february
february
STAFF favorites
T
LETTER from the EDITORS
his past month I made a resolution to work on being an overall happier
person. I know it sounds grandiose and convoluted and difficult to pinpoint,
Nick & Rachael’s Favorite YMtv Feature: Cupcake Crawl
Lyndsay’s Favorite YMtv Feature:
Interview with Me Vs. Gravity
but I think that’s the beauty of it. It is exclusive to me. It isn’t about cutting chocolate out of my diet completely or not waiting till the last minute to work on assignments, or some other oddly specific yet impersonal goal that will ultimately fail by the month of February. Ultimately, the goal of being happy is a simple one. It is finding things that will enrich your life and sticking with them. And if something doesn’t work, then no big... find something else. One of the major ways I’m going about being a happier person is making an honest attempt not to get bogged down by the idea of “romance.” Now, that can mean a number of things, but we all know that at this time of the year when almost everyone you know seems to be pairing off to board Noah’s Ark, you may feel like you’re going to be the last little unicorn hiding off in a cave somewhere. But that isn’t necessarily something to be bummed about. Being happy isn’t something that should be based on who you’re kind of dating, or how many people you’ve hooked up with in the past month, or even hating on all the couples you may see strolling around with heart-shaped balloons tied around their wrists. It’s about finding happiness in yourself. Working on this issue after a month-long break has been kind of like that. It’s hard to think about work when you’ve been so content lounging in your bed watching everything Netflix has to offer. But happiness can be found
on the cover: Gant Rugger leather bomber, Gant, Boston; Gant sunglasses and watch, Gant, Boston; Jack Spade denim shirt and fade red chinos, Jack Spade, Boston. model // Alex Frapech photography // Stephanie Fishbein
just as readily when you’re working with people you enjoy and working on a project you can be proud of. So if you’re feeling down in the dumps this month because of whatever reason, shake it off and find away that you can make yourself happy. Because ultimately it’s all about you. Love Always, Kilian Webster and Emily Tannenbaum
featured 10
Reboot MeetCute It’s a chance to meet someone cute, in a cute way, just like they do in the movies.
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Urban Hautefitters Lusting after the latest Jason Wu top or drooling over the beautiful patterns on Mary Kantrantzou dress? Fashionista Megan Kay dishes on how to achieve the designer look for less.
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Biking Boston
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I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One
Matt Keyser investigates the dangers of biking in the city.
Our man in New York delves into the history and making of one of 2013’s best new releases: Fade by indie hall of famers Yo La Tengo.
CO-EDITORS-IN-Chief Kilian Webster emily Tannenbaum creative director Pete Ivanecky MANAGING EDITOR Olivia Jacobini BUSINESS DIRECTOR Elijah Clark-Ginsberg DESIGN EDITOR Katie Lohman PHOTO DIRECTOR Stephanie Fishbein HEAD STYLISTS Tubao Nguyen Dinesh Mohnani MARKETING MANAGER Reed Van Dyck YMtv DIRECTOR Lyndsay Cannon HEAD COPY EDITOR/ BLOG EDITOR Rachael Moore
ROMANCE EDITOR Daniel LeMar FASHION EDITOR Valeria Navarro FEATURES EDITOR Sienna Mintz Asst. Features Editor Victoria Hulbert A&E Editor Nick Johnston
romance Writers Claudia Mak Ashley Juranich Kristine Ustas Hannah Perrin Shannon Dwyer Mollie Coyne Shantal Erlich Sydney Lester Brielle Sullivan Isabelle Hobbib Viktoriya Berezovaskaya Paul Almeida Valerie Sizhe Li Michael Mahin Ashley Delma Asta Tall Danielle Barker
MARKETING
Jacqueline Thomes Elise Mesa Jamie Iannace Melanie McFadyen Manisha Tolani Kinsey Minschke Rebecca Fluhr Kelsey Johnson Tracy Parco Lia Brouillard Camila Oriol Brianna Martinelli
Fashion Writers
features Writers
Elijah Clark-Ginsberg Haile Lidow Dinesh Mohnani Samantha Dupler Ian Mofford Megan Kay Victoria Hulbert Kelsey Drain Jennifer Ortakales Mollie Coyne Emily Lacroix Andrea Palagi Hannah Woolley
Nancy Valev Beth Treffeisen Emily Labes Gina Brindisi Julia Higgins Matthew Mullen Matt Keyser Joelle White Tracy Parco Madeline Bilis Erin Corrigan Bridget Reed Morawki Magdalena Rojas Lynch Rachael Moore Willie Burnley Jr Amanda Perez
a&e Writers Miles Bowe Regina Mogilevskaya Jackson Birnbaum Caroline Cassard Hunter Harris Charles Nash Cedrine Sterit
Photographers
Alex Fierro-Clarke Mimi Vecchione David Galinato Zeynep Abes Alicia Carroll Dondre Taylor-Stewart Jen Myers EVENTS COORDINATOR Kayla VanFleet Melanie McFadyen Haley Kreofsky Tori Mier Yourmag tv Rory McCann Amanda Gomez Paola Camargo Lindsay Gualtieri Ashley Juranich Layout design Hannah Perrin Jacqueline Thomas Terrena Scannell Bekah Skopil Chen Xu David Galinato Meghin Hewitt Megan Tripp Rory McCann Teresa Garigen William Vickroy Madison Fishman Stephanie Pumilia Haley Kreofsky Jaime Toscano Alexandra James Tatiana Ochoa Andy Keys
STYLISTS
Emily Lacroix Rhianna Reinmuth Alexis Cervantes Nikki Frangella Anne Elise Dimas Lia Nagamatsu Olivia Harvey Jez Insalaco Brianna Martinelli Ana Larua Mendoza Karen Morales Amanda Perez Manisha Tolani Samantha Wagner
Copy editors Devan Norman Caitlyn Budnick Olivia Jacobini Morgan Metz Janella Angeles Megan Tripp Kelsey Perkins William Vickroy Jacquelyn Marr Madeline Bilis Willie Burnley Jr Erin Corrigan
editorial credits
MUSEUM Lou Lou 222 A Newbury St. Boston, MA www.loulouboutiques.com
Gant 324 Newbury St. Boston, MA www.gant.com
LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS
Jack Spade 129 Newbury St. Boston, MA www.jackspade.com
Cole Haan 109 Newbury St. Boston, MA www.colehaan.com
Nau Horny Toad Online www.nau.com
romance 6 7 8 9 10 11
Avoid VD on V-Day Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder A Restaurant for Every Meal on Valentine’s Day Pickup Lines: Taboo or Swoon? Reboot Meet Cute Anyway You Want It
fashion 12 18 20 21 22 24 26
EDITORIAL - “Let’s Hear it for the Boys” The Red Room of Style DIY: Ear Cuffs Urban HauteFitters The Sweet and Sexy Sides of Lingerie A Fragrance for Every Outfit EDITORIAL - “Museum”
30 32 33 34 36
Biking Boston There’s No “I” in Instagram... Wait YOUR Local Spring Break That’s Hot (Chocolate) Weekend Warriors
arts&entertainment 38 40 41 42 43
Side Effects and the Career of Steven Soderbergh The Return of Girls This Will Have Been: Love, Art, & Politics in the 1980’s--Review I Can Heart the Heart Beating as One February Videogames/The Playlist: February Feels
contents
features
avoid VD on v-day Text & Photography // Danny LeMar
Love means never having to say you’re sorry, but that doesn’t cover your partner’s sexual health. This Valentine’s Day spread the holiday spirit, but nothing more than that. Here’s some safe sex advice to have a healthy, happy Valentine’s.
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The most obvious of all sex tips for his tip – put one on before putting it in. Condoms aren’t just the free things on your RA’s door or sticky balloons; they’re there for a reason. Protect yourself and your body will thank you. Besides, no one likes a hot dog without the bun.
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Lubricant isn’t just a word that makes us giggle; it’s actually beneficial to bedroom wellbeing. Water-based lubricants prevent the friction that creates dryness and chafing, keeping chance of open cuts from occurring and condoms from breaking. Avoid brands that are oil-based – like Vaseline – that can damage condoms.
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Although bad breath is a major pillow-pooper, don’t brush your teeth or flossing before getting it on. That minimizes the risk of cuts and bleeding on your gums, which provide entry points for HIV. Try a Lifesaver instead; it might just be a lifesaver.
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Speaking of breath, condoms are encouraged for safe oral sex. While flavored contraceptives are yummy, they contain sugars for taste, which encourage bacterial infections in the other body parts. Keep it bland where it counts.
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Cold sores are typically caused by Herpes simplex. They’re uncomfortable to have, but even more so to discuss with your partner. If you do have one, don’t have oral sex to avoid exposing the blister to someone else. Having the “Sorry, I can’t do that” talk is way easier than the “Sorry, I gave you herpes” talk.
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Late night and not a condom in sight? They are sold behind the counter at the C-Store. You can pick up a pack with a Nantucket Nectar and a Snickers bar, but don’t be intimidated to ask.
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Wingmen aren’t just for going out, they’re also for second opinions. Use the buddy system to see if your friends approve of a new bedfellow. They might catch something about them that you didn’t, which might keep you from catching something else.
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Get to know the person you’re getting into bed with. It might seem like a no-brainer, but there’s a lot more to someone their last name and major. However awkward a subject, talking openly about sexual health can prevent critical consequences. Ask your partner if and how recently he or she has been tested, if he or she is involved with anyone else, and if they are comfortable with safe sex (Hint: if the answer to the any, especially the last one, is “no,” then go home alone to a comfy bed and Netflix). Use your words and your mind before you use your body.
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If you do find out that you have caught something, head to the Health and Wellness Center, located in 216 Tremont Street, third floor. Even if you are just curious to learn more (you can never be too safe), the Center has tons of free information and sexual paraphernalia. Give them a call at 617-824-8666.
