Search Results

Bella Nathan April 24, 2022 | 7:56pm EDT Nothing causes more internet controversy and drama than the actions of female pop stars. One of the foremost examples of this phenomenon is singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. Del Rey first came into fame with the release of her hit song and music video, “Video Games'' in 2011. Del Rey has been the poster child for controversy, from the release of her 2012 single “Blue Jeans” which features a man choking her in the cover art, to her ever-controversial lyric, “He hit me and it felt like a kiss.” Del Rey herself addressed the controversy she has faced with an Instagram post in May of 2020, asking why she faces so much hate and pushback for her expression of sexuality in her lyrics and videos. Del Rey is just one of many female pop stars who face constant controversy, and these controversies all contain some overlapping factors. Most of them focus on the actions of women, and many of them have to do with female sexuality and how women are choosing to express or not express their sexuality, like in the case of Del Rey. While it may seem like entertainment, these controversies represent an important conversation occurring on the internet concerning women’s behavior. As a listener of Del Rey, one of the biggest controversies I have heard is the accusation that Del Rey glamorizes abuse. As I said, Del Rey addresses this accusation herself in an Instagram post made in May 2020. Del Rey seems to have formulated a persona that embodies a soft interpretation of hyper-femininity and she has an interesting and nuanced perspective on men and the male gaze. Del Rey starts her post by calling out other popular sing-songwriters, including long-standing pop culture icons such as Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj. She asks why they can sing “about being sexy, wearing no clothes, f*cking, cheating etc-” but she can’t sing about being in love in an imperfect relationship or “dancing for money…without being crucified or saying that [she’s] glamorizing abuse?” Del Rey continues to complain that there is no place in feminism for “girls who look and act like'' her. She defines “girls like her” as girls who are soft and “delicate.” Del Rey references some of the criticism she has endured for her lyrics that explore the submissive role she takes with men in relationships. Del Rey seems frustrated by the fact that she faces criticism for her lyrics and aesthetic, while other female singers, like the ones named earlier, do not. It is important to recognize that the opinion that the other named singers don’t face criticism is only Del Rey’s opinion, and may not be realistic or accurate. Del Rey is frustrated that she is being criticized for her expression of sexuality, and from her perspective, she is being criticized more than other female artists because of the specific way that she expresses her sexual desires. Again, I do not agree with Del Rey that she is enduring more criticism than others, but it is true that the specific criticism that she is receiving is different from others due to the nature of the image that she is portraying. Del Rey talks about being in a submissive role in her lyrics, whereas other popular singers who speak of being sexual gravitate towards a more dominant role. While Del Rey’s desire for domination may seem different from the sexual expression of other female pop stars, the connecting factor can be found in the postfeminist framework. Postfeminism specifically promotes liberation, independence, and a renewed science of freedom and autonomy. This means that any form of female sexual expression is valid, be it submissive or dominant, as long as it is coming from the woman’s own choosing. This is what distinguishes Del Rey’s desire for domination from problematic male domination. The renewed sense of autonomy and freedom leads to a shift in the power dynamic in the sexual contract between men and women. I think the criticism that Del Rey endures comes from a lack of understanding that desired domination and submission are starkly different from undesired, and often problematic or hurtful domination. Similar to other female pop stars that express their sexuality in a more conventional way, Del Rey should be allowed to express her desires and sexuality without judgment. That being said, it is valuable to ensure that sexual roles are truly wanted by women, and not framed that way by male manipulation or social conditioning.

Haley Cronin April 20, 2022 | 3:40pm EDT Jurassic Park is by far my favorite movie of all time. I love the movie so much that I have made it a tradition to watch it every year on my birthday. Just as well, being an anthropology major, I enjoy fictional entertainment based on digging in the dirt for physical historical evidence. Thus, my passion for the franchise prompted me to read the novel that the movie was based on. Jurassic Park, written by Michael Crichton, was published in 1990. Upon reading the book, I was shocked at some of the key differences between the book and the movie. Some of the differences between the two works are so drastic that their plots become dissimilar. In this blog post, I would like to compare four different aspects of Jurassic Park that I feel are the most important contrasts between the book and the movie. Let’s begin with the relationship between Dr. Alan Grant and Dr. Ellie Sattler. In the movie, Grant, a paleontologist, and Sattler, a paleobotanist, work together on research in Montana. However, throughout the movie, we learn that the two are in some sort of romantic relationship with one another. While the relationship is not blatantly obvious, Grant makes certain that Dr. Ian Malcolm knows of his involvement with Sattler and thus that she is off limits, to Malcolm’s dismay. However, in the novel, Grant and Sattler are not romantically involved whatsoever. In fact, Sattler is a graduate student working under Grant, and it is even mentioned that she is engaged to another man. Next, let’s discuss Dr. Alan Grant’s relationship with the Murphy children. Much of Grant’s personality in the movie is based on his character arc of going from hating to loving children. When faced with the threat of death by the hands (or jaws, in the case) of the vicious Tyrannosaurus rex, Grant is forced to learn to survive beside Lex and Tim Murphy. Ultimately, the traumatic experience he and the kids shared helped him bond with the children and learn to appreciate children in general. However, in the novel, Grant does not experience this character arc whatsoever. It is stated early on in the book that Grant has always loved children. Thus, it was not a stretch for his character to put his life on the line for the children throughout the book. Next, let’s discuss the ages and personalities of the Murphy children. The characters of Lex and Tim Murphy are vastly different between the movie and the book. In the movie, Lex is the eldest of the two, and she is known to be a computer hacker. Tim, on the other hand, takes on the role of the annoying younger brother who has an infatuation with dinosaurs. However, in the novel, Tim is the elder sibling who is good with computers and Lex is the annoying younger sibling. Lastly, let’s discuss the fate of John Hammond. John Hammond, in both the movie and book, is the founder of Jurassic Park. While Hammond has no true scientific background, he uses his immense fortune to turn his dinosaur dreams into a reality. Hammond’s character in the movie, though, is vastly different from his character in the book. In the movie, the character of Hammond is fairly loveable; just an old and kind man who is in way over his head. However, in the book, the character of Hammond is quite disagreeable and very arrogant. In fact, towards the end of the novel, John Hammond is killed by the dinosaurs he created. In the movie, though, John Hammond escapes the dinosaurs with the rest of the main characters. With all of these differences between the book and the movie in mind, I truly do not know which form of the story I enjoy more. For one, the movie makes the character of Lex Murphy much more self-sufficient and intelligent than she was portrayed in the book. However, the movie makes the character of Dr. Ellie Sattler a bit more reliant on Dr. Alan Grant due to their romantic attachment to one another. Also, John Hammond is a more loveable character in the movie than he is in the novel. However, Dr. Alan Grant’s personality and relationship with the Murphy children is much more loveable in the novel than it is in the movie. Thus, both the Jurassic Park book and movie have aspects to be admired and appreciated.

