‘18 FEB
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Vol. 37 / Issue 1 / February 2018
R
COVER ART: A Glitch in the Metrosphere Model: Jonathan Mikobi Photo: Lauren Cordova Photo Manipulation: Maddi Waneka Did you doubletake this cover? We thought so. As we go into this new year we want our cover to be fresh, bold and indicative of this month’s theme, Rouse. This is our way of expressing and addressing feelings of electric excitement, political unease and curious awakenings. Our nation can be a hard, isolating and disillusioning place, but among the struggle, there still is joy and happiness. We hope that our “Glitch” sparks conversation, and that our readers see, hear and think mindfully going into
Five Points Sp
rB
lvd
Buffalo Exchange
Sp
City O’ City 51 Broadway
Arts Building
MSU Denver
North Captiol Hill
Denver
Tivoli Station, 300 Level
Tattered Cover Book Store Tattered Cover Book Store 1628 1628 16th16th St. St.
The Bardo Coffee House
The Bardo Coffee House
The Market at Larimer Square
The Market at Larimer The Molecule Effect Square The Molecule Racine’s Effect Racine’s
E Colfax Ave E Colfax
Ave
Santa Fe Dr
Tivoli Brewing Co.
Sp
ee
rB
lvd
E Colfax Ave
E Colfax Ave
York St
Emmanuel Gallery
Tivoli Station, 300 Level
North Captiol Hill
l
E Colfax Ave
Tivoli Brewing Co.
E Colfax Ave. 2526 2526 E Colfax Ave.
al
Broadway Blvd
King Center Emmanuel Gallery
ve
M
Sp
ee Cherry Creek r Bl
vd
Cherry Creek
E Alameda Ave
Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1
E Alameda Ave
York St
King Center Auraria Library
Denver
St
MP al ark l A
Av e
Broadway Blvd
Auraria ArtsLibrary Building
th
Auraria CampusE Colfax Ave
Center For Fluid Coffee BarVisual Art Fluid Coffee Bar
16
St
Downing St
Auraria Campus
Center For Visual Art 226 E. 13th Ave.
City O’ City MSU Denver
rB
lvd
51 Broadway
Buffalo Exchange
rk
th
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226 E. 13th Ave.
Five Points P a
16
Downing St
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Santa Fe Dr
WHERE WE AT?
2018.
RO
gender and religion to substance abuse. Understanding different perspectives on important issues – especially when ones mind is stuck on a certain belief – is not an easy thing to do. Still, nothing is black and white.
US
The uneasiness that some Americans are feeling today is justifiable. One of the biggest issues being discussed is sexual assault. A few of our section editors use their column to talk about the various aspects of sexual assault in fashion, movies and music. Metro editor, Burky talks about loving the music not the muscicians, Threads editor Bianey, lets women know its ok to wear what they want and Intersection editor Adam, reveals a hidden tragedy in hollywood’s history. Technosphere
Editor,
Derek
tackles
his
personal
experiences with substance abuse in his column as a segue into his section which explores the various science based treatments for alcohol abuse.
Even if yo baby ain’t got no money To support ya baby, you stay woke
In my column for Imbue I discuss how I feel my culture
(I stay woke)
is being represented in the local and national art scene
Even when the preacher tell you some lies And cheatin on ya mama, you stay woke (I stay woke)
Even though you go through struggle and strife
which ties into the feature Q & A about one man’s journey in Denver’s DIY warehouse scene.
The Metro section also explores politics in America, specifically
the
divide
between
Democrats
and
To keep a healthy life, I stay woke
Republicans. You can read about the LGBTQ innerfaith
(I stay woke)
group in Innersection and get inspired for Valentines day
Everybody knows a black or a white there’s
in Threads.
creatures in every shape and size -Erykah badu, “Master Teacher”
I
As always, our submissions section has some thoughtprovoking work from students on the Auraria Campus.
n the words of Erykah Badu and now Childish Gambino, “stay woke.” The
-Teresa Diaz Soriano
#StayWoke movement that went hand in hand with Black Lives Matter has lost its
initial powerful political meaning to Twitter farce and memes, yet its humble beginnings still served as inspiration for choosing Rouse as the theme for February. Simply, I wanted this issue to embody the idea of being openminded. This month is really about shining
light on some of the most controversial topics going on in our nation, from sexual assault ,
‘18 FEB
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TERESA DIAZ SORIANO Editor in Chief Imbue Editor Layout Contributor
LAUREN CORDOVA Managing Editor Layout Contributor
MADDI WANEKA Creative Director Layout Contributor
6D7493
Background Illustrations by Maddi Waneka
2
Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1
JESSICA HOLMAN Photo Editor
PR ASSOCIATES JAMES BURKY Metro Editor
ADAM BARNHARDT Intersection Editor
Caitlin Monaghan
No part of this book may be used or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or
WORDS
by any means, electronic, mechanical,
James Burky Adam Barnhardt Derek Gregory Bianey Bermudez Alex Rodarte Christine R. Russell Lauren Cordova Teresa Diaz Soriano James Lane Janet Dallas
without prior permission of Met Media,
MET MEDIA
DEREK GREGORY Technosphere Editor
Printed by Fredric Printing.
photocopying, recording, or otherwise except in the context of reviews.
PHOTOS Teresa Diaz Soriano Lauren Cordova Carl Glenn Payne Jessica Holman Kylie Henson Kaileigh Lyons STAFF PORTRAITS Ivy Lindstrom Teresa Diaz Soriano
Steve Haigh: Director Ronan O’Shea: Assistant Director Kathleen Jewby: Production Manager Elizabeth Norberg: Office Manager Met Media P.O. Box 173362, CB57 Denver, CO 80217-3362 The opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of the University and/or members of the University.
BIANEY BERMUDEZ Threads Editor
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WHAT’S IN HERE?
METRO 8
Burking Questions: Love the Art, not the Artist
9
February Music Releases
10
There is No Joy in this Political Division
14
Nikolai’s Top 20 Concert Photos
IMBUE 18
Teresa Speaks: Home Outside of Home
19
Black History Events Preview
20
Pictureplane
24
Inspiration in Training
INTERSECTION 26
The Gay’s Gaze: The Hidden, Hideous Hollywood
4
Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1
28
Queering the Faith
32
The Gender Monomyth
SUBMISSIONS 36
Dream Home
37
The Face of Beauty
38
The Cycle
40
Token
41
Nothing Lasts
TECHNOSPHERE 42
Tech Talk: He Lived - A Survivor’s Story
43
Faith and Pharma
44
Alcoholics Anonymous and Alternatives
THREADS 46
Heels & Feels: Suggestive Clothing? We Think Not.
