Illustration by Kyle Hansford

THIS IS THE last piece I will ever write for the Fulcrum. Unless you’re my mother or someone else who “follows my work”—and if you are, oh my God, thank you—this is probably highly insignificant news to you. Or maybe you’re the jerk who left a rude comment on one of my articles posted online, or you’re someone who just doesn’t like me, or you thought I would run this newspaper into the ground—haters gonna hate, after all—and the end of my tenure as Editor-in-Chief pleases you. In any case, I’m on my way out the door, I’m passing the buck, I’m hitting the open road, and as much as it feels like a 10,000 pound weight—one pound for each issue we print weekly—is about to be lifted off my chest, I must admit I’ve come to love the heaviness. Well, “love” is perhaps a strong word, but I’ve learned to enjoy its company, at the very least, and I’ve derived a strong sense of professional purpose from carrying the load.

Leaving the Fulcrum feels like a graduation of sorts, and perhaps it’s only fitting that I use my last column to share some of the realizations I’ve come to this year. None are particularly brilliant or earth-shattering, despite the immense pressure I feel to write something remarkable—this issue will, after all, sit on stands for months and be immortalized in the university’s archives and likely be dug up by some crazed fan after I publish my memoirs (right? That’s the dream, at least). Remarkable these realizations aren’t, but hard-won they are, and now I share them with you.

Don’t make plans to move across the country to be with someone who doesn’t love you
This seems obvious, but it’s something I did and very nearly followed through with until reality bit me in the ass. I’m someone who was considered a “smart kid” in elementary school, so if this can happen to me, it can probably happen to anyone. I suggest you be on guard for it. The next time someone you are in love with asks you to move a great distance to be with them, your response should not be “Yes!” It should be “I’d like that, but before we make any concrete plans, I must ask: Do you really love me? Or are you just lonely out there and looking to exploit my willingness to be with you at almost any cost?” Stay put until you get a truthful response. Better yet, screw it all and move to Toronto. That’s what I’m doing, at least.

Eat at the Moon Dog Pub and Grill
I can’t stress this enough. I ate there on a near weekly basis this past year, and let me tell you, I don’t miss my former haunts at all. As a 19-year-old, I relished a bar with a loud crowd, a sticky film covering all surfaces, and rickety and unreliable chairs and tables.  A few years later, and my tastes have matured substantially. I’m not saying you’ll find me tossing back cups of tea at the Chateau Laurier or anything, but a good night out with friends no longer consists of screaming to be heard over the strains of karaoke or watching the group of people at the next table go to the bathroom in pairs to help each other out with their beer-induced vomiting.  At the Moon Dog, I don’t have to worry if my wallet is going to get stuck to the top of  the table—they wipe those down fairly regularly there, imagine that—and I know I’ll always find a seat and be served exactly what I ordered. Go often enough and the employees will come to know you by name and your order by heart. If you’re not ready to leave the campus bar behind, I recommend you try Sunday brunch at the Moon Dog. Order the eggs Benedict and tell Zena I say hello.

Go on vacation with your best friend
If you get the opportunity to do it, just go. Move your schedule around, eat Raisin Bran for an entire month to save money, inconvenience people a little if you have to, just do whatever it takes to spend a few days on the beach with your best friend in the middle of a miserable winter. Your soul needs it. Trust me.

Don’t take shit
I took a lot of shit this year and I really regret that. I’m a non-confrontational person by nature, and that has been a curse perhaps more often than it’s been a blessing, especially in a job that demands I lay down the law. I’m more inclined to seethe silently than I am to address my concerns, but eventually you have to woman up and speak up, unless you want to be walked all over like a day-old copy of Metro at the bus stop on campus.  So don’t take shit, but you should always…

Say what you need to say
Yes, those are lyrics to a John Mayer song—shudder—but they’re true. If you love someone, tell them. If someone is being a dick to you and you’ve had enough, tell them. If you need help, deserve better, have a question, have an answer, want to leave, or are dying to stay, you need to say so. There have been a few times this year where I’ve avoided saying what I needed to in order to dodge awkward moments, but when I really think about it, my entire life could easily be reduced to a series of extremely awkward encounters linked together by some slightly less awkward ones. I am in my twenties, after all— trying to find a place in this world, as uncomfortable a process as that may be, is what your twenties are all about, right?

