hey
wheres the class pic???

Magazine Distribution

Hey Girls,

I'm looking for some ideas about where to distribute the magazines. Some of us were thinking of taking copies to Union Station for commuters to read, or for subway riders, as well as some shops on Queen. Anyways let me know what you think.

Thanks,
Audra H

Additional Options

I noticed a few people liked the third picture so here were a couple more like that.
Ashleigh

Cover Page Options

Sorry I didn't get a chance to put these up on Wednesday. Here are a few options. If you like them that's awesome. We tried to take photos that were related to punk, music and chic.
Ashleigh

heads up!!!

photo for "oh, george" will be taken on november 28, during our journalism class.
where about's the picture will be taken is still undecided.
stayed tuned...

launch party

the more the help the marrier..
we are planning for the launch party of "oh george" on the last day of our journalism class!!

we have a team of people helping with..
-treats (cupcakes, cookies, etc.)
-signs
and any other ideas that anyone may have.

if you have any ideas or just want to do anything to help out with the launch please feel free too!

let us know what your planning on contributing on our blog and we will figure out what else may be needed.
thanks guys!!!
britt

Sartorial group

Hey guys,

So Sarah wants most of the content for the magazine done and ready to hand in on Wednesday, which means we need to get together Tuesday (tomorrow) to decide which pictures we want to use and then get the writing done for them. If tomorrow doesn't work for everyone then perhaps we could get together Wednesday before class and get the pictures figured out, then we can write little blurbs for each one, and if someone could take everything home with them and put it all together, and send it in to Sarah via email, that would work too. Let me know what you guys want to do...I am free tomorrow morning before noon and after 5pm, or all day Wednesday until class at 3pm. Talk soon friends!

Laura

Model Behaviour

We’re surrounded daily with the harried but fabulous lives of celebrities, especially young Hollywood, and we look to them for guidance, but should society really expect so much from this group of young, very human, beings?

A role model, as defined by the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, is “a person whose behaviour in a particular role is imitated by others”. At its most basic level, this definition could be applied to almost anyone, as it seems there is always someone we identify with and are watching and emulating. However, society has inferred its own connotations to that word and what it means, perhaps wrongly. This has called into question the behaviours of certain public figures and their influences over their young fans and followers. When someone is called a ‘role model’, it is automatically assumed to be a good thing, but is that really the intended point? Should celebrity automatically mean ‘good’ role model?

Britney Spears began her career in the entertainment industry at an incredibly young and impressionable 11 years old, with a spot on Disney’s Mickey Mouse Club. Her meteoric rise to fame began when she released her debut solo album …Baby One More Time, and continued through three more commercially successful hits. At 24 Spears had it all, incredible fame, fortune, a loving family, and supportive fans. Spears was literally on top of the entertainment world, known as the Queen of Pop, performing for sold out concert stadiums and winning critical acclaim. Even starring in a movie, Crossroads, which may have been labeled a disaster by critics, but was still snapped up by adoring fans. Many touted her as the role model for young girls everywhere, but fast-forward to 2007 and you find an extraordinarily different picture.

At twenty-five Spears has been married to and divorced from a self-proclaimed mooch, and given birth to two children whom she no longer has custody of. She’s fallen almost completely from the music scene, unless her sad performance at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards counts as a ‘comeback’, and is on rough terms with her family. Drugs, alcohol, late night partying, crotch-shots. These are the words that come to mind now when Britney’s name is mentioned. What happened? Many still see her as a role model, but should she be looked up to?

Lindsay Lohan started out in a similar light to Spears, with roles in now Disney classics, The Parent Trap, Freaky Friday, and Herbie Fully Loaded, but it was not until her smash hit, Mean Girls, that Lohan really made it onto the scene. Like Spears, Lohan seemed to have everything, a successful career, stunning good looks, friends in all the right places, and her face on every magazine. Her fans adored her, of course she was a role model, but exactly what were her followers imitating?

The legal drinking age in the states is twenty-one. Lohan only turned the magic age in July of 2007, so why have we been feasting our eyes on documentation all over tabloids, magazines, and the internet of a drunk Lohan coming out of clubs all over Hollywood for the past three years? Is this behaviour to be inspiring? Perhaps not. Lohan recently completed a two-month stay at Cirque Lodge, a rehab facility in Utah. Two months after turning twenty-one, Lohan enters rehab for drugs and alcohol? How does this even happen?