47
Valentine Makeup Essentials
48
Anti V-Day Fashion Photoshoot
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MUSIC at
MSU DENVER 02.12
Faculty Artist Series Jooeun Pak, piano
02.16
Visiting Artist Series Alexander Dunn, guitar
02.17
Statewide Mariachi Festival feat. José & Chuy Hernández of Mariachi Sol de Mexico
02.21
Visiting Artist Series Sang Woo Kang, piano
02.25
Visiting Artist Series Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado
02.26
Faculty Artist Series Roadrunner Brass Quintet
Kenneth King Performing Arts Center 855 Lawrence Way, Denver Box Office: 303-556-2296 6
Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1
FEATURED CONCERTS FEBRUARY
All concerts at 7:30 pm Ticket prices vary msudenver.edu/music
WE WILL BE TAKING
SUBMISSIONS ALL SPRING SEMESTER!
Send submissions to: submission.metrosphere@gmail.com
www.Facebook.com/Metrosphere
@Metrosphere
‘18 FEB
7
METRO
BURKING QUESTIONS
LOVE THE ART, NOT THE ARTIST
O
n August 17, the rock band Brand New released
Soliciting child pornography, using power to abuse others
Science Fiction, their first new record since 2009’s
and sexual misconduct of any kind is objectively wrong and
Daisy. Upon release, the album saw near universal
any human being with a shred of decency would agree.
acclaim from audiences and critics alike. The
beloved purveyors of emo music had released what was
That said, Lacey’s accusations should not affect the
arguably the best rock album of 2017. Tracks like “Lit Me
way we look back at Science Fiction. Lou Reed, former
Up” and “Same Logic/Teeth,” showcased mature, self-
frontman of The Velvet Underground and a man who
aware themes not always present in emo rock. Uproxx’s
undoubtedly influenced a generation of musicians, was
Steven Hyden referred to the album as the “emo
infamous for ruthlessly abusing his spouse. Yet, the band’s
Abbey Road.”
debut album is regarded as one of the greatest of their era and his solo album, Street Hassle is regarded as one of the
Despite the album’s great response, it has disappeared
best of the 1970s. Just as Spacey’s performances before
from the annual “Best-of” lists that publications push out
what became known of him do not lose their greatness,
at the end of every year, most likely due to frontman Jesse
forgetting about an album like Science Fiction is ridiculous.
Lacey being accused of soliciting nude photographs of underage fans in the mid-2000s. Lacey has since apologized
The point being, a great album can be a beautiful, even
on the band’s Facebook page, citing that he had made
life changing experience for someone, and an individual’s
steps to treat his sex addiction.
actions shouldn’t have to change that feeling. It’s like finding out that your favorite love song is about a burrito.
As we see more of our beloved entertainers “true colors”
It’s okay to love an album like Science Fiction and not feel
come to light, we must discuss whether or not it’s okay to
bad about it, even with the knowledge of Lacey’s actions.
appreciate their past performances in lew of these allegations.
Don’t shame people who love those records, either. They aren’t supporting the bad things that artist may have done, they are appreciating something they believe to be a work of art. Art is subjective, even though people’s actions may not be. -Angry White Boi
Metro is where news and larger issues are scaled down to relate to those in the Auraria-Denver community 8
Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1
Look out February Releases Franz Ferdinand: Always Ascending
breakout career since forming in 2014 in Fort
Feb. 9
Collins, playing at SXSW and at last year’s
The rock band, known for their smash hits
Underground Music Showcase.
“Take Me Out” and “Do You Want To,” are
-Teresa Diaz Soriano
releasing their sixth studio album through
Slow Caves - Iinstagram / Justin Timberlake - Pexels / MGMT - Instagram / Ryuichi Sakamoto - www.noton.com / AWOLNATION - pexels
Domino Recording Company. The record’s
Ryuichi Sakamoto and Alva Noto: Glass
title track and first single was released in
February 16
October peaking at 30 on the Billboard
The duo, who did the soundtrack for the
Alternative Songs chart. The song features a
2015 film “The Revenant” teamed up in
minute or so of a slow melody that quickly
December to play an improvised show at
escalates to a funky rock groove, an easily
Philip Johnson’s Glass House last year and
recognizable sound for the group. Currently,
now that live recording is being released
in the midst of a large European tour, the
as a record. Check it out on Noton records.
band will have a brief stop in the states,
-Teresa Diaz Soriano
though not in Colorado. -James Burky MGMT: Little Lost Age AWOLNation: Here Comes the Runts
Feb 9
Feb. 2
Judging by the latest singles from the band,
The indie act, fronted by Aaron Bruno, is
Little Lost Age, released on Columbia records
releasing their third full-length studio album
might just be a return to the catchy pop
on Red Bull Records. Runts will be a follow
tunes found on 2008’s Oracular Spectacular,
up to 2015s Run. The band has gained
minus the hippy, flower power . The title
popularity for their seamless blend of pop
track, “Little Dark Age,” is a goth pop tune
hooks, metal vocals and rock melodies. They
with driving rhythms while “Hand it Over,”
will make their stop in Denver on March 6
is slow ballad reflecting on the bands rocky
at the Fillmore Auditorium. Tix: $47 general
past during their last record. MGMT stops by
admission OnlineCityTickets.com.
Denver, May 7, at the Fillmore Auditorium.
-James Burky
-Teresa Diaz Soriano
Slow Caves: Poser/Rover 7”
Justin Timberlake: Man of the Woods
Feb 23
Feb 2
Denver’s own indie-surf darlings Slow Caves
Justin Timberlake will be releasing his fifth
are having a release party for their new 7”
studio album, Man of the Woods, through
called Poser/Rover at Lost Lake Lounge,
RCA Records. Considering the first of the
presented by The Colorado Sound. Their
20/20 Experience record was met with positive
record is being release via Cincinnati-based
reactions from fans and critics, his new output
Old Flame Records. The band has had a
is much anticipated. -James Burky
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10
Photo Manipulation by Jessica Holman
Photo by Kylie Henson
THERE IS NO JOY
Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1
THIS
IN
METRO
POLITICAL DIVISION Lauren Cordova and James Burky
‘18 FEB
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METRO
P
olitically speaking, America is as divided as
mistreated by the newly elected members of the county’s school
ever. Our news feeds are overwhelmed with
board who leaned more conservative and tried to pass curriculum
conservatives complaing about “fake news,”
changes without a public knowledge or voting. As the local media
claiming that protesters at anti-Trump rallies are
huddled outside of Standley Lake High School to cover the closure,
paid to demonstrate and that Democrats are a bunch of
students began showing up, but they weren’t there for school. Instead
“libtards.” On the other side, Democrats are up-in-arms
of holding books and backpacks, they held signs and chanted “Jeffco
every time a Republican contradicts their beliefs or says
Stand Up!”
that they are being too sensitive. The roughly 140 students that showed up were not only there to According to a 2014 study done by the Pew Research
support their educators, but also to protest the board’s proposed
Center, 94 percent of Democrats have become more
curriculum review committee that sought to censor the AP U.S. history
liberal and 92 percent of Republicans more conservative
curriculum and sex education. The protests sparked county-wide
than ever before. The gray area is fading.
demonstrations and garnered national attention.
