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Fall 2012 NYFW Beauty Trends

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:54:00 -0500

In terms of models’ makeup and hair, nothing too crazy has happened at Fall 2012 Fashion Week. Unadorned faces and lips leave room for over-the-top eyes to really pop; designers seem to be going back to beauty basics.

Nude lips: Models with pale peach and neutral lip colors were prevalent at many shows, giving them a low-maintenance and fresh aesthetic. The surprisingly black lips at Christian Siriano were a stark contrast from the low-key shades at Derek Lam.

Dramatic eyes: While less seems to be more this season with most other makeup, designers are really playing up the eyes. Prabal Gurung juxtaposed dewy skin and nude lips with bold, bright blue eye shadow. Other designers favored a 60s cat eye, such as Jeremy Scott and Zac Posen.

Bold nails: Previously the unsung hero of the fashion world (aside from nail-polish-trendsetting Chanel), high fashion manicures are being taken to the next level. Textured patterns and semiprecious stones are showing up on nails. More daring shades, including bold purples, were seen at Peter Som.

Simple hair: Straight and relaxed styles dominated hair trends at Rachel Zoe and Victoria Beckham. Basic hair and makeup really gave the collections themselves time to shine. Fuss-free and easy ponytails kept the All-American classic style of Tommy Hilfiger alive, giving the models a chic equestrian edge.

(text by: Devan Norman)

Valentine's Day: Do I go cheesy or sexy?

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:09:00 -0500

Not everyone has to like it, but we definitely can’t ignore it: Valentine’s Day is here. Enter the massive confusion of gift buying, date planning, and cheesy TV specials. It affects everyone – the single, the taken, the crushing, the crushed on. And while Valentine’s Day has a specific cliché image that can be off-putting, maybe it’s not really given the chance it deserves. Part of the problem, perhaps, is that sometimes we don’t realize that the way the holiday is marketed may not be fitting for our current relationship status. Couples should feel free to ignore the boxes of chocolates and teddy bears, while singles don’t necessarily need to raid Victoria’s Secret or hit the bar. This year, it’s time to break from the mainstream and celebrate in a way that works for you.

New Couples vs. Old Couples

The number of anniversaries you’ve had doesn’t necessarily determine how your Valentine’s Day should go. Well-established couples are known (and sometimes expected) to conform to the same routine of stuffed animals and romantic dinner dates. It’s all well and good, but Valentine’s Day is meant to express one’s love, not follow it. If you feel like you’ve fallen into a married-couple slump, seize the opportunity and spice things up a little.

It’s Valentine’s Day, and sex is in the air – not the same-old-same-old cheesy romance. And remember, sexy doesn’t have to be racy lingerie or edible unmentionables. It can be something as simple as wearing a more revealing outfit. Highlighting your (or your significant other’s) favorite physical attribute may be the best gift you can give

On the other hand, for new couples, you may want to slow things down a bit. If your relationship has consisted mostly of intoxicated hookups, try a couple’s night out and don’t be afraid to try being cutesy for once. Some flowers and a table for two might be just what you need to move your relationship out of the bedroom.

The Lonely, The Broken-Hearted, and The Anti-Love Singletons

It’s one thing to hate on Valentine’s Day, but it’s another to ignore it completely. No matter what Hallmark and your romantic past has taught you, this is supposed to be a day for celebrating love no matter where it’s found.

Call your parents or grandparents and tell them you love them. That hopelessly romantic friend you have? Surprise them with a card. Get dressed up and have a girls’ (or boys’) night out. Try that restaurant down the street you’ve been eyeing for a while. And don’t worry, hipsters, you’re not conforming to any trend except the trend of self-love and friendship.

For many single people, Valentine’s Day is viewed as a day where you’re constantly reminded that you don’t have someone to share it with, but that’s just plain wrong. We’ve all got friends and family, and it’s important to remember that romantic love isn’t the only kind of affection.

And really, since when has gorging yourself on chocolates and watching rom-coms become depressing? Chocolate is delicious, and John Hughes is classic., so get comfy and get happy.

However you decide to spend Valentine’s Day, it should never be something that you’re ashamed of Whether you’re dressing up, dressing down, cuddling with your significant other, or cuddling with your best friend, find a way to feel the love. If you’re really having that much trouble, Lifetime has a romance movie marathon that’s on all day. Knock yourself out.

(text by: Alexandra Hammarth)

You're Not My Type: Tips for Tactful Friend-Zoning

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:04:23 -0500

We all want to be wanted, and it feels good when someone has a crush on you. But on the other side of the equation, when you get crushed because your love interest doesn’t like you back, it doesn’t feel quite as good. As much as we hate to be put in the “friend zone” (because yes, we all know when it’s happening), we’d hate it even more if our intended flame led us on and hung us out to dry.

Of course, maybe that’s a little unfair. After all, how do you tell someone nicely that you’re not interested in them in that way? Sometimes your smitten kitten of a classmate isn’t getting the message. Maybe you’re not sending clear signals and they feel a spark, or maybe they’re oblivious to the obvious clues that you’re not interested. Perhaps they have no idea you’re in a long-distance relationship, or what they have to offer isn’t really what you’re looking for. Whatever the case, no one is at fault for wanting a little love and hoping their crush likes them back. In this tightly-knit snow globe of a life we all lead at Emerson College, it’s only courteous to let them down easily.

It’s cool if you don’t want to come out and bluntly say, “I am not interested in you romantically, I just want to be friends.” That can be uncomfortable, and not to mention a bit harsh. As a nifty alternative, here are some quick tips to help you discreetly but distinctly channel someone into the friend zone.

Rule #1 of letting your admirer down gently: don’t be selfish. Stop texting them back so much! It doesn’t matter if she makes you feel cute or if she earnestly laughs at all of your jokes. She’ll be officially connected to the ball and chain that is her cell phone and, ultimately, her crush on you. And by texting that girl, you are sending mixed messages, even if it’s just a (not-so-) harmless winky face.

Rule #2 requires nothing more than a little common sense: put yourself in their shoes. Don’t entrap yourself in overly intimate, one-on-one settings. This isn’t because you shouldn’t hang out with him—you may genuinely think he’s an awesome person. But while the wound is fresh, it’s best to send a clear message that you’re not “pickin’ up what he’s puttin’ down.” Hang out in a big group at the park, or invite him to a concert… that all your friends are also going to (who doesn’t love back-up?). Steer clear of him thinking all the slow songs are an opportunity to plant one on you, while showing him that he’s cool and you want him in your life.

Rule #3 and the final payoff: be honest. While we all want to avoid that awkward confrontational moment, if your admirer doesn’t take the hint, say it straight and give them some time off. After all, how can they possibly be expected to get over your charming wit and good looks when they’re hanging out with you constantly? Let them move on, so you can just be friends.

(text by: Marlee Kula)

Zabaione, Delightfully Simple Decadance

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:27:00 -0500

(text by: Sam Chaimson)

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, you may be looking for a way to impress a special someone. What better way to do it than with a unique, fancy-sounding dessert? Fear not, as impressive as it sounds, this one’s easy as pie—easier, actually.

The following recipe, from a 2009 episode of Alton Brown’s Good Eats, is not only easy enough for a kitchen novice, but is probably the most impressive dessert that has ever graced my table. Zabaione (pronounced zab-eye-own) is a light, airy, custard flavored with Marsala wine (Moscato or any other super-sweet wine works, too). The beauty of the dish is in its versatility— it can be served hot, room temperature, or cold, and can be served alone or with fresh fruit, ice cream, cookies, pastries, cakes, and whatever else your heart desires.