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YOUR romance
absence makes the heart grow fonder Text // Sydney Lester Nobody wants to be alone; that’s just a fact of life. Anyone who says otherwise is speaking out of bitterness and frustration. Even people in long distance relationships can resent being alone, although they are only alone in the physical sense. Still, the physical separation may prove to cause degrees of stress and sadness between people in long distance relationships. This type of relationship has the capability to break the strength of two people, but if done right, can create a bond much stronger than the one that existed before. The idea of distance is such a scary thing to most people and can evoke feelings of fear and loneliness in even the most resilient people. Distance does not mean being alone, which is extremely important to remember when you are in a long distance relationship. States or countries or continents cannot truly keep two people apart when they are thinking about each other constantly. Remembering all the great times they’ve had so far, and the great times to come makes ideas of the relationship’s future sound even better. Writing letters and staying up all night on the phone may be corny to some people, but it most definitely comes with the long distance package. Creating these sentimental memories keeps sparks flying between two people separated physically by distance. The whole long distance experience is a return to a time when affection was not solely based on physical nearness and intimacy. It’s a return to respect, loyalty, and longing for the one you care for the most. It doesn’t just have to be a pipe dream for hopeless romantics like myself; it has been proven by couples everywhere that love can last when two people are separated by distance. Instead of an obstacle, distance becomes the catalyst, the fire in which gold is tested. Long distance relationships also develop independence, and as someone recently told me, “make sure that the relationship stays a partnership, instead of turning into a dictatorship.” When two people in a relationship are around each other all the time, a kind of situation can occur in which freedom and trust is stifled, which could later cause loyalty to become an issue. When someone feels trapped in a suffocating relationship, there is only room for resentment. The only way to prevent resentment from taking over is to trust your significant other, allowing space for love to grow. The presence of distance compels two people to trust each other more than any other force would. Having the freedom to do whatever you want because your partner is away gives a person a lot of power, and that power can sometimes be overwhelming. A strong relationship will be able to withstand temptations, and that will further increase the level of trust. Knowing that your partner had chances to cheat but did not succumb to those chances means that you have found a person who loves you in a deeper kind of way. Another benefit of long distance relationships is the amount of time it frees up to develop other relationships, such as those with friends and family. Often, the boyfriend/girlfriend relationships are
the ones that get the most attention, so it is extremely important to put extra effort into nurturing the relationships between friends, and those with family. These people care a lot about you, and you care about them, so it only makes sense to cherish those bonds and preserve them the best you can. Friends can feel left out, and family can feel abandoned, so it is up to you if you want to keep those relationships strong and healthy. Distance from a significant other can help you to refocus some of your energy on those other people in your life that you love, and having this system of support is crucial to being happy in a situation that could easily cause you to be lonely. Almost as soon as you start saying yes to hanging out with friends and visiting family more, you will not feel lonely, and your significant other will see how independent of a person you have become, which is probably one of the reasons they were attracted to you in the first place. Clinging to someone and declaring your constant loneliness never has and never will be attractive or endearing. You will gain respect from your significant other when you show them that you are independent and doing well, but thinking of them and loving them from afar as well. Creating a meaningful friendship with your boyfriend or girlfriend is one of the most rewarding parts of engaging in a long distance relationship. Talking on the phone instead of seeing each other in person can help you both to discover a new aspect of your relationship, one that does not include physical nearness or contact, which can often distract from the better conversation you could be having. Holding hands, touching the other person, or simply making eye contact can cause the conversation to turn into a dynamic of two people who are indeed in a dating, intimate relationship. Phones allow all of that to be cut out, which is a completely new feeling that can revive the intellectually stimulating facet of a relationship. Good conversation and sharing ideas with no physical distractions encourages both partners to put more effort into thinking about new and interesting things to say. This is a refreshing diversion from the dulled down, sometimes even meaningless conversation two people in a relationship can have when they are just hanging out. Phone conversations remind both partners why they love each other so much, and how much they love being in their relationship. Phone communication in long distance relationships is a very healthy practice and promotes an open line of restorative, reviving communication. Whatever the reason for distance, it does not have to become the enemy of a strong relationship. It can actually heal the scars of discontent and push two people who love each other a great deal to get back to the roots of their relationship. Distance can show them why they fell in love, and remind them of all the work they had to do to keep it all going, and all the work they will continue to do. Distance can reveal why all of that work is worth it in the end.
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A Romantic Restaurant
for every meal on
Valentine’s Day Text // Claudia Mak
My great gender professor once told our class, “You only eat with whom you fuck with,” and this has become my mantra during every date. Commensality is foreplay; you leave yourself vulnerable as you first open your mouth to place tasty treats on your tongue and moan in delight. It is important to partake in eating with your date on Valentine’s Day because it brings people close together, and if you’re comfortable eating together, chances are you’ll be comfortable participating in other carnal acts as the night progresses. Here are three delectable and affordable restaurants in Boston for every meal of the day.
Brunch at The Paramount Café Beacon Hill 44 Charles Street The long line to The Paramount Café is worth the Panini’s and omelets, plus before you and your date are busy stuffing your mouths with sweet potato fries you can get to know a few things about each other. The Paramount doesn’t only boast a great lunch menu, but also a fantastic breakfast menu. They have fluffy waffles topped with fresh bananas and caramel, a variety of delicious omelets, and my personal favorite: huevos rancheros with fresh salsa and avocado. If you find yourself craving lunch, go for the Cuban Panini made with tender, barbequed pork, pickles, and cheddar nestled between two perfectly grill marked slices of bread.
Lunch at Chili Duck Back Bay 829 Boylston Street I have eaten authentic Thai food, and this is as authentic as it gets in Boston. Chili Duck is a fun and affordable experience. The restaurant is located near The Prudential so it is a perfect pit stop during a long shopping date along Newbury and Boylston. Get adventurous and sample different types of curries, or warm up with my personal favorite, Tom Yum soup. This hot and sour soup contains crushed chili, lemongrass, lime, and other fresh ingredients. Thai food is a great idea for a romantic meal because you both can explore a new culture together, and see how much spice the both of you can handle.
Dinner at The Daily Catch North End 323 Hanover Street Seafood is renowned for it’s aphrodisiac qualities, and seafood doesn’t get more delicious than at the Daily Catch. The North End location is a quaint and dim and you can watch the chefs prepare simple yet flavorful meals within arm’s length. The Daily Catch specializes in Italian seafood dishes such as savory black squid ink pasta and buttery clam linguine. This place is ultra-romantic;the small tables squeeze you close to each other and you can both share from the large pans that the pastas are served in. The seafood they serve is caught every day off of the coast of Massachusetts; hence the name of the restaurant. If you aren’t a huge fan of seafood, The Daily Catch will make you a born-again seafood enthusiast. Each dish is so simple, yet so complex on the tongue; it’s guaranteed to give you a foodgasm. Plus, every time I eat the fresh seafood here I can’t wait to rush home and get to dessert, if you know what I mean…
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YOUR romance
Pickup lines: taboo or swoon? Text // Hannah Perrin Photography // Alicia Carroll
Let’s set the scene: You’re standing in line at EmCaf and an extremely attractive person, exactly your type, and he or she starts a conversation with “Are you from Tennessee? ‘Cause you’re the only ten I see.” You would laugh it off, blush a little and start a normal conversation. Now picture this: You’re standing in line at EmCaf and an extremely unattractive person, gap tooth, body odor, the works, and they start a conversation with the exact same pick up line. You would probably laugh, leave and tell your friends about the horrible scenario you just encountered. While pick up lines have become taboo, they are slowly making a comeback in romance. When used in the right scenario, they are a complete success. But, if taken too far or used too seriously, pick up lines can and will ruin all of your chances. Not only is there a difference in the level of attractiveness, but also there is a gender separation. Henry Krause, freshman, believes it would take a girl a lot of courage to use a pick up line. “I wish a girl came up to me and used a pick up line. It takes a lot of ovaries,” said Krause. Almost every guy I interviewed said the same thing: if a girl used a pick up line, they automatically gain respect points. But, still some men have exceptions. Johnathon Boisits, junior, says, “It’s a 50/50. If it’s really bad, it’s like, ‘what’s wrong with you?’ kind of thing; but if it’s really funny, it’s like ‘okay I’ll talk to you.’” Men on the other hand have it a little tougher. If they’re not attractive to the person they approach, it’s a lost cause. But, if they use the right pick up line with the right person, it would spark a fun and interesting conversation. “I don’t use pick up lines, as cute as they are in movies or in clips you see, I think they’re cheesy and kind of awkward,” said freshman Izzy Hobbib. “Idealy, they would work, but they’re just awkward.” Kaitlyn Coddington, freshman, said, “Depending on the pick up line, I would probably laugh. It’d be a great way to start a conversation.” While pick up lines are mostly taboo, they have a certain quality about them that breaks the ice, makes the person swoon and leaves both parties wanting more.
OUR favorites “Have you heard of Platform 9 and 3/4? Well, I can think of something else with the exact same measurements.” “Excuse me, I happen to have lost my number. Can I have yours?” “My name may not be Luna, but I sure know how to Lovegood!”
“Let’s play Titanic. When I say ‘iceberg,’ you go down.”
“Do you want to go to Little Caesar’s? ‘Cause you’re hot and I’m ready.”
“Are you a cat lady? ‘Cause you’re purrfect to me.”
“Can I buy you a drink?” [No thank you, I’m fine.] “Yes, you are fine.”
“Can I have directions? [Where to?] “Your heart.”
“I was so enchanted by your beauty that I ran into that wall over there. So I am going to need your name and number for insurance purposes.”
“Do you have a library card? ‘Cause I’m ready to check you out.”
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REBOOT MEETCUTE online dating gone ROMANTIC and REAL Text // Shasha Laferte
“We met online.”
