THE

Some silly little stuffed animals. Art by Dasha Allyn. Fluffy, stuffed and charming: a child’s trusty sidekick. Stuffed animals are common objects of comfort and can function in various ways. They can be a bedtime companion, a soft shoulder to cry on after a stressful midterm, and, depending on the brand, a cute heating pad. These objects serve many purposes that children often overlook. Whether it’s a ratty, washed-out teddy from childhood or a new fuzzy friend, owning a stu

The "Performative Male" paper doll with all his accessories. Art by Basil Allen. In early August 2025, Seattle’s Cal Anderson Park was the venue of a Performative Male Contest , drawing large crowds of matcha-drinking, tote-bag-wearing contestants. This event was one of many similar gatherings throughout the nation, in the wake of the performative male trend gaining significant traction on social media platforms.  For those who are unfamiliar, Urban Dictionary defines  perfor

Taylor Swift posing in a bathtub as seen on the cover for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” Rather than water, the tub is filled with hundred-dollar bills. Art by Wes Mowry-Silverman. On Oct. 3, 2025, Taylor Swift dropped her 12th studio album, the highly anticipated “The Life of a Showgirl.” Within moments of its release, the album and its subsequent discourse consumed the media ecosystem. Rolling Stone  released a resounding endorsement, even changing the colors of t