The Unheard Voices Issue

INTERVIEWS WITH SLEIGH BELLS, LIGHTS, & MORE

CONTENTS

10 4 Bits + Pieces POST-MORTEM PLANTS | 4 Complete the circle of life with this biodegradable urn. K-POP TAKES OVER | 4 This music genre was around before “Gangnam Style.” FEELING FELINE | 5 These new mind-reading cat ears display emotions. HELPING HANDS | 6 Capuchin monkeys help the handicapped. APPLES TO APPLES | 7 A quick comparison of Apple’s newest tablets—the iPad Mini and the 4th Generation iPad. BIT OF LIT | 8 Reviews on some of the latest and greatest reads.

Food + Drink PIG OUT | 10 Fry up some bacon to add to dinner, dessert, and cocktail hour.

18 Say What

EAT THE MIDWEST | 12 Scout out some of the region’s must-try restaurants with our extensive guide.

RAISING THE BAR | 22 When hitting the bars, keep it classy with these tips.

ON-TREND TREATS | 16 Three sugary surprises to appease any sweet tooth.

DO IT YOURSELF | 23 Tackling the stigma of girls who get themselves off.

Folks

Health + Fitness

HIS CONSCIOUS CONNECTION | 17 Psychic Michael Mapes tells the future to change lives.

HEALTH MYTHS—DEBUNKED | 24 Nine rumors that may be messing with your health.

MAKING A PLAY FOR EQUAL RIGHTS | 18 Minnesota Viking Chris Kluwe stands up for same-sex marriage.

UP ALL NIGHT | 26 Polyphasic sleep cycles can keep people energized—but may not be the best idea.

PAY IT FORWARD | 20 Editor and magazine mentor Chandra Turner shares advice on landing a job.

SHIT! | 26 Experts say sitting on the toilet could cause serious health problems.

CONTENTS

Features ON THE DARK SIDE | 34 Save, splurge, or mix with styles from local boutiques and national chains alike. 15 MINUTES LATER | 39 They may not have won, but these reality stars didn’t stop after the shows ended. UNCOVERING SIKHISM | 44 Understanding this underrepresented religion in light of the Oak Creek massacre.

33 Fashion MIDWEST BOUTIQUE ROUNDUP | 28 Find some of the best boutiques in the flyover states. SMALL GIRL, BIG STYLE | 30 Lucy Matangira designs plussize fashion despite her size 2 frame. WINDY CITY WEAR | 33 Vagrant Nobility designs durable duds for the Midwestern man.

Music FRONT AND CENTER | 50 Pianist and singer Gabe Dixon steps into the spotlight.

60 Quickies SAVVY STRIPPING | 56 One experienced dancer shares her secrets to making big bucks. SHOOTING BLANKS | 57 Read up on a new, reversible contraceptive for men: Vasalgel. 50 SHADES OF REALITY | 58 Sex inspired by E.L. James’s trilogy may have some scary side effects.

IN GOOD COMPANY | 52 Indie rock group Company of Thieves steals the scene with soulful sounds and a serendipitous start.

KEEP IN TOUCH | 59 Four sexy toys to keep longdistance lovers connected.

TRUE SHRED MUSIC | 54 Go backstage with thrash-rock band Sleigh Bells.

LIGHTS | 60 DrakeMag sat down with the electro-pop artist for 15 minutes.

Back Talk

39

CONTRIBUTORS

CLAIRE SEDOVIC Sophomore

CARTER OSWOOD Senior

ERIN CLANCY Junior

OLIVIA YOUNG Senior

BENJAMIN VERHASSELT Freshman

LINLEY SANDERS Freshman

What she designed: “Pig Out” (pg. 10)

What he shot: “Uncovering Sikhism” (pg. 44)

What she wrote: “Do It Yourself” (pg. 23)

What she wrote: “Uncovering Sikhism” (pg. 44)

Behind the scenes: “I’ve learned how important it is to keep my eyes open for design and photography inspiration. So when I went downstairs for breakfast over fall break and smelled bacon cooking, I grabbed my camera. I got a weird look from my mom when I pointed my lens at the plate of bacon, but within minutes, the photo shoot was complete, and the bacon quickly disappeared: It was a win-win.”

Behind the scenes: “Meeting Mr. Kapur was a pleasure. Right from the start he was friendly and kind, and this continued throughout the shoot. When I went to the Des Moines Sikh temple, I was greeted as if I’d attended for years and with incredible food and intriguing conversation. I’ll be keeping in touch with Mr. Kapur and hope to visit the temple regularly.”

Behind the scenes: “It’s absolutely crazy to me that writing an article encouraging females to express their sexuality and to stay sexually healthy is considered controversial or inappropriate. The only way to get over this is to continue to be open and informed about why keeping the subject taboo is harmful and the true inappropriate act in this scenario.”

Behind the scenes: “Religion is extremely personal, so it’s impossible to say one religion is better than another. But, as we become more and more connected, we have a responsibility to respect each other across cultural lines. That respect begins with awareness— no matter what we believe, we’re all human.”

What he wrote: “Making a Play for Equal Rights” (pg. 18)

What she wrote: “Small Girl, Big Style” (pg. 30)

Behind the scenes: “This is an important story because some people have no personal connection to the marriage equality issue. Having a popular face from an influential organization like the NFL can help people connect with the issue— and hopefully help expedite the legislative changes people are working to enact.”

Behind the scenes: “More people should be like Lucy. This girl is such a talented and driven designer—she could create anything, but she chooses to help those who are overlooked. That’s so inspiring to me and, hopefully, to readers.”

ADDITIONAL Lori Blachford SHOUT-OUTS Jill Van Wyke 2 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

ColorFX Andre Eggert

Jeff Inman @jaynotsean

La Hacienda Wait Staff Barb Payne Jenna Marbles Kathleen Richardson

EDITOR’S LETTER

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jeff Nelson

MANAGING EDITOR ART DIRECTOR Paige Zidek

Elyssa Yesnes

ASSOCIATE EDITOR PHOTO EDITOR Kristin Doherty

Ben Curtis

ASSISTANT EDITOR BUSINESS MANAGER Linley Sanders

Claire Vandercar

WRITERS Lauren McElmeel Olivia Albers Abbey Barrow Erin Clancy Katherine Dewitt Nicole Dyar Emily Gregor Lauren Hartog Nicole Kasperbauer Hayley Mason

Katie Minnick Erika Owen Katherine Rousonelos Megan Stein Lauren Turner Benjamin Verhasselt Leah Walters Rachel Ward Olivia Young

DESIGNERS PHOTOGRAPHERS Mckenzie Anderson Nicole Dyar Susanna Hayward Claire Sedovic Rachel Weeks

Morgan Cannata Carter Oswood

WEB Meagan Flynn Kerri Sorrell Morgan DeBoest Sami Smith Lauren Kassien

Executive Editor Webmaster Associate Editor Associate Editor Assistant Editor

© Copyright 2012 Drake Magazine is published with the support of the Board of Student Communications. Opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of Drake University. Letters to the editor are encouraged but will not be published. Direct any questions, concerns, or smart remarks to drakemag@gmail.com.

If you know me at all, you’re well aware that The Devil Wears Prada is my all-time favorite film. For whetting my insatiable editorial appetite and fostering a fondness for New York City, my print journalism career and I owe this chick flick a lot—including a shamelessly borrowed catchphrase (“That’s all.”). And akin to any quality movie, TDWP has some great one-liners, which I cite ad nauseum. But there’s one quote that’s always resonated with me, especially when it comes to working on Drake Magazine: “This isn’t just a magazine. This is a shining beacon of hope.” Since I came to Drake, this publication has been my personal shining beacon of hope, from preparing me for a future in publishing to making my voice heard. But it wasn’t until I took over as editor-in-chief that I understood the clout DrakeMag carries. With this magazine, the staff and I have a chance to entertain, inform, and get people thinking. I think we did just that with this issue. (I’m a little biased, but it’s whatever—I have impeccable taste.) The editors and I searched high and low for stories about anything misunderstood or out-and-out underrepresented. What we came up with? The Unheard Voices Issue. This edition of DrakeMag is packed with to-the-point stories on timely and taboo topics. So finish reading this letter, and keep flipping forward. You’ll find a motley crew of colorful and inspiring people—from a size 2 fashionista who’s designing plus-size threads (pg. 30) and a straight NFL player speaking up for gay marriage (pg. 18) to followers of Sikhism, a wildly misjudged religion recovering from a tragedy this summer (pg. 44), and so much more that will tickle your fancy. Once you’ve pored over each page, let us know what you think. Email drakemag@gmail.com with any questions, comments, concerns, or compliments (sorry I’m not sorry). Be sure to check us out online at drakemagazine. com for all-new content each week from our Web staff. And if you haven’t yet, connect with us via social media: Follow us on Twitter (@DrakeMag), and like us on Facebook (facebook.com/drake. magazine). That’s all.

DRAKE MAGAZINE | 3

BITS + PIECES

WORDS LAUREN HARTOG PHOTO ELYSSA YESNES

POST-MORTEM

PLANTS Eco-friendly has gone to a whole new level—underground, that is. Now even after passing on, people can reduce their carbon footprints with the help of Bios Urns. These environmentally friendly urns could revolutionize the concept of death. With Bios Urns, one’s ashes are planted and used by a tree seedling for nutrients. Made from natural materials—such as compacted XMI\ KMTT]TW][ IVL KWKWV]\ [PMTT ÅJMZ[¸*QW[ =ZV[ IZM JQWLMOZILIJTM Simply plant a seed into the urn and, with a little TLC from loved ones,

it’ll sprout into whatever tree that’s been planted. The Bios Urn was created for animal burials in 1993 by product developers Martín Azúa and Gerard Moline. The goal was not only to promote a greener lifestyle but also to create an urn that holds sentimental value. The creators claim that Bios Urns help reintroduce humans into the natural circle of life. While postmortem plans may not be a top priority, it’s never too early to start planning—or planting.

WORDS ABBEY BARROW

After the immortal words “Gangnam Style” hit American airwaves this fall, South Korean pop’s rise from sonic obscurity seemed to happen overnight. Combining elements of techno, pop, dance, and rap, K-­Pop’s emergence to ubiquity has actually been a long time coming. Entertainment created first 1 1995—S.M. K-­Pop label S.M. and various other labels gathered groups of glamorous Korean youths and molded them into bubbly pop machines. Although the genre was still relatively unknown throughout the ’90s, the early 2000s marked the beginning of groups such as Sinhwa and H.O.T., who appealed to younger generations with their bright costumes and heavily choreographed dance numbers.

4 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

BITS + PIECES

FEELING FELINE

WORDS LINLEY SANDERS PHOTO BEN CURTIS

Electronic animals ears interpret emotions. Generally speaking, animal ears are only acceptable at costume parties and anime conventions. But cat ears are breaking away from that scene. Japanese company Neurowear has invented brainwave cat ears with a high-tech twist—they show emotions. This catchy fashion, called Necomimi, is as simple as attaching a sensor to the ears and forehead. From there, the feline ears perk up when the wearer is focused, drop when sensing relaxation, and wiggle when recognizing excitement. Brains give off electrical impulses and the headset measures the amplitudes and frequencies of those waves. The waves convey the user’s mood, and the technology responds accordingly. Neurowear won’t let the cat out of the bag on its special mooddetecting formula but instead says the sensors “read” attentive and meditative mental states to determine

2

the wearer’s mood. Walking around with cat ears may seem strange, but keep in mind that this accessory can take any Halloween costume to the next level and is purrfect for a particularly expressive day. Or, poor communicators can wear this feline fashion to say how they’re feeling. Necomimis are available WVTQVM NZWU =ZJIV 7]\Å\\MZ[ or Amazon for $100. Wearing your heart on your sleeve is so last season, so grab a pair of these ears, and start expressing emotions the cat way.

2007—Wonder Girls peaked at No. 76 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts with “Nobody”

4

At the height of his reign, West’s decision to join the K-Pop craze [QOVQÅML \PM OMVZM¼[ OZW_QVO XWX]TIZQ\a QV )UMZQKI )T\PW]OP \PM ^QLMW seemed to be staged on Thor’s set, “Ayy Girl” received mixed reviews IVL ÅbbTML W]\ QV \PM ;\I\M[ ;\QTT XTIaQVO XZW\uOuM \W I ZIX XW_MZPW][M like West increased K-Pop’s fame.

)[ 3 8WX J]QT\ I VQKPM I]LQMVKM \PQ[ Å^M UMUJMZ OQZT group sashayed its way into the American music scene with its catchy hit and matching ponytails. Opening for the Jonas Brothers’ 2007 tour—back when the JoBros were a thing—brought Wonder Girls and the genre into the international limelight.

3

2009—Girls’ Generation’s “Gee” made its debut When all of female America was still wearing baby doll dresses, this nine-member group released its breakout video in bold-colored skinny jeans. The release of “Gee” paved the way for the dubstep-infused sounds of fellow K-Poppers 2NE1.

2010—JYJ and Malik Yusef collaborated with Kanye West on “Ayy Girl”

5

2012—PSY’s “Gangnam Style” went viral Seemingly overnight, PSY and his trademark dance permeated the media. From talk shows to SNL to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, “Gangnam Style” made a massive impact on U.S. audiences. Despite the age and style differences between he and his K-Pop contemporaries, PSY—with his powder blue power suit—has come to represent the genre in the eyes of many Americans today.

DRAKE MAGAZINE | 5

BITS + PIECES

HELPING HANDS These primates provide service and support.

WORDS OLIVIA ALBERS PHOTO WILLIAM WARBY THROUGH CREATIVE COMMONS Primates aren’t monkeying around anymore: These furry friends are using their talents by becoming guides for the disabled. Helping Hands, a Bostonbased organization, trains capuchin monkeys (like Ross’s pet on Friends) to complete everyday tasks for those with limited mobility. Most Helping Hands monkeys are placed with quadriplegics or others with impaired movement. To get a monkey helper, recipients must meet a set WN [XMKQÅK ZMY]QZMUMV\[ QVKT]LQVO" N]TT KWOVQ\Q^M functioning, the ability to control an electric wheelchair, a stable household, and a desire for independence and companionship. Owners use a laser pointer controlled by their mouths to communicate with their helpers. The monkeys aid their human counterparts in everyday tasks such as opening containers, putting on reading glasses, loading a DVD player, and turning pages of a book. But these animals aren’t just aids. Their long lifespan (some have lived up to 50 years) and playful disposition make them trusty companions for their 6 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

recipients, as well. Helping Hands trainers strive to create a partnership and friendship between the monkey and recipient, says Alison Payne, director of training at Helping Hands. “Animals—particularly monkeys—give people unconditional love,” she says. “They make us laugh every day without fail.” Capuchins are a natural choice for people who don’t have full control of their hands. Unlike other service animals, primates have hand coordination—not to mention thumbs— and only weigh up to 10 pounds, making them easy to live with. These mini monkeys are the Curious Georges of service animals: They like to explore and are particularly skilled in handling small objects. These furry friends are bred and born at Southwick’s Zoo in Boston and are raised in foster homes until they’re transferred to a training center. Before being placed with a human, the capuchins must graduate from Monkey College—but there’s no monkey business at this university. They learn simple tasks by imitating a trainer. Like any post-secondary education, graduating from Monkey College is time-intensive and expensive— it takes up to two years to complete and costs up to $10,000 per monkey. Total lifetime care for the monkeys costs upward of $40,000, Payne says. But all the funding comes from generous donors. And, most importantly, Helping Hands doesn’t charge recipients a penny for their services. Those who don’t need a monkey helper can still support the cause—and take in all their cuteness—by buying a monkey helper calendar, greeting cards, or clothing or by making a donation at monkeyhelpers.org.

BITS + PIECES

WORDS LEAH WALTERS PHOTOS COURTESY OF REPAIR_LABS THROUGH CREATIVE COMMONS

Unless Apple groupies can shell out the money for both the iPad Mini and the fourth generation iPad, they’ll have to weigh their options. DrakeMag has outlined the most significant specs to guide indecisive shoppers through this major purchase. Luckily, both tablets support Angry Birds, so there’s really no going wrong. 16 GB—$329 32 GB—$429 64 GB—$529 *Models with cellular capabilities start at $459

0.68 lbs

7.9 inches

1024x768 resolution—same as the original iPad and well-suited for Web browsing and reading e-books. The color and graphics are sharp but not as clear as the iPad with Retina display.

Uses the old A5 chip—not bad but not the latest technology. The processor doesn’t run as fast as the new iPad and lacks fancy quad-core graphics, but it’s []NÅKQMV\ NWZ \PM [UITTMZ ZM[WT]\QWV

FaceTime HD camera, iSight camera, 1080p HD video recording, Siri

PRICE

WEIGHT SCREEN SIZE

DISPLAY

CHIPS

FEATURES

16 GB—$499 32 GB—$599 64 GB—$699 *Models with cellular capabilities start at $629

1.44 lbs

9.7 inches

2048x1536 resolution and Retina display—so individual pixels are indiscernible, and the screen is crystal clear.

Features the Dual-Core A6X chip, iPad 4’s biggest ]XOZILM <PM KPQX¸)XXTM¼[ ÅZ[\ K][\WU LM[QOVML processor— promises twice the graphics performance and speed of the old A5X chip.

