the
magazine of the students of
the university of miami
fall 2019
euphoric Ditch the natural, go for neon makeup
WHAT THE FORK Check out our new food section!
TRAPPED IN A BOX What role will you play at UM?
TEMPO UM’s first student magazine turns 70
the
magazine of the students of
the university of miami
fall 2019
!
NEW
Check out our new food section—complete with recipes, local finds and the latest in food culture!
the
magazine of the students of
the university of miami
fall 2019
What role will you play at UM?
WHAT THE FORK
EUPHORIC
TEMPO
Check out our new food section
Ditch natural, go for neon makeup
UM’s first student magazine turns 70
TRAPPED IN A BOX What role will you play at UM?
WHAT THE FORK Check out our new food section
EUPHORIC
Ditch the natural, go neon
the
magazine turns
magazine of the students of
UM’s first student
70
the university of miami
fall 2019
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» S AV E T I M E » ORDER ON THE APP » E A R N LOYA L T Y P O I N TS
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no. 41 Fall 2019 DISTRACTION
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LETTER from the
EDITOR
Distraction hasn’t been around forever. In 1949, UM’s first student lifestyle magazine, Tempo, paved the way for our creation. This year it’s turning 70. art direction_lauren maingot & marissa vonesh photo_courtesy of Tempo
The sweet confines of the Distraction suite, nestled in the back of the Shalala Student Center, felt uncharacteristically refreshing from the moment I stepped foot in it this August. And refreshing is the best way I can describe the production of my first magazine as Editor-in-Chief. Many changes were made among our staff this fall—first and foremost with the addition of a new section in the magazine. From the brains of Co-Photo Editor Gianna Sanchez and newly appointed Food Director Elizabeth Pozzuoli, I am excited to present, “What the Fork”—our new food section—and formally bid farewell to “In the Loop,” though it served us well for many years. From there, the changes continued to roll in. We added a brand-new font to spice up our spreads, and though this change may appeal only to certain design nerds, us Distraction-ers thought about popping a bottle for the occasion. Furthermore, while putting together this issue, I rehearsed and performed in my first theatrical production here at UM—“Little Shop of Horrors” #atthering. And though it seemed impossible to draw any parallels between a musical about an alien plant trying to take over the world and our trendy lifestyle magazine, there actually was one. When the protagonist in “Little Shop,” Seymour, begins to receive attention for having harvested a special plant, an editor of Life Magazine begs him to be their cover boy. Before this fall, I had never even heard of Life Magazine. And then it came into my life for a second time, while I was interviewing Ray Fisher about Tempo Magazine, the first student magazine at the University of Miami—the creation of which was inspired by Life Magazine (read more on page 74). I’ve always been one to believe in serendipity, and that everything happens for a reason. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to handle it all—the late-night rehearsals on top of stringing together an 80-page magazine. But, out of nowhere and almost as sneakily as the alien plant in my show, my staff stepped up to the plate and utterly floored me with their dedication, talent and vigorous work ethic. I’m too lucky to have them. I urge you to take a look at their hard work. On page 36, Managing Editor Gabby Rosenbloom explains how video game culture can actually have positive effects on people with social anxiety. On page 62, “Euphoric,” written by Keagan Larkins, Co-PR manager and Co-Fashion Director, unpacks that otherworldly neon makeup trend which has exploded since the premiere of Zendaya’s hit show “Euphoria.” Last but not least, Anya Balsamides, Co-Executive Editor, nearly stopped us from going to the printers with various urgent updates to her Opioid Crisis story, “A Bitter Pill” on page 77. I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed creating it.
xo,
2
DISTRACTION
Introduction
With various interests and activities, students no longer fit into one box. There are several roles students must play— outfits sold separately. art direction_lauren maingot & marissa vonesh photo_gianna sanchez
Staring at cover model McKenzie Stoute’s makeup look might just send you into another dimension. Check out this season’s brightest trend for major “Euphoria” vibes. art direction_lauren maingot & marissa vonesh photo_kristian delrosario
This delicious milkshake highlights the introduction of our new food section, What the Fork. We hope you’re hungry! art direction_lauren maingot & marissa vonesh photo_gianna sanchez
the covers
THE GUIDE
8 pop it like it’s hot 11 pod people 12 unhappy hour
CON TEN TS
WHAT THE FORK 16 shake it up 19 Trader Joe’s 20 spill the tea
SPECIAL SECTION: FANTASY 28 trapped in a box 33 let’s talk about sex fantasies 36 ready player one 39 how we dream 42 before the magic city 47 catfish’d
HEALTH AND WELLNESS states of mind 50 the diet of the future 52 CBD 56
FASHION euphoric 62 oversized 64 you better werk (out) 67
MAIN EVENT tempo 74 a bitter pill 77
Fall 2019 DISTRACTION
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october 2019
WHAT IS A FANTASY OF YOURS THAT HAS COME TRUE? THE TEAM Editor-in-Chief_Isabella Vaccaro Co-Executive Editors_Lindsey Bornstein & Anya Balsamides Managing Editor_Gabby Rosenbloom Co-Art Directors_Marissa Vonesh & Lauren Maingot Co-Photo Editors_Gianna Sanchez & Kristian DelRosario Illustrations Director_Jacqueline Dubois Co-Assistant Art Directors_Avani Choudhary & Giselle Spicer Co-Assistant Photo Editors_Sydney Burnett & Emily Fakhoury Illustrations Assistant_Rachel Rader Co-Video Editors_Travis Laub & Elinor Howells Copy Chief_Olivia Ginsberg Food Director/Co-PR Manager_Elizabeth Pozzouli Co-PR Manager/Co-Fashion Director_Keagan Larkins Social Media Manager_Elyse Waterman What The Fork! Assistant PR Manager_Katelyn Gavin Co-Fashion Director_Abby Podolsky Co-Fashion Assistants_Haley Lanzoni & Andie Ajello The Guide Editor_Lauren Mokhtarzadeh What The Fork Editor_Sam Velez Special Section Editor_Elisa Baena Health & Wellness Editor_Gabrielle Lord Fashion Editor_Natalie Abatemarco Main Event Editor_Kathryn Ford Business Manager_Avani Reddy dancing on ESPN Sales Reps_Alexis Masciarella & Simar Dyal Faculty Adviser_Randy Stano
surviving our first deadline
teaching a yoga class
walking in a fashion show
DISTRACTIONMAGAZINE.COM
Digital Editor_Tiana Torkan Assistant Digital Editor_Makayla Manning Culture Blog Editor_Shianne Salazar Food Blog Editor_Dakota Regan Travel Blog Editor_Corina Azpurua
CONTRIBUTORS Jabria Roscoe, Writer Myles Griffith, Writer Coco Hull, Writer Lauren Jones, Writer Kay Ann Henry, Writer Madelyn Werder, Writer Anjuli Sharpley, Writer Isabelle Leroy, Writer Simar Dyal, Writer
Carolina Nusser, Design Katrina Schmitt, Design Gio Aprigliano, Design Lauren Flaumenhalf, Design Marielle Zuber, Design Daniella Cornide, Design Jess Morgan, Design Micaela Abuhayar, Illustrator Gabriela Nahous, Photographer Noah Vesey, Photographer section opener illustrations_jaqueline dubois
When it comes to contributors, we’re not picky. Whether you’ve found your niche in a bio book, you’re notorious for doing “nothing” at the comm or business school or you’re halfway into your college career and still wave that “undeclared major” flag, we want to hear what you have to say. Distraction is an extracurricular/volunteer operation made for students, by students, and covers the full spectrum of student life here at The U. If you want to get involved or have any questions, comments or concerns email our editor-in-chief, Isabella Vaccaro, ixv96@miami.edu. There are no corrections from the last issue to address.
4
DISTRACTION
Introduction
RJ Kayal, Photographer Isabella Adamson, PR Emily Marquez, PR Arya Maan Puri, PR Debra Baldwin, PR Melissa Mendez, PR Corinne Issa, PR Jordyn Blau, PR Scarlett Diaz, Fact Checker becoming a U.S. citizen
The magazine is produced four times per year, twice a semester. City Graphics and Bellack Miami printed 8,000 copies of the magazine on 8.5 x 11 inch, 60-pound coated text paper 4/4. The entire magazine is printed four-color and perfect bound. Most text is nine-point Minion Pro with 9.8 points of leading set ragged with a combination of bold, medium and italic. All pages were designed using Adobe Creative Suite CC software InDesign with photographs and artwork handled in Photoshop and Illustrator. For additional information, please visit distractionmagazine.com. Questions and comments can be mailed to 1330 Miller Drive, Student Media Suite 202A, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, dropped into SSC Student Media Suite Suite 200 or emailed to distraction@miami.edu. All articles, photographs and illustrations are copyrighted by the University of Miami.
TRAPPED IN A BOX
behind the scenes This series was originally supposed to be about body image. That was at least until Marissa got involved. She approached me during our visual meeting and suggested a counter idea that involved taking UM students and making them Barbies. It made me think about all of the people I know who are put into a specific box even though they’re much more than that. I became extremely excited about the project and reached out to people right away, trying to plan every part of the shoot down to the accessories. To do the shoot, we actually rented out a space in the Shalala Student Center, which we’ve never done before. It was a great space because as people were waiting to do their shoot, they were talking and having fun. A lot of them even stayed to watch other people go rather than just leave right after their turn. It was definitely one of the hardest shoots I’ve had to do because of the immense back pain it caused both during and after the shoot due to me hunching over for about three hours to try and shoot directly above everyone. But other than that, it’s probably some of the most fun I’ve had and I’m extremely happy and proud of the way it came out. -Gianna Sanchez, Co-Photo Editor
-Abby Podolsky & Keagan Larkins, Co-Fashion Directors
YOU BETTER WERK ( OUT)
It was our first shoot together as Co-Fashion Directors, and it was so fun to collaborate and bounce ideas off each other. We had an awesome location and killer outfits, but that’s not to say there weren’t troubles with the shoot. The most difficult part of this shoot was having models cancel on us hours before the shoot. We had to source new people who weren’t flying home in fear of Hurricane Dorian and fit the clothes we already had. This kind of fast-paced working environment really gave us a bigger picture of how so much can change while preparing and directing a fashion shoot. It was challenging because it was our first time in a Distraction shoot in a gym, and the mirrored walls made it a very comical experience as we jumped out of the frame after last minute touches. However, we improvised with the workout equipment in Kamps (thanks, owners!) and it really tied the colors together.
Fall 2019 DISTRACTION
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The Guide captures the thoughts of the Miami hipster and slaps them on a page. Despite being in-the-know, pretentious is not in The Guide reader’s vocabulary. Starbucks is out and typewriters are in. If you ever need a suggestion for the best kombucha in Miami, The Guide has you covered.
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DISTRACTION
The Guide
Fall 2019 DISTRACTION
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P O P IT
LIKE IT’S HOT
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DISTRACTION
The Guide
From the architects of Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival comes the first ever Miami Beach Pop Festival, a weekend celebrating the city of Miami and its culture. Miami Beach Pop features headliners Jack Johnson, Daddy Yankee, Kygo and Chance the Rapper, who will grace the sands of Miami Beach during the three-day festival starting November 8. With a stellar lineup of performers, a buffet of Miami cuisine and a slate of never-before-seen sustainability initiatives, the groundbreaking event is sure to be a hit in the 305. words_ lauren mokhtarzadeh. photo_ rj kayal. design_carolina nusser.
T
he Miami Beach Pop team welcomes Miami citizens of all backgrounds and music tastes to gather together for an exciting weekend under the sun. Cristina Mariani, the festival’s marketing director, says the inspiration for Miami Beach Pop was, of course, the location. From the cool ocean breeze and warm sand between your toes to the blissful Miami sunsets and beautiful Art Deco surroundings, what’s not to love? But the true mission of Miami Beach Pop is to showcase Miami’s culture, diversity, community and it’s affinity for human connection. Mariani explained that “it’s really just a celebration of the natural environment that we’re in and the diverse and vibrant culture that we have here in Miami.” Miami Beach Pop is different from other festivals around the United States or even around the world. The festival’s diverse, cross-genre lineup features a staggering 11 musical genres from electric dance to Latin and even classic rock. Up-and-coming acts like MAGIC GIANT, Gryffin, Chelsea Cutler and Quinn XCII will grace the stage through the entire long weekend, and Chance the Rapper’s appearance as a headliner was just announced. Though the rapper recently canceled a portion of his North American tour dates to be with
his newborn, he, thankfully for us, kept Miami Beach Pop on his schedule. University of Miami junior Giselle Spicer, a marketing intern for the festival, said that due to this year’s lineup, she is eager to examine the demographics of festival-goers. While there are certainly performers like Nile Rodgers who may appeal to an older crowd, Miami Beach Pop includes performers like Daddy Yankee to appeal to the Beach’s young adults and Kygo for the rave-goers who start the Ultra Music Festival countdown with 364 days left. Miami Beach Pop is also introducing big names from Cuba and South America. Argentinian musician Lali, who normally doesn’t perform in the U.S., is making a special appearance at the festival to energize her growing South Florida fan base. Cimafunk, who has a large following in Cuba, will also be in attendance, performing his upbeat Latin hit “Me Voy.” The festival has also announced a few impending surprises from performers Nile Rodgers and Stephen Marley. Rodgers will gather special guests for a once-in-a-lifetime set, while Stephen Marley, son of reggae artist Bob Marley, will introduce surprise guests in a tribute performance to Marley’s legacy. The Miami Beach Pop team isn’t just bringing together a diverse group of musical
P O P F E S T I VA L
IF YOU GO:
Price: $98+ Nov. 8-10, 2019 697 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach
Fall 2019 DISTRACTION
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headliners—they’re also partnering with local schools, businesses and community leaders to foster a memorable cultural experience. Although the festival has invited Miami favorites like Spam Allstars, Richie Hell, Steven A. Clark and Afrobet to the stage, the team has also made sure to include performances by the Miami Beach Senior High Rock Ensemble and University of Miami’s American Music Ensemble (AME) to represent various musical communities within the region. The Miami Beach Pop team is also implementing new sustainability initiatives—most notably, it will be a plastic-free festival. A tented central hub will serve as the festival’s “ECOasis,” where attendees can learn more about sustainability practices. The Miami Beach Pop Festival will also work with the City of Miami to provide attendees with the tools to create a more environmentally-friendly system.
