Dangerous Woman,” debuted at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. This made her the first artist to have the lead single from each of her first

three albums debut in the top 10. The following year, Grande was named “Female Artist of the Year” by Billboard Magazine. Tragically, that same year, the Manchester Arena Suicide Bombing took place at Grande’s concert, killing 22 people. This catastrophe left Grande with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, causing her to consider pulling out of future shows and performances. Following her called-off engagement to Pete Davidson and the loss of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller, Grande took her experiences and put them into her fifth studio album that featured “7 rings,” “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored” and “thank u, next,” which all occupied the top spots on the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time, making her the first solo artist to do so. That same year, Grande reported that she co-executive produced the soundtrack for the upcoming American film “Charlie’s Angels.” Ariana Grande has been an inspiration to many because of her talents and strong will.

Katy Perry by Brysen Over the past decade, few pop-stars have reached the same heights as Katy Perry. She helped shape this decade with her incredible run at the beginning of the 2010s. Her third studio album, “Teenage Dream,” was one of the highest-selling albums of the 2010s. It went on to become the second album ever to have five number-one singles, behind Michael Jackson’s “Bad.” Led by her smash hit “Firework,” Perry’s songs were everywhere in the early 2010s. You couldn’t turn on the radio or go out without hearing them. Her next album, “Prism,” wasn’t as popular but was still extremely successful. With songs like “Roar” and “Dark Horse,” she continued her incredible run.

Streeter Over the years, her popularity has declined, and her latest album didn’t perform as well as her previous albums. However, this decline doesn’t diminish the impact she’s had over the past decade. We often get caught up in recency bias and forget about people’s past accomplishments. Perry’s success may have occurred in the earlier part of the decade, but that doesn’t diminish what she’s done since. From “Teenage Dream” to “Dark Horse” and “Firework” to “Last Friday Night,” her songs were fun and carefree but inspiring at the same time. They helped people forget about their worries and enjoy life for a few minutes, which is what music is supposed to do. Perry defined pop music for so long, and it’s impossible to talk about pop in the 2010s without mentioning her.

B Travis Scott by Kayla

urford

From attending classes at UTSA to hitting the top of the Billboard charts, Travis Scott has been a huge icon for this generation. Scott is a six-time Grammy-nominated artist who came from humble beginnings out of Missouri City, Texas. After leaving UTSA, Scott decided to make his dream a reality and moved to New York City. He signed to the record label Epic Records, then dropped his first project, “Owl Pharaoh,” which kicked off his music career. Scott started making headlines after dropping “Rodeo,” which featured his hit song “Antidote.” The song reached the Billboard Top 20 charts and was nominated for a Black Entertainment Television award. Following Scott’s breakthrough on the charts, his career has been on a nonstop incline with multiple Grammy nominations as well as a win at the Billboard Music Awards.

In 2018, Travis Scott announced his third studio album, “AstroWorld.” This album would go on to be Grammynominated for Best Rap Album in 2019. The hit single from the album, “Sicko Mode” was also nominated for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance. Following the immense success Scott received with the album, he decided to create AstroWorld Festival. The festival was a take on an old amusement park called Six Flags AstroWorld located in Houston, Texas, which was torn down in 2005. “They tore down AstroWorld to build more apartment space,” Scott said. “It took the fun out of the city, and we want it back. That’s why I am doing it.” When Scott put on AstroWorld in his hometown of Houston, Texas, over 35,000 people attended, showing the huge impact Scott has had on this generation.

Drake by Brysen Streeter Over the last 10 years, no artist has had a bigger impact than Drake, aka Champagne Papi, aka Six God, aka light-skin Keith Sweat. What guy hasn’t sat at the edge of their bed listening to “Marvin’s Room” on repeat? What girl hasn’t cried to “Too Good for You”? Whose relative hasn’t jumped out of their car in the middle of traffic to do an awful dance to “In My Feelings”? Even though this impact started in 2009, the bulk of it came during the 2010s. From having the most charted singles by a solo artist to

spending the most consecutive weeks on the Hot 100 at 431 weeks, Drake shattered records and became a megastar across the world. His discography spans multiple genres, reaching billions of people. Drake’s influence goes beyond the scope of music. He’s an icon who has created unforgettable moments and countless memes. I know my Drake haters out there will scream until their eyes are bloodshot that he’s a culture vulture, he has ghostwriters and, the favorite, he’s too soft. Even if these were all true, they don’t take away from everything he’s given us this past decade. The bottom line is, love it or hate it, Drake is one of the most influential artists of this decade.

