(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.

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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)

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)

All Emerson students could be described with adjectives like artsy, hipster, indie, preppy, etc. But students within each major have their own assortment of unique characteristics which should be taken into account when considering a relationship with an Emersonian. They define priorities, interests, and expectations for each. Think of it this way: while the entire student body has a mutual love for such things as Passion Pit, (500) Days of Summer and Alexander McQueen, depending on the major, there are different levels of prominence for each.

Here are a few tips for dating the Emerson student—by major.

Musical Theatre
The trouble with dating a Musical Theatre major—or more affectionately, an MT—is their hunger for being the best. This means that if you wind up dating one of them, you cannot under any circumstances be in competition with them. Even if you find yourself silently competing with grades, you can’t take it too seriously (even if they do). They will push and push, taking the fun and simple competition to the max, taking the joy and whimsicality out of it all.

Characteristics of note: They’re always singing. They may prefer dating someone who is not a musical theatre professional (again, the competition thing), but it is expected that you know the difference between Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar, or at least know what The Last Five Years is. They make references to everything and you need to be on top of your game.

Film & Television
Film students will expect your favorite movie to be something artsy or revolutionary (meaning it doesn’t star Julia Roberts or Katherine Heigl). Be prepared to sit through movies in Spanish, French and maybe even Mandarin Chinese, featuring totally unrealistic fight sequences and lots of sex. Brush up on terminology such as a “grip” or “best boy”. Also, they work insane hours, mostly on weekends in Allston or somewhere in New England so your nights out must be extra special if it will be the only one for quite some time.

For TV majors, even if you’ve never seen an episode of Lost, Dexter, Buffy or True Blood, chances are that you’ll be able to talk about them like you watched them from start to finish after a month or so of dating. In the end, students of the Film and TV majors are probably the most hipster of Emerson students.

Filmographies to study: Martin Scorsese, Woody Allen, Federico Fellini and Ingmar Bergman.

Writing, Literature & Publishing/Journalism
I’ve clumped the WLPers and journalism students together because quite frankly, they’re probably the most normal in the throngs of students at Emerson. However, Henry Miller said the best way to get over someone is to turn them into literature, so be prepared: if you end up breaking their heart, you may find yourself one day immortalized in a novel or two. Get used to your dates or intimate moments becoming their inspiration, soon on display for all to read.

Current events may be nagging at a journalism major more than anyone else. Also, it’s more than a guarantee that you’re going to have to partake in a number of interviews for their broadcast class or appear in the Berkeley Beacon about the DH’s decision to continue using trays.

Authors to brush up on: Faulkner, Hemingway, Vonnegut and Kerouac.

Marketing
A marketing major is one or both of the following: a perfectionist or pretentious. In any case, they’ll admit to it. Most marketing majors have strict schedules they have to adhere to. If you’re more than four minutes late to even the most casual coffee date, you’d best have a doctor’s note. Marketing students by nature are probably the most ambitious of Emerson students in terms of the number of things they try to cram into their schedules. Due to this,most have addictions to coffee, so if you want to surprise them, a Red Eye is a thoughtful treat. They might snarl comments about what other students are wearing, but don’t get discouraged, they do it because deep down they actually do care.

Things to remember: They’re the only students who are required to take math.

(text by: Joey Polino)

Read through the below positions thoroughly before applying. These applications are due no later than 7pm on Monday, September 12th.  We will be scheduling interviews for this upcoming week, in addition to the application materials asked for below, please include your class schedules.  Send all material to emmagonline@gmail.com. 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.
• Street Scene Photographers: This is a great position for someone who doesn’t have experience in a studio or with lighting, but is still interested in learning and growing within the photography section of the magazine. These photographers should have an eye for style. They will be required to submit Street Scene photographs weekly and must be responsible enough to do this without full direction. They should also be comfortable approaching people on the street. 

Fashion Assistants: All applicants should send 5-7 sentences with what your style inspiration is and why you want to be part of em Mag and a resume. Applicants should be able to be on hand at every photoshoot to assist the creative team in styling and executing the team. Responsibilities will include picking up and dropping off throughout different boutiques in Boston, prepping the clothing before shoots; and keeping track of all clothing on set to ensure that all clothing is returned in proper condition. This is a position where there is a lot of area to grow within the magazine.

Hair and Makeup Artists: 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.

Layout Designers: All applicants should send 5-7 sentences of why you want to be on em mag; a resume; and samples of your work. Applicants should be both knowledgeable and experienced in InDesign. Magazine and publishing experience, although not required, is preferred. It is not required that you have InDesign, but you must be experienced already. Due to time constraints, detailed training will not be provided for this position. It is important that this person is creative, but also able to match the style that em Magazine has already set up.

Marketing Staff: 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.

Director of Business Relations: All applicants should send 5-7 sentences of why you want to be on em Mag and a resume. In addition to meeting the requirements of the general marketing staff, the Director of Business Relations will be in charge of establishing and maintaining em Magazine’s relationships with local businesses in order to generate sponsorship for many of the Magazine’s events and issues. Must be organized and able to conduct oneself in a highly professional manner.

Director of Event Planning: All applicants should send 5-7 sentences of why you want to be on em Mag and a resume. In addition to meeting the requirements of the general marketing staff, the Director of Event planning needs to be specifically passionate about helping the Directors of Marketing generate event ideas that are in line with the em Magazine brand. Must be detail-oriented and highly organized. Past event planning experience is preferred but not required. We will train the right person.