FaceTime HD camera, iSight camera, 1080p HD video recording, Siri DRAKE MAGAZINE | 7

BITS + PIECES

BIT OF LIT

THE END OF MEN AND THE RISE OF WOMEN BY HANNAH ROSIN By scanning the cover of The End of Men and the Rise of Women, it’s clear Hanna Rosin is taking no prisoners. The neon yellow backdrop radiates “statement piece,” while the title—written in a hot pink of which Elle Woods would approve—signals that the book intends to live up to its controversial hype. But The End of Men is no Legally Blonde. While Woods was a feminist in her own right, Rosin’s bold thesis starkly opposes 8 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

REVIEWS BY ABBEY BARROW the teachings of Hollywood: Women have progressed to the point where they don’t need men and, in fact, are often better off without them. The End of Men and the Rise of Women details women’s superior accomplishments in education and the workforce. Rosin describes a new era where “feminine” skills—such as communication and empathy—are, economically, a cut above the manual labor skills traditionally touted by men. Yet, as the title suggests, Rosin’s focus isn’t just on women’s rise to power but also on the diminishing place of men in society, whom she argues are becoming socially—if not biologically— useless. Rosin’s take on modern-day gender politics is complicated, to say the least. But The End of Men is a surprisingly readable narrative of a world in transition. Driven by anecdotes from women and men across the globe, the work reads more like a novel or the beginning of a Lifetime movie than a sociological study. A good journalist, Rosin doesn’t get bogged down with the pretensions of a [KQMV\QÅK ZM[MIZKP XIXMZ¸IVL The End of Men is all the better for its lack of footnotes and the word “hence.” That’s not to say Rosin didn’t do her research. Each KPIX\MZ Q[ ÅTTML _Q\P ^IZQW][ [\]LQM[ []Z^Ma[ IVL ZMIT TQNM examples that illustrate a new landscape of gender politics in America. But studies can only take an argument so far, and Rosin often embellishes to stir up a more dramatic portrait of gender relations. With audacious assertions like “the modern economy is becoming a place where women are making the rules and men are playing catch-up,” Rosin depicts all women as dominant, Amazonian forces who drag men behind them on leashes. This may be the case for some of the Ivy Leagueeducated professionals Rosin describes. But most women don’t live up to those stilettoed superiors. The End of Men does a poor job of accounting for the women outside of the KWZVMZ WNÅKM[ _PW LWV¼\ _IV\ \W [KIZM UMV QV\W []JUQ[[QWV but just dream of their own rom-com-inspired happy ending. Rosin’s inability to accurately capture all women’s views and lifestyles signals that it may not be time to make such I LMÅVQ\Q^M [\I\MUMV\ WV NMUITM[¼ VM_ ZWTM ;PM [MMU[ especially out of touch when addressing working-class relationships and the roles of minority women. Men don’t fare much better in Rosin’s portrayal. She casts all workingclass males as dumb and unmotivated—as if everyone with a Y chromosome is like the baby daddy bums in Teen Mom. Empirically speaking, we live in a world where Ryan Gosling exists, so men can’t be all bad. Exaggerations and generalizations aside, The End of Men makes some interesting points about women’s rapid social and economic progression over the last 60 years. The fact that Rosin makes a fairly credible argument for a femaledominant society means there are big changes in the works. Maybe Elle Woods really was leading the way.

BITS + PIECES

TELEGRAPH AVENUE BY MICHAEL CHABON Written with the soulful musicality of its vinyl store setting, Telegraph Avenue is the latest quirky creation from American writer Michael Chabon. Set in Oakland, Calif., during the summer of 2004, the novel tells the story of two best friends who own a used record shop in a downtrodden East Bay neighborhood. Like the ’70s funk Brokeland Records specializes in, Telegraph Avenue Q[ [TW_ UW^QVO I\ ÅZ[\ J]\ XQKS[ ]X Y]QKSTa 1\ PI[ I K]T\]ZM \WVM IVL XIKQVO ITT Q\[ W_V¸Q\ MJJ[ IVL ÆW_[ JMNWZM Q\ KZM[KMVLW[ QV\W VW\PQVO [PWZ\ WN JZQTTQIVKM Infused with a Berkeley hipster mentality, Chabon tackles very real issues such as race and socioeconomic change in surprisingly complex and even hilarious ways.

THE EMILY DICKINSON READER:

AN ENGLISH-­TO-­ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF EMILY DICKINSON’S COMPLETE POEMS

BY PAUL LEGAULT Paul Legault aims to make American 19th century poetry more accessible, but his interpretation only renders Dickinson more frustrating. The Emily Dickinson Reader is a collection of succinct recaps that translate Dickinson’s poems into short, easy-to-understand phrases. Some are funny (“Hope is kind of like birds. In that I don’t have any.”). Others, not so much (“Bees like making honey.”). For readers familiar with all of Dickinson’s 1,789 poems, it’ll be easy to compare Legault’s parodies to the real thing. But for the rest of us, the book’s humor is diminished without context. Translation: The prose is repetitive. It’s easy to see why Emily Dickinson was depressed.

SURI’S BURN BOOK: WELL-­DRESSED COMMENTARY FROM HOLLYWOOD’S LITTLE SWEETHEART

BY ALLIE HAGAN 0QTIZQW][ LZQXXQVO _Q\P [VIZS IVL ÅTTML _Q\P XMZ[WVIT NI[PQWV LM\IQT[ IJW]\ 2MVVQNMZ /IZVMZ \PI\ M^MV *MV )NÆMKS LWM[V¼\ SVW_ Suri’s Burn Book is perfect for people who can name Brangelina’s offspring better than their own cousins. Based on a Tumblr blog of the same name, Hagan channels the voice of America’s favorite kitten-heeled 6-year-old in the Burn Book. The author crafts the perfect Suri persona—one who disdains Willow Smith, fears the day Kate Middleton has a baby, and will settle for nothing less than a contractual marriage to Cruz Beckham (or Cruz Cruise, as he’ll be known after their nuptials). After reading Hagan’s commentary, it’s hard to imagine Suri as a kindergartner instead of a wry, 30-year-old fashionista.

DRAKE MAGAZINE | 9

FOOD + DRINK

WORDS KRISTIN DOHERTY PHOTO CLAIRE SEDOVIC

PIG OUT Try these bacon recipes to fulfill that constant craving.

BACON FOR DINNER

This tempting recipe—inspired by Taste of Home—pairs the salty crunch of bacon with a juicy burger and the simplicity of pasta.

BAKIN’ WITH BACON Love breakfast but can’t get enough dessert? Combine the two with this candied bacon and chocolate chip cookie recipe from LifesSimpleMeasures.blogspot.com.

Candied Bacon Ingredients: 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta 1 pound ground beef 6 strips bacon, diced 1 can tomato soup (approx. 10 ž ounces) ½ cup water 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

Ingredients: 8 slices thick-sliced bacon ½ cup brown sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350o F. Place bacon on foil-lined cookie sheet, and sprinkle brown sugar on top. 2. Bake 18-25 minutes or until crispy. Turn bacon over after 10 minutes. 3. Remove bacon from oven and place on wire rack to cool. ?PMV KWWT KPWX Ă…VMTa

Directions: 1. In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until brown. Drain and set aside. 2. Fry bacon until crisp. Remove from skillet, and place onto paper towel to remove excess grease. 3. Cook and drain pasta. Add the pasta to the skillet. Stir in soup, water, beef, and bacon. Cook until heated. 4. Remove from heat, and sprinkle cheese on top. Cover for two to three minutes or until the cheese is melted. 5. Serve with barbecue sauce or mustard, if desired. Makes four to six servings.

10 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

Cookies

Ingredients: Ăź K]X[ ITT X]ZXW[M ÆW]Z ½ tsp baking soda ž cup unsalted butter, softened ½ cup sugar 1 cup light brown sugar, packed 1 tbsp vanilla extract 1 whole egg 1 egg yolk 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 325o F. Sift together ÆW]Z IVL JISQVO [WLI QV I [UITT bowl. 2. In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugars with a hand mixer. Add vanilla extract, egg, and egg yolk. Beat the mixture until light and creamy. )LL ÆW]Z UQ`\]ZM IVL UQ` thoroughly. Add the candied bacon and chocolate chips. Stir until just combined. 4. Place golf ball-sized dollops of dough on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake 13-15 minutes or until edges are brown. 5. Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes before placing on a wire rack.

FOOD + DRINK

The coming months could bring some tough times: Namely, there may not be enough bacon to fix America’s insatiable appetite for the salty treat. Because of this summer’s drought in the Midwest, the U.S. Department of Agriculture expects hog production to decrease. The resulting worldwide pork shortage means two things: less bacon and higher prices. Save some cash by rationing everyone’s favorite animal byproduct among all meals in small amounts to spread that delicious flavor.

BACON DRINKS Start the night (or morning—we don’t judge) right with bacon-infused vodka. The creators of Bakon Vodka say their ÆI^WZML TQY]WZ Q[ \PM JM[\ ILLQ\QWV \W I *TWWLa 5IZa *]\ this savory spirit isn’t limited to morning mixers, so try these recipes from the brand’s website, bakonvodka.com.

Bakon Mocha Martini 1 ounce Bakon Vodka 1 ounce chocolate liqueur ½ ounce Kahlua 1 ounce heavy whipping cream Shake the whipping cream to make a heavy foam. Combine other ingredients in a mixing glass and layer the foam on top. Shake well, and serve with ice.

Swine Flu Shot 1 part Bakon Vodka 1 part Jägermeister 1 part Goldschläger

Hawaiian Luau 1 ½ ounces Bakon Vodka 3 ounces pineapple juice ½ ounce butterscotch schnapps Combine ingredients and mix well. Garnish with a pineapple slice, if desired.

Make Your Own

BACON VODKA Ingredients: 4 to 5 bacon strips 1 handle (1.75 liters) vodka

Directions: 1. Fry four or five pieces of bacon and let cool. Place bacon in a glass jar. Cut strips to fit if necessary. 2. Add vodka to jar, until bacon is fully submerged. The higher quality vodka, the better. 3. Close the jar and store in a cool, dark place. Let it sit for two to three weeks. 4. Put jar in the freezer to solidify grease. Then, pour the vodka infusion through a coffee filter to remove excess grease. Repeat if necessary. 5. Bottle up your vodka and enjoy. DRAKE MAGAZINE | 11

FOOD + DRINK

CRITIC’S CORNER

WORDS LAUREN KASSIEN ILLUSTRATIONS ELYSSA YESNES

KIMBERLY WINTER STERN Kimberly Winter Stern is the former managing editor of 435 South magazine, a lifestyle publication for the Kansas City area. She also contributes to the Dean & Deluca Food Blog.

Thanks to our traditional flavors and homestyle dishes, the Heartland is starting to stand out on America’s culinary map. From the Great Lakes to the Great Plains, DrakeMag has found some of the top restaurants acclaimed by food critics and Midwestern natives alike. Look out, New York—they don’t call us “America’s Breadbasket” for nothing.

KEY TO SUCCESS PRICE Under $10 Entree

LOCATION TWIN CITIES

TYPE OF FOOD American

Asian

12 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

$10-$15 Entree

$15-$25 Entree

KANSAS CITY DES MOINES

Burger Joint

Barbecue

Italian

Mexican

$25+ Entree

CHICAGO

JAMES NORTON James Norton is the founding editor of Heavy Table, an online culinary magazine. Based out of Minneapolis, he’s a regular contributor to CHOW.com. Norton has co-authored several books, including The Master Cheesemakers of Wisconsin and Minnesota Lunch. HANNAH AGRAN Hannah Agran is a food and features editor for Midwest Living. Hailing from Des Moines, Agran has written several pieces on food and travel. KATE SILVER Kate Silver is an award-winning freelance writer whose work has appeared in publications including People and Playboy. Silver writes about food, health, and travel. She is from Chicago. KIT BERNARDI Kit Bernardi is an editor and writer for Midwest Living. Based in Chicago, Bernardi contributes to the magazine’s “Out and About” section.

FOOD + DRINK

MASU SUSHI AND ROBATA

BLUE KOI

MIYABI 9

BELLY SHACK

Critics call Masu Sushi and Robata one of Minneapolis’s most delectable Japanese restaurants—and for a good reason. “Masu features a knock-out sake menu and sushi that stands up to stuff on the coasts,” Norton says. Its claim to fame: variety. Masu’s menu is so large it’s split in two, and a different chef prepares each half. Guests can choose from over 20 sushi rolls and 14 different noodle dishes. But

Situated on 39th Street—aka “Restaurant Row”—Blue Koi is known for dishing out some of the best Asian comfort food in a posh, upscale setting. The menu boasts a variety of options, from Chinese-style pot roast to freshly brewed beverages. “Ants on a Stick, a noodle dish, is a must-try,” Stern says. “And you aren’t finished until you round out your experience with a bubble tea.”

Let’s face it: Any type of sushi in a no-coast state sounds a little fishy. But Miyabi 9, however, puts seafood naysayers to shame. This Asian restaurant boasts “the best sushi in Des Moines,” and diners agree. Foodies from around the country rave about Miyabi’s fresh fish. Located in Des Moines’s East Village, this restaurant has a posh mood to match its hip neighborhood. “The ingredients are as

a trip to this place doesn’t require serious sushi knowledge—there’s plenty to experiment with.

1803 W. 39th St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111

fresh as you’ll find in our landlocked town, and the atmosphere is a perfect balance of trendy and friendly,” Agran says.

Mixing Asian and Latin cuisines sounds like something out of a weird culinary science experiment. But for Belly Shack, the combo works. This small eatery in the heart of Chicago’s Logan Square has won favor with natives for its menu that fuses flavors from the Far East and south of the border. Guests can choose from a variety of unique dishes, such as Asian meatballs with noodles and mint to roasted squash with a maple glaze. “Belly Shack’s inventive menu is full of twists and turns,” Stern says. “It’s boisterous and bustling and has the best contemporary cuisine.”

816.561.5003

330 E. Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55414; 612.332.6278

512 E. Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309; 515.288.7070

1912 North Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60647; 773.252.1414

LORING KITCHEN & BAR

BLUESTEM

ALBA

TWIN ANCHORS

Located in the heart of Minneapolis, Loring Kitchen & Bar’s neighborhood feel draws natives and tourists alike. Loring offers contemporary American cuisine, and its menu is filled with seasonal, upscale comfort food. Think Wolfgang Puck meets Mom’s mac-n-cheese. A well-crafted menu and comfortable mood set Loring apart. “It feels like going to a neighborhood kitchen,” Stern says. “They really focus on serving what’s in season.”

This little restaurant in Historic Westport offers two dining concepts under one roof. Each side of the restaurant offers an intimate dining experience. The comfy sofas in the lounge are ideal for relaxing and mingling with friends. But for something more fancy, head to the dining room for a three-, five-, or 10-course culinary adventure. From the knowledgeable wait staff to esteemed chef Colby Garrelts’s American creations, diners are in for a treat.

Voted Best Restaurant by The Des Moines Register, Alba is one of Iowa’s most beloved and respected restaurants. It offers diners traditional American cuisine—with a twist—the menu changes with the season. This winter, try the pumpkin gnocchi and cranberry chutney with chicken. “It’s chef-driven food,” Stern says. “The cuisine is seasonal, and chef Jason Simon has traveled around. He really brings his own interpretation to an incredible, creative menu.”

900 Westport Rd., Kansas City, MO 64111; 816.561.1101

524 E. 6th St., Des Moines, IA 50309; 515.244.0261

This nautical-themed restaurant received its acclaim when it served as a backdrop for The Dark Knight and HBO’s hit TV series, Boardwalk Empire. Located in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood, Twin Anchors still manages to provide diners with an historic Hollywood feel—even after spending time in the limelight. “Despite its movie star cache, familyowned Twin Anchors hasn’t gotten too big for its bootlegger history and loyal neighborhood clients,” Bernardi says. The tavern prides itself on its extensive food and drink menu. Twin Anchors pours over 30 beers and offers a variety of hearty entrees, ranging from slow-roasted chicken to their “world-famous” ribs. Make sure to ask for extra “Prohibition Sauce”—

1359 Willow St., Minneapolis, MN 55403; 612.843.0400

and extra napkins. 1655 North Sedgwick St. Chicago, IL 60614; 312.266.1616

DRAKE MAGAZINE | 13

FOOD + DRINK

TAQUERIA LA HACIENDA

JALAPENOS

TACOS MARIANA’S

FRONTERA GRILL

Taqueria La Hacienda’s façade may look less than impressive, but don’t be fooled— diners are in for an authentic experience. Guests can choose from staples and customize their order with various meats, cheeses, and veggies. Tacos al Pastor are a crowd favorite, featuring fresh pork barbecued Mexican-style. “If you’re craving real Mexican, all of East Lake Street is stuffed with it—but Taqueria La Hacienda is a good start,” Norton says. “The Tacos al Pastor are small, beautiful tributes to Mexican street food.”

Don’t be fooled by this restaurant’s dive-like atmosphere—all of the food at Jalapenos is prepared fresh and on site. Entrees range from authentic chimichangas to spicy, savory enchiladas. The Jalapeno Dip is a must: Creamy and cheesy with just a little kick, this hearty topping goes perfectly with a burrito or a batch of fresh-baked tortilla chips that are served on every table.

Velveeta-soaked burritos won’t be found here. Adventurous foodies should head to Tacos Mariana’s for a true Mexican experience. “There are plenty of places to get cheesy enchiladas drowned in red sauce around town, but for authentic Mexican—think street tacos on soft corn tortillas—try hole-in-the-wall Tacos Mariana’s,” Agran says. Located on University Avenue, this restaurant offers real Mexican food, real cheap. $.99 tacos on Wednesdays and Thursdays keep crowds rolling in. Just don’t judge the book by its cover: While the building’s exterior leaves something to be desired, the inside is both clean and friendly.