It’s become the norm for older men and women and becoming increasingly more common for twentysomethings, but that doesn’t help the blood I feel creeping up into my neck and onto my cheeks at the mere thought of having to answer the infamous question this way. So, how did you two meet? I imagine myself struggling to keep eye contact with the person asking. I dream of being able to launch myself into a rose petal infused, moonlit, account of serendipity. I want to go to grab a coffee order at a dimly lit coffee shop, lightly grazing the hand of the man who had actually ordered the same coffee, only to sit down next to him, realizing that he’s reading my favorite book of all time. I want the awkwardness, the cheesiness, the romance. I want to meet someone the way Don Lockwood met Kathy in Singing in the Rain or Holly and Gerry did in PS I Love You. I want the meet cute. Don’t know what that is? Here is Morgan Freeman’s description as Arthur Abbot in The Holiday, “Say a man and a woman both need something to sleep in and both go to the same men’s pajama department. The man says to the salesman, “I just need bottoms,” and the woman says, ‘I just need a top.’ They look at each other and that’s the ‘meet cute.’” Unfortunately for me, and probably you, as a student at Emerson College, I am way too busy to wander around the city of Boston aimlessly for hours, hoping something romantic will happen to me. Daniel Marienthal has found a way to fix this dilemma. 23 years old graduate of experimental college Hyper Island and San Diego native, Marienthal is a romantic at heart. He founded a dating website called MeetCute. This website is flirting with new possibilities and formats for online dating. It doesn’t use the traditional embarrassing profiles: height, eye color and emoticon clad self-explanations included. It doesn’t allow you to sift through (or stalk) the profiles of prospects for hours. On this website, when potential daters sign up, their information is shared only with MeetCute matchmakers. The site opens with romantic ambience, flowery font, dim lighting and violin background. A video invites in the onlooker with a description of the experience and the goal, “find someone cute, who will also think you are cute.” Matchmakers give
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both people a romantic time and place to be and no other information. If they happen to meet, there’s the meet cute. According to Marienthal, he came up with the idea through, “Movies... and I love ‘em. There’s a meet-cute moment in almost every movie ever made,” he says. “Some of them are pretty ridiculous, but others feel just as romantic and are perfectly common. I mean who hasn’t walked onto a plane hoping that the cute guy or girl you saw in the waiting area is going to be sitting close to you on the flight? Or been sitting in the library or at a coffee shop and hoping somehow that your secret crush would wander in? Everyone loves these moments, these stories, and it’s what every couple will be asked about more than anything else.” Marienthal recognized that there was nothing out there that would help people meet in a cinematically romantic way, so he made MeetCute. MeetCute became incorporated in 2012 and since has gained over a thousand members located in San Diego, New York and Boston, 86% of which are college age. Locations can be anywhere from museums to cafes to bookshops. Marienthal says one of his personal favorite locations is, “Zinneken’s… a cozy little cafe over by Harvard Square.” With MeetCute’s founding and increasing membership, has come their very first success story. “It was in at small little café in San Francisco on a Sunday around sunset,” Marienthal explains. “The guy was about to leave the cafe because he didn’t see anyone, but before he did, he decided to check this little book nook in the back, and low & behold there was a cute girl. They broke the ice, hit it off, and walked around town together for hours, ended up getting some rice pudding together later. And the best part is that neither one of them ever mentioned MeetCute.” He adds, “So far in our sample, we found that about half of the time people summon the courage to break the ice, and many times people meet someone else entirely. That’s the real magic of MeetCute, just because people are open to meeting someone, they do.” Not only does MeetCute offer a romantic meeting place, they also offer second chances. “Imagine you see someone cute at a café. You smile, they smile back maybe that’s all,” Marienthal says. “Then later you see them in a bookstore or at a bus stop or on a walk through the park (or even at the same
cafe).” After each set up, MeetCute asks three questions. “Did you see someone cute? Did you meet them? Would you like another chance to?” This allows the site to set up another or even several other opportunities for the people to cross paths. Eventually someone will muster up the courage to give a smile, a wink, maybe even a compliment. So if you’re single, sign up, give it a try, and wait for the day when you can answer that infamous question like this: “Oh you know, I bumped into him at my favorite sandwich shop, we decided to get our food to go, picnic by the Charles River and watch the sunset. There were balloons and butterflies. No big deal.”
YOUR romance
ANY WAY you WANT it
Text // Shannon Dwyer
It’s a touchy subject, one that many shy away from. But how do you ask for what you want in bed?
We owe it to ourselves, and our partners, to keep learning a trick, trying a new technique, or investing in some toys to spice things up in bed. There’s no shame in getting a bit bored with the same old routine. Humans are not static creatures; our tastes change. We grow. We evolve. Once satiated, we become hungry for something new. There are times when you get in the comfort zone of a relationship and don’t feel like you have to put in as much effort. You may feel like your partner has lost interest in you, but in reality they may be complacent because you both might be a bit stuck in a sexual routine. So, unstick yourselves! That being said, it can be tricky. Nobody wants to seem kinky, condescending, or insulting to a lover. So, proceed with caution. Both genders can be a tad sensitive when it comes to bedroom prowess. As a first tactic, I would suggest becoming more active. Suggest some role play, switch up locations, add some porn to the mix; make a change and see if the change inspires them; sometimes they just need a hint. If you start adding “moves” to your repertoire it might encourage them to do the same. Tell your partner what you want! Communicate during sex. Try a new position. If you find it becoming monotonous, switch it up yourself. Showing and encouraging new ways is awesome. This kind of sexual growth as a couple makes for a stronger bond in and outside the bedroom. Think of giving sexual direction not as a critique of your partner, but as something you are experimenting with together. Otherwise, they might freak out and begin to feel inadequate which could result in an angered or depressive response. So let’s avoid that! Remember, it takes two to tango. So become active in spicing things up!
your OPINION Jilliam Doherty:
Walker Desing:
Honestly, if I’m in a relationship with someone and I’m not being totally satisfied or I want to try something new, I would probably say something before starting foreplay. When we’re just kissing and it’s obvious that it’s going to lead to sex, I would just pull away for a second and talk to him. However, because guys pride themselves in their sexual performance, I would probably turn the conversation around and say something like, “this is fun, but we should try _____!” so he doesn’t think what he’s already doing isn’t satisfactory. I’m a very sexually open person. Not saying I give it away like it’s candy, but that I know what I like and I know that it’s a natural, beautiful, and fucking amazing thing. Additionally, if I were in a relationship I would trust the guy I was with to hear me out. Guys probably get bored of the same old, too, right?
They have a ton of books on different sex positions/ techniques. I find a good way to break the ice is to find one that has really plainly drawn pictures, and just bring it out one time when you’re not in bed. Most of the time, your partner is just as open to trying new things as you are, just as long as it’s not a really weird fetish.
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Alex FRAPECH
David Weiner
Will Suttner
Joshua Leon
Darian Carpenter
LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS photography by STEPHANIE FISHBEIN
THE BREAKFAST CLUB From Left To Right: Jack Spade camp jacket, Jack Spade, Boston; Nau down vest, Horny Toad online. Nau wool banded shirt, Horny Toad online.Gant by Michael Bastian blazer, Gant, Boston; Cole Haan leather monkstrap shoes, Cole Haan, Boston. Nau envelope backpack, Horny Toad online.
Gant Rugger lemon madras shirt, Gant, Boston; Gant flag crew, Gant, Boston; Gant by Michael Bastian blue camo cargo, Gant, Boston; Cole Haan wingtip shoes, Cole Haan, Boston. Gant sunglasses, Gant, Boston; Cole Haan leather jacket and saddle shoe, Cole Haan, Boston; Nau interwoven shirt, Horny Toad online. Gant Rugger jeans, Gant, Boston; Jack Spade M90 camo bag, Jack Spade, Boston.
opposite page: Cole Haan reflective carryall and wingtip shoes, Cole Haan, Boston; Gant Rugger varsity Sherpa, Gant, Boston.
LEAVE IT ON THE FIELD From Left to Right: Gant varsity Sherpa, Gant, Boston. Cole Haan leather jacket, Cole Haan, Boston; Nau down vest, Horny Toad online; Jack Spade United Arrows duffle bag, Jack Spade, Boston.
Cole Haan leather jacket, Cole Haan, Boston; Gant by Michael Bastian cargo, Gant, Boston.
The red Room Of Style
The Influence of S&M and Bondage in Spring ‘13 Fashion Text // Ian Mofford Photography // Zeynep Abes There is absolutely no question that S&M has influenced fashion designers in the past and the trend has been on the rise again for the last couple years. What once was a trend only attempted by the most daring of fashion gurus is now completely mainstreamed. Many people accredit this transition to the overwhelming success of the book 50 Shades of Grey. This world wide phenomenon, which started as a Twilight fan-fiction, tells a story of the kinky love life of a successful business man and a woman in college which takes place in his “Red Room of Pain”. The popularity of this three part series resulted in a sexual revolution for women all over the world. The S&M trend in women’s fashion this season is not about submissive; it’s about having the power and dominating. Overall, the S&M trend is about combining the elements of S&M (leather, bondage straps and chains, etc.) with delicate, feminine articles of clothing (bustiers, skirts, dresses, high heels, etc.). In order not to look like a complete dominatrix walking down the street, this equal combination is absolutely necessary. For example, a lace dress with leather strap
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details or a leather corset is the perfect combination because it brings the two worlds together in one outfit. Within the past few years, the S&M trend has only been accessible through popular, high-end designers such as Alexander Wang whose designs almost exclusively embody the feeling of S&M. Celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Kate Moss have been seen wearing S&M influenced clothing for years. Luckily, the S&M trend is no longer exclusively for the rich and famous. With the recent mainstreaming of the trend, S&M looks can be found in much more affordable and accessible stores such as Forever 21 and BCBG. From leather embellished cocktail dresses to spiked collared shirts to outrageous spiked leather pumps, this trend is not only reasonably priced, it’s everywhere. Like with any trend, you have the power to pick and choose what you want to incorporate into your life but especially with this trend and its emphasis on empowerment, you should only add aspects if they make you feel like you can take on the world. If something doesn’t work for your body type, abandon it and find something that does. Don’t get
lost in this trend; strap it down and make it your slave. Interested in trying this trend out but don’t know how? It seems that a large issue that arises when people take on trends is their lack of interpretation. Not everything you see that falls under the S&M trend is going to work for you. This can be said about almost any trend. The main thing to keep in mind when selecting items is to find things that flatter you. The whole concept behind the S&M trend in women’s fashion is empowerment and feeling sexy at the same time. You are the master in this love story so look for pieces that say power, control and make you feel as sexy as you look. The S&M trend can be appropriately tailored for a variety of settings. From the office, to a party, to everyday street wear, the wonderful part of this trend is its subtlety and ability to be adapted. When adapting this trend to work in an office environment, it’s important to be very careful with your styling because of the erotic nature of the trend. You don’t want to come off as inappropriate. The easiest way to adapt this trend is to first
YOUR fashion
envision a simple, yet modern work outfit. For example, a long sleeve blouse, a ¾ length pencil skirt, a blazer and a pair of heels. This look can be seen in offices across the country. In order to appropriately adapt this trend, you need to replace the items in your concept outfit with similar items that have an S&M feel. For example, the replacement skirt could be black with leather or studded details or perhaps a pair of thick leggings with leather embellishment. The replacement blouse could have a studded collar or have intricate straps. Perhaps wear a pair of heels with spike embellishment or studded flats. You get the idea. With office wear, it’s important to keep it professional and appropriate so offering a subtle suggestion of S&M in your wardrobe is the way to go. Not feeling that adventurous? Stick to your normal office wear but try to incorporate some accessories such as a sexy, studded leather belt or a spiked clutch. Work is over. It’s time to change and get ready to hit the town. Going out to dinner or dancing at a club? A social, party atmosphere is the perfect opportunity to test out your adventurous side with this trend. S&M influence fashion allows you to be as simple or complex, as casual or formal
as you want to be. Perhaps you’re going to a party in a more casual setting. Consider wearing a sexy leather bustier, high waist skinny pants and a pair of spiked heels. This empowering, sexy look is sure to make you feel like a rock goddess and get heads turning. Maybe you’re going out to dinner in a more formal setting. Consider wearing a black dress with leather detailing or sexy cutouts and some hardware accessories. You will look sophisticated and desirable in this look with just a hint of dangerous. The S&M trend seems to be the most versatile when it comes to every day street wear. Because the trend has managed to seep into every type of garment that can be purchased, controlling the amount of influence it can have on your outfit couldn’t be easier. Incorporating it into your street wear can be as simple as throwing a studded leather jacket over a t-shirt, leggings and boots to as intricate as that same studded leather jacket over a lace bustier, studded leggings and a pair of spiked, platform Jeffery Campbell heels.