Here’s the best part—you only need four ingredients:

- 6 Egg yolks

- ½ Cup sugar

- ½ Cup Marsala wine (or any other sweet, acidic wine)

- A pinch of salt

Start by bringing a pot filled with an inch or two of water to a simmer. In a glass bowl (metal works in a pinch), beat the egg yolks with the sugar until the sugar dissolves completely. Then add the salt and wine, and place the bowl over the pot of simmering water.

Whisk the mixture until it thickens to the point of ribboning (lift the whisk out of the egg and if it falls to the bowl and piles like a ribbon, you’re all set) and remove it from atop the pot. This step is a lot easier with the aid of an electric mixer, but a little elbow grease never hurt, right?

Chill to desired temperature and serve however you wish—I’m a fan of making a parfait in a wine glass with some in-season fruit. But hey, it’s Valentine’s Day—I’m sure nobody could pass up Zabaione over a cannoli from Mike’s.

Photo by- TheHungryDudes

An Inside Look at Em Fems

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:24:00 -0500

(text by: Jeeyoon Kim)

Forget the myths of braiding leg-hair and “cat ladies”—let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of who Emerson Feminists are.

This past semester, Emerson Feminists—casually known as “Em Fems”—became one of the latest SGA recognized organizations. Larissa Sapko, senior Political Communications major, began Em Fems in her sophomore year. Sapko saw Emerson as a female-heavy community that was missing an outlet for women’s issues.

Em: What is Em Fems all about?

Larissa: We are a social justice group interested in and passionate about women’s issues covering anything from street harassment to reproductive rights. Our focus is on improving and ensuring the lives of women.

Em: What inspired you to start the organization?

Larissa: I started the organization two and a half years ago. I was active in Emerson Peace and Social Justice, but I was looking for a club that was more focused on women’s issues. Emerson has a very high proportion of female students, and I thought it was strange that there wasn’t a club dedicated to feminism already. I was starting to develop my own awareness as I grew up in a very sheltered background; when I came to the city, I started to notice and experience things like workplace sexism, and I wanted to create a community on campus to combat things like that.

Em: What exactly does the group do?

Larissa: We try to maintain an awareness of related events happening in our community from within Emerson to other schools or even just in Boston. Often our members will have something they want to publicize, and just last week we went to support a protest at Northeastern as a group. Last semester, we planned a counter-protest to the pro-life posters that were on the common, and we feel it is essential to be able to react at a moment’s notice to things like that.

Em: Are there prevailing misconceptions about Em Fems?

Larissa: The number one misconception that people have of Em Fems is that we hate men and fun. It can be useful to demonize feminists; if you discredit them, it is easier to silence them. There is this myth that feminists are humorless, but the members of Em Fems are some of the funniest people I know. If you come to a meeting, you will see that we are all normal, rational people. Em Fems is a place where people can go to not hear anything sexist or discriminatory.

Em: Do you have a big-picture vision for the club?

Larissa: Long-term goals include creating a women’s center at Emerson. I think it’s really ridiculous that we don’t have one here considering the population. I think that it would be really valuable to have a support center at this school. Besides the health center, women need a place to go to express concerns to get help and feel safe.

I was so happy to get SGA recognized this year. We waited a while to apply for recognition, but it feels so validating now. We started out so small and didn’t have many resources, and now I feel like we have the support, and this ensures that Em Fems will continue into the future.

*Em Fems meets weekly on Thursdays at 8pm. For more information, e-mail emfeminist@gmail.com

This Means War

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:59:00 -0500

Hoping to watch more than just the average sappy romantic comedy this Valentine’s Day? Director McG’s new movie, This Means War, might just be your perfect fit. This PG-13 film offers more than just a cheesy love-triangle disguised by overly elaborate stunts. In fact, it is the perfect combination of being able to keep the female interest while not losing its male audience. Some in the room will be captivated by Chris Pine and Tom Hardy’s charming smiles and ripped muscles. And if you’re wondering what it brings to the table for the action-lover in your life, rest assured that the well-choreographed fight scenes, epic explosions, and many tongue-in-cheek jokes will entertain him for the entire hour and a half.

As best friends and partners in the CIA, FDR Foster (Chris Pine) and Tuck (Tom Hardy) have survived violent showdowns and cunning terrorist groups together. The movie opens with the pair at a glamorous rooftop party, where things quickly go awry. In an attempt to flush out and capture their wanted bad guy—Heinrich(Til Schweiger) – banter is exchanged, guns are fired, and what was supposed to be a quick, confidential mission soon turns into a hectic and very public display. From there, our leads quickly find themselves “grounded” to their desks by their sassy boss, Collins, played by Angela Bassett.

Enter Lauren (Reese Witherspoon), a witty executive working for a top product research company. After some awkward encounters with an ex-boyfriend, Lauren is thrown into the world of online dating much to her own dismay. Trish (Chelsea Handler) is Lauren’s sharp-tongued friend who creates a wild and colorful profile for Lauren in the hopes that her friend will find some eager suitors. However, to the surprise of both women, Lauren soon gets a message from a cute and seemingly normal admirer who turns out to be none other than Tuck. Walking on cloud nine after the pair’s first date, Lauren heads over to the video store where Tuck’s partner, FDR is doing surveillance on the pair to make sure the date is going smoothly. Like any other normal rom-com, the two run into each other and flirtation ensues. What sets this film apart is Lauren’s wit and dismissals of FDR’s advances.

Things change when the men realize that they both are falling for the same woman. So, what happens when two lethal CIA operatives vie for one woman’s affection? Well, things get messy. Some impressive—not to mention illegal—shenanigans ensue between the two agents, with Lauren oblivious to it all. It makes you think of what your date could possibly do if they had an entire government agency at their disposal. You might want to go delete those old Facebook photos now.

What is interesting about this film is that it has an unexpected type of humor that you normally don’t get with the typical “Nicholas Sparks-esque” romantic comedy. Everything from male genitals to the Patriot Act is poked fun at throughout the movie. This film surprisingly did an exceptional job at keeping the male audience sincerely laughing without alienating those who prefer more of the male leads’ sexy charm. It’s surely an entertaining film, but if you are unsure about paying the theater’s ticket price, definitely wait to rent it. If anything, watch this movie for the paintball scene alone; it will have you and your date clutching your stomachs in laughter.

(text by: Emily McClure)

Revenge Bombshell: But really, who’s that dead dude on the beach?

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 20:58:00 -0500

(text by: Erin Doolin)

Ever since the pilot, we’ve all been waiting for the engagement party of professional glarer Emily Thorne and gold-digger bait Daniel Grayson. The first few moments of the show reveals that someone gets a bullet straight to the back on the beach of the party, and that death will likely change the course of Emily’s plot to systemically destroy every J.Crew-clad Hamptons rich bitch who screwed over her father.

I know when I first saw the pilot, I assumed the stiff on the beach was none other than Daniel Grayson himself, along with the rest of the Revenge crew. However, in a recent issue of Entertainment Weekly, show creator Mike Kelley hinted at another outcome, and said “I don’t think anyone will have guessed it” and that the writers had “spent weeks” on this twist.