As for the festival’s cuisine, the “Pop Mercado” will include a five-star lineup curated by renowned chef Michael Schwartz. With hidden gems and classic go-tos from Coyo Taco, Panther Coffee and Harry’s Pizzeria (among others), Schwartz hopes to connect concertgoers from every corner of the city through a shared love of food. Miami Beach Pop Festival, like the soul of Miami itself, centers on the city’s eclectic music tastes, yummy food, growing diversity and commitment to community. The festival lineup is one like no other—and it’s one that may never happen again. Since some of these performers have never collaborated on one stage, Mariani stressed that there’s a strong chance they may never play together again. So, step aside and watch Miami Beach Pop Festival take to the shores of Miami Beach to create a blissful and thrilling weekend that’s sure to go down in 305 history.
GET PUMPED listen along to distraction’s preshow playlist to get ready for miami beach pop festival.
SCAN ME!
10 DISTRACTION The Guide
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“Higher Love” - Kygo feat. Whitney Houston
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“River” - Leon Bridges
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“Hot Shower” - Chance The Rapper
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“After Life” - Ashe
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“Banana Pancakes” - Jack Johnson
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“Window” - MAGIC GIANT
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“Con Calma” - Daddy Yankee feat. Snow
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“Figures” - Jessie Reyes
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“Hurtin’ (On The Bottle)” - Margo Price
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“Le Freak” - Nile Rodgers and Chic
Podcasts seem to lure every type of listener from true crime buffs and future investors to aspiring politicians. Here are Distraction’s top podcast recommendations, from our headphones to yours. words_anjuli sharpley. design_ lauren maingot. illustration_rachel rader.
THE DAILY Each weekday, The New York Times broadcasts episodes of its hit podcast, “The Daily.” Hosted by Michael Barbaro, this podcast is celebrated for its informal jargon, which provides its wide demographic of listeners with a straightforward look at what’s happening around the world. Listeners should expect a daily news rundown and, of course, a handful of original content. “The Daily” is ideal for listeners trying to pass the time during a long car ride or listeners looking for a way to stay up-to-date on current events.
TINY LEAPS BIG CHANGES (TLBC) TLBC offers listeners a series of several small life changes. The podcast is hosted by Gregg Clunis, an author, speaker and content creator. A proud child of immigrant parents, Clunis credits his success to his parents’ tireless work ethic. He invites listeners to pursue “small leaps” to spur major life changes. He explores several relatable topics, from anxiety coping mechanisms to morning routines. Be sure to listen every Monday and Wednesday for new segments, whether your finals-week panic is out of control or you’re just in need of an inspirational boost.
LEVAR BURTON READS Host LeVar Burton breathes life into a short story each week with unparalleled storytelling and a captivating voice. Burton begins each podcast with a brief description of a featured author, preparing listeners with his signature, “Let’s take a deep breath and begin.” Burton is no stranger to hosting a hit series; if the name and warm voice ring familiar, it may be because he previously hosted the hit children’s series “Reading Rainbow” for over 20 years. Many loyal fans even refer to his current podcast as “Reading Rainbow for Adults” due to its increasingly complex and suggestive material. If comedy, fantasy or science fiction interest you, make sure to tune in every Tuesday for a compelling story paired with Burton’s soothing voice.
MY FAVOR ITE MURDER Hosted by comedians Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, “My Favorite Murder” has earned a consistent top spot on the Apple charts. Each week, the hosts narrate handpicked sagas to self-proclaimed “murderinos,” the podcast’s fan base. Mondays are reserved for “minisodes,” or 30-minute episodes focused on hometown crime stories. Thursdays, however, promise two-hour episodes with popular murder cases and listeners’ stories. Animated with live host reactions, “My Favorite Murder” brings a comical lightness to otherwise serious accounts.
Fall 2019 DISTRACTION 11
words_coco hull. photo_sydney burnett. design_rachel rader.
Pregame with Food
Before a night out, the your dietary choices can have a drastic impact on your next-morning hangover. Instead of going for that greasy grilled cheese after you drink, have it for dinner. Obviously, don’t overdo it—pounding drinks on an overstuffed stomach isn’t a great idea. When consumed in moderation, a juicy burger can insulate your stomach, slowing down the rate at which your body absorbs alcohol.
Go for Ginger
You gather your hair into a messy bun, chug some Pedialyte and throw on your favorite shades before rushing to campus to make your dreaded 8 a.m. class. The dehydration scratching at your sandpaper throat is so strong that you might as well be crawling through the Sahara. Yes, you guessed it— you’re hungover. We’ve all been there, and sometimes a large iced coffee doesn’t quite cut it. Here are five tips to help defeat your next hangover, whether you’ve had one, six or twenty White Claws.
Ginger—a tried and true aid in eliminating the spins. This healthy root also helps with digestion and is an excellent way to give your stomach some welldeserved T.L.C. after those seven slices of Domino’s you inhaled at 2 a.m. Ginger is surprisingly easy to find, even on campus. Take a trip to Jamba Juice after class and grab a “Greens n’ Ginger” smoothie, or borrow your roommate’s blender for this smoothie: 1-2 ½ 2 1 2
Tbsp. chopped ginger cup almond milk (for a creamier consistency)* cups of spinach (or 1 cup spinach & 1 cup kale) lemon cups of fruit (recommendation: frozen pineapple, mango or banana)
*For an icier consistency, use coconut water and add a few ice cubes.
Stretch, Don’t Sweat
Some believe that a hard workout after a night of heavy drinking is the key to curing a hangover. However, your body becomes dehydrated when you sweat, especially after a night out. Instead of opting for a rigorous spin class, try something more gentle like yoga. Getting your zen on will not only make your muscles feel better, but will put your mind at ease as well. Don’t want to pay for a class? Try Yoga with Adriene, Five Parks Yoga w/ Erin Sampson or Yoga with Kassandra on YouTube to center your chakras from the comfort of your home.
12 DISTRACTION The Guide
Arguably, the best way to treat a hangover is to prepare your body before you even take your first sip of alcohol. Make a strong preventative plan that includes eating adequate amounts of protein, which is found in a classic burger. You’ll thank us later.
Omelets Over Oreos
Eggs: With plenty of protein, eggs will replenish any lost amino acids, which are necessary for your liver to filter toxins out of your body. Parsley: Parsley is packed with minerals and chlorophyll, which help clear acid from your system. Tomatoes: Although this highly-acidic vegetable might seem counterintuitive, tomatoes are a great hangover cure. The fructose, or natural sugar, will help speed up your body’s metabolism. Spinach: Embrace your inner Popeye the Sailor Man, and go for a serving of this vitamin B-rich veggie. Spinach also contains folate, which will give you energy, and acts as another metabolism booster.
Drop the Advil! Get fast relief from your next hangover by chewing a piece of ginger. This natural remedy to help combat nausea will leave you feeling sufficiently better after your night out.
That’s the Tea
If you’re a regular coffee drinker, skipping caffeine could result in a withdrawal headache. Kill two birds with one stone by opting for herbal tea. Along with satisfying your caffeine craving, herbal tea is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. After you brew a cup of chamomile or peppermint, don’t forget to add some honey for natural sweetness—it will also help your body break down its toxins.
Hangovers Abroad
Check out some local remedies from three of the most popular study abroad destinations. Keep them in mind during your semester across the pond!
Czech Republic Many Czechs strongly believe in the “hair of the dog” approach to hangovers—in other words, they feel that continuing to drink the next morning is the way to go. It may work for them, considering they drink beer like Miami students chug White Claws, but there isn’t much scientific evidence supporting the age-old trick. According to them, drinking the next morning can help boost endorphins, masking impending hangovers. If you want to give it a try while studying at UPrague, take a trip to one of the city’s famous beer spas where you can literally bathe in some of the finest oak barrels and brews! For a more practical solution, try česnečka, or garlic soup, to aid in a speedy morning recovery.
Italy Ancient Romans burdened by hangovers were encouraged to wear necklaces of flowers to rid themselves of the spinning wine headaches. It’s a cute idea, but if you don’t feel like whipping out your Coachella flower crown, follow the modern Italians and stick to a shot of espresso.
France Some French believe that Nux Vomica, a natural remedy that comes from trees native to Asia, can prevent a hangover if taken before excessive drinking. Although some swear its antioxidants can combat nausea and headaches, Nux Vomica has ingredients found in rat poison. Unless you are feeling especially adventurous after a night of too much champagne, maybe ask your host mom for a French cassoulet instead.
Fall 2019 DISTRACTION 13
What the Fork is the key to a Miami foodie’s heart. Between simple how-to tips and trendy restaurant reviews, this section is the roadmap for all things food. Our team scours the Miami marketplace to find hidden gems. Readers will drool over the juicy photos and creative recipes. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal or a sweet treat, Distraction has your back.
14 DISTRACTION What the Fork
15 DISTRACTION In the Loop
Fall 2019 DISTRACTION 15
16 DISTRACTION What the Fork
Want a creative way to use the last of your cereal? Consider indulging your breakfast sweet tooth with a decadent milkshake. Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms or any sugary substitute will work—just grab some cereal and soak it in milk. Next, strain the mixture, mix with the ice cream base and dust with cornflake sprinkles. You can even add a donut on top! This exciting drink is perfect for shake lovers who want to add a twist to their morning routine; it’s truly the breakfast of champions (or sweet tooths).
Cereal Shake
words_samantha velez. photo_gianna sanchez. design & illustration_gabby rosenbloom. food styling_elizabeth pozzuoli & dakota regan.
Distraction shakes things up with DIY milkshake recipes for every palate. We’ve got retro classics, as well as some funkier blends to share, so if you’re looking to indulge your sweet tooth, check out our guide to these sweet concoctions.
IT UP
for optimal results rotate 90°
Fall 2019 DISTRACTION 17
Take a trip back to summer camp with this delicious DIY milkshake—no campfire required. With a creamy base of graham cracker ice cream and melted marshmallows, this frothy shake is an oldschool favorite. Smear the rim of the glass with an avalanche of melted chocolate, and don’t forget to top it off with some graham cracker crumble. When you pair your milkshake with a straw and a spoon for easy consumption, this tasty treat will have you begging for s’more!
S’mores
You’ll go bananas for this delicious milkshake! This sweet and salty drink is perfect for foodies who are willing to take a risk. Whether for breakfast or dessert, we guarantee this milkshake will make you smile. For the base, banana-flavored ice cream is ideal. Expand the flavor profile by coating the rim of the glass in caramel drizzle. Take it one step further by adding some saltiness in the form of bacon bits around the rim. Top it off with a fusion of maple syrup and whipped cream for the finishing touch.
Bacon & Banana
of If you don’t feel like taking the plunge and making your own shake, that’s okay, we’ve still got you covered! Here are Distraction’s top picks for the best milkshakes in Miami.
Vicky’s House
shakes á la dining hall Swing by the machine and grab your favorite flavor of soft serve. Whether it’s a cup or a cone—doesn’t matter! Either will do.
Less than ten minutes from campus, this ’80s-inspired milkshake bar sits in the heart of Coconut Grove. Whether you’re splurging on a classic like Salted Caramel or the decadent Breakfast Club, which is a specialty shake infused with espresso and topped with various treats, Vicky’s House is a dessert-lover’s paradise. They also cater to vegan customers by substituting almond milk in their traditional shakes and hosting weekly “Milkless Mondays.” Vicky’s House even transforms into a tasting room once a month, showcasing local snacks and beverages from the local Miami area.
Morelia Gourmet Paleta
Despite the Miami sun, we all know that the only way to melt anything in the dining hall is by sticking it in the toaster.
Looking for a unique twist on the classic milkshake? Look no further than Morelia Gourmet Paletas. Walking through the door, you’ll be overwhelmed by the wide variety of vibrantly-colored paletas. To form the base of your paleta shake, simply choose two natural gourmet pops. The flavors range from chocolatey to fruity, making way for a slew of combinations. Watching the milkshake come to life with drizzles of sweet syrup and whipped cream is a treat in itself. Its closest store is tucked away on Miracle Mile, so this spot is ideal for a quick treat. Or, if you find yourself in Wynwood on a hot day, stop by their second location to grab a refreshing shake.
Whip’n Dip It’s finally time to enjoy your dining hall-style milkshake. Add toppings, shake it up and enjoy.
18 DISTRACTION What the Fork
For the traditional milkshake lover, Whip’n Dip is the ideal destination. This shop has been whipping up fresh and affordable milkshakes for Miami locals since 1985, and their hand-blended shakes are sure to satisfy any sweet craving. With milkshake prices starting at $5.99, Whip’n Dip will keep you coming back for more. From creamy chocolate shakes to cookies and cream masterpieces, these refreshing treats are irresistible. For those looking for a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor, try their low-calorie “lite” options. Even better, this shop is less than one mile from campus, making for a great pick-me-up after class!
One of the hardest parts about being a student away from home is buying food that is both healthy and cheap. Notoriously friendly cashiers and ridiculously low prices are staples at the grocery shopping phenomenon that is Trader Joe’s. Luckily, the location right down on South Dixie Highway has got us covered! We asked students about their go-to buys at Trader Joe’s, and here are the results! words_ madelyn werder. photo_ emily fakhoury. design_carolina nusser.