“You hear this phrase, ‘I’m on the right side of history’
“They wanted to promote the free-market system, discourage civil
which implies that anyone who disagrees with me will be,
disobedience,” said Bethany Keupp, a former Standley Lake student
in the future, looked down upon,” said Richard Moeller,
and co-organizer of the protests. “They wanted history to be taught in
a political science professor at MSU Denver. “That is
a way that left out anything America had done wrong, that America’s
not true, at all. That’s not how life works, that’s not how
perfect, never disobey authority because America is so great.”
politics work. It’s really a very dangerous position to take on the right or the left.”
In the end, the county overwhelmingly voted to replace the three board members in October 2015. The students were called pawns by
Colorado has felt this divide along with the rest of the country.
the board, but they came together, compromised and achieved their goal, something that the national congress and political scene cannot
In a 2016 article by 9 News, 1964 was the last year
achieve. This became even more evident when the U.S. government
Colorado voted for a democratic president until Bill
shut down mid-January when a budget couldn’t be approved by the
Clinton in 1992. Since then, Colorado has gone red in
House and the Senate. This was the first time in American history that
three elections and blue in the last three.
this has happened when one party is in control.
This change can be attributed to the large influx of
Michael Cummings, an emeritus professor at the CU Denver and
people flooding into the state, around 400,000 between
expert in political thought, attended the 2014 protests. He is currently
2010 and 2015 according to a 2016 Denver Post article.
writing a book entitled “Children’s Voices in Politics.” Cummings
More nationally, it could also be the younger generations
believes, though it won’t entirely heal the growing isolation of
combatting the “traditional” life that their parents lead.
differing political views, that listening to the future ruling generation
If there’s hope for amending the political division, it
can’t hurt the country.
may lie within the millennial generation and younger. “We’d be better off if we listened to kids. That doesn’t mean let them
12
On Sept. 19, 2014, a group of Jefferson County teachers
get their way, but have them be apart of the democratic process of
from Standley Lake and Conifer high schools called in sick,
determining policies, especially in areas that directly affect them,” he
causing both institutions to close for the day. These “sick-
said. “Hear what they have to say about these issues. Rather than just
outs” were in protest of salary negotiations and feeling
always assume father and mother knows best, that elders know better
Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1
“CHANGE IS NOT ON THE
HORIZON” than the kids what the kids need.”
Change is not on the horizon. It looks like the country’s political division will only worsen before it improves. This coming November, midterm elections will be held. Historically, off-year elections go to the minority party, as voters usually grow disillusioned with the president’s party. This usually leads to conflict with the administration, lessening their power, which prevents consistency for bills to be passed and compromises to be met. This may be hard to to predict since many voters are now unassociating themselves with major political parties. With another change in power in congress likely on the horizon, this anger rhetoric may heat up more than it already is. “Some people say that you can’t let political opinion tear apart your family, but I think in this political climate. Politics aren’t just about about politics,” Keupp said. “They aren’t
While protests cannot always solve the issues at hand, grabbing the
just about high or low taxes or big or small government.
attention of the people who can make a difference, the voters, is
It’s about who you are as a person and someone’s political
something that is attainable. Not only by youths, but by all who are
beliefs definitively disrespect you as a person and you
willing to put political ideology aside and fight for what is right for the
matter less to them than a wall on the border.”
greater, common good-- Democrats and Republicans, alike. Moeller, who specializes in European politics, can liken It could be said that Obama and Trump are and were decisive leaders,
this division to the interwar period between World Wars I
but in reality, with two sides to every story, that could be said about
and II. Cummings, who has followed every election since
all presidents. Lobbyists in congress also have a big part to play in
the ‘50s can only think of one other time when it was this
the tension caused by these presidencies. This was evident with the
bad stateside-- the Civil War.
recently passed tax bill. “That’s a really good and chilling thing to consider. “The lobbying, there was business interests. Corporations wanting
That’s the one time the system completely broke down
lower taxes on themselves and wealthy individuals wanting lower taxes
and had to fight it out,” he said. “Just a terrible, horrible
on themselves,” Cummings said. “All of these major corporations and
breakdown of the system,” he said.
business people involved with them supported the lowering of tax rates on corporations and wealthier individuals.”
There is hope, however. Cummings encourages for the local population to follow the example that Keupp and
Prevalent on both sides, lobbying has been present in recent news
the other students who protested the school board in
with corporations fueling the infamous last-minute changes to the tax
2014 – get involved.
bill just minutes before the vote. Special interest groups have shaken public confidence in elected officials to a near irreparable degree as
This is an ongoing series.
the House and Senate grow more inefficient.
www.mymetmedia.com/metrosphere
‘18 FEB
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1. 311 - Levitt Pavilion
2. Bleachers - Ogden Theatre
3. Charli XCX - Pepsi Center
4. Five for Fighting - Taste of Colorado
5. Banks - Ogden Theater
14
Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1
METRO
7. X Ambassadors - Red Rocks
6. One Republic - Fiddlers Green
9. The Drums - Bluebird Theater
8. The Pixies - Fillmore Auditorium
NIKOLAI PUC’
F E AT U R E D CO N C E RT P H OTO G RA P H E R T o p 2 0 P h o t o s f r o m F a l l 2 017 10. Imagine Dragons - Pepsi Center
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12. JohnnySwim - Ogden Theater
11. Magic Giant - Aloft Denver
13. Krewella - Ogden Theater
16
Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1
15. Krewella - Ogden Theater
14. The Shins - Red Rocks
METRO
16. Atrak - Beta Nightclub
17. Third Eye Blind - Fillmore Auditorium
18. Grouplove - Pepsi Center
20. The Frontbottoms - Ogden Theater
19. Muse - Red Rocks
‘18 FEB
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IMBUE
Teresa Speaks
HOME OUTSIDE OF HOME
M
aybe it's becoming mainstream, or maybe I’m just
In 2016, I met and interviewed SANGREE, René Godínez
finally opening my eyes, but I love seeing my Latin
Pozas and Carlos Lara, Mexican artists exploring human
American heritage being represented in the local
traces in nature. Their pop-up exhibition in Denver,
and national art scene.
“Unclassified Site Museum,” helped me see Denver’s architectural landscape in a new light. When the old RTD
Outside of my notebook doodles of the gangster “S”
station on 17th and Pearl – where their art was at – was
or my watercolor abstracts of Aztec warriors, I never
finally tore down in January, their art’s intention reach
fully realized the power art had on my cultural views.
full circle.
When I came to MSU Denver I slowly moved away from
The Mi Tierra: Contemporary Artists Explore Place exhibition
my music obsessions and diversified my interests. I’ve
at the Denver Art Museum, in 2017 helped solidify some of
always longed for something that I now feel is being
my beliefs about migration and the immigrant experience.
quelled by seeing the art of my people. I don’t speak spanish – fluently, anyways. I was born in Denver and I’ve
SABER ACOMODAR: Art and Workshops of Jalisco
never been to Mexico, but still I have this connection
1915 – Now, helped me begin to understand the minds
with the birthplace of my father and his family. I have
of Mexican artists within the last hundred years, and
an obsession with Mexican-American culture, Chicano
therefore pieces of myself.
culture, Western culture and Latino culture. Humans aren’t one-dimensional and it’s cool to see these artist
Denver has some exciting things to offer and even if
come together to curate these exhibitions, that for me,
you have no bloodlines to Latin America, go check it
say something about who I am.
out. Culture exceeds the boundaries that greater society likes to confine themselves in. You might end up finding something in what you thought was nothing. -Teresa Diaz Soriano
Imbue focuses on the people and places that are inspirational in our community 18
Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
EVENTS “Landscape Expressions”: Artistic Renderings by
The Black History Live 2018 tour
Vincent W. Lewis
Feb 27 | 11:00 a.m.
