Your Magazine Vol. 3 Issue 1: September 2013

September 2013

welcome to boston:

A photo guide to the city for first time explorers and those rediscovering

Volume 3 Issue 1

The Call of the Wild:

Bearstronaut talks starting out, their new album, and their journey to Boston Calling

tips for freshmen: Emerson sophomores share their wisdom on surviving freshman year

from the Editors It’s good to be home. Emerson has been my home for the past three years and Your Mag my family for the past two. With no other group of people can I be my crazy, noise making, face pulling self. To think this will be my last semester at home with my family is terrifying. I wish I could just work with this amazingly talented group of people forever. But as they say, ‘out with the old, in with the new.’ So welcome newbies, this issue’s for you. Check out our featured band, Bearstronaut and our eight-page spread dedicated to Boston’s coolest landmarks. And give a big welcome to our new Asst.

Editor-in-Chief, Claudia Mak. From Romance Editor to up-and-coming E-I-C, I can’t wait to see what you

Emily

bring to the table this semester and beyond. Now take it away-Hello everybody! I am back from my European hiatus and ready to dedicate my heart and soul to my favorite activity on campus, Your Mag. I have been with this magazine from the very beginning and it has become my little love child and an integral part of my Emerson existence. I am going to learn all I can from our lovely Editor-in-Chief, Emily, so I can carry on our legacy! We’re ringing in the new school year with a September issue featuring tons of Boston/Emersoncentric content. So read on and explore this remarkable city you choose to call home… even if you’ve already been here for three years.

Love Always,

Emily Tannenbaum Editor-in-Chief

Claudia CLAUDIA MAK Assistant Editor-in-Chief

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YOUR MAGAZINE Volume 3 Issue 1 • September 2013 Emily Tannenbaum Editor-in-Chief CLAUDIA MAK Assistant Editor-in-Chief

ELijah Clark ginsberg Creative Director

olivia jacobini Managing Editor

BEKAH SKOPIL Design Director

STEPHANIE FISHBEIN Photo Director

Daniel lemar Romance Editor

valeria navaro Style Editor

Sienna mintz Living Editor

Cedrine streit A&E Editor

DINESH MOHNANI & TUBAO NGUYEN Head Stylist

caitlyn budnick Head Copy Editor

Melanie mcfayden Marketing Director

Megan Tripp & maddie billis Blog Editors

Chen xu & hannah perrin YMtv Directors

Layout Designers madison fishman, david galinato, megan tripp, olivia martiniello

Copyeditors devan norman, morgan metz, janella angeles, megan tripp, jacquelyn marr, madeline bilis

Marketing elise mesa, jamie iannace, manisha tolani, kinsey minschke, rebecca fluhr, kelsey johnson, tracy parco, lia brouillard, camila oriol, brianna martinielli

YMtv amanda gomez, lindsay gualtieri, ashley juranich, terrena scannell, meghin hewitt, rory mccann, william vickroy, stephanie pumilia, jaime toscano, alexanrda james, tatiana ochoa

EDITORIAL CREDITS: Pinky Otto 156 Newbury St. Boston, MA 617-236-1238.

Madewell 329 Newbury St. Boston, MA 617-424-0904.

Club Monaco 800 Boylston St. Boston, MA 617-262-2658.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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ROMANCE

8 Struggle and the City by Hilton Dresden 10 The Talk by Shannon Dwyer & Asta Tall 11 Sex Shopping 101 by Vikki Berexovkskaya 12 Howaboutwe: Your New Dating Site by Danny Lemar 14 Bye Bye Summer Lovin’ by Brielle Sullivan

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STYLE

16 What We Covet 26 Pre-Fall 2013 Trends by Kelsey Drain & Dinesh Mohani 28 Fall Drug Store Buys by Mollie Coyne 30 DIY: Room Decor by Emy LaCroix 32 A Local Treasure by Andrea Palagi

LIVING

36 A Change You Can Taste by Matt Mullen 40 Waterworks: The Charles River Gets a Makeover by Madeline Billis 42 Rock Out Roundup by Gina Brindisi 44 Herbivore Heaven by Sienna Mintz

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

50 Upcoming TV Shows by Emily Tannenbaum 52 NOS4A2 by Emily Tannenbaum 53 Paradise Fears “Battle Scars” by Tori Mier 54 The Lime Green Icicle Tower by Cedrine Streit 56 September Playlist

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FEATURED

6 Now Defeated: DOMA!

by Michael Mahin & Hannah Perrin

18 Welcome to Boston 36 Tips for Freshmen

by Victoria Hulbert

46 Boston’s Band: Bearstronaut

by Claudia Mak

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now DEFEATED: doma

text by michael mahin & hannah perrin photo by rory mccann models: taylor schiavitti & pauline hevia

DOMA has been defeated, but what happens next?

In a year during which LGBT rights seem, finally, to be at the front of our nation's public consciousness, the recent defeat of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) remains a particularly defining moment for a movement dedicated to the fight for equal rights for all American citizens. Many same-sex couples have rejoiced, and even married, in the aftermath of a historic win for the LGBT movement and its supporters.

DOMA was enacted in 1996 and effectively barred the federal government from recognizing samesex marriages that were granted under the laws of states that had legalized these marriages. Seen by many as an oppressive attempt to ban same-sex marriage on federal and state levels, the law was widely contested, even by those who had helped to put DOMA into action (including President Clinton, who signed it into law in 1996, only to later call for the law’s repeal). The Obama administration has been an outspoken critic of the law since 2011, when it concluded that Unit 3, which accorded that same-sex couples could not be considered “spouses” so as not to receive federal marriage benefits, was unconstitutional. The administration was forced to uphold the law but claimed they no longer would defend it in court, setting some progress into SEPTEMBER 2013

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motion while, unfortunately, not tackling the law’s statutes.

It took a few years but the discriminatory – and controversial – law known as DOMA finally prompted definitive action. The

favor of deciding that the Unit was, in fact, unconstitutional, showing a marginal, if increasingly progressive, favor towards recognition of gay and lesbian rights.

Justice Anthony Kennedy, who

Supreme Court ruled on June 26th, 2013 that Unit 3 of the law was unconstitutional, thereby stripping the law of its power to deny federal marriage benefits to same-sex couples and setting a new precedent for the recognition of same-sex couples. The Court ruled 5-4 in

delivered the majority opinion, had this to say about the monumental decision: "The federal statute is invalid, for no legitimate purpose overcomes the purpose and effect to disparage and to injure those whom the State, by its marriage laws, sought to protect in personhood and dignity.

By seeking to displace this protection and treating those persons as living in marriages less respected than others, the federal statute is in violation of the Fifth Amendment.

Numerous celebrities and politicians took to social media to express their overwhelming support for the “Death of DOMA”, including television talk show host and outspoken gay-rights supporter Ellen DeGeneres who wrote on Twitter: "It's a supremely wonderful day for equality. Prop 8 is over, and so is DOMA. Congratulations everyone. And I mean everyone."

Not least of all was President Barack Obama, whose twitter account read: “Today's DOMA ruling is a historic step forward for #MarriageEquality. #LoveIsLove.”

Though a historic moment for the LGBT movement, the DOMA ruling was seen by some as only a small step towards equality for all

American citizens. Earlier that day, the Supreme Court effectively struck down the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by a 5-to-4 vote, thus allowing many of the southern states to change their

“Marriage equality is a step that so many couples have been waiting far too long to achieve.” voting laws without federal approval.

Though explained by the Court as a necessary change for a decidedly less discriminatory political climate, many have still viewed the ruling as a step backwards for our country and its supposed commitment to the equal voting rights among all of America.

Dana Nurse, Co-President of

EAGLE, had to this to say about the DOMA ruling in light of the Voting Act’s earlier defeat: "As a lesbian, I am extremely excited about DOMA being repealed. Marriage equality is a step that so many couples have been waiting far too long to achieve.

However, as a black person, the disappointment I felt at the SCOTUS ruling voided any happiness I felt. Just hours before DOMA was eradicated, the voting rights of many black people were stripped. I am tired of having to choose between my identities on a daily basis. The day I can be both black and gay, I will celebrate."

Though DOMA remains a triumph for the LGBT movement and the increasingly supportive American public, it is important to remember that our country still has a ways to go. It’s a long road towards equality, but the recent defeat of DOMA has shown that the necessary steps are finally being taken.

ROMANCE REACTS Danny LeMar, Editor: “I am so happy for friends, strangers, and myself. I know that there is still a long journey ahead for all oppressed people, but this heads us in the right Mollie Coyne, staff writer: direction. I hope that our country “I believe that this is not only an will always keep moving forward.” incredibly huge achievement for the LGBT community, but for every Brielle Sullivan, staff writer: single American citizen. This proves “Love is love and marriage is that we can still make a difference marriage. Same-sex couples deserve and earn the rights we deserve. the same rights other couples get I’m glad the Supreme Court has when married. The important aspect finally recognized that the right of about marriage is to have love, and it marriage should be given to each should not be about gender.” and every couple, regardless of what sex they are. Love is love, and that’s all it should be.”

Hilton Dresden, staff writer: “So happy DOMA is defeated!

Nick Jonas and I will be having an October wedding!!”

Kristine Ustas, staff writer: “We need to continue to push our government to recognize that major changes in equality need to be made. If we are loud enough, as history shows, they will eventually be met. As a country that prides itself on being a leader in the world, I only hope the repeal of DOMA sheds a light to governments of other countries to rethink their own perspective of equality. Educating our communities to understand the implications of laws like DOMA is the key to gaining support.”

Shannon Dwyer, staff writer: “Great job, America! How can I get an invite to Neil Patrick Harris’s wedding?”

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Struggle in the city

text by hilton dresden photo by mimi vecchione

Me: Hey there! Remember me? | Boy at club: Um… No, sorry.

Me: You don’t? We met at that party a few weeks ago. We talked about which Girls characters we were. | Boy: Sorry.

Me: (pretending to be very drunk) Well I have to go. Can I have a goodnight kiss?

Boy: No, I don’t do that. | Me: Oh. (walks away sheepishly) What you have just read is a (sadly) true example of a single guy struggling to find romance in the oft cold, uninviting nightlife scene of the city of Boston. In today’s party world, even something as simple as a kiss can be hard to come by for a scrawny young gay man with standards such as myself, along with (I hope) countless other college romantics. Maybe that’s just me. But if you happen to be reading this article and find yourself equally kiss-deprived, you may now breathe a little easier. I come to you today bearing gifts of wisdom, mostly of where not to go if seeking a sexy make out session with a sensitive but strong med student/male model. What I can give you today is some advice on where you should go in Boston if, like me, your Netflix isn’t working so you want to go out and get kissed.