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For only $4.99, you can invite four people over to share this large portion of Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken. Pair it with a side, or consider using the orange chicken in a vegetable stir fry. If you don’t have a stove, this dish is microwave-friendly!
This healthy and delicious Cauliflower Pizza Crust sells for a thrifty $4.99. Even better, it only takes 10-12 minutes to bake. This pizza will become a staple in your freezer, especially if you can’t eat gluten or are trying your hand at the keto craze.
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If you are looking to switch out your protein for something more exciting, try the Carne Asada Auténtica for $8.99 per pound. This protein can easily be turned into tacos, a sandwich or a topping for a salad. Don’t worry, it’s not too spicy!
The Mini Beef Tacos will only set you back $4.29 for 24 tiny, bingeable appetizers. Packed inside the shell is juicy ground beef and tasty spices. Pair with a margarita and relax on Taco Tuesday, or heat them up for a quick lunch before class!
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Pop this $3.00 Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip in the oven and serve it up with pita chips, crostini or even fresh cut vegetable sticks. This warm and gooey snack is the perfect food to spice up your football Sunday spread.
Who’s ready for dessert? Trader Joe’s Mini Mochi comes in a variety of flavors: Thai and Green Tea, Chocolate, Strawberry and more! Venture outside your comfort zone, and try this exotic ice cream alternative if you haven’t already!
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The Southwest Salad was definitely a UM favorite— and we think we know why. Low in calories but high in flavor, this vegetarian salad is available for a measly $3.49. This salad is jam-packed with flavor and is easy to grab on the go.
If you’re looking for a college staple, look no further than the Bean and Rice Burrito for $3.99. Packed into a soft tortilla, the salsa verde and pepperjack cheese create all the makings of a flavorful meal with a spicy Mexcian flair.
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If you’re looking for a Sunday get-together to replace the basic Greenstreet brunch, hosting afternoon tea in your own apartment just might be your best bet. Distraction has you covered with all the tips, tricks and finger-food pairings to go along with your cup. words_gabrielle lord. photo_gianna sanchez. design & food styling_elizabeth pozzuoli.
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There are a few token guidelines that you should adhere to in order to prepare for your high-tea event. After all, table set up is the foundation of any proper tea party. With a dainty tea plate at the center, your place setting should consist of a few staple items set up in a very particular orientation. To the left of the plate is a salad fork and a napkin. On the right—a butter knife, teaspoon, saucer and teacup with the handle facing out. Finally, get creative with the light bites you pair with your tea.
You’ve officially decided to throw an afternoon tea party. However, understanding the proper teatime etiquette is imperative. There are a few basic things that every good host or hostess should know. In terms of proper attire, the dress code is typically smart casual. Girls should break out their floral dresses and sandals, and guys can leave their jackets at home. Scones are typically broken with your fingers and shouldn’t be cut with a fork and a knife. The order of toppings is important; the cream should always come first, followed by the jam. Once broken, never put the scone back together. Believe it or not, there are even rules that dictate how you should stir your tea! The spoon should sit at the 6 o’clock position and move straight up toward the 12 o’clock position, making sure not to touch the sides of the cup. And finally, everyone has heard that you should keep your pinkies up when drinking tea. However, this guidance is actually misdirected and could lead you right into a pretty embarrassing faux pas. So, keep your pinkies down, darlings.
Break out the fancy cups and dress to impress. With sweet treats, herbal drinks and finger food, plan the perfect afternoon with our guide to an elegant and stylish tea party.
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Lemon Blueberry Scones These lemon blueberry scones are the ideal complement to any cup of tea. The crumbly texture of the dough combined with the zingy kick of the lemon are perfect for cooling your mouth down after sipping your chamomile or chai brew. Pro tip: let the dough chill for 15 minutes before baking— it will keep the scones from expanding too much. 2 6 1 21/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 1 11/2 1
cups all-purpose flour Tbsp. granulated sugar Tbsp. fresh lemon zest tsp. baking powder tsp. salt cup unsalted butter, frozen cup heavy cream large egg tsp. pure vanilla extract cup fresh or frozen blueberries for topping: coarse sugar
Cucumber Sandwich A tea sandwich is, for obvious reasons, a staple for a classic tea gathering. These cooling and creamy bite-sized sandwiches are simple to make and even easier to eat. Keep in mind—the thinner the cucumber slices, the better. 8 2 1/2 1/4 1 1
slices white sandwich bread Tbsp. butter, softened English cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced cup mayonnaise Tbsp. finely chopped chives tsp. yellow mustard Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
See full recipes and food stories on distractionmagazine.com.
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Biltmore Hotel 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, FL Luxurious, historic and close to campus, The Biltmore offers a set tea menu that changes with the seasons. Their summer menu features fresh, tasty dishes like Italian caprese sandwiches and marinated carrots with cucumbers. Their selection of tea, however, remains constant. It includes green, oolong, white, black and herbal teas. This tea menu is only offered Thursday through Sunday at 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., so make sure you snag a reservation early in the week!
The Enchanted Dollhouse 7212 Red Road, South Miami, FL The Enchanted Dollhouse is perfect if you’re looking to take a step into Wonderland. This restaurant offers two set menus featuring classic bites as well as atmospheric music, Victorian hats, flowers of choice and complementary photos of your party. To customize your experience, The Enchanted Dollhouse even offers tarot card readings and belly dancers. The Enchanted Dollhouse is a magical escape from reality with a complete afternoon tea experience.
The Tea Room Restaurant 12310 SW 224th St, Miami, FL Steeped in history, Cauley Square’s Tea Room was created by Martha Wade in 1974. Following Hurricane Andrew in 1992, this tea room was preserved and renamed with its original character and charm. The Tea Room Restaurant has six different rooms for partygoers who want a bit more privacy. Capacity ranges from nine to 34, and each room has its own theme. The Tea Room has three menus that guests can choose from, with each menu offering a wide variety of teas with names like “Marie Antoinette” and “Des Hiver.” Each tea at the historic tea house is served with a small spoonful of history.
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THE WORD IS OUT.
NOW SOUTH FLORIDA’S ONLY
At Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, you and your loved ones now have greater access to cutting-edge clinical trials and the latest treatments, available exclusively at NCI-designated cancer centers. This designation places Sylvester, part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, among the top cancer centers in the nation.
“We recognize the exceptional research and clinical care that have led to Sylvester’s recognition as a top-tier U.S. cancer center. It emanates from the dedication of every member of the cancer center and its leadership. This is a milestone not just for Sylvester and the University of Miami, but also for the people of South Florida and throughout the state, the nation, the hemisphere, and the world.”
“This is a testament to the incredible focus and teamwork of every single member of our center. We have more than 300 world-class physicians and researchers who are working together on outstanding collaborative and multidisciplinary research that is benefiting or will benefit patients here in our community and across the globe. This is just the beginning.”
JULIO FRENK, M.D., M.P.H., PH.D.
STEPHEN D. NIMER, M.D.
President of the University of Miami
Director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
A University of Miami Hospital and Clinics Facility
Daydreaming of asking out a special someone in your stats class? Or maybe you’re running and ducking, escaping a world of fantastical villains you’ve created in a digital universe. If your mind jumped to Fifty Shades of Grey, though, we’ve got that kind of fantasy here for you too—after all, no one comes to Miami to turn down the heat. Wild or inspired, kinky or crafty, we all let our minds wander from time to time. We’ll be the first to tell you: keep on dreaming, Miami.
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They will tell you that you can only be one thing—either a science nerd, frat bro or athlete—but don’t believe them. words_distraction staff. photo_gianna sanchez. design_lauren maingot.
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We like putting people in boxes. They’re orderly, compact and definable. But people aren’t Barbies; by our very nature, we can’t be easily defined, especially at the University of Miami.
By day, senior Emily Gossett leads the University of Miami as Student Government President. By night, Gossett might be found at a Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA) chapter meeting or strutting down the catwalk in the ZTA philanthropy fashion show.
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It’s no surprise senior Chelsea Lovell was crowned Miss UM—the Sunsation, Executive Producer of UMTV’s Pulse, Kaos HipHop dancer and Senator for the School of Communication literally does it all.
We’re student leaders who create impactful change in our communities and sorority girls who raise thousands for our philanthropies. We’re frat boys who advocate for inclusivity and cheerleaders who flip and tumble under a blazing sun.
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We’re theatre nerds who harmonize constantly during rehearsals and science geeks who spend days poring over our Organic Chemistry textbooks.
The STEM student doesn’t just have his head buried in a biology textbook. Senior Anuj Shah’s love for his alma mater motivates his involvement in Safac, the elections council for Student Government, P100, Homecoming Executive Comittee, COISO cabinet member and research assistant at the Manatee Affective Neuroscience Lab.
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We’re perfectly imperfect, a mixture of dreams and hobbies and ambitions that all break the typical mold. We’re beautifully undefinable.
Sophomore Caleb Polsky is the off-campus events chair for UM’s Theatre Action Group (TAG), a BFA Musical Theatre student, loyal library employee, wigenthusiast and an avid baker.
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Senior Justin Grauer not only brought back UM’s chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha, but also serves as the football chair for Category 5 and the VP of recruitment for Interfraternity Council.
When she’s not watching over her Hecht residents as an RA, junior Giselle De La Rua is also serving her campus community as a counselor for Camp Kesem, the Vice President of la Federación de Estudiantes Cubanos and one of Julio Frenk’s beloved P100.
let’s talk about
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Fantasies
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It’s 2019, and people are tired of settling for vanilla sex. Kinks, fantasies, fetishes; we’ve all got them. Just as much as sex is a part of human nature, so are our primal desires. Whether it’s high heels or handcuffs, there’s something you’ve wanted to try in the bedroom that deviates from the hush-hush norms surrounding heterosexual sex. words_kathryn ford. photo_noah vesey. design_jess morgan.
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Lingerie, dildos and handcuffs are just the beginning of what you can find in your local sex shop. Don’t be afraid to browse the aisles sometime. There’s definitely something for everyone.
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ollege campuses are breeding grounds for heteronormativity. “Most people act like they only want to have sex and not be in a relationship,” said Jane Doe, a sophomore at the University of Miami. How does this culture allow for sexual exploration during students’ formative years? Well, it really doesn’t. A one-night stand you picked up at the bar might not be who you want handcuffing you to the bedpost—after all, it’s not that kind of cuffing season. “No one wants to seem weird to some random partner,” said Doe, “but sometimes alcohol pushes along some weird things that you might not do otherwise.” Although the urge to embrace different partners might be exciting, inconsistent hook-ups often lack the intimacy that can lead to comfortable sexual exploration. Despite increasing sex-positivity, many still feel guilty about their sexual desires due to societal shame surrounding kinks. Sex fantasy research is “often a reflection of larger trends going on in the culture,” said Dr. Claire Oueslati-Porter, a gender and sexuality studies professor at UM. As women gain legal and societal power, many are “making forays into the online community” and “exploring their sexual desires” in real life, Porter said. Since their advent, fetish communities have dealt with stigmatization from outsiders. In order to avoid these stigmas, fetish communities give more “attention to the importance of consent—much more than in the heterosexual hookup culture,” Porter said. With the good, there inevitably comes the naughty. As the pornography industry grows online, people are increasingly framing their sexual ideals through the lens of porn. Porter added that “sexual fantasies are often enacted through pornography, but the industry is also shaping people’s sexual fantasies.” Many of the most popular genres of porn today involve women being degraded, humiliated or assaulted by men. As adolescents consume increasing amounts of pornography online, they are often led to believe that aggressive or even exploitative sex is natural. There is no “right” way to have sex, but sex without consent is simply the wrong way.
It’s Friday; Let’s talk.
BDSM
Bondage. Discipline. Sadism. Masochism. Speaking your language yet? BDSM is a very common fantasy, especially among young people. Ever since the rise of the “Fifty Shades of Grey” series, young people have been more exposed to experimental sexual acts. According to psychologists Andreas Wismeijer and Marcel van Assen’s research, “Psychological Characteristics of BDSM Practitioners,” those who participate in BDSM are often extroverted, self-aware and self-secure, with lower levels of anxiety and depression than others. For many—especially women—BDSM play allows for “a cathartic experience around power and sexual control” often absent in everyday life, Porter said. Whether you’re being dominated or taking control, BDSM can be a safe and healthy way to express your desires between the sheets. Bondage, discipline, sadism and masochism are intimidating words, but according to Jay Wiseman’s book “SM 101: A Realistic Introduction,” BDSM can be broken down into three main categories: restriction, pain and humiliation. Or, put more simply: handcuffs, whips and ball gags. Some sex research, like “Psychology of Consciousness: Theory, Research, and Practice” by Ambler et al., suggests BDSM puts partners in an altered state of mind. The partner in control, known as the “top,” often loses self-awareness and experiences extreme focus. Meanwhile, the “bottom,” who endures the pain, instead slips into a peaceful state, experiencing a sense of floating and loss of time. BDSM frequently brings partners closer together sexually and emotionally.
Role Play
Have you ever wanted to escape reality? You’re not the only one. Sexual role play can allow partners to take on an alter ego after a long day of school or work. Dressing or acting differently in the bedroom can be a good way to escape from reality, even if only for a night. “When people are free to really do the role-playing and talk about what they want, that tends to mean they’re going to have a happier, healthier sex life,” Porter said. The only way role play will work is if both partners are consenting and have an equal say in what goes on. And “in the dominant culture,” Porter said, “we’re just not there yet.”
Three’s Company
Ever dreamed of a threesome or orgy? Well, they’re not just reserved for porn. People of all sexual orientations report fantasies of group sex to spice it up in the bedroom. According to psychologist Dr. Justin J. Lehmiller’s book, “Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It Can Improve Your Sex Life,” group sex is one of the most common sexual fantasies but one of the least practiced. Those who are hesitant to share their appetite for threesomes are often afraid of a negative response from their partner, according to Lehmiller. Accordingly, straight men and women are the least likely to carry out multi-partner fantasies. Of course, there are caveats in sharing intense, intimate bedroom experiences with somebody new. The first to come to mind? Jealousy. There’s always the risk that seeing your partner get down and dirty with someone else might not be as exciting as you might have expected.