Feb 1 - March 24 | all-day event
Tivoli 329
Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library
As a part of Colorado Humanities’ “Black History Live” events, Charles
Vincent Lewis’s work will be on display on floor 3, Cousins
Everett Pace will portray enigmatic black rights activist Malcolm X
Gallery. His work explores nature, moods and God and is
and show how marginal outsiders become influential insiders. The
curated in many shows around Colorado and nationwide.
tour will move through this month and be making a stop on campus. check your local listings at Colorado Humanities website: www.
Medicines of the African American Captive 2:
coloradohumanities.org
The Tree Whisperers Feb 21 | 6:00 p.m.
Reflections on the Life of a Colorado Climate Scientist
Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library
– Warren Washington
This event is an inside look at the medicinal use of plants
Feb 19 | 1-2 p.m. / 7-8 p.m.
during slavery. This particular event is curated by herbalist
History Colorado Center
Monticue Connally where she makes connections between
Warren Washington joined the National Center for Atmospheric
the trees and their use to African captives.
Research in 1963 and helped spearhead one of the first generation computer models of the Earth’s Climate. This lecture reviews his journey and career working in climate science. Nonmembers: $11 / Member: $9 / Students: $7
‘18 FEB
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Photo by Teresa Diaz Soriano
IMBUE
20
Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1
Teresa Diaz Soriano & James Lane
A
merica’s music history is defined by decades, with each new music scene marking certain periods of time. The beatles marked the boyband era, new wave dominated the 80s and hip-hop and R & B ruled the 90s. With the advent of the tech
era, music’s evolutionary boundaries are again in a state of change. Through the expanse of the internet, music has entered an almost genreless period, where technology has made it easy to bring a variety of unique sounds into one song. Crate Digging has turned into online surfing, bands are swapped for DJs and music goes viral in the URL not IRl. Que in Travis Egedy, better known as the electronic musician Pictureplane. For more than a decade, Egedy has used performance art, music and clothing to explore relationships between gender identity, magic, the occult and spirituality, among other things. Pictureplane is very much an art expression through the lens of a man who professes himself a goth star, technomancer and degenerate expressionist. Or at least that’s what his twitter says. Egedy’s ethos is rooted in the punk scene and he is as much as a homage to the DIY warehouse movement that he grew up in, as a pioneer of the DIY scenes of the past. To those heavily involved in Denver subculture circa 2004, Egedy’s name was not unfamiliar. Born in Santa Fe, New Mexico he was a hip-hop devotee making beats for his rap group, Thinking In Circles back in high school before moving to Denver to pursue a painting degree at Rock Mountain College of Art and Design. Thriving at RMCAD, Egedy made homies, created bonds with professors and most importantly learned how to be an individual and be his own artist. It was here in the city that he swapped rhymes for dance music. While living at the now-extinct DIY space Rhinoceropolis, on the outskirts of RiNO, Egedy helped spearhead the underground music and art scene finally performing his first Pictureplane shows in 2009, 2010. Rhinoceropolis curated art shows, hosted live music and as Egedy credits it, it was a place of magic. Many big acts such as Future Islands, Health, Crystal Castles and Dan Deacon played shows there. Egedy has since shed the lighthearted, playful 90s club-rave sounds many of his early records had, instead incorporating a harsher cyber-dystopian class of EDM Sounds and expansive 90s pop samples embedded between esoteric lyrics in which he ponders reality among other things. Although he now lives in Brooklyn, Egedy considers Denver home and he stopped by Met Media this past December to chat it up.
‘18 FEB
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IMBUE
“I’VE ALWAYS BEEN INTO You seem to have a fascination with aliens in general, where does that spawn from? Ever since I was a kid. I’ve always been
into
science
fiction
and
horror, you know, “Mysteries of the Unexplained” type shit. I’ve always held my imagination from an early age… I don’t know, how could you not be interested in aliens? It's just
MYSTERIES
OF THE UNEXPLAINED
TYPE SHIT.”
than a structured bar or venue. There are these legalities and rules and regulations and drinking ages and security guards and stuff like that. It all changes the dynamics of a space, when it’s run by artists and creatives. It’s a space where freedom is encouraged and exists. You don’t have to be functioning at a level where you [bring in tons of people] watching you at a show. You can start
fun to think about, and there is so much cool stuff out there to kind of get into. I just am fascinated by
out as a crazy weirdo punk band, you can play in a small warehouse in
any sort of mystery, like paranormal stuff, like cryptozoology. Just
front of your friends and there is no judgement or anything. It allows
weird “X-Files” stuff.
art to exist and grow. I think that’s the huge importance about DIY spaces they allow art to function from the ground up. Things are
Would you watch a lot of “X-files”?
born there.
Oh yeah, I have like an “X Files” tattoo. I had a snake named Fox Mulder that just died a few days ago right before I came out here, so
We hope DIY spaces stick around for many years to come.
yeah R.I.P my snake. (R.I.P Mulder / Dec. 14, 2017)
That’s something cities don’t understand about these spaces. They are good for the cities. They allow artists to experiment and to find
22
Do you remember your first show?
themselves and make work. Artist need spaces to create and when you
Yes, it was at a now-defunct DIY space called Monkey Mania that was
take away artists spaces you’re only hurting the culture of your city. Its
very legendary. It was very influential at that time and it ended up
disappearing if your taking away artists spaces. These politicians and
inspired us to start Rhinoceropolis. Monkey Mania was just this wild
lawmakers, its like they don’t get it. They just think art is about money
free-for-all DIY space, all-ages spot that was on 21st and Arapahoe.
or big incomes or huge grants for pieces at museums. Yeah, that’s one
It was run by this psycho band “Josh Taylor’s Friends Forever,” they
side of it, but where are these people suppose to get their start at,
were kind of local Denver heros at the time.
you know? Young artists especially need these spaces.
Can you describe the DIY scene and why it means so much to
Did your family support you going to art school and making music?
you personally?
Yeah definitely. Neither of my parents are artists but they were very
Well, I guess for people that don’t really know about it… DIY spaces
supportive of me to follow my passions. I think they didn't understand
and underground music and art too, these spaces are so different
it for a while because, you know I was like super poor and didn't really
Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1
care about anything else besides making art and stuff and they didn't
weirdos of the world. The queers and the people that feel alienated
get that. They’re like, “so, when are you going to get, like a real job?
a bit. Its Alien Body man!