You are never too busy to do what you love
Contrary to what I learned about moving across the country for “love,” there is something you should most definitely pursue at all costs: your passion. In the middle of December, I came across an ad announcing open auditions for roles in The Vagina Monologues. I grew up doing musical theatre but stopped when I started volunteering for the Fulcrum, which became my extra-curricular activity and then my job. Even though it had been a few years since I was last on stage, seeing the word “auditions” on the poster made me feel that certain ache in the pit of my stomach that any theatre kid feels after a lengthy hiatus. Despite the ache, I initially thought there was no way in hell I could audition. I have a paper to run, for Pete’s sake! And another job to attend to and friends I’ve neglected and a family to call once a week. I felt guilty at the very thought of putting any energy toward something that wasn’t the Fulcrum. But then I gave my head a shake and went to the audition. I got a part, and for the next three months, I spent four blissful hours a week rehearsing in the basement of a community centre with the rest of the cast. I put my cell phone away, I closed my laptop, and I didn’t allow work to consume my every thought, and damn, did that feel good. Sure, I had to work a little bit harder on Mondays to make up for the lost hours, but trust me, I didn’t regret it for a second.

editor@thefulcrum.ca

Darren Sharp | Fulcrum Staff

EXACTLY ONE YEAR a go, I was handing in the last university assignment of my education. I remember strolling into my prof’s office and dropping my paper on the desk, an epic smile on my face. I left the building and positively floated my way home. I couldn’t have felt prouder of myself. I was done school! Nothing could bring me down.

Of course, finishing at the U of O wasn’t the scary part. That would come shortly after, when I had no idea what the hell I was going to do next.

Graduation is an incredible achievement for all the students finishing up their university careers this April. In a couple months you’ll have on a cap and gown, and you’ll hear your name called, and you’ll walk down the aisle to shake hands with Allan Rock, and you may be lucky enough to have friends and family in the audience to cheer you on. Take that moment in; it’s one of the most gratifying experiences you’ll have had thus far in your life, and you deserve a moment to pat yourself on the back.

Once you walk off that stage, though, it gets complicated. Most of you won’t have your dream job lined up quite yet, and many of you won’t have a job at all. You could be moving to a new city for a great opportunity, or you could be moving back to your parents’ place until you figure your life out. You’ll have a fancy degree in your hand, but to the public you’ll be a twentysomething working at the mall making barely enough money to pay your bills.

If some of those scenarios terrify you, you’re not alone. But here’s a little wisdom from someone who’s been surviving in the real world for a year now: You’re going to be fine.

The most important lesson I’ve learned since graduating is that life isn’t a race. You’re allowed to take time to get yourself together. You can’t freak out when your friends start posting Facebook statuses about the exciting things they’re doing; comparisons will get you nowhere. You’re on your own journey, and that journey may involve moving back home or working at Starbucks while you build your portfolio or starting at a job you hate so you can work up to one you love. You’re not a failure if your best friend is making $40, 000 and you’re still pulling minimum wage. You have to start somewhere to get somewhere.

So while you’re finishing up exams and getting ready to begin the rest of your life, remember this: You’ve made it this far, adulthood isn’t quite as terrifying as you’ve been told, and you’re going to be okay.

Max Szyc | Fulcrum Staff

EVEN IN AN era when music is primarily made and sold digitally, independent record shops selling the good old physical format are still around if that’s what you’re into.

While record stores have been closing down across the city for years—notable closures being Record Runner in 2006 and The Record Shaap last November—the stores that have managed to tough it out celebrate annually in the form of Record Store Day. This year’s events are set for April 20.

