fhightimes | THE FANDOM HIGHTIMES: SIXTH ISSUE!

JAKE SPEAKS
Today I branch out and instead if telling you about coffee, I shall give you the recipe for Mexican Hot Chocolate.

INGREDIENTS:
• 1 1/2 oz unsweetened chocolate
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tbs instant coffee crystals
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup water
• 2 cups milk
• Whipped cream

PREPARATION:
In a saucepan, mix chocolate, sugar, coffee, cinnamon and water. Heat until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Stir constantly. Simmer for about 4 minutes, while stirring. Add milk and heat through without boiling.
Remove from heat and whisk until foamy. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Serves 2

LEATHER FOR CHARITY
Phoebe Halliwell

I'm always amazed at the creativity we have in our students at our school. We've seen groups pull things together and present it in a multitude or amazing and unique ways.

This week's spotlight on creativity must definitely go to Callisto and her organization of the Junior Achievers' Leather Fashion Show held on Friday night. Callisto managed to organize the models and the time and book the venue all in one week.

The fact that the proceeds from the event were all going to charity managed to bring in a killer crowd. ~~Okay, the pretty in all of the leather didn't hurt.~~

Friday's event just proves how much can be accomplished when you have an idea and a creative way to implement it.

A LIFE LIVED IN LEATHER: THE JUNIOR ACHIEVERS FUNDRAISING SHOW
Callisto

Last Friday night saw the staging of a fundraising event held by members of the Junior Achievers, and other volunteers, to help raise funds for an educational field trip later being planned for later this year.

Veronica Mars acted as MC, and kept up a steady stream of witty banner throughout the night as, dressed in both their own clothing and that generously provided by NPC Leatherwear, models Angelus, Callisto, Jonathan Crane, CJ Cregg, Rory Gilmore, Pheobe Halliwell, Charles Kawalsky, Alex Krycek, Faith Lehane, Cole Turner, and Beka Valentine strutted their stuff to music chosen by Draco Malfoy, accompanied by lightshows from Bridge Carson, while Mystique and Rover provided security for the event.

Ensuring that everything ran smoothly was Stage Manager Medusa St. Clair. Thanks to her hard work and dedication, a very good time was had by all.

FEAR AND REFLEXIVITY: GETTING TO HARD TRUTHS ABOUT SLAVERY
Beka Valentine

Several weeks ago, Tara ‘My Lady’ Maclay blew the minds of her students and the administration by enslaving half of her Ethics class to the other half. Yes, you read that right.

With the assistance of TA ‘Daddy’ Angelus and Charlie ‘Rabbit’ Kawalsky, My Lady carefully divided the classes into Masters and slaves and paired them up. The assignment was for the Masters to care and provide for the slaves, and the slaves to obey and serve the masters – for a period of 16 full hours.

As with any assignment there were rules. No humiliation, no harm, boundaries to be negotiated by the parties – as the purpose of the assignment was to separate the concept of slavery from the associated phenomenon of abuse and coercion. According to My Lady, she intended that students come to understand that being a slave does not negate free will or choice, and further that being a slave need not necessarily be a bad life. In fact, in ancient Rome, when owners offered to emancipate their slaves, the slaves often chose to stay, because they had a better life under their owners’ roofs than they would on their own.

Rather unsurprisingly, much of the class, myself included, initially found the assignment repulsive. Some cited the horrors of slavery in this contemporary timestream, others had more personal reasons for objecting. ‘Slavery is wrong’, any number of people might be quoted to have said – that alone was enough reason for students to refuse to participate. Strangely, or perhaps not, many of those whom My Lady had expected to refuse – because of their own histories – did not.

When I tracked down Daddy to speak to him about the assignment, he said, “The hope, at least on my part, was to get people thinking outside of their boxes. It's easy to have a knee-jerk reaction to an assignment like that. Not as easy to think about it and, having thought, do something." He warmed to the subject later on in the conversation, explaining that to understand the evils of slavery, you had to know it intimately. “If you want to fight evil you have to get evil. Understand it. You can't get caught up on words because words are meaningless.”

That was one of the clear lessons of the assignment. “Master” does not mean the person who orders another person around because of ownership or power. Nor does “slave” mean the person who obeys another person’s every command and satisfies their whims. In fact, all of the Masters who embraced their role had pretty much the opposite to say.

In my case, being 'Master' meant protecting my slave, no matter what, and against anyone, even if the person I was protecting my slave from was a very dear friend. I didn’t get to choose. Because my ‘slave’ was mine, and that made her well-being very much my responsibility. Unlike the Master-slave relationships I’d known before, I discovered that at times the power actually ran from my slave to me. She had to accept my commands. Which meant I had to make her want to accept them.

