The Pulse Magazine by Pulse Magazine

October 2015 IN THIS ISSUE COVER story 6 worcester’s haunted colleges

entertainment 10 rock and shock prepares to deliver

more scares

Lifestyle

24 a reading with worcester’s

whisky witch 25 OUT+ABOUT: LGBT History Month 26 just for fun!

FOOD & DRINK

11 pulsebooks: New books to love 12 worcester’s ‘monster’ event returns

to the canal district this halloween

29 Hot & Now

13 gameon: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

30 pulsebrew: Burgers and beers

14 nowstreaming: Best Not Broken / Carly Rae Jepsen / Sheez Late

15 netflix junkie: Get your horror fix on Netflix

ART & CULTURE 32 powers of art

read pulse Online @

sports & fitness

ThePulseMag.com

33 take a hike! (no, really, do it...)

16 THE central scene

28 Dining RevieW: Brew City brings sophistication to pub grub

BEAUTY & sTYLE

18 Club, Pub & grub Listings

34 spooky & sassy halloween fun

22 PulseShots

35 STEAL THE STYLE: Pick your potion

PULSE Magazine is produced 12 times a year by Pagio Inc., 88 Winter St., Worcester, MA 01604. (508) 756-5006. Copyright 2015 All rights reserved. Pagio, Inc. does not hold itself responsible for statements made by any contributor. Statements or opinions expressed in Pulse reflect the views of the author(s) and not the official policy of the Pagio, Inc., unless so stated. Although all advertising material is expected to conform to ethical standards, acceptance does not imply endorsement by Pagio, Inc. unless so stated. Material printed in Pulse is covered by copyright. No copyright is claimed to any work of the U.S. government. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission. For information on permissions, reprints and other services, contact Pagio, Inc. Also by Pagio Inc.: Worcester Medicine, Vitality Magazine, Thepulsemag.com, Thevitalitymag.com, & TasteWorcester.com

Paul Giorgio, Publisher Donna Roberson, Editor Vanessa Herbold, Art Director Chris Reddy, Kerry Cyganiewicz, Alex Theisen, Kyle Sullivan Account Executives Mitchell Perry, Event Manager Kim Dunbar, Sports Editor

Jennifer Russo, Lifestyle Editor Kimberly Dunbar, Jennifer Russo, Jason Savio, Bernie Whitmore, Michael Wood, Paul Giorgio, R.J. Linton, Ryan Cashman Kerry Cyganiewicz, John Trobaugh, Jamie Burke, Anna Spack Writers

OCTOBER 2015 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 5

C O V E R S T O R Y

By Anna Spack Hogwarts housed Nearly Headless Nick, the Bloody Baron and Moaning Myrtle, among many other ghosts. But do Worcester colleges have any supernatural residents? Aside from the number of supposedly haunted buildings and graveyards in and around the city, including The Palladium, Quaker Cemetery and Worcester State Hospital, many of Central Massachusetts’ institutions of higher learning have been sources of urban legends and ghost stories throughout their long histories. There is certainly no shortage of historical buildings on Worcester’s college campuses – or the ghosts that haunt them.

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Holy Cross’ “Exorcism Room” has been the subject

of many haunted stories throughout the years. Located in the clock tower of Fenwick Hall (also

known as the “Exorcism Tower”), according to a 2006 article in Holy Cross Magazine, the supposed

former entrance to the tower is located on the fourth floor of Fenwick – which is situated in the oldest part of campus. That’s where the 20-step “Stairway

to Nowhere” now leads to a wall with a locked door. While there are many versions of the story that vary in specific details, most agree that two priests

locked themselves in the tower for three days to perform an exorcism on a woman and, as the article explains, were found dead on the third day. The woman vanished without a trace. Other variations

of the legend claim the clock tower broke as a result of the “evil spirits” released from the woman being

exorcised or that a bolt of lightning struck the tower, and everyone in it disappeared.

Taylor Blackwell (’12) recalled being taken to the

top of the tower by a group of upperclassmen during a program he participated in the summer before his

freshman year. “The lights were off, and they told us the story,” he remembered. The upperclassmen

described the rumors they had heard about the tower to the incoming freshman:

“It used to be used as an old place to perform exorcisms!”

“The tower was hidden away and far from the living quarters.”

“That way the students couldn’t hear the screams.” “It’s locked now, for good.”

While all the students found were a few empty

rooms filled with dust and scattered beer cans, Blackwell did have a strange experience in the tower

during his junior year. It was his birthday, and he

and a couple of friends ventured to the top of the tower. Suddenly, one of his friends had a mental

breakdown, “almost as if he were possessed.” The

friend “sprint[ed] from the top floor, all five floors to the basement, and lock[ed] himself in a bathroom

in utter depression.” He ended up being fine, but the experience was certainly a memorable one.

OCTOBER 2015 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 7

By far the most haunted of all the schools in the Worcester area, Becker has four residence halls (one on its Leicester campus and three on its Worcester campus) that are the center of numerous ghost stories. Miller Hall, in Worcester, has been considered haunted for years. Built in 1891, the house changed hands in 1937. The new owner reconstructed much of the building, including adding heating and plumbing. It was at that time that the ghost stories began. Students living in Miller have had strange experiences ranging from moving furniture to temperature fluctuations to hearing voices coming from the walls or from empty rooms. Students have heard banging coming from locked closets and seen strange shapes in their rooms. According to Maya Algere (’15), “most of the hauntings around our Worcester campus [are] believed to be caused by black servants that used to work in the houses. There is a main staircase that was used for the wealthy families and a rundown, narrow staircase that was used for the servants.” Algere said that Maple Hall, also on the Worcester campus and acquired by Becker in 1944, is supposedly haunted by a male student who hung himself in his room many years ago. “We call him the ‘friendly/attention ghost,’” she explained, because “he would do things to receive attention but not do anything to harm anyone.” Merrill Hall, also in Worcester, was built in the 1800s and contains distinctive stained-glass pieces. Becker bought the building in 1955 from a well-to-do family from New York. As explained in a 2012 Pulse article, there have been various peculiar happenings in the dorm over the years, from mysterious footsteps heard in the basement to doors opening unexplainably. Lane Hall, on the Leicester campus, built in 1813, has also been the source of paranormal stories from students who have lived there. Most rumors mention a family that supposedly haunts the place, moving furniture, bothering residents and causing a general scare. When contacted, Becker staff responded that the school’s historian was unable to find evidence in the archives to back up the rumors. The college sent the following statement: “For years, there have been rumors that Lane Hall, Merrill Hall, Maple Hall and Miller Hall are haunted. These four residence halls – which currently house Becker College students – are beautiful, historic buildings that can serve as easy targets for urban legends. There is nothing in the college’s archives to indicate any truth to the rumors.” Will the ghost stories ever be explained?

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WPI’s campus has one haunted building. Higgins House, a Tudor-style mansion built in 1923, is a mysterious structure complete with hidden doors and stairwells. The building is supposedly haunted by the ghost of Mary Higgins, who was the wife of the house’s original owner, Aldus Higgins. She died in 1970. According to the school’s website, “The Alumni Relations staff and students who visit Higgins House frequently mention hearing sounds near the hidden staircase where her body was found.”

While there isn’t much history to be found behind hauntings on Clark’s campus, several students have had eerie experiences within the last few years. Sarah Dys (’15) lived in an eight-person suite in Dana Hall her sophomore year, and she recalled a number of strange events that happened to her and her roommates. In fact, what happened was so creepy that they came to believe there definitely was something haunting the suite.

Mackenzie Alameda (’15), former Alumni Relations chairman of WPI’s Student Alumni Society, said she has heard rumors that Mary Higgins died by falling down a secret staircase that led from the house’s library to her bedroom, although she has no confirmation that this was in fact Higgins’ cause of death. Alameda added, “A senior when I was a freshman once told me he was at Higgins House late at night by himself and swore he heard a ghostly woman’s scream.”

It started when Dys’s roommate walked out of the bathroom and saw something white flash distinctly in front of her and fly out the window. Another one of her roommates woke up screaming in the middle of the night and asked Dys if there was anyone in the room. After Dys told her there wasn’t, her roommate said she had felt someone pushing down on her chest, as if sitting or lying on top of her. “We’d have our doors shut and locked, and we’d come back as a group together and they would be ajar and unlocked,” Dys explained. “I would lock my door, and I would come back and I’d be like, ‘Val, did you open the door? I locked it when we left.’ And she’d be like, ‘No.’ It was very, very weird.” But the scariest thing for Dys was what happened during Thanksgiving break when she was alone in the suite. All of her roommates had already gone home for the holiday. Before going to bed that night, Dys placed a stack of books on her desk. When she woke up the next morning, the books were scattered around the floor. “They were all over the room. It would be like if I whipped the books across the room,” she said. “That’s the only way the books could’ve gotten where they were. If they fell down, they would’ve just fallen down in front of the desk. I got out of there so quickly.” Dys said the creepy occurrences became a joke amongst her and her roommates, but that there were too many coincidences by the end of the year to say that there wasn’t something going on in the suite. The year after, Wriju Adhikary (’16) lived in the same suite, in the same room as Dys. She also noticed strange happenings. “I would notice the door swinging open and close like someone was playing with it,” she said. “The windows would be closed, so it didn’t have to do with air. Once, when [my roommate] was changing, the windows went up. The windows were heavy, and it wasn’t either of us. I would always get a strange feeling.” OCTOBER 2015 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 9

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Rock and Shock prepares to deliver more scares By Jason Savio

Vincenzo said, “but Rock and Shock remains my favorite. I like that it’s in a big, open space, (and) I also love the concert aspect, which really sets it apart from other conventions.”