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DIYourmag: off the cuff Text // Emy LaCroix
Wearing earrings is no new practice. Ancient cultures have been found to have ear piercings as far back as 6,000 years ago. Cultures like the ancient Chinese, Mesopotamians and the Greco-Romans all utilized this practice in their religions and daily life. Piercings went from religious and status symbols to a form of personal expression in the twentieth century. Beginning in the 80’s punks began creating a strip of piercings along the arch and lobe of the ears, and what was once counter culture is now perfectly normal and even fashionable. But perhaps you don’t want ten piercings in your ear. I waited until 16 to get my very first hole because of fear, and can barely keep that one from becoming infected. There is certainly a safer, easier, and perhaps even cuter way to achieve the same metal-studded look without all of the needles: ear cuffs. The idea is to squeeze a small metal cuff over the edge of the ear which may be attached to a larger decoration like an art deco design, feathers, or chains. These can stand alone or attach to the top of the ear and connect to your single piercing to create that total decoration look. These fun new accessories are pretty easy to make and fun to wear, because you can make one that matches your personality much like you could choose a bunch of different earrings that suit YOU – just, easier!
What You Need:
1. About two feet of thin chain- (I used two kinds for a more interesting look) 2. A charm 3. A fish hook earring 4. A euro lever Many of these items come in packs of several. It cost me $10 for the supplies but I have enough to make about five of them.
Steps:
Your euro lever will clip to the top of your ear. You can also craft a cuff out of wire if you want a more decorative look. The fish hook earring will go through your lobe piercing. Use the chain to connect these two pieces, using about three inches of chain. You can tie a knot in the chain or use scissors or pliers to pry the chain open and close it over the loop in the earring and euro lever. (repeat two more times) Now do the same off of the fish hook earring, allowing them to hang for a decoration at the bottom. Attach a charm to the fish hook earring. I used a little bow for a cutesy look, but you can use anything. If you don’t like the upper ear cuff look, ignore step one to create a regular dangling earring. You can get really creative with this project by using different kinds of chains, ribbons, charms and decorations. Have fun with it!
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YOUR fashion
urban Hautefitters Text // Megan Kay
When the Spring 2013 Runway shows premiered last year, there were many surprising trends. Sure, there were some collections with the bright colors and floaty fabrics typically associated with the season of blooming flowers, but more than ever, this spring is about being bold. Designers like Akris, Giorgio Armani, Christopher Kane, Nina Ricci, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Derek Lam, Balmain, and Proenza Schouler all showed collections full of dark, brooding colors and fabrics, like leather, that are more typically associated with the colder months of fall and winter. Even the seemingly delicate lace and florals were given a boost in electric color schemes and combinations that would be found nowhere near the upholstery on your grandmother’s couch. Of course, the problem for most college students is that these clothes are unattainable. Even the simplest of blouses found on the runway can cost upwards of a thousand dollars. However, I was determined to find outfits comparable to the ones that I loved for Spring 2013, so I set out to Urban Outfitters, one of the biggest clothing retailers for college kids across the nation, to find bargains that resembled the runway.
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Salvatore Ferragamo/ Marie Claire: Leather is bigger than ever this Spring: shirts, pants, skirts, shoes, bags-- you name it, and it can be found in leather. I was determined to hunt down a leather blouse that would look similar to the one by Salvatore Ferragamao but that also wouldn’t break the bank. Luckily, I found one by CÖ on sale at Urban for $59.99 that also happened to be vegan, which is an awesome, guilt free way to get the leather look. I also scooped up slimming black jeans by BDG for $58.00 to complete the look-a-like outfit.
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Jason Wu/ Marie Claire: This outfit by Jason Wu shows two major Spring trends: sheer and lace. At Urban, I found a similar sheer white blouse by Pins and Needles on sale for $29.99 and black lace tape shorts also by Pins and Needles that cost $49.00 and that closely resembles the dark lace skirt designed by Wu.
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Mary Katrantzou/ Marie Claire: This Spring, florals get a facelift with bold colors and interesting, kaleidoscope like patterns. This dress by Silence & Noise is on sale for $19.99 and has bold shoulders and a pattern that almost exactly matches the pattern found at Mary Katrantzou.
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the Sweet and Sexy sides of Lingerie
W
ith Valentines Day right around the corner, whether you think you’ll have a date or not, us girls at YourMag are here to give you our best advice on a topic that isn’t so often talked about in the public arena. How can you wear lingerie to look sweet and pretty? What about sexy and seductive? Where should you go looking for such undergarments? And most of all what are guys truly hoping to see? Lingerie is supposed to be special. It’s supposed to be that little something you’ve been saving for that one person or that one night. So as you search through Victoria’s Secret catalogs, step outside of your everyday cotton underwear shoebox. If your lingerie looks like something you could pull off wearing on an everyday basis, you’re doing it wrong. With that said, stick to what you are used to. If you normally wear thongs, don’t buy lacy knickers. If your bras are most often padded, don’t try wearing a flimsy non-under-wired one. It’s hard to feel sexy in something you’re not used to or comfortable in. And the first rule of lingerie: it’s all about how you feel. If you feel sexy and confident, you look sexy and confident. End of story. Size is important. Don’t panic buy. Embarrassing or not, talk to the sales associates. Make sure you are trying on and getting the right fit. There’s nothing more unattractive than looking as if you are spilling out of lingerie or that you can’t quite fill it up. Color is important. More often than not, bright red screams tacky prostitute while cream-colored or white lace makes it look likes it’s your wedding night. If you want to look more sweet and pretty than sexy try pastel shades, like pink or lavender, and other soft colors. However, if seduction is your game or you normally don’t wear colors, just stick with black. It looks good on everyone and goes with every occasion. Prints divide what is sweet and what is sexy. Think polka dots and flowers vs. animal prints, what idea about yourself are you trying to give off that night? Lace can go two ways depending on its sheerness. Use it to your advantage. With their Fashion Show making us all wish we were supermodels like Miranda Kerr, Victoria’s Secret is an obvious go–to for lingerie needs but there are many other brands as well. For cheap and inexpensive, Frederick’s of Hollywood and most department stores like Macy’s have a decent selection as well as the intimates section of Urban Outfitters and Aerie by American Eagle. However, when it comes to lingerie, the rule is generally quality over quantity. Well-made lingerie not only washes better and lasts longer, but also feels silkier and more comfortable when you put it on. If you have some money to spend or care about quality try Agent Provocateur, La Perla, Simone Perele, or La Petite Coquette all known for selling modern and upmarket lingerie and all found online. Even if you’re certain nobody will see it that night, wearing your sexiest bra and underwear underneath your clothes on a date will give you a sense of bold, daring confidence. And who knows, the rest of the night is up to fate. At least you’ll be prepared.
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Text // Victoria Hulbert
Agent Provocateur Francoise Collection Bra: $80 Thong: $40 Brief: $50 Suspender: $30
YOUR fashion
ingerie Q&A
what lingerie do you like?
“Boyshorts. Every guy likes a little mystery.” Chris
Joseline Collection Bra: $130 Brief: $110 Suspender: $150
Victoria’s Secret Lace-Up Babydoll $38
Macken
“Lacy stuff is nice, but underwear that’s too skimpy is kind of weird. I think in general thongs and underwear that shows some cheek. Guys hate complicated underwear. No animal prints” Felix Teich
“Generally like cute little bows I’m into. Wait, I’m going to be quoted?! Jeeze I uhhhh like turtlenecks and ankle skirts! Kidding. But yeah the bows are hot and thongs and lace.” Henry
“I’m a sucker for a nice pair of stockings and something matching. Always better that it’s matching. Hey, are girls gonna want me after they read this article?”
Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy Collection Bra: $55-$102 Undies: $36
Jake
Eyelet Waist Cincher: $24
sexy
Kraus
sweet
Dmochowski
Urban Outfitters Camellia Lace Bralette $24
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a FRAGANCE for EVERY outfit W
Text // Samantha Dupler
hether you’re headed to coffee with friends, a romantic dinner with a date, or just 8 AM Global Lit class, it’s no secret that you might appeal to whomever you’re seeing that day. And while it might be enough to just swipe on some mascara and slip into a cute sweater before heading out the door, perhaps a second thought as to which perfume you decide to spritz on could change people’s perceptions more than anything. Different scents can convey different attitudes, especially when paired with a certain outfit. Recent studies have even shown that scents play a huge role in determining partner attraction for relationships, with certain smells in specific situations triggering positive memories that help fuel compatibility. But a good nose can help with more than just your love life, as certain scents may seem more professional than others: the perfume you reach for before hanging out with your boyfriend probably smells a lot different from the one you’d wear to a job interview. It’s more important than you may think to make sure that your favorite sultry, musky scent is matched with a little black dress, instead of with a business blazer or sweatpants!
Romantic Date Before heading out on a date to someplace nice with someone nice, you may feel inclined to squirt half a bottle of your most sultry scent all over yourself, since this is the time you’re going to want to smell ultra-appealing. However, your date might have trouble spending too much time with you if he or she has fainted in the doorway from your overpowering aroma! When it comes to applying perfume before going out with someone who will spending a lot of time close to you, less is most certainly more. Instead of spraying perfume directly from the bottle, a rollerball or scent-soaked cotton ball might be more helpful, so you can carefully dab it on in a few select spots, such as the back of your neck, your collarbones, and your wrists. The key ingredients in “sexy” scents include notes like musk, vanilla and spicy florals. Versace Bright Crystal is perfect to pair with date night attire, like a lacy black shirt and bright-colored skirt. This scent is alluring enough for a first date, but not too affected to wear for a fancy night out with your steady boyfriend or girlfriend. Bright Crystal has hints of both musk and amber along with a variety of floral notes, so it smells seductive, but still young and fresh.
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Coffee With Friends Similar to picking out a perfume you can wear to class, choosing a scent for a casual coffee date with friends isn’t the time to douse yourself in something too strong. However, since you’re heading out and into town for some fun, this is the time to get the most creative with your perfume choices, and go for a scent that’s a bit bolder or more playful than you’d wear on campus. Benefit’s Something About Sofia is a solid choice, with a unique and vibrant blend of mango, lily and white caramel, with other faint floral notes blended in. This isn’t an everyday sort of scent, and may get heads (or noses) turning on the street from its interesting blend. While this perfume isn’t particularly sexy, it’s not quite tame either, and can give you a fun sort of vibe. It’s a great scent to spray on if you’re rocking a printed dress with some bold-colored heels to tip your look over from semi-casual to super creative.