Ethics class Master Veronica Mars said, “I learned that it's a lot harder to be responsible for another person than I thought it would be. Gave me a new appreciation for what my dad has done over the years." And Chiana also compared it to child-rearing, saying, “I gave Rory the least amount of...of orders necessary for us both to pass. But even that... it was way too easy for me to...to act like a master. Which is... is scarey when those're the kinda beings I've been runnin' from my...my whole life, ya know? But the way we did it was more like...like takin' care of a kid, which I think maybe was what the teach wanted.”

That, knowing that we could enjoy being Master, troubled both Chiana and I. It’s hard to see that the thing you’ve spent a lifetime running from might not be the worst thing. It’s definitely changed me, though I can’t say for sure it’s for the good. Belthazor had no such problems, perhaps because his Ethics class partner was someone he had a prior relationship with. He felt that trust was the key to making the Master-slave experience into a positive one.

Ethics class slave Rory Gilmore concurred, expressing an appreciation for the assignment based on her partner’s goodness while also summing up nicely the point of the lesson. “While I realize that slavery is undoubtedly an issue, having a 'master' who treated me kindly and fairly due to her own perspective was refreshing. The experience provided me with a new outlook on the subject without any harsh outcomes.”

While some of the slaves found the experience untroubling, even highly pleasurable, others took their role a different direction. John Sheppard used his natural stubbornness to make his Master work with him. “In a nut shell, what I learned was that, as a slave, being passive-agressive is even more fun than it is normally. I get that it would be a whole different kettle of fish if my 'master' had permission to hit me or whatever, but since she didn't, I totally worked the 'uneducated masses' thing.” Daddy approved this tactic speaking highly of the slaves who’d revolted when their Masters failed to provide for them properly. "The slave revolt made me happy. That showed creativity.”

Though many students had emotional difficulties with the assignment, those who embraced it ultimately learned the lesson My Lady had intended: “Being property has nothing to do with free will…Even when another person holds power over you, all they can do is control the consequences. You still have the ability to make your choices. It's much, much more specific than our legal system, for example, but ultimately it's the same thing. You don't get a say in the rules, and if you disobey them, you will be punished. But the choice is still yours. You can take the consequences.”

The assignment might’ve been one of the most challenging of my life. It was also one of the most rewarding. I developed a strong friendship with not only my Ethics class ‘slave’ but with several of the other Masters, as we shared our fears about what being Master meant for us personally. I think, though, Chiana summed up best why I feel the assignment was important: “Even if nobody had gone through with it. I'd like to think maybe...maybe seeing the way me and X freaked, or the way A and B rebelled (which was frelling awesome), or the way you and...and C have...whatever it is you have now, that it's good for anybody who hasn't, you know, been through what you and I have, to see it for themselves.”

That is, in the end, the Master-slave assignment did exactly what any good classroom assignment should do. It got us past the fear and reflexivity in our thoughts about slavery. It made us put aside our preconceptions and our negativity and deal with the issue at a personal level. Having done that, we may still hate slavery. But we do so from a perspective of intimacy. Short of living it, there’s no better way to teach it.

INTERVIEW WITH LAMB
Rory Gilmore

It seems a new sheriff is in town, kids.

Don Lamb, 30, recently uprooted his life from his station in the coastal town of Neptune, CA (a former residence shared by several of our students) in order to help the FTPD take a more proactive approach in the direction of the Pryde investigation, and, moreover, general public safety.

RG: Thanks for meeting with me, sir. Now, what brought you to Fandom?

DL: You know what bugs me? General evil bugs me. Extradimensional gunrunning bugs me. Muties disappearing suddenly bug me. That's why I'm here. To keep the order in this chaotic little town.

RG: That sounds like a lot of work, sir. How do you plan to accomplish that?

DL: Constant patrols. Keep an eye on the troublemakers, and quickly solve the crimes that plague this town. Back in Neptune, I had what some would call a phenomenally small amount of time between when a crime was perpetrated and the time I had my suspect in custody. I plan to continue that trend.

RG: That's quite impressive, sir. How are Fandom's police force and you personally handling the Kitty Pryde investigation?

DL: Constant patrols to keep an eye out for suspicious behavior. Plus, I have a small list of possible suspects who I'm just waiting to bring in the second they give me a reason to.

RG: Can you give us a hint as to who any of these suspects may be, and/or what consequences they'll face when in custody?

DL: I'm not at liberty to discuss that at this time.

RG: All right, sir. Is there anything else you'd like to tell the readers of the Hightimes?