Halloween may fall on Oct. 31, but for New Englanders, Halloween always comes early. From Oct. 1618, Worcester will once again become Halloween Town when the annual Rock and Shock horror convention and concert series makes its anticipated return to the DCU Center and Worcester Palladium for a weekend full of horror happenings and loud music.

It’s not hard to tell why Rock and Shock would remain anybody’s favorite; just look at this year’s guest list, which includes the “Godfather of Modern Horror” himself, icon and legend George A. Romero. Other guests to be featured include John Kassir, voice of the Crypt Keeper from the HBO series Tales From The Crypt; Bill Moseley of The Devil’s Rejects; Felissa Rose of Sleepaway Camp; Pinhead himself, Doug Bradley; and a colorful assortment of other personalities. And that’s just the celebrity portion of the event.

The brainchild of radio personality Kevin Barbare and Mass Concerts Promoter Gina Migliozzi, Rock and Shock has become one of the most popular horror conventions in the country and is now entering its 11th year. Rock and Shock started to take shape in 2002, when Barbare, a native of South Carolina, got the idea to bring a horror convention to New England after landing a radio job here.

Described by Barbare as “Woodstock for horror and music fans,” Rock and Shock wouldn’t live up to its name if it didn’t also deliver a healthy dose of hard and heavy music, and it is set to do so with a stellar, three-night music takeover. More than 25 bands are scheduled to perform, with headliners Danzig, who will bring his Blackest of The Black tour to town, and Hatebreed, as they celebrate their 20th anniversary with a special set sure to please both older and younger fans.

“I traveled to cons around the country for years and wondered why we didn’t have anything similar here, with so many horror fans and roots available,” said Barbare. But Barbare didn’t want to make Rock and Shock just another convention. “At the time, I worked at a rock radio station, and I realized no one thought of combining live music with a convention,” he explained. “This led to trying to tie the two together.”

With the growing success of Rock and Shock, the event has a very promising future, one that could continue its trend-setting ways. “We have talked about maybe doing a tour based on our event,” Migliozzi said. “Logistically, (it could be) a bit of a nightmare, but I love the challenge so it’s a personal goal to get it out there at least once.”

This also led to concert promoter Gina Migliozzi, friend of Barbare and the go-to person to organize such an event. “For us, it was natural to say, ‘Let’s add national bands to the mix,’” Migliozzi said. “Heavy rock/metal and horror go hand-inhand, (and) it also gave us something different to offer, as well, in the growing convention scene.” According to Barbare, Rock and Shock had to endure a slow beginning its first time around, on a weekend that included a power outage, a Presidential debate and Red Sox playoff games. But like a stubborn member of the undead, Rock and Shock would rise again, and it hasn’t looked back since. “Now, there are people lined up the day before the show even starts,” said Barbare. “Word of mouth does wonders, especially when it comes to what celebrity guests tell other stars and how fans are treated.”

While a Rock and Shock tour might be a little way off, the horror stars and bands will continue to come together in Worcester every year, to the delight of their fans, including the convention’s founders. “There are still guests to this day we haven’t had that we’ve always wanted,” Barbare said. “I have a list that I cross people off of every year. I’d like to see that list completely empty one day.”

For more information, including how to purchase tickets, visit rockandshock.com

One such fan is BrokeHorrorFan.com editor-in-chief Alex DiVincenzo, a devoted Rock and Shocker and overall horror buff who has attended the event for eight straight years. “I’ve attended several other horror conventions,” Di-

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Having become a revered tradition by horror and music fans alike, Rock and Shock never disappoints, and this year (Oct. 16-18) looks to be no different.

Top photo: Rock and Shock co-founder Kevin Barbare with Rock and Shock performers Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper. Bottom photo: arbare with celebrity attendee Danny Trejo. Photo credit: Rock and Shock.

l se B O O K S:

New books to love By Kimberly Dunbar In her latest book, Who Do You Love (Atria Books), New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Weiner writes about love, heartbreak, second chances and, most importantly, the idea that it’s not what you do in life that’s important, but who you love. Rachel Blum and Andy Landis are both 8 years old when they meet one night in the hospital. Because Andy is alone, Rachel comforts him by telling him a story; however, his mother arrives before she can finish her tale. Never expecting to meet again, Andy and Rachel cross paths years later when they’re on the same service trip in Atlanta. It is the spark that ignites a love spanning both distance and time, until life and differences drive them apart for good … or so they think. Heartbroken, Rachel and Andy move on with their lives in very different directions. And while they both ultimately get what they’ve always wanted, they’re still haunted by thoughts of what life could have been like with the one that got away. Weiner’s novel is a testament to how love can change the course of one’s life, how it can change a person, and how sometimes it just can’t conquer all. Rachel and Andy’s story isn’t a typical fairy tale romance: Weiner spends more time developing her highly relatable characters than trying to tie up her story in a pretty bow. Life and love is messy, and happily ever after looks different for everyone, especially for Rachel and Andy.

Female empowerment at its finest During the time author and former emergency room doctor Gerard LaSalle worked in the medical field, he witnessed an abundance of female strength. In an attempt to honor the strong women around him, he picked a female protagonist as the focus of his book series, The Widow Walk Saga (Avasta Press). The first two books in the series, which is based on historical events and characters, are not only a nod to heroines but double as rich and exiting trips through American history. In Widow Walk, the first installment of the series released in 2013, readers are introduced to Emmy Evers, the wife of Isaac Evers, a community leader and former militiaman who has established a small colony in and during the early days of the American Pacific Northwest. While Isaac is away on expeditions, Emmy must take over his responsibilities, leaving this bold character little time to mind social mores. The character of Emmy isn’t ripped from the pages of a comic book; she is a realistic heroine that must endure a pioneer life and devastating tragedy. LaSalle’s second book, Isthmus, follows a fragile Emmy, still reeling from the events of a year ago (no spoilers here!), as she moves her family from the Pacific Northwest to Boston via the new Panama Isthmus Railroad, which in 1860, was the most modern transportation in the world. LaSalle painstakingly describes the atmosphere of this pre-Canal era and the characters and events that made it a dangerous trek for travelers like Emmy and her two children. Like the other passengers, Emmy and her children board the train with hopes and dreams, but not everyone will survive. OCTOBER 2015 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 11

Canalloween: A Nightmare on Water Street Saturday, Oct. 31 12:30 p.m. Build-your-ownscarecrow face-painting petting zoo and other activities on the common 2:30 p.m. Boo! Youth Race

Worcester’s ‘monster’ event returns to the Canal District this Halloween By Mitchell Perry The city is gearing up for what could be one of the most action-packed Halloweens in Worcester history. This year’s annual Canalloween event will be jammed with even more spooky sights and activities that will truly make it “A Nightmare on Water Street.” The day will begin on the Worcester Common with activities the whole family will enjoy. Participants will be able make their own scarecrows, which can then be used as props in the parade later that day. There will also be face-painting, Halloween games and – rumor has it – even a petting zoo. The Scary Monster Dash, a costumed 5K around City Hall and through the Canal District area, will start at 3 p.m. Runners can register in the corporate or family and friends team categories. Registration information can be found at scarymonsterdash.com. Preceding the 5k will be the Boo! Youth Run around Worcester Common at 2:30 p.m.

3 p.m. Scary Monster Dash 4 p.m. Halloween Parade All Night Halloween parties and costume contests in The Canal District

After the races and just a short walk over to the corner of Green and Temple streets, attendees can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Halloween parade, complete with trick-or-treating, terrifying costumes and lively marching bands. Anyone with a costume can choose to march. The City of Worcester has worked to improve and expand this event every year. “Canalloween is the signature event of Worcester,” said Paul Giorgio, publisher of Pulse and one of the event’s organizers. “It’s a growing celebration made possible by a collaboration between city staff, local businesses and organizations. This year is shaping up to be something really spectacular.” After the sun sets, the real party will begin. Worcester’s historic Canal District will be alive with more than 15 bars and clubs hosting costume contests and Halloween parties lasting until 2 a.m. An updated list of participating establishments can be found at canalloween.com.

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for more information, visit canalloween.com and scarymonsterdash.com

the witcher 3: wild hunt By Jason Savio Have you ever imagined what it would be like to be a sword-wielding, magicconcocting badass who has a flowing mane of blond hair and rides a horse throughout the countryside? In that case, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the game for you. Filled with monsters, sorcery and follicles for days, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has a little something for everyone. Continuing the story of the previous Witcher releases, this new installment follows main character, Geralt, as he finds himself on a new quest that is more personal than ever before. The titular villains, Wild Hunt, are bullies from the sky that swoop down and kidnap Geralt’s adopted daughter, Ciri, and thus begins Geralt’s eyeopening adventure. And, as always, there are plenty of monsters and goons for Geralt to straighten out. For more information, visit thewitcher.com After all, that’s what witchers do. This time, however, Geralt has his witcher sense to help him. Less like a Spideysense and more like a detective mode in a Batman Arkham game, the witcher sense is an extension of a witcher’s capabilities, allowing the player to see and investigate things he or she wouldn’t be able to with Geralt’s normal senses. That extra benefit comes into play nicely, given the enormous free-roaming environment that players can enjoy and explore. It seems like the current motto in RPG is “bigger is better” when it comes to the size of the world. But is it really? The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt certainly lives by this belief; the enormity of land (and sea) the player has to cover is mind-blowing. This can be a selling point for some – a world that offers a countless number of playing hours – but for others, it can be a little too much and ultimately a turn-off. It all depends on how serious of a gamer you are and how much time you have to dedicate to it. For the casual gamer, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (like most other RPG games) has a lot of fun side quests and interactions to offer, but completing the main storyline may prove impossible unless you quit your day job and avoid all contact with the outside world. With its imaginative characters and world, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of the top-tier games of the year. Unlike some other games that feel hollow and rushed, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is worth every penny, even if you might not have as many minutes as it demands to complete it. OCTOBER 2015 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 13

streaming:

Best Not Broken / Falling In Carly Rae Jepsen / E·MO·TION Sheez Late / GO By Jennifer Russo If you are looking for something to add to your music repertoire that offers tunes that are easy to listen to and easy to sing with, and if you like U2 and The Killers, this is right up your alley. Falling In is the perfect soundtrack for the day-to-day life we all live. The lyrics are stories of people and places we have all known. They are thoughts that we have all had at some point, and it is immediately relatable. These New Hampshire boys have a sound that is cool and collected, with massive hit potential, and they could easily fall right into place among the bands everyone knows and loves. The first song, “I Won’t Stop Loving You,” has a nice synthy intro and, as you may expect, is a testament to finding that right one in your life. It has a subtle dance club beat that makes you want to move. “Breaking My Heart” follows, and you hear the sad side of the relationship story. “Anarchy” has an awesome sense of humor and reminded me of a Sublime song. With lyrics like “But in the meantime we’ll live a dream life/We can be happy ever after and so rich/We’ll plant a garden, I’ll sing you love songs/And I’ll forget that you’re a psycho crazy bit**,” this song made me laugh. My favorite song on the album was “Listerine.” It’s the slowest on the record, but it’s hopelessly and tragically romantic, and the Jane Austen, book-loving, girly-girl in me swooned. “Tell Me That You Want Me” was easily the most radio-friendly and catchy song, and it’s likely the one that will propel these guys forward. I hope they are given that opportunity. Industry management should take notice. My only disappointment was that the record ended after five songs and I wanted to hear more.

For more information, visit bestnotbroken.com

By Mike Wood

By Jason Savio

We’re actually very surprised we haven’t heard more of this album’s first infectious, confectious (not a word, but applicable here) tune, “I Really Like You,” on the airwaves more often. The first single off Carly Rae Jepsen’s third studio album is truly pop perfection with its catchy (repetitive, to some) chorus. It became a Top 40 hit – despite a cameo by Justin Bieber in the music video, or perhaps because of it – but the song fell off the radar when the album actually released on iTunes.

For anyone under the impression that all bluegrass and

It’s worth checking out the music video to see Oscar-winner Tom Hanks – yes, you read that correctly – wake up and go about his day, sauntering through New York City, all while lip synching what seem to be the words of a teenager in love. And although Jepsen is almost 30, it’s hard to fault her for seeming and singing like perennial teenager. It works for her. And while there isn’t much growth from her last effort, that album did bestow upon us the monster hit, “Call Me Maybe.” Sometimes if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

folk-flavored music is feeble and fragile, full of sit-back-

on-a-rocking-chair ditties, it’s time for you to listen to GO by Sheez Late. A bluegrass and folk recipe for the 21st cen-

tury, GO is a perfect example of how a specific style of mu-

sic can push itself and border other genres and influences, creating something new and fresh.

GO has the DNA of straight-up rock ’n’ roll attitude. Sure, it could be classified simply as folk rock, but even that

would be an understatement. If played on electric guitars, many of the songs here would fit neatly into the rock

realm. That’s not to say they still couldn’t, but rock tradi-

tionalists likely would not concur with the twang and spice

dashed on top. However, one gets the feeling that Sheez Late is just fine with staking out its own parcel of land.

“Guillotine” is a brash and heavy, in-your-face number that shouldn’t work with banjos, but somehow does, as

Ron Roy sings, “Time to face the guillotine” in an angry

Jepsen co-wrote the album with several top-notch producers who have helped make hits for everyone from Kelly Clarkson and Tove Lo to Taylor Swift … and Madonna. Madonna may not have the voice of a top-tier songstress, but she does have talent and longevity, so it’s not a terrible comparison for Jepsen and an album that’s fluffily reminiscent of the best ’80s and early ’90s pop we can remember.

and directive voice. Many of the songs here are similar in

For more information, visit carlyraemusic.com

For more information, visit reverbnation.com/sheezlate

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tone, while some (like the play on words of “Hard Attack”) are upbeat and filled with carnal intentions. The standout

track is the dark “Leave Me Alone.” A song more heavy in

heart than sound, “Leave Me Alone” is a strong showing of stirring emotion that proves Sheez Late can also hit the heart and get deep.

Get your horror fix on netflix By Jennifer Russo Since this is our Halloween issue, I wanted to kick off this new column with something that fit the coffin. Netflix is not short on horror, especially as the holiday creeps up on us. Some of the most thrilling series shows on Netflix include American Horror Story, Bates Motel and Dexter, all of which are amazing. My aim, though, is to find the movies and shows buried deep within, movies you may not have heard of or movies you saw so long ago that they are just a faded memory where you kind of remember the plot. So grab some candy corn and a pumpkin beer and get into some comfy flannel pants – it’s going to be a long night. Hemlock Grove is worth a look. This Netflix original series has a decent story line, but what sets it apart is the stunning visual. You do need a strong stomach for the more gory and bloody scenes, but the production team really spared no expense in making this look good. A small town in Pennsylvania is riddled with sudden murderous crimes. You have psychics and psychiatrists and werewolves, among other things. Like any good game of Clue, you are guessing who is to blame while watching the characters struggle to maintain their own secrets. I found it rather binge-worthy. Of course, you have to watch The Shining, The Exorcist and other well-known classic horror movies at this time of year, but for something off the beaten path, I am suggesting you click on The Prophecy (1995). It isn’t brutally scary and gory – it’s a religion thriller. It stars Christopher Walken, who was really kind of born to play a villain role (in this case, one really pissed off angel), and Viggo Mortenson (pre-LOTR) as the devil. That doesn’t sound like it would work, I know, but it really does. Another more recent pick is Oculus (2013). This movie freaked me out. It is about an evil mirror, which on the surface sounds kind of silly, but with two timelines maintained throughout the movie – with the characters as both children and adults (slightly confusing, but intriguing) – there is a menacing flair to it that I appreciated. If you are looking to watch something that will have you jumping, this is a good one. If you are more a fan of the utterly ridiculous, but want to stay in the horror movie genre, there is actually a B (or really more like C) movie called Poultrygeist (2006). I am dead serious … chicken zombies. It puts Sharknado to shame. OCTOBER 2015 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 15

OKTOB ERFEST

C O LU M BU S DAY S WAP

Worcester’s Oktoberfest offers a multicultural event full of food, music, beer, festivities and a great race right down Shrewsbury Street. The parade begins at 12:30 p.m. on the corner of Aitchison and Shrewsbury streets. The Greendale Physical Therapy Oktoberfest 5K will follow the parade, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Next, celebrate Oktoberfest with some well deserved German beer and food while listening to live music at your favorite Shrewsbury Street watering hole. Oct. 11, beginning at 12:30 p.m.; shrewsburystreetoktoberfest.com.

Head to Wachusett Mountain with your used ski and snowboard equipment to sell for cash or Wachusett Credit, and then buy new equipment with the cash or credit you just earned! This is the perfect chance to upgrade your gear for the coming winter. No equipment to sell? That’s OK; local retailers will be there as well. Check out the Skyride and barbecue while you’re there! Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, 499 Mountain Road, Princeton; noon-8 p.m. Oct. 8-9; wachusett.com.

H AU NTED H APPE NINGS

LI G HT T HE NI G HT

October wouldn’t be complete without a trip to a haunted house. Check out Factory of Terror (201 Grafton St., Worcester), which has five attractions, including Zombie Alley, Clown College 4D and 3D Nightmare. Or head over to Witch’s Woods at the Nashoba Valley Ski Area (79 Powers Road, Westford) for a spooky trek through the woods and a haunted hayride. Most local haunted houses are open Thursdays-Sundays, but check individual websites for times, prices and hours. If you’re interested in being scared for a cause, there’s the Haunt for Hunger in Blackstone and Millbury’s Spooky Acres Haunted Hayride, hosted by the Millbury Youth Camp. Check out mahauntedhouses.com for a full listing of haunted houses in the area.

Light The Night Walk is a fundraising campaign of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) that brings together families and communities to honor blood cancer survivors, as well as to honor those lost to the diseases, and shine a light on the importance of finding cures and providing access to treatments for blood cancer patients. Friends, families and co-workers form fundraising teams, and millions of consumers help by donating at retail outlets. These efforts culminate in evening walks in nearly 200 communities across North America each fall. Participants carry illuminated lanterns – white for survivors, red for supporters and gold in memory of loved ones lost to a blood cancer. Cristoforo Columbo Park, Shrewsbury Street; 5-9 p.m. Oct. 17; lightthenight.org/ma.

The Central Scene

OCTOBER 2015

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THE GREAT PUMPKIN FEST The Ecotarium will open its 40-acre grounds to more than a thousand carved pumpkins, which will be lit up and on display. Plus, enjoy trick-or-treating, entertainment and more! 22 Harrington Way, Worcester; 2-9 p.m. Oct. 24; $15 general admission, $12 for members, free for children younger than 2; ecotarium.org.