Let’s start with the obvious: Machine Nightclub.

Located at 1254 Boylston, Machine is a bit of a trek, several T-stops from Emerson, and involves a good walk which is usually very cold and can be very ache-inducing if your feet are princesses like mine. But since it is 18+ on Fridays, you have to go at least once. Machine is the only underclassman-friendly gay club in town, and while it can be a bit daunting, every sweaty man in the room is looking for a little sugar. Ultimately, your chances of finding someone willing to kiss you are pretty good. Don’t be fooled, though. Sometimes the fish just aren’t biting and you will leave feeling unloved and unwanted. The first time I went to Machine, I wore gold spandex and little else, and ended up miserable because I had to run back to Emerson to grab my driver’s license to prove I was 18, then run back, through the pouring rain, enduring cars

honking at my out-of-place spandex-encased butt on the streets of Boston at night. I ended up sulking in the corner while I dried off, later crying into my friend’s lap because I didn’t kiss anyone. Have I shared too much?

Probably. But understand that Machine won’t just hand you a man on a silver platter. Step on to the dance floor with a smile and some real clothing (I recommend tight jeans and a v-neck) and with a bit of luck you can find someone to smooch.

But if you don’t want to hit up a gay dance club to find what you’re looking for then there are other options.

Allston is, of course, risky; a good make out sesh is not usually worth the freezing walks, warm beer, and general atmosphere of dumb drunk people. However, for those of the more heterosexual variety, Allston is positively seething with single and lonely straight people. I asked two hetero Emerson sophomores where they go out when they are looking to meet someone, and both (one male, one female) agreed Allston was the place with the most options. If the typical college frat scene does not appeal to you, apartments in Beacon Hill and the South End have both been known to host top-notch parties where the walk is short and (some of) the boys are interested. And while Emerson itself does not own any frat or sorority houses, we are in Boston, people. The college city. Don’t be afraid to venture out to other schools. It’s possible to make good and bad memories at schools like MIT and Northeastern, but you’ll never know if you don’t get out there and try.

Good luck, young lovers! If all else fails, go to Dumpling Café.

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THE TALK In college we are growing and evolving at a breakneck speed. Part of that evolution happens in our love lives and their structure. Surrounded by our peers, the differences in love practices don’t seem that drastic. It isn’t until you’re home that the questions hit you. Should I tell mom about my hookups? Are we official enough for me to tell my dad?

Will my parents be okay with my same-sex relationship?

Why can’t my boyfriend sleep in the same room as me?

“Now, my mom is a lot more trusting,” shared junior Cassandra Cuddy, “When I was younger she wouldn’t let me watch a movie with a boy with the lights off, and I think she’s just accepted that now I’m older and I’m on my own and that I’m making my own choices. She just wants me to be safe and I think she trusts that I am.”

There is a huge power shift during the college years.

Teenagers are flung into new situations with radically different types of people- living together, eating together, getting the flu together- and we have to adjust quickly and figure out how to understand each other. As you gain more independence and authority (even if it’s just legally, with your 18th and 21st birthdays), it is only natural that your role in your relationship with your parents will change.

Senior Alex Fierro-Clarke has noticed a positive

text by shannon dwyer & ASTA TALL photo by daniel kurtzman

change in his relationship with his parents since starting at Emerson. “I was pretty rebellious in high school and caused them a lot of trouble. Now that I have my own space, we can all breathe a little easier and appreciate the important things about our relationships.”

In the world of custom Facebook privacy settings, it can be easy to shield family from your more “mature” lifestyle. Many parents find it difficult to accept that their little baby is growing up and becoming a fellow adult, an adult that has romantic relationships.

Most of our parents dated a couple fellas or chicas before settling down, so they may be familiar with the romantic side of college life. But over the years dating has changed in many ways (online dating is a prime example), and trying to translate these differences can be tricky. Sit down and talk with your parents are your life at college and how your relationship with them fits into it.

College is a time when communication in relationships, all relationships, is incredibly vital. With some open interaction, honesty, and patience, it is possible to get on the same page, whether it is with parents or partners. In the end, it’s all a part of growing up.

“I’m older and I’m on my own and I’m making my own choices.”

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sex shopping 101

text by vikki berexovkskaya photo by rory mccann

any doubt.

A product that feels kind of slimy and has a very harsh chemical smell almost definitely contains phthalates.

Products made out of ABS, TPE, elastomer, silicone, glass, or metal are completely phthalate-free. Of those, ABS, silicone, glass, and metal are all completely nonporous and safe for internal use. The others are porous, meaning they're recommended mostly for external use.

Now that that's over with, there is indeed a fun side to choosing your toy! If you're looking for something that vibrates, you're probably going to end up leaning towards silicone. It's just an allaround more pleasant material to the touch. Ask to see it with batteries in it—you're looking for something that has its vibration centered in the tip, so that it travels as little as possible to the base of the toy. That's true for internal or external use.

For internal vibes, remember: less is more. You want something small for your first toy, and that goes double for anal toys. When you're looking for an anal toy, be realistic. Anal toys are usually smaller than toys meant for vaginal use, and that's for a good reason. You should start out with a good set of anal beads. And yes, other customers do ask! In fact, salespeople recommend it. Just remember that regardless of what you're looking for or why you need it, they have most definitely heard worse.

There are so many other things that I could tell you about, from massage oils to books to strap-ons to BDSM gear. Condom World on Newbury Street even has a selection of penis-shaped novelties for your perusal, giving you the “gag gift” excuse for that sex shop charge on your credit card. Regardless of what shop you go to, remember that you're there to make yourself happy. Talk to the salespeople, get their advice and expertise, and don't leave with a product that you're not 100% happy with. Happy shopping!

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Deep breaths. You can do this. It's perfectly normal to be nervous. You're not alone—nobody is completely calm their first time in a sex shop. Luckily, we can help you out.

So grab a shopping basket, and let's have a look around.

First let's start with something you're probably already familiar with—condoms and lubricants! Wow, have there always been so many different kinds? You bet! And believe it or not, it does matter which kind you buy.

You're trying to avoid harmful chemicals, i.e. glycerin and parabens. These can cause a variety of problems from skin irritation to (potentially) cancer, but companies still get away with using them, because people just love rubbing poison all over their naughty bits. The absolute best way to avoid doing that is to skip water-based lubricants, which are almost always full of the stuff, and to go for silicone-based lube.

Silicone-based lube even works better than its poisonous cousin, staying slick instead of becoming a gunky mess. You'll pay more for the bottle, but it'll last you so much longer that you'll wonder why you bothered with Astroglide all those years.

Condoms are usually lubed up with water-based lube, though, so if you're really looking to be safe—and you absolutely should—look for condoms that use silicone-based lube as well! Beyond Seven and Kimono are two brands that usually do just that, but you can always ask a salesperson if you want to be sure. That's what we're here for!

Now that we're acclimated, let's move on to the Wall of Toys. You should look for anything with a non-porous, completely phthalate-free material. All soft plastics have tiny pores in their surface that hold onto bodily fluids and potentially harmful stuff that you don't want in your orifices, and phthalates are carcinogens. Cancer, as we know, is not good for your vagina. Don't just look for a “phthalate-free” label—make sure you know exactly what the toy is made of, and ask to see it out of the box if there's

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text by danny lemar photo from howaboutwe

howaboutwe: a new dating site

The concept behind online dating is dead. Gone are the days of staring at the computer screen- tired eyes fixed on your inbox in case maybe the person you stalk messages back. Now, it’s our thumbs that are getting sore from violently pressing apps on our phones, trying to find the geographically closest chance at romance. We’ve cut out all the “My Life Summary” bullshit that no one reads because they are busy skipping right to the picture section of a profile. Popular no-nonsense dating websites such as OKCupid, Tinder, Grindr, and datemyschool are geared toward our fast-paced generation. And then there are the less-used-to-hook-up-more-used-tolook-up sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr that are starting to show the bare bones of our online image, a façade created by what we choose to let others see and know. We have come geographically closer by reducing the cyberspace between each other while still hiding behind a technology shield.

I heard about Howaboutwe.com during a commercial break of Teen Wolf. Home alone on the couch, I took a moment to consider what the ad was pitching: dating website; concise communication; simple. It wasn’t long before I was checking out the homepage, interested. The site looked relaxed and easy: all you get is a photo and a short blurb to write a perfect date idea. The site would show you who was in your area and let you judge their date ideas with an “I’m intrigued” or a “Keep looking.”

I let my fingers set my stats and made a half-hearted attempt to conjure a creative date. I ended up writing, “See a movie and then drive around,” because it sounded like something I would like to see from the other side of the screen. And bam! I was done and free to browse. And browse I did.

Some of the dates sound pretty nice. “Take a salsa

dancing class,” “Mix a bunch of flavors and toppings at a fro-yo place and then trade cups,” “Take a picnic to the beach and sit out late enough to watch the stars,” are just some the many storybook romance outings people want.

Some are awkward, like “Hang out, I guess, if you want to,” or “I don’t know, what do you want to do,” and even borderline offensive, like “Take the party back to your place…” or my personal favorite, “Grab a drink and then grab each other.” Another aspect of the site is for the already coupled, giving potential plans for a pair searching for something different and fresh to do. It’s a helpful way to get out of a rut, single or not. If nothing more, skimming through the duds and the possible loves is a better distraction than another night alone with Teen Wolf.

Of course, the site has its drawbacks.

“Upgrade to read your messages or see who likes your date!” continues to flash every so often, making the site almost not worth even signing up. There are continuous emails – reminding you to answer questions about yourself or update your date proposal – that the site says you can control, but suspiciously seem to pop right back up as if they were never unsubscribed from.

But overall, the site succeeds by producing a warm feeling of possibility, amplified by the chance of a prospective date and a possible new mate. By doing that, it achieves what other sites do as well, yet Howaboutwe puts a unique spin on the almost worn-out method. This site earns points for originality by taking the passé online dating formula and the sense behind a social network like Twitter to combine them into a novel way involving imagination and interaction. If you’re looking to get out there, actually get out there, and meet someone, this site might just revive your love life.

The site succeeds by producing a warm feeling of possibility

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bye bye summer love text & PHOTO by Brielle Sullivan

YourMag hears your 2013 summer fling stories Summer flings. They’re the oldest story in the book of romance. They are fun, wild, and exhilarating. While looking for a short term romance, summer love is the perfect fix. Everyone knows summer must come to an end, no matter how hard we try to make it last.