Distraction (@distractionmag) polled our Instagram followers to get all of campus’ dirty secrets.
80% want love while 20% desire lust Feet
You’ve probably heard of foot fetishes—and possibly recoiled at the thought. Sexual attraction to feet, scientifically known as podophilia, is actually one of the most common kinks. Chinese foot binding, in place for more than a thousand years, was, in fact, an extremely fetishized practice. “Women had to keep their little slippers under lock and key at night because men would steal them and masturbate with them,” Porter said. Ever seen a Quentin Tarantino movie? Next time you do, pay attention to how many close-up shots showcase women’s bare feet. If you’re skeptical, just search for a compilation video on YouTube and pay attention. Psychologists haven’t yet reached a consensus on the nature of podophilia. In her book “Encyclopedia of Unusual Sex Practices,” Dr. Brenda Love explains that podophilia can begin to develop in early childhood; parents playing with their toddlers’ feet, which brings joy to the child, has the potential to develop into podophilia. Sometimes, it’s the taboo nature surrounding the pursuit of feet that gives someone a sexual thrill. Foot fetishes are also seen as a safesex option to avoid sexually transmitted infections. During the AIDS epidemic, foot play became increasingly common among non-heterosexual communities in order to prevent the transmission of the disease, according to a study by researcher A. James Giannini in 1998. Conversely, an innocent tickle could be a turn-on since the sensory regions associated with the feet and the genitals are neighbors in the brain. So it’s not hard to believe that there could be some overlap in pleasure.
Of course, we all want to be loved, but that girl or guy you brought home from the frat party is probably just lust. That’s okay too.
67% want to be desired and 33% prefer to be the person in control
To the 33 percent that will make the first move, we appreciate you.
79% claim their sex
life is more active than their porn life We can’t guarantee that everyone answered this question truthfully.
46% like missionary position whereas 54% want anything but
What can we say? Miami likes to get creative.
Concerning a ménage à trois, 36% go for two males and one female and 64% go for the opposite Boys or girls . . . the more the merrier!
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Here’s the scene: it’s dark. The only light source in this dingy basement is a faint, blueish hue radiating from the television screen. A thirteen-year-old boy sits in a big, leather chair hunched over a controller. He blocks out the world with his headphones—which are barely visible underneath the hood of his sweatshirt. He clicks away at the controller at the speed of light. It’s clear he has been here for some time; it’s even more clear that he has little intention of moving anytime soon. words_gabby rosenbloom. photo_gianna sanchez. design_giselle spicer.
PRESS START He is, in the most traditional and antiquated sense of the word, a “gamer.” However, it may be time to reevaluate the lens through which we view the gaming culture. Society seems to have a faulty understanding of the stereotypical “gamer.” In reality, the spectrum of people who play video games is incredibly broad. There is a tendency among the American consciousness to create an archetype—an unspoken rule, of sorts—about who is supposed to participate in a particular activity. This destructive stereotyping cycle then becomes very hard to break. “These generalizations stem from stereotypes of players that are carried over from media depictions or fundamental misunderstanding,” said Lindsay Grace, professor of Interactive Media at the University of Miami and Vice President of Higher Education Video Game Alliance. “People are often surprised to discover that the game population is almost 50/50 male to female (54 percent self-identify as male,
while 46 percent identify as female).” The appeal of video games is made evident by a study conducted by Entertainment Software Association (ESA). As of 2018, 75 percent of American households contained at least one game player, and more than 164 million adults in the U.S. played video games regularly. According to ESA president and CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis, we are currently in the “golden age” for video games in the United States. Social anxiety is at an all-time high in the United States with 15 million Americans currently holding a diagnosis, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Video games often allow people with social anxiety to interact with one another in a controlled setting. “My anxiety, like a lot of people’s, revolves around control,” said Josh Pappenheimer, in an article written for the BBC. “I fear any situation that I can’t be sure won’t end up going horribly wrong.” The ability to have a firm grasp on your actions, as well as on the outcomes of those actions, can be healing for those with social anxiety and related disorders. It is not uncommon for people to use external forces to cope with life and its challenges. According to Colby Holloway of Relevant Magazine, “There are always things in our lives that we want to control, but can’t: our future, health, relationships, money and jobs, just to list a few. He continued by saying, “Video games are clear: Do this task this way and this will happen. Real life is messy. Sometimes you do everything right and still it all goes wrong.” The video game platform has become a form of social connection. “The idea that I can interact with people around the world and develop connections with these people is
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While the popularity of arcade game has declined with the advancement of technology, their influence on modern video games sould not be forgotten. From the late ’70s to the mid-’80s, the Golden Age Of Arcade Games reigned supreme. According to an article by Auction Games Sales, The entire revenue of the industry tripled to approximately $2.8 billion in 1980.”
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incredibly exciting,” said Andrew Balise, a junior at the University of Miami. “I will forever treasure some of the relationships I have developed with people online through our shared love of gaming.” For those who grapple with fear surrounding social interactions, using video games as an outlet can be incredibly helpful. Playing a multiplayer video game requires making a deliberate choice to interact with other human beings; this is a very important step on the road to conquering social anxiety. Despite their mental health benefits, video games have gained a negative social stigma. While it is often cited that video game addiction has skyrocketed, this is not exactly the case. Since there is no firm definition of what video game addiction actually is, researchers and gamers alike have taken to referring to it more commonly as “problem gaming.” When someone gets so sucked into the fantasy world they have created for themselves, it can be difficult to resurface in reality. Given the society we live in, surrounded by the turmoil of the opioid crisis and various dependency issues, it’s easy to pigeonhole behaviors into the “addiction” category. However, “addiction is complex, and it takes a long time for the science to catch up to the technology,” said Grace. “It is likely that people who are identified as problem gamers would show similar unhealthy behaviors if games didn’t exist. Today’s problem game player might have been yesterday’s comic book addict or book hoarder.” In a similar vein, the notion that video games cause young minds to commit violent acts has also been widely disproven. Although President
Donald Trump attempted to place blame on video game makers for the 2019 El Paso mass shooting with the White House statement, “We must stop the glorification of violence in our society…this includes the gruesome and grisly video games that are now commonplace,” there is little evidence connecting gaming to gun violence. According to CBS News, “Violent games like Call of Duty are played across the globe, yet no other country has a rate of gun violence as high as the U.S., suggesting that causes other than video games may be to blame.” In response to the assertion that video games perpetuate violent acts, Balise said, “I would encourage people with this line of thinking to conduct research of their own before jumping to conclusions. Contrary to popular belief, youth crime rates have actually decreased as video games continue to become more mainstream.” Balise’s claim is backed by a study conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2015. For one reason or another, American society has placed undue responsibility and culpability upon gaming culture. Children and adolescents are exposed to graphic violence in ways far removed from video games. While it’s arguably not ideal to stick your toddler in front of a round of Call of Duty, it’s possible that we have collectively shoved an unfair stigma down the throats of gamers nationwide. Gaming culture has become a pillar of American society; just like playing cards or reading comic books, video games constitute a form of entertainment suited to large segments of the population. Want to bond with friends? Play some Fortnite. Babysitting your cousin? Break out Mario Kart. It’s 2019 – video games are for everyone. Ready, set, play!
Twitch is the world’s leading livestream service for gamers. it allows people to “learn tips and tricks from professional gamers,” said Andrew Balise. This new technology has taken the gaming industry to new heights.
GAME OVER
SHE’S GOT GAME The definition of the traditional gamer is ever changing. Video games are no longer exclusively for angsty teenage boys in their parents’ basements. Women, now more than ever, are entering (and often conquering) the world of gaming; however, there is still quite a way to go in order to achieve the level of representation desired.
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46% 3% 22% of all gamers are women
of games have female protagonists
of game designers are women
how we
dream Imagine this—you’re fully grown up, reveling in the hustle-and-bustle of your very adult life. Can’t picture it? Having trouble thinking outside the box? Maybe, just maybe, the secret is jumping back in.
words_shianne salazar. photo_emily fakhoury. design_lauren flaumenhaft & marissa vonesh.
Y
As technology continues to make the world spin faster, our minds have less and less time to wander. This inability to flex our imagination muscles may cause us to lose the ability to dream at all. “I feel like by constantly having content shoved in our faces from Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, it gives us less time to dig into our own heads and use our imagination,” said Mikayla Kaptzan, a UM sophomore.
ou’ve probably seen it: SpongeBob and his pal Patrick Star wait outside for a package. They see the mailman and burst into an Irish jig. “Our package!” they shout, pulling out an enormous TV. But in a hilarious turn of events, the pair discards the shiny flat screen and jump inside of the box that the television arrived in. Then the real fun begins. Although you may not remember this episode, the chances are you’ve come across the “Imagination” meme. SpongeBob, with his thin yellow arms raised, paints an imaginary rainbow in the negative space above his head. Imagination is the power to create in one’s mind. Yet we seem to squander it while we binge “The Office” or spend our idle hours at the gym. There’s a long-accepted theory, according to a study conducted at University of Hamburg, that imagination and creativity operate under strict “use-it-or-loseit” tendencies. If you remove your earrings from freshlypierced ears, your open piercings will close after just a few weeks. Likewise, if you’re not actively engaging your creative side, you could lose it just as quickly. According to Jenny Haward of The Sydney Morning Herald, daydreaming has proven positive mental health impacts. In fact, daydreaming can be a constructive means to goal realization, so long as the ambition is within reasonable reach. Allowing a goal to actively live and grow in your mind may better facilitate actualization by boosting productivity. Einstein himself once said, “Imagination is everything. It is the preview for life’s coming attractions.” While children are encouraged to engage in make-believe, the ability and desire to indulge in fantasy is routinely conditioned out of our adult lives. As we age, humans suspend their sense of unbridled imagination. Technology also contributes to the dwindling of creative thought. Sitting at a coffee shop or on the Metro used to be time for free thinking; now, that time is occupied by a smart phone. A study conducted by Newsweek acknowledges that while intelligence scores have steadily improved since 1990, creativity scores measured by the Torrence Test have just as steadily decreased. Could the boost in IQ scores be at the expense of creativity? Although a direct correlation may be ambiguous, it is important to recognize the increased pressure put on young children today to excel in a highly competitive
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“Interpersonal interaction was ranked below checking Twitter, watching videos on Youtube or putting aside items into an online shopping cart.”
academic war zone. The societal focus on IQ could be a factor in the gradual disregard for the value of creative merit. The impact of modern technologies on our cognitive functions becomes increasingly profound as the digital age progresses. Technology-based stimuli have weakened our ability to foster meaningful social interactions or introduce philosophical conversation. Bus rides, waiting rooms and campus courtyards have morphed into zones where people are lonely together, where they disconnect from the world and each other. Signs of depression in younger millennials have increased from nine to 15 percent between 2005 and 2015, according to the “International Journal of Epidemiology” (IJE). Experts attribute the rapid normalization of technology usage to the spike in mental health issues suffered by young people today. The findings of the IJE study indicate a direct link between the effectiveness of creative ideas and strong mental health. In an interview with Rob Hopkins, author of “From What Is To What If: Unleashing the Power of Imagination to Create the Future We Want,” in September 2018, Dr. Kim of IJE dubbed the increased reliance on technology for entertainment “passive play,” which weakens reflection skills. Young people, especially, “need deep thinking and [they] need different thinking, but iPhones really foster the same thinking,” Dr. Kim added.
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“[They] don’t really have alone time, solitude, to think about things in depth; why it’s like this. [They] don’t have deep exploration time. It affects negatively on creativity.” The instant gratification and stimulation from smart phones and computers has created a degree of mental complacency, weakening the desire to engage in activities that nurture imagination. “A lot of [this lack of desire] comes from the fact that I’m conditioned to be content with the bare minimum level of mental stimulation, [such as] my phone and TV,” said Joe Benthem, a junior at the University of Miami. “Most days, my thoughts rarely go beyond surface level.” Benthem isn’t the only student who feels this way. According to a campuswide survey, physical social interactions—either romantic or platonic—failed to make most students’ lists of favorite activities. Interpersonal
interaction was ranked below checking Twitter, watching videos on YouTube or putting aside items into an online shopping cart. Granted, the same warnings about our generation’s phone addiction were also levied with each generation before ours. After the thrill of radio came the advent of color TV; generations later, we have Netflix and Instagram. There is undeniable value to be found in advancing technology. Although physical communication skills often weaken as a result of the increased technological dependence, innovation provides new opportunities and is, for better or worse, altering what communication, the workforce and society look like. There are actions to take to protect the purity of the mind’s deepest components. One suggestion—kick the TV to the curb, like Spongebob, and engage while you still have the chance.
Gone are the days of being equipped with only your imagination for entertainment. People are no longer taking time to dream about their futures, instead it’s about facts and figures. “I don’t spend much time examining relationships or thinking about potential for selfimprovement,” said Joe Bentham, a University of Miami junior.
Occupied Minds We polled a handful of UM students via the Distraction Instagram page (@distractionmag) to find out which activities occupy most of an average student’s day. The final results will definitely upset SpongeBob.
1. Binging TV shows 2. Streaming music 3. Scrolling through
4. Sending Snaps 5. At school and/or studying
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A TALE OF RAGS, RICHES AND THE IN-BETWEEN In the backseat of a pine green Ford Expedition, I let my cheek chill on the window as the Downtown high rises bookmarked the sides of I-95. I called my mom over 101.5 Lite FM and asked what my dad did for a living. words_ elisa baena.photo_sydney burnett.design_jaqueline dubois.