Alexia Partouche April 15, 2022 | 2:53pm EDT Few things are as certain in the world of pop culture as this: Harry Potter is a cultural touchstone. Seven books, 10 movies (with an eleventh on the way this April), two theme parks, a play, and a sprawling list of video games, lego or otherwise, make up the globally beloved franchise, all from the mind of one of the most polarizing women on the internet. Rowling is a transphobe, that much isn't up for debate. How much her transphobia affects her work and our enjoyment of her work most definitely is. Maybe you hate Rowling and what she stands for. But you read the books way before she logged into Twitter. You've been a fan since you were a kid. You bought the Gryffindor t-shirt you're wearing years ago. And she's not even in the reunion special. Her cut of profit from Universal Studios isn't that big. Besides, she's so rich that whatever money you make her is dust in comparison to the rest of her wealth. Which is true. The thing is, the money isn't the problem. Rowling is rich, obviously. But more importantly, she is relevant. It's not through her money but through her sheer influence that she exerts her transphobia. When Rowling speaks (or tweets), it is not because her house is a tourist destination or because she is one of the richest authors in the world that people listen to her. It is because she wrote the series that defined people's childhoods — it was her brain that brought to life characters that served as role models and sources of comfort for those of all ages. That is what gives her words weight. It's tempting to argue that Harry Potter belongs as much to its fans as it does to Rowling. The 25 years since the first book was published have given ample time for an expansive fandom to emerge, one that has a tight grip on the source material. For many, Harry Potter isn't a franchise, it's a part of their life. They put their Hogwarts house in their social media bios, get the Deathly Hallows symbol tattooed on their body, rewatch the movies religiously. To them, Harry Potter is personal. And if it's personal, JK Rowling has nothing to do with it. Of course, it's not like Harry Potter itself is free of Rowling's beliefs — subtle hints of transphobia along with clear racism and antisemitism line the pages. But even if it was, this belief — that Rowling can be divorced from her brainchild because it has grown beyond her — isn't realistic. Harry Potter can not be separated from Rowling, because it is the single driving force behind her power. Without it, she's just another transphobe. With it, she's making headlines and dousing fuel all over the trans-exclusionary radical feminism movement. JK Rowling only becomes powerless if Harry Potter becomes culturally irrelevant. And that might be as unrealistic as keeping the two separate, but it's also the only real way forward with any meaningful effect. Which means not playing Hogwarts Legacy, even if you find a way to pirate it; not contributing to the already boundless library of fan content; not giving Harry Potter any more of your time, energy, and most vitally, your attention. It's true, this article does betray its very message. The irony is not lost. But as the person behind this article, I do exceedingly hope this is the last time I have to speak about Harry Potter. I also hope that soon, it will be the last time I have to hear about it.

McKenna Casey April 8, 2022 | 4:04pm EDT Over the last two decades, there has been an influx of queer fiction books hitting the markets and the New York Times Bestseller list. However, if you feel that the young adult queer books have been dominated by mlm (men loving men) books, I have just the list for you. Sapphic books are just as numerous (and good!) but often overlooked. Here are some sapphic books that I have read in the hope of bringing more attention and love to these great works! *openly identifying wlw author The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid CWs for abortion, abusive relationship, alcohol abuse, biphobia, cancer, car accident, cheating, death, divorce, homophobia, racism, sexism, sexually explicit scenes, smoking, statutory rape, and suicide (mentioned). Summary: The standalone is an adult contemporary fiction work that follows magazine journalist Monique Grant as she is offered the job of a lifetime - a chance to interview aging and reclusive Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo about her glamorous and scandal-ridden life. The reader is brought through Evelyn’s life from rising starlet in the 50s to film royalty through the 60s and 70s, a tale of ruthless ambition, friendship, hardship, and of course, the infamous seven husbands, none of which were the love of her life. Review: Unless you have been living under a literary rock since 2016, chances are you’ve heard of this book. I first read it this year, when I committed to only reading books with queer representation. I gave Evelyn Hugo three stars, mostly because it can be plodding and muddled on its way to the core moments and themes of the story. Also, the writer of this book is straight and white, which sometimes is uncomfortably evident in her description and/or treatment of characters of color or queer people. But there is no denying that it did, in fact, affect me enough to make me cry at the end. Monique Grant, who grounds the book in the present as the recipient of Evelyn’s life story, has very shallow characterization, but the true star of the novel is Evelyn, who is incredibly complicated. Love her, hate her, or some mix of both, the reader - and Monique, as our reader insert - feels something for the former starlet that propels the story forward. I found the novel moving and at times caught myself going to Google Evelyn Hugo or one of the other characters, too invested in the story to remember that they are not real. Cuban-American bisexual main character, lesbian love interest. Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan* CWs for abduction, abuse (sexual, physical, and emotional), caste system, death, genocide, harassment, murder, prostitution (forced), sexual assault, sexism, slavery, torture, and general violence. Summary: The first book in a trilogy of adult fantasy reads that follows Lei, a member of the lowest caste of the society, who is chosen as one of the Paper Girls, a group of girls who are trained as consorts to the king. It details her weeks of training in the opulent palace under the oppressive eye of her supervisors and the palace officers. However, she breaks all the rules when she falls for one of the other Paper Girls, and gets irrevocably involved in a plot to overthrow the monarchy and start a rebellion. Review: This is another book that made a splash when it came on to the sapphic literature scene in 2018. I gave it three and a half stars, but that is subject to change when I reread it in preparation for reading the sequel. Another example of rich and diverse world-building, this Asian-influenced fantasy combines political intrigue with themes of power and privilege, as well as the effects of systemic trauma. The romance helps balance out the darkness of this story as Lei finds comfort in her love interest. At times, I felt disconnected from Lei, as she was sometimes the least interesting character among the host of side characters, and at times I became overwhelmed by the constant trauma that the characters go through and had to take a breather (please familiarize yourself with content and trigger warnings before reading). However, it is overall a story of self-empowerment and survival, and I intend to finish the series. Sapphic main character and sapphic love interest.