EVENTS HAPPENING AR O U N D C EN T RAL MASSACHUSETTS

OCTOBER 2015 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 17

Club, Pub + GRUB Listings

Entertainment at clubs, bars, pub s & other select venues American Graffiti 113 Summer St., Lunenburg B-Man’s 140 Tavern 348 Redemption Rock Trail, Sterling Backstreets Pub 14 Mill St., Fitchburg The Banner Bar & Grille 112 Green St., Worc. Wednesdays: Trivia Night Thursdays: Live acoustic Fridays, Saturdays: DJs Barber’s Crossing Road House 861 Main St., Leicester Fridays: Bill McCarthy or Sean Ryan Barbers Crossing (North) 175 Leominster Road, Sterling Fridays: Bill McCarthy or Sean Ryan Beatnik’s 433 Park Ave., Worc. Tuesdays: Tuesday Night at the Movies Wednesdays: Cornhole Wednesdays Oct. 3: Government Surplus Oct. 8: Uke Night Oct. 9: The Fellowship of the King Oct. 10: Oktoberfest at Beatniks Oct. 15: Mike Hubbard Oct. 16: Rusty Mikes Oct. 17: Sunlea Oct. 18: Chris Vee Oct. 22: Good Question Oct. 23: Jittery Jack Oct. 24: Erron Geer Oct. 29: King Moonracer Oct. 30: Rootland Band Oct. 31: Beatnik’s Halloween Dance Party Beemer’s Pub 114 River St., Fitchburg Billy’s Pub 81 Clinton St., Shrewsbury Birkbeck’s Waterfront Grille 242 Mill St., Worc. Black Sheep Tavern 261 Leominster Road, Sterling Oct. 31: Live Band Karaoke with Fingercuff Halloween Bash Blackstone Tap 81 Water St., Worc. Blue Plate Lounge 661 Main St., Holden Oct. 17: The Derelicts Midlife Crisis Band Blueprint New American Bar & Grill 9 Village Square, Westminster Oct. 8: Mike Melendez Oct. 9: Ton of Blues Oct. 10: Gale County Oct. 15: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell

Oct. 16: Michael Spaulding Oct. 17: Ken Macy Oct. 23: Brian Chaffee Oct. 24: Brett Casavant Oct. 29: Dan Cormier Oct. 30: Mike Melendez Oct. 31: Halloween Bash with Go Gadget Go Boulder Cafe 880 Main St., Fitchburg Breakaway Billiards 104 Sterling St., Clinton Oct. 17: Benefit with Gunsmoke and Ron & Tom Boston Oct. 30: The Great Escape Brew City 104 Shrewsbury St., Worc. Bull Run Restaurant 215 Great Road, Shirley Cafe Destare 320 Main St., Fitchburg Canal Restaurant & Bar 65 Water St., Worc. Thursdays: Team Trivia Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays: DJ (21+) Oct. 9: Dan Kirouac Oct. 10: Hot Dish Oct. 16: Brian Kendall & Dave Miller Acoustic Oct. 23: Hot Dish Center Bar & Grill 102 Green St., Worc. Centerfolds 2000 139 Southbridge St., N. Oxford Chooch’s Food & Spirits 31 E. Brookfield Road, N. Brookfield Chopstick’s Restaurant & Lounge 21 Commercial Road, Leominster Christopher’s Pub 7 Pleasant St., Leominster Cicero’s Cafe 17 Suffolk St., Worc. Classic’s Pub 285 Central St., Leominster 978-537-7750 classicspub.net Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: Karaoke with Royal Crown Tuesdays: Open Mic with Key Performance Fridays: DJ Darren and Double D Oct. 3: Playin’ Dirty Oct. 10: Go Gadget Go Oct. 17: Oh Hey Bear Oct. 24: Max Recoil Oct. 31: Bad Reputation Club KasBar 234 Southwest Cutoff, Worc. Oct. 10: Auntie Trainwreck The Columbia Tavern 28 Manning Ave., Leominster

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Oct. 8: Dave Gordon Oct. 15: Whitney Doucette & Kyle Amalotti Oct. 29: Dustin Brideau Compass Tavern 90 Harding St., Worc. Wednesdays: Karaoke Oct. 3: DJs Oct. 6: Pete Towler Oct. 8: Brian Richard Oct. 13: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Oct. 15: Nick Christy Oct. 16: 1 Year Anniversary Bash with Sam James Cosmopolitan Club 96 Hamilton St., Worc. Dance Ranch & Saloon 70 James St., Worc. Days End Tavern 287 Main St., Oxford Devens Grill 4 Ryans Way, Devens Electric Haze 26 Millbury St, Worc. Sundays: Funky Jazz Jam Sundays, Sunday Dead Night Mondays: Open Mic/Open Decks Tuesdays: Hip Hop Tuesdays Oct. 3: Art Gallery Opening featuring Eva Oct. 9: Ross Jensson, LivingLight Oct. 10: New England Junglists United Oct. 12: Daryl Hance Power Trio Oct. 15: Brummy Brothers Oct. 16: Airspray Queer Dance Party Oct. 17: Oktoberfest: 8 live bands, beer sponsors, food trucks Oct. 24: Bellas Bartok Fiddlers’ Green Pub & Restaurant 19 Temple St., Worc. Saturdays: A Murphs Comedy Joint Firefly’s / Dante’s 350 E. Main St., Marlborough Flip Flops 680 Main St., Holden Flying Rhino Cafe 278 Shrewsbury St., Worc. Funky Murphy’s Bar & Grill 305 Shrewsbury St., Worc. Gardner Ale House 74 Parker St., Gardner Fridays, Saturdays: Live bands Oct. 5: Blue Mondays Oct. 31: Halloween Costume Party with Doctor Robert The GazBar Sports Grill 1045 Central St., Leominster Oct. 3: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Oct. 10: Hitchcock Blondes

Oct. 24: Scott Babineau Oct. 31: Halloween Costume Bash Greendale’s Pub 404 W. Boylston St., Worc. Sundays: Jim’s Sunday Blues Jam Tuesdays: Open Mic Night with Bill McCarthy Oct. 3: Road Owls Oct. 9: Jack Rabbit Slim Oct. 10: Side Effect (Pink Floyd tribute) Oct. 16: Auntie Trainwreck Oct. 17: Clam Diggers Oct. 24: No Alibi Oct. 30: Silverbacks Oct. 30: Tony Soul Project Halligan’s Sports Bar and More 889 Southbridge St., Auburn Hotel Vernon - The Ship Room/ Kelley Square Yacht Club 1 Millbury St., Worc. Oct. 31: Saturday Night Divas Ghostly Divas Show Indian Ranch 200 Gore Road, Webster Ixtapa Cantina 308 Massachusetts Ave., Lunenburg JC Fenwick’s 37 Mechanic St., Leominster Jillian’s - Worcester 315 Grove St., Worc. Oct. 3: UFC 192 Oct. 9: Doctor Robert Oct. 10: Souls on Fire Oct. 16: Identity Crisis Oct. 17: XS Oct. 23: The Plagiarists Oct. 24: Synergy Oct. 30: How Bizarre Oct. 31: Squelch JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough Oct. 3: Aerochix Oct. 9: Usual Suspects Oct. 10: WCUW Blues Party Fundraiser Oct. 16: The Brit Wits Oct. 17: 9Teen Oct. 23: Flock of Assholes Oct. 23: Probable Cause Oct. 30: No Alibi Oct. 31: JJ’s Annual Halloween Bash with Whiskey Church Legends Airport Road, Fitchburg Leitrim’s Pub 265 Park Ave., Worc. Loft 266 Bar & Lounge 266 Park Ave., Worc. London Billiards / Club Oasis 70 James St., Worc. Lucky Dog Music Hall 89 Green St., Worc.

Continued on Page 21

OCTOBER 2015 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 19

20 THEPULSEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2015

Continued from Page 18 Mahoney’s Pub 413 Park Ave., Worc.

897 Main St., Worc.

114 Point Breeze Road, Webster

Nick’s Bar and Restaurant

Press Box 536 Lincoln St., Worc.

Marty’s Pub

124 Millbury St., Worc.

225 Cantebury St., Worc.

Fridays: Thank Friday It’s Dr. Nat

Saturdays: Karaoke with Outrageous

Oct. 24: We & Mrs. Jones

Greg

The Nines Neighborhood Bar

MB Lounge

136 Millbury St., Worc.

40 Grafton St., Worc.

Oct. 31: Halloween Party with

Sundays: Football and Pizza

Shamrock Whiskey

Tuesdays: Live music

Olde Post Office Pub

Wednesdays: Karaoke Thursdays: Thirsty Thursday Dance Party

1 Ray St., N. Grafton On The Rocks Sports Bar & Grill

Fridays, Saturdays: DJ Dance

96 Lakefront Ave., Lunenburg

Nights

Oxford Tavern

McNally’s Grille & Pub

314 Main St., Oxford

88 Sargent Road, Westminster

Padavano’s Place

Oct. 30: Dan Kirouac

358 Shrewsbury St., Worc. Thursdays: Karaoke with contest

Michael’s Cigar Bar 1 Exchange Place, Worc. Oct. 3: Hit the Bus Oct. 4: Blue Light Bandits Oct. 8: Jim Devlin

Oct. 3: Babe Pino Band Paisanos Pizza & Spirits 450 Lancaster St., Leominster The Palladium

Oct. 9: Mystic River Band

261 Main St., Worc.

Oct. 10: Dirk Quinn

Park Grill and Spirits

Oct. 15: Dave B & The Hotshots Oct. 16: Andy Cummings & Swingabilly Lounge Oct. 17: Rock & Shock Party Oct. 22: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Oct. 23: Neon Alley Oct. 24: Jim Devlin Trio Oct. 30: On the Rocks Oct. 31: Halloween Party with The Flat Five