When I read that passage, I scoffed. Okay, Mike Kelley I thought, Let’s see you write your way out of this hole you’ve dug. After all, it would make sense that Kelley doesn’t want to see Daniel go. Josh Bowman (The handsome hunk of man who plays Daniel) is a fan favorite, and is well on his way to being a teen heart-throb. And, to his credit, we never actually see the face of the poor bloke in the pilot, since the beach is so dark and the body is face-down. The only indication we have that the dead body is Daniel is, y’know, the fact that his sister and mother keep screaming “DANIEL! OH DANIEL! OH LORD NO!” over and over again.

So I’m willing to play this game with the Revenge writers. If it’s not Daniel, who is it? And if it is Daniel, what’s the twist?

It’s Tyler. Another spoiler Kelley revealed in his interview is that Tyler, the bisexual(?), mentally ill little scamp who tried to shoot up Daniel’s birthday party would be back for round two. And the only male lead not at the party (or not dragging the dead body up the beach. I’m looking at you, Jack.) is, in fact, Tyler. Upon close inspection of the pilot, I could believe that the dead body is Tyler’s. So that could be an easy, albeit lazy, out. Get rid of Tyler once and for all, and avoid killing Daniel.
It’s a rando. Ah, the ol’ red shirt. Perhaps we’ll meet some hottie at the beginning of the party. He’ll be charming but forgettable. But he’ll look eerily like Daniel. So of course, the killer will mistake the rando for Daniel, and shoot him instead. Dumb killer, unfortunate rando, alive Daniel.
It’s actually Daniel who’s dead, but the killer is Fake Amanda. There is, of course, the likely possibility that it’s definitely Daniel, and Kelley plans to shock us with the killer. Which also means it likely isn’t any of the major players, since they’re all at the party when Daniel is shot. Except, of course, Jack, who is seen dragging the body up the beach. Though I hope Revenge is a bit more creative than Jack simply killing Daniel out of jealously. Jack is also far from homicidal. So here’s my guess: Fake Amanda comes back, and she’s pissed. The girl is already unstable, and it’s a great way to complicate things further for Emily. This killer could also be Tyler, but I feel like his crazy-gun-card has already been played this season, and Amanda being the murderer holds much more complicated implications.

How To Be the Sober Friend

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:06:06 -0500

First, don’t drink. Or at least have an extremely high tolerance that may rival an Irish sailor. That’s key. Some might argue against this, but the most important thing in being the sober friend is to actually be sober. Alcohol can impair your judgment. Or so I’ve heard.

Next, be content while surrounded by a number of drunk people. You’ll most likely end up at a party in which the number of sober people can be counted on one hand. Maybe you’re on a schedule in which each of your friends has a weekend of be shitfaced with no scruples and no concerns about how they’re getting home—and this week, that’s your job. Or maybe you’re the most inherently responsible member of your friend group and know that when a rager occurs, you’ll need to hold back someone’s hair at the end of the night.

You might, then, decide that you need to develop horrible hearing matched with a lower sense of pride. When someone’s drunk, they begin to lose their sense of volume, always shouting embarrassing remarks no matter if they’re across the room or less than an inch away from your ear. Maybe they need to go to the bathroom, or maybe you should hook up with the guy you’ve been talking to all night. (Never mind the fact that he’s straight and the topic of your conversation was the NHL).

Have no qualms in treating your friends like children. If you see them about to take another shot, thereby pushing them over the level of pleasantly hammered and into horribly trashed, you cannot be afraid of taking the shot glass from their hands, telling them no and having a pout or weak slap to the arm as their only response.

Become good at controlling your emotions. It’s hard to be a hot-headed Sicilian and the sober friend at the same time. When your friends begin to call you by a different name, yelling that they cannot leave the party until they find the real you (you know, the hot-headed Sicilian and not the chill LA-boy) you’re going to need to keep your cool. When you live in a big city, it’s difficult to justify crossing the street and making them walk home on their own. That kind of attitude leads to mishap.

And for even the most non-motherly person in the world, chances are that at some point during the night your parental instincts will need to kick in. With judgments impaired, hook-ups and unwanted acts may occur and it’s unfortunately your job to stop them from committing any act that tomorrow morning might make them contemplate becoming a hermit for a few days. Bursts of spontaneous tears or even screaming matches can send you into a fight-or-flight situation in which you have no choice but to flee with them in toe. ‘I know, it’s okay. It’s okay,’ will be the only sentences you utter as you get your friends into bed for the night, checking at ten minute intervals to make sure they’re still breathing.

The night ends with a sigh of relief and exhaustion as you try to decide whether to scold them tomorrow or let it go. Either way, the first thing you’ll have to do is get coffee and bagels.

(text by: Joey Polino)

Sweeten up your Superbowl Party

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:58:00 -0500

SWEET PRESENTS “THE OWNER’S SWEET” CUPCAKE PACKAGE

To cheer on the New England Patriots as they advance to Super Bowl XLVI, Boston’s favorite cupcake shop, Sweet, introduces The Owner’s Sweet cupcake package, a custom-designed football field of cupcakes ready to “wow” any Super Bowl party.

The Owner’s Sweet includes:

· 73 team player full-size cupcakes hand-dipped in Patriots sprinkles and topped with edible hand-cut fondant jerseys each numbered in frosting with every number on the Patriot roster

· 1 coach full-size cupcake topped with signature Belichick “hoodie”

· 1 football full-size cupcake

· 1 football field printed tablecloth

The Owner’s Sweet cupcake package is available for order January 23-February 3, 2012 online (sweetcupcakes.com), via email (orders@sweetcupcakes.com) or by phone (617.247.2253). Orders for The Owner’s Sweet are required 48-hours in advance of pick up or delivery time. Cupcake flavors are an assortment of vanilla, chocolate and red velvet. The Owner’s Sweet, 75 custom-made cupcakes and tablecloth, retails for $300.

In addition to The Owner’s Sweet package, Patriots themed cupcakes in smaller quantities including team jersey cupcakes and the Belichick “hoodie” are also available for advance order or same-day in-store pickup and delivery. Prices are $4.25/each, $48/dozen and $64/for 16.

sweetcupcakes.com / 617.247.2253

Interested in joining EmMag?

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:24:00 -0500

Please keep in mind that this year we’re looking for people with a deep interest and passion in their applied area - not necessarily someone with magazine experience. Through these applications we need you to show us that you are an authority on whatever aspect of the magazine that you are apply for. Please keep in mind that em Magazine is an involved organization that requires a solid commitment and in return offers a great addition to your resume as well as ample opportunity for growth. Read through the below positions thoroughly before applying. If there are any questions concerning what we’re asking for please do not hesitate to ask. These applications are due no later than 8pm on Sunday, January 22nd. We will be scheduling interviews for this upcoming week, in addition to the application materials asked for below, please include your class schedules. We will send out our response on Monday night.

For all applied positions, please make the subject “em Magazine - DESIRED POSITION.” Please attach any samples, resumes, or additional materials as a .doc or .docx, rather than a .pdf.