Julia Kane March 28, 2022 | 5:48pm EDT “Plein air” is a style of painting outdoors that was popular in 19th-century French impressionism. These artists worked primarily in oil paint, but you can do plein air with virtually any medium. One of my personal favorites is watercolor. Though it can be daunting to try a new art style, especially if you aren’t in your own space, it is easier than you might expect. Keep in mind, there are no expectations of perfection. Many artists use this technique to sketch, brainstorm ideas, or keep a journal of things they see and places they go. From one non-expert to another, here is my unofficial guide to plein air watercolor. Before you go out, you’ll need to gather your materials. Pens and pencils- I like a regular mechanical pencil for sketching, and I sometimes use a fine point pen and/or a white gel pen for finishing details. Paints- I use a portable Lukas watercolor set with 12 colors. Brushes- I use Mimik Kolinsky travel brushes. I have a set of 4 different sizes, but will usually just use one or two. Another good alternative is a watercolor brush pen, which you fill with water so you don’t have to bring a water cup. Water bottle and cup Sketchbook/paper- I am trying out a new Handbook brand sketchbook, but I also like Strathmore visual journals. Paper towel/rag Optional items: Masking tape- I use Scotch brand washi tape to leave a white border on the page. Wax crayon/oil pastel- For making a wax resist to leave some areas white. This is my first time trying this; I’m using a transparent oil pastel. Folding chair/picnic blanket Once you find a spot with a nice view, the first thing you’ll want to do is take a picture. That way, if the light changes or you run out of time, you can finish your painting from your reference photo. I find this also helps me visualize what will be within the frame and what I should leave out. I had a hard time choosing what to include and ended up covering both pages in a sort of panoramic view. Now that I am set up, I will start with a sketch. I sketch lightly in pencil, then lightly erase the whole thing so that my lines are still visible, but won’t show through when I start painting. Then I used my oil pastel to create a wax resist for the cherry tree. Now we can start painting! I like to start with a wash, where I wet the paper and then apply color. This technique is good for filling large areas with a fairly uniform color, so I am using it for the sky, the buildings, and the windows. Just be careful that each wash is fully dry before you do the next one, because otherwise they will bleed together. For example, if I hadn’t let the sky dry before painting the buildings, I would end up with a murky light green where the sky and buildings meet. At this point, I started to get cold, so I moved inside. After the wash, I will add some details. I added some texture to the grass, varied the color of the windows to look more like an actual reflection, and added the lines and awnings on the windows. I also attempted (somewhat successfully) to scrub away the wax resist with my eraser so I could put details on the cherry tree. This was my first time trying the wax resist technique, and it didn’t turn out exactly how I wanted, so I ended up finishing the tree with white gouache. I also noticed that because this particular pastel was very sticky, it gummed up my brush a bit. Finally, I did the finishing touches with a white gel pen, 0.2 Micron pen, 0.5 Micron pen, and a dark green Flair pen. Some people would call this cheating, but I always enjoy adding outlines when I paint buildings, and I think the lines give a lot more character to the drawing. Plus, this isn’t something that’s going to hang in a gallery; it’s just for my personal enjoyment. All in all, I think I spent a little less than three hours on this project, but you could easily spend more or less time, depending on your preference. I hope this has inspired you to try some plein air of your own or another new style! Happy painting!

