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customer service June 9, 2020
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Did Supreme get their due? Looters break into the streetwear store

You mad, Supreme?

Amidst the chaos of riots across the city, NYPD had their hands a bit too full to tend to looting. Looters are opportunists at their finest, and there was no finer a time than a week ago in SoHo. At around 1 a.m., looters took to the Supreme store, boarded up as it was, and raided the merchandise.

Many a hype beast tear were shed that day. The raiders appeared to be friendly with each other, tossing shirts into the crowd for their friends. With customers often citing disrespect from staff and high prices, it makes you wonder… did Supreme have it coming?

Since their rise to popularity in street fashion in the 2010s, Supreme has cultivated many fans and detractors alike. Common criticisms of the brand include rude staff, over pricing t-shirts, and stealing designs, including the logo itself. Those who like Supreme tend not to mind, though outsiders tend to notice certain culture around it.

When treating your customers with contempt while carrying high-price items, it is expected to an extent. A riot pops off, opportunists want to make money selling stolen goods, or using them themselves. Combine that with Supreme’s reputation for poor service and detractor base, and you have a looting waiting to happen.

Louis Vuitton Supreme Hoodie
LV x Supreme Lookbook by Terry Richardson

Of course, this isn’t to say looting is the right thing to do. It’s not. I may not be a fan of Supreme as a brand, but no store should be looted at all. Historically, when riots start, so does looting.

This is nothing new. At Woodstock ’99, riots broke out and merch tents were raided as well, looking similar to the SoHo Supreme. When the attention is off the big-ticket items, that’s when looting happens. This will always be, so long as riots happen. So what can they do?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0Uhr5r6sUM

1:18 for the looting.

Well, it’s simple: don’t treat your customers like trash. They may resent you for that. If you have a job involving customer service, it’s best to be helpful with those who come in. Whether that would make people think twice about looting your store is up for debate, but should be done regardless. Looting shouldn’t happen, but it may.

How do you feel about Supreme? No matter your feelings, stay safe out there, friends.

You can comment below and find this article of PAGE magazine.

#blacklivesmatter June 8, 2020
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Dolls Kill gets flamed for tone-deaf post. When will brands learn?

With the death of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor fresh on the public’s mind, many are raising their voices. The message is clear: end police brutality on people of color.

However, the message may not have been so clear for Dolls Kill founder Shoddy Lynn.

Reposted by brand ambassador Aieshia Memphis (@aieshia_dickey_memphis on IG), Lynn’s recent IG post has rightfully landed the brand in hot water.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

#BLACKOUTFOREVER✊🏽 @dollskill @shoddylynn #boycocottthisbusiness As a brand ambassador I had dreams of working with this company because I loved the fashions that they represented. But now seeing the response from the owner of this company has made me rethink that as a business decision and as a patron. I will always choose not to do business with and will encourage anyone to not shop at this business. WE #boycott anyone that does not stand for #equalrights and justice for all! Lets fight through #dollskill #commerce #boycottdollskill #dontshopthere #blackfestivalgirls #blackflowarts #blackflowartistsofig #blackflowartist #blackflowartists #blackartists #blackaerialist #blackaerialists #standagainstracism #freedomofspeech #brandambassador #protestinginjustice #findanotherwaytoprotest #stopgivingyourmoneyaway #brandambassadorcommunity #blackouttuesday

A post shared by Aieshia Jack Of All Trades (@aieshia_dickey_memphis) on

Judging by the caption of Lynn’s photo, it looks like she doesn’t know which side to support.

With a history of racism and rape culture promoted through this brand, this is only the most recent in a pattern of behavior. With tensions so high, this may just be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for the brand.

You’re cancelled

With #boycottdollskill on the rise, many are taking to Instagram and Twitter with their own examples.

The criticism Dolls Kill has received over the years is nothing new, though.

For a long time, the brand had the power and influence enough to ignore the critics, but that time may be gone. With unprofessional customer service responses, little diversity in models, design theft, and more, their time is near.

In response to the massive backlash, Dolls Kill decided to post three black squares on their Instagram for #blackouttuesday.

The response has been far from positive. Long time patrons of the brand saw right through this attempt at “woke” advertising, putting them on blast in the comments. And rightfully so.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

We fucked up. We should have been quicker + louder and this is what we r doing about it.