10 AM Class Picking a proper perfume to wear to class is a bit of a daunting task. You want to smell nice, but need to keep in mind that there are ten to thirty other people in the room who are also here to learn and pay attention. That bottle of sickly sweet cotton candy cologne might pair nicely with the pink lipstick you’re wearing, but the rest of your Media Crit class might not appreciate such an overpowering smell. Instead, trying focusing on making your scent the least central aspect of your presentation: if you’re wearing a perfume that can clearly be smelled for a few seconds after you’ve walked past someone else, then you’re either wearing something too strong, too much, or both. To be on the safe side, opt for a light floral scent, like Vera Wang Princess. It contains a blend of fruity and floral notes, with faint hints of musk and vanilla. Vera Wang Princess isn’t strong enough to annoy fellow classmates around the room and down the hall, but can definitely be noticed by those sitting around you in a pleasant and subtle way. Match it with a pair of jeans, preppy cardigan and a layered scarf, and you’re set for your studies.
Job Interview The most important thing to convey at a job interview is a strong sense of professionalism: not a strong scent of too much perfume. Keep all of your fun and flirty scents in the bottle when heading out for a job or internship interview. This is the time to be focused and clean, but that doesn’t mean that you should forgo perfume entirely. For a professional job interview, it might be a good idea to even go with the same perfume you’d wear to class. Think of light, fresh scents that are almost impossible to detect. Burberry Brit Sheer is a nice choice that coordinates perfectly with a sharp navy blazer, pinstriped button-down and neutral-toned slacks. This particular perfume is light and airy with a bouquet of various fruits, and really is as sheer as its name suggests. Just as you wouldn’t want your date to smell your perfume from down the street, you definitely do not want your interviewer to be able to do the same. Apply just half a squirt or so on your wrists, and let your confidence, resume and sharp appearance be the highlight of your ensemble.
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MUSEUM photography // David Galinato
PIET MONDRIAN
“Composition II in Red, Blue and Yellow” model // Goldy Levy
JACKSON POLLOCK “Convergence”
model // Zelda Gay
GUSTAV KLIMT
“Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I” model // Julia Pincus
Helen Musselwhite “Hedgerow Birds”
model // Ellen Brown
biking BOSTON Text // Matthew Keyser Photo Credit // Emerson College
O
n any given day, there are hundreds of bicyclists zipping around the city of Boston. There are over sixty miles of onstreet bike lanes in and around the hub, which is a lot, considering that Boston is less than 50 square miles altogether. If you don’t have room for a bike in your dorm or apar tment, Hubway bikes are stationed around the city and can be rented for twenty-four hours for only five dollars. However, with heav y car traffic, an abundance of pedestrians, and a public transit system that is often above ground, there is a downside to being a biker in Boston. On December 6, 2012 the same day that Mayor Menino and his council were meeting to discuss bike safety, a biker on Commonwealth Avenue collided with an eighteen-wheeler that was turning right across two lanes. The biker, Christopher Weigl, a 23-year-old Boston University graduate student, was pronounced dead on arrival by the first responders. Weigl’s death changed the way that
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motorists and bikers interacted. Dane Shuber t, a senior at Emerson College who lives in Allston and bikes to and from campus ever y day says, “It [was] a totally different world on the roads after that guy died. Ever yone was being so cautious [and] the cars were all staying their distance.” Like many other public issues, the media blitz is over, and many Bostonians have gone back to their old driving habits, where bikers are viewed as trespassers on the road. The top definition for “Masshole” on urbandictionar y. com says, “For residents of Massachusetts, it is an achieved title for driving faster, being reckless…and having no patience for other drivers on the road.” Boston bicyclists view drivers as dangerous because of their alleged disregard, but many bikers are equally oblivious to others on the road. Dan Sorger, owner of City Bike Design, says, “Cycling is a privilege, not a right.” Many of the bikers in Boston ride like they are entitled to the entire road. Sorger says, “If enough people need to be pulled out of the grills of cars, [the cour ts are] going to ban them on the streets because it’s not safe.” A large percentage of the bikers on the
streets are young college students. Many exhibit a common side effect of youthfulness in that they feel invincible. The notion of invincibility results in riders blowing through red lights, entering car lanes without looking over their shoulders, and refusing to wear helmets. Sorger is not a fan of this type of irresponsible riding. He says, “[People] who ride bikes like clowns makes us all look like clowns. It doesn’t help the community at all.” These “clowns” only create tension on the road, as drivers feel bikers are irresponsible and dangerous. Eric Chilicki, a manager and deliver y driver for the Pita Pit in Brookline, says, “A lot of bikers are speed demons and adrenaline junkies. The average biker, myself included, exploits the liber ties of the lax bike laws.” Sorger says, “Cycling has been growing by leaps and bounds.” Ever y year there are more bikes in Boston, and for renegade bikers acting like Joseph Gordon-Levitt in Premium Rush, traffic laws are an after thought. As a result, there has been a steady increase in bike accidents in Boston since the bike lanes were paved five years ago.
YOUR features
In 2012 alone, there were over 600 bike accidents repor ted. On the city of Boston’s website, the bike statistic section shows that less than half of the bikers in crashes requiring EMS responders were wearing helmets. Kris Car ter, an advisor for Mayor Menino, says, “Bicycle planning isn’t just lanes and cycle tracks. It is educating road users and changing behaviors.” Car ter says that Weigl’s death brought a sense of urgency to the hearing on bike safety, but that the statistics can’t even begin to show the true problem, because many crashes aren’t repor ted. David Watson, Executive Director for MassBike, says, “In many cases, if it’s just a minor crash, it never gets repor ted, so we don’t even know it occurred. We encourage bicyclists to repor t ever y incident so there is more accurate information [available].” According to Watson, who was at the bike safety meeting, the Boston Police Depar tment is looking into the repor ted accidents and will be releasing a repor t on the causes for the incidents in late Januar y. This repor t will be the first of it’s kind in Boston, and will hopefully shed light on an issue that has previously been overlooked.
The cause for the accidents may not be entirely clear, but one thing is cer tain; bicyclists and drivers need to learn how to better share the road. Dan Sorger says, “People can’t anticipate what a biker is going to do at a red light, but driver training needs to involve how to deal with slower moving vehicles. Drivers need to change.” Watson says, “There are studies that have documented the ‘safety in numbers effect,’ which means that the more bicyclists you have in a city, the safer bicyclists are generally, but also ever yone else using the roads, because it causes ever ybody to slow down and be more careful.” If the bicyclist population continues to rise in Boston, the “safety in numbers effect” may become more evident. For now the streets are hazardous for both bikers and drivers, and it isn’t clear who is at fault. Kris Car ter is optimistic for the future of the roads. He says, “Bostonians have come a long way toward recognizing one another on the road. The next step is to get us all [to be] a little more thoughtful out there.”
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there’s no i in instagram...wait
Text // Sienna Mintz
In October of 2010, an iPhone app was created that would allow users to edit and warp their otherwise bland photos so that they could look cool, artsy, professional, or dramatic. Not only could users do this, but they could blast these photos all over the Internet, slapping them on Facebook walls, cluttering Twitter feeds, and so on. It’s called Instagram, and with upwards of 100 million active users today, people have begun to find their niche, their go to filter, and consequently, the ability to upload, edit, tag, and share all while simultaneously going about their über interesting lives. Whether you scroll through your Instagram feed the moment you wake up, once in a blue moon, or during every spare moment of unoccupied time, you have most likely come to “know” the people you follow. They annoy you, with their ultra-contrasty shots and their pretentious depth of field, but you can’t look away. You scroll and like and scroll and like until your thumb falls off, and you have no idea why you’re so fascinated by these freaks of nature: a tribe of digital socialites that you are a part of. You’re in the inner circle and you love it. And you hate that you love it.
THE FOODIE
THE “MODEL”
THE LURKER
The Foodie likes to show off all of the delicious snacks, breakfasts, cocktails, and brunches they order or make, selecting high contrast filters like Hudson or Kelvin to make a probably bland meal look appetizing. You’ll salivate for a moment, maybe even like the photo, before wondering, “Wait, why the heck is this person taking pictures of their meal and not digging right in? If it looks that good, it probably smells even better, right?” For the Foodie, the food itself is of minor importance. Rather, they must document their culinary triumph to make your meager turkey sandwich seem unappetizing. Eggs bennie? Chili fries? Okay I give in…I just won’t eat today.
Just when Myspace was out of the picture, Instagram saved the day. Duck face is back, y’all, and worse than ever. Do I really need to see your face that closely? Yes, yes, your makeup looks beautiful in Amaro and congrats on your new lipstick purchase, but c’mon! I know what you look like and if I don’t, I probably shouldn’t be following you in the first place. Oh, you’re waiting for the bus? How urban! You with a beer? Oh, you’re so bad. The “Model” is the epitome of vanity. These folks honestly believe that each of their followers is waiting anxiously by the phone for an up close and personal look at their every pore. Oh gurl, you’re at the gym? That is so sporty.
The Lurker is perhaps the best and worst Instagram stereotype of them all. Their only purpose in the Instasphere is to like and comment on photos. You find yourself flattered by their attention, but frustrated by their lack of substantial contribution. You wonder, “Why have an Instagram if you aren’t going to take photos of your food/self/money?” Either the Lurker is just lazy, or perhaps they don’t feel the need for recognition of their day-to-day tasks and activities. If so, then why tease you with their constant likes? Are they making fun of you or are they genuinely impressed? The world may never know.
THE BRAGGER
THE AMATEUR
THE “ARTIST”
The Braggers are the ones who live the good life, which consequently makes you feel that yours pales in comparison. Their profiles are flooded with pictures of their hotel rooms, private parties, and expensive purchases. Champagne is a common theme (often in Amaro), as is “The Money Shot” in which the “Model” becomes the Bragger, boasting a fan made of dollar bills, always exceeding the sum of $100. As great as you may feel about your brunch at The Paramount, they march onto your Instagram feed, unannounced, with mimosas and focaccias to beat.
Then, there are those people who you follow because they’re your friends. Love them as much as you want, but they just don’t get Instagram. They upload photo after photo without the least bit of discretion. Don’t they know it’s an art form? Yes, we understand, you are at a party. You’re supposed to take the pictures on your regular iPhone camera and then laugh at them in the morning, not blast them out to all your followers as they happen. We feel kind of bad for the Amateur. Maybe no one explained to them that Instagram is a social media app. Even so, can you at least slap a filter on that pic of your cat? We’d even settle for Toaster.
