71 Percent

A Zine by Jennifer M. Links for mobile users: Table of Contents | About

[71percent-zine]

Ask Jennifer

Dear Jennifer,

Recently, I had to move. Although my new town seems nice, I really miss my old town. I grew up there, and made amazing memories. I used to live near a forest, but now I live by the beach. It is a total change of scenery. I miss hearing the leaves fall, walking the trails, and seeing the animals wandering around. What can I do to stop feeling homesick?

-Jessica

Dear Jessica,

Homesickness is a very distressing feeling. Although it can be hard to completely stop feeling this way, I can help you lessen it. Try not to think of this change as moving away from something good; instead, think of it as a chance to make new amazing memories. The beach is a fantastic place. Even though beaches are different from forests, they still have some of the same positive qualities. They are both very pretty and relaxing. If you liked the sounds of the forest, try listening to the waves crashing on the shore at the beach. The sounds are different, but it is still nature. If you liked walking the trails, try walking on the shore. Even though it is a different terrain, you are still walking. Also, just like in the forest, there are animals on the beach as well. You can watch seagulls fly around, and if you are lucky, you might even spot some dolphins jumping out of the ocean! Remember, even though you are standing on a different part of the world, you are still on the same beautiful earth.

-Jennifer 

[71percent-zine]

“Fantasy” by Alina Baraz & Galimatias Music Review

“Fantasy” by Alina Baraz & Galimatias was released in May 2015 on the album Only three months later, the album was ranked #2 in dance/electronic album sales. The song is about escaping reality, and finding a calming place where there is no stress. The title of the song, “Fantasy,” reflects the feeling I get when I listen to the song. The sound is very calming, taking me to a mystical place. Just like the line, “You could leave your worries,” I leave my worries behind while listening to the song.

The lyrics in “Fantasy” are very meaningful. We should all take the advice given in them, especially in the lines, “Underneath the palm trees. You could leave your worries. Listen to the waves. Let them wash away your pain.” We should all find a happy place where we can leave our worries and heal. Baraz’s vocals are clean and complement the calming lyrics. The vocals fade out slowly, giving the song a sense of room. Her notes are smooth and quiet yet powerful.

The electronic sounds in the background are also very soothing. The beginning of the song starts with an electronic and piano instrumental solo. It starts off quiet and the volume increases slowly. Throughout the song, the background music flows like the waves that Baraz sings about. It has a static sound occasionally which makes me feel as if I’m underwater.

“Fantasy” has a fast, steady tempo of 123 BPM throughout the song. It is held by a minimalist use of percussion, such as digital bass drums and ticking. Although the tempo is fast, the song feels relaxing to listen to, since the notes are long and flow together. The song is in E major. Together, the fast tempo and major key makes the song feel upbeat.

“Fantasy” is upbeat yet calming. The imagery of a private island and waves makes me imagine a happy place in my mind. I would recommend listening to this song when you need to de-stress and feel more positive. I give “Fantasy” by Alina Baraz & Galimatias 4/5 stars.

★★★★☆

[71percent-zine]

Rainy Days

    Drip drop, drip drop. As Rose leaned back in her black desk chair, she looked outside her window. Rain was streaming down. She sighed. Another gloomy day, she thought. For the past week, it had been raining nearly every day. It hadn’t rained the day before, so she was hoping that the bad weather would be done with. But that wasn’t the case. It was raining again today, and this time, it was pouring.

    Rose never really liked the rain. She was more for warm, sunny days. Her late mother had always told her that she should learn to appreciate it; it’s what makes flowers grow. That’s why she was named Rose. Her mother loved flowers. She wished that she could be as positive about the rain as her mother had been but instead, she could only wish for drier weather.

    As the day went on, the rain didn’t stop. Rose decided to go to sleep early that night since the weather made her tired. When she woke up the next morning, there was no more rain! It was actually a sunny day with no clouds to be seen in the dazzling blue sky. Just the way she liked it. Since the weather was finally pleasant again, she got dressed and headed to the park with her pet corgi, Marshmallow. While she was strolling down the street with him, she passed a mother and her young daughter. She overheard their conversation.

    “See, June? The rain was worth it! The roses on this bush are finally starting to bud,” the mother exclaimed.

    “Yeah, momma! They’re super duper pretty,” the daughter, whom Rose presumed to be June, chirped.

    Rose smiled. Their interaction reminded her of her mother. She walked over to the rose bush and sniffed the flowers. She couldn’t wait to see them in full bloom. Maybe the rain isn’t all that bad, she thought. 

[71percent-zine]

“Icarus”

[71percent-zine]

H2O Horoscope

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18):

Lately, like a glacier, you’ve been feeling frozen and like you’ve been moving very slowly. Try to look at all sides of the issues that you’re having to move forward.

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March. 20): 

Like the current of a stream, you’ve been trying to run away from your emotions. Try to focus more on the gentleness of a stream, winding your way to how you feel.

Aries (Mar. 21 - Apr. 19): 

Slow down! You’ve been moving way too fast like a river. Although you are very passionate and energetic, try to relax.

Taurus (Apr. 20 - May 20): 

You have been pretty stable lately, like a lake, but be aware of sudden changes; if they come, don’t freak out! Just try to remain steady.

Gemini (May 21 - Jun. 20): 

Like a strait that connects two bodies of water, don’t be alone. You thrive when you’re with others.

Cancer (Jun. 21 - Jul. 22): 

Like an ocean, you are mysterious and your emotions are deep. Take some time to reflect and don’t let your feelings take control of you.

Leo (Jul. 23 - Aug. 22): 

You are compassionate and friendly just like ponds that house animals. You’re going to have a lot of fun with friends soon! It’s a good time for you to travel.

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22): 

Like a run, things have been going smoothly lately. Take this time to stop being super careful and instead have a little fun!

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22): 

You have to cooperate with your peers to get to a middle ground, just like an estuary, the point where the river meets the sea. Stop trying to avoid confrontations and try to communicate more.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21): 

You are like a moat surrounding a castle, not letting others in. Try to stop being so secretive with your emotions and open up a little bit.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): 

You bring fun to others around you like jumping in a puddle. Be social and have some fun too!

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19): 

Like a harbor where boats are parked, you are very responsible and caring for others. Don’t forget to take care of yourself too!

[71percent-zine]

Survivor

When you’re found in the eye of the storm

Everything seems fine for a moment

You look up and the sky is clear

Until suddenly, you look to your side

Heavy rain hits you as thunder roars 

But you keep your feet strong on the ground

Waves rush in but you won’t let them knock you down

You wait until the end of the hurricane

Until pouring turns into a drizzle

And the waves retreat back to the ocean

You are soaking wet but your eyes are not