A crown jewel of Chicago cuisine, Frontera Grill has been lauded by critics galore: It was ranked the third-best restaurant in the world by International Herald Tribune. Part carefree American grill and part vibrant Mexican fiesta, Frontera offers the fresh bold flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine. But don’t expect plates full of tacos—the menu’s more upscale. “This isn’t Americanized Tex-Mex,” Stern says. “It’s Mexican cuisine by the foremost American-Mexican chef, Rick Bayless. He’s just sublime.” Bayless is a Chicago culinary guru whose awards range from a James Beard to the inaugural winner of Top Chef: Masters. His menu features street food favorites, including smoked chicken taquitos garnished with roasted tomatillo salsa and fresh cream as well as savory grilled entrees, like the Oaxacanstyle carne asada.

2000 Williams Drive #105, Burnsville, MN 55337; 952.808.6895.

7729 W. 151st St., Stanley, KS 66223; 913.681.3555 | 12102 W. 87th Parkway, Lenexa, KS 66215; 913.894.8226 | 6318 Brookside Plaza, Kansas City, MO 64113; 816.523.5462

1305 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50314. 515.288.1499

445 North Clark St., Chicago, IL 60654; 312.661.1434

Q FANATIC

OKLAHOMA JOE’S

UNCLE WENDELL’S

PORK SHOPPE

Located in Champlin, Minn., just north of Minneapolis, Q Fanatic is often overlooked. But don’t underestimate the delicious flavors of this barbecue grill. Charlie Johnson—the restaurant’s mastermind and executive chef—received his degree from the Culinary Institute of America, so he’s well-versed in the art of food. His menu offers traditional barbecue fare, like pulled pork, brisket sandwiches, and ribs galore. But Johnson’s delectable sauces are what keep barbecue aficionados coming back. For $.95 per serving, guests can slather their meat in a variety of toppings. “The sauces are made with as much care as the meat is smoked,” Norton says. “The espresso barbecue and pepper vodka sauces are particularly deft.”

Nothing draws foodies to the Sunflower State quite like its down-home barbecue. And there’s nowhere better to go than Oklahoma Joe’s. The restaurant’s claim-tofame, the Z-Man sandwich, is a delicious heart attack waiting to happen—juicy brisket, smoked provolone, and a heaping pile of onion rings on a toasted Kaiser roll. This greasy beauty is a true testament to the restaurant’s hearty, in-your-face flavors. “To me, the Oklahoma Joe’s experience is twofold,” Stern says. “No matter which of the three locations you’re at, the food is always top-notch and consistent. But what you get from each location is a different experience and ambiance.”

True barbecue lovers know that the extras make or break a true down-home meal, and Uncle Wendell’s doesn’t skimp on the sides. One part barbecue joint, one part bakery, Uncle Wendell’s is known for its freshbaked goods—especially its cornbread. “My whole family adores Uncle Wendell’s,” Agran says. “If you get a pulled pork sandwich, the bread is thick and homemade, not a wimpy mass-produced bun like the ones at other places.”

This Belmont restaurant delivers three things: beer, bourbon, and BBQ. Pork Shoppe prides itself on cheap, hearty meats. From pulled pork to pastrami, diners have plenty of options for what to put between the Shoppe’s fresh, toasted buns. “The toughest decision to make at Pork Shoppe is which meat to pick and when to throw in the towel,” Silver says. “Don’t even bother getting a sandwich here. The meat is the true star, and you won’t want those carbs taking up any extra room.”

180 Miller Road, Champlin, MN 55316; 763.323.6550

14 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

3002 W. 47th Ave., Kansas City, KS 66103; 913.722.3366 | 11950 Strang Line Road, Olathe, KA 66062; 913.782.6858 | 11723 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS 66211; 913.338.5151

716 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312; 515.288.3207

2755 W Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60618; 773.961.7654

FOOD + DRINK

CASPER AND RUNYON’S NOOK

BLANC BURGERS + BOTTLES

HIGH LIFE LOUNGE

EDZO’S

Casper and Runyon’s Nook earned culinary fame on Food Network favorite Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. But Twin City dwellers have been flocking to this joint for their famous Juicy Lucy burgers long before Guy Fieri showed up. The Juicy Lucy originated in South Minneapolis, and natives can get their fix in the state where it all started. Calorie counters, beware: This whopper of a burger consists of two patties stuffed with molten cheddar cheese. “Some of the best Juicy Lucy burgers are at Casper and Runyon’s Nook,” Norton says. “They complement their burgers with local bakery buns and some of the best fries in the city,”

Classy and contemporary, this elite KC burger joint doesn’t serve up an average fast-food patty. Blanc Burgers + Bottles offers fresh beef topped with the finest ingredients. The American Kobe Burger is finished with port wine onions, truffle butter, and mustard aioli, while the 100 Dollar features red wine-braised short ribs, foie gras butter, and onion marmalade. These juicy works of art are served on freshly baked brioche or rosemary olive oil buns. For sides, choose from a variety of old-fashioned bottled sodas or hand-cut fries. Served in a miniature-shopping cart, one order of fries will leave guests begging for more.

Nestled in the heart of Evanston, a northern suburb of Chicago, Edzo’s aims to bring diners an authentic burger experience back to the basics. Fresh patties are ground every morning and spiced with only salt and pepper. And shakes are blended in a vintage Multimixer spindle machine—just like the old days. On the side, Edzo’s serves up fries loaded with garlic, chili, cheese, bacon, and more. “By the time you’re done, you’ll already be planning your next trip,” Silver says. “It’s just that good.”

492 South Hamline Ave., St. Paul, MN 55116; 651.698.4347

10583 Mission Rd., Leawood, KS 66206 | 913.381.4500; 4710 Jefferson St., Kansas City, MO 64112; 816.931.6200

Natives and critics agree: Nothing says livin’ the high life like this ‘60s throwback hotspot. The lounge’s shag carpeting and vintage wallpaper—complete with wood paneling—give guests a taste of nostalgia. Hamm’s, PBR, and Schlitz are always on tap, and diners can choose from American favorites for dinner, such as chicken-fried gizzards and the everclassic Spam-and-egg-sandwich. “New burger joints in town serve all kinds of exotic combos, but the High Life Lounge Cheeseburger Basket nails the other end of the spectrum; it’s a perfectly greasy quarter-pounder with American cheese, pickles, and onions,” Agran says. “And the price is as retro as the décor.”

THE DARI-ETTE DRIVE

JASPER’S

GUSTO PIZZA CO.

LOU MALNATI’S PIZZERIA

The Dari-ette Drive is no traditional Italian eatery. Recently celebrating its 60th anniversary, it’s one of the few vintage drive-ins left in the nation. The Dari-ette menu covers all the drive-in bases— meaning it’s chock-full of burgers and fries. But, what sets this place apart is its Italian concoctions. Craving a milkshake and spaghetti? Coming right up. Other Italian options include the pizza burger, pasta dishes, and traditional Italian sandwiches. “This charming bit of Americana serves up a brilliant Hot Dago sandwich featuring sausage, marinara, and cheese on toasted bread,” Norton says.

Food connoisseurs from across the nation flock to this cozy Italian eatery recently named one of the best restaurants in the nation by Zagat. The owners make it clear: Dining at Jasper’s is a far cry from a family reunion at Olive Garden. Jasper’s prides itself on providing truly authentic Italian cuisine for 60-plus years. “Try the scampi alla livornese,” Stern suggests. “It’s a dish with shrimp covered in a garlic and wine sauce. They’ve been making it for over 57 years, and it’s incredible.”

Gusto Pizza Co. was born when friends Josh Holderness, Joe McConville, and Tony Lemmo joined forces to create made-fromscratch pies. Gusto has invited diners to “get some” unique pizza flavors for a little over a year. From fresh handmade crust and a variety of sophisticated ingredients— wine-marinated figs or maple-glazed ham, anyone?—to a hefty wine and beer menu, Gusto clearly isn’t your average pizza parlor. “Gusto’s pizza is satisfying and inventive. They all go well with the Iowa craft beers that the owners keep in stock,” Stern says. “You know a pizza isn’t just a pizza when you eat at Gusto.”

Don’t dispute it—no one does deepdish like Chicago. And no one makes a deepdish pie quite like Lou Malnati’s. Gooey mozzarella cheese, hearty tomato sauce, and fresh toppings are piled over a flaky, buttery crust several inches thick. Bring an empty stomach because even the most serious eaters struggle to finish more than one slice. “It’s almost like a casserole on a heavenly crust,” Stern says. “Lou Malnati’s is where deep dish is king.”

1440 E. Minnehaha Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55106; 651.776.3470

1201 W. 103rd St., Kansas City, MO 64114; 816.941.6600

1571 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201; 847.864.3396

200 Southwest 2nd St., Des Moines, IA 50309; 515.280.1965

Visit LouMalnatis.com for a full list of locations.

1905 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309; 515.244.8786

DRAKE MAGAZINE | 15

FOOD + DRINK

WORDS LAUREN MCELMEEL PHOTOS CLAIRE SEDOVIC

ON-TREND

TREATS

A guide to some of the most delectable desserts right now.

Everyone knows the best part of any meal is dessert. Forget brownies and ice cream sundaes, though. There are some unexpected—and totally delicious—delicacies on the rise.

CUPCAKE ATMS

MACAROONS

COOKIE DOUGH

Enjoying cupcakes used to require amateur hour in the kitchen or a trip to the local bakery. That’s no longer the case thanks to Sprinkles Cupcakes and its Cupcake ATM. This pastry revolution offers freshly baked K]XKISM[ WV KWUUIVL 8WX]TIZ ÆI^WZ[ such as vanilla, dark chocolate, cinnamon sugar, and red velvet are available daily for $4. More out-there options—including chai latte, ginger lemon, orange, mocha, and chocolate coconut—rotate through the ATM. ;QUXTa [KZWTT \PZW]OP \PM K]XKISM ÆI^WZ[ WV the touchscreen, and swipe a credit card to get the cupcake. Right now, the machines only operate in Chicago and Beverly Hills, but Sprinkles may install ATMs at its other locations across the nation.

Americans are suckers for anything imported from Europe—wine, cheese, chocolate, art— IVL \PM[M ZMÅVML KWVNMK\QWV[ IZM VW M`KMX\QWV .ZWU \PM TQOP\ IVL Æ]NNa \M`\]ZM \W \PMQZ KZQ[X outsides, these delectable desserts are a popular trend at parties and weddings. Europeinspired macaroons can come in a rainbow WN KWTWZ[ IVL ÆI^WZ[ NZWU KTI[[QK[ TQSM ^IVQTTI and chocolate to the unexpected raspberry or hazelnut. The baking process requires a little expertise. But it’s nothing that can’t be accomplished with some piping practice—and the results are well worth the effort. Not so keen on working in the kitchen? Leave the baking to the pros, and pick up a batch at the local bakery.

Licking the bowl clean after baking a batch of cookies has always meant risking salmonella poisoning—but not anymore. .]TÅTT \PI\ LW]OPa KZI^QVO _Q\P +WWSQM Dough Creations in Naperville, Ill. This small shop prides itself on being the only place on the planet that serves raw, edible, and egg-less cookie dough. Keep it classic with chocolate chip, or switch it up with cake batter or peanut butter. Enjoy the uncooked treat with ice cream, between cookies, in a milkshake, or straight out of the bowl. So eat your heart out—without worrying about impending illness. Suck it, salmonella. Order online: cookiedoughcreations.com

16 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

HIS CONSCIOUS

FOLKS

CONNECTION Michael Mapes lends his psychic abilities to helping others.

WORDS MEGAN STEIN PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL MAPES 5QKPIMT 5IXM[ UIa VW\ Å\ \PM 0WTTa_WWL XWZ\ZIaIT WN I X[aKPQK¸PM LWM[V¼\ PI^M I KZa[\IT JITT \IZW\ cards, or a fancy costume. But he does have the ability to tell the future, sense what’s happening in people’s lives, and communicate messages from spirits. Mapes is a psychic and a medium, and many of his clients say his readings are dead-on. Skeptics: Read on.

HIS TALENT ?PMV 5IXM[ _ITS[ QV\W I KZW_LML IZMI PM OM\[ I ZMTMV\TM[[ QVÆ]` WN QVNWZUI\QWV ]VKWV[KQW][Ta learning personal details about those around him. “I can turn my abilities up and down, but I KIV¼\ \]ZV \PMU WNN IVL WV º 5IXM[ [Ia[ 7N\MV\QUM[ 5IXM[ UMM\[ [WUMJWLa NWZ \PM ÅZ[\ \QUM and immediately knows intimate details of their lives. He has dreamed about events before they’ve happened—and his dreams matched reality. As a medium, he can also connect with souls that have passed on. “Information is conveyed to me through images and a sense of knowing,” Mapes explains. “Sometimes it’s like I see a ticker tape in my mind. I just relay the information. It doesn’t come from me—it comes through me.”

GROWING UP “I always had the sense of feeling very connected to people,” Mapes says. “Knowing information about complete strangers was really natural to me as a kid. It wasn’t until I got older that I discovered how bizarre it was.” When he was 5, Mapes declared that he was a psychic. But at such a young age, PQ[ [MV[M WN SVW_QVO _I[ LQNÅK]T\ \W KWV\ZWT IVL PM LQLV¼\ PI^M I UI\]ZM ]VLMZ[\IVLQVO WN _PI\ _I[ IXXZWXZQI\M \W \ITS IJW]\ ¹?PMV 1 _I[ 1 UM\ \PQ[ OQZT NWZ \PM ÅZ[\ \QUM IVL PIL I ^Q[QWV WN PMZ not having any food and her mom being a drug addict,” he says. “I didn’t realize I needed to censor Ua[MTN J]\ [PM KWVÅZUML Q\ _I[ \Z]M º

A NEW PURPOSE Mapes didn’t originally plan on making a living off his psychic ability. He has a degree in communications from Missouri ;\I\M =VQ^MZ[Q\a QV ;XZQVOÅMTL 5W IVL thought he would be a lawyer. But when Mapes was 19, his aunt died, and he was pushed in a new direction. “She came through and said to me, ‘You’re going to do readings, and you’re going to help XMWXTM ¼º 5IXM[ [Ia[ )\ ÅZ[\ PM _I[ skeptical. But six months later, he was doing just that.

SHARING HIS GIFT 6W_ 5IXM[ PI[ I J][QVM[[ QV ;XZQVOÅMTL Mo., based on telling the future. He hosts psychic readings, writes books, gives speeches, and is a life coach. “Growing up, my ability was a burden because I saw negative, tragic, and traumatic things,” he says. “But in my work now, it’s a gift. I see how good and resourceful people are and how hard they try.”

HOW IT WORKS When it comes to being a psychic, he continuously has to prove himself. In \PM ÅZ[\ \W UQV]\M[ WN I ZMILQVO Mapes doesn’t let clients talk. He tells them what he senses about their career or relationships, where they are in life, and what’s in store for them in the next year. While readings are strongly based on Mapes’s abilities, his personal coaching sessions are a combination WN LIQTa INÅZUI\QWV[ UMLQ\I\QWV[ IVL goal-oriented discussions that help clients overcome obstacles. Still, he acknowledges the skeptics. “I have to prove that I can do what I say I can,” Mapes says. “I respect people who don’t believe in it. I’m not a preacher or a minister. I’m not invested in people believing in psychics. I’m invested in people living better lives.” DRAKE MAGAZINE | 17

FOLKS

Vikings punter Chris Kluwe takes a stand for marriage equality. WORDS BEN VERHASSELT PHOTO ILLUSTRATION MORGAN CANNATA PHOTO JOE BIELAWA THROUGH CREATIVE COMMONS

18 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

FOLKS

Most professional athletes owe their fame to XTIa[ WV \PM ÅMTL IVL [KIVLIT[ WNN Q\ *]\ \PI\ isn’t the case with Chris Kluwe, an NFL player who made a household name for himself after speaking out for—of all things—gay rights. Until September, Kluwe was best known as a quirky Minnesota Vikings punter and wordnerd with a knack for the online role-playing game World of Warcraft. All of that changed when Emmett Burns, a gay rights opponent and Maryland state delegate tried to censor Baltimore Raven Brendon Ayenbadejo after the football player spoke out in support of gay marriage. When Kluwe got wind of this, he called the legislator out. In an eloquently profane, 758-word literary tirade, Kluwe deemed Burns “mindfuckingly, obscenely hypocritical” and a “narcissistic fromunda stain.” The letter went viral, and Kluwe—a heterosexual, husband, and father of two—became the latest face of LGBT advocacy overnight. Writing the letter was a no-brainer for the Savage, Minn., football player. “This is a human and civil rights issue, one that needs to be confronted sooner rather than later,” he says. “I can only control my life, and that’s all I ask other people to do—respect the rights of others to live the way they choose as long as it doesn’t involve the oppression of someone else.” While he has always staunchly supported marriage equality, Kluwe, 30, wasn’t always [MMV I[ I XWTQ\QKIT ÅO]ZM )ZW]VL 5QVVMIXWTQ[ he has a long-standing reputation as one of the most colorful characters in town. Kluwe has played with the Vikings since 2005 and made headlines for selling his jersey number to another player in exchange for a $5,000 donation to charity—and an ice cream cone. He also plays bass in local band Tripping 1KIZ][ )VL _PMV PM¼[ VW\ WV \PM ÅMTL WZ _Q\P his family, he’s an avid gamer. (He boasts 8,000 achievement points on WoW with his character, a troll named Loate, but reportedly quit last year because “it wasn’t a challenge anymore.”)