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“HE BUILDS BUILDINGS,”
she said. “Buildings like those?” I asked, pointing to a skyscraper wedged behind the track of the Metro Mover. “No, smaller ones,” she said. I threw my head back on the car seat and inhaled. “You must be so disappointed,” I said. By six years old, I had already learned Miami’s Latin beat: build, climb and leave the city—or Earth—better than when you arrived. It’s an energy that has been instilled by the slew of Caribbeans, Latin Americans and Eastern Europeans who came to Miami fleeing dictatorships or seeking economic opportunity. The American Dream is brewing in every borough of Miami, in the oxtail stews of Manman-and-Papa joints in Little Haiti and at the outdoor counter of Versailles. In Miami, we make mascots of our lizards and peacocks and speak of our city as if it is independent from the rest of Florida. We have a round, slurpy accent, and our vernacular is full of mierda. All our conjunctions are Spanish; we struggle with transition. It’s hot, humid and the mosquitos are whores for bare shoulders and ankles, but we’ll tell you that we live in the best city in the world. That’s only if you were born here. However, transplants will tell you that Havana or Barranquilla had bigger stars and cleaner sewers. Nostalgia, after Spanglish, is the common language. Visitors think we are flashy. They poke their heads out of Ubers on US-1 and are startled to find Range Rovers as common as iguanas. Once someone from Miami leaves South Florida, they’ll probably wonder where all the BMW’s went. Every cosmopolitan city is materialistic, but it’s hard to deny that Miami’s materialism sticks out like a lifted G-Wagon in highlighter yellow. Rolexes are rites of passage, and the Design District is crawling with Cartier-drenched wrists. Tourists assume that living here feels like vacation year-round; we’ll get defensive about the stereotypes but won’t deny them entirely. Every myth has roots in truth. What makes us the anomaly? Miami is dubbed “The Magic City,” but the label’s meaning is as murky as the canals. Online forums claim it’s because Miami’s urbanization materialized almost by magic, but the history of our development isn’t that simple. It took swamp draining, railroads, gambling, man-made beaches, overseas revolutions, drugs and immigration for the abracadabra. Miami’s flashiness can be attributed to its youth. The city’s growing pains didn’t start manifesting until the mid-‘70s and early ‘80s when cocaine acted as a steroid for our economy, globalization, fetishization and glamor. We are the West Egg of America, the irreverent nouveau-riche. It’s difficult to get the sensationalized image of Miami out of your head once it’s been implanted by pop culture. I stood by Lake Osceola at lunchtime until I sweat-cried and asked students to spit out the first word that came to mind when I said “Miami.” The common denominators were beach, clubs, fake butts and heat. No one said rollerblading in Kennedy park, traffic on Kendall Drive or the ice cream machine in the Brickell McDonald’s that’s been broken for fifteen years. It’s hard to see past Ocean Drive’s neon signs and happy hour
specials, but Miami wasn’t always a crane-filled melting pot. Robbie Rand, a Miami native and former library director at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, recalls that Miami before the first wave of the Cuban exodus was “like an extension of the South, with less personality,” she said. “Everyone was a transplant from somewhere, so there wasn’t much to tie us down. All the houses in my neighborhood were like concrete blocks and you could walk everywhere. Women didn’t bother learning how to drive.” Rand grew up in the neighborhood of Shenandoah before it was Little Havana. Her upbringing was characteristically Miami in the 1950s; she and her family were snowbirds from Ellenville, NY. Rand spent summers in the Catskills Mountains and winters in Miami. Her aunt and uncle owned a wholesale produce store at the end of South Beach when it was exclusively a sleepy island for Jewish retirees. “I have so many memories; they come one after the other,” she said. “I remember the McArthur milkman’s morning noises as he sorted the glass bottles, I remember the stray cats that stalked him and mostly, I remember the smell of the humid earth on my walk to school.” Even though Rand remembers the Miami of her childhood as “pretty vanilla,” she was incredibly fond of the city’s languor. Saturdays were spent at the Tower Theater on Eighth Street, and children learned to swim in the icy watering hole that is the Venetian Pool. “When the Cubans started coming, things got more interesting,” she said, smiling. Teresa Zorilla Clark was one of these Cubans. A daughter of Havana’s elite, she was underwhelmed and apprehensive when she arrived in Miami at 16. “There was nothing!” she shouted in her family room, her back turned from the evening sun. “Everything in Downtown would close at 2 o’clock. And in the summer, it was a ghost town, because this was for the snowbirds. Once the winter passed, everything would shut down in Miami Beach. If you lived west of 57th Avenue, you lived in the woods. It was horrible!” she said, laughing. When Fidel Castro and his guerillas descended from the Sierra Maestra in January 1959, Miami’s history was in the line of fire. Over 200,000 Cuban exiles landed in South Florida following the 1959 Revolution. Operation Pedro Pan, Freedom Flights, boatlifts and homemade rafts brought thousands of Cubans to Miami from the early 1960s to the 1990s. The Cuban exodus permanently changed Miami’s landscape. “The Cubans started buying the small Momand-Pop storefronts on 8th Street and made them bakeries, cafeterías, beauty parlors,” Rand remembered. “My next-door neighbor, who my daughter called ‘Abuelo,’ would walk to Calle Ocho every morning for the newspaper and a fresh loaf of Cuban bread. My neighbors would sit outside on lawn chairs and talk until 2 in the morning.”
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In 1980, Fidel Castro opened the Mariel Boatlift for Cubans wishing to escape communism, and he emptied his prisons and mental health facilities and shipped them 90 miles across the Atlantic. Accommodating a new wave of exiles weighed heavily on South Florida, and the Cuban exiles who had already been living in Miami since the early ’60s struggled to identify with the new generation. The early ’80s were turbulent times in the city of Miami. Drug wars were fought openly in the streets and race riots broke out in Liberty City. Zorilla Clark was married to Miami-Dade County’s mayor, Stephen P. Clark, during the ’80s. “Those were not easy years,” she understated. “[The experience was] very strange for us, the people who wanted to be decent.” Her husband was dubbed the “marshmallow mayor” because he believed it was the FBI’s job to stop the eruptive drug wars. “Everyone who was calling him that had to shut up during the riots because Steve went with McDuffie’s mother and got on top of a car and asked them to stop,” she said. “And the reason I remember that day is because I was his bodyguard. Some guys were shooting in a corner when we got there.” Cocaine dumped dirty money into Miami’s economy by the bucket load, fueling violence, greed and public corruption. The cocaine capital had become the spot for ostentatious displays of wealth. In many ways, Miami is still this spot. Sure, some locals are materialistic. It’s something we can’t evade. But this ostentatiousness usually isn’t born in Miami. Iced-out wrists, dripping with Hermes bangles, and women walking down Ocean Drive in bikinis is for Miami’s transients, not mainstays. The guy driving the Lamborghini on MacArthur is only renting it for a few days, and the Papi who bought a table at LIV just spent his entire paycheck to dance with a girl who’s not interested. Once Cuban exiles established Miami as a bilingual city, it became increasingly attractive to Latin American businesspeople. The Latin American immigrants that settled in Miami in large numbers between 1960 and 1990 marketed Miami as the “gateway to the Americas.” In “Globalization to a Latin Beat: The Miami Growth Machine,” Jan Nijman writes that Latin American immigrants “facilitated the intensification of finance and trade flows across political borders.” Nijman asserts that “Miami’s experience illustrates the materialist imperatives of globalization and its unplanned social consequences.” For Latin Americans, image is central to character. A car is not just a method of transportation: it’s a status symbol. People who live in run-down buildings have Porsches parked in their driveways. How many cities in America have a dancing woman in their skyline? But for all the sequins, there are millions of hard working people that don’t subscribe to the lifestyle. Our work ethic is powered by an insatiable appetite for growth. The explosion of Miami’s skyline in the past 50 years is Miami’s energy manifest. No pare, sigue sigue.
44 DISTRACTION Special Section: Fantasy
UM Students are no stranger to Miami’s materialism, but “The Magic City” may not be so magical at its roots. With it’s swamp draining, gambling, man-made beaches, overseas revolutions, drugs and immigration, Miami’s history is as muddled as the swamps themselves.
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Kamps is the newest HIIT studio in South Miami, featuring 50-minute high energy classes led by some of the best trainers in the industry. Never been? All new clients receive a FREE WEEK of classes with the purchase of their first class!
46 DISTRACTION Special Section: Fantasy
catfish’d.
(/’kat, fiSH/)
Everyone’s met one, and walking around campus, it sometimes feels like everyone’s been one. It has become so popular that a hit MTV show was made about it. Back in the early days of the Internet, our parents warned us about 50-year-old creeps pretending to be teenagers. These days, apps like FaceTune and VSCO can make you almost unrecognizable on social media. Whether you showed up for a Hinge date a few inches short of Prince Charming or got full-on Nev Schulman’ed, you’re not alone—everyone’s been duped in one way or another, #relatable.
n
words_lindsey bornstein. illustration_micaela abuhayar. design_marissa vonesh.
das, fr. e ro i l a at
“So this boy that I knew, but I didn’t think knew me, DM’d me on Instagram a very strange message, basically from a girl pretending to be me, saying I would cheat on my boyfriend to ‘hang out’ with him. He ended up sending me screenshots of her messages, clarifying that he didn’t think it was me, and he gave me the person’s phone number. I wanted to try and get the name of the person pretending to be me, so I texted them asking for math homework saying I was ‘Abby’ in their class. They ended up actually sending me a math assignment that I’m pretty sure was a screenshotted PDF from Google, so I think they figured out that I discovered they used me as a catfish. Long story short, I didn’t cheat on my boyfriend, but got the answers to a math assignment on Google—so a win?”
m
a
pentzos ,s na s n r. ria
“So, I’ve had multiple boys who have DM’d me on Instagram who were like, ‘Wait, have we met before? Cause I’ve seen your pictures before.’ I always say no, but it turns out there are multiple people using my pictures on dating apps. I guess they’re just out there now!”
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rip ie s s je
“When I was younger, I acted on Broadway, and this kid who was in the show I was in Snapchatted me a few years after, when I was in high school. He kept saying like, ‘damn, you got so hot,’ and talking dirty and sending nudes in the middle of the day. I wasn’t sending pics of my face; he was just looking at my social media, and I had my brother log into my Snapchat and respond to this kid and say all sorts of weird sh*t to him. He thought my twin brother was me for like a solid two weeks ‘cause I was too scared to answer him!”
es, soph.
“Actually, my sister was used as a catfish. Some girl from her high school was using her Facebook pictures and personal information to talk to a boy from New York—we’re from Chicago—and my sister found out because the guy in New York ended up sending flowers to our house on Valentine’s Day thinking it was the other girl!”
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Genuine, bohemian and free-spirited, Health and Wellness gives our readers a wholesome take on physical, mental and spiritual restoration. Living by the mantra “my body is a temple� can be just as easily done as it is said with the wisdom that Health and Wellness has to offer. Sit back and soak up our insights. 48 DISTRACTION Health & Wellness
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T
S
Ss t aTt e s o f mA i n dE
AN EXPLORATION OF DISSOCIATIVE IDENTITY DISORDER For years, directors, authors and other creatives have used characters with multiple personalities to add a sense of unpredictability to their stories. But there is so much more to this complex disorder. words_myles griffith. photo_kristian del rosario. design_marielle zuber.
A
lthough movies like Split, M. Night Shyamalan’s 2016 thriller portray characters with multiple personalities as inhuman creatures with the ability to defy gravity and shape shift, there is little truth to be found in most cinematic portrayals of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), DID is defined as a person having two or more distinct personalities with clear differences in both thoughts and behavior. Formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder, DID was renamed to clarify that various personalities are not random, but instead fragments of the person’s original identity. The main personality, or the personality a person is born with, is submissive to the other more active personality or personalities. Someone with DID will likely have gaps in memory between shifts. Although the number varies person-to-person, the average person with DID today has 13 distinct personalities. DID affects about one percent of the human population, making it difficult to understand. People with DID attribute abnormal behavior to standard emotional changes usually exhibit symptoms similar that begin to occur during early puberty. Once children to those suffering from depression, reach adolescence or adulthood, psychologists and medical eating disorders and Post Traumatic professionals are better able to differentiate the difference Stress Disorder (PTSD). “A lot of the between normal behaviors and symptoms of a disorder. symptoms will overlap with a lot of As an experienced psychologist, Castro knows that there other conditions,” said Anthony Castro, is no magic solution. “This isn’t something you can expect a clinical psychologist at the University someone to suddenly be cured of,” he said. of Miami Miller School of Medicine. It takes many years of therapy with a trained professional DID is a trauma-based disorder, for a person with DID to slowly let go of childhood trauma. which means that the disorder develops Patients may also work with a psychiatrist to devise a plan of due to a person’s environment, rather prescription medication to help regulate their emotions. than a person’s genetics. Often, children Contrary to popular belief, people with DID aren’t usually who are abused develop personalities to dissociate themselves from the traumatic violent or dangerous to others. According to psychologists, people suffering from DID are more likely to be dangerous to events they have experienced. themselves. Around 70 percent of people with DID attempt “Most of the theories emphasize suicide at least once, according to the DSM-5. a traumatic experience in early DID may make for interesting horror film characters, but childhood, such as long-term neglect it’s important to remember that everyday people suffer from or sexual abuse,” Castro said. However, DID, and they aren’t impervious to everyday challenges. So, if it’s often difficult to diagnose DID you know someone with DID, reach out, let them know that in children, because doctors tend to they are appreciated, and most importantly, treat them with the same consideration as you would anyone else.
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If you or someone you know has DID and are looking for university services, contact the UM Counseling Center at (305)-284-5511.