Started in 2007 and always taking place on the third Saturday of April, the day celebrates local record stores by offering up a variety of limited-edition vinyl records, including special reissues of previously released albums and brand new music by groups on both major and independent labels.

“It celebrates the fact that people still go to brick and mortar stores to buy their music, and not online,” says Tyler Clark, manager of Compact Music’s 190 Bank St. location. “There’s still something about flipping through racks and never knowing what you’re going to find, as opposed to just getting something off iTunes.”

The event has grown in popularity every year since its inception. Record Store Day originally included only about 10 special releases, but that number has grown to an estimated 400 titles, many of which are limited to specific regions.

Popular releases of past years included 2012’s Feistodon, a split single featuring Atlanta metallers Mastodon and Canadian indie singer Feist, who covered each other’s songs. Clark attempted to order 35 copies but only received five, which all sold minutes after his store opened on that year’s Record Store Day.

“Every year, there seems to be more people lined up than the year before,” Clark says.

Crowds accumulate early in the morning to check out the new releases at shops around the city.

“It’s easily our busiest day of the year,” says Vertigo Records owner Darin Tomlin. “Last year, we had over 80 people lined up outside before we opened the doors at 10 a.m. It’s easily our best day of the year—kind of like Christmas for record nerds like us.”

Despite the surge of customers, both Clark and Tomlin have to be sure they order the right number of records to not end up with too much overstock.

“That’s the other dangerous part about it. You could go really heavy on a title and you could get stiffed,” says Clark.

He recounted the time he ordered several copies of Animal Collective’s 2012 vinyl-only release Transverse Temporal Gyrus only to still have several copies left over to this day.

Record Store Day showcases the enduring popularity of the vinyl format, even with the slumping sales of CDs.

“It’s a niche market, so it will eventually hit its peak,” Tomlin says. “But as of now, it’s quite strong. I sell a heck of a lot more records than I do CDs.”

Clark added that the demographic switch has positively affected the industry.

“People that stopped buying CDs seem to be buying records now, and then you get the people who never gave up records,” he says.

Clark also feels records are simply far more reliable than digital music.

“I trust a computer as far as I can throw it,” he says.

Tomlin is most excited for the seven-inch split single by The Misfits and The Lemonheads. Clark is looking forward to the reissue of Sigur Rós’s seminal 1999 album Ágætis byrjun. Both are thrilled about the reissue of The White Stripes’ modern classic 2003 album Elephant.

For a list of participating stores and special Record Store Day releases, visit recordstoreday.com.

Photo by Ali Schwabe

Ottawa is pretty incredible in the summertime. Patios are open, the banks of the canal turn green, and the ByWard Market’s outdoor stalls become active. While there’s plenty to do during the day, fill your summer nights with these forgotten forms of entertainment. They’re sure to leave you smiling.

Pool

The Cue & Cushion pool hall has been around for nearly 50 years. Situated above Babylon (319 Bank St.), it’s a quick walk from Ottawa’s downtown core and right in the middle of the bar scene. Open until 3 a.m., it is the perfect after-hours hang out, and so much more.

When you walk into the Cue & Cushion, you are immediately greeted by a jukebox, foosball table, and bar. Behind this bar, you’ll generally find Chris, Miles, Jules, or Malcolm. Friendly and knowledgeable, the bartenders are quick to fill your beer and offer you a story. The 8 ball off the break, famous stop-ins… It’s all there if you look for it.

Pool is generally considered a dying sport. The glory days of Paul Newman and the Hustler seem to be fading. But that doesn’t mean pool’s dead yet—here, it’s thriving. The Cue, as it’s often called by regulars, has cheap beer, a bumping atmosphere, and plenty of singles looking to mingle. It’s not uncommon to find someone cute hanging out, in need of a breather after a couple hours in Babylon’s cramped space. The Cue has well over a dozen pool tables, so there’s usually an open one to grab. If you’d rather get some fresh air, the Cue’s balcony overlooks Bank Street—it’s the perfect place to talk to someone new in a more private setting.