Anna Woodward March 28, 2022 | 1:32pm EDT One of the greatest things about music is the variety of genres, styles, and everything in between. Ironically enough with that in mind, it’s easy to get caught up in what you’re used to listening to. But, just as easy as it is to get caught up, it’s even easier to expand your music taste if you know where to start. Spotify’s “Discover Weekly” This feature is just like its name and updates every Monday. The “Discover Weekly” playlist is inspired by pre-existing data, introducing listeners to less-known music from their loved artists and completely new ones as well. By updating weekly, the playlist always stays relevant, especially as new music is released. You can find yours by searching “Discover Weekly” in Spotify’s search engine, or by visiting the Spotify homepage. Local Events and Venues There’s a reason why so many music artists come to D.C. on tour. But there are more venues besides Capital One Arena and The Anthem. D.C. is home to many smaller venues like Songbyrd Music House, which often hosts shows from lesser-known artists; Khalid and Lil Peep are some of the many that performed at Songbyrd and later went on to bigger venues. Even better, lots of shows at venues like this are free. This makes it accessible to get it on the metro, walk-in, and discover who might just be your next favorite artist. Local Radio Stations Finding your next favorite song can be as easy as turning on the radio during your commute. If you’re looking to expand your music taste from the comfort of your dorm, consider tuning in to WVAU and hearing who your peers are fans of. This outlet gives listeners the opportunity to listen to a variety of music, both old and new. Social Media This method is a bit harder to seek out, but just as effective. Many TikTok and Instagram creators are dedicated to making playlists and promoting independent music. I can personally say that I've found lots of great songs just by hearing a ten-second clip online and looking it up on Spotify. Similarly, Spotify’s “search” feature lets you search specific keywords and find playlists made by other users–which can be inspired by everything from books and films to certain emotions and even places. Expanding your music taste can be overwhelming, but a great way to learn more about other cultures, and find something new. It’s easy to feel like there’s not enough time to do so, or even articulate where to start. But expanding your music taste is something that is easy to integrate into your daily life and you benefit from it right away.

Eva Wallis March 24, 2022 | 4:20pm EDT People often view fashion as gendered. They pick and choose their clothes carefully, adorning themselves with accessories, fabrics, and colors to present the gender they identify as. Throughout history, women have worn gowns and men wore tuxedos. Little girls wore ballet flats while their brothers chased each other around in sneakers. Today, gender and sexuality are as fluid as ever. The World Health Organization defines gender as “the characteristics of women, men, girls and boys that are socially constructed. This includes norms, behaviours and roles associated with being a woman, man, girl or boy, as well as relationships with each other.” Gendered characteristics were forced into boxes that we have only just begun to open, and by breaking these stereotypes we can unearth a new, genderless world of fashion. While the line between masculine and feminine styles has recently become more blurred, it is not to say that there has been nothing but strictly gendered clothing up until now. During the 1960s, the designer Elizabeth Hawes attempted to revolutionize the rules of fashion by introducing skirts for men. An article written by Jennie Woodard in 2017 looks back on Hawes’ work and explores how she fought to oppose gender norms with clothing. “Hawes believed that men needed to be freed from the constraints of bulky woolen trousers and allowed to wear skirts…She aimed to design clothes that would achieve a unisex aesthetic and showcase fluid designs sanctioning free movement, symbolizing the emancipation of both sexes from the rigidity of traditional masculine and femininity,” writes Woodard. In 1967, Hawes’ skirts for men were featured at an exhibition from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and received both immense praise and criticism. Some predicted that the trend would surely catch on within the decade. In fact, little evidence of the movement even exists beyond the exhibition and a handful of letters to the designer, like one from Marvin Killinger, who “did not believe men could change for fear of losing masculinity.” Hawes devoted her life to social justice activism, specifically feminism, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. Beyond her work at the exhibition, she demonstrated “an abject distaste for the structural power inherent within gender boundaries…[and questioned] why a person’s clothing choices were dependent upon a feminine or masculine identity.” Through her work as a designer and author, Hawes questioned the principles of fashion, arriving at the conclusion that the purpose of strictly masculine clothing “was to stamp out unwanted homosexuality and maintain the man’s status as breadwinner.” Let’s fast forward a few decades. In December 2019, Harry Styles made fashion history as the first man to appear solo on the cover of Vogue. In a baby blue Gucci ball gown and a blazer to match, Styles broke both the internet and the fashion rulebook. His outfit received attention from fans and critics alike. In a conversation with Vogue, Styles spoke about his fashion evolution: “Clothes are there to have fun with and experiment with and play with. What’s really exciting is that all of these lines are just kind of crumbling away. When you take away ‘There’s clothes for men and there’s clothes for women,’ once you remove any barriers, obviously you open up the arena in which you can play. I’ll go in shops sometimes, and I just find myself looking at the women’s clothes thinking they’re amazing. It’s like anything—anytime you’re putting barriers up in your own life, you’re just limiting yourself. There’s so much joy to be had in playing with clothes.” Sound familiar? Styles reignited the flame of genderless fashion that Hawes attempted years ago. His willingness to open himself to femininity inspired younger fashionistas to try something different, something not inherently gendered. His fashion choices have been heavily influenced by his stylist, Harry Lambert, the mastermind behind the Vogue cover and many other iconic outfits, whose fashion choices are daring and genderless. When asked about the political motivations behind his work in an interview with GQ, he answered, “I just think playing with gender stereotypes shouldn’t matter. Why should we give a shit what someone wears?” Not all are as open to effeminate menswear as Lambert, though. In fact, many critics took Styles’ look like a threat to traditional masculinity. Candace Owens, a conservative political commentator and author, tweeted about the photoshoot, stating “There is no society that can survive without strong men. The East knows this. In the west, the steady feminization of our men at the same time that Marxism is being taught to our children is not a coincidence. It is an outright attack. Bring back manly men.” Styles appeared unbothered, and responded by using Owens’ own words against her. “Bring back manly men,” he wrote in an Instagram caption, affirming his manliness with a light blue suit and half-eaten banana. If gender stereotypes are so unstable that they can crumble with one dress, why should we follow them? So, is the Harry Styles dress a revolution against the gender binary or a new trend in menswear? I think a little bit of both. “‘To me, he’s very modern,’ says [Olivia] Wilde of Styles, ‘and I hope that this brand of confidence as a male that Harry has—truly devoid of any traces of toxic masculinity—is indicative of his generation and therefore the future of the world…It’s pretty powerful and kind of extraordinary to see someone in his position redefining what it can mean to be a man with confidence.’”