257 Park Ave., Worc. Fridays, Saturdays: Dick Doherty’s Beantown Comedy Escape Oct. 16: Drunken Uncles Oct. 30: Bo & Ira Partner’s Pub 970 South St., Fitchburg Thursdays, Fridays: Karaoke Oct. 3: 1Oughta9 Oct. 10: Sean Daley Oct. 17: Dazed Till Dawn

Mickey Sheas

Oct. 24: Alex Cohen

324 Electric Ave., Lunenburg

Oct. 31: A Fine Connection

The Mill 185

Patsie Dugan’s

185 W. Boylston St., W. Boylston

49 Millbury St., Worc.

Oct. 3: Ken Macy Oct. 9: Pete Towler Oct. 10: Kelly & Tribe Oct. 16: Joe Macey & Heather Ralston Oct. 23: Katie O’Brian Duo Oct. 24: James Keyes Oct. 30: Brian & Jodee Mill Street Brews (@ The Artist Development Complex) 18 Mill St., Southbridge

Perfect Game Sports Grill and Lounge 64 Water St., Worc. Wednesdays: Bike Night with Sheldon’s Harley Thursdays: DJ Tec Threat Saturdays: DJ Reckless Pho Dakao 593 Park Ave., Worc. Oct. 3: Erwin Dhimo Trio Oct. 10: Worcester Jazz Collective

Moonstruck Café

Oct. 17: Infinite Jazz Trio

19 Worcester Road, Charlton

Oct. 24: Fernando Holz Trio

Moynihan’s Pub

Point Breeze On the Lake

Primetime Pub 5 Summer St., Lunenburg Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner 148 Grove St., Worc. Sundays: Sunday Night Cinemageddon Mondays: Dirty Gerund Poetry Show Tuesdays: C.U.Next Tuesday with DJ Poke Smot Oct. 11: Punkcake Pop Ups and Fleas (music, art, flea market, etc.) Oct. 15: Metal Thursday CCLXXXVIII: Witchtrap, Crypter, Peucharist, Invadur Oct. 16: Pseudogod, Arsantiqva, Promethean Horde, Hirudinea, The Noctambulant The Raven 258 Pleasant St., Worc. Red Onion - Otter River Hotel 29 Main St., Baldwinville Rivalry’s Sports Bar 274 Shrewsbury St., Worc. Oct. 3: Take Two Oct. 4: Mychael David & Help Wanted Oct. 9: Tom Revane Oct. 10: Norm Tonelli & Friends Oct. 16: Mike Lynch Trio Oct. 17: Take Two Oct. 23: Mike Lynch Trio Oct. 24: The Invaders Oct. 30: Drunken Uncles Oct. 31: Halloween with Andy Cummings Rocky’s 139 Water St., Worc.

Oct. 24: A Fine Connection Oct. 29: Jay Graham Oct. 30: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Oct. 31: Brian Chaffee & The Players Sakura Tokyo 640 Park Ave., Worc. Scorz 58 Shrewsbury St., Worc. Sean Patrick’s Family Restaurant 494 Electric Ave., Lunenburg South Side Grille & Margarita Factory 242 W. Broadway, Gardner Speakers Night Club 19 Weed St., Marlborough Thursdays: DJ Dance Party Fridays: Karaoke and Dance Party Saturdays: Live Bands Oct. 3: Welcome to the Jungle Oct. 10: Flock of Assholes Oct. 17: Tigerlily Oct. 24: Brasilian Dance Band Oct. 31: Famous Halloween Party Spruce Street Tavern 68 Spruce St., Clinton Stagecoach Inn and Tavern 128 Main St., Groton Sunset Tiki Bar 79 Powers Road, Westford Tal’s Place 138 Lake St., Webster Three G’s Sports Bar 152 Millbury St., Worc. Trumbull Bar & Grill 117 Main St., Spencer Union Tavern 65 Green St., Worc.

Rumors 371 Park Ave., Worc. Rye & Thyme 14 Monument Square, Leominster 978-534-5900 ryeandthyme.com Oct. 3: Brian Chaffee Oct. 8: Sean Fullerton Oct. 9: Andy Cummings & Swingabilly Lounge Oct. 10: L&M Rythym Kings Oct. 15: Dan Cormier Oct. 16: Zack Slik Oct. 17: Trilogy Oct. 22: Andy Cummings Oct. 23: Scott Babineau

Upper Deck Sports Bar & Grille 377 Stetson Road, Barre Victory Bar & Cigar 56 Shrewsbury St., Worc. Vincent’s Bar 49 Suffolk St., Worc. Tuesdays: Boogie Chillin’ Whistle Stop Bar & Grill 85 Main St., Oxford William’s Restaurant & Tavern 184 Pearson Blvd., Gardner Oct. 9: The City Boys Ye Olde Tavern 7 E. Main St., W. Brookfield

OCTOBER 2015 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 21

PULSESHOTS

By Justin Perry

Shrewsbury street college shuffle

THE compass tavern HARDING ST., WORCESTER

CLASSIC’S PUB CENTRAL ST., LEOMINSTER

22 THEPULSEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2015

MICHAEL’S CIGAR BAR EXCHANGE ST., WORCESTER

PERFECT GAME WATER ST., WORCESTER

RYE & THYME MONUMENT SQ., LEOMINSTER

BLUEPRINT BAR & GRILLE VILLAGE SQ., WESTMINSTER OCTOBER 2015 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 23

L I F E S T Y L E

A reading with Worcester’s

Whisky Witch By Jennifer Russo It up to you whether or not you believe in a higher power or powers, people with psychic and empathic abilities, or that someone can tell you about yourself and guide your decisions by looking at a deck of cards. For me, I have always believed in these things, mostly because of experiences I’ve had that could only be explained by a different level of spiritual understanding. That being said, I am still quite skeptical about people who practice spiritual arts because there are certainly a number of people who are f rauds. I believe strongly that you either are or are not born with abilities, that these tend to run in families and that there is a right way to use them. Whatever you choose to believe, there is scientific proof that we use only a small part of our brain. I believe there are some who have somehow tapped into parts of the brain that most people haven’t. How that translates into unexplained phenomena, who can tell? I hear about the Whisky Witch and am intrigued. A woman who has abilities and loves whisky – what better combo, really? Of course, I wonder if she is just a gimmick, but still, it sounds interesting. I reach out to her, and she agrees to meet with me and give me a tarot reading. I see we have a couple of mutual friends on Facebook, so I put her on my restricted list until after the reading, so she has as little information about me as possible. I walk into a little café, and I am greeted with a smile f rom one of the most down-to-earth people I’ve ever encountered. I feel a connection with her immediately, as if I have known her my entire life. After chatting slightly about her family history of this gift and some people who have mentored her in it, she unwraps a gorgeous deck of very well-used and loved tarot cards, with photos on them of actual quilts depicting the card images. I am amazed and astounded that those quilts actually exist somewhere and make a mental note to see where they may be. She asks a few questions about what I would like to know, and then she has me shuffle and cut the deck. She lays out the cards in a pattern and flips over the first card. In moments, she is describing me and my current thought process in detail – and is right about all of it.

24 THEPULSEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2015

She flips over card after card, and I am in awe as she describes my partner, my boss, my mother and one of my closest friends, all of whom she has never met. These four people are key to my path in different ways, and she says things about their specific personalities that are right on point. She tells me I am going to a wedding soon, which is true, and that I will spend more money that weekend than I had anticipated. I did ask her to elaborate on this, and she mentioned that the expense that weekend for food and drink will be more than I planned and that we may even be there longer than we had thought. The wedding is in a couple of weeks, so I guess we will see about that.

I ask her to do another reading, this time about my son. She asks if I am sure, because for anyone who is a parent – especially of a young child – what might come up can be nerve-racking. I am curious enough about it and have a good feeling about the knowledge I will receive and so we continue. This reading absolutely blew my mind. The deck has now been shuffled twice, and still the first card that turned over was the same as the one she first turned over for me. She says, “Oh, he is like you… an awful lot like you,” which is accurate. She proceeds to describe him in detail, hitting on his unique points. She noted that he was taller than other kids his age and that he is made to be an athlete, specifically a runner. She tells me a little about what he will be like in the not-so-far future. I have always said that if you are having a reading done, be wary of people who are speaking very generically. If a “psychic” asks you if you know someone with a name beginning in M or you have had a loved one pass on recently or if you’re experiencing any pain or other things like that, consider how valid he or she is. If they tell you things that are specific about yourself or people you know, things they would not know otherwise and can elaborate on certain pieces of it in the same detail and accuracy, you may have the real deal. I believe the Whisky Witch, aka Jessica Lofgren, is someone to listen to. She knows her stuff when it comes to alcohol, too. On the whisky side of things, this witch is a connoisseur. She is pretty well-known in Worcester. She has been at the stART on the Street festival, has done several YouTube videos on whisky and often hosts whisky tastings for friends at her home.

If you are a believer in those with abilities or simply that whisky is the king of all drinks, reach out to the Whisky Witch via Facebook, follow her on Twitter at @whiskywitch or visit her website, whiskywitch.com.