Like what's going on?” and I’m like eating out of dumpsters and shit, What's your favorite show or festival that you’ve performed?
but being super happy, you know.
There's been a few of them. I’ve had some really cool like weird concert Thats awesome, and obviously they still support what you’re
experiences and festivals. I remember playing in 2011 (it was actually
doing right now.
2012) in Monterrey, Mexico at this festival called NRML. Grimes and
Yeah definitely. They know I’m like a weirdo and a freak, you know. It’s
I played and I had like a huge Pinata full of candy on stage that I
nothing new for them.
smashed. That was one of the biggest shows I played, ever. There was like 3000 people watching my show, that was nuts.
That’s awesome man, that sounds like the way to do it... I mean it was a lot of work, I was not making tons of money or
What's your favorite Pictureplane song and why?
something. But my rent was extremely cheap here. That was back
Definitely Post Physical, that's just really a great song. Its like emotional,
when you could have really cheap rent in Denver. I payed like 300
moody. It's just a good Pictureplane song. I think it’s just one of my
dollars to live in a massive warehouse and you know that afforded
better ones. A lot of people have a “Real is a Feeling” tattoo which
me the time to just work on my art. I didn’t have to be going to work
I always thought was crazy, like there is a bunch of them around
everyday you know. Like I could just chill and scrape together money
the world. That as a statement was really applicable to the time
every month. It was not a really big deal.
period of when I wrote the song, like 2011, 2010. Just being totally free and finding your own reality and creating your own reality. I
How did your clothing line get started and where did the name
kind of retired that song, I don’t really play it live anymore really.
come from? I have a clothing line called Alien Body. I was making a lot of Pictureplane
Album of the year?
shirts and going on tour and selling the shirts and everyone always
That's a good question. I listened a lot to the “Code Orange” album.
really liked the shirts and it was a lot of fun to make them. I wanted
That got a lot of hype this year. From the beginning of the year to
to make more I just didn't want to make tons of Pictureplane shirts.
the end of the year it's insane how much that band blew up, but
I wanted to come up with a name that allowed me to make some
I feel like there making some of the heaviest music out right now
shirts that were not band shirts. So I
and getting really famous from it.
came up with Alien Body... I thought
Its cool because those guys are
feeling like an alien, or feeling weird in your own skin or something. Its clothing wear for the freaks and the
“IT’S CLOTHING WEAR
FREAKS
FOR THE
that was a sort of a cool reference to
younger than me and they come from the underground and there just sick as hell.
OF THE WORLD” ‘18 FEB
23
of people that, they are just at war with art
says Robin S. “Show Me Love” and “Show
and intellectuals in general. They are at a war
Me Love” is this very famous song from 1993.
with creatives and like progressive thinkers.
To me that song represents this total perfect,
The Nazis used that word, degenerate, to
sonic perfection. It transcends itself and
describe people that were undesirable back
becomes a masterpiece of art. It’s just a work
in World War II and there is still people this
of human genius.
day that describe, someone like me, or like people who live in a warehouse all day, like
You mentioned your working on a new
a degenerate. I wanted to kind of reclaim
album and that it might be release in 2018…
that word as something that was positive
Yes, I’m actually almost finished with it. I’m
and beautiful. Of someone that was existing
kind of waiting on some people to see if some
outside of society, at war with society
collaborations come through, but yeah. I still
basically. Like fuck you, I’m a degenerate.
need to do the art for it and finish up a few more of the songs but I’m really excited for
Any collaborations?
it. It’s going to come out on Anticon, which
I have one collaboration at the moment,
released my last record, Technomancer.
it’s with a friend of mine, WICCA PHASE SPRINGS ETERNAL who is a really rad vocalist.
Do you have an album title?
He is a part of this crew Goth Boi Clique that
Yeah, It’s going to be called Degenerate.
included Lil Peep who just passed away.
How did you come up with that?
Yeah, seriously rest in peace Little Peep.
I feel like it relates to my entire life kind of.
Yeah and WICCA PHASE is a dope artist and
That word is charged with a lot of meaning,
he sings on one of my songs. We sort of like, I
especially nowadays. I was just thinking about
guess do a duet. I don’t know, but it’s a really
places like Rhinoceropolis getting shut down
tight track. I’m glad thats on there.
“FUCK YOU
I’M A DEGENERATE”
24
Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/ images/I/51LrO4rg8eL.jpg
Like culture war in America right now of a lot
I have a tattoo of a song on my arm. My arm
https://d1wtzzt4oxg683.cloudfront.net/ images/covers/84/156084.jpg
and you know there’s a real war going on.
something to you?
https://boomkat.com
Is there a song out there that really means
http://www.prefixmag.com/
IMBUE
W INSPIRATION
hile seeking quiet time from the trails of her busy life, Agatha Machota Gawron found interest in strength training. This method of exercise
focuses not only on the physical body but ones mental capacity as well.
IN TRAINING Janet Dallas
Gawron has worked out for the past five years, one hour a day, four days a week. She can lift 248 pounds – double her body weight – and is working toward tripling her lifting weight. “It’s about developing mental strength as well important for the body,” Gawron said. Strength training manages, and improves life and it was this activity that helped Gawron get over hurdles in her personal life. “My ex was emotionally abusive and that’s another thing that through my strength training I was able to say no and leave. Not many women are able to say no,” she said. Weight lifting requires no special diet and there is no limit on lifting. It increases bone density,
refines
awareness,
builds
the
heart, improves blood flow balance and coordination, reduces stress and anxiety, generates positive energy attitude and perspectives. “I enjoy strength training it’s relaxing though physical. It empowers women to become Photo by Glenn Carl Payne
AGATHA MACHOTA GAWRON • Born in Poland • Masters in Cultural Studies • Mother of Two • Software developer
mentally stronger, builds confidence, shows you what you’re capable of,” She said. “[It] teaches discipline and helps with overcoming weakness within self, provides clarity and exposes toxics. It makes you proud of yourself. When feeling overwhelmed to the gym I go.” Inspired by strength training she’s looking forward to Olympic weight training. Agatha wants to encourage people to follow their dreams and hopes more women will.
‘18 FEB
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INTERSECTION
The Gay’s Gaze
I
THE HIDDEN, HIDEOUS HOLLYWOOD t is devastating when you find out your favorite
many indiscretions exposed the culture of protecting
entertainers are monsters. But what is more devastating
powerful men in Hollywood at the expense of female
is finding out that there is a machine keeping predators
victims. This culture has existed since the film industries
from serving justice.
inception. If you don’t believe me, look no further than the film “Girl 27.”
In my last column I sang praises for both Lars Von Trier and Bernardo Bertolucci for their honest depictions of
“Girl 27” is the story of Patricia Douglas, a woman who
sex. Both of these men have been accused of sexual
was invited to MGM’s casting convention in 1937 and was
misconduct. Bertolucci allegedly let Marlon Brando rape
subsequently raped by MGM Salesman David Ross. At
his co-star Maria Schneider in the film, “Last Tango in
the time MGM was a tight-knit community that had its
Paris.” Popstar Bjork spoke out about Von Trier’s alleged
own schools, hospitals, and police force. After Douglas
repeated offenses toward her on the set of “Dancer in the
came forward all evidence of her rape was covered up.