A post shared by Dolls Kill (@dollskill) on

When trying to save face the first time didn’t work, they tried it AGAIN with a little modification. The response is still resounding bullshit. In their second attempt at PR spin, they seem to miss the point again on people’s anger.

Their assertion that they “should have been quicker” to respond to criticism shows how little they cared before it hit their bottom line: cash.

This attempt was see-through to their audience, who again sounded off in the comments. If you want more examples of their contempt for their customers, #boycottdollskill will give you plenty.

Put your dollars where they won’t breed more ignorance.

Look out for this article on PAGE magazine.

aaron mcgruder May 27, 2020
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Celebrating ‘The Boondocks’ creator Aaron McGruder 45 years later

On May 29 cartoonist Aaron McGruder was born and two decades later he would grace the world with the controversial comic strip The Boondocks.

Now, it’s hard to believe that it has been a decade and a half since Boondocks first graced our TV screens. Based on the 1996 comic strip by Aaron McGruder, Boondocks’ gorgeous faux-anime visuals and hilarious writing brought still-relevant social commentary.

Always biting, Boondocks brought awareness to issues facing the black community through the eyes of ten-year-old Huey Freeman. Whether satirizing, paying homage to film, or making a serious statement, McGruder did so with tact, making us remember this many years on.

To celebrate his creativity, here are some of the best moments from the TV series:

Cheese (Season 1, Episode 1)

When cruel billionaire Ed Wunceler (voiced by and based off actor Ed Asner) moves to town, Huey fears for his, his brother Riley’s, and his granddad’s lives. Granddad (voiced by the late John Witherspoon) insist cheese is the answer to their problems with ornery racist old white folks. Huey, the series’ voice of reason, does not see it this way.

But what do you know, Granddad was right! At least in this case.

In the pilot, Aaron was able to set the tone for the series in a socially aware and hilarious way. So we watched on…

Movie Theater Trouble (Season 2, Episode 1)

Boondocks sure knows how to start a season off right.

Taking the boys and neighbor girl Jazmine to Soul Plane 2, Granddad comes prepared with snacks in his coat, while Riley has the camcorder for his own home release. Jazmine, seeing the over-the-top anti-piracy previews (which were all OVER the 2000s), feels like they’re doing something wrong.

Well, they did sneak in…

Because of this, Huey squares off against Ruckus in an iconic fight, and unionizes the movie theater, shutting it down. So… power to the people?

Dick Riding Obama (Season 3, Episode 1)

The world this episode came out in was a different one. In the recession of ’08, people needed hope and change, which Barack Obama embodied. With a documentary crew covering the Freeman house, Granddad being a former Civil Rights Movement leader.

They’re all understandably hyped for a black president…except Huey. Huey doesn’t see what to get so excited about, and the town treats him as a pariah for responding “eh.” He is called a domestic terrorist, with even his family not backing him.

This episode was great, as it showed every political cycle sells hope by the gallon. Change is another story.

Ruckus Finds Out He’s Black (Or is He?) (Season 2, Episode 15)

Uncle Ruckus, a black man who says he’s a white man with revitaligo, hates black people, but is ironically friends with the Freemans. On “The Uncle Ruckus Reality Show,” a camera crew reveals upon DNA test that Ruckus is, in fact, a black man.

It’s hilarious to see Uncle Ruckus, a man who’s always seen as a black man but still loves “the white man,” almost face reality… until another DNA test comes in saying the first one was a mistake.

The Booty Warrior (Season 3, Episode 7)

Possibly the best episode of the show, the Freeman boys are chaperoned on a scared straight program by their neighbor Tom DuBois. This is mostly so Tom, a law-abiding straight-laced black man can conquer his fear of going to prison and being raped.

There, a riot breaks out in the prison, with the Freemans forming a committee for terms of ending the riot. Huey educates us on the real use of prisons, including keeping slave labor for the prison industrial complex.

Huey suggests the end of their labor exploitation, but their focus is on what kind of bitches they’ll get for releasing hostages. This was the funniest, most memorable, and I believe most socially impactful episode.

nonexistent collective May 27, 2020
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NONEXISTENT Collective is bringing Midwest Emo to East Coast fashion

With every streetwear designer looking to be the next Supreme, Jeremy Lopez offers an alternative.

