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.

Asking WHY May Help Us Survive As A Species

It is my humble conclusion that there are two main issues that are threatening the end of the world. These are: 1. Climate change and 2. The illusion of separation. My studies and life experiences have led me to examine this issue of impending doom and categorize it as one of high priority. It is my hope that all of us pause and consider the following editorial.

COVER - Laura Vandervoort Is The Eye Of The Storm

Laura Vandervoort is immediately recognized for her action packed roles — from her dynamic role as Supergirl in the CW series, Smallville, to being a werewolf in Bitten, and most recently, Laura can be seen as a compassionate vampire on Netflix's new vampiric series, V Wars. When Laura isn’t out kicking butt, she can be found giving back! She executively produced and acted in her own film, “Age of Dysphoria”, and she passionately works with World Vision. Through World Vision, Laura has since sponsored two children and has traveled to Kenya to support their ‘Starting Strong’ initiative, which provides medical supplies, sanitization, hospital sanctuaries for pregnant women, prenatal care and child education. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Laura and her projects.

Generosity In The Occult with Sal Santoro & Popi Mavros

Perceptions of the occult are largely met with a of mix skepticism, fear, and curiosity. However, many pagans use their magic for good, such as The Good Witch, Patti Negri, and the fascinating and generous occult specialists Sal Santoro and Popi Mavros, founders of The Crooked Path. In addition to getting all your essential needs in spells, candles, oils, and herbs, Santoro and Mavros are also huge animal lovers. They support a lot of local shelters, like Burbank Animal Shelter, Vice Is Nice, and Frosted Faces. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Sal Santoro (SS) and Popi Mavros (PM).

Feminism and Mental Health: The Diary of Sravya Attaluri

“Today I choose to be happy.” These are very powerful words coming from artist and illustrator Sravya Attaluri. These are words we can all learn to live by a little more. Art is used for many things, but one of my favorites is when it is used to make you happy and to celebrate yourself. Well, I’m also all about it being used to fight the man and bring light to important issues. The beautiful thing about Sravya’s work is that she does all of the above! Born in India, raised in Korea and Hong Kong, Sravya uses her artistic and creative prowess to encourage feminist thought and debunk mental health stigmas. Please look here to read our exclusive interview with Sravya and see some of our favorites.

Ultimate Guide To Your Best Diet - Part 5: Busting Fat Myths: What You Didn’t Know about Cholesterol, Omegas, and Trans Fats

Jejune is excited to put out The Ultimate Guide to Your Best Diet in eight “digested” parts. This is Part 5: Busting Fat Myths: What You Didn’t Know about Cholesterol, Omegas, and Trans fats.

The Masks Now Coalition

In the midst of a global pandemic everyone is struggling to feel safe, and yet, ironically, more puzzling than the origin of the virus is the overwhelming lack of ability to provide preventative measures in the form of PPE. Big N95 mask suppliers have been nationalized by China, and the U.S. based innovation tech company, 3M, has faced the impossible task of keeping with nationwide demand for N95 masks.

With the general public and, more specifically, healthcare professionals facing compromised safety, many are taking action to create makeshift PPE. The Masks Now Coalition (TMNC) is one of many groups leading this fight to help provide masks to hospitals, essential workers, and, well, everyone who needs one (aka everyone). TMNC is working in a grassroots way, by bringing in individuals to help however they can, and use their large information network and dedication to educating the public. Please read our exclusive interview with Sarah Kendrick to learn more about The Masks Now Coalition.

COVID-19 Is More Than A Virus

Nine weeks. That is how long it took COVID-19 to become deadlier to Americans than every other war fought by this country, save for the two World Wars and the Civil War. It may be on track to take third place away from World War I. It has fundamentally changed the world, and exposed some deep and ugly fissures in our society.

Erin Reese: Country's Anti-Bully

Erin Reese started her working career much younger than most. This 16 year old began as a model and developed a curiosity for entertainment. Now, as a singer and actor, the Florida native has amassed years of experience appearing in movies and shows such as “Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors” and “Chicken Girls”. Reese is also a strong anti-bullying proponent, and uses her platform to support others suffering from bullying. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Erin Reese.

The Ultimate Guide to Your Best Diet - Part 4: How Much Protein Should We Consume?