If you’re looking to get out of the downtown core, a bus stop away from the Canadian War Museum lies the Orange Monkey. It’s been Ottawa’s snooker home for over 20 years, and when it comes to snooker, a game similar to pool but played on a different table, there’s no better place to play in the Ottawa area. You’ll feel like you are stepping into a movie when you arrive. The atmosphere is a little more competitive than the Cue but no less welcoming. They’ve got great nachos, $3 beer specials on Tuesdays, and all-you-can-play pool on Sunday afternoons.

So whether it’s a pool hall or billiards room that strikes your fancy, get out there, take aim, and have fun. Both types of venues are fun, open late, and cheaper than taking a date to the movies. Don’t worry about blue chalk on your pants—dust it off as you walk home and know that it’s well worth the experience.

—Justin Labelle

Bingo

Friends’ Bingo Hall is as inviting as the name suggests. As you get off the #12 bus at 70 Montreal Rd., the bingo palace looms before you with its tacky pink-painted brick and flashing signage. Once you get inside, you line up with all the regulars to pick up your bingo book. Bring cash, which is how you pay and what you can win. Starting at just $10.50 for a three-row book, the game is as affordable as it is fun.

Find a seat at the maroon folding tables—no matter where you sit, you’ll be beside friendly neighbours. If they’re regulars, they’re sure to have littered the space surrounding their bingo cards with dabbers of every colour imaginable and a few good luck charms. Bingo players take the game seriously—after all, big money is on the line and the caller reads out numbers quickly—but they’re also welcoming and will explain the game to you so that you don’t fall behind. Breaks between games give you plenty of opportunity to chat in a chill atmosphere.

There’s something delightful about the tackiness of a bingo hall, whether it be the Tim Hortons cups all over the counters or the interior design consisting of a mint green and pastel pink colour scheme. It’s a comfortable place to be, there’s no dress code enforced, and the food is unbelievably cheap—morning bingo games often feature free breakfasts for any player. From the movie-style popcorn made fresh to the deep fried chicken fingers with barbeque sauce and green-dyed coleslaw, all the food is pretty delicious too.

With games starting at multiple times throughout the day, including at 1 a.m., there’s never a bad time for bingo. To top it off, you’re playing for a different charity with every game. Trust me, when you hear the caller yell the number you’ve been waiting for and you can triumphantly proclaim “Bingo!”,  you’ll understand why this makes for an incredible summertime hang.

—Ali Schwabe

POLITICIANS WANT YOUR vote and that is all.
The one time they truly care that you pay attention is at election time. Every politician you can think of is in favour of better voter turnout and encourages the fundamental right, but as soon as the election is over, you may not hear from them all that often—until four years later.
If there is a problem with Canadian politics, it is not the increasing presence of voter apathy—it’s the long-term attention span of Canadian citizens. If Canadians are not constantly engaged, they won’t know what happens between elections. This is where we as voters can make mistakes, since we largely don’t know the true record of politicians. All we hear is opinion and rhetoric, but we need to be able to find the truth within the shop-talk—messier than finding a needle in a haystack.
The problem is that people don’t often take the time to inform themselves on the actions of the government. As boring as politics may sometimes seem, it’s important to keep an ear to the ground, because when an issue that does matter appears, it sometimes goes unchallenged.
Take for example the Idle No More movement. It rallied people across the country and it brought important issues into the light. But it was too late—the movement was reactionary and by the time people banded together to fight the parts of the omnibus bill they disagreed with, decisions had already been made. The bill passed with a majority in Parliament.
There is evidence that action does work, but it requires attention and fast action. When Bill C-30 threatened people’s online privacy, citizen action was swift and determined. People clamoured and banged, emailing, calling, and tweeting MPs, and it forced the government to give it a second thought. This clearly shows there is power outside of elections.
Being engaged is not just about attacking the government. It’s about thinking critically on many levels. What is the current government doing? What are they telling me? Am I being represented in the House of Commons? What is the media telling me and what is their angle? These questions have to be asked constantly of those that represent our interests and give us the news.
We have a choice to not be informed on current politics, but what are the consequences? To not engage is to let someone else determine your values and beliefs—which I guess is fine if you don’t have time to choose your own. Even better, you become the politician’s perfect voter…engaged, but not too engaged. Just enough to re-elect the same people time and time again. Imagine the difference we could make if we took action instead of reacting; we just might change the world.