Writing Positions: All writer applicants are required to submit a one-page maximum detailed cover letter explaining why you want to be a part of em Magazine and why you want your applied section; a resume with relevant experience; two writing samples; and any additional material that you believe shows your voice and experience

Emerson Section (seeking 4 writers): This person should be someone with an understanding of the inner-workings of Emerson College — someone who knows what questions to ask an Emerson alum, someone who is familiar with the sub-cultures of Emerson, someone who is aware of the happenings around campus. This person should have an interest and talent for interviewing.
Looks Section (3): This person should not only be a great writer with a strong voice, but also knowledgeable about the fashion industry, trends, and designers. They should be able to provide authoritative commentary on the fashion world and be aware of how to write about fashion and design in a way that goes beyond the trends and focuses on the way in which style influences the world around us. This position is more of a time commitment, as the writer will be required to attend photoshoots to learn more about the clothing they will be writing about. This section is also looking for one writer with an interest and knowledge in the health and fitness field.
Relationships Section (4-5): This person should have an understanding that articles in this section look beyond the surface of basic relationship writing. We’re looking for writers with a strong personal voice who will be able to offer material that reflects their own voice, but also the voice of em Magazine. This person should have experience with college relationships and should be able to provide a refreshing and witty take. In addition, this person should be comfortable and experienced in interviewing people on personal subjects. We’re looking for outgoing individuals who do not have qualms asking personal questions.
Features Section (3): Writers in this section should feel extremely comfortable with the interviewing process and open to experimenting with potentially unconventional interviewing methods. All writers will be responsible with 1-2 articles from start to finish. These individuals should be self starters, well organized, have a strong voice, and ready to bring serious stories to life. Ideal applicants should have an understanding of what magazine feature writing is, in contrast to newspaper.
Entertainment Section (1): We’re looking for writers who have an understanding and interest in pop culture. It’s important that this writer is aware of more than just what is “hot” at the moment, but is able to predict growing trends in entertainment. We’re looking for writers who have a specific area of interest and are able to speak authoritatively and critically on that interest. More than any other section, it is important that this writer is comfortable with forming their own voice and using pop culture topics as a way to discuss greater societal themes.

Photographers: All photographer applicants are required to send 5-7 sentences detailing your personal photography style, what sets you apart from other photographers, and why you want to photograph for a lifestyle magazine; a resume; and 3-5 photographs showing your range.

Photo Editor (3-5): We’re looking for someone who is extremely skilled in photoshop. This person will be required to turn around unedited photos given to them directly after a photoshoot. In most cases, we will need these photos edited in a week tops.
Fashion Photographers (3-5): These photographers should be experienced and comfortable in directing models and developing concepts .They should know how various lighting features work and have a grasp on how they can further push the fashion photography in em Magazine. They should be able to reference other photographers and be able to call upon images/other photographers for inspiration.
Lifestyle Photographers (3-5): Should be aware or knowledgeable on how to shoot still life, buildings, and food in a way that presents the content in an original manner. This person should not be opposed to traveling to other areas of Boston in order to take photos.
Features Photographer (3-5): This person should be extremely experienced in working with subjects and models. They should be able to capture a personality and emotion in a photograph. This person will be asked to collaborate with the Photo Director and Features Editor for a concept on the main features spread. This person needs to be personable and make subjects comfortable.

Hair and Makeup Artists (2+): All applicants should send 5-7 sentences with what your style inspiration is and why you want to be part of em Mag; a resume; and 1-3 pictures of your work (even if this means grabbing a friend and taking a photo). We are looking for applicants who have a passion, knowledge, and talent in hair and makeup styling. Ideally, this applicant is someone who has experience in formal technique. Applicants should be aware that they will be counted on at every photo shoot and should have an open schedule.

Marketing Staff (2-3): All applicants should send 5-7 sentences of why you want to be on em Mag and a resume. Must be hard-working, self-starting, and highly passionate about working for the betterment of the magazine. Need to be able to work well in groups and to communicate effectively and in a timely manner with the Directors of Marketing and in general. All marketing staff members will be responsible for contributing during meetings as well as showing initiative and leadership when it comes to the acting upon ideas presented to the staff by the Directors. Individuals selected for the general marketing staff are expected to be dedicated as well as willing to learn during the semester.

Please direct all questions and applications to emmagonline@gmail.com

The Tao of Candy

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:19:00 -0500

There is a store on Boylston Street in Boston filled with 15,000 different types of sweets. It smells like cotton candy, and the music is always danceable. There are lollipops and Swirly pops. There are gummies of varying flavor, shape, and consistency. There are pixie sticks. Pop Rocks. There is chocolate. A lot of chocolate. There are malt balls. Hard candy. Locally made ice cream. European candy. Vegan candy. Diabetic candy. Even Angry Bird candy.

Sugar Heaven isn’t just a candy store. It’s a candy emporium.

“There is really nothing here that isn’t represented in some way”, Ethel Seltzer, manager of Sugar Heaven located on Boylston St. “What makes our store unique is that the stuff we have is name brand stuff that you wouldn’t necessarily be able to find at the grocery store.”

David Sapers, also known as the “Sugar Daddy,” first conceived of Sugar Heaven after spending time in Montreal for a wedding, and realizing that there weren’t any candy stores in Boston that offered the variety he was looking for. He opened Sugar Heaven shortly thereafter, which now seems to be on the mission of providing its customers with every, and any, kind of candy that exists. It’s no easy task, especially in world with so many different preferences for sweets.

“I’m looking to caramelize something with a blowtorch on top of a drink,” one customer says after entering the store.

“I would do a hard candy,” Ethel says, “Because a gummy is going to melt ugly.” This wasn’t the first time this particular bartender came into Sugar Heaven, having used the store’s help at one point to attempt alcohol-infused cotton candy.

“I’m looking for anything having to do with hospitals, or doctors,” says another customer minutes later.

“Do we have any more of that candy blood in the bag? Did we sell out of it?” Ethel asks one of her employees.

“We have brains and teeth,” she replies.

“We do have brains and teeth!” Ethel says. These are the kinds of encounters to be expected on a regular day. Customers are always entering the store with a unique agenda.

“Your imagination can go wild,” Ethel says.

One particular customer arrives almost religiously every night at 9:15 pm. He gets out of work, and he looks for gumballs.

“He’s trying to quit smoking,” Ethel says. “He has gone from three packs of cigarettes to about a pack and a half … we call him Mr. bubblegum man. We set our clocks to him, 9:15, there he is.” Mr. bubblegum receives discounts from the store as encouragement to keep him on track.

Even though everyone’s taste in candy is different, there are a few customer favorites. The most popular item in the store is known as the clodhopper. It’s a chocolate graham-cracker cluster Ethel refers to as the “Lazy man’s smore.” Sour blue raspberry gummy bottles are another big item. The fixation on blue raspberry is one that Ethel attributes to the generation that grew up in the nineties. Nutritionists and health food junkies tend to prefer lollipops.

“Lollipops are really big right now,” Ethel says. “They’re portion control, they last a long time. And they’re very satisfying.”

Regardless of a customer’s health preferences, age, or profession, there is something at Sugar Heaven applicable to them. So what it is about candy that is so universally gratifying? The answer, according to Ethel, is simple.

“Candy is happy. People come in here and want happy … It’s a desert. It’s a treat. It’s a little heaven.”

(text by: Dominick Sorrentino)

Shot in Boston, MA For the upcoming F/W 2011 issue of Emerson...

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:50:00 -0500

Shot in Boston, MA

For the upcoming F/W 2011 issue of Emerson College’s Em Magazine: Generation Why?