The “Artist” likes to consider themselves a photographer, despite that the best camera they own is attached to their phone. They view their surroundings in the hue of their favorite filter, and want to show you, their devoted fan, the world as they see it. If this means lying on the ground to get that larger than life shot, they’ll do it. Anything for the shot. They’re after that perfect depth of field (easily manipulated by the touch of a button) and the ideal contrast (achieved my tapping the screen in different areas, not adjusting apertures or shutter speeds). The “Artist” believes that their photography is deserving of extensive praise, even if it would look pixilated and blurry the moment it leaves the phone’s two-inch screen.
Instagram is all about a self-fulfilling prophesy. Though there are many users who fit the mold of the above-mentioned stereotypes, most of us take a little bit from each of them. We photograph our food when it’s too delicious not to, take selfies when we think we look good, and even post unfiltered photos (gasp) here and there. We love looking at our Instagram feeds because they make us feel involved in our friend’s lives and as much as we may think we are doing them a service by posting back, we’re all just a little bit full of it. It’s okay though, everyone’s doing it.
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YOUR features
YOUR YOUR local spring break Text // Gina Brindisi
Photography // Stephanie Fishbein
In just a few short weeks, Spring Break will be upon us. For some of us, that means packing up our bathing suits and heading south to beat the winter (or anywhere where the sun still shines). Unfortunately, not everyone can drop the change necessary for a tropical getaway. So instead you are forced to stay in Boston or bus it to your hometown, where you’ll face the same old mundane activities (or lack thereof) for one rather boring week. Piña Coladas and white sandy beaches exist only in your dreams. As Emerson students, we’ve lucked out. We still have a chance to have a fun-filled Spring Break right here in Boston. While we may not be graced with the most favorable climate, there is much do and see that we, as Boston residents, often take for granted. So if you’re looking for an entertaining week to unwind from the hectic Emerson lifestyle, why not stay right in town? Your options are endless and you don’t even have to splurge for a costly plane ticket. Here are some suggestions to get the most out of your Boston spring break.
Where to stay: Although on-campus residents have the option to stay in the dorms during Spring Break, no one really wants to sift through all the red tape at the Office of Housing and Resident Life. Hold on to the $120 it costs to remain on-campus, and instead, spend it on more exciting lodging alternatives. To start, try heading over to http://www.sleepafloat.com/. The website acts as a search engine, connecting you with countless houseboats in the Boston area available to rent. With this site you have the option of finding a place to stay near the water without having to pay the big bucks required for most waterfront hotels. You’ll still be waking up seaside, and who says you can’t make yourself a Daiquiri? If the idea of waves lulling you to sleep makes you sick, there are tons of apartments and houses available to sublet for a week. Although off-campus students already have access to an apartment, you may still want to look around for another place for a week. You can get a nice change of scenery to really get that vacation experience. To kick off your search try www.airbnb.com. Unlike atypical travel search engines, airbnb.com provides you with houses and apartments to rent for a limited time rather than spending your money on costly hotels. This offers you a perfect opportunity to gather a great group of friends and enjoy complete independence for a week. Look at nearby towns that your can access by train or Zip Car to make your break feel even more like a vacation. If you’re looking for a Euro style Spring Break, try Hosteling International-Boston (HI-Boston). Located right around the block from Emerson’s campus, HI-Boston is a luxurious hostel offering clean and affordable shared accommodations. For just $29.99 a night, you can reserve a bed in one of their rooms. If you stay in HI-Boston, you have the opportunity to take a free tour of the city and participate in numerous other HI-Boston sponsored events for guests of the hostel. It’s a great chance to meet fellow explorers like yourself and experience Boston from a different perspective. You’ll most likely be surrounded by Europeans, so make friends and plan ahead for next year!
WHAT TO DO: We occupy the streets of Boston for eight months out of the year, but unfortunately, we’re a bit too busy running from classes to meetings to explore all that Boston has to offer. So take this break to explore the streets of Boston. To start, head over to Charlestown and explore the Bunker Hill Monument. This wartime monument boasts the best Boston skyline views in the city, but you will have to climb 294 steps to get there. When you reach the top you may be a winded, but the view will be worth it. The tourist destinations may not be to everyone’s liking. Instead, you may want to relax with a drink in hand. Luckily, Boston has plenty of free options to quench your thirst. To start, try hitting up the local breweries like the Sam Adams Brewery and the Harpoon Brewery. The two offer tours and tastings to provide you with an inside look at how their tasty beers are made. If beer isn’t your drink of choice you can still treat yourself with some free wine here in Boston. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Coolidge Corner Wine and Spirits offers free wine tastings! For a total relaxation vacation, unwind at Shambahala for a meditation retreat. Located in Brookline, this meditation area offers countless programs to help you clear your mind and reach your Zen. Some programs, with a suggested donation of $5, include a weekly LGBT meditation group and Buddhist inspired meditation sessions. For more information on classes and programs to help clear your mind from all your mid-semester stress, head to www.boston.shambhala.org. You’ll find everything you need to know to help you unwind this break. This Spring Break may not look exactly like the ones on MTV, but with these tips, your break will certainly be memorable. Whether you are an on-campus or off-campus student, Boston offers tons of budget friendly lodging opportunities to help you really “get away.” And with all the free activities, you’ll have a busy week that your bank account won’t mind a bit! So go out and explore this beautiful city of ours. Even without the beaches and bikinis, it might turn out to be your best Spring Break yet.
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THAT’S HOT
(chocolate)
Text // Victoria Hulbert Photography // Stephanie Fishbein
With the spring semester in full force, you’re busy and freezing and probably wondering why the heck you didn’t go to school in Hawaii. Take a break! Boston is chock full of delicious destinations to cool your jets and warm up. The one’s you’ll find below share a common theme: amazing hot chocolate. So gather your friends, strap on your snow boots, and zip up your coat. Believe us, it’s worth it. Your first stop is LA Burdick, located both at 220 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA (between Boylston and Newbury) and at 52 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA (in Harvard Square). LA Burdick is well known as one of Boston’s luxurious chocolate shops. Burdick’s popularity usually results in a crowd, forcing customers to evil eye their way into one of the French style seats. Mirrors line the walls behind the seating area and most of the store is taken up by a large display of chocolate. The crowd pleaser at LA Burdick is without a doubt their dark chocolate hot chocolate. It’s rich and slightly bitter, with just enough milk to make it drinkable. That said, you might want to grab a Macaroon to cleanse your palate so you don’t gulp it all at once! The prices are moderate at around $3.95 for a small. Your next stop is Max Brenner, located at 745 Boylston Street in the Back Bay. Unlike the café vibe at the other hot chocolate joints, Max Brenner is actually a restaurant with a lengthy menu that seems to incorporate chocolate into everything. The ambiance is great for all ages and the smell of wafting chocolate greets you at the door. The prices are expensive, even for Back Bay, with hot chocolates averaging at around $6. However, the variety of chocolaty beverages is what will keep you coming again and again. Max Brenner boasts around 8 different very rich hot chocolate flavors including Spicy Mexican hot chocolate, milk chocolate marshmallow hot chocolate, hot chocolate with malted chocolate balls, and Salted Caramel hot chocolate. What a mouthful!
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YOUR features
Next on the map is The Thinking Cup, located at 165 Tremont Street (just down the street from Emerson College) and now also at 236 Hanover Street (in the North End). The Thinking Cup is the epitome of a downtown café. Students line the counters working on laptops or reading dusty books through horn-rimmed glasses as couples and groups of friends chat loudly at the surrounding tables between sips from large mugs. Unlike the previous hot chocolatiers, The Thinking Cup only has a few options for hot chocolate, the French Hot Chocolate being the most popular. Behind the counter, you can see it churning decadently in the traditional glass vessel. Its warm, sweet goodness tastes like thick fondue dipping chocolate and is extremely rich. At $5 for a small, the Thinking Cup’s chocolate price may seem expensive, but if you’ve tried it, you know its worth just about anything. Finally, Flour Bakery is located at 12 Farnsworth Street near the Boston waterfront and also at 1595 Washington Street in the South End and 190 Massachusetts Ave in
Cambridge around Kendall/MIT, with a new location opening in the Back Bay soon! Flour was made famous on FoodTV’s “Throwdown with Bobby Flay.” In one episode, Bobby Flay challenges Joanne Chang, owner of Flour Bakery, to a “sticky bun throwdown.” Naturally, Chang’s delicious (and addictive!) sticky buns win. In addition to an award winning array of pastries, Flour Bakery also boasts great gluten-free and vegetarian lunch options and of course, hot chocolate. Made with chocolate ganache and steamed with the milk of your choice, it has a thick chocolate taste but isn’t teeth-breaking sweet. Flour is generally packed during the early morning and lunchtime rush hours so plan accordingly. Hot Chocolate is as much a part of winter as the snow and your new (or tried and tested) coat. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, or have even just been aching to get out and explore your city, check our Your Magazine’s best hot chocolate suggestions! The gym can wait.
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weekend warriors Text // Emily Tannenbaum
So it’s the weekend. Time to hop on the B line for forty-five minutes and head to Allston for somebody’s (probably an unspecified Senior’s) themed party. And even if it’s not BYOB, you’ll wish you had brought your own, seeing as you’ll be paying five dollars and your only options are a cup of warm-as-piss PBR or watered down mixture of OJ, vodka, and some other juice (cleverly advertised as “Jungle Juice”)…oh wait, they’re already out of that. So why not skip the whole disappointing cycle that will undoubtedly end with a twenty-dollar cab ride home and try something a bit more rewarding? Your Magazine has five other great ways to spend your weekend! Don’t worry; the cops would’ve busted that ABC party by 11:30 anyway.