Carola Sénéchal of the U of O and Serge Larivée of l’UdeM explore what they call the
“beatification of Mother Teresa” in a study that is intended to be part of a journal titled
Religieuses.

The study began when the two researchers were looking for documentation on the
phenomenon of altruism for an ethics seminar. In their search they came across
documentation of Mother Teresa’s life and said the description was “so ecstatic that it
piqued our curiosity and pushed us to research further.”

Their research led them to believe that the religious icon had a “rather dubious way
of caring for the sick [and] questionable political contacts.” The researchers also raise
issues regarding Mother Teresa’s “shadowy accounting,” and point out that while she
was always willing to pray for the suffering, she was generally rather stingy with her
monetary donations to the needy.

In India, religious followers and former chief election commissioner Navin Chawla—
who wrote a biography of Mother Teresa in 1992— have rejected the study’s findings.

Spencer Van Dyk | Fulcrum Staff

EVERY YEAR, THOUSANDS of people gather on Parliament Hill on April 20 to protest Canada’s cannabis laws.
This year, organizers plan to “Fill the Hill” with debates by youth political parties to educate and openly discuss the topic of cannabis law reform with the estimated 10,000 to 15,000 attendees of the event.
“Fill the Hill was kind of disorganized last year,” said Kyle Walton, a second-year law student from Carleton University and one of the event’s co-organizers. “It was kind of just putting up posters and knowing people would show up, but this year there was a bit more of a push for it to be more organized.”
Walton also said the cannabis issue is particularly important this year, following the omnibus bill—which takes drastic measures to discourage pot possession—and because he thinks the cause is in need of re-mobilization.
This year’s event will include prominent players in the Colorado decriminalization movement, as well as  B.C. marijuana activist Bob Erb, who recently won $25 million in the lottery and has decided to donate a portion of his winnings to sponsoring the event.
”We just had the omnibus bill come in and the Liberal leadership race, so cannabis legalization is an important topic right now,” said Walton.
Walton hopes this will be the year that a plan can be made to gain an understanding between smokers, non-smokers, and the government, a plan which he ultimately hopes will result in legalization.
Some activists believe the presence of youth political parties is especially important because it could get the university demographic—which could be the  generation that makes the final call on the issue— more involved in the debate.
Fill the Hill has historically been a peaceful event, with police chaperones and little to no conflict.
“I’ve never seen any contested or unconstitutional issues at a 420 protest,” Walton said. “There are thousands of people openly breaking the law on the steps of the Parliament building with RCMP officers standing around. It’s humbling.”
How much the debates will add to the excitement of the event and jumpstart political change is unclear.
“I think [Fill the Hill] could have more political importance in the fact that a lot of the potential energy and impact seems to fizzle out afterwards,” said Nico V*, a daily pot smoker and third-year anthropology student at the University of Ottawa. “What surprises me is that the Hill consistently gets filled with thousands of people year after year … it’s obviously got potential, but unfortunately not much seems to happen beyond that one day.”
When asked whether or not he believes the debates will alter the peaceful dynamic of the event, V said he is unsure, and will have to wait and see for himself.
“I think it’ll be interesting,” he said. “I think the way in which the different groups treat the questions will largely mark the way that the issue is handled after the event.”
Fill the Hill is a large-scale event, generally peaceful event. Even those against marijuana decriminalization and legalization appear indifferent toward the protest.
“I wouldn’t go, because I don’t smoke pot,” said Vanessa Lebrun, a nursing student at the U of O. “But I think that those that believe in the cause should go and have fun. What I find more interesting than anything is that it is still illegal and that thousands of people are still showing up and openly smoking up, and nothing is done about it. I think that’s a pretty clear indication that it’s pretty accepted.”
As for V’s expectations of the event, he said he’s just hoping the weather cooperates.