For more information, visit worcesterpride.org

LGBT HI STORY MONTH By John Trobaugh October is LGBT History Month! It also includes Coming Out Day. Oct. 11 is Coming Out Day, and in some places, it is also Come Out as an Ally Day! We have had 40 years of Pride here in Worcester, but not much is recorded. We need to do better as a community about recording our history. For so long, being out was illegal – and then, just taboo – so people did not really want permanent records. Now, there will be a new generation of LGBT people who have no idea what happened before them. If there was a permanent space, such as a community center, then I think we would be more inclined to record our history. The Worcester Historical Society would like to help us by beginning an LGBT Worcester-focused historical archive! Every year, people young and old decide they either understand themselves better or they no longer want to hide who they really are, so they come out. Some of us have been out for several decades, and we still feel it is necessary to come out. I recall both being outed and coming out. We come out as necessary on a daily basis. As we come out more and more, it is more and more comfortable. Airspray,’s Queer Dance Party: Oct. 16 is the next Airspray Queer Dance Night at Electric Haze (26 Milbury St., Worcester), and it is bigger and more vibrant than ever. Look out for the Morning After Brunch at Chickpea (589 Park Ave., Worcester) from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., where you can get a fabulous vegan delight. I have eaten here and, although it can be confusing (you enter through the rear of the building), it was a fantastic meal! I’m not vegan, but the staff was kind enough to explain all the options. Worcester Consortium: Last year, Leanne Quackenbush organized a collection of all the known Gay Straight Alliances (GSAs) in the Worcester area. This year, the groups are looking to continue the tradition. They are looking for new leadership, as well as to expand locations to ensure all colleges feel included. Look them up on the Pride website or Facebook to get more details. LGBT Networking: There are two groups you should know about if you are a professional in the Worcester area. One is the Gay Professionals Group, currently meeting at Bocado on the second Wednesday of each month from 6-8 p.m. This group is building quite a buzz. Look it up on the Pride site. The second group is based on the Meetup platform. It is for the young lesbian community. This group is very flexible in its definition of young lesbian. The group doesn’t meet on a defined day of the month, but if you check it out on Meetup, I’m sure you will find an outing in which you are interested. Barbara Zerillo helped found the group and says it is looking for new leaders to step up and reinvigorate the group. As always, you can check the Pride site for updates. John Trobaugh is the president of Worcester Pride and a diversity project specialist in the Diversity and Inclusion Office of UMass Medical School.

OCTOBER 2015 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 25

just for fun!

Some products just make life better. Some products make life more fun. These products do both – and some of them are even donating to breast cancer causes in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October!

Talk pink

Flaunt your feet

The Eyn Think Pink case is available for iPhone 5/5S, 6 and 6 Plus. The Eyn case (which stands for “everything you need”) serves as an all-in-one storage piece for cash, credit cards, keys, and of course, your smart phone. Also included is a mirror, which doubles as a stand to rest your case while watching videos. A portion of the proceeds from the Pink Ribbon case will be donated to the American Cancer Society. $29.99; eynproducts.com.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Skinn Cosmetics will donate 100 percent of the sales (not profits) of its Foot Fetish Heel Balm to support Bright Pink. The sweet-smelling balm glides on like butter and absorbs quickly to smooth, hydrate and exfoliate rough or cracked feet. Vitamins A, C and E; shea butter; grapefruit; and meadowfoam seed and jojoba oils work together to reveal your most silky, petal-soft skin yet. $22; skinn.com.

Dress up the dorm Like a ninja Even silent assassins need coffee. And nothing will make you smile like a Ninja Mug. It’s perfect for when you’re feeling more sleepy than super ninja. Place the mug onto the ninja star coaster and stir in your sugar using the ninja sword spoon for full effect. $20; kitson.com.

Big Buckets of Halloween Planning a Halloween party? Why not add Big Buckets of Monsters and Zombies to the festivities? Each Big Bucket comes with 100 assorted spooky action figures, including zombies, gravestones, humans, werewolves and even Frankenstein. Big Buckets also offers soldiers, animals and more! With more than a dozen unique sculpts, these are a great addition to your party! Prices vary; amazon.com.

Smile! This quirky bottle looks like a camera lens and boasts a stainless steel lining and a screw top lid – making it ideal for use as a travel mug. Not only will the lid stop any spills, the mug will also keep your drink warmer for longer. There is even a sip-top slide compartment to make it easy to drink on the go. $34.99; modcloth.com.

26 THEPULSEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2015

Looking for an easy-to-clean rug for your dorm? Ruggable’s 2-Piece Rug System includes a cover and non-slip base that cling together on the floor but come apart to wash, using a patented backing technology that acts like Velcro. This prevents the rug from bunching or moving around on the floor. The water-resistant surface allows any dirt or spill to be easily wiped off, and the wool-free design helps reduce dust and other allergens. Prices vary with size; ruggable .com.

Because … cookie dough Love raw cookie dough, but worry about the raw eggs? There is now a better, safer alternative. Introducing Edoughble, pure awesomeness rolled into homemade cookie dough. No baking. No scary raw egg. Just pure, doughy, unapologetically sugary, spoon-ready deliciousness. Flavors include Chocolate Chip off the Ol’ Block, Cookies N’ Dream, Cravin’ Oatmeal Raisin, Nuts for Chocolate, Birthday Bash, S’More Please, Strawberry Jammin’ and Nutty Monkey (gluten-free and vegan). All cookie dough is made fresh to order. $8, edoughble.com.

May the force be with you These signature Star Wars beer steins hold up to 22 ounces of your favorite beverage. The head-hinged lid closes, keeping your drink from spilling. Perfect for the Star Wars fan! $49.95, amazon.com.

OCTOBER 2015 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 27

F O O D & D R I N K

dining review:

Brew City brings sophistication to pub grub By Bernie Whitmore

and drizzled the plateful of golden french fries.

Nearly 20 years ago, when Brew City first opened on Shrewsbury Street, its craft brew strategy could have been dismissed as trendy. But only to those who didn’t see the artisanal/ craft movement coming down the tracks. The momentum of that locomotive has proven to be sustained and growing; Brew City’s viability has never flagged.

At one point, he took a break to catch his breath, turned his burger to me and asked, “Where does the burger stop and the pastrami begin?” That was a question for the ages, but I had to admit, this was one fistful of juicy meat.

Of course, it helps that the restaurant matches its mega-selection of beers with a sophisticated grill/pub menu and quality cuisine. Yeah, that might sound strange: “sophisticated” and “pub” used in the same sentence. If so, read on about our latest visit to Brew City. My dining companion and I began our meal with one of the basics – the Onion Rings appetizer. It’s a cinch to spot factory-produced rings; just watch for a ruddy chokehold of thick breading surrounding strands of limp onion. Happily, Brew City’s were the polar opposite, with stacks of rings made from thick-cut Spanish onions quick-dipped in a light batter and deep-fried to a golden brown. Inside that crispy coating, the onions had received just enough heat to become sweet and tender. They came with a spicy remoulade sauce for dipping. The onion rings tasted great with my glass of Harpoon IPA. From the huge beer selection, I remained true to one of my favorites; you just can’t go wrong with Harpoon. The burgers at Brew City have always been imaginatively conceived and well executed; this is the only place I’ve had a burger of Italian Piemontese beef topped with a gigantic ravioli. Brew City periodically reworks the burger menu, so tonight, my friend tried The Carnegie, ground Black Angus beef topped with a blanket of tasty pastrami, oozing Swiss cheese and beer-braised onions crammed into a huge pretzel bun. With each bite, drippings ran freely

creole jambalaya

I chose something a bit more challenging for the kitchen, Creole Jambalaya. Served in a large shallow soup bowl, a spicy tomato-and-jalapeño-flavored broth was thickened with rice cooked to what I consider an ideal state: just a bit beyond crunchy, not too soft. Simmered into the mix were jumbo shrimp, strips of boneless chicken and slices of spicy sausage. Topped with scallion strips and ribbons of lime aioli, this was a dish that packed smoldering heat without overwhelming the taste buds. Throughout our meal, the energy level of the dining room was amped up with birthday celebrations at adjacent tables and large parties of boisterous workmates. But that’s Brew City – rarely intimate, usually relaxed and fun. All of that seemed to fade when Katie, our server, served dessert. Brew City’s Beeramisu – as strange as this might seem – was easily the best tiramisu I’ve sampled in years! Everything about it was classically conceived; the moist sponge cake, thick layers of dense mascarpone custard and the blizzard of powdered cocoa on top. Chocolate Stout contributed an elegant depth of flavor. Even better, the portion size was more than satisfyingly generous. People love to ask, “What’s your favorite Worcester restaurant?” Of course, that’s a question best answered by category. In the informal dining genre, Brew City rests right at the top.

The Carnegie burger

onion rings

Brew City Grill & Brew House | 104 Shrewsbury St., Worcester | 508-752-3862 | brew-city.com 28 THEPULSEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2015

By Paul Giorgio

Tweeds sold. We have reported in the past that Tweeds on Worcester’s Grove Street has been sold, as longtime restaurateur Jim Donoghue plans to enjoy his golden years. The Oak Barrel Pub will take Tweeds place and will feature the same kinds of pub food that Tweeds has made popular. Look for a late December opening. It’s an old Ritual. Ritual at 281 Main St., Worcester, abruptly closed its doors in the middle of August. But don’t fear. The much anticipated Dead Horse Hill Restaurant, which was slated to open on Franklin Street, is leasing the space. Now that will be a horse of a different color. A late November/ early December opening is anticipated. Neighbors. The long-awaited Violet Rice, a Thai and vegetarian restaurant next to the former Ritual, also received a green light from the city’s License Board. It, too, is hoping to open in the late fall.

Its Prime time. Hirosaki Prime on Worcester’s Grafton Street closed, and new owners will reopen the place shortly, also as a sushi restaurant. No word yet on the name. In more closing news. Two Chefs in Spencer closed its doors the last week

in September. No word on future plans of the two chefs who ran the place or what is going to happen to the space. The husband-and-wife team complemented each other. One cooked great meals, and the other made fabulous desserts.