Music by Gardens & Villa
Track: “Star Fire Power” (gardensandvilla.bandcamp.com/track/star-fire-power)
gardensandvilla.com

with Dagny Blomster, Andrew Asper, Gracie Gates, Abbey Volmer, Caroline Rhymer

Direction by Benjamin Askinas (benjaminaskinas.tumblr.com)
Cinematography by Doug Porter
Style by Alexandra Gurvitch
Produced by Marlowe Griffin Lyddon, Justin Reis
Cuts by John Edward Curtis
Assistant Direction by Joshua Grossman
Hair & Make up by Kelsey Leahy
G&E by Allie Altman, Tyler Weinberger

A Very Special Thanks to Hannah Fleishman, Allison Hable, Fred Kim, Taylor Meacham, Valeria Navarro, Vjeran Pavic, Rachel Ross Sullivan, Micah Schure, Ean Williams, Crystal Yuen, and Jon allen

You can check out the original frame snapped for the video’s thumbnail as well as more “behind the scenes” photos on our friend Fred’s page at fredkimphotography.tumblr.com

Life Lessons I Learned From Survivor

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:58:11 -0500

I love Survivor. For anybody who hasn’t caught onto this reality phenomenon, Survivor is, essentially, the original reality competition show. From its premiere in 2000, this show has seen 23 seasons, plenty of exotic locations all around the world, and a whole lot of backstabbing. The format is simple: a group of people are divided into tribes, compete for rewards and immunity, and are forced to vote a person “off the island” at the end of each episode. While some may dismiss it as mindless escapism, I think Survivor has five valuable life lessons to teach all of us if we’re willing to listen

You have to either be really good at what you do or a really good liar to get ahead. This is probably the lesson the show pounds into your head the most; if you can’t win the immunity challenges, you better work on your poker face. Just like Richard Hatch perfected the game in the very first season, I have learned that there is definitely a vital “social gaming” aspect to life. You can’t just excel at something and go straight to the top unless you’re really good at it. Take college applications for example: we can’t all say we were totally honest in our admissions essay. We have to know how to make ourselves look and sound better. If I hadn’t been obsessed with Survivor, I’d still be stuck within the silly boundaries of integrity. And integrity, my friends, is a bit overrated.

Sometimes the means do justify the ends. Work with me here. Everybody who won Survivor has probably had to do one questionable thing along the way that ended up helping him or her win. Even if it may have seemed, well, “mean.” I don’t intend to imply that all means justify all ends. No, I have just learned through my Survivor experiences that when the end is worth it, that can be a valid excuse for being somewhat of a jerk. It’s a fight to the finish, in this show and in life, and the ones who aren’t willing to really fight are the ones sitting in the top row at the finale, voted out first and completely unmemorable.

Don’t play all your cards too soon. Survivor loves to cast the archetype of the Person Who’s Just Here to Play the Game. More often than not, this person comes in on day one with a devious scheme to go to the end. Sadly, this big planner usually isn’t long for this world because he or she laid it all out there too soon. When you meet a new group of people, do you explode with personality, throw it all out there and hope something sticks? If so, you may want to rethink your strategy. Sometimes, you need to sit back, assess the situation, and then make your move. The countless premature castaways have taught me that all too well.

Trust anyone you want, as long as you understand that humans are ultimately in it for themselves. Often on Survivor, you see people regretfully accepting that in life, you just can’t trust anyone. I don’t know if that’s entirely true. Survivor itself is proof that you can trust people; you just have to know how far you can throw them. We are, by nature, selfish beings. Even the nicest people have moments of self-interest. When $1,000,000 are on the line, this is especially apparent. How often do we see a Final Four Super-Alliance form on Day One, only to fall apart halfway through the game? Trust is a nasty, sneaky idea, and is often the key ingredient in every Survivor victory or failure. The ultimate truth is this: trust is the most valuable currency. Just make sure you don’t give out too much of it, or you could end up off of the Island of Life and flat-out broke.

You really can’t do it alone. I realize this is in almost direct contradiction to what I have already said, but even through my jaded lens, the most important lesson Survivor has taught me is the ultimate Paradox of Life: Nobody makes it without friends, but everyone is trying to be on top. Not a single Survivor winner did it on their own. There was at least one vote that they had to trust people to give them, at least one person who was on their side. And that is the ultimate lesson to take from this show; no matter what means you use to get to the end, how many lies you have to tell, or who you trust, people need other people to survive.

(text by: Ethan Young)

A Reconstruction of Music with The Civil Wars

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:12:00 -0500

The sold-out crowd at the Berklee Performance Center went wild between every simple song delivered by the fresh Southern duo The Civil Wars on October 28th. The stage was simple, no fancy lighting or large band to accompany the talent. Rather, Joy Williams stood in front of a mic and sang her heart out, arms fluttering whimsically around her, while John Paul White stood a few feet away strumming his guitar and singing an equal part. Somehow, the simplicity and rawness of this entranced the packed house for the 90-minute set, ending with the audience uproariously demanding an encore.

The allure for this new band lies in a trifecta of perfect lyrics, vocal control, and performance. These songwriters have gone to great lengths to choose each work to break and mend a heart. They even make the word “home” sound like a train whistle. To top that, the delivery, both on the album and in person, is impeccable. The studio-recorded work is, of course, flawless, but amazingly, the sound on stage matches it. Williams and White know when to belt, when to hold back, and even when to step back from the mic. Often, Joy will step back and softly sing harmonies as much as five feet from the mic. The talent is in the room, and it is recognized.

The story of The Civil Wars is far from conventional. Joy Williams, who was a Christian pop singer in her younger years, met Johan Paul White (already a songwriter himself at home in Alabama) at a Nashville songwriters’ conference. They describe the process of choosing artistic partners as “a blind date,” ultimately decided by drawing straws. What these two got was magic. They have been songwriting together for several years now, and have toured for a large part of it.

The duo has recorded their first album, Barton Hollow, on a new label: Sensibility Music, founded by Joy’s husband. Being on an entirely new label has allowed The Civil Wars complete freedom and abnormal control over their recordings, and it shows. After touring for over a year without an official album (a free EP was available for download on their site), Barton Hollow dropped with unexpectedly enormous success, the title track being chosen as a free iTunes single and the album shooting to #1 on iTunes downloads for almost a week. Additionally, the album received huge critical acclaim from press such as The Washington Post, New York Post, and The Wall Street Journal. The Los Angeles Times boldly predicted in a review that “through bands such as The Civil Wars, a new music industry is born.”

Barton Hollow’s release resulted in a sold-out tour, including a stop at Boston’s Red Room 939. Previously, the band had played to a small handful of people at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge. Following their headlining tour, they were asked to be the opening act for most of Adele’s US shows, later adding several UK dates as well. After performing with them, Adele wrote on her blog, “[The Civil Wars] are by far the best live band I have ever seen. They are magical and stunning. They make my heart hurt but make it a bit stronger at the same time, too!”

Watching them perform, it’s easy to see why even Adele would be impressed: Joy and John Paul exude an incredible, indescribable chemistry on-stage. It exists not only between them, but reaches out to the audience. Everyone swoons. And yet, at least officially, the two are not in love. They seem to have fooled the whole country.

Passionately singing through originals such as “Father’s Father,” “20 Years,” “Falling,” and a new one, “Oh Henry,” the couple showed off not only their vocal chops, but also their immense skill as both songwriters and performers. They entertained the audience with several covers including a truly unique take on Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” For a finale, they offer a song that has been instrumental in their rise to success: “Poison and Wine,” likely to break hearts, but make them a bit stronger, too.