Dark,” after #MeToo started trending.
She was blacklisted, defamed, and labeled promiscuous.
For this I apologize. As a film buff I am often guilty of
This film exemplifies Hollywood’s culture of exploiting
separating the art from the artist. It’s inexcusable to
women and how little their tactics of silencing victims have
ignore their misdeeds.
changed. This is no phenomenon, it is an intrinsic part of the film industry’s history, and it is only just becoming
Kevin Spacey tried to use his sexual misconduct to come
mainstream. Powerful men should be afraid, they should
out of the closet, as if his painful life of secrecy would
fear the purge of rapists from our daily lives if they are
negate the fact he preyed on children. Harvey Weinstein’s
guilty, accessory or accomplice to it. A biblical verse at the beginning of Girl 27 perfectly sums up Hollywood’s reckoning: “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open “ Luke 8:17. - Adam Barnhardt
Intersection sheds light on the intersecting values, cultures and lifestyles of people within the LGBTQ community. 26
Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1
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https://i.ytimg.com/vi/EAKRrPqUeVw/movieposter.jpg
MONOMYTH
Adam Barnhardt
THE
GENDER
photo by Jessica Holman
Kai McKenzie has embarked on a life-long journey that continually intersects with gender. Much like The Hero’s Journey, it follows a path of discovery and enlightenment. This is the timeline.
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Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1
INTERSECTION
1974 1984 - 1985 2004 2006 - 2007
Kai McKenzie is in elementary school and feels dissatisfied with the need to define masculine and feminine expression.
Kai struggles in college, having
Kai receives a
dropped out repeatedly.
PhD in Folklore from Indiana University.
Kai McKenzie and their partner have an
open adoption and become the parents
of Elsa and Sky.
2014
Elsa firmly expresses her female gender identity, and demands to be taken seriously at eight years old. The family
re-evaluates their values.
2015
Sky and Kai adopt the
2015
Elsa and Sky struggle to thrive at Creekside Elementary, where others constantly
genderqueer identity.
question their truth. Kai files a
civil rights complaint with the Department of
Education Civil Rights Office.
2017
Kai, Elsa and Sky embark on a journey around western North America. Their research of Lakota, Arapaho, Cheyenne and Ute cultures inspires a journey through Navajo country and the Pacific Coast.
CURRENTLY
They are
developing a curriculum
tailored for trans kids, to aid in the
preservation of trans history and provide resources for trans youth.
This is the ascension. Kai is pursuing a masters in English and may have physically crossed the return threshold, but spiritually the adventure persists. Learn more about Kai McKenzie at www.mymetmedia.com/metrosphere
‘18 FEB
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www.Pexels.com
Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1
INTERSECTION
QUEERING THE FAITH Adam Barnhardt
I
n early August, posters covered the walls of the Tivoli inviting students to join an LGBTQ Interfaith Group that would meet weekly and discusse the intersecting values of sex, gender, and spirituality.
In the initial weeks, group members were modest and shy but were soon motivated to speak after the groups leader, Jazz Fitzgerald, finally broke the silence. Jazz was open about her experiences, having struggled with homophobia and invasion of privacy at Colorado Christian University. “I kinda felt like I’m in the middle, I wasn’t sure how LGBTQ folks would feel about an interfaith group or how the faith groups would feel about a LGBTQ group, ”Fitzgerald said. To accommodate the growing number of students, the groups meeting times had to be separated into two. Any fear people had sharing their experiences was quelled by the ear of a caring community. The conversations were lively and unabridged and although some religions have been less open to the inclusion of an LGBTQ clergy, members of this group seemed ok with faith. The diversity of the groups meetings expanded as time progressed. Rachel Quintana identifies as straight and agnostic, and felt welcomed in their space. “Initially, it felt as though I was the one coming out to all of them. I was paranoid wondering what everyone thought of my presence there,” Quintana said. “By the second time I showed up, and this time alone, I came to find that this was the most welcoming group I ever had the privilege of meeting with each week.” MSU Denver assistant professor in the gender, women’s and sexuality department Anahi Russo states their is a connection between the LGBTQ community and religion. “Around the world there are many LGBTQIA people who have felt a call to serve as spiritual leaders in their communities. Many American Buddhist teachers identify as LGBTQIA, and openly talk about their families, partners or experiences in their dharma talks,” she said.
‘18 FEB
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INTERSECTION
“Being a black, gay, Muslim man with an Arab cultural background, all of the communities that I represent didn’t really want anything to do with me, or that’s how I felt.” -Ibrahim Kamara
Ibrahim Kamara was born in Kuwait, raised
said. “My faith really tries, and does meet
in Memphis and identifies as gay. During the
people where they are without pretension or
initial days of the meeting Kamara was quiet
expectation. Heck, we have women priests,
and reserved, but has since become one
and openly gay bishops...I think we do pretty
of the most vocal and beloved members of
good with the inclusive aspect that faith can
the group.
and should offer. But, that's just my opinion.”
“Most of my life I really didn’t have a sense
Dr. Garrido acknowledges this.
of community. Being a black, gay, Muslim man with an Arab cultural background, all of
“I
understand
that
the communities that I represent didn’t really
communities
want anything to do with me, or that’s how I
historically excluded LGBTQ people and
felt,” Kamara said.
that might diminish the desire to engage in
or
certain
traditions
religious
may
have
such practices, but others have definitely not, He has since disassociated with his religion
and LGBTQ people have engaged in those
for the time being, but still recognizes its
practices to the point of being the spiritual
cultural importance in his life.
leaders of their communities as shamans, priests, monks, nuns, rabbis, imams, senseis,
Jon Moore identifies as gay and Episcopalian,
etc.,” Garrido said.
and the melding of these cultures has impacted him on several levels.
Struggles with faith, sexuality and the emulsifying of both have created something
“I knew I would always be Christian, I just
profound at these meetings. Confession
didn't know quite how to do that with integrity
without condemnation, affirmation instead of
under the auspice of being a gay Christian. I
attrition. This community has reasserted their
discovered the Episcopal tradition early in
power of identity and used it to better their
my coming out journey with the article in
view of religion as a whole.
the Advocate about Bishop Gene Robinson
32
Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1
being elected as the first openly gay bishop
Fitzgerald’s message was clear, “There has to
of the church. His story intrigued me,” Moore
be redemption available to religion.”