Therefore, there is no scary commitment involved and every day is special because you know it cannot last forever.

At least that is the case in most summer flings. You may havethat rare relationship beginning during the long, hot summer days and lasting into the short, chilly nights of fall and winter. There is no perfect definition for a summer romance because everyone’s is different. Some last, some end. Some are lust, some are love. Some are sad, some are amazing. The one thing they all have in common is the feeling of freedom. Freedom to love, to try new things, to never let the memories (good or bad) leave that summer. So, Emerson, how did you spend the summer of 2013? Heartbroken?

Lust-filled and having one-night stands? In passionate love? Here in the romance section we want to know your stories.

“Before summer started, my best guy friend from home began to show interest in me. We had always been flirty but never went further because we had been friends since we were in diapers (oh and he dated my close friend... Yikes!). I knew I would always wonder about this guy, so this summer we finally went for it! In the end, I realized I just wanted a summer thing, not a relationship.

I have great memories though-- we messed around in the back of his truck at the drive-in, cuddled while watching Fourth of July fireworks, and spent hours talking about absolutely everything! Definitely worth the chance.”

- Took A Chance

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“A new guy at the ice cream place I work with and I started going out at the beginning of the summer. We’re both cool with leaving it for what it was: a summer fling. I’m so happy because I’ve never done anything without strings before and I’m glad this worked out.”

- Mr. Happy

“I’ve been working at a camp for the past few summers as a counselor.

Relationships between counselors are forbidden, but that hasn’t stopped me and another counselor from somehow getting together each year. We started talking about three summers ago; the relationship always ends by the time camp is over, since we both went to different high schools and it was just hard to keep in touch with each other during the school year. I guess the relationship I had with him was never meant to be serious, it was always just a fun, secretive summer fling, and that’s what drew us to each other I think. Knowing that I’ll see him again each summer gives me something to look forward.

I like the idea of having a semirelationship each summer, without having to worry about any kind of commitment come fall.”

- Forbidden Love

“I lost my virginity at the beginning of the summer while on vacation. I met a hot guy on the beach and after a few days (two, actually) we hooked up. When we started to go further, I thought, “Why not?” For the rest of the trip, which I awkwardly had to spend with my parents, I couldn’t make up my mind if I was happy with it. I’m finally not a virgin anymore, but I still think it could have been better.”

- Not That Innocent “This summer I had a huge crush on my coworker and the two of us are always flirting. So much so that this bitchy waitress that works with us (we work in a restaurant) has started telling people I’m sleeping with all our male coworkers – NOT TRUE AT ALL. No one believes her because everyone knows she’s catty.

But yeah that’s the full extent of my juicy summer love life.”

- Working Girl

CELEB GOSSIP:

Lost your phone on the beach? Too busy to catch up on celeb gossip? Well here is a little update of the celebrity good, bad, and ugly summer lovin’!

SO OVER:

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones are getting a divorce! As Star magazine states, “After successfully overcoming stage 4 cancer, Douglas prepares for his next battle: divorcing his tempestuous wife.”

GOING STRONG:

The royal baby has arrived! His Royal Highness Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge has two parents whose love is growing by the minute! No longer just the royal couple-- they are the royal family!

new beginnings:

New Beginnings: Girls and guys, careful cause your heart just might break... Jake Gyllenhaal has found himself a new romance with a super model, Alyssa Miller. Apparently Maggie Gyllenhaal set up the couple! Guess she is just being a good sister!

Adam Levine, the lead singer of Maroon 5 and judge on The Voice, recently announced his engagement to Victoria’s Secret model Behati Prinsloo. We see a gorgeous child with the voice of an angel in their future.

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are now happily married and are starting a family! Star reports that they want a “Brad-and-Angie size brood.”

“I got crabs before summer even started. I should appreciate the irony, because I’m sure it happened hooking up on the beach, but it made the rest of the summer, especially the heat waves, horrible!”

- Crab Cakes

“My girlfriend wanted to do it in the backseat one night, but we couldn’t figure out a comfortable position.

We had to open a window and hang her legs out. I recomend it; it was a hot night so the breeze felt nice.”

- Backseat Babe

“My girlfriend dumped me on the Fourth of July during the fireworks on the beach. She started dating another guy a week later. I spent the rest of my summer being depressed and stalking them on Facebook.”

– Blue

SEPTEMBER 2013

So, whether your summer was spent chasing a forbidden love interest, cozying up on the beach with a long time beau, or just enjoying the freedom of being single for the summer,there’s no doubt that this summer of romance has been full of unforgettable stories. As we bid farewell to the hot summer days, it’s time to look forward to a brand new school year that’s bound to include even more romantic adventures along the way. So let’s kiss those summer flings goodbye; the fun has just begun.

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WHAT WE COVET Functionality is making a comeback.

Classic, well-made designs serving multiple purposes are beating out more avante-garde art pieces on the runway.

Loeffler Randal’s Riding Bag is THE bag for boston bikers. The belted leather straps on the back are fashioned to fit right on your handlebars.

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neil barrett

missoni

Emily Tannenbaum Editor-in-Chief

The bomber jacket is this month’s–if not, this season’s–most wanted item. Seen in almost every menswear show this season, often with a contrasting collar, hem, and sleeves, it is the perfect transitional piece.

Compared to previous seasons, designers have updated their treatment with slimmer cuts, vibrant color combinations, and dynamic fabric choices like leather, suede, metallic, and wool.

DINESH MOHNANI Head Stylist

Marc Jacobs has finally released his much awaited makeup line through Sephora.

The Magic Marc’er Precision Pen is the perfect in between of a gel and liquid liner. Not only is it a great consistency to work with, but it also has lasting power for days. For the best cat-eyed and winged liner looks, this Magic Marc’er is a definite fall must-have.

BEKAH SKOPIL Design Director

Darks greens like olive and hunter are completely underrated as fall neutrals.

Bring some foresty hues to your pants with Broken-In Chinos in Hedgerow from J. Crew– they’ll go with everything in your fall wardrobe. Watch out navy and khaki, there’s a new neutral in town.

ELijah Clark ginsberg Creative Director

Although we were all head over heels—and still are— over our trendy combat boots, today is all about the cut-out booties. Chic and edgy, these booties are perfect for battling the in-between weather bipolarity.

Balenciaga has done the cut-out motto bootie for a couple of collections now, styling the sublime item with short colorful socks, and cute dresses for a girl-gone-bad touch.

SEPTEMBER 2013

valeria navaro Style Editor

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welcome to boston photographs: rory mccann

| model: claudia mak |

Boston is undeniably a gorgeously diverse city. Though most areas are walking distance from each other, or a short T ride away, one can journey from breezy waterfront to bustling metropolis to cool beach in only a matter of minutes. With no other city in the world to match it, we decided to focus our shoot on highlighting it’s natural beauty while showing you our favorite areas to wander off to‌

makeup: emily tannenbaum

+ abby woodman

THE esplanade Jumpsuit, stylist’s own; blue stone necklace, Madewell; gold chain, Madewell; black shoes, by Melissa, Pinky Otto.

THE bpl Lace Peplum in Navy, Pinky Otto; skirt, Club Monaco; nude shoes, by Melissa, Pinky Otto.

THE wharf Silk black top, Pinky Otto; Pants, stylist’s own; shoes, Pinky Otto; hat, stylist’s own.

and..

Track suit shift dress, Pinky Otto; blue stone necklace, Madewell.

revere beach Blue maxi skirt, Pinky Otto; top, stylists own; blue stone necklace, Madewell.

PRE-FALL TRENDS: WOMEN LEOPARD PRINT Leopard print is unanimously one of fall’s hottest trends. Hopefully you didn’t already discard your jungle-wear for fear of wearing last season’s trend. So dig deep into your closet and break out your jackets, sweaters and purses. Leopard is a great style to look for when thrifting, the ‘80s really utilized this print. Don’t be afraid to use leopard as a neutral or throw a leopard jacket over a printed dress.

Designers supporting leopard this season include: Thakoon, Tracy Reese and Diane von Furstenberg (pictured). Keep it animal-friendly though; there is no reason not to buy vegan prints because they are so cute. This classic print now joins the ranks of solids, stripes and floral. Treat it with the respect it deserves!

DIANE von FURSTENBERG

text BY KELSEY DRAIN

SAINT LAURENT

BRitish Grunge The Metropolitan Museum of Art recently debuted a new exhibition“Punk: Chaos to Couture.” Fashion legends such as Versace, Helmut Lang and Givenchy shared the spotlight with global punk icons. The exhibit showcases numerous garments and even the CBGB bathroom (the famous New York City music hall where Ramones, Joan Jett, and Blondie performed). Modern designers such as Saint Laurent (pictured) and Richard Chai are putting grunge on the runway.

Embellished & Embroidered Designers such as Del Pozo, Miu Miu and McQueen embraced rhinestones and embroidery for the fall, as should you! Don’t worry about taking it quite as far as Dolce & Gabbana did, with their mosaiclike garments (pictured).

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Have fun with it! Almost anything can be embellished: loafers, sweatshirts, skirts, bags. Be sure to show your sparkle but also be wary of over-doing it. Like every good trend, find a middle ground and an appropriate time to show just how chic you are. Have fun mixing grunge and sparkles- the juxtaposition is always stylish. Next time you’re shopping keep your eyes out for pieces that are sparkly and texturized, they shouldn’t be hard to spot!

DOLCE & GABBANA

So break out the Doc Martens and oversized flannels. This fall make sure you’re utilizing layers and lots of black (yes!) Familiarize yourself with some punk and grunge music so you can back up that cut-up Guns n Roses t-shirt. Put yourself in the mindset of being too cool for school (until you get to class).

PRE-FALL TRENDS:

MEN

SEPTEMBER 2013

THE LEATHER ACCENT Rugged and tough, leather is a timeless fabric ever-present on the menswear runways. When misused, it often looks tasteless and gaudy. This season however, designers have struck a balance and have used leather to accent their classic outerwear pieces. When used in moderation and integrated simply, this fabric is sure to elevate your fall wardrobe. Try a varsity jacket with leather sleeves or a coat with a leather panel.

VALENTINO

OVERSIZED PLAID If last summer’s prints–florals and paisleys–did not appeal to your style, then the oversized plaid of this fall definitely will. Tartan, check, houndstooth, Prince of Wales: these masculine patterns are a key trend this season. Designers have given these fabrics the unconventional treatment like enlarging the pattern and creating loud color combinations to give these classic patterns an updated edge.