Launching Nonexistent Collective in 2019, Albany-based Lopez draws on darker inspirations. Influenced by sadboi culture, skulls, flowers, and pale pink are par for the course in Nonexistent’s works.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Remember summer days in the backyard? Music: BCKYRD by Hot Mulligan off their record “You’ll Be Fine”

A post shared by NONEXISTENT • Art Community (@imscaredofpeople) on


Lopez brought the desolation of his hometown and midwest emo influence together to bring a sense of serenity. His pieces tend to feature pink flowers, which he says relax him. With nature being a feature in his work, Nonexistent artwork puts you in serenity.

Said Lopez in our interview, “There’s nothing around me, and where I grew up. So a lot of my art came from me just needing something to do, and to let my feelings out, too.”


Pale pink is a color prominently featured throughout Lopez’s art. According to him, the salmon color is one that puts him in a calm mood. What calms him he hopes will have the same effect on others.

“Whenever I’m having an anxiety attack or I’m feeling really stressed out, flowers are something that always put me in a relaxed mood. Pink, also, is a color that chills me out, it’s very pleasing to look at.”

Self admittedly struggling with anxiety and depression, Lopez’s art is a release for his heavier feelings. Channeling these stresses into art, he started Nonexistent Collective for other people who feel the same things, letting them know they’re not alone.

That’s where the collective part comes in.

 

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#NONEXISTENTCollective #SubtleBeauty Gearing up for the Spring Release 🥀

A post shared by NONEXISTENT • Art Community (@imscaredofpeople) on


On Nonexistent’s Instagram (@imscaredofpeople), he shares others’ art on his stories. As Lopez puts it, “I want the world to see it.” Nonexistent Collective is a place where artists can be part of something bigger. He offers a place for those sadbois and sad girls to create commiserate.

With fashion as his favorite creative medium, Lopez enjoys his art most when worn on the body. While he’s been drawing since childhood, it’s when street fashion caught his eye, and Lopez decided fashion design was the way for him.

“Once I started designing clothes, that’s when I knew that’s how I wanted to get my art out,” Lopez explains.

“The black Nonexistent beanies seemed to be the most popular, so those are coming back.”


Lopez’s designs found a balance with Midwest Emo minimalism and East Coast streetwear aesthetic. The two are not often thought of in the same vein, but how often have they been brought together? For those of you who like your long tees with a touch for the macabre, this is definitely the brand for you.

A week ago, Lopez dropped his new design on Instagram, featuring his jester head flower vase in black. The jester mask, appearing somewhat frequently in Nonexistent’s designs, is something of an icon for the brand.

This newest drop is only the latest in what is slated to be a prosperous career for Jeremy Lopez. On top of being essentially a one-man act, he is amazingly humble and kind, something you don’t always get with such talent.

The brand may be Nonexistent, but it’s certainly not invisible.

Click here to stay in tune with the young streetwear designer’s latest drops. 

Bruh May 26, 2020
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Bring your own bud: It’s time to say goodbye to the weed cypher

Want to share a beer too?

With business and public places reopening, people are flocking to the streets to celebrate the fresh air of freedom. You can only keep an animal in a cage for so long, after all.

With this newfound freedom comes today’s topic: the weed cypher.

For a while now, even stoners (usually the laxest people about rules) have observed social distancing. Being that so much of smoking culture is the social experience, the weed cypher (smoke circle) has been dying out.

Personally, this makes me sad.

weed gifs Page 19 | WiffleGif

Don’t lament too much yet, friends, the end of smoking is far from now. For now, though, a bring your own bud (BYOB) policy may be the wave for the near future. Even with restrictions slowly lifting, the virus is still out there.

What do we do now?

Oh yeah, the same thing we do at pretty much any house party: BYOB (except the second B is for bud). With this system in place, there will be no more room for the mooches that come along for a free ride. Won’t you miss those?

More importantly, with everyone bringing their own, no one has to be the last of the rotation. No one likes to be the last to hit the blunt, always damp by the end of the first rotation. This way, you are the alpha and the omega. The blunt begins and ends with you!