Charlotte Van Schaack March 20, 2022 | 5:37pm EDT The reading scene in DC is about as packed as the shelves in any bookstore. After visiting a handful of bookstores over the course of Spring break, I present a brief review of the best-recommended bookstores that our lovely city has to offer. From west to east (because that is how I am listing these stores, geographically) every neighborhood bookshop has something unique to offer, and I hope that you, reader, get the chance to appreciate them all, even if your wallet is as empty as mine by the end. 1. Politics and Prose is a staple of DC. Politics and Prose also hosts many online and in-person events, which you can see on their calendar. Before even moving to DC I could recognize their iconic green awning and indie bookstore font. The Connecticut Ave location (the one I am most familiar with and will be reviewing) is composed of two stories and a cafe near the parking lot entrance. Despite a fear of sounding silly, I will say that one of the most significant details of P&P is that it feels very much like a classic bookstore. It is large and well organized and can absorb hours of your day. In addition to a vast selection of books, this store also sells CDs, calendars, journals, mugs, games, puzzles, tote bags, cards, and all of the nicknacks and bookstore paraphernalia you can imagine. The tables and shelves are always a joy to sort through. In doing so you may also be able to spot their box of signed bookplates, which are free to take. Addresses: 5015 Connecticut Avenue NW (North West Corner) 70 District Square SW (The Wharf) 1270 5th Street NE (Union Market) Website: https://www.politics-prose.com/ 2. The Lantern Bookshop is a Bryn Mawr bookshop, meaning that all proceeds are donated to Bryn Mawr College. All books in the shop are used, donations, or rare books. The bookshop is completely run by volunteers, many of whom are alumni of the college. They also accept donations of and sell other media forms such as DVDs, LPs, CDs, and books on tape. The shop itself is a narrow two-story building, with several rooms, nooks, and crannies aching to be explored. I only had a few minutes in the store but would love to spend much more time skimming the shelves and discovering all of the available works. Address: 3241 P Street, NW Website: https://lanternbookshop.org/ 3. Bridge Street Books has a similar setup to The Lantern and is located just 0.7 miles away. However, I would argue that the feel of this bookstore is noticeably different. For one thing, it feels neater and more polished, as would sensibly come from a new rather than used bookstore. The location and setup are very inviting, and, in my opinion, make a great location for a solo adventure or a trip with friends. In one of my most recent visits, I found a new graphic novel and book of poetry, which I have since been enjoying. Address: 2814 Pennsylvania Ave NW Website: https://www.bridgestreetbooks.com/ 4. I honestly could not tell you which I go to Kramers for more– books or brunch. With its constantly bubbly atmosphere and well-designed floor plan and traffic patterns, the store is instantly charming. Kramers is the bookstore that is bound to have any specific books you are looking for, as well as a handful of recommendations that are similar. Now, let me talk about the food. With indoor and outdoor seating, this is a fantastic place for any meal of the day and any day of the year. Their french toast is always my go-to, but anything from the all-day brunch menu is splendid. Recently, Kramers also opened up a coffee shop-esque side room that is available for a more casual experience. Address: 1517 Connecticut Avenue, NW Website: https://www.kramers.com/ 5. Located along the main drag of 18th Street in Adam’s Morgan, Lost City Books cannot be missed. The first thing you notice upon entry is the massive wall of fiction and poetry stretching along the right wall, leading customers back into the store and towards children’s books as well as books by independent publishers. On the left wall, a staircase leads up and doubles back, bringing you to non-fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, and graphic novels. On both levels, the store is divided into rooms through wide doorways and different level platforms. The space feels open and welcoming, but also manageable. Excellent selections of books across all areas entice any reader. Lost City of Books also hosts several book clubs, author events, and community events in the store, which you can learn more about on their website. Address: 2467 18th St NW Website: https://lostcitybookstore.com/ 6. Located in Adam’s Morgan, The Potter’s House is a non-profit bookstore, cafe, and community space. Need I say more? It was originally opened in the 1960s and after sustaining some major renovations in 2013, has been reopened for the past 7 years. Part of their work as a non-profit has included providing free meals to those in need, a program that has increased in use since March of 2020. Patrons are welcome to make donations towards this program in addition to making purchases. The bookstore itself has a wide selection of books that span all genres. I certainly found some recognizable titles and had to resist buying new, intriguing novels. The set up of the space is open and inviting, where visitors can see the whole room but there are also enough books to demand closer attention. The Potter’s House also serves coffee (as well as teas and hot chocolate, which I appreciated as a tea drinker) and food. All of which is currently available for take-out and to be eaten on the patio outside. If I am in Adam’s Morgan I will always want to stop by The Potter’s House just for the good vibes. Address: 1658 Columbia Rd. NW Website: www.pottershousedc.org 7. When I walked into Solid State Books I fell in love. The openness of the store immediately captivated me, and I was eager to look at the tables and tables of books on display. Even though I am nineteen years old, I was still delighted by the kids’ section, which is sectioned off from the front of the bookstore by a tall shelf with a child-sized doorway, leading to a reading nook. The middle grade, YA, and graphic novel sections located nearby were also thorough. The employees who I encountered were very enthusiastic about the store and helpful. I know I will certainly be returning for the good vibes and to try the coffee, which I saw they served as I was heading out the door. Address: 600 H St NE Website: https://www.solidstatebooksdc.com/ 8. Now is where I have to admit that I found