People living with DID can have up to 100 distinct personalities. They can have “ongoing experiences where they feel almost disconnected from their normal or natural self,� said Anthony Castro, a clinical psychologist at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
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the
DIET of the
FUTURE
Imagine sustainability personified—you’re probably picturing a crunchy, granola type, right? Recently, however, it seems that the sustainability bandwagon has become very popular among modern consumers. words_jabria roscoe. photo_ emily fakhoury. design_marissa vonesh.
P
ublic figures like Jessica Alba and Michael Kors have begun promoting sustainable living. Many grocery stores today offer plant-based alternatives for chicken, beef, pork and turkey. Starbucks offers reusable cups in-store and online. Popular fast food chains like McDonald’s have committed to using recyclable packaging by the year 2025. Even major airlines like Delta and United have committed to using eco-friendly products for your up-in-the-air adventures. Sustainable food systems, which foster a more tightlyknit connection between farmer and consumer, enhance the well-being of both your body and the planet. However, while going vegan or partaking in a few #MeatlessMondays might be a great place to start, it is important to be cognizant of the packaging that houses your food, too. The paper-versus-plastic debate is one with no real winner. Plastic naturally attracts toxins, which can be harmful to the human body. According to a study by the Aquatic Health Program at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the
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University of California-Davis, toxins can be transferred from the plastic into the food chain, infecting sea animals once the materials are discarded into the ocean. The Center for Biological Diversity says this can devastate marine life by blocking their digestive tracts, leading to starvation and ultimately death among sea life. Since it’s not reusable, plastic also adds excess waste to our planet. According to a 2018 National Geographic article, only nine percent of plastic that is used is recycled, while 79 percent of the planet’s unrecycled plastic ends up in oceans and landfills. Metal is a sustainable alternative to plastic, and it’s becoming even trendier than biker shorts. Metal utensils like straws, spoons and knives are free from the harmful chemicals that are often found in plastic products. These tools are reusable and long-lasting, which helps reduce waste. Going vegan or vegetarian goes beyond bodily health; this lifestyle choice affects environmental health as well.
From emitting excess carbon to wasting gallons of water, the production of meat wreaks havoc on the environment. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States (FAO), livestock farming contributes 18 percent of human-produced greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. The meat sitting on top of the globe represents the pollution that meat production causes.
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a
ccording to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), cutting meat from your diet can help the planet by reducing your water footprint, or the amount of water used to produce certain objects. Beef production has a water footprint of four million gallons per ton. This means that each time a decision is made not to eat meat, two and a half pounds of carbon dioxide, over a hundred gallons of water and 24 square feet of land are saved. Not only is this a massive win for the environment, but it can also improve bodily health by limiting the amount of chemicals humans ingest on a daily basis. Buying locally-sourced products is an often-overlooked option. When food is shipped to grocery stores, transportation emits mass amounts of carbon, which accelerates climate change. Buying locally-grown products, therefore, lowers your carbon footprint, or the amount of carbon being emitted. Next time you go grocery shopping, think about how many thousands of miles it takes for your produce to get from the farm to your plate. American culture often seems reliant on meat as an aspect of its identity.
FOODIE FACTS
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However, it’s actually easy to incorporate sustainable habits without sacrificing cultural traditions. American holidays like Thanksgiving can be made much more sustainable with turkeys made from meat alternatives. Tofu turkeys, like the now widespread “Tofurky,” are sold each year at chain grocery stores during the holiday season. Families can now gather around the grill as Beyond Meat burgers and Gardein patties sizzle at Fourth of July barbecues. These meat alternatives look and smell the same as their traditional counterparts, and although they may taste slightly different, they are contributing to a cleaner environment. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and abandon the quest for sustainability. Everyone has a different lifestyle, and what is doable for some can be challenging for others. Nevertheless, try throwing a metal straw in your smoothie instead of a plastic one, or cut out one meat-oriented meal a day. Maybe even check out your local farmer’s market. Your body will thank you as much as the environment will. Even the smallest of changes can have a huge impact on our planet.
Wild vs. Farmed Fish
Sustainable seafood is trickier than you might think! Wild-caught fish is exactly what the name implies, while farm-raised fish grow up in enclosed pens submerged in lakes, ponds or oceans. Farm-raised fish have a less diverse diet, causing their skin to be a grey color that must be dyed to give them their typical bright, pinky-red color.
the
DIET
of the
FUTURE You may not realize how much water is required for a basic meal. The water use of different fruits, veggies and meats might be different than what you think. In fact, agriculture accounts for 80-90 percent of water consumption in the U.S., according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
small steps If you’re not ready to ditch that juicy burger just yet, try making small steps to reduce your carbon footprint with these simple lifestyle changes.
1
Instead of going completely meatless, a good way to reduce your carbon footprint is to cut meat from your diet on Mondays. This option will reduce your personal carbon footprint, even if it’s only one day each week.
2
Going pescatarian is a great alternative for those who help the earth without cutting meat just yet. A pescatarian diet eliminates all meat except for seafood, which will leave you with enough energy to tackle your day.
3
According to Greatist, millions of tons of plastic are used to create water bottles every year. Simply using a reusable bottle helps cut down on plastic waste. Plus, it’s cheaper to have a reusable bottle instead of continuously buying cases of water bottles. And instead of using plastic or paper bags offered at grocery stores, bring your own reusable bags! You’re not only helping the ocean—you’re helping to save thousands of trees that are cut down each year to create paper bags.
Other Milks
According to a study from the University of Oxford, producing a glass of milk every day requires 7,000 square feet of land. While dairy alternatives have become increasingly popular, not all milks are created equal in terms of sustainability. Coconut milk, oat milk and hemp milk need less water than their nut milk counterparts, making them more low-impact on the environment.
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C
As someone who’s kept a safe distance from drugs my entire life (or at least that’s what I tell my parents) I never imagined that I would happily drive to a pot farm to buy pseudo-marijuana from a man named Mushroom Dave. words_olivia ginsberg. photo_emily fakhoury. design&illustration_marissa vonesh.
cannabidiol,
or CBD, has become the number one choice for yogis and stay-at-home moms alike to treat pain, anxiety and other physical and mental ailments. David Falkowski, the owner of OMO Organics, which specializes in CBD products and locally grown mushrooms, happily stood in a field of marijuana crop to tell me just how booming business at OMO has been. Falkowski, grows CBD and also speaks at conferences and on talk radio in support of the industry, categorizes CBD products into three main pots—pardon the pun. Although parents might deride CBD oil as “pot juice,” it is completely different from its psychedelic sister. There are some forms of the product that do contain THC, known as full-spectrum CBD, but there are also products, called broad spectrum or isolates, that do not. According to Falkowski, it’s important to “know your momma” when it comes to talking about CBD products— especially in legal situations—because of the different nature of each mix. He noted that the full-spectrum products are the most effective ones on the market. Falkowski explained a phenomenon called the “entourage effect,” a theory that says full-spectrum CBD products contain different compounds that work together to cancel out the psychoactive effects of the THC. Under the “entourage effect,” full-spectrum products provide the best healing experience. The biggest question on most people’s minds regarding CBD: is it too good to be true? CBD manufacturers claim that the products treat anxiety, aches, pains and a myriad of other ailments. But CBD is not a miracle drug, said Falkowski. What it does do is “help a person lessen the human condition.” Falkowski has not only seen his product help others, but he has also personally experienced the product’s benefits. After a stint of bad luck left him with two troublesome knees and a damaged hip, he began using CBD to cope with the pain. A few drops of full-spectrum CBD beat the hours of physical therapy, medication and shots that he was receiving in his spine. Falkowski said the oil not only helped alleviate the pain that was keeping him from moving freely but also improved his self-efficacy, allowing him to use his body at full capacity. “Using CBD can unlock a lot of other doors,” said Falkowski. “A very subtle thing can have a big impact.” Parents are also beginning to use CBD to cope with children’s behavioral issues and autism, rather than dosing kids with copious medication. While Falkowski sees a direct effect on the children’s health, he also sees an overall effect on the greater dynamic of a household.
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PICK YOUR REMEDY OILS The most versatile form of CBD, oils can be ingested by mouth, rubbed on aches and pains or even mixed into coffee and tea.
CREAMS For chronic aches, pains and joint inflammation, CBD creams can be used all over the body to lessen discomfort.
GUMMIES Edibles can be a fun way to consume CBD and many companies are creating unique shapes, colors and flavors.
VAPES Although vapes are probably not the healthiest way to get CBD into your system, they are a quick and effective way to get relief.
Although it seems like CBD has made an impact in the health sphere only recently, Falkowski said that the tides began to shift years ago. The recent media coverage and popularity surrounding CBD oils have most likely stemmed from a more pronounced federal dialogue on the topic. “It hit a critical mass,” said Falkowski. “It went from one in five in a household know about this, to one in five are using it,” he continued. When it comes to buying CBD products for yourself, it can be easy to get lost in the mix of online and in-store advertising, both online and in-store. In addition to small mom-and-pop shops, there are now large corporations pushing CBD products. Although it may not be your venue of choice, you can even find CBD at a gas station. Falkowski stressed the importance of finding a trusted source not just to buy products from but also to act as a guide in your CBD journey. According to Falkowski, people should “look holistically.” They should ask, “Is this a wellness company, or are they just in it for the buck?” Despite the rise in CBD-related research in the scientific community, figuring out what dose is right for each person takes a bit of trial and error. “It’s a different trial and error than mushrooms, in that you don’t just give John a dose of CBD and see how messed up he gets,” Falkowski said. The important thing is to give the products time to take effect in your body and see what works best for you.
B
B
D While CBD comes from the cannabis leaf, it doesn’t make you high. Since it doesn’t have THC, commonly known to cause stress and anxiety, CBD oil is actually used for the opposite reason: to calm you down. In the United Kingdom, CBD has recently been reclassified as a “medicine,” available as a nutritional supplement.
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Anatomy of Cannabis a.
d.
b.
c.
cannabis sativa.
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DEFINING DETAILS Cannabis plants are divided into three basic varieties: sativa, indica and ruderalis. Additionally, the plants can be either male, female or a hybrid of both. a. male flower b. seed with bract
c. female flower d. seed with bract
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Fashion keeps an eye looking forward, showcasing the best in style. Whether it’s bringing a new look to light or bringing back some chic, retro style of the past, our readers are given a peek into what’s on the come up. Fashion is for those looking to make a statement, whether it’s an expression of yourself or the world around you.
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SUVA Beauty acid orange liner and Marc Jacobs Beauty midnight blue eye crayon are an electric duo on models McKenzie Stoute and Caro Tundidor. “I like that no matter what your makeup style is you can add a neon liner or shadow to a look, and it enhances it or makes it more vibrant,� said makeup artist Karemah El-Khalil.
euphoric 62 DISTRACTION Fashion
As hot girl summer fades into the sunset, it’s time to look ahead to a new era—hot girl fall. And what’s the perfect tool for achieving this persona? According to our hot girl queen, rapper Megan Thee Stallion, the secret is a bomb outfit and a bold beauty look. Anyone who has watched “Euphoria,” the hit HBO series starring Zendaya, knows neon makeup is this season’s eyecatching accessory. Embrace the boldest trend of the season, and instantly make your feed pop. words_keagan larkins. photo_kristian del rosario. design_avani choudhary.
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eon makeup, our most striking return to the ’80s yet, celebrates head-to-toe commitment to bright color. Rainbows of eyeshadow melt together to create bold looks. “Neon has been around for years—1980s and before,” said Zach Dischinger, founder and CEO of Formula Z Cosmetics. “Everything recirculates. It’s all about being unapologetic, and the ’80s are totally back.” It was perhaps music festival trends that helped to bring neon makeup back to the mainstream. After all, there are really only two important aspects of any music festival—the outfit and the makeup. Just take one look through the crowds of Coachella, Ultra, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Burning Man or Miami Beach Pop Festival, and it’s obvious the neon makeup trend hasn’t been relegated to the underground. “I think the trend started when music festivals became more popular,” said Karemah El-Khalil, a Miami-based makeup artist and Morphe employee. “Women and men started to wear neon makeup to concerts as part of their look, and then it transitioned into more of a casual everyday look for makeup enthusiasts.” Dishinger agrees, adding that festival makeup has helped to integrate “glitter and UV effect” products into the mainstream makeup consciousness. “I’m so obsessed lately with the color palettes, because they offer something refreshing and different than the everyday neutral look,” Dishinger said. The neon makeup trend serves as a striking contrast to the “no makeup” makeup look. As influencers and makeup artists grow tired of skin-saving products like tinted moisturizers and clear brow gels, vivid lipsticks and eyeshadows offer an exciting alternative after months of monotony. HBO’s “Euphoria” has helped propel bold looks and glittery patterns into the spotlight. Starring a cast of relatively new, young actors, the show is full of eye-catching makeup that has both girls and boys pushing the boundaries. Dischinger credits makeup artist Doniella Davy with catapulting brands like Lemonhead LA and SUVA Beauty to fame; whether it’s Jules’ bright, neon shadows or Maddy’s
graphic liners, the show has compelled young people everywhere to try the characters’ signature looks themselves. Additionally, the world of fashion has dipped its toe into this splashy neon pool. The Fall/Winter 2019 shows opened with sparks of electricity. Chromat designer Becca McCharen-Tran was inspired by Miami’s whimsy in creating her collection, according to an interview with Vogue. On the runway, models rocked shades of vibrant fuchsia eyeshadow and intense blue and orange eyeliners. Anna Sui’s runway models donned wings in various shades of neon blue, green, purple and orange, while Byblos went a step further by soaking models’ lashes in neon mascara for an extra pop. You’ll see these same bright colors intensified on your Instagram feed. Kylie Jenner headed the trend with electric green eyeliner and a matching top, just as Rihanna promoted her own Fenty Beauty neon summer collection with a slew of vibrant content. Accounts like @theartistedit showcase a collection of vivid neon makeup, while makeup artists @weepeace and @danessa_myricks create their own neon looks for inspiration seekers. Whether it be a celebrity, a makeup account or just your friend, you’re bound to find daring, colorful looks all over your feed. At its core, neon makeup is about having fun, being creative and expressing oneself. “We are part of a cultural revolution spearheaded by young people who believe in fighting for what’s right,” said Dishinger. “I’m doing that through color. I use my voice and paintbrush to inspire others to stay true to who they are, to step out of their comfort zone and to be unconditionally accepting.”
