Let Them Eat Cake (LTEC) - The Show Must Go On!

Let me tell you about Let Them Eat Cake (LTEC)! LTEC is a super fun aerial/circus/pole/burlesque show, and they were one of the first shows to quickly transport their show to the internet. While the rest of us were still shell shocked, Ina Du and Brenna Bradbury were planning on how they could keep us sane in the midsts of all this. Basically, within two weeks of the NYC lockdown, LTEC had their first online show, Homemade Edition, and they have been having a show every Thursday since (although, we believe they will be moving to every other Thursday now). To learn more, read our exclusive interview here, and tune into their show tonight!

Minhee Jones - 6 Feet Apart...

Musician Minhee Jones is an international melting pot of harmonies. Originally from Los Angeles, the London based artist denotes early classical influences from the likes of Beethoven. Her identity as biracial, born Korean and Black, helped to bolster the complexities of her artistry.

Directly off her new EP, the single “6 Feet,” was an almost prophetic analysis of mindfulness — of course more relevant, and literal, now amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. With lyrics like “we stay 6 feet apart to stay 6 feet above”, this song is essentially an anthem to what we are living through right now.

In addition to being a powerful musician, Minhee teamed up with Fender, Ford, and Co-op Food and broke three Guinness World Records by playing concerts in 51 cities in 7 days to raise money and awareness for Music Venue Trust. Minhee encapsulates a mix of soulful rebellion, perhaps an ode to her punk bass playing roots. As an instrumentalist, specializing in drums, bass, analog synths, piano and vintage harmonium, it is her prolific style and adventurous nature that enables her to march to the beat of her own drum. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Minhee Jones.

KaylaRae Resin Designs: Coast Conscious Art

It is well known that natural occurring phenomenon bound by the confines of nature exists within the scope of divinity and omnipotence. Nature is mystifying, powerful, yet fragile. It serves to inspire and enlighten; it helps grapple with mortality in a system of reciprocity rooted in life and death — the circle of life.

Laguna Beach based artist, Mikayla Gierut explores natural oceanic and seaside geographical theme using epoxy resin. It is a direct nod to her coastal upbringing and environmental science background. She creates one of a kind cheeseboards using renewable materials such as ethically sourced wood, diverting almost all studio waste from the landfills via reutilization, and using a non-toxic, no VOC, natural based/food safe resin. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Mikayla Gierut and her art.

Oyin Handmade: Black-Owned Food-Based Hair Care

Oyin Handmade is the quintessential small business. With humble origins, from the kitchen to selling in stores nationwide, founder, Jamyla Bennu, and her husband manage the majority of the business operations. Wanting to stay true to her all natural upbringing, Jamyla quickly noticed a need for chemical free food based hair products, especially for ethnic hair, in the market. After a run to the grocery store, she started experimenting, and never looked back. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Oyin Handmade.

The Ultimate Guide To Your Best Diet - Part 7: Should We Worry About GMOs And What To Eat Instead

Jejune is excited to put out The Ultimate Guide to Your Best Diet in eight “digested” parts. This is Part 7: Should We Worry About GMOs And What To Eat Instead.

Orenda Tribe Is Helping To Protect The Navajo Community

The Diné (Navajo) community, along with many other indigenous communities, have suffered greatly due to Covid-19. In fact, the Navajo Nation actually surpassed New York State for the highest infection rate in the US. Yet, they are seeing less help than most areas! Devastated to see her community suffering, indigenous fashion designer, Amy Yeung, founder of Orenda Tribe, has been working non-stop partnering with Outdoor Voices and NDN Collective to bring aid, food, water, masks, PPE, supplies, and awareness to these populations in need. Jejune had the pleasure to do an Instagram Live interview with Amy, which can be seen here (Part 1 and Part 2), but we at Jejune wanted to highlight some of the takeaways here.