Artist illustrations by Geoffrey Okolo

yn Castr Lana Del Rey by Rob

Lana Del Rey invented a sound of her own and gave the world a modern melancholy and vintage Hollywood aesthetic it lacked. Although her journey to stardom started years before the decade began, she ultimately entered the limelight in June of 2011 when she released her homemade music video for her single “Video Games.” Catching the attention of a major record label, she signed a record deal and quickly began forming her debut album, “Born to Die,” which was released in January of 2012 and landed in the number two spot on the Billboard 200 chart. In November of 2012, Del Rey continued churning out music and released her third studio EP, “Paradise.” The singer declared that

her love for writing came first, so when she got the opportunity to share her poetry, she ran with it. She was nominated for a Grammy in 2013 for her song “Young and Beautiful,” which was featured in Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby” soundtrack. That same year, Del Rey released her short film “Tropico” featuring the songs “Bel Air,” “Body Electric” and “Gods and Monsters.” In the following two years, she honed her craft and released “Ultraviolence” and “Honeymoon.” In 2017, Del Rey dropped the album “Lust for Life,” which seemed to be a turning point in her music. Before releasing the album, Del Rey explained, “I made my first four albums for me, but this one is for my fans and about where I hope we are all headed.” To close the decade, in August of 2019 Del Rey released “Norman F---ing Rockwell,” which topped the charts yet again, making this album her sixth U.S. top-five album.

N by Ale BROCKHAMPTO

x Hanks

Texas-based collective BROCKHAMPTON innovated hip-hop with a dynamic and diverse collection of artists. Formulated in 2015 and headed by Corpus Christi native Kevin Abstract, the San Marcos-based rap collective pioneered inclusivity in the rap game. The diversity of BROCKHAMPTON, a band with black, white and gay members, impacted the hip-hop community. Making a push for LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the hip-hop realm has given other gay rappers like Jaden Smith and Lil Nas X a chance to coexist in a community that has long been homophobic.

Drawing influences from alternative rap artists such as Kid Cudi and the Odd Future collective, the group paved their own path by completely disregarding masculinity in hip-hop — a move that was long overdue for the genre. You can hear BROCKHAMPTON’s growth throughout their discography from their debut album, “All-American Trash,” to their most recent project, “GINGER.” The group progressively integrates more versatility into their music and blends genres, which establishes BROCKHAMPTON as one of the most influential collectives of the past decade. Looking to the next decade, the group is only going to continue to grow. With a myriad of nationally syndicated performances on shows like “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and “The Ellen Degeneres Show,” mixed with their consistently sold-out shows, it is safe to say that BROCKHAMPTON is here to stay.

by Maha Qadri n io t c e ir D e s: BTS and On

Boyband

Every few decades, a boyband claws its way into the hearts of people all around the world. The 60s had The Beatles. The 90s had The Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. The early 2010s had One Direction, and the late 2010s were dominated by BTS, who will carry the torch into the 2020s.

One Direction started off the decade with their biggest hit, “What Makes You Beautiful.” Despite their loss on “The X Factor,” the singing competition on which their band was created, the song went on to become the Best British Single at the 2012 Brit Awards. With their entertaining and catchy tunes, One Direction bore the creation of modern fandom culture. Twitter became the saving grace for teens all around the world. Directioners, as Harry Styles dubbed the fans, became close friends via Twitter mentions and direct messages and even considered each other family. Timelines became a mess of praise for the band, fan-voting campaigns, fan art, and One Direction update accounts. Phrases like, “Crazy mofos,” “I like girls who eat carrots,” and “Vas happenin’?” entered the vernacular of the youth. Being a part of the One Direction fandom marked a significant portion of teens’ lives all over; the nostalgia that fills my friends and me each time their songs are played is transformative and makes us feel the innocence and joy we felt at 13.