Since getting swept up in the marriage debate, Kluwe has adjusted to his role as a highXZWÅTM UIZZQIOM MY]ITQ\a XZWXWVMV\ M^MV XW[QVO [PQZ\TM[[ NWZ OIa TQNM[\aTM UIOIbQVM Out. He put his celebrity status to use in Minnesota to rally voters against a constitutional amendment that would make gay marriage illegal in the state. A strong voice in the “Vote No” campaign, Kluwe recorded commercials and worked with several organizations—including Minnesotans for Equality and Minnesotans United for All Families. His efforts were rewarded in November when the amendment was defeated. But Kluwe acknowledges there’s still a marriage equality battle in the state. “Defeating this amendment won’t make same-sex marriage legal in Minnesota, but it will allow us the chance to make a decision on its future instead of taking away our right to vote entirely,” he says. “I’d like to increase my role as an advocate because I think I can help make a difference in the way this issue is viewed. I have a unique platform as an athlete to get messages out, and I feel that this issue is important enough to take a stand on.” Kluwe isn’t the only athlete to be vocal about his support for gay marriage—Scott Fujita of the Cleveland Browns, Antonio Cromartie of the New York Jets, and Connor Barwin of the Houston Texans have all voiced similar sentiments. Their standing up may spark improved gay-straight relations in the NFL, a stereotypically homophobic arena. “If enough of us speak out, we can help convince people that just because you’re gay, it doesn’t mean you should be treated any less human,” Kluwe says, noting he’s received support from several teammates since writing the letter. “It’s not as bad as it once was, but there are still barriers to overcome. Primarily, it’s guys not being tolerant of others’ points of view. But as the years go past, I think we’ll see that fade out more and more.” As far as the future of LGBT rights, Kluwe thinks the country is headed in the right direction—but that there’s still work to be done. “I think it’s unfortunate we still feel the need to classify people based on labels. You shouldn’t have to be ‘proud’ of your sexuality just like you shouldn’t have to be ‘proud’ that you’re against slavery,” he says. “In 50 years, what will our children think when they look back at our actions? What do we think of how our parents and grandparents acted during segregation?”

FOLKS

Chandra Turner educates up-­and-­coming editors. WORDS KATIE MINNICK PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANDRA TURNER

Unless you’re a magazine snob—which you might be if you’re reading this—you probably have no idea what ASME stands for. You don’t know someone named Ed or why 2010 accompanies his name. And you’ve never heard of Chandra Turner. When it comes to getting a job and making it in the publishing industry, Chandra Turner is the go-to resource. Turner is the executive editor of Parents magazine in New York City. She’s also the founder and president of Ed2010, an organization dedicated to helping students, recent grads, and aspiring editors reach their career goals in the magazine industry. Turner’s story starts out simple. She studied journalism at Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind., on the recommendation of her then-boyfriend, another journalism major. “He told me, ‘You have to go a school where they have good student media. You can use the clips you get there to help get you an internship because an internship gets you a job,’” Turner says. “At 17, this was novel to me.” Turner took his advice. She wrote for the student newspaper from her freshman year until she graduated. Her love of writing—and her extracurricular involvement—helped her get PMZ ÅZ[\ QV\MZV[PQX I\ American Legion magazine. “I was going to work for a bunch of veterans,” Turner says. “I basically said in my interview, ‘I don’t know why you would want me, but I think there should be more stories about women, especially women veterans.’ I got the RWJ IVL Ua ÅZ[\ I[[QOVUMV\ _I[ \W _ZQ\M I [\WZa covering just that.”

20 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

FOLKS

It was during this internship that Turner fully realized her love for magazines. “This was long before Lauren Conrad and other TV stars glamorized the industry,” she says. “I realized that I really liked this magazine stuff. And then it was like—ding, ding, ding—I should be working in magazines. This is really what I like to do.” Upon her epiphany, Turner applied for the American Society of Magazine Editors internship. The 10-week ASME program places 24 of the best journalism students from across the country at well-known magazines, typically in New York City. Turner received a position at American Baby _PQKP TML \W PMZ ÅZ[\ RWJ I\ Good Housekeeping .ZWU \PMZM PMZ Zu[]Uu KWV\QV]ML \W OZW_ with positions at YM, CosmoGirl!, Cosmopolitan, Ladies’ Home Journal, and Glamour. While working as an assistant editor at Glamour, Turner began telling her former ASME interns who were still in school about job openings she knew of in the city. This was the humble beginning of Ed2010, a network of magazine professionals that provides career advancement resources for college-age and entry-level journalists. Forbes recently ranked its website— Ed2010.com—one of the top 100 websites for millennial women. “It started out so informal, just friends hanging out,” Turner says. “We’d meet up for drinks, and someone said we should start a club. Then we started the website.” The group got its name from the members’ ultimate goal when it was founded in 1998: to be magazine editors by the year 2010. From his humble beginnings in a bar, Ed—as he’s now fondly known—has gone global. Today, there are over 25 Ed2010 college chapters and 11 city chapters across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. that meet to discuss the magazine industry and provide networking opportunities. “The more people you know in this industry, the more you hear about jobs,” Turner says. “The more information you have about salaries and about different companies, the better you will be able to navigate a complicated and competitive career path.” )[ NWZ <]ZVMZ¼[ KIZMMZ [PM [MMU[ \W PI^M ÆI_TM[[Ta VI^QOI\ML the tricky waters of the magazine industry, all while founding a successful startup organization and building a family. Although her schedule is packed, and she doesn’t have much—if any— time to relax, she insists she wouldn’t change any of it. “I had Ed2010 before I had my children and before my husband—I was married to Ed before I was married to Paul,” Turner says. “It becomes a part of who you are.”

INTERNSHIP OR JOB

Turner and Ed share some of their top tips—and you don’t need to be a journalism student to apply them.

1 2 3 4 5

Find where you want to work, and pursue it endlessly. “Everybody wants to hire someone who is their fan, someone who wants to be there,” Turner says. “They’re going to bring fresh ideas.” Find something you’re good at or passionate about. “Have interests in specialized areas,” Turner says. “If you’re a celebrity beauty junkie, you are so much more likely to get a job at a beauty website because you have that tight-focused niche.” Send a thank-you note after your interview. According to editors on Ed2010.com, “People notice thank-you notes. It doesn’t matter if you send an email or a written card. You can even do both if you say something different in each of them.” Do an informational interview, or talk to professionals around you. “I know pretty much every young person who wants to break into women’s magazines,” Turner says. “They come in for informational interviews, and I get to meet a lot of these really great up-and-coming kids. It’s satisfying because I get to help them.” Keep in touch with alumni and other professionals you meet. Ed says, “Email every few months. Update your contacts when you have news, like a new job or writing assignment. But don’t forget to ask about what’s going on in their lives, too!” DRAKE MAGAZINE | 21

SAY WHAT

RAISING THE

BAR

WORDS HAYLEY MASON PHOTO CARTER OSWOOD

Improve your inebriated outings with these tips. College bars are a completely separate scene from real-world establishments. When hitting the hot spots in any major city, you want to be the life of the party—not the hot mess. It’s time to grow up and get your shit together. Follow these reasonable etiquette tips, and you’ll be golden.

appreciate your karaoke rendition as much as you do. There’s also sloppy syndrome: when someone goes from having fun to NITTQVO W^MZ [XQTTQVO LZQVS[ IVL XQKSQVO ÅOP\[ ,WV¼\ JM \PI\ person. Blackout adventures are always embarrassing, and they grow less appropriate the older you get.

DANCING

ATTIRE

To dance or not to dance? If you have to ask, the answer is no. Look around: If you don’t see anything that could be construed as a dance ÆWWZ \PM IV[_MZ Q[ VW )VL QN \PM ^MV]M Q[ [W KZW_LML \PI\ \PM [TQOP\M[\ move could risk spilling your neighbor’s rum and Coke, the answer is no. As for acceptable moves, keep it classy. Dancing shouldn’t be any XZM^QM_ WN _PI\¼[ OWQVO LW_V QV aW]Z JMLZWWU \PI\ VQOP\ ,WV¼\ ÆIQT into the people around you, be cautious of rising hemlines, and please SMMX aW]Z PIVL[ WNN \PM ÆWWZ

There are many different types of bars, and you should dress accordingly. A Bears jersey may be appropriate for a sports bar but not the club. Put a little effort into your appearance when hitting the bar. Ladies, blow dry your hair, and skip the messy bun. Activewear is not acceptable, but dresses and skirts are \ZQKSa \MZZQ\WZa 1N \PMZM¼[ \PM [TQOP\M[\ KPIVKM aW] UIa ÆI[P someone, stick to jeans. Men, dress like you’re adults—because you are. Your high school football championship is impressive J]\ VW\ _PMV Q\¼[ WV aW]Z < [PQZ\ ?MIZ I [PQZ\ Å\ NWZ I aMIZ WTL IVL LQ\KP \PM ÆQX ÆWX[ )VL NWZ \PM TW^M WN M^MZaWVM _PW¼[ ever been in a hot, crowded bar, don’t forget deodorant.

PICK-­UPS Maybe at your campus watering hole you can tell a girl that she looks nice and buy her shots of cheap tequila, but this won’t cut it elsewhere. Use that liquid courage to its fullest: Try commenting on something that someone would only notice if they were paying exclusive attention to her—get creative. Strike up a friendly conversation, and—more importantly—keep a little distance. The men who do best at bars are those who are genuinely interested and equally classy. The drunk, handsy, and aggressive guys go home alone.

DRINK CONSUMPTION Drinking with friends is a perfectly acceptable way to spend an evening. But there’s a difference between blowing off some steam with a couple beers after work and doing rounds of Mind Eraser shots while screaming the lyrics to “Call Me Maybe.” It may be tempting—and sometimes understandable after a rough exam—but chances are, no one’s going to 22 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

TIPPING College students are notoriously cheap—and maybe for a good reason. But between feasting on Ramen and pre-gaming with vodka cheap enough to double as rubbing alcohol, you should have a few spare bucks lying around. Tip your bartenders. One dollar per drink is standard, but keep in mind—the more complex the cocktail, the more you should tip. Around college campuses, the bartender may be the guy who borrows your history notes, but in the real world, he or she will probably be a stranger who has bills to pay or a family to provide for. Take a look around any bar near closing time, and you’ll see just how much that bartender deserves the tip. Chances are you’ll get your drinks faster and mixed better when they know you tip well.

SAY WHAT

DO IT

YOURSELF

One woman touches on the taboo subject of solo sex. WORDS ERIN CLANCY ILLUSTRATION CLAIRE SEDOVIC We can’t allow this, nor should we aid them by repressing our sexuality ourselves. Old-fashioned, anti-patriarchal rebellion isn’t the only reason why we [PW]TL JM TQJMZI\ML Ja UI[\]ZJI\QWV" <PMZM IZM UIVa PMIT\P JMVMÅ\[ WN self-love, too. According to Planned Parenthood, solo sex reduces stress, can help you fall sleep, strengthens pelvic muscles, and alleviates menstrual KZIUX[ 1\ IT[W QVKZMI[M[ JTWWL ÆW_ _PQ\M JTWWL KW]V\ IVL MVLWZXPQV[ And women who masturbate reportedly have better body image and overall self-esteem. Bottom line: Masturbation makes women healthier and happier. If it’s a dirty sin to be a physically and mentally better person because I touch myself, then call me a devil worshipper. Women should feel as proud about masturbation as they do when exercising or eating well. To equivocate female masturbation as being unclean or slutty is an obscenely obsolete perspective, and I refuse to buy into it. Self-pleasure is natural, beautiful, and healthy. Don’t get me wrong—I love sex as much as the next girl. But I’m not going to sit around and twiddle my thumbs until a man comes along to satisfy me—if he can. I can do it myself just as easily.

W HO

<PQ[ aMIZ NWZ Ua JQZ\PLIa 1 WXMVML I OQN\ \W ÅVL Ua ^MZa ÅZ[\ vibrator. Later, I showed two of my male friends the present. They were happy for me and teased me about how soon I would start using the toy. I was excited—but I didn’t let my eagerness go beyond that small radius of friends. Why? Because several of my close female friends have repeatedly condemned masturbation as “gross” and “a guy thing.” Imagining their negative reactions, I wasn’t as open about my gift anymore. I immediately stored the toy away and haven’t mentioned it to anyone else since. Let’s examine this for a minute. Why are women everywhere made to feel ashamed of self-pleasure? Men brag and joke about masturbation every day. Meanwhile, women pride themselves on how little they eat. So society wants me to hate my body so much that I deprive it of a vibrator and pizza? I don’t think so. Ladies, our social and moral shackles need to be broken. Women have been conditioned to think it’s abnormal to express our sexuality the way men do. When we really look at it, though, it’s just like that book Everyone Poops—only in this case, Everyone Jerks Off. In all seriousness, every human has masturbated at least once in his or her life. Before dismissing this statement, consider this: According to The Sexual Life of Children by Floyd Martinson, infants—when they’re 3 months old—learn that rubbing their genitals feels good, and they frequently do so. It isn’t considered sexual at this age, but we should recognize that this natural act happens early on but is frowned upon later. Women masturbate. I know you have, you know you have, and we all know I have. We might not all masturbate in the same way, but we still do it. According to the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, 83 percent of men and 64 percent of women ages 18 to 49 reported masturbating in the past year. So both men and women masturbate, but females still get the brunt of societal shame. I call bull. Why does the antiquated idea of females as innocent, ^QZOQVIT ÅO]ZM[ [\QTT M`Q[\' 7]Z [WKQM\a [Ia[ XZWXMZ OQZT[ [PW]TLV¼\ IK\ like animals (read: men) because they’re supposed to be wholesome, clean, and only sexual when a man says so. God forbid women have any sexual independence of their own, let alone express it with their own hands. Perpetuating this patriarchal view of masturbation just gives men another way to repress women.

M

BATES? R U T AS

64 83 %

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DRAKE MAGAZINE | 23

HEALTH + FITNESS

HEALTH MYTHS

DEBUNKED Some common health tips may not be helpful at all. WORDS KATHERINE ROUSONELOS PHOTOS MORGAN CANNATA

We all want to look and feel our best—that’s a fact. But the seemingly countless ways to get there can be confusing. Does losing weight happen through vigorous exercise or by following a fad diet? Does it really matter what exercises people do at the gym? DrakeMag has called in the experts to help debunk some of the most common health myths.

MYTH: Spinach is a better source of iron than meat. Sorry, Popeye. A misplaced decimal in the original research report on spinach by Dr. E. von Wolf in 1870 caused people to believe the vegetabale has 10 times more iron than it actually does. Experts eventually corrected the slip-up, but most are still none the wiser. “Spinach does have a lot of iron,” Ushma Patel says. “But it doesn’t do the body much good. Your body can’t absorb the iron in spinach like it can from a piece of meat.”

MYTH: Gluten-­free is the healthiest way to eat. A completely gluten-free diet is only helpful for people actually diagnosed with celiac disease or some form of gluten intolerance. “Gluten-free is now mainstream, which can be good or not-so-good depending on the individual,” Amber Groeling says. There are different types of reaction to gluten: People with celiac disease can’t have a speck of gluten because it damages their cells. Meanwhile, those with gluten intolerance can have complications from gluten, but their cells aren’t actually damaged. Groeling says that 95 percent of people living with celiac in the U.S. are undiagnosed. “Once a person begins a gluten-free diet, the testing for celiac disease is no longer accurate,” she says. “So it’s imperative that anyone who wants to go gluten-free get the proper testing and diagnosis before doing so.” For others, food with gluten contains essential nutrients like folic acid and B vitamins. “Avoiding healthy grains is unnecessary,” Groeling say. “Going gluten-free provides no PMIT\P JMVMÅ\[ QN aW] LWV¼\ PI^M WVM WN \PM[M KWVLQ\QWV[ º

MYTH:

Cardio is the ultimate fat-­burner.

Get off the elliptical, and break out those weights. A combo of strength training and cardio is the best way to burn fat. Strength training is vital to weight loss because building muscle helps boost metabolism. “Hands down, the answer is strength training when it comes to weight loss,” Gerard Iacullo says. “When properly executed, strength training builds lean tissue, increases bone density, and improves hormone levels. The more lean tissue a person possesses, the more calories they burn—even at rest.”

THE EXPERTS: Gerard Iacullo

Ushma Patel, M.D.,

Amber Groeling R.D., L.D.,

has been a personal trainer for 19 years and has worked at Jim Karas Personal Training +PQKIOW NWZ \PM XI[\ Å^M

is a pediatrician at ABC Pediatrics in Naperville, Ill. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois in UrbanaChampaign, Ill., and attended medical school at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill.

is a Hy-Vee dietician in Topeka, Kan. She received her bachelor’s degree in dietetics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Kansas Dietetic Association.

24 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

HEALTH + FITNESS

MYTH: Women should use light weights to avoid bulking up. Women who bench press with the boys needn’t worry about becoming a She-Hulk. It would take an outrageous amount of time at the gym to get such masculine proportions. Drop the pink, two-pound dumbbells, and start lifting heavy. “Utilizing a weight that doesn’t fully challenge a person in the 8-to-10 rep range is a waste of time,” Iacullo says. “Women should train with weights that challenge them, just like men do.” This will also help women build up their ideal muscle mass, making them look sleeker and more toned—but not like a female bodybuilder.