Get a taste of the unforgettable Civil Wars by watching the “Poison and Wine” video here.

For more information, visit The Civil Wars online at www.thecivilwars.com.

(text by: Daniel Jones)

Dieting through the holidaze.

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:49:00 -0400

It’s that time of year again. Halloween candy is half-priced and the store shelves are already filling up with pumpkin pie mix and Coolwhip. Boloco is even making a dangerously delicious eggnog shake. It’s a diabetic dream out there.

For most people our age, it’s pretty easy to just eat through the holidays and work it off this spring/summer. Heck, most 20-somethings don’t even retain fat. You guys keep slurping up your frappuccinos because you’ll still be a size 3 when it’s gone. As for myself? I seem to have a premature middle-aged gland that makes me bloat to twice my size this time of year. The fact is, since freshman year I have managed to gain an astounding 30 pounds. I’m going out into this world in May as a much plumper version of myself. This obviously doesn’t speak well to my self-discipline, and if I keep it up it’s going to be even harder to get a job in the already very dismal market. For me it isn’t a question of “should or shouldn’t I eat this last piece of pie,” but a matter of survival.

Aside from literally drowning in sugar treats, the winter is a time for cuddling up by the fire and drinking hot cocoa. Welp, I don’t have a gym in my house and hot chocolate is about 4,000 calories of warm childhood memories. If you’re anything like me, you use the holidays as an excuse to drink rich alcohols and liqueurs- just because you can. Soon enough I’ll be thinking: A White Russian at 3pm? Why not! It has a little peppermint stick in it to so it doesn’t really count as day drinking. It’s just for taste. Oh and Irish coffee? That’ll keep me warm on the T-ride to campus! And from there it’s a downward spiral ‘til I’m making out with my bosses nephew at the Christmas party in the China Buffet. But we all know that liquids can’t have calories, so hand me the scallion pancakes and teriyaki pork!

As if the stress of figuring out what to buy everyone (and the bills that come with it) wasn’t enough, you actually have to spend TIME with these people. I’m not talking lunch dates with old friends, but most students literally move back in with their folks over break. A MONTH WITH YOUR PARENTS. Mom will make you grilled cheese because she’s so happy to see that her son or daughter is home safe. Grandma will make you cookies. Dad will buy you beer. Everywhere you look there is a reason to consume free crap, and having been refused the delights of home while at school or paying rent in Allston, you bet your ass you’re going to take it. Furthermore, everyone in the world is going to annoy you while you are just trying to relax. When Uncle Bob offers you a hit of that special cigarette between dinner and dessert, you’ll probably take it. Pie tastes a billion times better after that and you’ll be eating just once slice… of everything.

So how will I survive? Most bets are in the “I won’t” category, but there is a slim chance I’ll make it to at least the first of December before I break down and start eating every treat I can get my hands on. Maybe someone will buy me a gym membership for Christmas. If you’re in the same boat as me, Good Luck. I wish you the very best while you turn down Aunt Karen’s famous Mac n’ Cheese.

(text by: Amanda Cuoco)

Kindle-Anon

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:24:00 -0400

I was that guy who, like everyone else, never wanted a Kindle. In fact, I swore I would never get one. I liked how books felt, I liked how the pages smelled, and I loved holding a well worn and loved copy of some pretentious book in a quirky coffee shop. A few months later, and I’m hooked. My Kindle is my best and only friend. Sure, there are certain books I’ll want or keep around, but overall I became exactly what Amazon expected: their bitch.

I have no problems being cocky enough to say that I love my taste in books. So I naturally love to show off what I’m reading. The issue with a Kindle, the only thing I can brag about is owning it and the books that might be on it.

On the T one day, a girl is reading the book Columbine by Dave Cullen. Great book. It’d be fascinating to talk about, in spite of how creepy it is to start a conversation with “Hey, you’re reading Columbine also? Have they killed anyone yet?”

From my perspective there’s a cute girl reading Columbine. From her perspective there’s a short guy reading… something on his Kindle. Twilight? The Awakening? She’d never know (it wasn’t Twilight, for the record. That was high school. Or The Awakening. That’s just a terrible book). There’s no ticker on the back of the Kindle that shows what you’re reading. Soon no one will ever know what other people are reading, and my potential soul mate will marry someone else.

People like me want to share what they‘re reading. It’s cool to read. It means you somehow make spare time to read a book for fun. It means that while on the T, you prioritize a novel over Words with Friends.

…Though I’m currently reading a novel-length epic Harry Potter Fan Fic on my Kindle, so maybe it’s not so bad that stays hidden.

If I was still reading Twilight, I’d love to have no one know. “What are you reading?” someone asks you. “East of Eden,” I’d promptly reply and switch the book (just in case they would see the words ‘Edward,’ ‘yearning,’ or other Mormon themes instead of Steinbeckian America).

For bookworms like myself, we have entered a new age of literature. In an era where everyone knows what 80s synth I’m listening to on Spotify, its strange that no one will ever know what I’m reading. On one hand, this is devastating. Remember winter of 2009 when everyone had a bright green or orange book sticking out of their purses and you knew just how many people jumped on the Steig Larsson train of violence and snow? Or how if you’d be drunk today if you took a shot for every Game of Thrones book you see on the T?

Seeing what everyone else is reading is comforting. If you recognize a fairly unknown book, you get that warm smile, knowing that someone else is about to go on the same journey that you and few others embarked on. If you see the next big fad being read all around you, you know you’re in the next movement. Nowadays, everyone just has a Kindle, and they’re reading… something. But just like how page numbers aren’t really a thing anymore thanks to our eBook friends, maybe the public knowledge of what others are reading will just dissipate over time. It’s not just the technological aspects of reading that’s fundamentally different, but enigma is the new trend.

(text by: Alex Trivilino)

Bass Music: Looking Back to Look Forward

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:00:05 -0400

Some say it exists because kids with no rhythm need to dance too. Others think
it’s the herald for a coming robot apocalypse. Whatever the opinion, bass music (the preferred term for the now limiting and connotative ‘dubstep’) has completed a low-frequency blitzkrieg across North America. The sounds are new and unique, sometimes better described as soundscapes then songs. They wordlessly manipulate and form emotion through juxtaposition and building, in a method oddly similar to that of European classical music.

The genre, however, has recently gone through a massive transformation that, to many listeners, passed unnoticed. Bass music sprung from moodier, more reserved roots than the cataclysmic synth crashes and bass drops we hear today. What is now a cybernetic orgy–think DJ Optimus Prime–began more akin to dub reggae. This form of bass music’s only failing (other than being the leading cause of blown speakers and broken windows) is in it’s novelty and shock value. This almost inevitably wears off, leaving listeners overloaded and spent.

These sounds, which would come to be called dubstep, ﬁrst started spilling onto dance ﬂoors in the late 90’s in South London. Producers experimented with a combination of dub reggae, 2-step garage, and other existing club genres. They netted these together with a constant, rumbling sub bass, and an oscillating bass line now affectionally termed, “wobble”. Through radio and progressive clubs, the sound gained in popularity. During this time, the dark, atmospheric sound expanded in variety and acceptance.

Fast forward to about 2007, and bass music hits North America. This proved a turning point for the genre, at which all tact and reservation was abandoned. American DJ’s made it harder, faster, and louder. The sounds became grand and overwhelming. DJ’s such as Datsik, Excision, and Downlink formed the aforementioned army of robotic bass soldiers. In Europe, a similar sound has been embraced by artists such as Nero and Borgore. This is the form of bass music we see invading blogs and basement parties today. This is the same form which may soon lose it’s innovative edge and be forced to adapt, as it has before.