Photo courtesy of Fiona McKinlay

“You know BTS?” These are words BTS member Kim Seok-jin playfully asks everyone who spares him a moment. Founded under a then-minor South Korean entertainment company, Big Hit Entertainment, BTS made their start as a hardcore hip-hop group in 2013. As their sound developed throughout the decade, the band now strives to be “a hero who can lend [their fans] a shoulder to lean on,” as Bang Si-hyuk, Big Hit Entertainment’s founder and CEO, stated. BTS rose to worldwide fame after winning Top Social Artist at the Billboard Music Awards in 2017. Their latest album at the time, “LOVE YOURSELF 承 ‘Her,’” marked the beginning of an extraordinary era in their discography. A three-album series discussing different types of love, the “Love Yourself” series grew into a multi-platform message conveyed through albums, short films, books, a graphic novel and a partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), an organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid to children everywhere.

“I’m starting to love myself, little by little.” – Kim Nam-joon Despite language barriers, BTS’ impact on the world is widespread and powerful. They ensure inclusivity and diversity in their

Photo courtesy of AON 613 (@AON_6_13 on Twitter)

work and urge us fans to lean on their music when we need support. Leader and member of BTS, Kim Nam-joon, summed up the band’s message in his famed 2018 UNICEF speech: “Tell me your story. I want to hear your voice, and I want to hear your conviction. No matter who you are, where you’re from, your skin color, gender identity — speak yourself.” The spread and popularity of BTS’ work among western audiences was marked by their appearance at “Dick Clark’s New Year’s

Rockin’ Eve 2020,” where they performed and took part in the ball drop alongside Post Malone and Ryan Seacrest as we entered a new decade. In 2019, BTS released their extended play “Map of the Soul: Persona.” Beginning a new era in their discography, BTS asked their fans to look within themselves and find out who they really are. Their upcoming album, “Map of the Soul: 7,” plans to follow the theme of Carl Jung’s book “Jung’s Map of the Soul,” an introspective book on theories of the self.

By Alex Hanks & Sofia Garcia Opinion Editor & Arts Editor

The 2010s had a spectrum of ups and downs when it comes to fashion. Vintage style was redefined, and streetwear integrated itself into the designer community — the end result of blending the two fashions became a strange clash of vintage styles diluted by modern designs.

From elegant streetwear to breaking gender norms:

A Decade of Redefining Fashion

As far as men’s fashion is concerned, streetwear solidified itself as the crown jewel of fashion. The term “metrosexual” ceased to exist as men became more invested in sneakers and attire. Rapper A$AP Rocky can be partially credited for these trends as he collaborated with up-scale brands like Guess, Dior and Calvin Klein — brands the hip-hop community was rarely seen wearing before his influence. The decade started off with artist Wiz Khalifa’s iconic group “Taylor Gang” re-establishing the original Chuck Taylor Converse All-Star as a staple in closets across America. At one point, people were tucking socks into the tongues of their shoes to make their pair stick out more. It was a look that lasted for years until skater style took the throne as the go-to for daily outfits. This decade proved that simplicity is the king of fashion. Minimalistic closets with lots of earth tones will always have longevity in the fashion world. While brands like Yeezy and Virgil Abloh’s Off-White pushed the envelope to integrate unique labeling and subtle neon colors in their sneakers. The possibility of pants and tops coexisting with such loud shoes has blown wide open. We started the decade building our outfits from the top down. We pick and choose various shirts and pants and later pick out a pair of shoes to complement the outfit. Now outfits are built from the bottom up. Our perception of fashion has been altered

to be more invested in what is worn on our feet rather than the rest of our body. This dynamic adds a refreshing take but has also damaged the wallets of hypebeasts across America, with certain shoes being sold for thousands of dollars. Before this past decade, the fashion industry was littered with gender norms that boxed in creativity and self-expression. Over the years, fashion and gender expression began to coexist more beautifully than before. Contrary to popular belief, those aforementioned earth tones and neutral colors allow todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s individuals to express themselves with less boundaries; fashion labels are dismissing the binary narrative. Fluidity emerged from the depths of fashion brands and flowed through major influencers to their supporters. People who identify as non-binary, or those who are comfortable enough to embrace different expressions, have brought new perspectives to the table and allowed fashion to become a spectrum, like gender itself. Celebrities like Harry Styles, Brigette Lundy-Paine and Ezra Miller have brought new meaning to genderneutral fashion by breaking barriers within gender norms and self-expression. Lil Uzi Vert, a rapper from Philadelphia, has been known to physically embrace his own dimension of femininity and gender neutrality, dismantling the binary guise of fashion. This generation is unapologetically rendering gender norms incapable of influencing fashion statements,