Regina Palamar | Fulcrum Contributor

Photo by Mathias MacPhee

Summer is on its way, which means one thing: sweet, glorious freedom. But just as time-honoured as May flowers blooming is the dilemma that all students face when heading into the warmer months. No summer job = free time, but no money. Summer job = money, but no time. It can be hard to strike a balance. No matter where you fall on this spectrum, a few penny-pinching tips can’t hurt—so here’s a list of activities to do in Ottawa fo’ free.

Be a tourist

Ever look at all the tourists wandering around Ottawa and wonder, “Why?” Well, it’s because Ottawa is awesome and we all need to check it out some more. Put on a pair of comfortable shoes, bust out your camera, and hit up Ottawa’s downtown core. With buskers and free food samples, the ByWard Market is always buzzing with activity. Head on over to the Hill and sign up for a free tour of the Parliament buildings, or check out the massive spider outside  of the National Gallery of Canada—unless you suffer from arachnophobia, of course. Being a tourist in your own city might seem silly at first, but looking at Ottawa from a different perspective will allow you to see things you would’ve otherwise missed.

Go to the beach

Sure, Ottawa’s beaches occasionally get shut down because of flare-ups of E. coli in the water, but sometimes you’ve just gotta live on the edge and say, “YOLO!” So do it—pack a lunch, a good book, and a Frisbee, and spend an afternoon soaking up the rays. There are a number of beaches to choose from; I highly recommend Mooney’s Bay because they sometimes employ attractive lifeguards. Can you say “winning?”

Go to a movie

Nowadays, if you want to go see a movie at your local Cineplex, you better be prepared to fork over your life savings, because ticket and popcorn prices amount to nothing less than absolute thievery. Personally, I would much rather sit outdoors in the comfort of my own lawn chair and watch a movie projected onto a giant screen whilst saving my money. Luckily, Centretown Movies, an organization in Ottawa, happens to host exactly this kind of event. Held every Friday night in July and August at Dundonald Park, Centretown shows both old school and recent films. Admission is pay-what-you-can, otherwise known as fo’ free.

Visit a museum

Museums get a bad rap, mostly because as kids we got dragged to them and forced to look at boring exhibits. But now we’re adults and can do whatever we darn well please, so why not give museums a second chance? Ottawa has a great selection of museums that are easily accessible to students and are even free on certain days. The Canadian Museum of Nature’s permanent exhibits are free every Thursday evening. Ditto for the National Gallery. And for all those naysayers who still think museums are for nerds, at least go for the air conditioning. You might learn an interesting fact or two while you’re there that you can impress your friends with later.

Illustration by Tina Wallace

Glorious weather is finally upon us, and days of lounging on a beach, attending summer concerts, and just having a good old time are right around the corner. While some students might use summer as a chance to work on their bucket list, sometimes you just need to say, “Fuck it!” Literally. Here’s our list of things we just don’t feel like caring about this summer:

Bikini bodies

I’ve tried way too many times to get in shape and achieve the perfect beach body for summer. This year, I say fuck it. For my upcoming beach vacation in July, I am going to enjoy myself, with or without the existence of a muffin top over my bikini bottoms. After all, what are the warm but not hot months of May and June more perfect for than Laurier Avenue hot dogs? Nothing. If that means that I will encounter a little more bulk when I slather sunscreen over my stomach this summer, then so be it. I want to have a good time and I’m going to. Besides, everyone weighs the same underwater.