East City Bookshop through TikTok. East City Bookshop is nestled away, partially underground, from the more busy block of Eastern Market. With a great selection spread over two floors, tables of bookish merchandise, and a wall of socks and cards, you could spend hours perusing. Located next to a game store, and just a few blocks from the Capitol, the surrounding neighborhood provides other interesting opportunities and adventures. Address: 645 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Unit 100 Website: ​​https://eastcitybookshop.com/ 9. Capitol Hill Books is a bustling bookstore located in a historic part of DC, just across the street from Eastern Market, and very close to the previously mentioned East City Bookshop. Capitol Hill Books is the tightly packed treasure of used books that any bibliophile romanticizes spending a day sorting through. Books are shelved and stacked all throughout this multi-storied building, while signs tucked here and there guide customers to their favorite authors. On the second story, in a room packed with poetry, you can also find crats of records at a reasonable price. As I said, this bookshop houses adventures ready to be made, so make sure to give yourself lots of time before you get swept in. Address: 657 C Street SE Website: https://www.capitolhillbooks-dc.com/ Bonus! Bookstores That I Recommend, But Have Not Thoroughly Checked Out Myself 10. Busboys and Poets Address: There are multiple locations Website: https://www.busboysandpoets.com/books/ 11. Second Story Books Address: 2000 P Street NW Website: https://www.secondstorybooks.com/ 12. Mahogany Books Address: 1231 Good Hope Rd SE Website: https://www.mahoganybooks.com/ 13. Carpe Librum Address: This is a wandering non-profit bookstore Website: https://www.facebook.com/CarpeLibrumDC/

Lily Billotti March 11, 2022 | 6:50am EST Before I came out of the closet, I had no idea what a wlw (wlw is shorthand for woman loving woman, a lesbian is any non-man loving non-man, it is not exclusive to wlw) relationship looked like, how it functioned, and whether or not it was supposed to feel the same as a heterosexual relationship. I had watched, But I'm a Cheerleader, a 1999 romantic comedy about a cheerleader sent to a conversion therapy camp, and appreciated The L Word, a 2004 drama about lives and loves of a group of lesbians and bisexuals in Los Angeles. That show was one of the first LGBTQ+ shows I had seen that normalized being gay in a way that made me feel comfortable in my identity. Both of these shows were problematic in their own way, as the late 90s and early 2000s media were, but I clung to the reality they created because I was unsure how to craft my own. At 18, I am more experienced in terms of understanding wlw relationships. Still, I knew that I was gay at 13, but I did not come out of the closet until I was 17; there is a reason for that. Modern media depicts wlw relationships as toxic and intense; women lie to each other, cheat, and are abusive. The representation I see on television and in film is a stereotype of my sexuality that does not come close to capturing reality. I can only imagine what this means for people who are 13 right now and trying to come to terms with their sexuality in this environment. Euphoria, the wildly popular HBO drama, is a prominent example that showcases the misconceptions producers hold about wlw relationships. Rue and Jules are toxic, they fight constantly, and Jules unknowingly fuels Rue’s drug abuse. In the last episode of season one, Jules leaves Rue sobbing on a train platform, mourning the departure of the woman she is in love with. In season 2, Jules cheats on Rue with their mutual friend, despite initially accusing Rue of being interested in him. The twists and turns of their relationship are anything but stable. While toxicity is not inherently tied to straight relationships, it is problematic that the only LGBTQ+ representation in this show depicts a violent, abusive co-dependency. While readers may think that the dark nature of Rue and Jule’s relationship is unique to the Euphoria universe, it is a common theme in LGBTQ+ media. In Duck Butter, a 2018 comedy, two women embark on a 24-hour date to create a new form of intimacy. The romance ultimately collapses when Naima, the feature film's main character, decides she cannot commit. She engages in a screaming match with her romantic interest and ultimately leaves without resolve. There is no happy ending. In, The Sex Lives of College Girls, each episode follows a group of roommates navigating their first year of college. Leighton, one of the leads in the series, unbeknownst to her friends, is a lesbian. She starts a relationship with another woman on the show, and the pair are happy; they go on coffee dates, share secretive glances, and enjoy the bubble they have created. However, the relationship comes to an untimely end when Leighton decides that she cannot come out. Her love interest does not want to go back into the closet, and because of that, the pair goes their separate ways. While there is no issue in not being able to come out, it is disappointing that, yet again, wlw representation is tainted by heartbreak, grievance, and secrecy. I will not go too in-depth but foreign movies are my favorite examples of wlw representation. A quick search in the LGBTQ+ genre on Netflix returns hundreds of foreign movies that depict romance and passion between two women in a way I am much more comfortable with watching. American producers struggle to grasp how to create a wlw relationship without making it an entire production. The relationships they create lack the normality that I have often found when dating women. I implore young people struggling to come to terms with their identity to take the time to look for meaningful representation; I encourage the same for those in adulthood who still have not come to terms with their identity either. At 13, I never imagined I would have a girlfriend I am in love with, who buys me dinner, makes me coffee in the morning and lets me cry into her shirt even if the tears are sticky and wet. She gives me everything I only imagined I could have if I chose to be in a heterosexual relationship. At times we bicker, but we know how to resolve conflict without screaming at each other and leaning into the abusive tendencies that media would suggest are common in wlw relationships. While it is hard to picture from the confines of a bedroom, a dorm room, or a small town, there is an entire world beyond the small wlw narrative media created as an afterthought.