and it is conveyed through many new trends. Whether it is Harry Styles wearing a pink tutu or Lil Uzi Vert wearing makeup, the fashion industry has been making progress by catering to those who do not identify with repressive social standards. Inclusivity is more prevalent in emerging trends. We have seen an open expression of gender neutrality in business fashion like more people dynamically wearing pantsuits. Colors are softer and styles are more androgynous, giving more room for those who exist outside the â&#x20AC;&#x153;boxed-inâ&#x20AC;? gender narrative. With the decade wrapping up, fashion inspiration drawn from prior decades has reached the forefront once again. It will be fascinating to see the usage of prior styles blended cohesively with new trends. An abundance of icons in the industry reinvented the perspective of fashion and significantly reduced gender norms regarding how people should dress. We live in an era in which we have our foot on the throttle in reference to what we wear. Endless possibilities lay on racks and in our closets. We now have the power to curate our outfit rotations to make us feel more empowered than ever. There is always a beauty to be discovered within us, and the ability to express our innermost traits through fashion is a privilege. Although some of the 2010s styles were questionable, wearing these styles established our identities. They gave us room to redefine who we were at any moment in time, and that itself is a highlight of the decade.

Graphics by Max Aguirre

Looking Back: Sports

Simone Biles by Ryan Garza

During the summer of 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, the U.S. women’s gymnastics team was competing with countries like Russia, Switzerland and China for the chance to earn an Olympic gold medal that summer. A few veterans, sprinkled in with a few newcomers, looked to make the U.S. proud. The stage was set, and a star was born. Simone Biles was born in Columbus, Ohio, but ended up in foster care after her mother was unable to raise her and her siblings. Biles’ grandfather adopted her and moved her to Houston, Texas, where she was introduced to the world of gymnastics. By 2012, She had begun homeschooling to focus on her training regimen. Biles won five medals in Rio, four of them gold. She set the record for the most gold medals won by an American in women’s gymnastics at a single Olympic Games. This was also the first time a female gymnast won quadruple gold medals since Ecaterina Szabo of Romania did in 1984. For Biles, this was just one of the many highlights she’s had in her gymnastics career. She began her career as a senior elite gymnast in 2013 when she competed at the American Cup. In late 2013, Biles traveled to Antwerp, Belgium, to compete in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships (WAGC). At this competition, she won four

medals total, taking home two gold in the all-around competition and floor exercise. The following two seasons, Biles headed back to the WAGC, where she completely dominated the field by taking home eight gold medals, one silver medal and one bronze medal before rising to stardom at the 2016 Olympics. After her performance, she was nominated for and won the ESPY Award for Best F Biles then took a break from gymnastics to focus on writing her autobiography. Since the 2016 Olympics, Biles has continued to compete at the WAGC, earning 12 medals, nine of which are gold. This solidifies Biles as one of the best and brightest stars of the U.S. gymnastics team. The 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics are approaching rapidly, and you can be certain that the 22-year-old Biles will be the leader of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team, continuing her legacy as one of the most decorated U.S. Olympians of all time.

New England Patriots by Max Aguirre

The New England Patriots were in an unstable position heading into the 2010s. They hadn’t won a Super Bowl since 2004, and quarterback Tom Brady hadn’t looked the same since tearing his ACL in 2008. The defense was also experiencing some turnover as old veterans started retiring or departing to other teams, leaving inexperienced players to fill their shoes. Despite all of these obstacles at the turn of the decade, the Patriots managed to go on the most successful 10-year run in NFL history. No team had ever won 121 games (not including playoffs) over the course of 10 years. The acquisition of players like Julian Edelman, Rob Gronkowski and Devin McCourty through the draft, as well as Brady’s defiance of Father Time, fueled a run that saw the Patriots add three Lombardi trophies to their collection.

Head coach Bill Belichick established himself as the greatest coach of all time, leading his team to the playoffs every year. Iconic moments like Malcolm Butler’s goalline interception in Super Bowl XLIX or Edelman’s miraculous catch inches above the ground in Super Bowl LI defined the decade for the Patriots. Even close losses to the Giants and Eagles in the Super Bowl couldn’t stop them from becoming the most dominant dynasty the NFL has ever seen. As the 2010s come to a close, 42-year-old Tom Brady approaches the last days of his illustrious career. The Patriots are a top team in the league again this year and seem destined for another deep playoff run. Led by a ferocious all-time defense, New England has as good a chance as anyone to win the first Lombardi Trophy of the new decade.