CANALI

COLOR OF THE SEASON Burgundy, claret, oxblood, wine: whichever term you prefer, this is the color of the season. Seen throughout the menswear shows in suiting, outerwear, tops, and knitwear, this classic fall color is an elegant match to the more muted shades that are prominent in fall fashion. Although this color is this season’s must-have, accent colors like mustard and powder blue are also great if you want a little more pop!

EMPORIO ARMANI

text BY DINESH Mohnani

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fall drug store buys Though it seems like the long summer days of basking in the warm sun may last forever, there’s no doubting that the cool September breezes are right around the corner.

But don’t let the end of summer drag you down; the beginning of a new school year means an opportunity to look even better than you did last year, and with these fun (and helpful!) beauty buys, you won’t be able to wait to try each and every one of them out.

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text by molly coyne

3 ORIGINS CLEAR IMPROVEMENT-ACTIVE CHARCOAL MASK

Why You Need It: Whether you spent the summer lounging by the pool under the sun or running around the city for your internship, your skin is definitely in desperate need of a good cleanse. This Origins Mask draws out deep pore cloggers caused by heavy pollutants as well as dirt and debris. It’s time to hit the refresh button and allow your skin to finally breathe.

Where To Find It: Sephora, $23.00

PANTENE PRO-V ULTIMATE 10 BB CREME

Why You Need It: Just when you thought that the BB products for your skin couldn’t get any better, Pantene delivers a wonderful line of new moisturizers, but this time for your hair. The product works as a leave in crème that can be used on wet or dry hair. It leaves hair looking and feeling fresh and nourished, while protecting against heat damage and preventing that dreaded frizz, especially in the humidity.

Where To Find It: Target, $6.27

4 INCOCO NAIL POLISH APPLIQUE

Why You Need It: There’s nothing like treating yourself to a nice manicure and pedicure, but let’s face it, sometimes we just don’t have the time or the money. The Incoco Nail Polish Appliques are the perfect solution. Unlike actual nail polish, which can take a while to dry and chip easily, these are quick and easy to apply. You can even buy them in bundles that give you four patterns for just thirty dollars.

Where To Find It: Incoco.com, $7.99-$8.99 for a single set, $30.00 for a set of 4

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2 MAYBELLINE FALSIES BIG EYES

Why You Need It: Ready for a real eye opener? The newest addition to the Falsies Mascara family comes with a double-ended brush, one end for your upper lashes and one end for your lower lashes. The mascara goes on easily without clumps, and lasts the entire day and into the night. It’s the perfect mascara to really give your eyes an extra pop, no matter where you may be going.

Where To Find It: Ulta, $7.99

1 COVERGIRL FLIP STICK LIP COLOR

Why You Need It: Finally, a lipstick that gives you two products in one! The Flip Stick gives you two color options, one on either end of the stick. It’s the perfect lipstick if you need to transition quickly from class or work to a night out on the town. While the one side provides a more subtle, neutral color, the other side gives you a shimmery, fierce shade. The colors blend perfectly together to make that transition even easier.

Where To Find It: CVS, $6.31

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DIY: ROOM DECOR

text by EMY LACROIX photos by RORY MCCANN

Decorate your new dorm or apartment with these cheap, easy and fun ideas.

painted vases:

What you need: Masking tape/stickers Three glass bottles - try vases, wine or beer bottles, mason jars, etc.

Spray Paint

Pretty vases and jars are great because they add a personal touch to a room without taking up a lot of space. Even better, they can be used to store a variety of items from flowers to makeup to pens. Pair a couple of different colors and sizes of jars for a fun effect. This project takes advantage of all those wine bottles left over from summer.

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Steps: 1

Use tape or stickers to create a different pattern on each clean, dry, glass container. Try using masking tape to make vertical or horizontal stripes, create triangle patterns, or use circle stickers to make a polka dot pattern – have fun with it!

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Spray paint bottles in even coats. They may take two or three coats – be sure they are completely covered. Try painting each jar a different color, or even going half and half for a graphic look. We stuck with black, white, and yellow to continue our graphic theme.

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Wait a couple of hours, or overnight if you have the time, before gently pulling the tape off of the glass containers.

Once you have your three containers, fill them with different things. A wine bottle makes a great flower holder, a mason jar looks great with pens or a tea light inside, and a vase looks cool with glass beads and will hold all of your makeup brushes upright.

What you need: String/yarn Lace Paper Clips Glue

jewelry frame:

Finding a way to combine decoration and utility makes for a perfect college dorm room. Filling your room with boxes and drawers is hard to avoid, but don’t underestimate the value of wall space! We’ll show you how to use an old frame to make a unique display for jewelry and photos.

Steps: 1

Begin with a frame that matches your décor and is a good size for the space you have. We spray painted an old wood frame black to match our rug. Stretch a piece of yarn across the back of the frame, near the top of where a photo would go, and hot glue on both sides. Repeat with another piece of yarn at the bottom.

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Repeat with another piece of yarn at the bottom.

Pull a piece of lace tight across the center of the frame, and glue to both sides.

Hang paperclips of your accent color along the top and bottom strings. These will hold photos, concert tickets, or other memorabilia. Hang or pin earrings to the center strip of lace to hold and display your jewelry alongside your photos because jewelry is art, too!

What you need: One or two t-shirts Stuffing/foam Fabric Glue Scissors

Steps: 1

Measure an eighteen inch square and outline on the front of a shirt. If the shirt had a cool picture on the front, be sure to center it, if not we can make one later.

Cut out both sides of the shirt so you have two squares.

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Put right sides together and sew or glue around edge leaving a two inch opening on one side.

Flip inside out and fill with stuffing or foam, then sew or glue opening shut. If you want to, sew a dart in the center of the cushion, or leave as is.

If you’d like, cut a pattern like triangles, circles, or a shape out of another t-shirt and glue on.

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colorful cushion:

Many schools like Emerson won’t let you bring any furniture, which means you’re stuck with hard, plain, wooden chairs. Boring AND rough on the booty. A colorful seat cushion will make your typical seating more interesting and comfortable. They can also be used as pillows and to make sitting on the floor more comfy.

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a Local TREASURE

text by ANDREA PALAGI photo fr0m 20TH CENTURY LTD

Chanel, YSL, and 70’s Deco....

Oh My! From the outside, it doesn’t look like much, but even the very merry Land of Oz couldn’t hold a vintage Marc Jacobs pendant to what the inside of Twentieth Century Ltd. has to offer to Boston’s fine jewelry junkies.

Wedged between Steven’s Pub and The Hungry I on Charles Street in Beacon Hill, just far enough down the street from Starbucks that most people never make it all the way there, Twentieth Century Ltd. is a hidden fashion treasure.

So, if their crème colored flag happens to catch your eye on your way to the Red Line, you may want to consider catching a later train and peeking inside.

If you do, you’ll open their door, walk down a wood paneled entryway that’s in need of a fresh coat of paint. At this point you will have to push yourself to keep walking until you reach the bottom of the stairs where you will be greeted by owner Paul Turnberg who will likely be smiling at you and sporting one of his many printed, multicolor ties. Along with Paul, you’ll find his pup curled up in the corner in a doggie bed (while visions of bangles dance in his head) and over 2,500 pieces of sparkling, vintage, costume, and designer jewelry.

At this point, you will have to remind yourself to breathe.

Paul Turnberg was a jewelry man his whole life and decided to settle down in this little spot on Charles Street nearly two decades ago—he’s been hiding out here selling Boston’s most unique selection of vintage jewels ever since.

He is the man in charge of gathering all these glittering goods from estate sales and individual sellers and getting them here to Boston, so while you’re browsing around the store, ask Paul a few questions! He really knows his stuff!

Cameos, cuff links, bakelite and beads (like my

grandmother’s jewelry box on steroids)—this place has a little bit of everything for everyone at every price.

Visually, the assortment is quite overwhelming but taking a closer look will reveal that every piece is carefully organized by time period, designer and material—like a very sparkly encyclopedia.

Pieces range from $25 to $1,500, but each pendant, ring and gold plated chain is displayed with equal attention and care. If you’re looking to spend, that won’t be a problem; Paul can direct you towards the $1,200 Yves Saint Laurent chokers. However, if you are on a tight fashion budget, check out the $10 bin or the 3-for-$18 ring deal! It takes a bit of digging, but then again most hidden treasures do!

If you’re looking for more deals, after the Christmas rush—TCL’s busiest time of the year—the store runs a sale in January and February making it a great destination if you decide to venture out into Boston on a wintery afternoon!

Diva discount: You can also visit the store’s website and print out a 10% off coupon!

Another perk that this place has to offer is the limitless amount of pieces you are allowed to try on while you shop! Paul, or one of his few friendly staff members, is happy to spend hours with you unlocking cases and grabbing things from “the back.” These people seem to thrive on the fact that every moment provides the opportunity for them to give a brief history lesson on a particular piece, its manufacturing or how it made it all the way to Boston from places like England and Switzerland.

They also get extreme pleasure from gracing you with their knowledge on the obvious visual differences between gold and gold plated.

However, the incredible willingness of the staff to serve and entertain the customer also means that the folks at

“There’s no place like Twentieth Century for vintage, designer, and antique costume jewelry.”

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TCL don’t mind one bit if you do your shopping while wearing one of their 1940’s tiaras …touch it all, try it all!

In addition to an array of jewels the store also carries a small selection of vintage handbags, hats, clocks, and even these peculiarly intriguing black and white photos of long-gone parties and events that are placed subtly throughout the store. And while these pieces have all been gently used, Paul and his team have managed to keep everything in mint condition.

Molly, a regular customer, Boston local, and antique freak comes by Twentieth Century Ltd. once a week for her weekly dose of Dior. She says, “I could really come here every day and still find something new every time.”

However, providing customers with jewels to ogle over on a weekly basis isn’t all that Paul and TCL. have to offer. In addition to sales, they also specialize in repairs, restoration, and appraisals on any classic pieces you may want to save or sell. This is an especially useful service for anyone who finds themself constantly missing stones from a favorite necklace or ring or anyone who is prone breaking the clasp on a necklace or snapping a watchstrap or two. Paul and Twentieth Century Ltd. have you covered!

So, after a long visit to what can surely be called the Emerald City of Charles Street we have to say, little Dorothy was right--there is no place like home. Paul Turnberg words it a little differently, “There’s no place like Twentieth Century for vintage, designer, and antique costume jewelry.”

Some of the finer things in life are even better than home.