Wield this power wisely, friends.

I Have The Power GIFs - Get the best GIF on GIPHY

Most important of all, however, is that BYOB and a personal stash can, if only a little, prevent the spread of COVID. As much as we don’t like to admit it, sharing germs doesn’t happen much faster than sharing something your mouth has been on. Remember, the world at large didn’t use condoms. Then we got AIDS.

Stay safe and stay healthy, my stoners.

anniversary May 20, 2020
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Why Dawson’s Creek’s Jack McPhee is still important 20 years later

If you don’t wanna wait for your lives to be over for a Dawson’s Creek retrospective article, lucky you. Today, we cover the legacy of a pioneer of LGBTQ representation on TV, with Jack McPhee.

Introduced in the second season, Jack was an ordinary teenage boy, if a bit quiet and elusive. While first dating Joey to cover his sexuality, he comes out accidentally in an English class project. Being the late 90s and early 2000s, coming out mean social stigma from his ignorant classmates, not to mention townspeople.

jack mcphee | Tumblr

His strength of character comes from the authentic feel the writers gave him. After facing scorn from his father and criticism from his sister, he fears how he will be treated by the rest of his family, not being “the son his dad wanted.” Many gay people who struggle with family acceptance could relate to his plight.

However, his struggle was not the only thing that made Jack so human.

Jack McPhee was not a cardboard cutout homosexual and resented the expectations of being one. He was annoyed with the idea he would be “asked to wear makeup and start singing Bette Midler.”

Joining the football team was not quite enough to gain complete acceptance from his peers, talented though he was.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYighrK6gxo

LGBTQ people come in all different varieties, though they are often portrayed in some level of stereotype in media. Jack knew he was not the conventional image of “the homosexual,” but he didn’t care. He just wanted to be himself.

In the fourth season, Jack is reluctantly brought to a gay-straight alliance meeting at Jen’s request. He is uncomfortable there and is not exactly welcomed with open arms. Many of the members speculate the validity of his sexuality, being that he plays football and isn’t quite like them.

When asked by Jen why he didn’t want to return, he gives one of the most powerful lines in the series, “I don’t want the only thing I have in common with these people being the fact I’m gay.”

LGBTQ people who don’t fit into the conventional molds of can feel ostracized from the community that should support them. Looks can be deceiving, and it’s important to love someone for the content of their character before all else.

jack mcphee | Tumblr

The impact doesn’t end in real life, either. Jack’s actor, Kerr Smith (48), recounted in People Magazine’s 20 year Dawson’s Creek reunion that he got mail from gay fans appreciating what he was doing. His faithful portrayal brought a great deal of visibility to the issues facing the LGBTQ youth of the time and even today.

He made a social issue human and educated the youth of the late 90s and early 2000s. When thinking of writing an LGTBQ character yourself, keep one important thing in mind: keep them human.

Thank you Kerr Smith.

Dawson's Creek Jack and Doug | Tell-Tale TV

Cannabis May 19, 2020
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The struggle is real: Here’s to growing my first cannabis plant

Plants are so much easier to raise than kids. With the lowering birth rates and rising plant parenthood in millennials, growing looks like the way. Recently, I took on the plant caretaker role, and here’s what I’ve learned…

Leave it to a millennial to be impatient.

Best Impatient GIFs | Gfycat

Depending on the plant you grow, curb your expectations on the sprouting. Like the title says, I’ve undertaken growing Mary Jane, so I’ll be waiting a bit.

With my soon-to-be green tree, size does matter. Your plant will only grow as big as the container it’s in, so plant wisely. At the moment, my baby is calling a week old Ben & Jerry’s pint its home.

growing first cannabis plant

This will all change when you reach the next phase…

So you got your big planting pot, so what?

If you want the plant to grow, you’ll need fertile soil and fertilizer. I find a variety of different types to be healthy for the plant, but what do I know? Composting will do well for any plant’s growth, so your food scraps will never be wasted! Organic material supports healthy growth (read BIGGER BUDS)!

Like waiting for the seed to sprout, your compost will need time to decompose. The wait involved is the most nerve-wracking part. The worry if your plant will come out right, or at all, lingers.