Jejune is excited to put out The Ultimate Guide to Your Best Diet in eight “digested” parts. This is Part 4: How Much Protein Should We Consume.

Botanica Workshop Is Helping To Keep The U.S. Safe

If you tuned in last week on Art & Social Activism’s Instagram Live for their online socially aware art and fashion festival, which Jejune was honored to be apart of, you would have gotten a chance to meet the lovely Misa Miyagawa, designer and owner of sustainable fashion brand Botanica Workshop. I got the pleasure to ask her about how Botanica Workshop is weathering COVID-19, and how she is taking the opportunity to change directions, for a little bit, to focus on making zero waste masks for the population and essential workers.

If you didn’t, you missed out on seeing our beautiful faces, but you are lucky, because Misa was kind enough to answer her questions here as well. Please read further to learn more about Botanica Workshop and how they are making the world a little safer right now.

Brains and Beauty: Adaire Byerly's Neural Observations On Human Behavior

As an ex-neuroscientist, I was super excited to hear about Adaire Byerly’s plan to integrate the fashion and entertainment industry with the neuroscience world. As an ex-model herself, she saw an obvious hole in the fashion and entertainment industries where people are not looking beyond the visual, and she wanted to dive in deep, cellularly deep.

Currently, Adaire is looking at the neural exploration of compassion, and she is applying that sensitivity to her company, Entertainment Mindframe, which is bridging the gap between the entertainment industry and science. By incorporating modern-day sciences and her first-hand experience in the industry as an actress/model, she hopes her findings can be implemented into intellectual and developmental training for professionals. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Adaire and her work.

Elizabeth Cline, Benita Robledo, Rachael Wang, and Lauren Fay Fight For The Garment Workers

We are talking a lot about how fashion brands are being affected by COVID-19, but what of their workers? Factories around the globe have been closed down and orders are being cancelled and unpaid for. If garment workers are still working it is to make masks, and they are often not given PPE. What can be done? How can we help? Learn more here.

Anjelika Washington Is A Hero In The Making

CW these days seems to be the place to go for your superhero needs, and their new show Stargirl, premiering May 11th, is no exception! As a superhero fan myself, I know I’m excited to see another show that focuses more on the female superheroes in the DC world. I’m particularly interested in seeing Anjelika Washington’s character, Beth Chapel (aka Doctor Midnight). This super smart crimefighter can see in the dark and kick butt! Even though night-vision isn’t Anjelika’s first choice for a super power, she is a hero in her own right. When she isn’t gracing our screens, she can be found working with sick kids, and their siblings, at the Children's Hospital of LA. To learn more about this quickly rising star, please read our exclusive interview here.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 22, Most PopularKira BuccaMay 4, 2020super hero, hero, actress, sick kids, hospital, CW, blackgirlmagic, Give back, youthComment

Sustainability Runs In The Genes: Talks With Daniel Kahalani Of DNA Footwear

When I had the pleasure of meeting Daniel Kahalani, earlier this year at Coterie, I was thrilled to see his booth filled to the brim with a neat, colorful assortment of trainers that resemble a hybrid cross between Vans and Keds. However, most intriguing, was a sign with the image of a shoe and a plastic bottle, emblazoned atop read the text, “This Was A Bottle.”

Daniel is charismatic, knowledgeable, and, most importantly, passionate in his work. He excitedly spoke to us about DNA Footwear and their new sustainable collection “This Was A Bottle.” From up-cycled textiles, including plastic bottles, ethical manufacturing, recycled packaging, and much more, DNA Footwear is a product of love, pride, and hope for the future of ingenuity regardless of profession or industry. Please read here to learn more about DNA Footwear.

What it's like to Work in Retail Pharmacy during COVID

If you’ve never worked in retail community pharmacy, you probably don’t know how hectic it can get when there isn’t a pandemic out there roaming the world. Now that this immense x-factor is sweeping the nation, it’s certainly complicating things. Furthermore, population-dense metropolises such as New York, where I live, are impacted the most with the sheer number of cases and repercussions, trickling from the front lines to our business, economic and personal levels.

Leonardo Nam's World of Hope

Leonardo Nam, much like his character in Westworld, has a gift for creation — studying architecture in college before pursuing a career in acting. Leonardo's interests manifest in his works of charity. The Argentine-Australian actor has worked with Habitat for Humanity and many other organizations in an effort to give back. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Leonardo.