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Twentieth Century Ltd. 73 Charles Street Boston, MA 02108 Phone: 617-742-1031 Hours: Mon – Sat 11 am – 6 pm Sun 12 pm – 5 pm

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tips for freshmen

text by Victoria hulbert photo by Paola Camargo

Advice from Emerson’s Class of 2016 to the Class of 2017 Freshman year is all about winging it. You learn the basics from orientation and then make the rest up as you go, blindly moving from fall to spring semester, from clubs and organizations, from friend group to friend group. Nobody can prepare you for what that first year away from home will actually be like.

But hey! A little advice never hurt anyone. And who better to give you that advice than the students who just finished the first year of college themselves? Here at Your Mag, we spoke to the Class of 2016 to find out what they wish they knew as freshmen at Emerson.

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“Don’t feel like you need to fit in right away. Wait for the right people to hang out with. People you feel comfortable around, not necessarily people you were forced to meet at Orientation.”

-Olivia Harvey ‘16

“I wish I knew that so many people would ask to bum cigarettes. Or that snow actually melts and turns into water and it’s awful.”

-Enzo Razon ‘16

2 “Be single. And don’t try and be friends with your ex because it doesn’t work that way.”

-Jake Dmochowski ‘16

3 “Having fun is just as important as working hard for success.”

-Brandon Stoffers ‘16

4 “I wish I knew to buy my books on Amazon rather than at the bookstore” -Manisha Tohlani ‘16

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“The quiet room on the second floor of Piano Row is the best place to study and inevitably fall asleep.”

-Kayla Vanfleet ‘16

7 “I wish I knew more about the health clinic. First semester freshman year I didn’t know you could go in if you were sick. I thought it was mostly for STDs and stuff.”

-Henry Krause ‘16

8 “It takes patience to get accustomed to college and especially to remake your life fully in another place.

People don’t tell you that.”

-Goldy Levy ‘16

9 “One thing I wish I knew as a freshman is that you have to act quickly on the free condoms in the Health and Wellness Center. They disappear in a flash. You may think you know the schedule cold and that you’re beating many others to the punch, but they have it down to a science.”

-Charlie Greenwald ‘16

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“I wish I knew that the transition from high school to college was not something that I had to change myself for in any way. Although it can be hard at first, there are almost certainly Emersonians out there that you can form great friendships with if you are willing to look for them and get involved.”

-Willie Burnley ‘16

“When you go into high school, you feel very much younger than the seniors because you’re 14 and they’re 18 and there’s a huge difference there. I wish I had known that in college everyone is pretty much equal, just at different points in their education. There’s no hierarchy.”

-Felix Teich ‘16

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“Serious answer: don’t be friends with people who don’t make you laugh. Funny answer: the first two weeks will be filled with diarrhea.”

-Hilton Dresden ‘16

“I wish that I knew how to take advantage of all the crazy student discounts for the theater happening in Boston!”

-Sandrayati Fay ‘16

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a CHANGE YOU CAN TASTE

text by matt mullen photo by stephanie fishbein

Sodexo: It’s What’s For Dinner This Year If the Dining Hall looks different come fall, a summer away from Emerson hasn’t messed with your memory: there is a new food service provider on campus, and with it comes changes many semesters in the making. After complaints about Aramark— Emerson’s food service provider for 15 years— reached a peak in the beginning of last year, students and faculty mobilized to decide whether or not it was time for change. The decision was firm: Aramark was ousted and a new service provider, Sodexo, was in.

Criticism of Aramark’s service was long held— gross food, poor food labeling, not enough vegetarian and vegan options— but was often written off as another unavoidable facet of the college experience. “Aramark was alright but I never really ‘enjoyed’ going to the Dining Hall,” says sophomore visual and media arts major Tony Simonetti. “I would always just say to myself, ‘I guess I should use some of my swipes today.’”

However, the Dining Hall’s reputation of mediocrity took a turn for the worse when, in August of 2012, it received six violations by the City of Boston’s Board of Health— four of which were considered critical foodborne illness status. As the Berkley Beacon reported in September of that year, “Since November 2010, Aramark has received 31 health inspection violations—including mice droppings, fruit flies, food items stored at wildly incorrect temperatures, and seedy sanitary procedures.” Though the Dining Hall passed all of its follow up evaluations in September 2012, the damage had been done. By December 2012, a Facebook group had been launched, titled “Emerson Community for Healthy Dining Service Improvements.” Of the

380 members, some posted pictures of moldy apples, questionable quesadillas, and a “mystery substance” found on the salad bar’s cucumbers.

Almost a year before the group came into existence, however, the Student Government Association (SGA) passed a “Dining Hall Initiative,” which was spearheaded by former Vice President Caitlin Higgins. The initiative addressed the lack of vegan and kosher options, and called for improved food labeling and availability— obviously issues that still hadn’t been resolved by the time the new school year had begun and the “Emerson Community for Healthy Dining Service Improvements” group assembled. “To be clear, the initiative wasn’t calling for a change in dining service provider from Aramark, but to fix issues with Aramark’s dining services.

Moving forward, we used this initiative as a spring board for talks with administration,” says current SGA president and junior political communication and marketing communications major Paul Almeida.

In January 2013, a panel met to decide whether or not to renew Aramark’s contract with Emerson. Panelists included President Lee Pelton, Director of Business Services Karen Dickinson, members of Resident Life and the Financial Office, and SGA Sustainability Commissioner Lindsay Geller, a junior writing, literature, and publishing and marketing communications major. “I made a post in the Class of 2015 group asking students if they had any questions they wanted me to ask Aramark when they presented. Most of the questions were negative, but I asked the Aramark presenters anyway because I, too, was curious as to what they had to say for themselves,”

“Since November 2010, Aramark received 31 health inspection violations...”

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says Geller. “They didn’t really apologize for the past problems we had, which the committee didn’t love.” There was also an independent food services provider consultant on the panel, who noted that Aramark had similar issues and a similar reaction at another school, which “solidified their incompetence in my mind,” says Geller. After some deliberation, the panel chose to terminate Aramark’s contract (after 15 years) and switch to the food services provider Sodexo.

Sodexo promises to overhaul the Aramark system. “A goal of the new food service company is to provide fresh, healthy and sustainable food options,” says Director of Business Services Karen Dickinson. Starting in the dining hall, more vegetarian, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free options will be added, including gluten-free desserts.

Other new sections will be “Mein Bowl” which will provide made to order stir-fry and “ACF Sushi”— serving freshly prepared sushi. Plans to add a viewing stage for open mic nights, performances, and movies is also being discussed.

EmCafe will start serving Peet’s Coffee & Tea, a national chain of coffee and tea for students to order. The beloved sandwiches and bagels will remain replete. The Paramount Café— criticized in the past for scanty meal offerings— will expand to include more dishes previously found in The Max and the Dining Hall. It will also have a Broadway theme, which will be seen in the slightly updated décor and names of dishes. The Max, now with a music theme, will maintain its current menu but will add a section called “Evolutions”, which will feature dishes from around the world and will change on a daily basis. According to both Lindsay Geller and Karen Dickinson, Sodexo has a good reputation for food safety, a matter that was on the forefront of choosing the new provider.

Students claim one of the few positive features

of the Aramark system was its employees— ranging from the greeters in the Dining Hall to the chefs and cashiers in the café’s around campus.

Complaints rarely involved them or their demeanor.

Fortunately, Dickinson insists that all former Aramark employees were given the opportunity to interview for positions with Sodexo. “It is our goal to ensure a smooth transition and understand that maintaining the current staff is of upmost importance,” she says.

Stemming from students complaints about too few board bucks and too many dining hall swipes, a new meal plan will be in effect in the fall known as the “Block Plan.” If students chose to enroll in it, they will receive 800 Board Bucks and 80 Dining Hall swipes, as opposed to the default “Flex Plan”, which gives students 650 Board Bucks and 100 Dining Hall swipes. The new plan will cost an extra $50 a semester.

“Since we’re facing a totally new dining services provider, the SGA (and the student body) will have to spend some time observing how the new provider does their job before we make any moves,” says SGA President Paul Almeida. “Emerson shouldn’t be too hard on them right away,” he continues.

Sophomore Tony Simonetti greets the reforms with guarded optimism: “As an incoming sophomore, I still have a flex meal plan for all Emerson food places, so it’s really important to me that they have good food because I essentially have to eat it. But I’m really excited that the school’s changing it up a little.” With decor themes of music, film, and theatre, and the possibility of a performance space in the Dining Hall, Sodexo seems to already understand some things about our school. But the question lingers: will it live up to be the worthy food provider we’ve been asking for? If Aramark’s demise taught us one thing, it’s that Emerson students won’t hesitate to speak up when something doesn’t taste quite right.

“After some deliberation, the panel chose to terminate Aramark’s contract”

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waterworks Boston’s water quality, once defined by the lyrics of the iconic song, “Dirty Water”, by the Standells, is dirty no more. On July 13, 2013, the Charles hosted its first public swim in over 50 years. 144 registered swimmers jumped off a dock near the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade for the first time since public swimming was banned in the 1950s because of the water’s significant pollution. Before efforts to clean the river began in the late 1980s, more than one billion gallons of raw sewage had been dumped straight into the Charles. If anyone had the misfortune of falling in, they would be treated with tetanus shots and antibiotics—a far cry from the situation today.

In 1995, the Environmental Protection Agency gave the water quality a failing grade of D, but 18 years later the river now boasts an improving B+. The newly swimmable Charles was made a priority by The Charles River Conservancy when the non-profit was formed in 2000. With support from individuals, businesses, foundations, and corporate sponsors, the Conservancy raised $500 million, which funded clean-up efforts, mainly focusing on the troublesome sewage issue. When cleaning began, problems were found with the connections between pipes that carried clean rainwater into the river and pipes that carried sewage away.

Correcting the connections with the pipes played a huge role in improving the water quality’s grade.

Frequent water testing has deemed swimming safe most days this summer. Color-coded flags are posted at 11 a.m. at the boathouses on the river to alert people of the water quality. Although the water is clean enough to swim in on most days, this does not mean that it is allowed. The sediments on the bottom of the river that have accumulated over years of pollution are very toxic and shouldn’t be touched. Elements such as lead, copper, and mercury, and chemicals like DDT have been found in these sediments.

However, the public swim in July was held in deep water where the bottom couldn’t be reached by the swimmers.

Finding a way to get rid of the toxic sediment is the last step towards a permanently clean Charles.