MYTH: Stretching before a workout is essential. All those warm-up stretches from high school gym class may not be necessary. Experts say stretching before a workout has little effect on how the muscles perform. Instead of focusing on limbering up, warm up the muscles through kinetic movement. A quick jog or a few sets of jumping jacks will help get blood pumping before a workout. “Stretching before a workout is not essential, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stretch at all,” Iacullo says. “Performing some type of soft tissue work after a workout helps muscles achieve new length.” He recommends cooling down and stretching after a workout to avoid strain.

MYTH: Detoxes help with weight loss by eliminating toxins. It’s the Hollywood craze that’s sweeping the nation, endorsed by celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Megan Fox. But while detox diets may help a person lose weight initially, adherence to this type of diet is UQVQUIT ¹7N\MV \PM _MQOP\ TW[[ Q[ Æ]QL TW[[¸VW\ NI\ TW[[ 7VKM \PMa OW WNN \PM XTIV \PM _MQOP\ Q[ ZMOIQVML º Groeling says. “Detox diets lack clinical evidence at achieving long-term weight loss success. Plus, there’s no ZM[MIZKP [PW_QVO I VMML \W Æ][P WZ LM\W`QNa \PM TQ^MZ¸W]Z JWLQM[ LW VI\]ZITTa º 0MZ IL^QKM" =[M R]QKQVO I[ a way to help reach your fruit and veggie goal. Fill the rest of your plate with lean protein sources and whole grains, and make sure to get a variety of foods within each category.

MYTH: Protein drinks help build muscle. ,MLQKI\QWV \W LIQTa XZW\MQV [PISM[ Q[ OZMI\ LMLQKI\QWV QV \PM OaU Q[ R][\ I[ ^Q\IT )Z\QÅKQIT XZW\MQV ITWVM Q[V¼\ a shortcut to building muscle mass. “Protein from shakes is very different from the protein in food,” Patel [Ia[ ¹8ZW\MQV LZQVS[ PI^M IZ\QÅKQIT V]\ZQMV\[ _PQKP \PM JWLa LWM[V¼\ IJ[WZJ I[ _MTT ,ZQVS[ KIV UISM I small difference, but most of the impact on muscles is from actual weight-bearing exercise.”

MYTH: Eating fatty food causes pimples. A fatty diet itself can’t cause acne. But think twice before loading up on pizza and candy bars—skin won’t OTW_ TQSM Q\ [PW]TL QN [XMKQÅK V]\ZQ\QWVIT VMML[ IZMV¼\ UM\ ¹-I\QVO KPWKWTI\M IVL NZQML NWWL _WV¼\ KI][M acne,” Patel says. “Junk food doesn’t have an impact on the way the skin develops. The majority of acne comes from a hereditary predisposition and what you do topically. But touching your skin after you eat something greasy, fatty, or fried could really affect you.”

MYTH: Washboard abs are the result of tons of crunches. Britney Spears reportedly does hundreds of crunches a day to maintain her killer bod. But Brit’s method is the stuff of legend because focusing on ab workouts alone won’t help blast belly fat. Trainers say exercises that target different parts of the abdominals will help build and strengthen muscles but not eliminate fat entirely. Translation: Gwen Stefani-level abs won’t be noticeable if they’re buried under a layer of blubber. ¹<PM JM[\ _Ia \W OM\ ZQL WN JWLa NI\ Q[ \W NWTTW_ I V]\ZQMV\ LMV[M PQOP ÅJMZ LQM\ TQN\ _MQOP\[ IVL MVOIOM QV some type of cardiovascular exercise,” says Iacullo.

DRAKE MAGAZINE | 25

HEALTH + FITNESS

UP ALL NIGHT

WORDS SAMI SMITH PHOTO MORGAN CANNATA

A look at an alternative sleep cycle with only 120 minutes of sleep a day. Sometimes, there just aren’t enough hours in the day. Polyphasic sleep—taking several short naps throughout the day instead of sleeping through the night—is being touted as a way to boost productivity and “lengthen” a day. Sounds too good to be true, right? Experts say it’s just that. Also known as the Uberman sleep method, this sleep cycle turns an average eight-hour night of shut-eye into a series of six 20-minute naps every four hours. The theory is based on Rapid Eye Movement (aka REM), the restorative period of sleep where the body repairs itself. For nightly snoozers, natural sleep cycles occur every 90 minutes, and REM sleep occurs near the end of the cycle. Those who use the Uberman method experience REM cycles in a shorter amount of time. So, six short naps incorporating REM are

SHIT!

equivalent to eight consecutive hours of rest because the sleeper ultimately experiences the same amount of REM rejuvenation. *TWOOMZ ;\M^M 8I^TQVI I\\MUX\ML \PM [TMMX KaKTM NWZ W^MZ Å^M UWV\P[ )KKWZLQVO \W XW[\[ WV PQ[ [Q\M JMVMÅ\[ WN LQ\KPQVO TWVOMZ [TMMX NWZ [PWZ\MZ [X]Z\[ QVKT]LML QVKZMI[ML ITMZ\VM[[ UWZM MVMZOa and six glorious extra hours of being awake each day. If 20-year-olds implemented the Uberman schedule, they could gain between 11 and 15 years of consciousness. So why aren’t more people jumping on the polyphasic bandwagon? Tabatha Greene, lead technologist at the Martha Jefferson Hospital Sleep Medicine Center in Charlottesville, Va., says polyphasic sleep cycles aren’t an ideal way to re-energize the body. In addition to an initial “zombie week” that many new Uberman enthusiasts experience, there are several drawbacks to this seemingly magical day-lengthener. Increased appetite, memory problems, and frighteningly vivid dreams are also unwelcome side effects. Not to mention, an alternative sleep plan doesn’t match up with the rest of society’s daily structure, making work and [WKQIT TQ^M[ LQNÅK]T\ \W UIQV\IQV The risks of an Uberman sleep cycle can create more hazardous situations than sleepers may ZMITQbM I\ ÅZ[\ /ZMMVM [Ia[ ¹AW] Z]V \PM ZQ[S WN TW[QVO \Z]M Y]ITQ\a [TMMX 1VKZMI[ML ZQ[S WN \ZINÅK accidents, accidents on the job, and decreased attention span are all possible if you don’t get enough sleep.” While a few extra hours a day may seem helpful, the drawbacks outweigh the JMVMÅ\[ [W [\QKSQVO \W \PM [\IVLIZL MQOP\ PW]Z[ Q[ [INM[\

WORDS RACHEL WARD PHOTO MORGAN CANNATA

You’re doing it wrong.

Toilets may be screwing up our shit—literally. Humans are anatomically built to squat—in lieu of sitting— while pooping, according to Israeli doctor Dov Sikirov, author of “Comparison of Straining During Defecation in Three Positions: Results and Implications for Human Health” in Digestive Diseases and Sciences journal. Squatting creates a 35-degree angle between the digestive system and the legs, which fully relaxes the muscle that separates the rectum from the colon. In theory, this makes wasteelimination easier on the body. But today’s chair-like toilets take us from 35 degrees to 90 degrees. Sitting only partially relaxes that muscle, straining the colon more when on the john. But sitting to shit doesn’t only make 26 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

elimination uncomfortable—it may cause serious health problems, too. Some of these include colitis, hemorrhoids, constipation, colon cancer, and appendicitis. While many of these are attributed to lack of dietary ÅJMZ M`XMZ\[ I\ ;Y]I\\a 8W\\a \PQVS \PMa SVW_ _PI\ \PM \Z]M K]TXZQ\ Q[" Western civilization’s porcelain throne. The modern-day toilet may seem civilized and clean, but in many Eastern countries, squatting is the norm. Squatty Potty wants to change the way America poops—without taking away our sophisticated seating. The company manufactures sleek stools that seamlessly slide under the front of a toilet. Propping feet up on the stool creates that ideal angle, so we can do our business better. It’s sturdy, convenient, and just might be a simple solution to some seriously shitty problems.

Who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?

Drake Broadcasting 6\VWHP LV XS WR QHZ and exciting things this year and YOU can be a part of our next big project!

Interested? Contact Erin.Hassanzadeh@drake.edu

DBS is

NOW HIRING for the Drake Relays Telecast, the largest student-only run production in the nation! 3URGXFHUV 7DOHQW &DPHUD 2SHUDWRUV

FASHION

MIDWEST

BOUTIQUE WORDS EMILY GREGOR ILLUSTRATIONS CLAIRE SEDOVIC

ROUND-UP

DrakeMag tracked down the region’s top shopping spots.

VITAE DESIGN COLLECTIVE Stock up on vintage, locally designed, and repurposed duds at Vitae Design Collective. This East Village boutique’s racks hold retro dresses, OZIXPQK \MM[ IVL ÆQZ\a MV[MUJTM[ )[QLM NZWU Q\[ alternative apparel and quality leather goods, be sure to look into Vitae’s handmade accessories—they’re a NIZ KZa NZWU KZIN\ NIQZ ÅVL[ Photos courtesy of Vitae Design Collective

400 East Locust Street Des Moines, IA 50309 515.288.1349 vitaedesigncollective.blogspot.com

PENELOPE’S Penelope’s in Wicker Park has been dubbed the best place to shop in Chicago—and for good reason. Its buyers’ impeccable taste for stylish sophistication shines through in a clean color palette and cleaner lines. Think Modcloth-meets=ZJIV 7]\Å\\MZ[ \PM[M Y]ITQ\a KTW\PM[ NZWU established and up-and-coming designers are made to be worn in, not out.

28 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

1913 W. Division St. Chicago, IL 60622 773.395.2351 ShopPenelopes.com

FASHION

BLUSH BOUTIQUE ;\ 4W]Q[ NI[PQWVQ[\I[ ÆWKS \W \PQ[ suburban boutique for its trusted designer labels and trendy lines—including ÆI\\MZQVO LZM[[M[ ÅMZKM OWQVO W]\ IXXIZMT and high-fashion jackets. Pick up some premium denim, splurge on a statement bag, or stock up on urban accessories. Photos courtesy of Blush Boutique

110 North Clay Avenue St. Louis, MO, 63122 314.965.4411 shopblushboutique.com

SPARROW COLLECTIVE

PRIMP BOUTIQUE

Channeling an urban boho aesthetic, Milwaukee hidden treasure Sparrow Collective—tucked away in the Bayview neighborhood—boasts an eclectic collection of dynamic prints on dresses and skirts, as well as comfortable knitwear. But the real must-haves—like their tribal-inspired jewelry—come from local artisans and designers. Sparrow provides distinct fashion necessities, whether that’s a subtle yet eye-catching accessory—like a pair of colorful, beaded earrings—or a metallic pendant statement piece.

With two locations in the Twin Cities metro, 8ZQUX KI\MZ[ \W \PM ÆaW^MZ [\I\M¼[ NI[PQWV followers—and its “cheap chic” catchphrase KW]TLV¼\ JM UWZM \Z]M 8ZQUX KIV Å` IVa 20-something’s fast fashion needs, whether Q\¼[ NWZ \PM WNÅKM OWQVO W]\ WZ IVa\PQVO QV between. Tip: The friendly staff is always on hand for a quick styling suggestion.

2224 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207; 414.747.9229 etsy.com/shop/sparrowcollective

Photos by Jeff Nelson

618 Selby Avenue St. Paul, MN 55102 651.414.0091 1628 West End Blvd. St. Louis Park, MN 55416 952.303.3791 primpyourself.com

FRANKIE & JULES There’s no place like Kansas—and the same can be said of this KC suburban boutique. Located in a gravel parking lot, Frankie & Jules stands out in comparison to the strip mallstyle stores surrounding it. And its pricing will please the practical fashionista (à la Charlotte from Sex and the City): Nothing in the store costs over $100. While Frankie & Jules carries a little bit of everything, this shop is the perfect stop for bold and colorful jewelry, belts, and accessories. Photos courtesy of Frankie & Jules

15495 Quivira Rd., Overland Park, Kansas 66221 913.544.1700 www.frankieandjules.com DRAKE MAGAZINE | 29

FASHION

SMALL GIRL

BIG STYLE

Why a size 2 fashion student is breaking into plus-­size design. WORDS LINLEY SANDERS PHOTO COURTESY OF VON PRESLEY STUDIOS On a brisk Saturday morning on her college campus, Shongedzai “Lucy” Matangira stands out. While her peers sport hoodies and sweats, Matangira’s size 2 frame is wrapped in a dark purple dress. She’s only 5-foot-4, but she holds her own in a pair of black, six-inch Jeffrey Campbell heels. She’s VW\ LZM[[ML ]X XMZ [M¸\PQ[ Q[ \PM \aXM WN W]\Å\ 5I\IVOQZI usually wears. This 20-year-old fashion student at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, cuts no corners when it comes to her appearance, and she’s not afraid to speak her mind. Matangira thinks prom dresses, as a general rule, are ugly. She can’t think of a time when wearing pajamas outside of the bedroom is acceptable. And there’s absolutely no doubt in her mind that skinny girls have more than enough to wear. This tiny designer is taking it upon herself to expand the fashion world to new horizons: She’s designing plus size. “Plus size is ignored way too much,” Matangira says. “I don’t think that there’s a good amount of effort extended to plus-size clothing—especially in places like the Midwest. There are a few stores that do it correctly, but for the college age, it’s not designed well.” It may seem strange that this petite girl has taken it upon herself to design clothes she’ll likely never wear, but she’s up for the challenge. She’s never completed a sewing class, but she doesn’t need to—she’s not the type to wait around for someone to teach her how to do something, and she doesn’t take the easy way out. That’s another reason Matangira designs plus [QbM KTW\PQVO" ;PM ÅVL[ \PM KPITTMVOM M`KQ\QVO

30 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

“I think it’s way more fun,” Matangira says. “That’s one thing that I don’t enjoy about having to design straight sizes for my classes: There’s just not enough to work with. I’m so used to having hips and boobs to work with and manipulate. I’d ZI\PMZ ÅO]ZM W]\ PW_ 1 KIV ZMKZMI\M \PM [IUM OWZOMW][ TWWS QV a plus size.” Danielle Levings, one of Matangira’s models, says her favorite part of working with the designer is how comfortable and valued she makes her feel. “She really cares about making people look good and has the drive to make beautiful KWTTMK\QWV[ º 4M^QVO[ [Ia[ VW\QVO \PI\ [PM¼[ KWVÅLMV\ _M¼TT [MM Matangira’s clothes on the runway soon. “I’m so glad there’s a designer like Lucy who wants to make beautiful clothes for women with curves. So many plus-sized clothes are boxy or TQSM LZIXM[¸VW\ 4]Ka¼[ ;PM UISM[ XQMKM[ \PI\ Å\ IVL ÆI\\MZ women who look like me. It’s wonderful.” Matangira’s work is all over her apartment, and fashion is integrated into every aspect of the space. Her designs surround her—sketches are taped to the window and strewn across the ÆWWZ ) UIVVMY]QV [\IVL[ VM`\ \W PMZ <> 1V[XQZI\QWV KWUM[ from a variety of places, she says—anything from episodes of Spongebob or Mad Men to people-watching on campus can spark an idea. From there, an entire collection can be done in 20 minutes, or it can take weeks, depending on her inspiration. Last summer, Matangira interned in New York City at Monif C, a company focused on contemporary plus-size fashion, where she got the opportunity to work with designers and

FASHION

sleeve 3"

atta h ch ere

voice her opinion on pieces. “I’m one of those people who will speak my mind if I think plus-size things are ugly,” Matangira says. “It’s like word vomit because bad design just irritates me.” She bluntly lists which brands succeed at plus size and which ones fail to hit the mark. She applauds those who try to make plus-size women look and feel sexy but thinks too many companies don’t even attempt plus-size wear. “That makes absolutely no sense to me,” Matangira says. “I always put myself in their shoes. If I was 100 pounds heavier and really wanted [WUM\PQVO K]\M \W _MIZ R][\ SVW_QVO \PI\ 1 KW]TLV¼\ ÅVL Q\ anywhere would upset me.” And quite often, companies misinterpret what plus size should be. “There’s a difference between sexy and streetwalker,” she [Ia[ ¹AW] _IV\ \W ÅVL I KWUUWV OZW]VL JM\_MMV \PM \_W º 5I\IVOQZI _WZS[ \W ÅVL \PM PIXXa UMLQ]U JM\_MMV _PI\ [PM describes as “grandma clothes” and the “hooker style” that many brands seem to favor. “They’ve got the matronly thing down to a T, which nobody wants,” Matangira says. “But I haven’t really seen much of that ’50s glam, sophisticated, little-black-dress type of plus size. I want to create that.” She also dreams of one day debuting a plus size couture line at Paris Fashion Week. But until then, don’t bet on Matangira kicking back her heels. “People are always so shocked when I tell them I design plus size. But skinny girls have enough to wear— size should never restrict style.”

cut here

4" 6"

sleeves

6"

6"

4" 18" front

Dress Pattern DRAKE MAGAZINE | 31

EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR FUTURE With its top-ranked faculty, undergraduate and graduate programs, and facilities, Drake’s exceptional learning environment gives you the experience you need for the future you want.

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Drake’s M.B.A program is No. 1 in central Iowa, as voted by readers of the :[i Ce_d[i 8ki_d[ii H[YehZ for five straight years.

8WhhedÊi" F[j[hiedÊi WdZ A_fb_d][hÊi identified Drake as a best value education.

Drake is a top producer of Fulbright Scholars among the nation’s master’s universities.

DWj_edWb @kh_ij has recognized Drake Law in the areas of best value, best public interest law school, most clinical opportunities, instructional technology, and average starting salary.