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YOUR features
For the Movie Buff - @fter Midnight at the Coolidge Corner Theatre – Here’s a place you can go to give yourself nightmares every Friday and Saturday night. For $9.50 you can catch an old cult classic, like Carrie (playing March 8th and 9th). They also host regular showings of everyone’s favorite terrible movie, The Room. Don’t forget your plastic spoons!
| 290 Harvard St., Brookline | 617-734-2501 | coolidge.org |
For the Sports Fan, Braniac, and General Fact Lover - Thirsty Thursday Trivia at T’s Pub – Beginning at 8 pm on Thursday nights, grab a few drinks and test your knowledge at T’s Pub. Put that liberal arts education to some good use! Themes vary based on the night, so plan accordingly.
| 973 Commonwealth Ave., Boston | 617-254-2557 | tspub.org |
For the Foodie - Cooking Class at Stir – Chef Barbara Lynch, Wine Director Cat Silirie, and their team teach classes helping novices and experts alike tackle basic to exotic cuisines and develop a taste for the perfect wine/spirit companion. Though an outing on the pricier side, (each class costs roughly $145), you will walk away with a full stomach and the knowledge to help you leave the meal plan behind for good.
| 102 Waltham St., Boston | 617-423-7847 | stirboston.com |
For the Health Conscious – Blacklight Hip Hop Yoga at Back Bay Yoga Studio – At raves, everyone’s wearing neon, covered in sweat and surrounded by loud music. Well this is just like that (minus the substance abuse) plus a workout you wouldn’t believe! Friday drop in classes are only $15. And the best part? This rave makes you feel great the next morning!
| 364 Boylston St. 2nd Floor, Boston | 617-375-9642 | backbayyoga.com |
For the Fun Lover – The Mainstage Show at Improv Asylum – Laugh your head off any Thursday, Friday, or Saturday at a show that mixes the styles of Whose Line is it Anyway and Saturday Night Live. For $20-$25 witness and participate at one of the funniest comedy clubs in Boston.
| 216 Hanover St., Boston | 617-263-6887 | improvasylum.com |
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FILM: side effects and the career of steven SODERBERGH text // Charles Nash Steven Soderbergh might be the most eclectic American filmmaker working today. Whether he’s crafting a Hollywood blockbuster such as Ocean’s Eleven, or a small, independent gem like The Limey, his passion for the art of cinema is always on display. He’s mainly known as a director, but Soderbergh is also a highly established screenwriter, cinematographer, editor and producer, which, in my opinion, makes the man a prominent film auteur. His latest movie, Side Effects, a thriller that focuses on the consumption of prescription drugs, will be released on February 13th. It stars Rooney Mara (last seen in her Oscar-nominated portrayal of Lisbeth Salander in David Fincher’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), who plays Emily Taylor; a young woman who starts taking medication in order to help with her anxiety after her husband (Channing Tatum) is released from prison. Eventually, this seemingly normal scenario transforms into a chilling murder mystery, where Emily becomes the primary suspect and the authorities begin to interrogate her psychiatrist played by Jude Law. The movie is written by Scott Z. Burns, and it’s the third screenplay he’s composed for a Soderbergh film (the other two being The Informant! and Contagion). Due to his highly ambitious and idiosyncratic work, Steven Soderbergh has become one of my favorite contemporary directors. Therefore, in preparation for the release of Side Effects, as well as Behind the Candelabra, a Liberace biopic (starring Michael Douglas!) which will premiere on HBO later this year, I thought that it would be fun to look back upon my three favorite movies that he’s made. Each one of these films is an electrifying accomplishment, defining Soderbergh as one of the most acclaimed cinematic artists of the past few decades.
sex, lies, and videotape Not only was this Soderbergh’s feature film debut, but also one of the best movies that he’s ever made, immediately launching his career into the Hollywood spotlight. It won the Palme d’Or award at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival, as well as the audience award at the 1989 Sundance Film Festival, and was renowned for being one of the most significantly influential films within the rise of independent cinema during the 1990’s. Andie MacDowell plays Ann Bishop Mullany, a sexually frustrated woman who’s stuck in a hopeless marriage with her husband, John (played by Peter Gallagher) who unbeknownst to her, is having an affair with her promiscuous sister, Cynthia (Laura San Giacomo). However, when John’s old friend from college named Graham Dalton (James Spader, who won the Best Actor award at Cannes) comes to visit for a few days, he reveals a salacious secret to each of the three characters, forever changing the ways that they interact with one another as well as how they perceive sex as a form of intimacy. It’s a brilliantly acted, excellently written, and sinfully dazzling piece of filmmaking that’s as scandalously entertaining as it is disturbingly insightful on the nature of human sexuality.
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YOUR arts & entertainment
traffic Soderbergh won an Academy Award for Best Director for this epic, poltically-charged and devastatingly insightful drama that examines the war on drugs from several points of view. In Washington D.C., the newly appointed drug Czar, Robert Wakefield (brilliantly played by Michael Douglas) is so wrapped up in his job that he can’t even see that his daughter is addicted to heroin. A pregnant housewife living in San Diego named Helena Ayala (a terrific Catherine Zeta-Jones) has her life turned upside down when the DEA raids her home and arrests her husband, whom she is shocked to discover is an infamous drug lord. Then in Mexico, a cop by the name of Javier Rodriguez (Benicio Del Toro, in a phenomenal, Oscar-winning performance) learns that his boss’s motives to wipe out the Tijuana cartel might actually be for his own corrupt purposes to control the war on drugs. Each one of these stories is potent enough to carry their own movie, but as they play out by interweaving with one another, they not only become more engrossing, but more powerfully convey the overall theme of the film. By presenting the war on drugs as a battle that can never be won, Soderbergh displays how it is only resulting in more crime, more violence and more ethically questionable tactics in hopes of leading to victory, in which we even begin to target the people that we love. In my opinion, it’s Soderbergh’s masterpiece; the most important, hard-hitting film of his career that has become even more relevant over time, which is what makes it such a vital work of art.
out of sight One of the best films of the 1990’s; a smart, sexy and wickedly funny crime thriller featuring one of the most sizzling romances ever portrayed on screen. Based on the novel by Elmore Leonard, it stars George Clooney as Jack Foley, a man who’s robbed so many banks that he’s actually lost count of how many heists he’s pulled off. During an escape from a prison in Florida, Jack and his partner-in-crime, Buddy (Ving Rhames) take a woman hostage, who happens to be a Federal Marshal named Karen Sisco (played by Jennifer Lopez, in the best performance of her career). While Jack and Karen only converse for a few minutes in the trunk of a car before Karen manages to escape, the two of them become infatuated with one another, and their attraction only continues to grow stronger as their game of cat-and-mouse becomes more chaotic and intense. Out of Sight is the best Tarantino movie that Tarantino never made, with crackling dialogue, strong characters, a deliciously dark sense of humor, shocking bursts of violence and one of the most stimulating cinematic portrayals of forbidden love that I’ve ever seen. Bottom line: this film is pure dynamite.
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the return of GIRLS Text // Regina Mogilevskaya What do you do when one of your best friends gets married on a lavish whim, you royally piss off your boyfriend at the wedding (causing him to step into the street and get lightly hit by an oncoming car), get lost and mugged on the subway, and somehow end up in the middle of Coney Island with only some leftover wedding cake wrapped in tinfoil to keep you company? Obviously, you plop yourself down on the sand and eat it, not so daintily licking the vanilla frosting from your fingers as the waves of the Atlantic leer and mock you. This is where we last saw Hanna Horvath, the charming, albeit selfobsessed, protagonist in HBO’s acclaimed series Girls. The series, which is written and directed by 26-year-old actress and comedian Lena Dunham, first premiered back in April 15th and immediately picked up a cult following. It also ignited new fire in the ever-ongoing cultural conversation on the role of women in television. If you read entertainment websites (or rather, the comments on entertainment websites) it’ll be made clear, rather quickly, that in her short career span, Dunham’s already made a ton of enemies. Why? Apparently, for being damn good at what she does. Dunham receives generous flack for coming from a well-connected family; her mother is famed photographer Laurie Simmons while her father, Carroll Dunham, is also a prominent artist. Yet when Judd Apatow reached out to Dunham after seeing her premiere film, Tiny Furniture at SXSW, which apparently made him cry as much as it made him laugh, it was Dunham he was reaching out to, not her parents. When the two ended up meeting for a drink, Apatow immediately clicked with Dunham’s inspiration for Girls, and helped her pitch it to HBO, coming on to the show as an executive producer. The rest, as they say, is history. The premise of Girls follows four women in their mid-twenties across their emotional, sexual, and social adventures in New York, has since been nominated for four Emmy’s and countless other awards, namely for writing and casting. Critics haven’t hesitated in vocalizing their feelings as well: the show doesn’t feature enough minorities, all four actresses come from
established wealthy families, even that the show is crude and distasteful in its portrayal of nudity and sex, when in fact, Dunham’s dedication to writing and producing stories that ring so incredibly true is exactly the shoulders upon which Girls stands proud and tall on. Dunham’s brightest spark of talent comes in the non-sugar coated way she presents the lives of both men and women in their mid-twenties. Believe it or not, some of us do NOT have the figures that young women in shows like Gossip Girl and Beverly Hills 90210, even New Girl have. We have real bodies, with rolls of skin and tattoos and scars. We sometimes have sex with people and only pretend to enjoy it, because we’re 21 years old and that’s what we’re supposed to be doing when in reality no one knows what the heck is going on. We take drugs and have bad reactions, we beg our parents for money, we attach to others, we get bored too easily and refuse to do something about it because we scare easy, too. And mostly, we’re just confused. Every last one of us, for the most part. Dunham and her team tap into this generation with unprecedented sharpness, wit, honesty, and humor. Seeing as how the first season came out last month on DVD, complete with plenty of supplemental commentary and special features, you can bet (cash monay’s) that every devoted Girls fan out there is cooped up in her bedroom, laptops cradled in their lap, hanging on to every word out of Dunham’s mouth. And do we blame them? Absolutely not! With the second season having premiered premiere on January 13th, it’s understandably imperative for fans to prepare themselves for what’s to come. The minute and a half long trailer that HBO released about a month ago spurred on more questions than it did answers, however, with Ellie Goulding cheering us on in the background. Though the lives of each and every girl seems to be more unhinged than ever, between broken relationships, half-hazard living situations, and generally rocky road maps leading towards that gallant ball of light we call the future, here’s to hoping that they brilliantly continue “almost kind of getting it together.” See ya in Greenpoint!
We’re just confused.