Pictured above, LGBTQ Innerfaith Group, Thursday attendees
“My faith really tries, and does meet people where they are without pretension or expectation. Heck, we have women priests, and openly gay bishops.” -Jon Moore
All Photos by Kaileigh Lyons
‘18 FEB
33
r A
. ail s: ion gm iss re@ bm he su sp ur tro yo me us on. ail ssi Em bmi su
co
m
Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1
34
a t
d n
t I L
a r e
u t
e r SUBMISSIONS
Su
bm
iss
ion
s
35
‘18 FEB
SUBMISSIONS
dream home Ryan Alexander Flannigan
i slip into your room at midnight whisper bay bubble dreams that float past your pink ear lobe drifting into the sea and sand of your unconscious future wishes hardening into a garden path lined with luminescent step stones a roof of scale tiles a seaweed doorway an aquamarine window i leave the dream home remains and rots
36
Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1
Watercolor and acrylic on 36”x48”
The Face Of Beauty Elijah Trujillo The concept is based on true beauty lying beneath the first layer, what’s seen at first sight. In human nature it’s embedded in us to analyze what’s first seen. When there’s much much more to it than that.
‘18 FEB
37
SUBMISSIONS
38
Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1
The Cycle Christine R. Ashburn I have always been inspired by nature and the wildness of humanity. It is a chaotic force that races through the universe like a hurricane, only to return to an unnatural calm that leaves you questioning whether it had the capability to ever be violent again. The earth is full of mystery, and I seek to heighten that feeling using imagery that almost seems familiar, but is quite surreal. Life is a journey, and we must choose whether we will take the worn path, or the road no one has dared to venture. Acrylic, rhinestones and glitter on hardboard
‘18 FEB
39
Token Jessica Disbrow
This oil painting is a still life of good luck tokens. Some are religious some are cultural. All of them are supposed to protect/ bring good fortune to those that possess them. The idea of preventing bad things from happening is fascinating to me. I think it is a cultural thread we all share. It’s human nature to want to control the unpleasantness of life.
Oil on canvas
40
Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1
SUBMISSIONS
Nothing Lasts Matt Passant
I have thought often, these more than a decade and less than twenty years since you have gone: about what you said, and what you meant, and if it’s true that the stars we see with wonder at night and awe, are already dead, brightly fading, by the time their light reaches us.
‘18 FEB
41
TECHNO-
Tech Talk
HE LIVED– A SURVIVOR’S STORY
I
went to high school in the late 1980s. Most of my
He spent the following year “white knuckling” without
friends were artists, musicians and beach bums. We
alcohol. He started drinking again and – in his words – was
built guitars in shop class, wrote songs and formed
“right back where he started from” from that moment on.
our own bands. We drank beer on the weekends when
we could get it and it wasn’t that hard to get. I never fell
I didn’t avoid a decade or more of living as a drunk
in love with alcohol, but my best friend – a guy named
because I was better or different.
Ringo – did. What matters is that my lifelong friend survived somehow. In his mind, Ringo had lots of good reasons to drink. He
He grew up, and thanks in large part to Alcoholics
was in pain, he never knew his real father and his family
Anonymous -- he got sober and stayed that way. There
moved around a lot. Though he was always the life of the
are alternatives to AA, and Christine Russell’s personal
party, the class clown with a quick wit and plenty of talent,
story on the next page explores one; a medication called
Ringo loved one thing above all others – alcohol.
Naltrexone.
I flirted with addiction throughout my early 20s, and
Ringo gave me permission to talk openly about his early
then, I just stopped. It’s tempting to compare our stories.
struggles with alcohol. He has been sober for 10-years
My childhood wasn’t that different. Ringo went into his
and is a hard working happily married father and builder
first 30-day program before we graduated high school.
living in a “treehouse” on the other side of the world. He isn’t particularly concerned with meetings or anonymity, though he respects those who are. He isn’t white knuckling anymore. He is proud of himself, but not overly so. Somewhere along the way he found better coping strategies than drinking. Most importantly, he found a reason to live without it. He didn’t change, he lived. -Derek Gregory
Technosphere covers the convergence of science, technology and learning 42
Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1
Faith and Pharma According to the CDC there were 88,000 deaths and 2.5 million years of potential life lost each year in the United States from 2006 – 2010. There are many options available to stop alcohol addiction, and every individual responds differently. According to a 2006 study conducted by Lübeck and Greifswald universities in northern Germany of the “Alcohol and Alcoholism” journal published by Oxford Press:
Spontaneous Remission Sometimes referred to as “maturing out” of an addiction, spontaneous remission is recovery from addiction without 12-step programs, medical intervention or incarceration.
3 out of 4 will remit from their addictions without significant intervention
Naltrexone The drug was patented by New York-based company Endo Laboratories in 1967 as an antagonist to opioids. It was approved by the FDA in 1984 and in 1995 it was approved for treating alcoholism.
According to Drugs.com, with the use of a discount card, Naltrexone can be purchased with a subscription for about $2 a day.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy According to the Recovery Ranch, EMDR can help addicts by repressing traumatic memories that may be the cause of an addiction. It could be helpful combined with other types of therapies.
EMDR therapy was created by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., in the late 1980s to treat PTSD but it may have potential to treat addictions. The treatment uses eye movement to desensitize the patient to their pain or addiction. “EMDR has been found to bring relief to those suffering from PTSD, depression, stress, eating disorders and even chronic physical pain,” according to the Recovery Ranch.
Sources: https://www.recoveryranch.com/articles/therapy/eye-movement-therapy-treatment-addiction/ https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/naltrexone https://doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl008 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64042/ Graphic by Lauren Cordova
‘18 FEB
43
TECHNO-
Graphic by Lauren Cordova
Christine A. Russell
A
ddiction and sobriety. These are loaded words that have very
struggled with alcohol for about eight years in my 30s, but I got lucky
different meanings to people. For some, sobriety is an all-or-
and went through what is called spontaneous remission. For me that
nothing state of being. Complete abstinence from all drugs
meant that after I had my ACL replaced with cadaver tissue, I woke up
and alcohol is the only thing that constitutes true sobriety, this
and had completely lost my taste for alcohol – thankfully. Spontaneous
is known as the abstinence model. For others, the goal may be to
remission happens in about 10 to 12 percent of the population.
eliminate overuse and to minimize harmful behaviors and outcomes that follow their use of drugs or alcohol, this is known as the harm
I have dealt with addiction in many forms since I was about 13, taking
reduction model. Success in sobriety can be measured in many ways.
care of my older sister, who was and still is an alcoholic. I also watched
It may mean days, weeks, or years of abstinence, weeks without a
addiction claim the life of my only brother seven years ago. Currently,
binge episode, or opting for the 750 mL instead of a handle. All of these
I come home from school and watch my son struggle with alcohol.
options are about minimizing the damage that alcohol can cause.
Addiction is such a difficult disease to treat and I am reminded daily to take things slowly and always try to show as much compassion as I
I am familiar with addiction, both through my studies at MSU Denver
can. I firmly believe, no matter which treatment method it takes, that
in the human services department and on an intimately familiar level. I
my son will recover and lead a happy and fulfilling life.