Alabama Football by Ryan Garza

The Alabama Crimson Tide has had one of the most dominant runs in college football over the last decade. Head coach Nick Saban, has been at the helm of the Crimson Tide for the previous 13 seasons and won 121 games over that period, setting him up for the second most all-time wins at Alabama. His accomplishments etched his name among some of the biggest names in Alabama football history, such as Bear Bryant and Fran Thomas.

Consistency is key when it comes to the Crimson Tide. In eight of the last seasons, Saban has led the team to eight top-five finishes in the final AP poll of the season.

Since 2010, Saban has led the Crimson Tide to at least one Bowl game each season and the National Championship in five different seasons.

During the 2015 season, there were plenty of accomplishments for the Crimson Tide to be happy about. They were able to go 12–1 during the regular season and defeated rival Florida, 29–15, to claim the SEC Championship that season. A few weeks later, they shutout the Michigan State Spartans, 38–0, in the first game of the 2015 College Football Playoffs before knocking off the Clemson Tigers, 45–40, so they could be crowned the CFP Champions that season. The icing on the cake for the Crimson Tide was standout running back Derrick Henry winning the Heisman and being drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft to the Tennessee Titans.

Since the 2010 NFL Draft, the Crimson Tide has sent 77 players to the professional level, with 28 of those picks coming in the first round of the draft.

The 2010s have been a decade of dominance for Saban and his Crimson Tide, and by the time this article is published, they should be heading toward another shot at the National Championship.

Page design & graphics by Kat Joseph

Miami Heat

by Brysen Streeter

On July 8, 2010, reigning MVP LeBron James’ “The Decision” changed and shaped the National Basketball Association’s landscape for the entire decade to come. His decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team that drafted him and honed his skills, took power away from organizations and gave it to players to forge their own destiny. At the start of the decade, James transferred to the Miami Heat, which already had former NBA champion Dwayne Wade. The team would later trade for five-time All-Star Chris Bosh before the start of the 2010 season. Before James was even drafted, he was dubbed “the King,” and expectations were high. Now that he was on the loaded roster, it was even higher. The first year

of the dynasty met anything but expectations. That year was filled with a lot of experimenting and chemistry-building under third-year head coach Eric Spoelstra during which they finished with a record of 58–24 for second in the Eastern Conference and third in the NBA overall. They competed in the NBA Finals and lost 4–2 to the Dallas Mavericks. This was the lowest point of the dynasty; they would go on to win back-to-back NBA Finals before losing in 2014 to the San Antonio Spurs, which ended their legendary run and James’ tenure with The Heat. Through their four-season run, they won 71% of their games and averaged 101.3 points in the regular season. LeBron James won MVP of the league three times and finals MVP twice. The Miami Heat dominated during that span and created timeless sports moments. They set the tone for what became an amazing decade in basketball and finally tipped the scales to give players more power than ever before.

San Francisco Giants by Jose Bouquett

A bucket-list item for all die-hard baseball fans is to receive a classic Buster Posey hug. The San Francisco Giants took Major League Baseball by storm in the early portion of this decade by achieving three World Series victories in the span of five seasons. Posey was heralded as the captain behind the plate, calling the defenses and managing his pitching staff into becoming a strong force in the National League. A memorable moment for Giants fans was their star catcher, Posey, running and hugging the pitcher who recorded the final out of a monumental moment. From multiple no-hitters by his starting pitchers to each of his three World Series wins, Posey was always there to greet the pitcher and become the bedrock of the ensuing dogpile on the pitcher’s mound. Future Hall of Fame manager Bruce Bochy created a juggernaut of a team, but only in even-numbered years. They won World Series trophies in 2010, 2012 and 2014 before their winning streak was snapped in 2016. Bochy’s assistance creating rosters made the Giants as successful as they were. Creating a pitching staff that was able to bolster names like Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and

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postseason legend Madison Bumgardner while maintaining a top-tier offense was the catalyst to their success. The life cycle of the Giants is running its course as the end of the decade signals the end of an era for Bochy. Bochy will be stepping down as Giants manager after the 2019 season, concluding his career with three championships, the most in the decade, and solidifying a Giants’ Hall of Fame career for multiple players including Posey, Bumgardner, Brandon Crawford, Pablo Sandoval and many more. Their fall signals the growth of a new dynasty in the American League — the Houston Astros. Their consistent success at the end of the decade is almost unmatched, and they will be favorites to continue their dominance into the next decade.

