the bird on fire

The Bird is the Word: Sophisticated Schoolyard Shenanigans

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Foods From Far-Off Worlds

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Alternate Realities mean many different things to our on-site bloggers. Some take a fantastical interpretation, while others venture into more concrete topics. Writer Elizabeth decides to take inspiration from YouTube’s Good Mythical Morning’s “Alternate Universe Snacks Taste Test” and discusses her favorite parallel universe snacks. –Alternate Realities Editor Hannah Hall

By Elizabeth Shay

Good Mythical Morning (GMM) is a YouTube series hosted by Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, which first aired in 2012. The channel posts daily videos, and now has 17 million subscribers and over 7 billion views (Wikipedia). When Hannah proposed the theme of “Alternate Realities,” I was reminded of a series that the GMM channel creates: Alternate Universe Snacks Taste Test. Here are three of my favorite snacks from the GMM parallel world.


Freezin’ Cold Cheetos

You know Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, the concerningly red-orange snack that stains your fingers when you eat them? In another universe, they don’t exist and are replaced by their counterpart: Freezin’ Cold Cheetos. These chips are a bright, icy-blue color and instead of hot spice, are marked by minty coolness. 

Freezin’ Cold Cheetos have not been created yet, but if you are feeling adventurous and want a variation from your typical chip, consider trying Sweetos (sweet Cheetos) or international flavors such as Strawberry and Avocado!

Giant Deborah

Traditional Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies are unheard of by those living in a parallel world. Instead, the delicious treat is bigger and better. Literally. Little Debbie becomes Giant Deborah Oatmeal Creme Pie, and pies become a singular pie in the alternate world. As for this fictional snack, it gets a thumbs up from me. Who wouldn’t want to double, or more than double, the fun with a supersize version of a sweet treat!

Cursed Charms

Finally, instead of the cheerful Lucky Charms cereal that kids know and love, the other world contains something a little more…gloomy. Forget the bright colors of Lucky Charms marshmallows. Instead, open a box of Cursed Charms, characterized by a distinct black color and complete with an ominous scroll containing a curse. I can’t speak to the taste, as this hasn’t been brought to our dimension yet, but I think Cursed Charms would be a hit around Halloween season. 

It is always fun to explore the possibility of differing universes and consider what could be. There could be an alternate version of yourself reading this article at this very moment! But would you try any of these special snacks that just might be your parallel self’s favorite treat?

Alternate Realities Editor: Hannah Hall

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Mythical_Morning

What if Women Ruled the World?

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Editor Hannah has decided she is sick of the world, for the moment. Her feelings of restlessness and curiosity sparked the theme of “Alternate Realities,”  which she defines as “Any reality that is not our own—currently.” Writer Sara offers a journey through a Women-Run World. Will you take the ride?

By Sara Habibipour

Since March is Women’s History Month and we’re talking about alternate realities, what would life be like if we women ruled the world? Some would say that money and power corrupt anyone (and I’m sure it would), but would anything change for the better? 

Studies show that women lead differently than men. They’re more likely to be collaborative, inclusive, and team-oriented (BBC). 

The benefits of these female characteristics have been evident in global economic growth. In 2013, women were responsible for $20 trillion in spending, which grew to $28 trillion in 2014 (BBC). Women are also expected to spend money differently. With more money, women are more likely to start businesses that hire other women, and thus, the entire community prospers.

Also, it is predicted that there would be less children in the world if women ran the world. We’ve seen this trend occur within recent years. A 2002 Harvard Business Review article cited 42% of women in corporate America are childless (hbr.org). As women become CEOs and world leaders, there’s really just not time to rear kids. Also, women don’t have to depend on marriage for financial security; they can go out and be breadwinners themselves. Getting married and having children no longer have to be a primary concern.

Wondering what other people thought about female leaders, I decided to interview some women and men that I know. 

So many countries around the world have benefitted from strong, successful models of women’s leadership. I think *when* women rule the world, there will be more of a reliance on honesty and sincerity and far less bluster. Women are action-oriented. We cross items off our to-do lists. When women rule the world, I think the greatest effects will be in the eyes of the young girls who get to grow up surrounded by images of leaders who look like them.

Ms. Coffey

 If women ruled the world I think we’d have another Cold War. We’re masters of the silent treatment.

Jesse Denyer

I think some of the equality issues would be solved. I think ultimately, though, nothing would change for the worse.

Elizabeth Shay

No one would get in trouble for showing their knees or shoulders when it’s 100 degrees out.

Anonymous Instagram Follower

We sure as hell wouldn’t have the problems patriarchies have faced that’s for sure.

Hambik Madanyan

Let’s just say we wouldn’t be living like modern cavemen.

Isabella Goetschel

No doubt better than what it is. But what would be really cool is if we could rule ourselves so no one ruled the world.

Leo Milmet

If women ruled the world, men would be in a whole lot of trouble.

Andrew Hall

Alternate Realities Editor: Hannah Hall

Sources: 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-21661744

https://hbr.org/2002/04/executive-women-and-the-myth-of-having-it-all