Ava Sheffler March 4, 2022 | 3:21pm EST I’m sure I am not alone in my experience growing up an avid reader. My elementary school library was a haven of shelves that used to seem so tall and carpet worn by years of little shoes. I can still remember running to sit in a circle, criss-cross-applesauce, to listen to a story read aloud by the librarian. I would take books home every weekend, adding a bead to a string I kept every time I finished a new book. I was not a fast reader, but I was steady, consistent, and I loved stories. As I grew up, without me realizing exactly when, the joy I felt when I opened a book faded. However, I was reading chapters in textbooks for history, biology, even math more than ever. I read the classics for my English class that I sometimes liked and sometimes didn’t, but never anything that I chose. I collected books from birthdays and holidays that I claimed I would read “soon,” but remained indefinitely unopened. I’m sure I missed out on many stories, but after long days at school and longer nights up studying with pages upon pages of required reading that I would be tested on later, I lacked both the time and motivation to read just for fun. Later, in high school, I found myself starting books from my growing collection that I never finished. I would get through the first half and then put it down, never to pick it back up due to particularly busy weeks or just out of boredom. It’s not even that the books were bad, I had simply lost my passion for recreational reading, burnt out from the academic pressure to only read with the goal of writing a paper or completing a test. In the summer I sometimes got a taste of my younger self, who would read every night to go to sleep or curl up on a Saturday with a book, absentmindedly swinging my legs off the back of a chair. In the summer the pressure was off and with nothing in particular to do, I found myself getting lost in stories again. It was temporary though, the summer would end and the books on my bedside table would remain closed in exchange for, you guessed it, more required reading. When I got to college my schedule only got busier and my workload only increased. The idea of picking up a 300+ page book of my own choosing to read on top of my academic work seemed more like a chore than a way to relax at that point. I was up especially late one night, desperate for anything to calm my mind enough for sleep, so I grabbed the only book on my nightstand. In all honesty, the book had been acting more like a coaster for my water bottle and other miscellaneous things up until this point. My mom had given me the book right before I left for college. It was a book of short stories, ironically enough titled The Best American Nonrequired Reading (2019) Edited by Edan Lepucki. I came to learn that this book is an anthology containing fiction and nonfiction short stories selected by a group of high school students every year. I opened the table of contents, chose a story by title alone, flipped to the page, and started reading. Twenty pages later and I was done. I finished a whole story of my choosing from start to finish and it had taken me less than half an hour. It may not have been a whole book, but it was a complete story. I remember feeling so satisfied after. It was a light, easy read, I had no feeling of guilt or responsibility to finish it later, and no worry that I may never finish the story if I walked away. Picking that book up and flipping to a new story whenever I had the time became an easy habit and soon enough I finished all the stories, feeling a sense of accomplishment after every one. When I went home for winter break I found another book of short stories on my shelf, I didn't even remember when or where I got it. This one, called Arbitrary Stupid Goal by Tamara Shopsin, wasn’t an anthology from different authors, but rather a collection of Tamara Shopsin’s own observations and experiences growing up in New York. They were even shorter, some only a page long. I could read a few whenever I had the time and I could stop whenever, so that's what I did. I returned to campus in the spring with yet another book of short stories in tow. What I love about these collections of short stories is that they are so unintimidating. As busy college students, it can be easy to get overwhelmed, but we all have 20 minutes here or there to spare. If you are anything like me and you have felt like you are in a reading rut or just want to try something new I could not recommend getting a book of short stories enough. Once you start looking for them you realize there are so many more than you would think, by various authors and spanning across all genres. I’ll always be grateful to them because they helped me reignite my love of reading. Picking these books up doesn't feel like a chore, in fact, I look forward to having some free time to read one. Sometimes I’ll sit down and flip to a new page and although my legs touch all the way to the ground now, for those 20 mins I feel like I did back in elementary school, letting my mind get swept away by a story.

Rebecca Oss March 4, 2022 | 3:30pm EST They said having a sixth sense was unique. They made movies about it. They said it was a unique “subtle perception ability” that only a few possess. They called it extrasensory perception (ESP) or clairvoyance. Well, they’re wrong. Not because ESP is common, or even real, of course (though I’m open to hearing your hot take!), but because humans have a ton of other senses beyond the five we’re taught about in elementary school. Think about it: we can balance on one leg without falling over, and we can hold ourselves up and adjust ourselves so gravity doesn’t constantly pull us down. This is called equilibrioception, and it is this sense of balance that keeps us from falling and helps us move around without getting hurt. Unfortunately, this natural and innate sense does not translate to a successful work-life balance. We also have the ability to sense our own position, orientation, and movement. This is called proprioception, or the sense of muscle and joint movements. We have both conscious and non-conscious proprioception, and we also have reflexes that come in handy when we suddenly drop something. Humans also have an extremely useful tool that is chronoception, or the sense and perception of time. When we get a text that says “be there in 5,” we can estimate when that time is up. We understand the change of the seasons, as well. However, this sense can often be incorrect. We suffer from temporal illusions, or when our sense of time is warped. Those last few minutes of a statistics lecture last a lot longer than laughing with our friends. The way humans perceive time is not, in fact, exact. Is this because time is a concept created only to schedule Zoom calls all day every day? Feels like it. (Others might bring up Newtonian physics, but that’s neither here nor there - nor when). Either way, Salvador Dalí had the right idea. There are some senses that other animals have that humans are missing out on too. Consider magnetoreception. Several mammals, like bats, can sense the Earth’s magnetic field and use it to navigate. Do we have any idea how they do this? No! Is it still super cool? Yes! Sea turtles have, essentially, a built-in GPS so they know where they are in the world as they traverse the oceans. We also have the developing field of sensory enhancement wherein scientists are trying to develop new senses for humans. There are already some products in existence, like the North Sense, a bracelet that vibrates when you face north, or the vest one can wear that turns sound into physical vibration so that the deaf and hard of hearing may interpret sound. Elon Musk’s Neuralink claims a monkey named Pager can play Pong with his mind, though it doesn’t seem like telepathy is going to be a human sense anytime soon. So, next time you’re meditating or grounding yourself, think beyond the visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, and tactile senses, and tune into your other methods of perceptions.