Golden State Warriors by Alex Hanks

At the time this article is being written, the Golden State Warriors are currently ranked at the bottom of the NBA, with a 1:1000 chance of winning the NBA Finals. Point guard Stephen Curry, shooting guard/small forward Klay Thompson and power forward Draymond Green are plagued with injuries, and the Warriors’ starting lineup is filled with players you would not recognize if you saw them on the street.

single game. If that wasn’t enough, the dynamic defense of Draymond Green as a power forward allowed the ball to be in the hands of this star-powered Warriors squad.

Things weren’t always like this. Golden State is regarded as one of the best sports dynasties of all time, mentioned in conversations with Michael Jordan’s squad consisting of Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman.

Point guard Stephen Curry innovated how the game is played with his recordshattering perimeter offense. Kids across America, inspired by Curry, have centered their game on the three-pointer.

Curry established himself as arguably the greatest shooter of all time, averaging almost four three-pointers per game on eight attempts. This in itself changed the culture of basketball, with players from youth leagues all the way to the pros trying to model their games after him. The case is similar with a slightly less flashy Klay Thompson, who still holds the record for most threepointers in a game with 14 against the Chicago Bulls in 2018. Klay and Stephen, called “The Splash Brothers,” hold 11 out of 15 spots on the list of most made three-pointers in a

In what felt like a fever dream, NBA All-Star, scoring title champion and former MVP Kevin Durant left the Oklahoma City Thunder to add another powerful player to an already overpowered Golden State roster. Durant’s tenure with the Warriors stirred two more championship wins in 2017 and 2018.

Every so often, the world of sports is blessed with a generational type of player. This player revolutionizes their craft and develops a niche playing style that even the best athletes make an effort to mirror their game after. The Warriors three championships in the 2010s solidified them as a staple of this decade in sports. Their wins are important, but the team’s impact on the landscape of the league sets them apart from other winning organizations. Sure, we could take a deep dive into the statistics of this super team, but what impacted the game more is the playing style Golden State brought to the court. This dynasty’s five straight finals appearances (2015–2019) with three championships made them not only a team of the decade but a team that can be mentioned with the likes of Jordan’s Bulls and Bill Russell’s Celtics.

The 2010s are behind us. Let’s toast to a better future and kick off what may well be the next roaring 20s. I’ve crafted four recipes to help you remember the past and celebrate the future. Please drink responsibly.

The Roaring 2020s

Best wishes from your amateur bartender, Kat Joseph Watch the tutorial on our YouTube channel, PaisanoOnline.

One Last Time

Quite strong: A few of these may lead to hazy brooding over the past decade. Rebecca Creek Whiskey Benedictine Prepare in a shot glass. Add 50% of each and enjoy.

Hindsight

Pretty strong: A sipping drink in honor of who we were in the 2010s 1 1/2 oz Rebecca Creek Whiskey 1/2 oz Amaretto 1/2 oz Cinnamon Schnapps 2 Splashes of Orange Bitters 6 oz Ginger Ale Combine whiskey, liqueurs and bitters in a glass. (Stop here if you want a shot that’ll punch you in the face.) Add ice and ginger ale. As the ice melts, the whiskey opens up.

A New Era

Medium strong: A sweet cocktail to celebrate with fellow wine snobs 1/4 cup Castello del Poggio Moscato 1 oz Pomegranate Juice 1-3 Spoons Cherry-Infused Moonshine 1/2 oz Grenadine Cherries and an orange slice for garnish Stir together pomegranate juice, moonshine and grenadine. Pour into a glass over ice. Add moscato last to retain the slight fizz, and place garnish. This is my masterpiece. Try the sparkling moscato version if you want a lot of fizz like champagne. Add a splash of orange bitters for a citrus twist.

Tequila Sunrise

Least strong: May this classic cocktail brighten your hopes for the future as the sun rises on 2020. 2 oz Tequila 5 oz Orange Juice 1 1/2 oz Grenadine Combine tequila and orange juice in a glass. Add ice if desired. Slowly pour grenadine against the inside of the glass to sink it to the bottom. The sunrise gradient is just for aesthetics â&#x20AC;&#x201D; stir before you enjoy. Page design & photos by Kat Joseph