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FASHION

Vagrant Nobility designs durable duds for the Midwestern man. WORDS KATHERINE DEWITT PHOTOS COURTESY OF VAGRANT NOBILITY

WINDY CITY WEAR

)[QLM NZWU IV INÅVQ\a NWZ ÆIVVMT IVL _WZS _MIZ 5QL_M[\MZVMZ[ IZMV¼\ known for their fashion sense. But two very trendy dudes in the heart of Chicago are trying to change that. The guys: Tim Tierney and Mike Moriarty. Their fashionable brainchild: Vagrant Nobility. With highquality materials, vintage hardware, and serious Midwest love, this duo aims to change the country’s prospect of Midwestern style—and look good doing it. “Yeah, there are a lot more resources in New York and Lost Angeles for manufacturing and promoting clothing brands,” Tierney says. “But in Chicago, there’s that strong Midwest work ethic. People have hometown pride, and making our clothes right here in the city feeds off that.” One thing Tierney likes about starting his own label? “I don’t have a boss,” he says. “It’s freedom.” But it took a while for him to gain the right amount of fashion experience to really establish his label. Before KZMI\QVO >IOZIV\ 6WJQTQ\a¼[ ÅZ[\ TQVM <QMZVMa [\]LQML ]X WV \PM NI[PQWV industry. “I worked in every facet of the business,” he says, noting that he took classes and started working with pattern makers to get ready. “We spent about a year preparing. We wanted to be informed before entering the industry—I wanted to have that experience. And because we did, we saved a lot of time and money.” Now Moriarty designs the clothes and Tierney develops the pieces, bringing them from a concept to a functional, wearable garment. “Mike and I decide which pieces we want to produce, then he comes up with sketches,” Tierney says. “I know how clothing production works, so I condense Mike’s images and concepts into things that are MNÅKQMV\ \W UISM º >IOZIV\¼[ ÅZ[\ TQVM PI[ I [\ZWVO UQTQ\IZa QVÆ]MVKM IVL _I[ IK\]ITTa produced at a factory specializing in military garments. “We looked at archives and Civil War photos for more inspiration,” Tierney says. “For fall and winter, we wanted to create clothes that had a rugged aesthetic J]\ _Q\P I \IQTWZML Å\ [W \PMa KIV JM _WZV W]\[QLM I[ _MTT I[ LW_V\W_V º And Vagrant’s clothes are exactly that—trendy by design and functional by production. Another thing that sets Vagrant apart from other labels is its emphasis on practicality over trend value. “We build the collection as a whole, not just for different seasons,” Tierney says. The guys outsource from all over the world to collect hardware for their clothes. While hip men’s clothing is often made with the cheapest and most accessible materials, their clothes provide sustainability and style with a local touch: Vagrant uses high-quality fabrics. Right now, Vagrant specializes in shirts, jackets, neckwear, and vests, but they have

WORDS JOHN SMITH PHOTOS POCAHONTAS

more in store for the future, including pants. Tierney and Moriarty don’t have a store, but that’s not a problem: The Vagrant experience lies in how the clothes are produced, not where they’re purchased. “We’re more interested in crafting each piece to be great,” Tierney says. “We’re designing for ourselves, really—we make things we want to wear. We design pieces so each one will be a favorite in our wardrobe.” It’s this common-sense attitude—combined with above-average materials, strong attention to detail, and a unique design process—that makes Vagrant Nobility’s clothing perfect for the modern Midwestern man.

ONLINE SHOPPING See what these menswear pieces are all about. Check out Vagrant’s clothes at these Chicago boutiques, or buy from Vagrant’s website.

Vagrant Nobility vagrantnobility.com

Dovetail dovetailchicago.com

Independence comingsoon.independencechicago. com

Eskell eskell.com (accessories only)

Heritage Bicycles heritagebicycles.com

DRAKE MAGAZINE | 33

ON THE DARK SIDE STYLED BY: KATHERINE DEWITT PHOTOS BY: BEN CURTIS

GO BACK TO BLACK THIS SEASON WITH ONE OF THESE DES MOINES-ASSEMBLED OUTFITS. SAVE, SPLURGE, OR MIX WITH STYLES FROM LOCAL BOUTIQUES AND NATIONAL CHAINS ALIKE. MODEL: ELLEN CALDER HAIR: LINDSAY TRAPPEN MAKEUP: ALIDA FOWLER STYLING ASSISTANT: EVAN TARKINGTON FOR A BEHIND-THE-SCENES VIDEO, VISIT DRAKEMAGAZINE.COM/ 2012/11/FALLFASHIONSHOOT/

34 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

LEATHER LOVIN’ You can never go wrong with a little peplum and pleather—and together, you can easily create a perfect party look.

Black peplum top by Confetti Night, from Charlotte Russe, $26.99; purple leatherette pants by Adriano Goldshmeid, from Velvet Coat, $198

DRAKE MAGAZINE | 35

Black cropped blazer by Stoosh, from Von Maur, $64; black mapped shell by 3.1 Phillip Lim, from Velvet Coat, $295; black highwaisted pants by Suzbelle from Vitae Design Collective, $84

BLACK IS THE NEW BLACK Black is always sleek, professional, and looks good against any skin tone. Whether at work or a professional event, a shell top, high waisted pants, and a fitted blazer is the perfect outfit.

36 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

HOLY SHIRT!

A little splash of color never hurts. Layer a good ol’ denim button-down with an unexpected top with color for a new look.

Gold sweater by Love Always, from Von Maur, $38; chambray button-down by David Khan, from Velvet Coat, $154

DRAKE MAGAZINE | 37

V FOR VEST

Instead of throwing on a jacket, opt for a faux fur vest when the temperature outside drops. It’s easy to wear over a cozy knit or Equipment blouse.

Long sleeve black shirt by Velvet, from Velvet Coat, $96; faux fur vest by Velvet, from Velvet Coat, $199 38 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

WORDS JEFF NELSON PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALTHEA HARPER, RAINA HEIN & DISNEY

MINUTES LATER

Three former reality show contestants dish on post-­primetime life. Americans have a love-­hate relationship with reality TV. In the last year, four of the top 10 highest-­rated television programs were reality competitions, Nielsen reported. Millions are willing to invest weeks, even months, watching ambitious rookies sing, sew, sweat, and dance their asses off—but for little payoff when it’s over. Once the season ends and the winner is crowned, the rest of the contestants, for the most part, fade into obscurity following their 15 minutes of fame. But that’s not always the case. While most contestants aren’t in the limelight anymore, their dreams are still alive and well. And they’re using their small screen exposure to propel careers and pursue passions. DrakeMag caught up with three Midwest natives to check in after the cameras stopped rolling. DRAKE MAGAZINE | 39

HOMETOWN PRIDE Hein is from Minnetonka, a suburb of Minneapolis. “Most people say, ‘Minnesota? It’s a nice place.’ Then I go on to brag about how seriously amazing it really is.” STILL IN THE RUNNING A lot has changed for Raina Hein in the last few years—but she hasn’t. Since she placed second on cycle 14 of America’s Next Top Model, life has been a whirlwind of photo shoots, magazine spreads, commercials, and runway walks. But she’s just a nerdy girl from Minnesota who would rather stay in to watch Disney movies and bake than go out and party. Although she says she enjoyed performing—and was “quite the character”— from a young age, Hein didn’t pursue modeling until her senior year of college. While attending Concordia University in St. Paul, Minn., on a volleyball scholarship, she had to make a choice. “When my coach found out I modeled in my spare time, he began to alienate me,” Hein, 25, says. “In the end, I quit volleyball to pursue other big dreams. It was a hard decision, but it was one of the best I’ve ever made. I couldn’t be more grateful for the disrespect I endured from that coach.” Even though she chose to pursue her passion, she almost didn’t try out for ANTM. “I knew thousands of girls tried out every year, and I didn’t think I had the slightest chance,” Hein says. “Thankfully, my boyfriend and friends KWV^QVKML UM¸IVL \PM KI[\QVO _I[ Å^M UQV]\M[ NZWU Ua IXIZ\UMV\ º Hein glided through the competition of wannabe models, picking up praise from fashion insiders such as Vogue’s )VLZu 4MWV <ITTMa IVL PW[\ IVL supermodel Tyra Banks along the way. Her athletic 5-foot-10 frame, Brooke ;PQMTL[ M[Y]M XZWÅTM [QOVI\]ZM \PQKS JZW_[ IVL TQX[ IVL J]JJTa ¹5QVVM[W\I 6QKMº XMZ[WVITQ\a KIZZQML PMZ \W \PM ÅVITM It wasn’t always easy, though—a few girls in the ANTM house found Hein’s friendly demeanor off-putting. But she stands by her kill-’em-with-kindness mentality. “I learned a very important lesson: When people are mean, rude, hurtful, or even blatantly disrespectful, it’s not because they’re terrible people— Q\¼[ JMKI][M \PMa¼ZM LMITQVO _Q\P [WUM\PQVO LQNÅK]T\ QV \PMQZ TQ^M[ º 0MQV [Ia[ “No matter how badly you’d like to smack them, you still have to love them— 40 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

that’s the only way things get better.” That said, Hein has grown a thick skin to maneuver the cutthroat industry. But don’t mistake that for turning jaded. “I’ve had to dig deep inside of myself to be able to handle some stressful, frustrating situations,” Hein says. “Modeling isn’t as glamorous as people think—it’s not glamorous at all. It’s a life in airports and hotel rooms, and a very fast-paced, highstress environment with long hours. Every once in a while, I get burned out. But I try and see the beauty and positivity in even the most stressful situations.” Post-ANTM life has taken this girl from the suburbs of Minneapolis to her new home in L.A. and around the globe on assignments. Hein has modeled for clients such as Macy’s, McDonald’s, Anna Sui, and Sephora. She’s had spreads in Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health. And she’s starting to break into acting, a new passion. She stars in Indie darling-turnedGrammy winner Bon Iver’s “Calgary” video, and she ZMKMV\Ta IXXMIZML QV I XZWUW\QWVIT NI[PQWV ÅTU Ja Forever 21. As for what’s next, Hein says she’ll continue modeling but plans to aggressively pursue her acting career and may even go back to school. But rest assured: She’ll be doing it her way—with humility and a smile on her face. “I’m just a goofy, random, silly girl who’s trying to enjoy the journey rather than the trophy at the end.”

DANCING THROUGH LIFE Succeeding in a reality TV setting requires meeting a few standard criteria: talent, good looks, and—most importantly—likability. And Evan Kasprzak has all three. He’s the kind of guy who uses words like “awesome” and “amazing” ad nauseum, but you don’t care because he says them so earnestly that you believe him. With his infectious smile and glass-half-full outlook, Kasprzak has gone from reality show fan favorite to Broadway performer—and this is just the beginning. <PM LIVKMZ OZM_ ]X QV ?M[\ *TWWUÅMTL 5QKP IVL KZMLQ\[ PQ[ ZWW\[ for his down-to-earth attitude. “That’s just how I was raised—to be nice to everyone and the whole ‘if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything’ idea,” Kasprzak says. “That’s helped with my image.” It certainly has. He auditioned for So You Think You Can Dance in 2009, during his junior year of college. After making it through the brutal I]LQ\QWV ZW]VL[ 3I[XZbIS ÆM_ \PZW]OP [MI[WV Å^M WN \PM .W` PQ\ 0Q[ affable charm and puppy-dog face scored him some serious nice-guy cred with viewers. “I kind of made a name for myself as a nice guy,” 3I[XZbIS [Ia[ ¹<PI\¼[ LMÅVQ\MTa VW\ I JIL ZMX]\I\QWV \W PI^M º 0M XTIKML \PQZL QV \PM ÅVITM J]\ PM LWM[V¼\ PI^M I XZWJTMU _Q\P that. “The show is an awesome jumping-off point, so it doesn’t matter that I didn’t win,” Kasprzak says. “The biggest difference is just that big [$250,000] winning paycheck. But that’s not what it’s about for me. I’m doing what I love right now, and that’s more important.” As soon as the show and its ensuing tour wrapped, he hit the ground fox trotting. After getting his degree from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Ill., Kasprzak continued to pursue his passion. He moved to New York City and took parts in theater productions across the country, all while teaching dance lessons to get by—until he got his big break. Last year, Kasprzak landed the role of Elmer in Newsies, a new live musical based on the ’92 Disney movie. The production opened at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, N.J. The critic-approved show quickly moved to Broadway and picked up two Tonys this summer. And

Kasprzak was there through it all. “It’s kind of a dream come true,” he says. “I grew up watching Newsies, and it’s one of the reasons I started dancing. It’s so surreal sometimes—I’m in the play, I’m on Broadway, and I’m actually doing what I’ve been dreaming of doing for so long. Sometimes I have to stop and think, ‘Oh my God, I’m actually doing this.’” They say if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. But Kasprzak is working harder than ever. He’d like to continue doing Broadway shows and break into movies and TV. Of course, Kasprzak has down days—eight shows a week will take a toll on a person. But he hunkers down and puts his Midwest work ethic into effect because, to PQU Q\¼[ _WZ\P Q\ ¹<PMZM IZM LMÅVQ\MTa \PW[M LIa[ _PMV Ua JWLa P]Z\[ and I don’t want to get out of bed and do two shows,” Kasprzak says. “But when I get to the theater, hear the overture, and see the crowd, all of that goes away.”

ALL IN THE FAMILY Kasprzak’s brother, Ryan, auditioned for SYTYCD, too. He didn’t make the cut, but he’s doing fine today as the assistant choreographer on NBC hit Smash.

WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER Kasprzak, kneeling, still keeps in touch—and even works— with SYTYCD alumni. “It’s such a small world— you have this common bond. We’re all interconnected, even if we weren’t on the same season.” DRAKE MAGAZINE | 41

MAKING IT WORK Althea Harper means business. The Dayton, Ohio, native took season six of Project Runway by storm, earning second place and a reputation as a serious designer. Since her run on the show, she has established her own label, dressed celebrities including the Kardashians and Eva Longoria, and even made the cut for the current season of Project Runway: All-Stars. (As of press time, she was still in the running for the season two title.) When it comes to what she learned from Heidi Klum and company, though, she comes up short. “To be honest, I don’t remember any one piece of advice that stands out to me,” Harper, 28, says. But that’s not to say her time spent on the Lifetime show was a waste. “For me, I learned more about what kind of designer I am. Going into Project Runway, I thought I was a gown designer. I can still design gowns, but now I know I have a strength in separates, too.” She also credits Project Runway for the exposure it gave her. But exposure can only do so much. “While it helped my career 100 percent by getting my name out there, fashion’s a funny thing,” Harper says. “It’s not like American Idol where everyone can go out and buy a CD for $10. Most people’s clothes cost a lot of money to produce, so you don’t get the same sort of reception or immediate success when the end result isn’t as attainable.” Her design epiphany and the added exposure led to the launch of her eponymous label and two lines. Mixing bold prints with curve-hugging silhouettes, Harper’s clothes are a mix of downtown cool and uptown sophistication—like if Jason Wu and Nicole Richie hooked up and had a very fashionable love child. All credit can’t go to Project Runway, though. The show gave her the extra boost she needed to break into the industry, but her talent deserves praise, too. Harper studied fashion at the University of Cincinnati, and her resume boasts internships at a slew of high-end fashion houses, including Alexander McQueen, Zac Posen, and Tory Burch.

Now, Harper splits time between home and studio in New Haven, Conn., with her husband and miniature pinscher/chihuahua mix—Chaolay—and her show room in New York City. She’s working on an upcoming athletic-wear line (out Spring 2013) as well as making her brand more accessible. “We’re growing, but I’m really looking forward to getting into department stores,” Harper says. “That’s really where designers are able to get nationwide exposure.” Like any designer, Harper hopes her clothes will sell themselves. Although she didn’t win Project Runway, [PM¼[ KWVÅLMV\ PMZ \ITMV\ IVL PMZ KTW\PM[¼ quality speak for themselves—so she doesn’t need the show’s bragging rights like some other designers. “Christian Siriano is a totally different designer. He’s over-the-top, and that’s what he’s known for—not that there’s anything wrong with that,” Harper says of season four’s ÆIUJWaIV\ _QVVMZ ¹8ZM[[ is great because it helps the line, but I don’t think I need to be a Christian Siriano. 1 LMÅVQ\MTa _W]TL love to be a little more recognizable to help out the brand. But I don’t focus on achieving that through my personality—I focus on achieving that through my design.”

“I definitely would love to be a little more recognizable to help out the brand. But I don’t focus on achieving that through my personality—I focus on achieving that through my design.” Project Runway season 6 finalist Althea Harper WEARABLE ART Two of Harper’s inspirations? Balenciaga and Givenchy. “They take a clean color palette and clean lines but create something very wearable but also art.” Her ALTHEA HARPER line (see select pieces on pg. 43) strikes that balance, too. 42 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? THREE MORE SUCCESS STORIES.

JENNIFER HUDSON American Idol alumni tend to follow one of two paths if they don’t win: skyrocket to fame (e.g., Adam Lambert, Chris Daughtry) or fall back into the shadows of everyday life. Hudson’s career trajectory follows the former. After placing seventh on season three, she went on to win an Oscar for her work in DreamGirls, release two well-received R&B albums, and pay tribute to Whitney Houston at the Grammys last year.

DANIEL WRIGHT This Willow Spring, N.C., native appeared on two seasons of The Biggest Loser—season two of Couples and then Second Chances. Wright made it to the final eight on the latter, where he met his now-fiancee, Rebecca Meyer. The two live in West Des Moines, where they opened their own gym, FitnessWrightNow.