The unfortunate truth is that it does – all the time, and not just to celebrities. While many would argue that these young girls should be aware of their behaviour and whom it affects, the fact remains that they are young - and human. Many underage teens procure fake IDs and drink illegally the world over, but should that kind of behaviour be blamed on their “role models”? Is it fair to put so much pressure on human beings, who, by nature are not perfect, and expect them to be entirely positive influences all of the time? In a new article on www.elizabeth.actressarchives.com/news it states that according to the most recent Associated Press/AOL poll, both Britney and Lindsay made the list of the worst celebrity role models of 2006, with Spears coming out on top. While it has certainly been a whirlwind year chalk full of scandal for both Spears and Lohan, is it fair to give them so much credit? Just because celebrities are seen in all facets of their lives at all times, does it mean they have to be role models? Better yet, must they be entirely good ones?

Some argue they should. In the article, Role Model or Simply Celebrity?, published on headliners.org and Derry News, Owen Shields and Rhonda Hogg of Children’s Express Foyle Bureau interviewed a number of young adults about who their role models were. The two were shocked to find that all of their subjects mentioned a celebrity persona. They had this to say about their findings, “We think it does highlight the fact that celebrities have to set a good example for young people because so many of us do look up to them, but it is also important that young people are realistic about their heroes.”

Perhaps this means we shouldn’t spend so much time worrying about what celebrities in the magazines are doing. Yes, they seemingly “have it all”, and their lives are glamorous and fun, but that’s only one side. We’re only given an extremely narrow view of who ‘celebrities’ really are, but at the end of the day aren’t they all just regular people who were lucky enough to get a break, and earn great wealth and fame? Does this make them role models? Perhaps, but should they be heralded as great people to aspire to be? I would argue no.

Instead, perhaps we should think about surrounding our youth with positive pictures of everyday people, and give them realistic goals and ideas of what makes someone a real inspiration and hero. Celebrities are capable of affecting incredible change, but the opposite is also true. Role models? Yeah. Good, bad, or ugly, according to the dictionary, most of them are. On the other hand, can we really call them inspirations, leaders, and genuinely great people to be looked up to? Think again.

Feature Article

Woman… Supermodel or Celebrity?
Is One a Better Role Model Than The Other?

Many of us have a certain celebrity or supermodel that we look up to, inspire to be or want to dress like, whether or not the qualities that they portray are good qualities or bad qualities. It does not matter what type of qualities they have because we will still look up to that certain celebrity or supermodel. Some good qualities that we look for in a role model are intelligence, generosity, successful, courageous, strong, brave, inspiring, powerful, honest and happy with their selves in a non-selfish way. Bad qualities that we try to avoid in a role model are excessive partying, drug abuse, arrests, rude public behaviour, anti-Christ religious views and parental issues. Normally the bad qualities outshine the good qualities because they are more interesting to read about and are highly publicized. When choosing a role model it is a very personal experience, we normally choose someone that have similar qualities and goals as us and then aspire to be like them. But recently most celebrities have been getting themselves into a lot trouble whether is it personal or with the law. Where as a higher percentage of supermodels have mainly managed to keep themselves out of serious trouble. My question to you is who would you rather have as a role model a supermodel or a celebrity or since they are both famous does it matter? Keep on reading this article and maybe you will be able to make a decision.
Over the past 7 or more years there has been a drastic increase of celebrities that have been taking over magazine covers, which have replaced supermodels. This has had a huge influence of the celebrity becoming the new role model. Women of every age have been looking up to more and more celebrities since they have replaced supermodels on the covers of magazines. Posted by KylieW on August 14th 2007 on www.celebrity.org.au “Models, generally speaking, are paid to look good. Not to think. Not to have an opinion. But to look good. Their good looks sell products. Is that really the kind of person you want your kids to look up to? Someone with no opinions or thoughts, but who looks good in a bikini.” When reading that quote, KylieW makes an excellent point but now most supermodels have ventured into different business fields (i.e. acting, designing clothes, singing etc.), which have allowed them to get out of the supermodel stereotype. This has giving them more influence, respect and recognition across the industry. Most supermodels have managed to keep themselves out of the tabloids and the public eye in a negative way. This has increased the amount of girls looking up to them and calling them their role models. Do not get me wrong there still has been a couple of supermodels that have gotten themselves into trouble such as Kate Moss’ cocaine bust and Naomi Campbell’s abusive behaviour towards her assistants, to name a few. But, there have also been many models that have stood up to the tabloids such as the pictures of Tyra Banks looking overweight in a bathing suit. Which then created Tyra Banks’ “So What” campaign. Also, pictures and interviews showing off Heidi Klum's devotion to be a good wife and mother. These have had a major influence on women of all ages. It looks like the supermodel is going to be making a comeback. As KylieW stated Cleo Magazine will no longer be having celebrities on the cover of their magazines but will be reintroducing the supermodel to their covers. This is because even though supermodels are still in the public eye they are not as over exposed as celebrities, which will keep the supermodel as a top choice role model for a longer period of time than the celebrity.
With the lifestyle of a celebrity becoming more and more desirable to the average human being, more and more people are striving to be like them. But should being really good at something make them a role model? Absolutely not. As well as being good a something a celebrity also has to have some good qualities about them that will attract similarities between the women or girl and their role model. Take Britney Spears for example, she was a huge success by the time she was 16, which made her a role model to many teenage girls and young women. Then she started partying too much which involved heavy drinking and drug use and because of this behaviour many teenage girls and young women decided after all of her hard work and success she should not be a role model to women. Even though a celebrity starts as a huge role model to millions and millions of women does not mean that they will maintain that role model status throughout their entire career. Where as Mandy Moore, who started her career at the same time as Britney Spears, has managed to keep her morals and beliefs which have kept her out of the tabloids and that trashy category of young women that are in the spotlight today. You have to remember that celebrities are people too and that they do make mistakes and do things that are unacceptable, but it is the way that they handle it that makes them a good role model or not. A look at their past also helps make us decide whether or not what they did will reoccur or if it was just a one time mistake. Even though all celebrities and people in general all have good and bad qualities, their good qualities have to outshine or outnumber their bad qualities to be a good role model and stay at that role model status. Not all celebrities want or are ready to be role models but they have to realize that it comes with their job. It does not matter how famous or popular they are, women and girls will look up to them and aspire to be like them no matter what.
In conclusion both supermodels and celebrities have the ability to be a successful role model to millions of women and girls in the world. It is just how they act which determines how long that celebrity will be a good role model for and also how many women and girls will still consider them as their role model. Keep in mind your role model represents similarities in both your personality and attitudes. You should not just choose your role model because they are a huge celebrity or role model. So, when choosing your role model keep in mind their good and bad qualities and try to make sure that their good qualities outshine their bad qualities. There are a lot of amazing women out there waiting to be your role model; you just need to find the one that is right for you.