Only registered swimmers were able to participate in the public swim, which means that anyone looking to cool down shouldn’t necessarily jump in. Instead, there is a wait-list on thecharles.org where eager water-lovers

text & photo by madeline bills

can add their names to participate in future public swims in the river. While swimming is not yet permitted for the general public, officials hope to see a public beach in Boston or Cambridge in the future.

You can take part in the effort to further improve what the Charles River Conservancy now calls “one of the cleanest urban rivers in the U.S.” by donating, volunteering in park maintenance, or becoming an advocate by contacting public officials about parkland issues. Visit thecharles.org to get involved.

The Charles River Esplanade Swimming is not allowed in the Charles just yet, but there are many other ways to enjoy the river in the meantime. The Charles River Esplanade is a park in Back Bay that stretches three miles along the riverbank and is a popular spot for the best view of Boston’s skyline. Its paths are perfect for walking, jogging, rollerblading, and biking and is home to several boathouses that offer different kinds of boat rentals.

For Water Lovers • Rent sailboats, kayaks, and windsurfing gear from Community Boating, Inc. near the Longfellow Bridge • Rent stand-up paddleboards, canoes, rowboats, and pedal boats from Charles River Canoe and Kayak in Allston

For Land Lovers • Sunbathe on one of the many docks along the river- complete with Adirondack chairs • Rent rollerblades from the Beacon Hill Skate Shop in Boston or the Orchard Skate Shop in Allston • Rent a bicycle from Hubway - with stations located across the city

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rock out roundup

text by Gina Brindisi photo from house of blues photo from hypermusic photo from 52perfectdays photo by stephen atkinson

A convenient guide to Boston’s best music venues In Boston, there’s no shortage of entertainment, especially when it comes to music. This town is home to many music venues, from enormous stadiums to quirky clubs. Since the venue will often dictate a show’s vibe, it’s important that you know your concert halls before you head out to see your favorite artist. Here’s the rundown on some of Boston’s best music venues to help you get the most out of your show.

1 The House of Blues

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15 Lansdowne St Boston, MA 02215 (888) 693.BLUE[2583] www.houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/boston/ Price: $$ Access via Green Line Age Restriction: None The House of Blues if your classic rock hall that has featured some of the a industry’s biggest stars. The venue sports a 1960’s theme with a touch of Asian flare and is filled with Asian-inspired statues and a lot of royal purples, deep golds and rich reds. The décor flows into the venue’s restaurant, which serves everything from Caesar Salad to Duck Pizza.

It’s a standing room only venue. You’ll want to claim a good spot so you can enjoy the music, since many of the upcoming shows, like The Pet Shop Boys and !EXPERIA: Ultimate Dance Music Experience, will undoubtedly draw a large crowd.

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TD Garden

Brighton Music Hall

100 Legends Way Boston, MA 02114 (617) 624.1050 www.tdgarden.com Price: $$$$ Access via Orange and Green Line Age restriction: None

158 Brighton Ave Allston, MA 02134 (617) 779.0104 www.brightonmusichall.com Price: $ Access via “B” train on Green Line Age restriction: 18+

The TD Garden is Boston’s largest multipurpose stadium and home to the Boston Celtics and the Boston Bruins. While the seating chart varies based on each event, the Garden can seat over 17,000 people. With numerous concession stands, The Garden is more than equipped to feed all 17,000 concertgoers stadium with the basics, like overpriced hot dogs and more gourmet foods like organic sandwiches.

The large scale of the venue attracts big name artists who love to put on a show. Upcoming performers include Selena Gomez, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and everyone’s favorite, Beyonce.

Smaller than the others, the Brighton Music Hall is a more intimate venue. Thanks to its humble size, you’ll always have a great view of the stage at this music hall, even if you’re in the back playing a game of pool. As such, consider bringing a set of earplugs, as shows here tend to get very noisy.

Many of the artists who take the stage at the Brighton Music Hall are indie bands with loyal followers.

Upcoming shows include O’Brother and MS MR. If you’re heading to one of these shows, keep in mind that this venue is mosh pit friendly and crowd surfing approved.

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5

Middle East

Paradise Rock Club

The Middle East is a restaurant, bar and two-room venue. Separating the two concert venues are ZuZu, a bar known for its cheap drinks, and The Corner, a Middle Eastern restaurant.

As for the venues themselves, the Upstairs is small and can easily become overcrowded. The space typically showcases local bands or lesser-known touring groups, making it hipster territory. The Downstairs, which is the bigger of the two, often attracts more mainstream artists. Just keep in mind that “Downstairs” really means “basement” and, therefore, it’s a little rundown.

Regardless, this venue guarantees a night of cheap beer and laid back music.

The Paradise Rock Club is Boston’s signature hipster venue. From the bouncers to the bartenders, the staff at “The Dise” is approachable and easy going. The music here is known to be loud and skirts on the more unconventional side with more eccentric bands than at larger venues like the Garden. Headliners scheduled to play at the Dise in the upcoming months include Volcano Choir, Jake Bugg and Foxygen.

Word to the wise: arrive early. With two pillars standing in the middle of the club floor, it can sometimes be difficult to see the stage at this small standing-room only venue.

472-480 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge, MA 02139 (617) 864.EAST [3278] www.mideastclub.com Price: $$ Access via Red Line Age Restriction varies by show (mostly 18+)

967 Commonwealth Ave Boston, MA 02115 (617) 562.8800 www.thedise.com Price: $$ Access via the “B” train on the Green Line Age restrictions: 18+

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herbivore heaven Between Afghani food and Salvadorian fare, Allston Village is the go-to spot if you’re looking for a hearty serving of culture. This Boston neighborhood offers a plethora of dining options for the curious eater, but international cuisine isn’t all the area is known for.

Union Square, tucked just past Allston’s main drag, is an herbivore’s oasis. Somewhat serendipitously, this area has become vegan territory, with a number of veggie centered eateries continuing to dominate the storefronts.

Among the lot is FoMu, an “alternative ice cream” shop that primarily uses coconut milk as a substitute for dairy. Owner Deena Jalal explains that she and her husband got involved with vegan ice creamery after deciding that they “wanted more out of life than [their] corporate jobs provided.” The duo opened FoMu Allston in 2012, joining the ranks of Grasshopper, an Asian vegan spot and Piece O Pie, a vegan pizzeria. When the latter went out of business, the Jalals saw an opportunity. “As we thought more about it, there was a need for an animal free, approachable, accessible café,” Jalal says.

Enter, Root, Union Square’s newest vegan eatery. Root, which opened in July 2013, has a “plant inspired” menu.

This means that there’s no place for tempeh, seitan, or any other “fake meats.” Instead, the menu focuses on real food that tastes great. The Root Burger, for example, is made with black beans and quinoa, topped with Boston lettuce, fresh tomato, crispy onions, and an unbelievable garlic aioli all sandwiched between an Iggy’s vegan bun. As Jalal explains, “I know exactly what my food is and where it comes from.” Every morning, giant shipments of organic fruits and veggies arrive at Root’s door, where they are prepped for cooking and used day of.

If the sound of jalapeño corn hushpuppies and BBQ Portobello Sandwiches isn’t enough to get you in the

Root

door, Root also serves fresh pressed juices that revitalize, cleanse, and satisfy. Favorites include the Citrus Medley (orange, lemon, and lime) and the Root Punch (beet, sweet potato, and apple). In authentic Allston style, juices are served à la mason jar.

Maintaining the integrity of the Allston mentality, Root was built with the local community in mind. The space is decorated with local art including a bicycle wheel installment assembled by head chef John Quinones and paintings by Andrew Jers. Many ingredients are sourced locally as well, like the tofu, which is made by a Jamaica Plain purveyor.

The only thing not 100% Allston seems to be the food.

With Spikes Junkyard Dogs and Bon Chon Chicken just around the corner, Root is treading new territory with its meat-free menu. However, as Jalal says, their food is “accidentally vegan.” In her words, it’s all about “thoughtful, conscious food.” This mentality is what draws so many curious gourmands into the restaurant. Many of Root’s customers aren’t strictly vegan, but are simply interested in eating healthfully and trying something new.

If you thought brunch couldn’t exist without bacon, you’d be wrong. On weekends, Root serves vanilla pancakes with whipped coconut crème, scrambled tofu wraps, biscuits drenched in portabella gravy, and more.

The budget friendly menu will cost you around $9 for a filling meal, whether you stop in for brunch, lunch, dinner, or a late night snack.

Jalal says, “We deliberately made the menu really familiar and approachable.” The menu caters to omnivorous skeptics with dishes that pack a lot of flavor into each bite.

Forget overly salted tofu or rubbery faux meat. Root will rekindle your love for veggies and mom will be proud when you call to say that you ate them all.

Open Monday-Friday 11:00 am – 10 pm Saturday 9:30 am – 11 pm Sunday 9:30 am – 10 pm Brunch on weekends only

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487 Cambridge Street Allston, MA 02134 (617)-208-6091

text by sienna mintz photos by matt keyser

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From left to right: Paul, Philip, Dave, Nate

bearstronaut boston’s band

Emerson campus” band, from these two gentlemen.

our rise to success.

Dave: I went to UMass Lowell with Paul and Phil who knew Nate from high school in Connecticut.

Nate’s been in the band since late 2010 but we’ve been a band since 2007. I mean, and honestly, like when Nate joined the band we refined a

different backgrounds as far as influences went at that time. We were kind of trying to show that each of us had different personalities a little too much. Though the very first thing that we released was a full-length album technically, like eight or nine songs, every song sounded different, it could’ve sounded like a different band. Our now full-time keyboardist was playing guitar and I also played guitar so it was kinda indie-rock with a little bit of synth and now it’s way more about synth and a little bit of dance guitar.

Tell me more about your sound So you guys met at school at before.

Dave: We all kinda came from UMass Lowell?

“That’s kind of his mission statement, ‘songs he wants to hear on vinyl.’” lot of things. In the early days every song sounded different and we were kind of still trying to find our sound.

When Nate joined the band we really honed in on what we wanted to do. So then in 2011, we put out our second album Satisfied Violence as an EP and things started to go up. We got better shows; we were getting better support slots in the city, and getting to play a little bit more in New York and things like that.

Nate: I guess you can just say when I joined the band we got way better. The only thing that seems to correlate is my joining the band and

In the beginning were you going for a dancy-poppyelectronic feel?

Dave: We knew we wanted to do dance music, we were just trying to figure out what kind of brand we wanted to establish for ourselves.