That adaptation will move backwards, to the less chaotic forms of South London. Already, those exhausted from the aggressive contemporary forms have aimed their tastes back across the pond. Artists such as SBTRKT take elements of the dubstep sound and incorporate them in new, less formulaic ways. DJ collaborations such as Kryptic Minds harken back to the genre’s inception as they strip away the excess and focus on manipulating emotion through unusual use of bass. Possibly the most exciting of these next-step artists is Starkey, a Philadelphia DJ with an incredible eye for innovation. In the same vein, producers Josh Mayer (Ooah, The Glitch Mob) and Marty Folb (Marty Party) have combined to form PANTyRAiD, producing unusual vocal bass odysseys sure to intrigue. These American producers represent the movement having come full circle, past inﬂuencing present, and vice versa

The screaming, raging bass music of the last few years might be coming to a
close, but with artists looking back in order to move forward, rest assured, you won’t have a working pair of speakers for years to come.

(text by: Quinn Fariel)

Nail Couture

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:41:00 -0400

Square or round? File or cut? Pick a color.

Anyone who has stepped foot in a nail salon is accustomed to hearing these words. Spoiling your hands with a soothing soak, massage, shaping and a fresh coat of polish is routine for many avid salon goers. However, thanks to the makers of popular nail polish such as OPI and Essie and constantly changing trends in the fashion world, picking a color is not so simple.

There are colors for every occasion and thousands of shades of the same color that are so similar, yet so different. OPI releases a new line of colors every season keeping up with trends- creating new ones, making pop culture references and playing with words. However, keeping up with these trendy Essie and OPI polishes will set you back about $8-$9 each, causing nail polish lovers to fall victim of a pricey addiction. Especially when your favorite celeb teams up with these brands to make a line, like Katy Perry and Serena Williams who both have signature polish lines with OPI. And if these $9 polishes didn’t sound crazy enough, you can always shell out $18 for a Deborah Lippmann celebrity color, created with the input of celebs like Gaga, Kelly Rippa, Sarah Jessica Parker and Mariah Carey.

Brands have made their polishes unique in their names. It’s not enough today to call a blue nail polish by its shade, but it needs to be given a personality. For example, OPI has an emerald green polish named Call My Cell-ery and an orange rust color named Cozu-melted In The Sun. Lippmann has an iridescent silver called Stairway to Heaven and gold glitter called Shake Your Groove Thing.

Polishes have created a whole new territory in the fashion world, one that is unique and obtainable for just about anyone. One of the best examples of nail fashion and the culture can be found on the runways. Bare nailed models are no more. There are now celebrity nail stylists from OPI, Deborah Lipmann and MINX manicurists who work with each designer to create some innovative manicures that get the people talking. Some recent trends in Fashion week were reverse French manicures as seen during the Pamela Love earthy spring 2012 collection inspired by Essie manicurists. Nicole Millers line included checkerboard nail designs with bright bold colors that made a huge statement on the runway. Pointy false nail extensions are another trend in the media, from the runway to Lady Gaga’s hands and the favored DIY tip of beauty bloggers all over the Internet.

Beauty bloggers are the final step in breaking down this newly popular nail polish culture in the fashion world for the everyday fashionista on a budget. They provide step by step DIY’s for tons of nail designs like scotch tape manicures, water marbling and stamping patterns. They even go as far as to provide swatches of almost every color there is now a days regardless of the brand. After all, most of these pricey polishes never really look the way they do in the bottle on our nails (at least not without a couple… or 6 coats). One of the most useful tools out there for polish lover not looking to spend a small fortune on their color collection is the dupe list. Where beauty bloggers compare the more expensive polish colors to their cheaper, drug store available, soul sister. Most of which are almost identical to their pricier counterpart. The popular beauty and fashion blog Temptalia.com has one of the most extensive dupe lists out there. Not only does it provide nail polish dupes but it is the holy grail of thrifty beauty products that do the same job as the popular name brand products.

When it comes to following the latest fashion trends it gets a little difficult. They change so frequently and some are out of reach for a lot of people, including some of us college students shopping in the dollar-a-pound at the Garment District. However the attention that nails have been getting in the fashion world creates a simple way for a fashionista to stay in the loop.

(text by: Gabrielle Yaccarino)

SUBGENRE SUNDAYS PRESENTS: HORRORCORE

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 00:02:00 -0400

This is not about Odd Future. In fact, before I begin, Tyler would like you to know: “We don’t make fucking horrorcore, fuckin’ idiots – listen to the music before you put it in a box.” Okay. Fair enough. Just because you rap about rape, pillaging, suicide, and murder every once in a while, doesn’t mean you’re a horrorcore musician.

So what does? What exactly is this music and who the hell is behind if the hooligans of Golf Wang aren’t?

Let’s go back to the late eighties/early nineties - hip hop’s golden age - when, as Rolling Stone so perfectly put it, “it seemed that every new single reinvented the genre”. The diversity, quality, innovation and influence that characterize this period for hip hop is enough to make any steadfast fan of the genre wish they were born a decade earlier (if you’re my age that is), though, I suppose that wouldn’t have prepared me or any of us for Lil B…. (Thank you, Based God).

What stands out most about the golden era is the fact that each style - each subgenre, if you will - was inspired directly by the culture, location, and circumstances of the artists involved. Today it seems there’s only one thing behind each voice - a marketing strategy.

The point is that hip hop wasn’t always some excuse to rap about hoes and Rolex watches with unbridled bravado, and it obviously wasn’t always about crafting content to draw in Facebook ‘likes’. The musical experimentation was raw and unfiltered. The stylistic innovation was and remains entirely undeniable. Every beat seemed fresh and every sample more eclectic than the last.

Subject matter was equally diverse. Afrocentricity, political militancy, and social commentary were popular themes that set the stage for powerful lyricism and a staunch following of fans and critics alike. In the golden era, young emcee’s found themselves, quite literally, to be the voice of inner-city dwellers everywhere. But not all of the voices spoke of a positive message, a struggle to be learned from, or a lifestyle worth bragging about.

In 1991 a rap group known as The Geto Boys released their fourth album, We Can’t Be Stopped. Its album cover features a patient in a hospital after a suicide attempt. Its track list includes the song “Chuckie”, based the horror film Child’s Play. It starts out like this:

“I told you size wasn’t shit/That’s why I murdered your nieces/Wasn’t my fault they found they head cut in 88 pieces/Don’t let ’em run/Hurry up and catch ’em/You grab an arm I grab an arm/let’s pull ’till we stretch ’em.”

That was only one song. In August of 1994, New York City-based hip hop collective Gravediggaz dropped their album 6 Feet Deep (download it here), featuring five rappers who called themselves the Rzarector, Grym Reaper, Undertaker, and Gatekeeper. 6 Feet Deep is nothing short of a musical Saw, riddled with themes of torture and death, reworked with macabre black humor along with undertones of satanism. To give you an idea (from track 10, “Diary of Madman”):

“Stroll through the dark conditions/I stone you till I see sparks of friction/I chop ya like a coal miner/Then combine the drug/And mix it with your blood some more/I give you some more/And watch you crawl/Guts hit the floor/Worms that dig your pores.”