Feature Article

Live Fast, Die Young!Is today’s young celebrity generation living too fast for their own good? Or are we just repeating history.
Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Jimmy Hendrix, Janis Joplin. It used to be a miracle when a rock star would exceed the age of 27 years. “Dead at 27” still remains a saying that could be heard when a celebrity would pass away too early in life. In the 1970s it seemed as though it was a snowball effect, many young rock stars lost their lives to drugs, alcohol abuse and simply overdoing it. It has been a constant in Hollywood, ever since the early days of celebrity. Every generation has their own Marilyn, these days there is no exception, a lot young girls want to glorify her image, they want to live like her, look like her, and maybe even will end up dying young like her.

You see it everyday on television gossip shows and in rag magazines, “Britney loses custody of children again for drug use”, “Lindsay in rehab”, “Nicole going to jail driving under the influence”. These lines have become all too familiar. It used to be that celebrity gossip was about who’s dating who and who broke up with who, now a days its talk of rehab, DUI’s and who will die first as a result of living too fast. These young girls, most of them younger than me, have been in the media’s eyes since the age of 12 and are living the life of a 30 year old. In the world of celebrity and Hollywood, young girls grow up twice as fast as us regular girls, they begin drinking before the legal age, they mature much quicker and are more exposed to things that our eyes never even see. They are expected to still get an education, at the same time work a full time job. No wonder these girls live an older life, there often forced into it.

Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears and Nicole Richie are all known for being in the media’s spotlight. After countless blogs, celebrity gossip columns and never-ending paparazzi following their every move, we have all become intrigued with what will happen next. Who will be the next to go to jail, and to end up in rehab? This past year is one that we will no doubt ably forget. Paris Hilton, the young hotel heiress who’s popularity is still unknown was sent to jail for 45 days for driving with a suspended license. Her license was suspended earlier for driving under the influence. She only spent 23 days in jail on account for good behavior. After she was seen reading self help books and telling the media that she no longer went out to parties and drank alcohol, however has been seen all over Toronto doing just that. Her partner in crime and Simple Life costar, Nicole Richie, the daughter of famous musician Lionel Richie, is no question the worst of the bunch. On Heroin and cocaine by the age of 14, she then spiraled out of control further and was sent to rehab before turning sweet sixteen. It wasn’t until years later that she was finally charged with driving recklessly in the wrong lane of the freeway. After months of court appearances and hearings, and becoming pregnant, she finally spent some time in jail for her wrongful actions.