We were kind of trying all of the different ones that we were listening to and having a… I wouldn’t say a hard time… but just experimenting too much. We were emulating a lot of our different favorite artists in our own way. The song “Moniker” and “Wire” were the first times people had said “that sounds really good, you guys should run with that.” That highlighted our strong suits so we were like we like writing pop songs and not aggressive indie rock, which was kind of what we were doing at the time. I don’t know, we got really into writing the catchiest songs that

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Boston doesn’t always rock, but when it does, it rocks hard.

Though Aerosmith may be the most notable band to come out of this generally button-down town, hidden in the shadows are diverse, eclectic, talented, and ambitious young musicians.

Emerging on top is Bearstronaut, four young gents from the Northeast.

They effortlessly combine upbeat synth with soulful vocals and underlying indie guitar. These selfproclaimed ‘tank-top rockers’ are making moves and have been moving bodies this summer. Recently, they’ve gained a lot of popularity amongst college-aged fans by playing intimate shows at the Middle East, having a song featured on Keeping Up With The Kardashians, and playing the Outside the Box arts festival on the Common. They’ve been spending this summer refining their new single “Where I’ll Die” and travelling as far as Chicago for gigs. But this is all just a warm-up in preparation for their biggest show yet as they join an allstar lineup for the upcoming Boston Calling festival. It looks like they might just be the next band to put Boston on the map.

Your Mag set out in the pouring rain to meet up with lead singer and guitarist, Dave Martineau, and bassist, Nate Marsden. Dave was found on the Boloco patio sporting a DIY denim vest his girlfriend made for him and a perfectly groomed modern pompadour. Nate was just as stylish and down-to-earth, with a smile to kill. We couldn’t wait to hear more about this “talk of the

text by claudia mak photos by stephanie fishbein

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we could.

Did you find it difficult to pursue music and school at the same time?

Dave: Yes and no. Now I kinda wish I spent more time with my English stuff but at the same time I was having a blast playing shows with my friends and getting to play music for different people. I don’t know, I mean, I don’t think I have any regrets. Yeah, I mean you give up a lot of weekends to go play shows but then you talk to a lot of people who aren’t doing that and they’d just stay home and party so I was glad to be out doing things like playing music, really pushing myself, and getting to be with my friends while doing that.

N: I’m still in undergrad trying to finish. I was actually in another band before I joined them. I was kind of living in a studio in Upstate New York recording an album with my other band. I was still technically going to school in Boston but I was in upstate NY and I couldn’t be in both places at the same time. Instead of failing my classes I just took time off. Things seemed to be going well, but they weren’t so that’s when I came back up here. Three months after, I linked up with these guys. I’m still trying to finish my degree. It’s a little tough still being the only one still in school. “I have homework guys, sorry I have stuff to do.” It’s like a work schedule where I have stuff to do at school but also stuff to do at home.

The other guys have part time jobs and come home and they are free to do whatever, while I have the school thing and have to be responsible.

Dave: He keeps us young.

Nate: I keep the youth in the band I guess!

Nate: I’d say it’s a pretty heavy electronic label, which seems to be the way he’s [Michael] doing. He started for “Moniker” saying he wanted to hear it on vinyl. So I feel like that’s kind of his mission statement, ‘songs he wants to hear on vinyl.’ It’s a very personal thing for him, which I like a lot. He doesn’t do the most popular bands in Boston necessarily but he does songs and bands he really likes.

I think that’s pretty cool.

Can you guys give me a little insight into the Boston music scene? Did you feel like it was difficult to become successful in this city?

“You can work with other people to build each other up” Nate: Are we successful?

Dave: Yeah, I mean I don’t think it’s a matter of success on any level. To be a part of this scene -we’ll call it - it’s definitely like an awesome family…I think there’s a lot of pride in this scene. We want to show other cities that we can hold our own and we’re more than just the couple of classic rock bands that have made their name for Boston. Not to discredit any of those bands. I think it’s been a while since people have taken notice of a lot of Boston bands and we’re definitely trying our best to get Boston staying on the map and getting people to check out more of us.

of Boston?

Nate: Why be one of the millions of bands in NY when you can strive to be the best in Boston? It’s a smaller community to get to the top of. As opposed to NY, where you’re competing with already established bands and there are new bands every day that you have to compete with.

While here, you can work with other people to build each other up, instead of in NY, where I feel like people like bring other people down.

I heard you guys have some connection to Emerson? Do you have a lot of friends here, how did that happen?

Nate: Two of my best friends from home who I’ve known forever go to Emerson. When I came back from living in NY, I moved in with them and they’d have their friends come over and I’d be like, “Hey guys you should check out my band it’s really cool!” They were like “Yeah… whatever” and would come to shows, have fun, get really drunk and dance a lot, which is all we ask. So through those two, we met a lot of people from Emerson. We did some things with the Emerson Channel. Our friend Colin hosted Closing Time Live and asked us to be their house band. [At the time] we weren’t the best that we could’ve been. It was tough and we weren’t used to that thing. We met a lot of people through those people.

People came to us with an idea for the “Moniker” music video, which was all done by Emerson kids. They did a great job and worked really hard.

What are your favorite venues?

Dave: In general, any outdoor festival.

How was Out of the Box?

Dave: It was awesome. It was You guys are signed to Vanya three o’clock on a Thursday, so it records?

Do you ever wish that you was a weird time and blazing hot, Dave: Vanya’s a local label that’s started in a different city, like but yeah, any outside show we really run by Michael Morata but yeah, it’s like. It’s more fun for us and engages an honor to be a part of it and it’s a New York?

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really cool label family that we love playing shows with.

Dave: Absolutely not.

So you like the close-knit feel

people to enjoy the weather adding an extra element that you don’t get at a small club.

How did you end up getting the gig for Boston Calling?

Dave: We had been working with Bowery a little here and there and they were trying to figure out the next lineup and reached out to us. Obviously we were gonna’ do it [giggles]. Yeah, I mean it’s a huge honor to be one of the very few local acts involved in it. We couldn’t be more excited about it.

Nate: Kendrick Lamar! I want him to be my best friend. I want that in the article. I just want one line that says: “Kendrick Lamar please be Nate Marsden’s best friend.”

Is that who you’re most excited to see?

Nate: I am. I don’t know about the rest of the guys.

Dave: I’m pretty excited to see Local Natives and Solange. Pretty pumped about Solange. The Passion Pit dudes too because we’ve been friends with them since a little ways back so we’re pumped to see them again. We get to go the day before and hang out before we have to worry about playing the next day.

Are you guys nervous?

Dave: [Chuckles] Oh yeah.

Absolutely.

Nate: I can’t wait for the nightmares to start. It was a few months ago, I forget what show it was, but I just kept having nightmares that I would show up several hours late without any of my equipment and Dave would be like. “DUDE WHAT?!

What are you doing? We have to play a show?!” and I said, “I don’t know!

I don’t have anything! I don’t know how to play music!” I’m just waiting for those to start.

We learned that though our city has some musical underdogs, the close-knit and lesser-known music scene is going to pounce on us while our backs are turned. With Bearstronaut leading the pack. You can check out Bearstronaut’s tunes at bearstronaut.com.

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photos from bearstronaut.com & by chrissy bulakites

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2013 Fall TV Lineup

text by Emily Tannenbaum & stock images

The Whedonverse, A Revolution, and The Cheese-Fest What exactly does fall mean to an Emersonian? We at Your Mag slap the word new on each page of the magazine every time September rolls around. This only makes sense; September is the time for a new wardrobe, new romances, and new places to go (you know, to cover all our sections bases). But in a school with seminars and classes devoted to all things Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Lost, our students are particularly stoked about one thing: new TV shows to add to their Hulu Plus lineups. And let’s just say, this year is looking like a good one for all of our ‘can’t-go-out-my-show-is-on’ readers. Here are our top 6 premieres to check out this pilot season.

Warning: This list is Whedonverse heavy (as it should be).

Dads (Fox) Tuesdays starting Sept. 17 at 8/7c To be honest, this one doesn’t initially scream ‘winner.’ The sound of a multi-camera sitcom about two best friends and colleagues that spout off Usual Suspects quotes at each other in the trailer, doesn’t really do much for us. And did we mention their fathers move in with them? However, what sounds like a cheese-fest may turn out to be a surprise victor. There are too many comedy kings involved for us to ignore. Seth McFarlane (Family Guy, Ted) is the executive producer and his star is Seth Green (Robot Chicken, Without a Paddle, Buffy [sorry, had to]). Giovanni Rabisi (Ted, Saving Private Ryan, lots of other great things…), Martin Mull (Two and A Half Men, Arrested Development), Peter Riegert (The Sopranos, The Good Wife), and Brenda Song (Suite Life of Zach and Cody, The Social Network) round out this ensemble cast.

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The Michael J. Fox Show (NBC) Thursdays starting Sept.

26 at 9/8c He began getting his feet wet in The Good Wife, now legend Michael J. Fox is back in the spotlight with a half-hour family comedy based on his life with minor changes. Fox (Back to the Future Series, Spin City) is a renowned news anchor who left the business after his Parkinson’s symptoms became too much.

Now with the encouragement of his loving, albeit snarky family, old boss, and new segment producer; Michael Henry is getting back to work. Obviously, every one is excited to welcome such an iconic figure back to the small screen, especially in a show that seems to be written with a great amount of wit and surprising humor. Do not miss the special one-hour premier on Thursday, Sept. 26. Or, more likely, on Hulu the next day.

Hostages(CBS) Mondays starting Sept. 23 at 10/9c When Ellen Sanders, played by Toni Collette (United States of Tara, Little Miss Sunshine), is scheduled to perform surgery on the President of the United States, a rogue F.B.I agent Duncan Carlisle, played by Dylan McDermott (American Horror Story), kidnaps her family. In exchange for their lives, Carlisle orders her to assassinate the president. With his cast of characters including Carlisle’s crew and the Sanders family, Jerry Bruckheimer’s hour long drama is sure to keep viewers asking questions and, for once, waiting for Monday to come.

Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC) Tuesdays starting Sept.

24 at 8/7c Finally, the most important member of the Whedonverse, Joss Whedon (Buffy, Cabin in the Woods, The Avengers, too much more to mention here) joins up with brother Jed Whedon (Dollhouse, Dr. Horrible) and sister-in-law, Maurissa Tancharoen (Dr. Horrible, Spartacus) to bring us the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, based on S.H.I.E.L.D by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

This hour-long Sci-Fi adventure centers on Agent Phil Coulson, played by whedonite Clark Gregg (The Avengers, Much Ado About Nothing) and his team. This special group of humans, including: an ace pilot/weapons expert, civilian computer hacker, a former black ops agent, another weapons expert, and a “life sciences” specialist, battle it out with aliens and superhuman villains alike. Promising to be the best, and nerdiest, new show of the 2013-2014 season, let’s hope it lasts longer than Dollhouse... or at least Firefly.