44
Metrosphere / Vol 37 /
TECHNO-
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
AND ALTERNATIVES Since the inception of Alcoholics Anonymous in 1934, it has been
as acamprosate and gabapentin, but the most common and one of
widely believed by Americans that in order to seek help, one has to
the most effective is naltrexone also known as Vivitrol.
hit rock bottom. According to Linda Burlison, author of “The AA Effect and Why You’ve Never Heard of the FDA Approved Drugs That Treat
Naltrexone can be taken in at least three different ways: A 50 mg daily
Alcoholism,” rock bottom for 3.3 million people worldwide every
dose tablet, a 30-day injection and a 90-day implant of pellets, the
year, and 88,000 in the U.S. alone, suffering from alcohol addiction
later two are best for full abstinence. I do not believe that abstinence is
results in death. The effects of alcohol addiction reach further than
a realistic goal in an alcohol-saturated society. MAT can make sobriety
human loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2006,
a more realistic goal. Naltrexone is also an affordable option, since
excessive alcohol use had a financial cost of $223.5 billion dollars, or
the patent ran out in 1997 making the generic available with a cost of
$746 per person, each year in the U.S. That amount encompasses
about $2.00 per day. Naltrexone can be prescribed by your primary
DUI accidents, hospitalizations, loss of work, injuries, and deaths.
care physician. In AA, many can feel ashamed when they lapse, but
Abstinence-based model, Alcoholics Anonymous is probably the
naltrexone actually becomes more effective when one drinks. People
most well known way to achieve sobriety.
with addiction, like with any illness, need compassion, caring, and proper medical care to get better. We wouldn’t think of making a
AA is one of the few free programs with widespread access to anyone
cancer patient hit rock bottom before offering treatment, so why do
who wishes to join. Meetings are usually held in the basements and
we do it to people with addictions?
rec centers of churches, since AA is a faith-based program. Studies, like one talked about in Dr. Lance Dodes’ book, “The Sober Truth:
It is extensively accepted, by even the most trusted institutions on
Debunking the Bad Science Behind 12-Step Programs and the Rehab
alcohol research, including the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse
Industry,” have shown AA to be effective for approximately 5 to 8
and Alcoholism which is part of the National Institute of Health ,
percent of the population, although, concrete numbers are difficult
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration and the National
to gain due to the anonymous nature of AA.
Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, that alcohol addiction has a genetic predisposition. Having a predisposition to alcohol abuse
An alternative to AA is Medication Assisted Treatments. There
does not mean that a person will become addicted to alcohol, it is
are several medications on the market, with more on the verge of
merely one component of a disease still struggling to be understood.
discovery. This option is referred to as harm reduction. These are not
Most people know at least one person who suffers with an alcohol
like Antabuse, a medication that would make you very ill if you drink
addiction, if not themselves. If you or a loved one needs assistance to
alcohol, these medications can curb the cravings for alcohol with little
cut back on alcohol intake or to quit drinking entirely, don’t hesitate
to no side effects. Burlisons studies show an effectiveness as high as
to take action and reach out for help.
87 percent. There are a few medications being used successfully, such
‘18 FEB 45
THREADS
Heels & Feels
SUGGESTIVE CLOTHING?
O
WE THINK NOT
ne of the biggest myths about sexual assault is that it
rape victims are female and women ages 18-24 who are
is brought on by suggestive and revealing clothing.
college students are three times more likely than women in general to experience sexual violence.
Webster defines sexual assault as illegal sexual
contact that usually involves force upon a person without
Last year, Time named “The Silence Breakers” person of
consent or is inflicted upon a person who is incapable of
the year. While more people speak up every day about
giving consent (as because of age or physical or mental
sexual assault, nobody’s speaking at the astounding rate
incapacity) or who places the assailant (such as a doctor)
that sexual assault is actually happening.
in a position of trust or authority. Reading those shocking statistics makes being a female Take notice that this definition says nothing about what
college student 99 percent more intimidating.
the victim is wearing. The idea that women must take into
Age old regulations about how women should dress
consideration what a rapist might find attractive, while
aren’t dissipating with time, in fact they seem to be a
she gets dressed for the day, is absolutely ridiculous, yet
growing problem. President Trump has been under
completely normal in our society.
criticism for not only rating women’s appearances, but also expects the women who work for him to dress like a
One person is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds in
women. Because all women dress the same.
the United States, according to the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network. RAINN reports that 82 percent
A woman might wear whatever she pleases. She might
of all juvenile victims are female, 90 percent of adult
even wear a certain outfit to go have consensual sex. Key word consensual. But society, lets get one thing straight, there is not one outfit in any woman’s closet labeled ‘my special rape outfit.’ -Bianey Bermudez
Threads is a creative outlet for fashion and beauty lovers looking for deeper insight 46
Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1
Photo by Jessica Holman Models from Left to Right: Madison Dzikowitz , Meredith MacNicholas, Kayla Klein, Monique Salas, Karysma Hicks
‘18 FEB
47
THREADS
Alex Rodarte
1 2 3 4 5 6
VALENTINE ESSENTIALS
• Marketing major • Sophomore at MSU Denver • Current Sephora employee
48 48
M
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Too Faced, Love Flush Blush. I’m a sucker for packaging, but beyond the nostalgia this cute heart shaped blush gives, the intense color used lightly gives the most beautiful flush to the cheek which is always in style.
Too faced, lip injection- 2017 was the year of the lip injection. were more accepted, If your pout is lacking and you don’t want to take to the needled , this gloss will leave your lips plump and juicy. Benefit, Fool Proof Brow Powder- Instabrows can be intimidating but with this easy to use powder, there's no way to fail.
Benefit Roller Lash- Scared of a lash curler? No problem, you can still get lifted lashes with this mascara.
Pinrose- Packing a full-sized body spray in your backpack is something from the past. With Pinrose perfume wipes you can easily swipe on a scent on the go.
y love of makeup was inspired by my mom who has had a long career as a freelance makeup artist and with that she has always had a vanity full of treasures for me to experiment with. For February I wanted to share some of my Valentines Day essentials.
For most, Valentines Day means chocolates and roses, but it is also a time of self-love and appreciation. This doesn’t have to mean doing full-face of glam and sitting in a bubble bath drinking champagne, it could be splurging on a present for yourself or going on a friend date. Either way these are some products to help you feel the love.
Metrosphere Metrosphere // Vol Vol 37 37 // Issue Issue 11
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ere at Metrosphere we are taking some time to appreciate that little holiday that comes once a year in February. Yup, you guessed it, Valentines Day. We partnered with Buffalo Exchange to curate an antivalentines lookbook for all of you singles out their looking to spend the holiday with friends, family, or a night out on the town. Stylists Meredith MacNicholas and Alex Ablola from Buffalo picked some of their
favorite statement pieces to give you ideas so you can boldly walk into any shindig in style. Shoutout to Alexis Rodarte, MSU Denver student and cosmetologist for doing our models makeup. Thank you to Bianey, Teresa and Jessica for assisting with the photoshoot. All photos were taken in the Tivoli Turnhalle by our photo editor Jessica Holman.
Top left to right: Maddi Waneka, Steffen Beal, Charlie LeFever Bottom left to right: Jade Gallegos, Jonathan Mikobi
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Charlie LeFever Maddi Waneka, Steffen Beal, Jade Gallegos, Jonathan Mikobi
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