We all remember a time when Britney Spears was young and innocent, growing up the southern girl next door, she dated a member of a boy band and earned several million dollars for her lip synching. My have the tables turned and the innocent become the lost. She got married had 2 two kids, got divorced and lost her mind. These days Britney can be seen escorted around town in costume, wearing bright wigs and even wearing lingerie in the daylight. Britney is currently in the fight for her life as she is in the process of fighting for custody of her two young boys. It’s true what the say, “a picture is worth a thousand words”, and just because you have money and fame doesn’t mean you can be a good mother, or role model for that matter.

She’s been compared to Marilyn herself; Lindsay Lohan is this generation paparazzi queen. Starting her career at the age of 8, Lindsay grew up in front of the camera; she matured and developed in front of our very own eyes. In her teen years after filming such movies as: Freaky Friday and Confession of a teenage drama queen, Lindsay had high acclaim, she was voted one of young Hollywood’s one to watch. She did countless movies and films. Although she was making fortunes, rumors always circulated about Miss Lindsay, directors saying she was difficult to work with, that she would party till 4am in the morning and arrive on set intoxicated from the previous night. It was not a surprise to many when she ended up in rehab. After countless photos of her taken in very unappealing poses, Lindsay is no doubt ably one that is living her life is the fast lane, she’s been seen doing drugs, drinking underage, and driving while intoxicated, and let us not forget the countless car accidents she’s been in, on her account.

So, who are today’s young female role models? Is this generation living way to fast for their own good? It’s evident that this generation is in need of some desperate help. Should celebrities become of celebrity status as early as the age of 12? Who’s to blame the parents or the media? These are all question up for major debate. In my opinion what is needed is not to glorify that lifestyle, to find your own role model in life, not one that died of their own causes before the age of 30years.

Do I Look Fat in These Pants?

It’s the age-old question that’s been haunting women everywhere. Most of us, unhappy with the goods that god gave us, pursue diets, exercise or (for the wealthy and brave), liposuction. However, lately the age of women who consider themselves on a diet seem to be on a downward trend.

No doubt, as students, we are all under a lot of pressure; not only do we have to do well in school to get jobs and become successful, but most of us feel the need to fit in with our peers. It was difficult enough starting college and dreading gaining that infamous “freshman fifteen”, but, continuing into my second year, still fearing the same thing. According to the University of British Columbia in an article called Eating and Nutrition, Disorder eating, “A survey of UBC undergraduate students found that 51.6% of females are trying to lose weight.”

Social and cultural pressures seem to be getting heavier and heavier. Most of us are exposed to media images of what society deems as “sexy” or “beautiful”, but in reality are just unrealistic, photoshoped, mannequins. What’s more is that our younger counterparts are being exposed to these same images and thus feel the same pressures. “…Many teenagers feel the cultural pressure to be thinner than is required for good health, and may try to achieve this goal through poor and sometimes dangerous nutritional choices.” As reported in the article Dieting in Adolescence published by the Canadian Pediatric Society. The images that are polluting magazines, television and fashion runways are starting to take their toll on young Canadians. In the same article, the Canadian Pediatric Society reports that “Canadian cross-sectional data suggest that more that one in five teenage girls are ‘on a diet’ at any given time.” Another article titled Teens dieting to look like stars by Deborah Condon suggests, “…(teens) obsession with looking like famous people is leading them to make unhealthy diet choices.”

Within the fashion industry, however, these pressures seem to be the norm. It seems that within the past few years’ models waists have been getting smaller and smaller therefore affecting the clothes we see being sold in our local retailers. “Clothes have shrunk, too, sample sizes dwindling from a 6 to a 4 to a 2 and below.” reports Antonia Zerbisias in an article called Model vanishing act echoes cultural famine. The fashion industry, too, is starting to see the repercussions of their actions. “ Today’s models are literally starving. At least three have died from eating disorder-related causes in the past 18 months”, Antonia Zerbisias reports in the same article published in The Toronto Star, Oct. 20, 2007. We never see that part of it. Most of us only see the glamour, the parties, and the fashion. We don’t see the consequences of what a poor diet can do to our bodies.

What most of us are unaware of is how old some of these models actually are. They may appear as if they’re in their 20’s, but in reality are much younger. An up and coming model Chanel Iman, for instance, looks as if she’s in her early 20’s. Wrong, she’s actually only 17! The fashion industry is featuring some of these young girls in their runway shows and their ad campaigns that are geared toward an older market; thus sending the message to women that these are the ideals they have to live up to, when in reality it’s all just an optical illusion.

What’s worse is if you’re a fashion student, like myself, being exposed to these stick thin robots from watching fashion shows, or reading fashion magazines. This can make one feel as if they’re not trendy enough or even ugly. There’s always going to be that natural urge to better one’s self. However we must learn to draw the line somewhere in between what’s healthy and what’s downright disturbing.