Peter Cestaro: R&B's Young Efforts to Give Back

Actor, model, singer, at only 17, Peter Cestaro is only beginning his journey as an entertainer. Detailing his diverse resume, Cestaro has appeared in series such as Orange Is The New Black, Power, The Blacklist and much more. His modeling catalogue includes representing brands such as DKNY during New York fashion. His music background is complex, having connections to hip-hop with artists like French Montana, while crediting early influences by greats like Frank Sinatra. The Connecticut native also integrates musical acumen towards his longing for public service and volunteering. He also plays the piano at senior living homes. Cestaro also works with the CT food pantry providing for the homeless. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Peter Cestaro.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 23Jejune ContributorJune 17, 2020#positivity, music, musician, #singer, singer, Actor, actor, youth, Give back, give backComment

We Will Never Attain True Health Without Addressing the Collective

As a healthcare practitioner and health coach, my primary concern is the health and wellbeing of patients. Truth be told, the more I study the field, the more I integrate my clinical background with traditional healing practices, the more I realize that we are not seeing the big picture of health. No matter what new medical advances are invented, what technology is implemented, or what techniques applied, there is a deeper issue at hand.

JANOS Rocks For The Wolves

Most modern pop acts glorify a reality unattainable to humans. Songs tend to be driven by enchanting lyrics based in hyperbole or cliche romance tropes. They become larger than life figures basking in the glitz and glamour of fame and monetary success.

JANOS is a pop artist that retains his authenticity. Ironically, his uniqueness lies in his ability to capture the ordinary ups and downs of life. The Swedish born artist marries soulful vocals and dynamic emotion to deliver his pop-punk sound. Tracks like ‘Sicky/Sticky’ provide a glimpse into the world of depression, drug use, and ambition.

JANOS’ love doesn’t exist solely for his passion towards music. Animals welfare is a pressing issue he advocates for. He especially has a love for wolves. He has participated in LOUD! For The Animals and Rock for Wolves, with the goal of providing a voice for animals in need of protection. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about JANOS.

Healing Chicago’s Frontlines With COVID RRT

COVID Rapid Response Team (RRT) is a collective of independent community members, healthcare students, and clinicians supporting healthcare professionals and underserved areas. With the insurmountable pressure and stressors inflicting our healthcare workers, it is beneficial to see communities uniting for a common good. Please read our exclusive interview here with Carrie Chui and Sara Majewski to learn more about COVID RRT.

Police Brutality: Compassion, Anguish, and Love are Universal

Whenever news breaks of another black man falling victim to police brutality, part of me wants to despair at the futility of justice. I feel most people subconsciously share, at least partially, in my defeatist, encroaching on nihilistic, sentiment. A George Floyd will almost undoubtedly happen again and, as unproductive as these thoughts are, it is based in reality. It is a sempiternal threat that constitutes heightened prudence when interactions with police occur — civil or otherwise. Continually, we see black men (Charles Kinsey, Philando Castile, Eric Garner, etc.) face deadly or near deadly encounters with law enforcement.

The Ultimate Guide To Your Best Diet - Part 6: Why Counting Calories to Lose Weight and Get Fit is an Outdated Concept

Jejune is excited to put out The Ultimate Guide to Your Best Diet in eight “digested” parts. This is Part 6: Why Counting Calories to Lose Weight and Get Fit is an Outdated Concept.

How NY State Failed Their Elderly During COVID-19

I’m angry. I’m not going to lie. I have hit that point in my grief. But I’m also happy to hear that the murmurs of unrest are starting to rise. People are moving past clutching their rolls of toilet paper as they hang on every word NY Governor Andrew Cuomo tells them. The panic and fear are starting to melt away as the sun is slowly finally starting to shine again on New York City. Yes, we are slowly starting to open up, and we can debate on how much longer that will take, I don’t have the answer to that. There is one thing I do know, there will be a lot less elderly to worry about during any additional waves in New York, thanks to our state government and Andrew Cuomo.

Jejune Stands With African Americans

In light of the injustices and protests going on right now, Jejune has decided to pause this week’s contents in respect and solidarity of Black Lives Matter and African American rights. Instead, we will be focusing our content on sharing resources on how to support and help the movement and on different ways one may educate themself on the situation. Please join us this week as we further educate ourselves on how we can help and support the African American community as the Black Lives Matter Protests continue in the midst of Covid-19.