Natalie Flynn March 1, 2022 | 1:07pm EST Netflix’s BoJack Horseman is one of my favorite TV shows of all time. A year ago, I convinced my roommate to start watching it. For weeks, watching BoJack was our nightly pastime. One of my best friends recently convinced a group of us– including my roommate and me– to start watching his favorite TV show of all time: HBO Max’s Succession. For weeks, watching Succession was our nightly pastime. At first, these seemed like totally distinct experiences. But as the episodes went by, my roommate and I started making some observations. The texts, glances, comments, and conversations between us started to accumulate: This is just like BoJack. This looks like BoJack’s house. This seems like something BoJack would do. Hey, remember that time in BoJack when– I’m in no way trying to suggest that one show ripped off the other. In most ways, they’re very different, and each is incredible in its own right. That being said, as a fan of both, the comparisons are too tempting: I have to break them down. Warning: while I did my best to be vague, there will be some spoilers. On the surface, Succession and BoJack don’t have much in common. The former follows the family owners of a conservative media conglomerate as they battle for the position of next CEO. The latter follows a washed-up former sitcom star as he battles his own demons to preserve his legacy. The former is live-action, with 45-minute episodes and the aesthetic of a Getty Images stock photo. The latter is a cartoon set in a semi-fictional version of Los Angeles where humans and anthropomorphic animals live side-by-side. Both are dark comedies. That’s about it. Until you examine… The subject matter: When you boil them down, BoJack and Succession grapple with a lot of the same issues. A major theme in both is the ongoing cycle of parental neglect and abuse. In BoJack, we see this most through BoJack himself, and the myriad of ways his childhood still haunts him. To a lesser extent, we also see this with characters like Princess Carolyn as the show progresses. In Succession, the Roy family patriarch Logan is still very much a part of his children’s lives, so this theme is sometimes even more obvious. Each of the Roy siblings– Kendall, Roman, Shiv, and Connor– were impacted differently by their parents’ mistreatment of them. Their continued struggles with this are important parts of each of their character arcs. Part of the experience of watching either show is getting a peek into the ugly realities of the industries they center around. In BoJack, the industry in question is Hollywood (aka Hollywoo). In Succession, it’s the media industry and big business in general. The shady dealings and morally questionable decisions that go down in these industries are constant presences in their respective shows. So are the people behind those questionable decisions. Both Succession and BoJack are set in the world of the rich and famous, and both examine what it means to be there. Big-name actors like BoJack and Mr. Peanutbutter are arguably in the public eye more, but the Roy siblings face similar struggles brought on by their last name, and Waystar Royco itself, as a famous entity, is constantly under fire. They may all have wealth and success, but none of them are truly happy. Most of the time, you can’t help but sympathize with them. BoJack and Kendall: The strongest similarities my roommate and I noticed were between the shows’ main characters. BoJack Horseman and Kendall Roy both attempt to reshape their legacies while battling mental illness and drug addiction. While generally well-meaning, they aren’t always likable; they have problematic histories that come back to haunt them, and they’re often willing to take down others to get what they want. Both eventually come face-to-face with cancel culture because of this. Their love lives are a mess. They struggle not to continue the cycles of abuse they inherited from their parents. Each time you think it’s their rock bottom, a lower low is just around the corner. [Huge spoiler incoming]: Arguably the biggest similarity? Both face major turning points after being semi-responsible for the drug-induced death of a young adult, then covering up their involvement for the sake of their image. Not every BoJack/Kendall trait is a dark one, though. They share a lot of funny traits too. The cringy performative feminism! The awkward attempts to be cool! The even awkwarder songs they perform (“L to the OG,” anybody? “Do the BoJack”?)! Even Kendall’s mannerisms gave us BoJack vibes sometimes, particularly during the first half of season 3. Just like the shows, the characters have many important differences too, of course. But c’mon. The other character parallels: BoJack and Kendall were the most obvious comparison, but they aren’t the only one. Roman and Todd have pretty different experiences with sexuality, but given the lack of canon asexual representation out there, it’s hard not to align these two. It’s also hard to not align Todd and Greg: they’re both naive, goofy everymen caught up in the worlds of corrupt famous people. Shiv and Princess Carolyn stand out as ambitious women trying to climb the ranks in their respective male-dominated industries. Both are badasses who put all their energy into their careers, often at the expense of their personal relationships. That’s not all: look at Connor and Mr. Peanutbutter. The much-younger girlfriend? The hopeless political campaign with no basis in knowledge or experience? The use of wealth to skate through life without needing qualifications? The general goofiness? I’d say these two would get along. No-skip opening credit sequences: While very different in vibe, each show’s opening credits sequence is highly regarded and flat-out awesome. Both feature incredible instrumental theme music. Both feature incredible visual montages to go along with it. Succession’s changes every season; BoJack’s changes almost every episode. The use of humor: Succession actor Jeremy Strong, who plays Kendall, has famously said that he doesn’t see the show as a comedy. Others disagree. While Succession is frequently funny, that humor competes with a predominantly tense plot and morally gray characters that often treat each other horribly. The same is true of BoJack. Its ridiculousness may be a little more overt, but that only makes the contrast bigger when things get dark. Both shows will have you by turns in hysterics and existential despair. The pool: That’s all I’m gonna say: Succession season 3, BoJack season 6, and the pool. If you know, you know. If any of this sounds good to you, check out either of these fantastic shows! Hopefully, you’ll love them as much as I do.