REBECCA JARVIS Rebecca Jarvis hobbled through season four of The Apprentice on crutches, placing second in the finale. A financial journalist, Jarvis was hired to report for CNBC after her stint on the Donald Trump show. She is now the co-host of CBS This Morning: Saturday.

DRAKE MAGAZINE | 43

XX | DRAKE MAGAZINE

UNCOVERING

SIKHISM The violent massacre in a Sikh gurdwara on Aug. 5 shocked the nation. Now more than ever, Sikhs and non-­Sikhs are working to increase understanding and bridge cultural gaps. WORDS OLIVIA YOUNG PHOTOS CARTER OSWOOD

There are about 200,000 Sikhs in the U.S. Wade Michael Page murdered six of them. Page was a self-­proclaimed white supremacist. His blind hatred tore families apart, crushed a religious community, and shook the country. The victims were congregating at their temple—called a gurdwara— in Oak Creek, Wis., on Aug. 5 when Page opened fire. Minutes later, he was killed by a police officer.

DRAKE MAGAZINE | 45

They were the usual victims of tragedy, but their deaths were anything but. Page murdered them because he thought they were Muslims. He didn’t like that they were different. But they could have been anyone—any of the millions in the U.S. who congregate each week at churches, temples, synagogues, and mosques. As the country watched the story unfold, the Sikh community’s intimate heartbreak became collective, as if this wasn’t just one man’s fault. Maybe all Americans are somehow responsible—because, like Page, they just didn’t understand. “We must keep in mind that the Milwaukee tragedy was not just a Sikh tragedy,” says NikkyGuninder Kaur Singh, a Sikh and religion professor. “It was an American tragedy.”

DEFINING SIKH If you ask, Sikhs will tell you their religion isn’t really a religion at all—it’s a way of life. ;QSPQ[U _I[ ZM^MITML \W \PM ÅZ[\ WN O]Z][ Guru Nanak, in the Punjab region of India in the 15th century. Guru Nanak wanted to minimize the Indian caste system’s harsh boundaries, so he incorporated elements from Islam and Hinduism, India’s two predominant belief systems, into the new religion. The result: Sikhism, a monotheistic religion that now has more than 25 million followers around the world. Sikhs believe there is a piece of the Divine Being in everyone—both believers and non-believers can access the same God. They don’t rely on

karma. Instead, Sikhs focus on doing good in their current life, emphasizing peace and [MTÆM[[VM[[ 1VQ\QI\ML UMUJMZ[ WN \PM PQOPM[\ ZMTQOQW][ WZLMZ \PM 3PIT[I SMMX I [M\ WN religious requirements called the “Five K’s” (see pg. 48). *MKI][M WN \PMQZ \ZILQ\QWVIT OIZJ¸ÆW_a TWW[M Å\\QVO XIV\[ I \]VQK IVL I \]ZJIV WZ [KIZN¸;QSP[ IZM WN\MV UQ[\ISMV NWZ 5][TQU[ IVL 0QVL][ 0W_M^MZ \PM ÅZ[\ ;QSP immigrants to the U.S. arrived in the 1800s. Their assimilation over time might partially explain why so few Americans know about them. Since the events in August, though, this has started to change. “There has been an awakening in our community,” Singh says. “Everyone has come together—Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus—holding vigils and sharing. Something good has come out of the tragedy.” Like any American subculture, Sikhs are diverse. They are traditionalists, feminists, business-owners, professionals, students, and parents. But they’re all Sikhs. And they all have stories to tell.

CHANGING VALUES Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh is a feminist, scholar, and Sikh. Her academic work centers on both mainstream Sikhism and the disconnection between theory and practice. “On the ideal level—the theoretical level—there’s total equality between men and women,” Singh says. “It’s really amazing how egalitarian Sikhism is. Women can participate at every level, but the theory doesn’t translate into practice. Why don’t we see more female leaders or women conducting worship? Somewhere, Sikhs themselves confuse Sikhism with the feudal values of women being central to the home.” Sikhism’s gender divide doesn’t exist in the holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib: Human interpretation has skewed the practice. Because Guru Nanak wanted to form an egalitarian religion, the actual tenets of Sikhism place women in parallel roles to men, right down to their names. “Women are supposed to have the last name Kaur,” Singh explains. “This accomplishes two things: It gets rid of the old social caste system and allows women to keep their own identity and core values before and after marriage. It’s very progressive.” Singh was born in India and received her doctorate from Temple University in Philadelphia. Now, she’s the chair of the department of religious studies at Colby College in Waterville, Maine.

SIKHISM BY THE NUMBERS

> 336,000 SIKHS IN THE UK APPROXIMATELY

200,000 SIKHS IN THE US

25 MILLION SIKHS WORLD WIDE

46 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

> 11,950,000 SIKHS IN INDIA

Singh believes the key to peace is conversation. She gives lectures on Sikhism to encourage mutual understanding, which is especially important in a culture that stigmatizes the Middle East. “Here, some people think everybody who wears a turban is an al-Qaeda terrorist,” she says. “It’s a case of mistaken identity because Sikhs wear turbans but are neither al-Qaeda nor terrorists. People don’t know who the Sikhs really are, and there are about 25 million worldwide. We need to engage with and learn from one another.”

MISTAKEN IDENTITY Gurwinder Fingh Kapur is not a genie. But he’s been called that and other more hurtful racial slurs like “rag-head” and “towel-head” by both the ignorant and the intolerant. ¹1 _I[ _Q\P Ua [WV QV I [PWX \ZaQVO \W ÅVL Halloween costumes, and a woman saw my turban and said, ‘Oh, you’re a genie! That’s such a cool costume!’” he says. “My son was shocked that I didn’t correct her, but I always have a sense of humor with these things. It can close a thousand gaps.” Kapur was born into a close-knit family in Singapore, but he attended high school and college in the U.S. Now, he’s a senior IT training consultant for Principal Financial Group in Des Moines. He and his family are members of the local gurdwara. Kapur is often questioned about his turban— and his identity. He’s happy to answer and educate, though. “Most people think we’re Muslims, and I just politely say, ‘No, we’re not,’” Kapur says. “It’s a matter of being friendly— using humor and simple language. A bridge can be built just by trying to connect with a smile.” He and his family keep the Five K’s. Soon, his 12-year-old son J.J. will have his own turban. J.J. has been raised Sikh and has long hair in a country full of short-haired boys. Kapur says growing up as an American Sikh is sometimes confusing for J.J., but he tries to teach his son the same patience he practices. “I tell J.J., ‘Pick your battles, and don’t dwell on bad things people say.’ The important thing is to help others, so it’s best to ignore it—there are better things in life to focus on.”

A NEW GENERATION Anupreet Lekhi didn’t know anyone killed in the Oak Creek massacre. But she can’t forget what happened that day. “My dad was at our hometown temple,” DRAKE MAGAZINE | 47

she says. Her voice breaks, and she pauses for a moment. “He texted me when he heard about Oak Creek, and it was just awful because I could picture it happening. It was in a setting I’ve been in before—all temples are set up very similarly. Kids are supposed to be playing, mothers are supposed to be in the kitchen preparing meals, and the elderly are supposed to be telling stories. It could have happened anywhere.” Lekhi is a senior pre-med student the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Her parents were both born in India and moved to the U.S. in the ’80s. Lekhi and her brother grew up in Maine, where their friends and neighbors often mistook her long-haired brother for a girl. They both started cutting their hair after that. But nonconformity isn’t necessarily a problem in Sikhism. “There are people who follow the traditional values, but it’s up to you,” she says. “If a more mainstream style is what you’re into, then that’s awesome. But if you’re more devoted to your religion, then you do that.” Lekhi is glad Sikhism is becoming more widely understood, but she’s uncertain about the reason for it. “I don’t really feel like it’s necessary to view Sikh people as really nice people or to give them so much positive attention,” she says. “No one really wakes up and says, ‘I’m Sikh, and I have this duty to be awesome.’ It’s nice, but we didn’t choose this religion to impress others. It’s just what we do—it’s our practical way of living.”

THE FIVE K’S

1

2

Kesh—uncut hair Guru Nanak, founder of the Sikh faith, began the practice of keeping hair unshorn. Sikhs believe leaving hair in its natural state keeps them in harmony with God’s will, although not all Sikhs practice this. Kangha—comb Sikhs wear a small comb in their hair called a kangha. The comb reminds them to remain loyal to their religion.

48 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

Many initiated members of the highest Sikh order, the Khalsa, keep the Five K’s—specific tenets of faith that bind Sikhs to the religion.

3 4 5

Kara—steel bracelet The kara is a steel or metal bracelet Sikhs must wear at all times to remind them they’re servants of the Guru and God. Kirpan—sword The kirpan is a ceremonial sword that represents an initiated Sikh’s obligation to courage and self-defense. Kachha—soldier’s shorts The kachhera is a pair of shorts that some Sikhs wear to encourage self-restraint against passion and indulgence.

MUSIC

FRONT

WORDS MEAGAN FLYNN PHOTOS RACHEL WARD

AND CENTER

Paul McCartney protégée Gabe Dixon takes the stage solo. Gabe Dixon stands in front of a small audience, a group of about 50 ranging from college students to retired couples. This atmosphere is more intimate than what Dixon is used to. The tap of his faded brown boot on the stage is distinctly audible, and the crowd listens intently. “They were hanging on every word,” Dixon, 34, described after his Oct. 5 gig at the Maintenance Shop in Ames, Iowa. Eleven years earlier, this wasn’t Dixon’s music scene. This piano man’s ÅVOMZ[ OTQLML IKZW[[ \PM Q^WZQM[ _PQTM Paul McCartney patched together an emotional, tragedy-stricken country under the glow of red, white, and blue stage lights. In front of tens of thousands, just a month after 9/11,

50 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

Dixon backed McCartney on the keyboard and vocals during the closing set of the Concert for New York City. *M\_MMV \PM ! JMVMÅ\ [PW_ _Q\P 5K+IZ\VMa IVL PQ[ small-town gigs, the Nashville-native singer-songwriter has seen more change than most musicians. Last August, he released his ÅZ[\ [WTW ITJ]U One Spark, after breaking away from his trio of 10 years, The Gabe Dixon Band. “It’s nice to have that camaraderie, playing with the same guys,” Dixon says. “But going solo has its positives. I have a little more creative freedom now.”

CLAIM TO FAME Happenstance is one thing. But it takes more than that to play U][QK _Q\P ;QZ 8I]T <PM *MI\TM ÅZ[\ PMIZL IJW]\ ,Q`WV NZWU David Kahne, McCartney’s Driving Rain producer, who was [QU]T\IVMW][Ta _WZSQVO WV <PM /IJM ,Q`WV *IVL¼[ ÅZ[\ ITJ]U After hearing Dixon’s musical gift in the studio, McCartney offered him a spot in his band, and the two collaborated on McCartney’s album.

MUSIC

“It was like a lifelong dream for me,” Dixon says. “Paul is one of the reasons I wanted to play music in the ÅZ[\ XTIKM /M\\QVO \W ZMKWZL _Q\P PQU _I[ []ZZMIT º But when McCartney asked him to come along for his world tour in 2003, Dixon respectfully declined, opting to focus on his own band. Months later, though, he wondered if he’d made a mistake: The Gabe Dixon Band was dropped from its record label.

FINDING HIS WAY After that, Dixon found himself working as a valet in Nashville, the same city where he played country music for tips in a bar back in college. But here he was, years later—parking people’s cars. “I thought, ‘Is this it?’ Am I over?’” he says. It was the lowest point in his career. But soon enough, he found the inspiration to write. “No matter what, I was still an artist,” Dixon says. “I thought, ‘If I keep doing what I love long enough, somebody will notice.’” And people did notice. During this rough patch, The Gabe Dixon Band released its biggest hit, “All Will Be Well.” The ode to perseverance was picked up by the TV series Conviction and also used in ads during the Olympics. This success led to another record deal for the band’s self-titled album. “That was a turning point,” Dixon says. “Our self-titled album had more success than any album I’ve put out.” The Gabe Dixon Band’s hit “Find My Way” was featured on the soundtrack for popular ’09 rom-com The Proposal. The band also performed as a musical guest on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Dixon hadn’t made a mistake after all. But when the band’s drummer and bassist decided to pursue other things, Dixon felt it was the appropriate time to break away from the group, so he launched his solo career.

ONE SPARK In his most personal album yet, Dixon’s sharp tenor, upbeat melodies, and soft instrumentals mix well to create a newer pop sound—another change for Dixon. Much of the inspiration for his solo album is rooted in the birth of his son, Liam. On baby duty and halfasleep at 3 a.m., Dixon’s creative mind would spring to life. “I got so many ideas rocking Liam, trying to keep him from crying,” Dixon says. His earnest lyrics offer listeners a glimpse into his everyday life. “I want my music to be honest and true to who I am,” Dixon says. “If it resonates with me, it’s more likely to resonate `with others.” Now he takes his inspired lyrics and smooth piano tunes to a simple college bar that smells of Newcastle and popcorn. He kills the keys on a Yamaha, without his band members or Paul McCartney—completely solo. DRAKE MAGAZINE | 51

MUSIC

52 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

MUSIC

IN GOOD

COMPANY

WORDS NICOLE DYAR PHOTOS COURTESY OF COMPANY OF THIEVES

From open mics to nationwide tours, this Chicagoland band rocks the Indie scene. Among the bustling crowds of Union Station, Genevieve Schatz and Marc Walloch awaited a train en route to the Chicago suburbs. Walloch was a talented guitarist and Schatz a singer. The two were introduced and became fast friends on this trek from the Windy City in 2005, where they created Company of Thieves—a distinctive Indie band built around heavy guitars, poppy melodies, and Schatz’s booming pipes. Call the train ride what you want—serendipity or perhaps good luck—but having just graduated high school, Schatz and Walloch were ready to begin a new chapter in their lives. “We met each other at a time that was an awakening for both of us,” Schatz says. “We felt that there’s so much out there to experience in life, and it was about carving our own path.” The band grew from humble beginnings and was born out of a love for listening, playing, and eventually writing music—mixed with a bit of wine and chocolate. “Gen, myself, and two of our other friends got together on Monday nights at a little studio apartment in Lakeview,” Walloch says. “Everyone was tired from school and work and needed some kind of stimulation. We would get some wine and chocolate, talk, and listen to music. Then we started playing songs, too.” Schatz and Walloch originally wrote songs for fun, with no intention of recording or starting a band. The music was based on questioning authority and challenging social norms, Schatz says. But when their songs started getting good, she convinced Walloch to play an open mic night at a coffee shop in Wrigleyville called

Uncommon Ground. “The open mic was advertised for a Monday night,” Schatz says. “We got together every Monday anyway, so it was kind of meant to be.” Going in, the two didn’t know the open mic was also a contest, and the night’s winners earned money from the tip jar. Schatz and Walloch won a whopping $13, which they immediately spent at the Baskin-Robbins down the street. But their performance that night went far beyond a few scoops of ice cream. “I think getting respectful, kind feedback from people at the open mic really helped us at the beginning,” Walloch says. ¹<PI\ _I[ W]Z ÅZ[\ JQO UW\Q^I\QWV It was like, ‘OK, people like this. I like this. Something is working. Let’s keep doing this.’” Schatz and Walloch were inspired. They pushed their musical career even further, independently ZMKWZLQVO \PMQZ ÅZ[\ ITJ]U Ordinary Riche[ _PQKP _I[ ÅZ[\ ZMTMI[ML QV 2007. The group shared its music on the Web, began playing more shows, and made its name known. Company of Thieves released its second album, Running from a Gamble, in 2011, and single “Death of Communication” received airplay on radio stations across the country. Now, Schatz and Walloch have forged a new musical path. Walloch says Company of Thieves has an independent, freethinking reputation in terms of what it creates: It’s ultimately about bringing likeminded people together and inspiring others. “We love music because that’s what helps us feel

human,” Walloch says. “It puts a lot of things into perspective. It’s more than just music—we’re hungry for bringing people together around one common thing. For us, that’s these songs or these feelings you’re expressing that other people who you don’t even know can relate to.” Walloch and Schatz have been on hiatus for the last several months, but they’re starting to write more songs. They’re playing a hometown holiday event in Chicago at the Metro this winter, and then will be going on an acoustic tour in late January and early February. “It’s kind of to rejuvenate our spirits a little bit and our fans’ spirits and give them a taste of how we started,” Walloch says. “Instead of having an opening band, we’re going to actually have an open mic contest where people can show up and play a few songs before our set.” Maybe the open mic winners will head to Baskin-Robbins to start their story, too.

TOURING The band is currently taking a break for touring and focusing on writing music, but the duo will start up an acoustic tour beginning December 28 in Chicago at the Metro and will continue their tour from there.

DRAKE MAGAZINE | 53

MUSIC

TRUE SHRED WORDS ERIKA OWEN PHOTOS JOSEPH GONZALEZ

MUSIC

Behind the scenes at a Sleigh Bells show.