—Julia Fabian

 Studying

Left all of your studying until the last minute and don’t know how you’ll possibly survive? Sure, put a bit of effort into it, but don’t lose any sleep. Fuck it—if it’s not good enough to keep you in your program, there’s always your parents’ profession to fall back on.

—Jesse Colautti

Advanced technology

Forget MP3 players: It’s time for the portable CD player to make a comeback. Unlike with iPods, you won’t lose all of your music if the CD player breaks. Also, what looks cooler than sporting a gigantic circular bulge in your pocket as you cruise down the street listening to a classic album?

—Max Szyc

 Makeup

On a sweltering summer day, I challenge anyone who wears makeup to wake up in the morning and say, “Ah, yes, what perfect weather to put on foundation and cover-up.” Fuck that. The only thing that you should rub on your face during the hottest season is sunscreen; everything else will just melt away and leave you looking streaky and discoloured.

—Maclaine Chadwick

 Actual shoes

Flip-flop: I’ve never heard two words go together so perfectly. Seriously, though, this summer I’m all about the flip-flops. Here in Ottawa, we only get about two months of flip-flop weather and I’m going to take complete advantage of it. Move aside wedges, gladiators, and strappy sandals: the simplicity and comfort of flip-flops are hard to compete with. Bonus points: they complete any outfit and are cheap—like one dollar cheap. Sign me up.

—Sofia Hashi

 Being up with the sun

Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. Can you say, “eye roll?” I absolutely detest this saying and not because I’m a night owl—I am—but because sometimes you just don’t care. And summertime is one of those times. I can’t wait for May to hurry up and get here so I can sleep in all I want. What’s the shame in staying in bed until 3 p.m.? Soon I’ll have a 9 to 5 job, and napping in the middle of the day will be next to impossible. So here’s to summer and sleep!

—Emerson King

 Good hair days

Summer heat + long hair – air conditioning = None of the fucks given. When it’s July and I’m about to spend an afternoon outside, there is no way I’m going to waste more than five minutes wrestling my hair into a fancy updo or worrying about how frizzy my curls are. You know what I am going to do? I’m going to pile my hair on top of my head and forget about it. Oh, and more often than not, I’m also going to use dry shampoo instead of real shampoo. Why? Because it’s summer, and ain’t nobody got time for showering. Who’s with me?! Guys? Anyone…?

—Kristyn Filip

 Non-greasy faces 

I like to hope that I will be someone who ages gracefully, someone who enters her 50s with nary a wrinkle or age spot to be seen.  I’m sure I’ll have to readjust my expectations of aging one day, but in the meantime, I’ll continue to cover my face with sunscreen. In the winter, I can get away with wearing moisturizer with SPF 20 in it, but in the summer months, that just won’t cut it. No, in the summer, I pull out the big guns: SPF 50 from head to toe, and I reapply often. Sure, you might be able to see your reflection in my shiny forehead, but that’s a small price to pay for youthful-looking (and healthy!) skin.

—Kristen Gainesville 

 Censorship

For the first time in four years, my significant other and I are finally, finally, finally going to be in the same city. You can bet your bottom dollar that I’m going to be all over him, at least for the first few weeks. When I’m overwhelmed by just how wonderful that boy is, I’m not going to wait until I’m behind closed doors to squeeze his arm or give him a kiss. I’m going to publically display my affection as much as I want. Cause fuck it, I haven’t had much opportunity to do so till now.

—Ali Schwabe

Feeling bad for taking days off

Yeah, I need to work, and yes, I like to be an exemplary employee whenever possible; but this summer I’m saying fuck it to slaving away and missing all the fun. If I want to take the full 12 days of Bluesfest off, I’m doin’ it. If I want to take a four-day weekend to go home to visit the fam jam, it’s happening.  If I want to book a weekend off to sit on my ass in the sun, I shall. Life is too short to be a slave to cash flow, and we all deserve a little “me time” now and again.

—KayCie Gravelle