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YOUR arts & entertainment
REVIEW
Text // C. Streit
Beginning with the rise of CNN, personal computers and the Internet and finishing with Madonna’s iconic conical-bra corset, I suppose the 80s was a period that started with such promise and ended with shock. All jokes aside for a second, it is incredible to not only fathom the quantity but also the magnitude of events that took place during this period. For example, in the art world, it represented the rise of postmodernism and the time when photography began to challenge painting and sculpture. Socially, the toll of the AIDS/HIV crisis was at its highest and colored, female, and gay artists actively sought an end to cultural hegemony. Politically, it began with the rise of the hostage crisis at the American Embassy in Iran and ended with the fall of the Berlin Wall, the crash of Wall Street and the Reagan-Thatcher era. This Will Have Been: Art, Love & Politics in the 1980s is one of the latest exhibitions now on display in The Institute of Contemporary Art. Originally organized by the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, this multimedia exhibition showcases work created between 1979 and 1992. Aiming to re-examine a decade where “the art world navigated a series of ruptures that permanently changed its character” (ICA). As a result of the monstrous scale and importance of events during the 80s, the exhibition is divided into 4 overlapping sections: The End is Near, Democracy, Gender Trouble, and Desire and Longing. In each section, pieces not only vary in medium but in their purpose. Many works are art for art’s sake, while others, as the section titles suggest, depict direct and deliberate responses to various crisis’s and social issues. Of the numerous pieces showcased, there are two that are particularly important when considering the art of the 80s. The first is Gran Fury’s “Kissing Doesn’t Kill: Greed and Indifference Do” (1989). This piece originally functioned as a bus campaign in Chicago, aiming to combat and challenge the fear of HIV/AIDS. Such work highlights the importance of how public spaces, such as the street, became areas that “facilitate[d] encounters with art outside of the rarified space of the museum” (MCA, Chicago) to broadcast
messages to the masses. This can also be seen with the emergence of graffiti and poster art. The second piece worth noting is Jeff Koons “Rabbit” (1986), considered to be one of the most noted works of the 80s. The piece depicts a commercial cheap toy (an inflated cartoon bunny) cast in mirror-bright stainless steel. The futurist approach of the rabbit allows the piece to exude a polished modernism, which perhaps Koons aimed to parallel to the 80s, a time that represented the anchoring and rooting of modernity in society. Other noted artists and art collectives featured in the exhibition include: Basquiat, Heilmann, Mapplethorpe, Richter, Sherman the Guerrilla Girls and international artists such as: Oehlen and Kippenberger. Though perhaps not as powerful as the 60s, the 80s were just as instrumental in creating political and social change. It was during the rise of this decade that there was a great opening of information and the world to the individual. Whether or not you feel strongly connected to this period, it cannot be denied that This Will Have Been: Art, Love & Politics in the 1980s will leave you energized, creatively, socially and politically, and more open to the belief that art can serve as a catalyst for political and social change.
SUMMARY
WHAT: This Will Have Been: Art, Love & Politics in the 1980s WHERE: West Gallery, Institute of Contemporary Art WHEN: Current — March 3rd, 2013 ADMISSION: Free (with Emerson ID)
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I can hear the HEART BEATING as one: why yo la tengo’s fade is the first great record of 2013 Text // Miles Bowe I love romance when it comes to rock music, a lot of us do. We obsess over the idea of the rock music romance, two artists that have decided to start a relationship, and that biggest example of all: the front couple. The term (which I have just decided to coin, so hands off!) refers to those special bands that included two people that are not just band mates, but life mates as well. The universality of that adds a whole extra level of personal connection for fans and a kind of humanity for musicians that we can often mythologize. Arcade Fire turn into that super intense arty couple, The White Stripes were the exes that remained great friends, Jay-Z and Beyonce become our super popular prom king and queen, Wavves and Best Coast are those two people who sucked, found each other, and now suck even more…but together. C’mon it’s sweet! I’m being silly, but there’s really something to it, and I’ll prove it. When you ask your average indie music fan to think of their definitive music couple most would probably have started talking about Sonic Youth with the kind of emotional investment you’d reserve for your closest friends. When Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore announced they were ending their marriage, people were incredibly upset. People weren’t worried about one of the greatest working bands potentially calling it quits, it ran deeper than that, it was like hearing your best friends were breaking up. One news article I remember reading even ended with the writer bluntly saying, “I don’t believe in love anymore,” and it didn’t seem like they were joking. We care about these relationships in a way that isn’t just voyeuristic, but very human and very natural. Of all those relationships the sweetest one might be Ira Kaplan and Georgia Hubley of Yo La Tengo. Other than being able to rock out really fucking loud, they write love songs better than almost anyone. A love song is something that you project yourself into; when “Maybe I’m Amazed” comes on the radio it doesn’t matter that Paul McCartney
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dedicated it to Linda, because it’s about whoever amazes you. The genius of Ira and Georgia is that their love songs sound like they are meant for each other and no one else. The intimacy in their music runs so deep that they allow us to forget ourselves briefly. That might be the reason why Yo La Tengo’s new album (their 13th) Fade is the first great album of 2013. “Ohm,” the stunning opener delivers the kind of hazy, steadily chugging pop that reminds you how important Yo La Tengo is to groups like Real Estate and Beach Fossils except for the burning guitar freakout floating over it. Following that is a trio of perfect love songs that really define Fade. On “Is That Enough?” Kaplan quietly sings to Hubley “And all that matters for me is you,” as strings accent the easy going guitar riff. “Well You Better,” is short, flirty and funny in that quiet, gentle way the band has done so well over the decades. The second half of the album opens with the wistful “I’ll Be Around,” and gives us two Georgia led tracks near the end of the album. First comes “Cornelia and Jane,” with Hubley’s vocal melody which feels both soaring and heartbreaking, and the closing “Before We Run,” which bookends with the equally lengthy opener “Ohm.” Hubley sounds typically laid back on the closer, but the song is triumphant as strings and horns all come together in an extremely satisfying ending. Our favorite music couples can help us make sense of relationships in the same way that music helps us reflect on every aspect of our lives. If Sonic Youth had everyone’s favorite couple, Yo La Tengo has a couple where you say, “I hope I have that someday.” Some people complain about Yo La Tengo for not surprising them anymore and their nickname as “the ultimate critic’s band” always seemed to me like it had an insulting undertone to it. So for what it’s worth, Fade surprised me. If a band gets to the unlucky 13 in their discography you know they’re doing something right, and this album sounds like a great anniversary party.
YOUR arts & entertainment
february VIDEO GAMES Text // Nick Johnston
METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE (PS3, 360)
Let's just get this out of the way: man, that's an impossibly stupid post-colon subtitle. Before I get into the specifics of this game, let me just make a plea to all the executives, regardless of the medium, who are currently sitting in an office somewhere thinking of adding a completely unnecessary title to a perfect one: stop. Please, please stop. There's nothing that makes you look more out of touch (see: the addition of the word "Redemption" to the title of the amazing kung-fu flick THE RAID) or like a bunch of idiots (see: the colon-less title of STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS) than this. Anyways, this is a pseudo-prequel-sequelsqueakuel to METAL GEAR SOLID 4, starring the dude you hated playing as in METAL GEAR SOLID 2, Raiden. Don't worry, though! He's cool now. The game itself looks like a boatload of good times: imagine a controller-based FRUIT NINJA with a stealth element, and all the fun that could be had slicing-and-dicing bad guys into itty-bitty pieces with a katana. The Hideo Koijima weirdness is in full effect, and the dudes who made BAYONETTA helped to whip this into shape. (February 19th)
RAYMAN: LEGENDS (Wii U)
I’ve actually been enjoying my time with the Wii U recently (my girlfriend, having been swayed by the combination of a new SCRIBBLENAUTS game and a new RAYMAN game, bought one around Christmas), despite an incredible amount of problems (the operating system might be the worst thing that’s ever been released on a modern video game console). It’s incredibly fun to play with, and not just in the pedantic fashion that the Wii was very famous for being. I’ve sunk about 20 hours over the course of my week with the console in NEW SUPER MARIO BROS U, and I’ve loved every second of it. The controller is incredibly easy to use and comfortable to hold, and the split-screen isn’t nearly as distracting as I thought it would be. The RAYMAN: LEGENDS demo is, of course, the only playable one at the Wii U displays in stores like Gamestop, and I’ve never cared enough to pay attention to the series, aside from hating those fucking Rabbits about as much as anybody else. Encouraged by my girlfriend, I gave it a try and found myself really loving the design and the flow of the game. It’s the only game that I’ve been able to play so far that had any functional motion control (I’m still hoping to play ZOMBIU once it hits Redbox), and I found it to work really well, even if the motions weren’t exactly intuitive. I’d be hard pressed to find anything I hated about it. Well, I mean, the music-based level where you play along to the beat of “Black Betty” was a little bit too much, but it worked, honestly. I put this here mainly because I’m excited to see where the Wii U goes. Much like the protagonist of this game, the Wii U’s a weird little fella that might actually have some sort of greatness hidden within it. (February 26th)
SLY COOPER: THIEVES IN TIME (PS3, PS Vita)
HOLY SHIT! I just found out about this while researching the specific dates that these games are being released on. The SLY COOPER series is particularly beloved around these parts (I’ve personally witnessed fellow staff writer Miles Bowe marathoning the third game), but, for some reason, I thought it was a relic. I’m not going to ask you to sit on my lap or anything, but once upon a time, SLY COOPER was believed to be the SUPER MARIO BROS. of the PS2. People really loved it, and I thought its time was permanently past us. I mean, I know they released a box set of the games that had been graphically updated for this generation of consoles, but I just thought the developer, Naughty Dog, had moved on to greener pastures (can I just mention that I’m impossibly excited for THE LAST OF US?). And, well, they did: new developers Sanzaru Games have taken over the reigns, and this gives me a tiny bit of pause. Even if it’s not as great as the last one, it still proves that there’s a sizable demand for more of these wonderfully stylized games. (February 5th)
the playlist:
FEBRUARY FEELS Text // A&E Staff
If February were a Henry Selick stop-motion animated movie, it probably would be James and the Giant Peach. I mean, good lord, have you watched that movie recently? It’s on Netflix Instant. We can wait. Much like February, it’s full of contradictions: James is impossibly sad, while remaining ridiculously hilarious; beautiful to look at, but full of small horrors within the visuals; and perfect for children while being absolutely terrible for them to watch. So, instead of trying to put one specific label on February, we just did our best to sum up all of the emotions that go into the month itself. We all hope you have a lovely one!
1. The Replacements, “I Will Dare” 2. David Bowie, “Where Are We Now?” 3. Willow Smith, “Sugar and Spice” 4. The Magnetic Fields, “The Luckiest Guy on the Lower East Side” 5. Jens Lekman, “She Just Doesn’t Want to Be With You Anymore” 6. The Supremes, “Love Child” 7. The Men, “Electric” 8. Kanye West, “Devil in a New Dress” 9. Dum Dum Girls, “Bedroom Eyes” 10. Carmen Villain, “Lifeissin” 11. John Legend, “Who Did That To You?” 12. Yo La Tengo, “Ohm” 13. Marvin Gaye, “If I Should Die Tonight” 14. Kendrick Lamar, “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst” 15. Chromatics, “Ceremony” 16. Cassis Orange, “Still No Home” 17. Jessi Ware, “110%” 18. Frank Ocean, “Pyramids” 19. Rick Ross, “3 Kings” 20. Night Beds, “Ramona” 21. Destiny’s Child, “Nuclear” 22. The Four Tops, “I Can’t Help Myself” 23. Cut Copy, “Need You Now” 24. Outkast, “Ms. Jackson” 25. Jim James, “A New Life” 26. Twin Shadow, “Be Mine Tonight” 27. The Smiths, “Ask” 28. The Contours, “Do You Love Me?”
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