If first you don’t fail, try again. We hear that Primo’s on Worcester’s Green Street has shut its doors. This was a joint venture by Joe Petrou, who has owned too many restaurants to list, and Angel Rodriguez. Rodriguez owned the Center Bar in the same space and then converted it to a restaurant. Primo’s was originally located on Shrewsbury Street, now home to the very good Piccolo’s. Annie. Annie’s Clark Brunch, a mainstay on Worcester’s Main Street near Clark University, opened the third week of September after having been closed for three months to undergo major renovations, due to building code violations. Annie Jenkins was assisted by both Clark University and a crowdfunding effort. Students and staff of Clark were excited to hear about the reopening. North by Northworks. The

Niche Hospitality Group has an agreement with the owners of the Northworks building to take over the space once occupied by The Northworks Restaurant. The owners are just working out details on parking. The plan is to move The Fix Burger Bar from its Shrewsbury Street location to this new space on Worcester’s Grove Street. The Shrewsbury Street space has sort of become incubator space for the Niche Hospitality Group, sort of by accident. So what will go into the Shrewsbury Street space? We hear that Mike Covino and Steve Champagne, of Niche, are throwing around some ideas. One even involves a concept with different cuisines throughout the year.

Hey Mac, you serve brunch? Mac’s Diner on Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street, under the ownership of Chris McMahon, the third generation of McMahons to run the place, is trying out some new ideas. Known for its generous portions, Mac’s is now serving Sunday Brunch from 11 a.m- 2 p.m. BTW, it’s BYOB OCTOBER 2015 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 29

PulseBREW: burg ers and beers By Kerry Cyganiewicz Where can I go to get a great burger and a great beer? This has got to be the question I get asked most often. Here are the five places I chose to answer this question. To be honest, for this article, I ate at five more – for science, of course – but these five stood out. Each delivers its own unique experience. Cheers!

Armsby Abbey | 144 Main St., Worcester

Adams Farm Burger/Hill Farmstead Harlan IPA One thing I like about eating here is that Armsby offers a beer suggestion with each of its food items. I usually go rogue and order a cheese plate and assorted appetizers with whatever beer catches my eye, but not today. Today, I ordered the Adams Farm Burger, which is described as, “House ground Adams Farm grass-fed beef chuck, heart & bone marrow with Prairie Breeze Cheddar, house pickles, caramelized onions, Dijon aioli on a fresh baked sesame-ale roll.” The beer recommendation was Hill Farmstead Harlan, an American IPA. This is one of the simplest, yet most complex, burgers I have ever had. The fresh roll came from the sister bakery next door, Crust. The custom ground beef blend from Adams Farm was full of wonderful rich beef goodness. The cheese was melted perfectly, filling in the nooks and crannies of the hand-formed patty. The fries were great; the honest potatoes, cooked and seasoned perfectly, added to the total experience. Harlan was an excellent choice to accompany this burger. The sharp, piney citrus notes from the beer countered the richness of the burger perfectly. As the beer warmed, some aromas of fruit shined through just as the burger disappeared. I have never been disappointed by a recommendation either from the menu or the educated staff, and this was no different. A complete burger and beer experience.

The Boynton | 117 Highland St., Worcester Bleu Monday/Stone Ruination Triple IPA

I sat at the bar the night I went. I ordered the Bleu Monday because it promised homemade blue cheese dressing and Canadian bacon. I know that blue cheese and bacon go well with broccoli, and now I know it works with burgers, too. Chunks of blue cheese were prevalent in the dressing, and the Canadian bacon was a welcome change of pace. The burger was all of the half-pound it was supposed to be and was a filling meal all on its own. I chose the Stone Ruination Triple IPA because I knew this was a hop bomb, and previous experience tells me that hops help cut through rich food. Strong pine and tropical fruit notes from the hops shined through in the aroma and the taste. The orange color and warmth from the alcohol let you know that this beer, like all of Stone’s IPAs, means business.

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Brew City | 104 Shrewsbury St., Worcester Money Burger/Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree

I have a thing for fried eggs on my burger and could not pass up the Money Burger. It is listed as a “Kobe burger topped with prosciutto, havarti cheese, a fried egg, on a toasted brioche bun.” I gave the top of the burger a firm squeeze to release the yolk, and it did not disappoint. There is a lot of delicious fat in this burger, and I knew I needed a special beer to cut through that slippery goodness. Double Crooked Tree is a Double IPA, clocking in at 12% ABV. The alcohol warmth is strong, as are the earthy undertones, which complemented the richness of the burger nicely. This was quite a filling pair, and I needed a walk afterwards. Shrewsbury Street is an excellent place for an after dinner stroll. On a side note, this is a near perfect place for a first date. It’s easy to find and park; there’s something for everyone; and the people watching here is epic.

BT’s Smokehouse | 392 Main St., Sturbridge Local Burger of the Week/Treehouse Julius

BT’s changes its burger offering often. I have enjoyed many of them, but this was a special experience. I was on my way back from Treehouse Brewing in Monson, having just picked up some Julius IPA, and decided to stop in at BT’s, as this is a BYOB establishment. “Walnut Lane Farm grass fed beef with Robinson Farm cheese and a peach and zucchini compote from Carlson Orchards and Overlook Farm” was the description of the current burger. I’ve had the Walnut Farm beef, and it is divine. It’s evident that the patty was hand-formed. The cheese completely covered the burger. The compote was not too sweet and not too savory. It contrasted nicely with the beef. Julius from Treehouse is one of the best IPAs around, with tastes of orange zest and bright citrus. It has a hazy appearance, yet it’s light and drinks so well. It pairs perfectly with rich comfort foods like this burger.

Parkway Diner | 148 Shrewsbury St., Worcester Italian Burger/Sam Adams Rebel IPA

I knew going in that this was going to be difficult for me. I thoroughly enjoy the meatballs here. So much so, that every time I have eaten here, I order something with a meatball. I was tempted to order a meatball sandwich until I saw the Italian Burger. This is a burger with marinara sauce and provolone cheese. Simple execution, but wow. The flavors coming from the sauce melded perfectly with the patty and provolone cheese. I will definitely order this again. The Rebel IPA was a stark contrast to the burger. Pine and grapefruit tones sliced right through the Italian flavors coming from the sauce. There was a game on the televisions while I was there. This is the perfect size for a sports bar – far enough away from people so you have some privacy, quiet enough that you can have a conversation, yet close enough so the the game becomes a group experience.

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NOR TH COUNTY • DINING • ENTER TAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE • SHOPPING

a r t & c u lt u r e

Powers of art By Jennifer Russo There are those in the world who have had nothing handed to them freely, and they refuse to be stuck in their circumstances. These are the people who jump over those hurdles instead of falling captive to what people tell them they can or cannot be. Shawn Powers had his humble beginnings here in Worcester. As a child, he witnessed his mother work day and night to make sure that he and his sister had what they needed, given that his father was not in the picture. He learned that some people just have to do more to get by, and he considers that his greatest gift. “I learned to feel grateful for everything in my life, big or small, material or spiritual, and that perspective carries through to the open world of creative freedoms I choose to take part in,” Powers said. “My work is always as raw as my feelings for the world I see before me, and the gratitude I feel for the universe and its unlimited beauty always finds its way into my themes as a visual artist and storyteller.” Powers, a local Worcester artist working in digital multi-media art and paintings, has risen above the whirlpool of destruction in which some find themselves when they set hope aside. Instead, he believes in creating things that are beautiful. He believes in being an example of how the little guy can thrive despite everything. “If I could give one piece of advice to anyone who feels lost in their struggle, it would be to look inside and find out who you are. Once you know who you are, be you. Everything else falls into place naturally. My grandfather always told me to do what I love and live the life I was designed for, and everything else will work itself out … words worth more than gold,” Powers said.

And he certainly is being himself. With a style that is unique and bold, where the underlying theme is freedom, his pieces stand out. Powers doesn’t believe that true art lives in following the artistic rules, but by breaking them and allowing honesty to come through in what is being created. “In all honesty, I can’t say where my passion for creativity comes from,” Powers said. “I can say that it is truly how I was designed, and it’s the only way I know how to function as a human being and a member of society. I can’t think of anything better that I could specifically contribute to the world around me.” In addition to creating beautiful and interesting works of art, Powers is also a writer who has penned two books, which he considers his “prized creations and an extension of ideas that never end,” that will be released in 2016. The first book, Bad Connection, “explores the idea that every time we meet someone, or every time we love someone, we make a connection to them, and sometimes we simply make bad connections, and sometimes the bad connections we make in our past come back to haunt our futures. There are plenty of underlining tones that touch on the idea of corruption in opulence and how love can turn into madness,” Powers explained. The second book, Mr. Mortem, is “about a man who has lived a less-than-honorable life, and when the time comes for him to face his death, he meets a man named Mr. Mortem and is forced to face the life he lived before he is allowed to pass on.” Though Powers acknowledges that growing up in the city was not the easiest upbringing, he also believes that it has potential, but that it will take everyone doing a part to help Worcester succeed. “Worcester is like an old sneaker, not much to look at but damn comfortable. We have so many charms that other cities don’t, but they mean nothing to people who feel unsafe. I think the revitalization of our downtown area is a step in the right direction, and we have been making many initiatives to beautify our city, but there is still a missing element … the people. A city can only be as good as the people living in it, and many Worcester residents complain about our city, so my question to anyone living in Worcester who complains about it is, ‘What do you contribute to make your city better? What do you put out into the world?’” Powers said. Finding who he is, excelling and putting that talent back into society so it improves the lives of others, while also making waves in the world in an honest and forthright way … what better way to embrace self and tell stereotypes to get in the back? Powers is in the driver’s seat with no GPS, and he’s completely OK with that. It’s creative wanderlust at its finest.