Well then. That being said, a literal definition of the subgenre might seem a tad superfluous, but here we go: Horrorcore is simply hip hop with a basis in horror-themed lyrical content and imagery. That’s it! In its history it rarely touched the mainstream, but when it did, the hip hop community listened.

Big L’s very first single, “Devil’s Son” is a four minute invective on his status as the son of the devil that dotes on the savagery and torment he inflicts upon his victims. Then there’s Eminem. Yeah, he drops a lot of names, talks a lot of shit - the usual. But he also dedicates an entire track to the methods he will employ to torture and kill his pregnant wife. In another track, “3 AM”, Shady adopts the persona of a cold-blooded psychopath:

“I remember the first time I dismembered a family member/December I think it was, I was havin’ drinks with my cousin/I wrapped him in Christmas lights, pushed him into the stinkin’ tub/Cut him up into pieces and just when I went to drink his blood.”

So why doesn’t Tyler want OFWGKTA to be associated with their formidable forerunners? I’m pretty sure the Gravediggaz are gruesome enough. In fact, if they ever crossed paths in a dark alley I’d say the horrorcore hoodlums of the 20th century would leave Odd Future scared shitless. As far as theme and content, there are only slight differences between the lyricism of Earl Sweatshirt and Eminem, of Tyler and Big L. It may, in fact, be a mere matter of opinion. Regardless, topics like misogyny, rape, and murder in hip hop find their roots in the horrorcore movement of the early 90’s.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go eat some children, slit some throats, drown my enemies in cyanide… the usual. Deuces.

(text by: Emily Onofrio)

SIMILAR ARTISTS: Necro, Cam’ron, ICP

The Castle Hassle

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:34:00 -0400

When you first applied to Emerson, the overzealous tour guide ranted and raved about the Castle. Or maybe you ogled at the pictures on the school’s website. You bragged to all your high school friends, “My school has a castle. With a moat!” It was the coolest thing since your Senior Prom.

If you’re lucky, you came to Emerson and among other things, fell madly in love. You and Prince Charming did everything together. Lunching at the DH daily, exploring the many “opportunities” of the LB handicapped bathrooms, you even applied to go to the Castle together. You couldn’t be separated. But when your iPhone buzzes a few months later and you check your email- everything’s changed. You didn’t get into the program and he, on the other hand, did.

You quickly wish that that moat would overflow and the Castle would drown and become Atlantis’ twin brother. You beg and plead, but your guy’s a good swimmer. He decides to take his chances.

“It was good while it lasted,” your friends will say, trying to console you with copious amounts of Ben & Jerrys pints from the Max. But neither Ben, nor Jerry can build snowmen with you in the Common, sled down the Emerson hill on Dining Hall trays, or snuggle with you after class. While you might feel like the most unfortunate girl in the world, you and your man are faced with your final vaarwels (yeah, you even started studying Dutch).

The good news is that many people before you have been separated by an ocean and can offer some advice. It may not be the advice you want to hear, but it’s a proven method that can practically guarantee you’ll survive the tragic separation. And hey, feel free to stuff your face with ice cream and audibly curse at any happy couple you encounter in his absence. It feels great.

Talk it out. While he’s abroad, you’re not going to be able to kiss and make up whenever something goes wrong. While you do have each other’s hands to squeeze, you have to talk about every little detail. Dedicate some time, about a month or two before his bon voyage, to brainstorm all the “What ifs” and “Should we’s.” Don’t leave anything out. Discuss how you’d feel if he kissed another girl and you knew about it. What about sex? Do you want the details of his every hookup? Or do you want him to stay loyal to you? And make sure you answer these questions too. Ideally he’d be faithful, and you could prance around Allston with whomever you’d like, but you have to consider what he wants too. How often should you talk? Will you have enough to talk about if you Skype every day? The conversation won’t be fun, but it’s necessary. Talk about every option you have, and think about the pros and cons of each. Long distance, open relationship, or take a break, It needs to be defined.

Let him go to get him back. A long distance relationship is a difficult thing to master. Like it or not, you’re going to be attracted to other people eventually. Having that talk while he’s abroad will undoubtedly cause a riff, and if he’s the emotional type, that moat might just overflow. You’ll feel the need to stay in constant communication. But if you’re not sharing experiences, you may not have anything to relate to. What about an Open Relationship? Been there, done that. Doesn’t work. A relationship is a relationship and you’ll feel guilty the second you get naughty with your study partner in the library. Open relationships usually come with a lot of rules. No sex, for example, Fact of the matter is, sex is even better when it’s off limits. Don’t let yourself get there. Taking a break could be the key to a successful leave of absence on his part. He’s going to Europe. As someone who loves him immensely, do you really want to hold him back from experiencing it to the fullest? Imagine if things didn’t work out between you when he got back. He turned down plenty of propositions from European goddesses. And hey, what about all those Paramount demi-gods?! That resentment will fester, regardless of your post-Castle relationship. You need to give him space to get whatever’s necessary out of his system. We can hope and pray that our men are attracted to us and only us, but let’s remember where their brains are. If you have enough love for each other to let one another go, you can make it through anything. Confidence is essential to a happily ever after.

Limit communication. Schedule a time to Skype once a week. It can last 30 minutes or 5 hours, and it will give you both something to look forward to. It’ll keep you thinking about each other throughout the week, and when you do talk, you’ll have more than enough to say. This way, you can tell the most exciting stories of your weeks, convey all the things that made you think of one another, and in your cutest baby voices, swap plenty of “I miss you so much’s.” Why not talk whenever you feel like it? This opens the door for you (or him) to get hurt. If he’s too busy jetsetting around Europe to talk, you might feel neglected or unimportant. Plus, describing every detail of your day will get monotonous, and could easily cause jealousy. Those inside jokes you two have will only be funny for so long. Talking more than once a week will force the relationship to go stale like that bagel you stole from the DH.

Be adults. While the once a week video chat is a terrific idea in theory, sometimes we just have those days. Sometimes you’ll miss him so much that it’s affecting your schoolwork. Sometimes you’ll lose sleep wondering if he’s slept with that b!*#% from your Intro to College Writing Class. Sometimes something will go wrong in your life and he’s the only one who could console you. For these reasons, remember that you are adults, and sometimes it’s important to make exceptions. Make sure that you’re taking care of yourself and each other. Email him to let him know how you’re feeling. This may be enough, but if it isn’t, find some time to talk about what’s going on so that emotions don’t build up and eventually explode. Speaking of exploding…

Skypegasm. For those of us who are unfamiliar with the world of cyber sex, this can be particularly intimidating. However, it is a great way to stay close to your partner. Make sure he’s a guy you can trust, and make sure your roommate isn’t getting out of class early. Most importantly, make yourself comfortable. This video chat doesn’t count as your weekly Skype date. Get each other in the mood by discussing one of your sexiest sexcapades. Once you’re both ready, let your hands wander. What you do with them is up to you, but mutual masturbation is one of the best ways to stay connected with someone you’re used to getting intimate with. E-intimacy is daunting, but if you remember that these are all things you’ve done with him before and keep in mind that he finds you incredibly sexy, you can’t fail.

These few months are going to be tough. There’s no getting around that. But just remember that there’s an end in sight, and it’s not so far away. Soon enough he’ll be all yours again. Chances are he’ll be thinking about you the whole time.

(text by: Sienna Mintz)