Metrosphere Vol. 36 | Issue 4

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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

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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.

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E Colfax Ave

York St

Emmanuel Gallery

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Tivoli Brewing Co.

E Colfax Ave. 2526 2526 E Colfax Ave.

al

Broadway Blvd

King Center Emmanuel Gallery

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Cherry Creek

E Alameda Ave

Metrosphere / Vol 37 / Issue 1

E Alameda Ave

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King Center Auraria Library

Denver

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Auraria ArtsLibrary Building

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Auraria CampusE Colfax Ave

Center For Fluid Coffee BarVisual Art Fluid Coffee Bar

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Center For Visual Art 226 E. 13th Ave.

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WHERE WE AT?

2018.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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SUBMISSIONS

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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

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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

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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

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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

Too Faced, Peach Perfect Foundation- An amazing Matte foundation that lasts all day while still letting your skin breathe. The fact that it smells like peaches is a winner in my book.

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.

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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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