To see more of Powers’ art, visit ShawnPowersArt.com or look him up on Fine Art America to purchase his work in a variety of formats.

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sports&fitness

Take a hike! (No, really, do it...) By Kimberly Dunbar Fall in New England is great. Viewing it from atop a mountain is even better. Although I’ve always enjoyed running, hiking is becoming one of my favorite workouts. While it can provide the same adrenaline boost, it involves a different kind of mental stimulation than running – there’s no tuning out the world with your headphones and death metal playlist; hiking requires more awareness of your surroundings (for safety reasons), ultimately inviting a deeper connection with nature. As with any new sport, you’ll need to do some research and gather proper gear before heading out. Luckily, we’ve got you covered (see our lists). While we can’t force you to take our advice, safety should always come first. For instance, before a hike, make sure to fully charge you phone and let someone know your planned route and when you’ll return, so in the event of an emergency, people will know where you are. And while on the trail, always make sure to locate the next blaze (marks on trees indicating the direction of the trail) before proceeding, so you don’t get lost. You don’t have to climb Everest to reap the benefits of a great hike. There are plenty of great places in Central Massachusetts. Also, check local outdoor recreation stores; they host many activities and can offer advice on the best spots to find some solitude.

Purgatory Chasm, Sutton

Purgatory Chasm offers an adventure for all ages. In addition to the Chasm – ¼ mile of approximately 14,000-year-old rocks – there are short, easy hiking trails leading to a variety of other rock formations.

Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, Princeton

Wachusett Mountain – with an elevation of 2,006 feet – has long been a top local spot because of the views it offers of the Central Massachusetts landscape. The 3,000-acre state reservation offers a variety of natural resources and hiking trails.

Moore State Park, Paxton

Located in the heart of Central Massachusetts, this 400-acre sanctuary is a historic site with sawmills dating back to 1747. The trails, dotted with waterfalls, are an easy hike for anyone looking for relaxation, nature and a little history.

Royalston Falls, Royalston

Those who brave the descending 0.8-mile trail will be greatly rewarded when the 45-foot waterfall, an ancient gorge carved by prehistoric glacial meltwater, comes into view. The hike can be strenuous in some places and slippery at wet points.

Newton Hill, Worcester

The 41 acres in the Newton Hill section of Elm Park offer a quiet place away from the city’s buzz. Known for its disc golf course, there are also walking, running and biking trails kept safe and clean by the Friends of Newton Hill.

Vaughn Hill, Bolton

Vaughn Hill is perfect for a day hike and offers sweeping views of the area. While the Bolton Trail system offers several trails to choose from, Vaughn Hill’s gradual ascent is only moderately difficult and suitable for most ages.

Sholan Farms, Leominster

In addition to its acres of farmland, Sholan Farms offers several miles of trails through the farm and surrounding area. These trails connect to longer, more mountainous terrain, including Monoosnoc Trail and Devil’s Pulpit. Sholan Farms offers Twilight Hikes, so check the website for details.

What to Pack The goal of every hiker is to be fully prepared while carrying as little weight as possible. Before heading out, check to ensure all items are functional; a flashlight with dead batteries won’t do any good. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

Water: Invest in a hydration pack, you won’t regret it. First aid kit: Visit redcross.org to make your own. Flashlight/headlamp. Food/snacks: granola bars, trail mix, beef jerky, etc., contain protein and are easy to pack. Matches/lighter. Navigation: Don’t rely on your phone; bring a compass or an oldfashioned paper map and always carry a copy of the area trails with you. Knife/multi-tool. Duct tape (make a smaller roll). Extra socks. Toilet paper/tissues (ladies, check out GoGirl). Skin protection: Sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray. Emergency blanket: Mylar thermal blankets can be used for warmth and shelter, and they fold up to the size of a deck of cards. Rain poncho.

What to Wear 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Hiking boots: They’re expensive, but worth every penny, as they offer more support and traction than sneakers. Socks: Synthetic or wool is your best bet (cotton will give you blisters). Hat and/or sunglasses. Moisture-wicking long-sleeved shirts: They’ll keep you cool and keep the bugs away. Insulated jacket or vest: When the sun goes down, temps will drop. Rain jacket or water-resistant shell: A rain poncho works in a pinch. Gloves. Pants: Insulated, moisture-wicking and/or thermal are all good options. Make sure you can move in them and layer up when needed.

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style&beauty

spooky & sassy halloween fun

As Halloween comes closer, the leaves turn colors, there is a chill in the air, and the fantasy begins. With each season, new and exciting Halloween costume options are offered to cater to any style or budget. Whether you are looking for something fun, sassy or downright creepy, there are sure to be costumes to fit your style. This year’s focus is on main female characters in many popular films and comics, including Harley Quinn, Cinderella and Wonder Woman. Here are our favorites, all available at buycostumes.com.

Harley Quinn

Princess Leia

The Joker’s right-hand woman is known to be a mischievous one, and you can be too ... even if you aren’t like that normally. The fun in Halloween is the transformation that a costume allows. Harley Quinn is not only mischievous, she is sassy, sleek and dangerous. She’s always trying to oneup Batman and make sure Arkham stays without him. $64.99.

Princess Leia is an iconic character in the Star Wars film trilogy. From her white dress to her scintillating slave outfit, she added a level of female star power to a Star Wars cast comprised primarily of men. Princess Leia was also iconic because of her level of independence and spunk and her sly and spontaneous comments. She was truly not one to anger. $34.99.

Wonder Woman Wonder Woman is just as much of a superhero as her compatriot Captain America, maybe even more. She is the leading lady of DC Comics. Whether you are soaring around the party or surveying from afar, a trusty Wonder Woman costume will make sure you look strong and heroic. With the W on your chest and the American flag colors represented, you’ll also be one patriotic party-goer. $34.99.

Cinderella Who doesn’t love the story of Cinderella? From scrubbing floors in rags to stepping onto a carriage on her way to the ball, Cinderella is an icon. In her gorgeous blue dress, dressing as her is sure to impress. And don’t forget Prince Charming! $49.99.

Minions Everyone loves the Minions; they are cute little yellow pods of fun. Minions costumes are great for group costumes. You don’t have to be Minions-sized to rock an adorable Minions outfit. Minions are the perfect costume if you want to be able to wear something alone or as part of a group. You’ll be sure to look as cute and adorable as the main Minions – Stuart, Bob and Kevin – themselves. $39.99.

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Warrior Princess With the courage and determination that women have, the title of a warrior princess would fit just perfectly. Be the fighter you are and don a costume as fierce as your personality. $159.99.

PICK YOUR POTION By Jamie Burke Halloween is full of sweet, spooky fun and magical nostalgia. Don’t spend an arm and a leg – or any other limb – to fund a look only for a couple hours. Be a mad scientist and experiment on your own. Use your free samples, household items and makeup. These tricks will end up as your favorite treat. And if all else fails, have a drink, throw a paper bag over your head and go as my favorite thing – a booze bag.

Face paint

Grease: Mix Vaseline and eye shadow. Matte: Mix your foundation and eye shadow Translucent: Loose face powder mixed with crushed eye shadow or mix shadow with face lotion. Wet: Add a little water or Vaseline to either the grease or matte styles and apply with a fine-tip craft brush.

Resetting any Powder-Based Makeup

Use a clean, small sample container or the case that the makeup came in. Take cracked or crumbled makeup and put it in the container and crush it up very finely with a spoon. Add a few drops of rubbing alcohol and mix smooth. Then, let it set for a few hours. This is amazing for dropped compacts!

Blushes

Crush up your blushes or use your broken, almost-gone blushes. Mix them together with shadows or other blushes (or baby powder to make lighter shades). Use them loose or reset.

New Eye shadow Shades

Matte: Crush any eye shadow and mix it with another shadow. Use your basic color wheel skills to figure out which colors will work well together. Lighten with baby powder. Use loose or reset. Metallic: Mix crushed eye shadow with anything metallic-based. You can even turn it into a cream by adding a drop of water or a tiny bit of Vaseline.

Lip shades

Mix lipstick or chapstick with crushed eye shadows to create a new color. Crayon lip shades: If you don’t have the correct eye shadow color, use a crayon. Double boil about an inch of crayon over water in small glass bowl. Mix in a teaspoon of either chapstick or lipstick. Let cool. Matte: Make sure to line lips, apply lipstick, blot, then dab a little cornstarch or baby powder with finger and smooth. Repeat if need be!

Wounds, Dead skin, Tattoos, Designs

Wounds/tattoos: Place tin foil flat, spray with cooking spray and add nail polish in any color to make wounds, designs, fake tattoos, etc. Let dry at least an hour. Use markers to elaborate your design. Then, adhere the wound with eyelash glue. Zombie/dead skin: Spread a thin layer of eyelash adhesive all over your face. When it starts to dry, pick, stretch and roll it! Apply makeup over face once glue is dry.

Blood

Wet: Mix Vaseline or coconut oil with red lipstick, black eyeshadow and water. Dry: Mix red lipstick, black eye shadow and baby powder At this point, you have figured out I am the Grand Supreme Crafty Witch Queen Genius. While you are wearing your magical new makeup, make sure to blow me a kiss as I fly past on my broom. OCTOBER 2015 | THEPULSEMAG.COM 35

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