Is this what mothers who drink in pregnancy feel? Just like Guns N’ Roses said, “All it takes is just a little patience.”

From the brief online reading I did preparing (thank you, Leafly), rookie growers tend to overwater. Oops. Wait for the top layer of your soil to be totally dry before dessert. Water for your plants is great, but make sure it can drain.

If you’re doing a DIY grow in a makeshift container like I am, poke holes in the bottom if possible. This allows the water to thoroughly run through the soil and some unnecessary water to escape. 

If you have a balcony, rooftop, patio, or garden, I’d recommend. I’m lucky to have a private balcony, so no human or animal pests.  Be careful about the strains you choose to grow outside, as this Zamnesia article implies some are more suited for the outdoors than others. Being four days in now, I’m excited about the future of my now unnamed flowerpot.

Patience, my friends. The fruits of your labors will come.

Weed Cannabis GIF by WEEDIQUETTE - Find & Share on GIPHY

Bruh May 14, 2020
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How to support your local weed dealers without breaking the bank

In today’s trying times, we all need a little something to keep ourselves from the edge. Some do it with reality TV, others by eating their feelings, but here, we’re talking about a little green bag. With everyone after it, bud’s getting up-charged like a water bottle at Woodstock ’99.

With most of us staying inside, our plugs are out there hustling for their daily bread. As such, with increased risk comes increased reward, meaning higher prices. With their health now being put at risk, they deserve a little extra.

Here, are five ways to save you a little green when looking to cop that green.

Buy in Bulk

Big Bag Of Weed GIFs - Get the best GIF on GIPHY

We wouldn’t have Costco if bulk buying didn’t save money. Well, the same principle applies here! It makes it easier on both ends. They get a fat wad of cash, you get a fat bag of weed, and neither of you will need contact for at least a few weeks.

Save your dollars, save your health.

Negotiate a Subscription

Ask a Reader: subscription services — BookNet Canada

Some plugs may be open to a loyal customer program, and it’s worth a try to ask.

How does it work? Every time they re-up, you request however much (an eighth usually), and they deliver. If you’re subscribed to them, they might give you a discount. For example, if you buy eighths for $45, your subscription may only cost you $35.

Not every plug will spring for this, but it is worth it to ask.

Plug the Referral System

9 Questions To Answer Before You Call A Referral

Every business loves some free advertising. There may not be a guaranteed sale price in it for you, but your plug could use it. We all know someone who’s plug “just ran dry” or is unreliable, so a dealer network is solid.

The plugs will keep doing what they’re doing, thanks to buyers like you. Thank you.

Virtual Crowd Funding

Crowdfunding: Startup Investing vs. Real Estate Investing ...

Separation blues? Normally, throwing in with your buddies would be done with cash. However, these times are anything but normal.

Because of that, apps like Venmo and CashApp make it possible to send some money to your friends, and your friends to the plug. This way, y’all can go in on a zip together and end up paying less all around!

It’s similar to buying in bulk, but this is a bit more social.

Become the Plug

Green Thumb Grow Tips For Stoners • Stoner Guide

With all the time spent inside, there’s never been a better time to pick up a new skill. Horticulture, the growing of little miss Mary Jane, has plenty of how-to guides online, such as Leafly. Not only will it save you money in the long run, but it can make you money.

Not to mention the environmental benefits, it has never been a better time to grow! May your plants grow higher than your dreams…

adele May 11, 2020
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Here’s why the internet is going so damn hard for skinny Adele

We all know Adele, possibly the most critically acclaimed music artist of the last decade. On top of selling out Madison Square Garden with powerhouse vocals, her most recent feat has stunned the world again.


On May 6, Adele took to Instagram, sharing her thanks for birthday wishes and a picture of her in a sleek black dress. Now in the best shape of her career, many have rightfully praised her. Weight loss is no small task, and no doubt took hard work and loads of dedication.

However, some fans aren’t so thrilled about the response. Yesterday while watching the H3 Podcast, hosts Ethan and Hila Klein pointed out a different kind of reaction. They noted that some fans have called out Adele’s congratulators via Twitter to shame them for complimenting her.

https://twitter.com/rosettawright43/status/1257901135190425600?s=20

H3 noted just how baffling this concept really is. These shamers take the stance that Adele was beautiful before she lost weight, and is not now suddenly beautiful because of it.