Caro Tundidor flaunts a whimsical look in makeup done by Fashion Director Abby Podolsky. Caro’s metallic-rimmed eyes and glowy lips show us that reaching euphoria is easier than ever. Abby used the James Charles Morphe Palette to fulfill this glazed and dazed makeup craze. “Any great brand gives people permission to be themselves,” says makeup guru Zach Dischinger.
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Mimi Ntab embraces her love for the oversized trend by rocking a baggy blazer and joggers. Pairing different patterns and colors is an easy way to add visual interest to this loose outfit.
OverSized. Ariana Grande has transformed the oversized hoodie into a way of life, and although none of us will deny brutally roasting Kanye’s Yeezy line a few years ago, here we are, reveling in t-shirts that reach our knees and strutting around in our ripped joggers. words_lauren jones. photo_emily fakhoury. design_gio aprigliano.
O
versized, androgynous clothing is no longer the pariah of the fashion world—or at least that’s the story celebrities and fashion houses are selling to shoppers. Stars like Rihanna, Travis Scott and Bella Hadid have all recently rocked the oversized look. Consequently, the trend has gained major popularity among average consumers. With massive hoodies, flowing sweaters and an array of joggers at consumers’ fingertips, young adults are driving the trend on university campuses, in workplaces, on Instagram and even in clubs. “I think the reason why the oversized trend appeals to college students so much is because it’s so easy,” said Aisha Amir, a freshman at UM. “With oversized clothing, you don’t have to worry about matching or coordinating. You can simply just wear whatever you wish to underneath.” The industry standard for workplace attire has shifted to make room for this larger-than-life trend. Gaping blazers are now a key part of the ultimate “power suit”—and for good reason. Oversized clothes are comfortable and hassle-free. “It’s convenient and it’s easy,” said Amir. Roomy, comfortable pieces have the potential to shine with bold jewelry. Lisu Vega, a Venezuelan, Miami-based fashion designer whose collections have been featured in Miami and New York Fashion Weeks, was an early adopter. She likes that oversized clothing can be dressed up or down by adding a statement piece like a belt, a pair of chunky heels or vibrant jewelry. “I don’t like to feel everyday like the same person,” said Vega. “Oversized is more exciting to wear.” Oversized clothing, which resided outside of the mainstream consciousness just five years ago, is now a cultural
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What started out as an act of resistance has now been rebranded by some of the largest names in fashion.
norm. Vega recognizes that clients now seek casual, gender-neutral pieces. “I love oversized clothing, because I love to experiment with different graphics, and it’s more flexible for me to create my own prints and transfer it onto the material,” said Vega. Androgynous pieces allow for the opportunity to dress without rigidity. Unlike most trends, the oversized craze did not carry favor with the prominent fashion houses. In fact, the now ubiquitous trend originates in rap and hip-hop culture. Artists like A$AP Rocky and Young Thug have created their own fashion lines, tapping Aaliyah’s baggy pants, LL Cool J’s oversized ensembles, Jay Z’s slouchy denim, Missy Elliott’s casual tracksuits and Nelly’s billowing jerseys for inspiration. Like the hip-hop genre itself, the oversized trend symbolizes a departure from the traditionally prim and proper. In recent years, high-end fashion houses have jumped on the oversized bandwagon, attaching high-fashion price tags as they go. A shapeless Givenchy tee will set you back over $500. Brands like Gucci, Chanel, Oscar de la Renta and Balenciaga are also beefing up their lookbooks with oversized denim, blouses, jackets, suits, hoodies and blazers ranging from $300 to more than $1,000. Even pajamas, the original comfy garment, are becoming baggier. Balenciaga sells an oversized pink pajama top for $1,490. Thankfully, there are cheaper alternatives for those who can’t afford a $400 piece of baggy cotton. H&M is one outfitter that offers oversized hoodies for around $20 and distressed boyfriend jeans for $35. Zara, which also appeals to millennials and their bare-bones
Models rock oversized tops, taking the traditional suit jacket and making it a piece of streetwear. Functionality has taken a back seat—the bigger the better.
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bank accounts, offers its share of distressed and oversized clothing as well. Zara offers a variety of large, unisex button ups and blouses for under $40. Thrift and vintage shops often offer trendy pieces at steep discounts. Large hoodies, t-shirts, button ups, shapeless dresses and worn-out jeans can be picked up for only a few dollars at places like Goodwill and Plato’s Closet. Stuffy Christmas sweaters are all the rage, and thrift stores are often the best places to search, as they proudly offer eclectic, loud prints in a variety of patterns. Miami Twice, a vintage shop on Red Road, sells chic second-hand clothing, with many hidden designer pieces. A men’s floral silk shirt sells for about $45, and a black t-shirt with Rihanna on it usually goes for around $25. Shoppers may also seek out private designers for a custom, bespoke vibe. Sheila Rashid is a Chicago-based fashion designer known for designing Chance the Rapper’s 2017 VMAs overalls. She has since worked with stars like Lena Waithe and Zendaya. Rashid, who identifies as LGBTQIA+, said in an interview with Air Jordan that all her pieces are gender fluid. She wants her pieces to allow people to express themselves, regardless of her customers’ gender. Her androgynous designs are born out of rebellion and a desire to create a space where bodies aren’t policed. Rashid sells hoodies, denim, jackets, t-shirts and other pieces that are purposefully oversized. The prices vary—her iconic Palm Trees in Chi crew neck sells for $60 while her Indust-Gold jeans go for $350. Oversized clothing continues to evolve as designers, fashion houses and consumers influence the mainstream. What started out as an act of resistance has now been rebranded by some of the largest names in fashion. Celebrities and college students alike gravitate toward the carefree, casual vibe that the oversized look provides, while also adding their own edge with thigh-high boots, low-hanging chains or loud earrings. Frumpy is now an aesthetic— and everyone wants in on it. Slouchy sweaters are a staple of the oversized ensemble. If you’re looking for a more dynamic look, search local thrift stores to find unique pieces of varying fabrics and textures.
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Flash Pose Weightlifting meets brilliant green atop slouchy-fit cargo bottoms. Model Eloise Davenport keeps sweat to a minimum in this breathable, mesh ensemble. Eloise: wearing I.AM.GIA cargo pants, Missguided mesh top, ONEONE SWIMWEAR bikini top
Inspired by the neon hues from the ’80s and ’90s, You Better Werk (Out) blends athleisure with electric colors to recreate the vivid looks that have dominated the fashion scene this past season. Distraction set out to push activewear to the next level, psychedelia. Take this season’s most striking trend and run with it. Literally.
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Flash Pose Clad in electric yellow, models Haley Lanzoni and Cesar Tejada turn heads in CODEAN hoodie, shorts and beanie. Haley: wearing Tigermist biker shorts, Victoria’s Secret bralette, CODEAN beanie Cesar: wearing CODEAN hoodie, CODEAN terry shorts
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Strike a Stretch The biker short is a must-have, whether you’re en route to hot vinyasa or a ’90s throwback SoulCycle. Luz Estrella: wearing Forever 21 biker shorts, Triangl nylon ribbed top, Forever 21 mesh top Cesar: wearing CODEAN hoodie, CODEAN terry shorts
Acid Action Shocking pinks accompany acid greens and Miami oranges, snagging 100 percent attention, whether or not you’re the first to cross the finish line. Luz Estrella: wearing Forever 21 biker shorts, Forever 21 one-shoulder top, Urban Outfitters shades Eloise: wearing Nike soccer shorts, Triangl nylon ribbed top, LF vinyl belt
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Let’s Get Physical The ’80s are back and better than ever—everyone is channeling their inner Olivia Newton-John. Eloise: wearing I.AM.GIA cargo pants, Missguided mesh top, ONEONE SWIMWEAR bikini top, Jeffrey Campbell Lo-Fi Dad Sneakers Haley: wearing Fashion Nova set, LF platform boots
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Highlighter Hues Turn away from your typical neutrals in favor of fluorescent shades to step up your activewear ensemble. Eloise: wearing Nike soccer shorts, Triangl nylon ribbed top, LF vinyl belt Haley: wearing Tigermist biker shorts, Victoria’s Secret bralette, CODEAN beanie Cesar: wearing CODEAN hoodie, CODEAN terry shorts Luz Estrella: wearing Forever 21 biker shorts, Forever 21 oneshoulder top, Urban Outfitters shades
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Main Event feeds your craving for the intellectual and worldly. Whether it means revealing the local significance of an international issue or discussing topics that are too often ignored, Main Event has something to offer each of us. Set aside your responsibilities for a bit and divulge in Main Event. 72 DISTRACTION Main Event
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TEMPO
Official Undergraduate Magazine of the University of Miami
It was a Miami neighborhood I’d likely driven through before, although the milk white street stumps, which led me 20 minutes south of my apartment, had given way to those less-interesting green rectangles on poles. words_isabella vaccaro. photo_courtesy of tempo. design_isabella vaccaro.
In 1949, UM’s very first student-run lifestyle magazine, Tempo, was born.
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The first thing I noticed
after pulling into Ray and Sue Fisher’s driveway was the Purple Heart license plate on their silver sedan. Was I in the right driveway? I wondered, half-clinging to my composure. I needed this interview. If I was going to write a commemorative piece about the first student-run magazine at UM, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this fall, I really needed this driveway to be Ray Fisher’s driveway. I stole a second glance at the license plate, with its bright Purple Heart and the phrases “Combat Wounded Veteran” and “Purple Heart Medal” displayed proudly, gathered my computer, notebook and pen and marched up to the front door anyway. Sue answered the door. At the time, I hadn’t known for sure that it was Sue, but I had a pretty good feeling. “Oh, Ray. It’s Isabella,” she called into the kitchen. Now I knew. “I’ll say hello when I can see her,” a voice chortled from the kitchen. I picked up my pace. Ray was ready, I could just tell, clad in a pair of red suspenders, for an interview. “Sit down,” he said, easing the initial stiffness in my bones—I was, after all, in a stranger’s home. But Ray and I had something in common—he was, and I am, a student journalist at the University of Miami. It’s almost like a club. I almost forgot about the copy of Distraction I had tucked under my arm until he asked to see it. “Wow,” Sue said, glancing at last year’s “Art of Fashion” cover and pulling up a chair next to me. Voice recording started, pen in hand, notebook open. I had already researched Ray. I knew he was a founding member of Tempo Magazine back in 1949, along with someone named Bob Gelberg. I also knew he was a photographer at his core but had served as the Editor-in-Chief in 1952, his senior year at UM. I knew he had
gone on to photograph for Time Magazine, among other notable publications. But still, I wanted to hear it from him. So, I started out with the basics. What years did you work on the magazine? What positions did you hold? The Purple Heart license plate loomed in the back of my head. “So, before you enrolled in college, you went to war?” I blurted, suddenly remembering something I had read online. It was all becoming clear. “Yeah, I was a combat photographer in World War II,” he said, matter-of-factly. Ding, ding, ding! My panic had been for nothing. “I photographed everybody, including this guy,” he added, pointing out a photo of Dwight D. Eisenhower, no less. My eyes widened. Later, that one photo of Eisenhower would seem like nothing compared to the thick book of celebrities Ray had photographed over the course of his career. I steered the conversation back to Tempo, thinking about the empty spread I had to fill with a story in a few weeks. I asked Ray about Bob Gelberg and how the magazine began. “It was his idea,” Ray said. “He [Bob] was a photographer, and he thought there were so many things to photograph on campus everywhere, and to have somewhere to publish it so people could see. So, he came up with the idea for the magazine.” I asked if he was still in touch with Bob or anyone he had worked with on Tempo back then. “Nobody’s alive,” he stated, plainly. Ray added that the inspiration for Tempo came from Life and Look magazines, two popular general interest publications at the time, which were both known for their emphases on photographs. “Life Magazine was a great thing to copy,” Ray said. “It’s all pictures. Have we got any issues of Tempo, Sue?” A few minutes later, Sue emerged, an arm full of thick,
In one particular issue of Tempo, an advertisement for a fraternity showed a boy being hazed by some of his brothers with a caption that read “Don’t talk back to your pledge captain.” It is almost an understatement to say that times at UM were vastly different then.
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hardcover books, which resembled yearbooks more than magazines. Each one had Ray’s name and a year in gold lettering on its cover. Inside was a compilation of each magazine from that school year—Tempo produced six issues a year. Sue had brought out one magazine, as well as a vintage copy of The Miami Hurricane, another UM publication for which Ray photographed. I flipped through the lone magazine, ogling through photos of girls in bikinis and completely stalling the flow of our interview. Something had caught my eye. First of all, there was a considerably greater number of women photographed than men, and they normally wore nothing more than a bikini or tight dress. But, accompanying each photo was usually a photo caption or short story mentioning the name of the student and her bust, waist and hip measurements. I double-checked that my brain wasn’t playing tricks on me, but I couldn’t think of anything else that three numbers like 32”, 26”, 38” could be referring to. So, I asked Ray. Unbothered, he responded: “Because everybody was interested in women’s busts.” It was as though I had asked something as simple as why the sky was blue, and Ray, after dutifully answering my obviously petty question, went back to flipping through his photo book. Sensing I needed more than Ray’s blunt answer, Sue chimed in. “You have to remember something. The world was different back then. Nobody thought anything about it. Not like all the fuss they’re making today, which I agree
with and I don’t agree with. The world was different then, and I think they’re condemning people who lived then, and it’s not right.” From what I was understanding, Tempo was born out of an innate love for photography and women. Sue handed me a copy of The Miami Hurricane and turned to a page called ‘Hurricane Honies’ with a dozen or so photos of UM girls. Sue was one of them. What was the meaning of this? I wondered, my 2019 skepticism creeping in. “It was just to show off pretty girls. Why not?” Ray said, inserting himself back into the conversation. “Whose idea was it to start this?” I asked, in awe. Hadn’t journalism any dignity in 1950? “I think it was yours,” Sue laughed, nodding at her husband. “Yeah, it was Ray Fisher.” “What year is that one?” Ray said, changing the topic and pointing to an issue of Tempo Sue had laying out. “Let’s see who’s on the cover.” “Joan Gregory,” replied Sue, confidently. “Remember Joan? She’s the homecoming queen.” I smiled. She said it as though Joan had just been named the 1950 Homecoming Queen, and Ray and Sue, who had met at UM, would be attending the game in a few short days. My mind was racing more than usual, and that’s saying something. I had so many questions I knew would be answered with a slew of “I don’t remembers.” I didn’t blame Ray. I could barely remember articles I’d written for Distraction two years ago—how was he supposed to reach back 70 years in his memory for the specifics I longed for?