54 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

MUSIC

“Right before we play ‘True Shred Guitar,’ we pause, and I always scream,” says a bold, red-lipped bombshell donned in black and denim with an occasional gold stud plastered here and there. That’s Alexis Krauss—leading lady of Brooklyn-based band ;TMQOP *MTT[¸_PW PI[ IV INÅVQ\a NWZ Å[PVM\[ IVL denim cut-offs. This pumped-up performer perfectly epitomizes the band’s demeanor when it comes to their music: oddly produced with dashes of pure energy. With songs titled “Demons” and “Road to Hell,” and its newest album name, Reign of Terror, one might expect to see a pair of dudes with satanic sleeves on stage. But darkly glam Krauss and guitarist Derek Miller, with his boy-next-door-with-an-attitude image, are bringing back thrash rock—with an electronic twist. The punky duo met in 2008 at Miss Favela, a Brazilian restaurant in Brooklyn, where Miller worked as a server. As the music gods would have it, Krauss and her mother sat in Miller’s section. Krauss introduced herself as a vocalist as soon as Miller mentioned why he was really in Brooklyn: to search for a leading lady for his band. The two met up, Miller heard her music, and he was hooked. Before they teamed up, Krauss—with a political science degree and an opportunity in the form of a Rhodes Scholarship—taught Spanish to children in

the Bronx. Miller, former guitarist for metal band Poison the Well, was on the hunt for a new musical endeavor. Friends and family convinced Krauss to ditch her day job and take Miller up on his offer—soon Sleigh Bells was born. The two only played three live shows before record labels approached them with deals. A blogger friend at New York magazine sparked their popularity with a single post. Being friends with producer Spike Jonze added to the hype, too. A few international tours, a slew of celebrity fans like M.I.A., and two albums later, Krauss and Miller stopped in Des Moines on their fall 2012 tour with AraabMuzik. “When _M [\IZ\ML W]\ _M LQLV¼\ PI^M I TW\ WN KWVÅLMVKM º 5QTTMZ [Ia[ ¹1 _I[V¼\ _QTTQVO \W JM honest with myself about things that I liked.” Decked in his usual camo sport jacket with a pair of jeans and a welcoming smile, Miller sits in the green room of Wooly’s, chatting over the sound of their bass tests. “You know the people who are like, ‘Hey, whatever man,’ and don’t try? The ‘effortless cool?’ I hate that shit.” Effortless cool is the last thing listeners remember about Sleigh Bells. They’re full of quirky traditions. “I have this weird football dance that I do,” Krauss says. It’s a mix of a linebacker squatting on the balls of his feet and an overly excited jazzerciser. 0QOP Å^M[ IZM IVW\PMZ XZM [PW_ ZQ\]IT ¹*MNWZM \PM TQOP\[ OW ]X I\ \PM JMOQVVQVO WN \PM [PW_ \PM W\PMZ O]Q\IZQ[\ IVL 1 OQ^M MIKP W\PMZ I JTQVL PQOP Å^M º 5QTTMZ [Ia[ “We’ve never missed.” ?Q\P I NM_ PQOP Å^M[ I NWW\JITT LIVKM WZ \_W IVL [WUM _PQ[SMa UW\Q^I\QWV ;TMQOP Bells never fails to put on an energetic live show. Both Krauss and Miller take time to pump up the crowd. “If they aren’t into it, I’ll pull the plug,” Miller says. “The show is only as good as the kids who come.” That said, no biters allowed. “One time we were playing a show, and I put my leg up on the amp,” Krauss says. “I was wearing shorts, and some kid came up and chomped on my inner thigh. I don’t think he was after me or anything—he just got too excited. That’s got to be the weirdest shit we’ve come across.” DRAKE MAGAZINE | 55

QUICKIES

SAVVY STRIPPING

Rebecca Avalon teaches dancers to make bank as “SuperStrippers.” WORDS LAUREN TURNER PHOTO SUSANNA HAYWARD

“Oftentimes, new girls think that all they need to do is slap on some makeup, look cute, and spin around on stage for guys to throw money at them,” Avalon says. “And that does happen sometimes. But on nights when the dancers outnumber the customers, what are you going to do to make yourself stand out?” Rebecca Avalon knows there’s more to stripping than scantily-clad Most of Avalon’s advice isn’t about the technique women sliding down poles as customers throw money their way. She’s WN \PM RWJ \PW]OP" 1\¼[ ÅVIVKQIT IVL [\ZI\MOQK <PM JQO danced in clubs for over a decade, but this hasn’t always been her life. bucks come from private dances, so she teaches dancers She has her master’s and has worked in education for years, and now how to weed out the patrons who are a waste of time she’s combining these two skills in an entrepreneurial venture. from the ones who will be worth it. Then, she helps “Rap songs show a very different type of strip club,” the veteran dancers spend their hard-earned money wisely. For stripper says. “Shake your ass, throw money—everything is wild and example, one of her courses includes classes on investing crazy. That’s not how it used to be.” QV \PM [\WKS UIZSM\ ÅTQVO \I` ZM\]ZV[ J]LOM\QVO ZMIT In fact, Avalon says that very few dancers live up to the M[\I\M IVL \PM QUXWZ\IVKM WN ÅVIVKQIT TQ\MZIKa <PM[M promiscuous stereotype their profession holds. “Most of the classes prepare women to use their earnings not just to dancers I know are the biggest prudes ever,” says Avalon. “They constantly have men pawing at them, so they’re picky about their get by but to make a living, too. That’s not to say strippers don’t know their stuff, own partners.” When it comes down to it, most strippers though. A 2010 study out of the University of Leeds aren’t in the business for its sex appeal—it’s in the U.K. found that one in four strippers has an about the money. undergraduate degree. And Avalon is one of them. Now that Avalon is an expert dancer, she’s Avalon was working as an elementary school teacher passing on her knowledge to help when she decided she wanted more out of life. She others be smarter strippers. planned to dance her way through a master’s program In 2003, Avalon created at California State University – Fullerton. The more she Strip and Grow Rich, an danced, the more the career appealed to her. “I liked online resource that helps the money and the freedom to make my own schedule,” aspiring dancers become “SuperStrippers.” She calls Avalon says. “I felt more respected by the middle-aged men in golf shirts that patron the club on the weekends it stripper sales school, than I ever did by the parents and the administration in and she’s seen almost the public school system.” So she kept dancing—even 1,000 graduates after graduation. In many ways, stripping was actually since it began. JM\\MZ NWZ PMZ ÅVIVKQITTa ¹-^MV _Q\P I UI[\MZ¼[ LMOZMM Avalon is the IVL Å^M aMIZ[ WN \MIKPQVO M`XMZQMVKM 1 _W]TL UISM leader behind four education UWZM UWVMa QV \PM ÅZ[\ Y]IZ\MZ WN \PM aMIZ [\ZQXXQVO than I would have as a salaried teacher,” she says. programs— So after school, Avalon started her nightly routine. Dancer Wealth, “I would make dinner, then I’d head to the club.” She Dancer Wise, danced from 8 p.m. until the club closed and she’d Dancer be home and in bed by 3 a.m. This was the regular Victory, and Dancer Fit— schedule Tuesday through Friday for about 12 years. Avalon doesn’t frequent the clubs anymore, but that teach new strippers she writes a blog and teaches classes on her website, stripandgrowrich.com. She’s currently engaged and techniques enjoying her life out of the spotlight—but Avalon never to maximize their earnings. regrets starting stripping.

QUICKIES

SHOOTING BLANKS

Skip the snip with this effective, reversible birth control method for men. WORDS LEAH WALTERS PHOTO MORGAN CANNATA

Thanks to a new—reportedly fool-proof—contraceptive, Maury Povich may be out of his job revealing dramatic paternity test results. The drug, Vasalgel, is unlike any of its predecessors. It’s a shot for men that lasts up to 10 years, and here’s the kicker: It’s 100 percent effective. Vasalgel is like a reversible vasectomy, sans snipping. The gel is injected into and coats a man’s vas deferens—the tubes through which sperm swim— so when he climaxes, the sperm die before they leave the body. Should he decide he wants kids, another injection will rid his junk of the gel, and his baby makers will be back in business. It may sound too good to be true, but in India, where the medicine was developed, men have been using Vasalgel for over 15 years in clinical trials. The male miracle drug took its time rolling into the U.S., but the Parsemus Foundation—a group that works to advance innovations in medical research—secured the rights to research the male contraceptive in 2010. Since

then, American researchers have been working at warp speed to get it on the market. Parsemus Foundation director Elaine Lissner says the drug’s effectiveness is currently being tested on rabbits, but researchers hope to have it in human clinical trials as early as 2013. Even so, it could be years until Vasalgel is on \PM UIZSM\ 0W_M^MZ 4Q[[VMZ Q[ KWVÅLMV\ \PI\ when the time comes, men will be lining up for the shot. Of course, some men will be put off by the thought of anyone messing with their manhood. It may be worth pushing past the slight discomfort, though: There are only minor side effects. In previous studies, about one-third of men experienced swelling at the site of the injection for a couple of days—nothing a bag of frozen peas can’t cure. And Vasalgel is great news for women, too. This simple one-anddone procedure is extra protection for females using birth control pills or an IUD. Though research is moving swiftly, Parsemus Foundation still faces one major obstacle— N]VLQVO *]\ NZM\ VW\" .W]VLI\QWV WNÅKQIT[ anticipate collecting private donations from supporters of the promising drug next year. Regardless, Lissner is optimistic about the future of Vasalgel and the changes it would mean for the contraceptive industry. “There are a lot of men who worry about women forgetting their pill or using protection— especially younger men in college,” Lissner says. “You have plans for your future, and you don’t want them derailed by an accident. This is a way to take charge of that yourself.”

MALE

CONTRACEPTION

TIMELINE Ancient Southeast Asian cultures used papaya seed concoctions as a reversible male contraceptive. A spoonful taken daily for three months could cut a man’s sperm count to zero. In 100 B.C., Neem oil was detailed in Indian medicinal books as a spermicide when taken orally. England’s King Charles II used condoms made of animal intestines back in 1640. He also fathered 14 illegitimate children, so those rubbers probably weren’t very effective. Italian adventurer and infamous womanizer Giacomo Casanova was one of the first to use condoms to prevent pregnancy as early as 1775. His preference: lamb intestine. In 1844, tire manufacturers Goodyear and Hancock began producing rubber condoms. After more than a century of experimentation and research, vasectomies were recognized as a valid form of birth control by the 1960s. In 1984, researchers in Israel began looking into “dry orgasm” drugs that allow men to climax without ejaculation. In England, work began on the “clean sheets” pill that, when taken before sex, prevents ejaculation without foiling an orgasm. It has been in the works since 1995 but is a promising future contraceptive.

DRAKE MAGAZINE | 57

QUICKIES

What those steamy stories don’t say about S&M.

FIFTY SHADES OF REALITY

WORDS PAIGE ZIDEK PHOTO SUSANNA HAYWARD CONTRIBUTIONS BY NICOLE KASPERBAUER

Between shows such as Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives and Rihanna’s catchy bad girl anthem, S&M has always lingered on the outskirts of mainstream media. But when E.L. James’s racy Fifty Shades trilogy skyrocketed to the top of literary charts this year, this formerly taboo topic was pushed to the forefront of popular culture. Her novels depict the steamy romance between Anastasia Steele—a naïve, perpetually blushing 20-something—and Christian Grey, a domineering businessman who’s particularly skilled with a whip. But the trilogy has done more than spice up sex lives and boost rope sales. Women have become more comfortable discussing their deepest fantasies, and James’s novels have sparked curiosity of the S&M lifestyle. But it’s not always as glitzy as pop culture makes it out to be. Sadomasochism—aka S&M—refers to an erotic desire to give or receive pain in the bedroom. Partners can take on the roles of master and slave or dominant and submissive, depending on their interest in that hurts-so-good feeling. Dominants command the relationship by QVÆQK\QVO XIQV \MI[QVO P]UQTQI\QVO WZ _Q\PPWTLQVO WZOI[U[ NZWU \PMQZ partner. Meanwhile, submissives take pleasure in succumbing to their partner’s kinky whims. While riding crops and “red rooms of pain” UIa OQ^M 2IUM[¼[ ÅK\QWVIT PMZWQVM I JQO 7 \PM [KWXM WN ZMIT TQNM S&M ranges. Partners can get off from cracks from a whip, bondage, being burned with hot wax, or shocks with electric sex toys. Some sadomasochists incorporate even more extreme practices that’ll never make a vanilla “50 Best Sex Tips List”: Think asphyxiation, branding with hot irons, and cutting. 58 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

Because pain is its pleasure principle, S&M can cause severe physical and mental repercussions that erotic novels fail to address. According to Psychology Today, S&M’s wounds can go deeper than bruises and burns. Besides risking serious physical injury, sadomasochist play can cause feelings of inequality, emotional distress, power cravings, or an inability to form lasting relationships—if it’s done wrong. To keep pain to a healthy minimum, the contemporary S&M scene has adopted a new motto: safe, sane, and consensual. When getting down and dirty, participants shouldn’t be hurt in any way that they don’t want to be or in a way that might cause emotional damage. If a partner has a bad experience, activity must stop. Finally—and most importantly—both partners must agree to keep within their comfort zones. The easiest way is to establish ground rules through negotiations, “safe words,” or even contracts like the one the protagonists use in Fifty Shades. But at the end of the day, communication is key. “Couples need to trust each other and have good communication skills in order to have a successful S&M relationship,” says West Des Moines sex therapist Abbie Winter. She suggests partners talk about their comfort levels before breaking out the handcuffs and sex swing. While it may glamorize a potentially dangerous activity, Fifty Shades has helped women speak up about their own fantasies, which are important to a sexual relationship. “It’s generally becoming more OK to talk about sex, and alternative sexual practices are becoming much more accepted in the general community,” Winter says. “There is truly no ‘normal’ when it comes to sex.”

QUICKIES

WORDS MORGAN DEBOEST PHOTOS COURTSEY OF HIGHJOY, MOJOWIJO, OHMIBOD & LOVEPALZ

LDRs won’t suffer with these sexy, high-­tech toys. In today’s technology-driven world, long-distance relationships are easier to maintain than 10 years ago. But between Skype sessions, texts, and phone calls, they’re still missing something: sex. Once limited to vibrators and phone sex, long-distance lovers now have a wide spectrum of high-tech \Wa[ NWZ \PMQZ MVRWaUMV\ <PM 4,: R][\ OW\ I TW\ UWZM [KIVLa [W KPMKS W]\ \PM[M OILOM\[ \W PMTX N]TÅTT NIZ I_Ia NIV\I[QM[

HIGHJOY Create a private membership on HighJoy’s website to connect with a partner anywhere in the world. The company has a variety of dildos, vibrators, and sleeves to choose from and all of them can be controlled over the Internet. The toys have a USB plug, allowing partners to control one another’s pleasure. Starting at $54.99 | highjoy.com

MOJOWIJO These vibrating toys—a ribbed ring for guys and a slightly curved dildo for girls—connect to Wii remotes to help lovers get it on. Mojowijo’s technology uses a Bluetooth connection to sense the motion on one end, which dictates the vibrations on the other end. Mojowijo turns Wiimotes into shared, remotecontrolled vibrators—giving the term “live-action roleplay” a whole new meaning. $119 | mojowijo.com

OHMIBOD BODITALK ESCORT

LOVEPALZ These sleek toys—named Zeus and Hera—use motion sensors and a Wi-Fi connection to match the motions each partner experiences. The guy controls the motion on his end, while the vibrations on his partner’s end mimic his speed and pressure. The LovePalz will then adjust the tightness on his end based on the reaction on the other. $49.95 for one, $94.95 for a set | lovepalz.com

It’s time to kick phone sex up a notch with the Boditalk Escort. This discreet bullet vibrator connects wirelessly to a cell phone and is triggered by phone calls. The silent vibrations come in seven patterns and are controlled by a connected remote. The vibrations begin the moment the phone call is answered and last till goodbye. $59.25 | ohmibod.com.

DRAKE MAGAZINE | 59

BACK TALK

LIGHTS DrakeMag sat down with the Canadian electro-­pop artist for 15 minutes before her Nov. 10 Siberia Tour stop in Des Moines. She talked style, success, and her secret to staying skinny. INTERVIEW BY JEFF NELSON PHOTO COURTESY OF LIGHTS

Why she changed her name— “Lights was a nickname, and I wanted to use my nickname as an artist. I set up a Myspace account and quickly realized that it’s challenging to live under two different names. Names hold a lot of power—they influence the way you’re perceived so much, and I didn’t want to have two names. It was like an identity crisis. Now there’s no disparity. Lights is who I am.” What she discovered growing up in a missionary family— “I really learned what to expect in life. Don’t base success on having the most amazing house or a million cars or a massive flat screen. That stuff is amazing, but life’s about being with the right people and knowing that you’re going to be OK. There was no steady income living on the mission field, but we always had enough to keep us going. It really makes you have faith.” On her style— “It’s a combination of Lara Croft, grunge, and gymnast. My go-to pieces are my combat boots and black pants. I always wear those, but lately I’ve been trying to be more feminine.” 60 | DRAKE MAGAZINE

She’s a screamer— “I have this ritual for when I’m going into the studio. I usually wake up that morning and scream into my pillow, especially if I know I’m going to do vocals. It gets my voice ready for the day.” How she keeps in shape— “My workout situation isn’t very standard. I clench everything. I’ll just clench my muscles when I’m walking down the street, if I’m stressed, if I’m just sitting around. I’ve been doing it since I was a kid, and it keeps my metabolism up like crazy. I don’t work out other than that.”

The best advice she’s ever gotten— “When I was a kid, my parents said, ‘Don’t ever set your standards based on what other people are doing.’ Set your standards on what you’re doing, and you’ll never be jealous, disappointed, or arrogant.” For the whole story on Lights, check out drakemagazine.com/2012/12/lights

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Meredith Corporation is proud to offer the Meredith Apprenticeships in Service Journalism, f Lffm L ( y|m=| e in our long association with Drake. Selected junior and senior journalism majors have the opportunity to spend an entire academic year working part-time at a Meredith National Media brand, earning both academic credit and an hourly wage in the process. For more information, visit www.meredith.com.