Masters of Sex (Showtime) Sundays starting Sept. 29 at 10/9c An hour-long premium channel drama about the man and woman who pioneered the sexual revolution. Michael Sheen (Frost/Nixon, Twilight) and Lizzy Caplan (Mean Girls, Bachelorette) star as Dr. William Masters and Virginia Johnson, the real life visionaries who merged the then polarized worlds of science and sex. The series will follow the romance between Masters and Johnson and their commitment to exploring the world of human interaction. One thing is for sure - the same channel that brings us Dexter, Shameless, and Homeland has earned our devotion. Your Mag will definitely be tuning in with plenty of Janice Ian jokes already prepared.

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The Crazy Ones (CBS) Thursdays starting Sept. 26 at 9/8c Speaking of Whedonverse, let’s start with Buffy herself. Sarah Michelle Gellar is making a comeback as the daughter of none other than Robin Williams in this half-hour, single-camera comedy about the world of advertising and PR. Finally another show for all you marketing majors who are so over Mad Men. Oh wait… those don’t exist, do they? With Arrested Development’s Dean Lorey on board as an executive producer, along with its comedy gold cast members, this is looking like one you don’t want to miss.

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a review text by emily tannenbaum & cover photo

There’s something eerie about Christmas music in July. This simple-yet-chilling notion becomes a launching pad for Joe Hill’s third piece of horror fiction, Nos4A2: A Novel. A perfect summer release, the bestseller introduces his reader to a villain whose raison d’être is a world where Christmas lasts year-round and children never age. The concept’s seasonal impropriety constantly sends shivers down the spine.

Hill, whose past works include bestsellers Heart-Shaped Box and Horns, constructs a new world within our very own. In Hill’s world people have special gifts. They can use tokens to achieve something from worlds within their own minds, making them real… or more real.

Protagonist Victoria McQueen uses her Raleigh Tuff Burner bike to find things otherwise lost (a bracelet, a photograph, and even answers about her gift). Our antagonist, Charlie Manx, drives his 1938 Rolls Royce to the world of Christmasland, sucking the humanity out of each child he brings along for the ride. A vampire of sorts, whose source of life is not blood, but an individual’s essence of being, lends himself to the clever license plate NOS4A2 on his classic Wraith.

Arguably the heir to father Stephen King’s horror throne, Hill manages to make this world terrifying in

its believability. Hill deems the covered bridge carrying McQueen and the roads leading to Manx’s Christmasland ‘inscapes’. A notion suggesting the worlds within our minds are just as real as the world we live in substantiated

by Hill’s comparison to a rock star imaging a song and making a record; or even a horror novelist using a pen to write his story down. Along with his uncanny ability to capture the humanity in his characters, the twists and turns of the NOS4A2 make the 692-page volume breeze by.

Admittedly, in his journey to compete with his legendary father, Hill makes a few missteps. Attempting to win over his audience with his youth and cultural relevance, he throws in one too many popular culture nods along the way. His multiple references to browncoats (hey there, Firefly fans), Game of Thrones, and Dr. Who, often come off as desperate, albeit nerdy, attempts to win over fans already on his side.

He writes about following in his father’s footsteps in the Acknowledgments section, “I guess I have been cruising his back roads my whole life. I don’t regret it.” However, with three novels under his belt, an abundance of short stories, and even a graphic novel collaboration with King, it’s clear that Hill is no longer a student of his father, but a peer.

Hill manages to make this world terrifying in its believability

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listen: paradise fears text by tori mier photo from paradise fears

Artist: Paradise Fears | Album: Battle Scars | Rating: 9.5/10 In this day and age, being a young musician with a dream, an EP and a van doesn’t make you special. New acts spring up overnight, as endless as the stars and as monotonous as radio static. Up until recently, there was nothing special about the unsigned six-piece Paradise Fears from South Dakota. They were an easygoing group of guys in their early twenties, following tours of similar music to sell their EP, Yours Truly, to whoever would be charmed into spending five bucks. And then Paradise Fears decided to show the world what they were truly capable of creating.

The difference between the 2011 recording Yours Truly and 2013 Battle Scars is immense – there is a level of maturity, both lyrically and musically, intensity and ingenuity that has Paradise Fears skyrocketing to the top of the industry. “This is a call to arms,” Sam Miller, the lead singer, murmurs on the opening track, with the force of someone much greater than a young man from S.D., “for the poets that are inside us, this is shedding our skin and breaking the chains that are binding us.” This track, “Intro (Prelude),” is much more than a simple introduction – in just over a minute, it is capable of reminding everyone exactly what they’re made of and what they’re living for at the end of the day. The perfectly-strummed guitars and Miller’s quick-paced lyrics blend well with the swift drumbeat that echoes the rising vocal intensity. The album is so intimate, crafted with remarkably simple lyrics that mean more than any fanciful poet’s verse. Combined

with Miller’s boy-next-door vocals, these elements make Battle Scars both inspirational and relatable. “What Are You Waiting For?” is a carefully penned reminder to all those dreamers out there, featuring lines like “I’m gonna live my life/by my mom’s little advice/she said,/“You love it?/Embrace it./You want it?/Then chase it.” This track highlights Battle Scars’ almost genre-less vibe, combining pop hooks with R&B choruses and rock-n-roll power.

“Used” identifies with a familiar pain – being used and feeling hurt while the other person is just fine. “Fought for Me” is a powerful, well-crafted pop ballad.

“Warrior” reminds us that not having battle scars means we’ve never lived.

The most significant song on this album, however, is the title track. “Battle Scars” is the mouthpiece of a generation, and it says so itself: “this is an anthem for the homesick, the beaten, the lost, the broke, and the defeated.” This track most fully encompasses what Paradise Fears is trying to say through their latest lyrics, what other bands have said before but Paradise Fears is desperate to speak in their own voice.

“You are worth fighting for,” Sam Miller repeats in the drum-driven chorus, “you know we’ve all got battle scars / keep marching on.”

Paradise Fears evolved into something spectacular, creating a seamless album and climbing to a #6 spot on the iTunes alternative charts, sans-record label. They’re going to keep marching on – with or without you.

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text by cedrine streit photo by matthew park

the lime green icicle tower Artist Spotlight on David Chihuly

In art, anything can be used to create a piece of work.

Take Daniel Firman for example, his incorporation of chairs and watering buckets in Simply Red leaves for an intriguing piece to be (mentally) taken apart and interpreted. Increasingly, various mediums have been incorporated to further add to the overall message or intention of a piece, which has not only opened and pushed boundaries in the art world but also in the viewer’s mind.

In recent years, glass has not abundantly appeared in contemporary works. One can tell when used that it truly requires the hand of a master to tame. Whether in its mosaic, blown, stained or sculpted form, glass has an incredibly multifaceted nature.

Sturdy and sharp, it can be used evoke power, however, it is also used intricately to create soft figurines.

If you have been to the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) and enjoyed a tea at the New American Café or perhaps were transitioning between the Art of Europe and Art of the Ancient World wings, you have probably come across Chihuly’s Lime Green Icicle Tower. A hard piece to miss let alone ignore due to its size and vibrancy.

Standing tall at 42-feet, this lime green glass sculpture towers over the creatively confused and curious below.

Yet, the intricacy and color of the piece evokes softness as it almost looks like a tree. The tower was specifically created for the MFA’s Shapiro Family Courtyard and was a

favorite piece included in the exhibition Chihuly: Through the Looking Glass. In mid 2011, it was acquired by the MFA due to the overwhelming support of thousands of visitors and patrons. Though the Lime Green Icicle Tower has left many mesmerized, and others curious of the beautiful sound it would make if it were to fall and shatter, it seems as though few students have taken the time to inquire about the artist behind it.

David Chihuly is an American glass sculptor, who received his training in the University of Washington, University of WisconsinMadison, and Rhode Island School of Design. His work has revolutionized the art of blown glass, creating a paradigm shift from mid-sized delicate figurines to large-scale sculptures and installations.

The MFA’s late 2010 exhibition on Chihuly; illustrated his connection and superior manipulation of the medium by showcasing his ability to play on both its ferocity and serenity. This is particularly seen when comparing pieces like the monstrous Lime Green Icicle Tower and the delicate Fiori di Como, which lines the 18-feet high ceiling of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

On your next visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, whatever the reason, make sure not to pass idly by the Lime Green Icicle Tower. Be sure to take a stroll around the piece and give some time to appreciate Chihuly’s mastery of the highly complex material; it will leave you enchanted.

The tower was specifically created for the MFA’s Shaprio Family Courtyard and was a favorite piece included in the exhibition Chihuly: Through the Looking Glass.

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september playlist photo by stephanie fishbein

We at YourMag hope that you had a safe and exciting summer, whether that means it was filled with some good old TLC, internship insanity or traveling. Know that just because classes are around the corner doesn’t mean the adventure is over. If anything, it is just about to begin! Despite Boston’s temperamental nature, there should still be warmth until mid-October, and September classes follow a relatively relaxed tempo. Make sure you make the most of it by going out to explore the city and meet new people. Here is the A&E playlist containing a mix of songs about our treasured Beantown or by Boston-based artists (several Emerson students and alum included) that will get you back into the swing of the city.

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1

“Dirty Water” The Standells

5

“this could all be yours someday” Guster

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2

“i’m shipping up to boston” Dropkick Murphys

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“two angry kids” The Street Dogs

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“moniker” Bearstronaut

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“it’s a shame about ray” The Lemonheads

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4

“strange powers” The Magnetic Fields

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“Boston” Augustana

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“takin’ off” Adam Ezra Group

“cARRIED AWay” Passion Pit

“the talk” Sydney Manning

“Perfectly imperfect” Sarah Blacker

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“free love” Shea Rose

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“the view” Winter

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“RUNNER UP” Soft Focus

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“UNTITLED (JULY)” Infinity Girl

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“homes” Orca Orca

“brokenhearted” Karmin

“let$ funk” The Urban Nerdz

“where is my mind?”

The Pixies

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“the rascal king” The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

“hangin’ tough” New Kids on the Block

“dream on” Aersomith

“More than a feeling” Boston

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28

“Yeah man” Ryan Montbleau Band

“no more hurting people” Vapor

“back to boston” The Rosebuds

“Sweet caroline” Neil Diamond

SEPTEMBER 2013

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