Attached below are some photos and a brief video from the protest in Brooklyn, NY. Jejune stands with you and wants the world to know, the protesters we have seen in NYC are peaceful, passionate, and beautiful human beings. We fight with you to be heard and seen.

Please stay tuned for our IG Live Interviews with voices from the African American community and reference our #BLM Reference Book. Thank you and be safe!

#BLM Resource Book

Amid the Black Lives Matter protests going on worldwide, there’s no better time to educate yourself on racial injustice then now. Please use the presentation below as a resource to learn how to support and help the black community during this time, and to continue to spread the message.

Welcome to Polartropica's Queer Celestial Dimension

Dreams Come True, Polartropica's debut album, creates a sonically tangible nexus into her ethereal fantasy dimension. The LA based, Taiwanese born pop star uses a unique combination of futuristic synths and classical string arrangements to generate her signature celestial sound. She remains true to her indie electropop roots, as seen in her 2016 EP Astrodreams.

The 10 track album explores the complexities between the reciprocal elements that make up Polartropica. It is an examination both fleeting, yet crucial. The album dials in on Polartropica's relationships, world news and her experiences as a queer Asian-American living in California.

Polartropica’s beliefs and values can seen through her actions and lifestyle. She embraces her LGBTQ identity and holds fundraisers for the LGBTQ community and the Los Angeles LGBTQ center. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Polartropica.

Art, zIssue 23Jejune ContributorJune 1, 2020music, musician, Asian, #singer, singer, singer song writer, LGBTQ+, lgbtq, LGBTQ, lgbt, #positivity, community, Pride Month, prideComment

A Day In The Life Of An MTA Train Operator during COVID

As more states slowly begin to reopen, a contextually old, yet polarizing debate was brought new life: What constitutes an essential worker or business? According to New York State, essential encapsulates specific specializations under health care, infrastructure, manufacturing, and a myriad of other industries. In New York City, it is clear that our train system is essential for the vast majority of New Yorkers to get around, making all of the MTA employees essential workers. But as we shelter in place to stay safe and people are terrified to go into the trains, what steps are being made to make sure the people doing the most important jobs right now are safe. Please read further to learn more from one amazing train operator, Paul.

How to Make Your Own Face Mask

Just like thousands of college kids across America, our social media intern Emade was forced to leave her school’s campus because of COVID-19. The abrupt end of the semester was something that Emade did not foresee, but nevertheless she continued her studies at home. While she was working on finishing the semester, Emade decided to buy a sewing machine and start learning how to make face masks. She found some scrap fabric at home, began sewing and sent out the face masks to her relatives. Soon after, Emade decided to give back to her community and donated face masks to health care workers in her city. In this tutorial, Emade will show you how to make your very own handmade face mask with a filter pouch. Her step by step tutorial is easy to follow and made for all levels of sewers.

SWAC: Fashion, zIssue 23Jejune ContributorMay 28, 2020masks, facemask, covid-19, diy, tutorial, fashion, sewingComment

Fostering Debate Talent Academy is Nurturing Our Future Orators

Fostering Debate Talent (FDT) Academy is an environment in which ideas breathe, mingle, and evolve. Founded in 2016 by Frankie Cena, FDT works to create a thriving space, building foundations for public speech and debate. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, FDT Academy announced the launch of its first-ever nationwide virtual speaking competition in support of Food Banks Canada. The event is an effort to encourage the creation and promotion of positive activities for youth amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and to raise funds for Food Banks Canada in a time of crisis and need for so many Canadians. To learn more, please read our exclusive interview here with founder Frankie Cena.

Chase Tang: The Earth Saving Super Villain

The Neflix's adaption of Jupiter’s Legacy, an American superhero comic book series, is set to unveil a new villain, Baryon — played by Chase Tang. Prior to acting, this Taiwanese born performer earned a Bachelor's degree in Business from the University of Guelph in Ontario and went on to be a successful corporate executive, before deciding to pursue his passion for the movie industry. When Chase isn’t playing a super villain, he is dedicating his time to his mental health campaigns and environmentalism, which is evident through his UN environmental campaign. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Chase Tang.