While that opinion is fair, it’s the shaming of those praising her that just ain’t right.

As Ethan mentioned, who admitted to being currently overweight himself, weight loss is monumental for those who do. When people lose weight, they do so to feel better about themselves, physically or mentally. When it happens, the weight dropper likes to have their progress recognized.

We all like to be seen and validated.

Many on Twitter like to present themselves as being “woke,” putting down others to build themselves up. Woke culture is built on narcissism and blind devotion, so it would make sense that these contrarians needed to be heard.

Their message is counterproductive. The point of congratulating Adele is at its core meant to spread positivity. They likely wouldn’t be doing so if they meant to be cruel. Ironically, these positivity shamers, with their high-horse ideals, are doing more harm than good.

As with any internet community or subculture that makes no sense, the best thing to do is ignore them. People online only really have as much power as you give them. H3 points them out for how ridiculous they are!

Don’t feed the trolls, my friends.

activism May 2, 2020
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Are you a soul searcher? 5 signs you are a neo-hippie

Images of flowing red lava lamps, flower crowns, VW buses, and crusties in the mud likely come to mind when thinking “hippie.” However, the psychedelic protest rock sounds of 60s culture is a far cry from those who would be considered hippies by today’s standards.

So are you a neo hippie?

The hippie of today, the neo hippie, looks quite a bit different, yet maintains the ideology of peace toward your fellow man. The neo-hippie continues the spirit of activism in new mediums, spreading awareness for causes online.

You can see them coming out of yoga class, collecting crystals as they adjust their septum piercings.

Though fashion and times may change, the philosophy of peace and a better world resonates throughout the generations. The focus of spirituality, self-awareness, and self-growth stay at the core of the ideology, no matter the time.

It has never been a better time to get in touch with your inner spirituality, so here are five ways you’ll know you’re neo hippie.

You go hard with the meditation

In these stressful times, meditation has been the escape of many a neo hippie. Meditation will help you find your center, bringing calm to an otherwise anxious mind.

If you’re having trouble lately, just find a quiet spot free of distraction, close your eyes, and breathe slowly in a consistent rhythm. Focus on your breathing, as it will keep you from intrusive thoughts.

Peace towards others begins with peace of mind, my friends.

You Support Mad Causes

Flower Guns GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Now it is easier than ever to have your opinions heard to a wide span of people. As we know, many who wield this power lack anything to say, though some use their voices for causes just and true. With support for the essential workers on the rise, raising awareness for them is as easy as tapping post!

The endless news link-sharing on social media gets old, but there are more creative ways to get the word out. Creating art in support of a cause is a fantastic way to raise awareness and share support online. Creativity is embedded in hippie culture of all generations, so create!

You Get Lost in the Music

Lost in music - GIF on Imgur

Whether you prefer the psychedelic stylings of the Grateful Dead or the wavy beats of Wiz Khalifa, connection to music is something of a spiritual experience for the hippie. Usually paired with the good herb, music is one of few forces in the universe that keeps us afloat in even our most trying times.

The music itself can be used for meditation, so if you find relaxation in it, then go for it! Now is a time to create music, or to learn more about it. Feel the rhythm of the universe!

You’re Addicted to Nature

Saoirse Ronan Film GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Environmental care is one of the cornerstones of hippie ideology, and for good reason. Isolation in nature, wherever you may be, is sure to offer a sense of serenity to any wanderer. Now that we’re free from many of life’s distractions, we can observe the natural beauty around us.

Neo hippies, who’ve grown up on an ozone layer-endangered planet, have rallied behind the environment as a key cause. Some have done so by going vegan, others by planting, and others by simply being conscientious of consumption.

You’re an Avid Crystal Throwing Rock Star

iridescent crystals gif | WiffleGif

A process of manifestation, crystal throwing is when you take a small crystal from a bag at random and toss it on a grid. Where it lands and which stone it is, holds a plethora of meanings, depending on the interpretation.

This practice is one the neo hippie has taken quite a shining to. If you want to promote positivity in your future endeavors, some crystal throwing couldn’t hurt!

Now go on, roll yourself up a fatty, and enjoy the wonders of nature!

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