Ray Fisher, one of the founding members of Tempo, becomes Editor-in-Chief.
Tempo was founded by Bob Gelberg, a former war photographer.
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“Al Roker.” “James Stewart.” “Liberacci.” Tempo ran a cover of the first man on the moon. The theme? “The Death of a Decade.”
1952 1949
Ray had done so much more than take photos for a school magazine. So, after a riveting lesson on 1950s gender dynamics, a crash course on college magazine design at that time, which basically consisted of gluing photos and typewriter print-outs to a page and a lecture about today’s notoriously sensitive millennial generation, I decided to relax. In bombarding Ray with questions about a magazine he once started and cared about, but essentially forgot, I found myself contemplating what Sue had suggested about my generation. Today, we have Adobe Indesign to build our magazines—life, some would argue, is easier, thanks to technology. But back when Tempo was started, life was simpler. In 1949, a couple of friends started a magazine to pick up girls, and yet it still went on to win nationwide awards. In 2019, we slave over the clone tool on Photoshop, fiddling with photos until our hands convulse. Sue was right—times were different back then, and maybe for the better. The proof is laid out in every photo in Tempo, every story in Distraction; the fact is, magazines mirror life. “Bing Crosby,” Ray said, flipping through his photo book. His mind had obviously departed from Tempo. “Did you tell her 11 presidents?” Sue asked Ray. Ray had photographed 11 presidents during his career, along with hundreds of celebrities, athletes and various public figures. “Babe Ruth,” he said, pointing to another black and white photo.
1969 1964 Bill Genrette writes a personal essay for Tempo called “The Sun-tanned Negro,” explaining that a desegregated campus didn’t mean black students weren’t still opressed.
1971 Tempo’s last issue was printed.
A BITTER PILL words_anya balsamides. photo_gabriela nahous. design_olivia ginsberg.
“Now it is well known that when there are many of these flowers together their odor is so powerful that anyone who breathes it falls asleep…But Dorothy did not know this, nor could she get away from the bright red flowers that were everywhere about; so presently her eyes grew heavy and she felt she must sit down to rest and to sleep…‘If we leave her here she will die,’ said the Lion. ‘The smell of the flowers is killing us all.’” -L. Frank Baum AUTHOR OF “THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ”
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get out
our own feelings.” y of
L. Frank Baum, author of the children’s classic “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” knew the incredible dangers of the opium poppy plant, as opium was ravaging his home. This iconic bloodred poppy field created by Baum in 1900 acted as a warning about the impending opioid crisis—but no one was paying attention. So how did the U.S. opioid epidemic begin? Was it an earnest mistake by pharmaceutical companies to help those suffering from chronic pain or a vicious quest for profit? Did pharmaceutical companies purposefully downplay the addictive quality of opioids while incentivizing doctors to prescribe them? Maybe the pharmaceutical companies are not to blame. Did scientists fail to see the addictive nature that hid within each small white pill? Should we point fingers at doctors for overprescribing these opioids to patients? You decide.
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tions are there, you’re jus o m e o N “ t a s he ll…you
The opioid crisis is best categorized in three distinct waves: the strong push for prescription opioids, the rise in heroin from opioid crackdowns and the consequential deaths. In 1991, pharmaceutical companies began to issue opioid prescriptions en masse, especially to cancer patients to help fight pain, claiming the risk of addiction was very low. Specifically, Purdue Pharma, the makers of OxyContin, aggressively marketed their drug, claiming it was safer and less addictive than other opioids. However, these prescriptions didn’t stop with cancer patients. According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse, “From 1991 to 2011, there was a near tripling of opioid prescriptions dispensed by U.S. pharmacies: from 76 million to 219 million prescriptions.” And the drug manufacturing companies reaped the benefits. Purdue Pharma saw an increase in sales from $44 million to almost $3 billion from 1996 to 2002, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. By 1999, 86 percent of the people using opioids were doing so to combat non-cancer related pain, according to the National Capital Poison Center. With a substantial effort to decrease opioid prescriptions, the second wave, in which heroin was used as a prescription substitute, flourished. The second wave began in 2010 with the highest yearly count of heroin-related deaths. Because opioids had become significantly harder to find, previous prescription opioid users turned toward heroin, a cheap and illegal opioid found on the streets. From 2002 to 2013, in just eleven years, heroin-related deaths rose by 286 percent, and a staggering 80 percent of those heroin users had previously abused prescription opioids. In 2013, the third wave of the opioid epidemic overwhelmed the country in the form of synthetic opioids, including fentanyl. These synthetic opioids
don’ tk
THE THREE WAVES
to ow h w no
Pleasure, bliss, euphoria; Kate Hofmeister as Dorothy embodies these dangerously addictive feelings as she lies in a blood-red field of poppies. Though the pills used for the photoshoot were legally prescribed, many people abuse the drugs to escape. According to Jane Doe, Miami senior, “It’s easier to numb yourself than to face your own problems, which is where drugs come in for a lot of people.”
are 100 times stronger than heroin. From 2014 to 2015, physicians across the U.S. were paid by opioid manufacturers to promote their drug. According to CNN, “Doctors whose opioid prescription volume ranked among the top five percent nationally received twice as much money from the opioid manufacturers… doctors in the top 10th of one percent, on average, received nine times more money than the typical doctor.” The year 2016 saw the most shocking increase in fentanyl- and other drug-related deaths with 60,000 dead in a single year. HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? Through inadequate testing, unethical marketing and overprescription, the opioid crisis developed into a public health emergency of unfathomable proportions. After a complex orthopedic surgery at the Baptist Hospital of Miami, University of Miami senior Marianna Spentzos realized that the doctors were hesitant to administer her opioids while she recovered in the hospital. “They were not helping me with my pain management directly post-surgery, but then they gave me a lot of pills and sent me home,” said Spentzos. She was prescribed 62 pills of Percocet; each pill contains acetaminophen and the opioid oxycodone. “I only took 40 pills, and that was with me not taking them sparingly.” Spentzos was left with 22 pills. “A lot of people jokingly asked if I had extra to give them,” she said, referencing fellow students at the University of Miami. “But I know that they weren’t really joking.” This overprescription of opioids is not unique to Miami, or even Florida; when Spentzos had her tonsils removed a few years prior in her hometown in New York, she experienced a similar phenomenon. OPIOIDS REACH FLORIDA Unfortunately, Florida hasn’t escaped the worst of the crisis. According to WLRN Public Radio and Television, thousands of Floridians have died from opioid-related deaths, with fentanyl and heroin at the forefront, followed closely by oxycodone and hydrocodone. At the peak of the nationwide opioid crisis, 5,556,553,071 hydrocodone and oxycodone pills poured into Florida over the course of seven years, according to The Miami Herald. And the pills didn’t come exclusively through “pill mill” clinics – they could most commonly be found in highly accessible places like grocery stores and pharmacies. “One Walgreens in Port Richey alone received an average 74,706 pills per month. The city’s population is 2,831,” according to
Emily Mahoney and Langston Taylor of The Miami Herald. The number of opioids moving through Florida from 2006 to 2012 amounted to a frightening 42 pills per Floridian per year. Florida “became the pill suppliers for the rest of the country,” said Dave Aronberg, a former Democratic state senator. OPIOIDS FOR POLITICAL GAIN? Why was Florida such a hot bed for the movement of opioids? According to Mahoney and Taylor, Florida’s political leaders have received millions of dollars in campaign support from 15 corporations that played major roles in the opioid crisis. These corporations are responsible for manufacturing and distributing the vast majority of opioids in Florida. For example, 90 percent of opioids prescribed in Florida were created by four corporations. 90 percent of those manufactured pills were then distributed by 11 companies, including Walgreens and CVS. In total, these 15 corporations “have given at least $22.6 million in campaign contributions to candidates and committees in Florida since 1993,” wrote Mahoney and Taylor. Mike Fasano, former member of both the Florida House and Senate, claims that donations from these massively influential pharmaceutical companies stopped Florida from addressing the crisis sooner. Former Florida Governor Rick Scott, now a member of the U.S. Senate, received $180,000 in donations from drug companies. “The opioid manufacturers donated the vast majority to Florida’s Republican Party,” according to The Miami Herald. However, Scott was credited with passing sweeping opioid legislations while in office, even after initial proposals to eliminate Florida’s prescription-monitoring database. UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI’S RESPONSE As the opioid crisis rages through Florida, the University of Miami isn’t being spared. Jane Doe, a University of Miami senior, realized the dangerous, addictive quality of prescription painkillers firsthand. After receiving 15 Percocet pills for a routine wisdom teeth surgery, the student was left with five leftover pills.
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TAKING A STAND Within the last few years, Florida, and Miami-Dade County in particular, has cracked down on opioid distribution. Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez recently founded the Opioid Addiction Task Force, which was charged with creating a plan to reduce opioid addictions and improving the overall quality of life. On a nationwide scale, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created multiple new programs to help combat the opioid epidemic. Additionally, the American Medical Association (AMA) has recently implemented the AMA Opioid Task Force, which is focused on educating healthcare professionals on overdose prevention and treatment. According to the AMA, “Much more work remains to reverse the nation’s opioid epidemic, and the AMA Opioid Task Force is committed to doing what is necessary to end the epidemic.”
If you or someone you know is suffering from opioid abuse or addiction, reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations at 1-800-662-4357 or call the National Drug Helpline’s opiate addiction hotline at 1-844-289-0879.
Opioid-Involved Overdose Death Rates Source: National Institute for Drug Abuse
Recent news has been exploding with lawsuits against major opioid manufactures. In a landmark decision by Cleveland County District Judge Thad Balkman, Johnson & Johnson was found responsible for Oklahoma’s opioid crisis and was required to pay $572 million to the state. According to The Washington Post, this “decision is the first to hold a drugmaker culpable for the fallout of years of liberal opioid dispensing that began in the late 1990s, sparking a nationwide epidemic of overdose deaths and addiction.” Purdue Pharma, the creators of OxyContin, filed for bankruptcy on September 15, 2019. With this decision, the company seems to be trying to protect itself from more than 2,600 lawsuits, according to The New York Times. When the terms for this settlement were proposed, the states were up in arms. The Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma, proposed to give up company ownership, pay $3 billion and sell their Britain-based drug company, Mundipharma.
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.”
opioids Pu
LEGAL ACTION
lling
However, in a shocking proposal, Purdue Pharma will still operate as normal – it will continue selling opioids, the exact same bitter pills that arguably ignited the opioid epidemic. To attempt to make amends for their alleged role in the opioid crisis that has crippled the nation, Purdue Pharma plans to keep selling OxyContin, as the money from this sale will go toward the settlement. The Sackler family seems to be actively protecting their funds from litigation. According to The Washington Post, “A lawsuit filed by the state of Massachusetts claims the Sacklers transferred more than $4 billion from the company to personal accounts between 2008 and 2016.” Connecticut, which houses the headquarters of Purdue Pharma, has taken a stand. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said, “We will not allow Purdue Pharma to cry poverty after illegally transferring hundreds of millions of dollars to members of the Sackler family – unearned funds these individuals reaped as Connecticut families suffered.” So should we keep searching for the Wizard behind the curtain? Is there reason to be found behind all the pain? Or, once the curtain is drawn back, will we realize that it’s too late to place the blame, that finding one person or one doctor or one company culpable is just an intoxicating but unobtainable illusion? At this point, the focus should be on helping the families and communities most severely impacted by this crisis, along with those hundreds of thousands of individuals who are still suffering.
t i l l o p e ra rd u e P h a r m a w i l l s te as no r m a l — i t w i l l co n t i n u e s e
After misusing a portion of the remaining pills, the student realized the dangerous risks of prescription painkillers. Regarding the opioids, “No emotions are there, you’re just a shell,” she said. “You don’t know how to get out of your own feelings.” Doe no longer misuses opioids and instead came to an important realization. “It’s easier to numb yourself than to face your own problems, which is where drugs come in for a lot of people,” Doe said. For students still struggling with opioid misuse, the University of Miami has implemented a new Opioid Use Disorder Program at UHealth, known as the Office-Based Addiction Treatment (OBAT) program. “Nationally, only 10 percent of individuals with opioid use disorder are receiving treatment, so increasing access through primary care clinics is an important step forward in addressing the opioid epidemic,” said Dr. Viviana E. Horigian, Associate Professor of Public Health Sciences and researcher at University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine. The program’s location “is more convenient for patients and removes the potential stigma when dealing with an opioid addiction,” added Dr. Horigian.
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According to the CDC an average of 130 Americans die each day from an opioid overdose. Opioids are the most common cause of drug overdose deaths. States with the highest death rates due to drug overdose include West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C. and Kentucky.
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