DL: Yeah. Stay out of trouble in my town and don't get in my way. And I don't want any troublemakin' kids playing Encyclopedia Brown fouling up my investigation, got it?

RG: Good luck with that, sir. Seriously.

There is new news and then there is stuff that's not so new news this week.

Why is Barbossa a parrot? I just need to ask that.

A certain gothic brunette and a former politician have been seen being cute at many different places this week. (Is that even allowed?) Beka and Phoebe have been told by many a person that the friends of the gothic brunette are very worried for her. ~~Since when was being cute terminal?~~

There are rumors circulating that a certain precognitive has been getting cozier and cozier with a sexy space tralk. (Beka? What does that even mean?)

Two well-known medical officials have been seen being cute and adorable in several posi--...no, I am not writing this. Just...no. Shame on you people.

We have a new songstress in the school, and I hear he even does requests. He and his love have also been known to perform duets.

No longer a fan of the co-dependence relationships, a witchy brunette seemed to have found her match in a guy who is just as determined to stick by her as she is to put up with him. Then again, appearances can be deceiving. Seems Beauty found a new beast...

The Mists of Avalon! That's all I'm saying. If you weren't there, then you missed out.

Allie and Logan are being adorable, as are Fred and Evie, Draco and Lily, Cally and Anders (at least one of us know that Cally and Anders are two different people), Jake and Krycek (since when is this news), Rory and the other Logan are as well. John and Aeryn be tough and strong (because I know better than to call Aeryn cute) and Vala again makes Cam blush. We do love Vala. Also, in no surprise to some, there are a few teachers getting snuggly, too. (No, we're not giving names. I happen to like passing my classes, thank you.)

This week, people also learned that Study Hall is not the best place to pick a fight. Also, don't go around trying to beat up on Jonathan. You will have your ass handed to you by many, many people who happen to like having Jonathan in one piece.

Holy Grail and Queen Guinevere the same thing? You decide.

Kawalsky is cute for Liz, and Belthazor learns that he may not be so happy about his Bright One wearing leather in public.

A certain blonde has been seen in the arms of a leather-wearing bad boy, Angelus, several times this week -- including the JA Fashion show where said bad boy was seen with several others as well. At least one of them blonde.

Rumor has it there may be a new threesome in the school, as that same blonde, a certain demon and a certain hot witch have been seen getting incredibly chummy as of late. Rumors have been known to be false. ~~But you know what they say about smoke and fire.~~

That's all for this week folks. If you think you have gossip that everyone needs to hear, let us know.

Dear Beka & Phoebe,

I like to think of myself as a pretty decent catch. I'm moderately attractive, and I've been told I do the "cute snarky blonde" thing very well. I'm friendly, and fun, and not even remotely certifiable.

So what on earth do I have to do to get a date around here? Everywhere I turn, there are people getting together. Sometimes, this is a literal statement - you just turn a corner and bam! People making out right in front of you. And I don't understand what I'm doing that's preventing me from sharing in this sort of thing. Some people have already had two or three or like five significant others since school started. Rover is getting more action than I am. Do you know what that kind of thing can do to a girl's self esteem? What do you think I should do?

-Tired of Being Lonely

Dear Tired Of Being Lonely,

Beka and I say you should come cuddle with us for awhile, then we'll find you a permanent significant other. Maybe. We might just keep you to ourselves. Believe us when we say that we can very much understand the loneliness and the self-esteem issues that rise when everyone around you seems to be making their way through a shopping list of conquests.

Let me put this question to you: Is there someone that you have your eye on, or are you just looking for someone that you can spend cuddle time and affections with?

You seem like a very sweet person and just reading your letter gives me all sorts of ideas of who to direct you to to talk. Do you go to any of the parties that are on campus or off-campus? Do you grab some of your girlfriends and just go hang out in town or on the beach?

I think you're putting too much pressure on yourself to find someone because of the way people are around you. Relax and start looking out for the fun to be had without making yourself feel that you have to accomplish something right now.

Step one? Go up to someone you like and are attracted to. Then, go up to them and say "Let's go do this..."

Have fun, and let us know how it goes.

Love,
Beka and Phoebe

Dear Beka and Phoebe,

Relationships have never been the easiest thing in the world for me and it seems that that isn't destined to change anytime soon.

See, I'm still in love with my ex...only he's not exactly my ex. It's a very complicated story. Anyway, I'm still in love with him, and have feelings for someone else as well. ~~Someone else who just happens to have feelings for my ex.~~

I'm not sure what to do as I care about them both very deeply. I know there is no chance of getting together with my ex again ~~even if I do like this new version of him a lot~~ and I'm not sure this other person is even interested in me like that.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

- Between a Rock and a Rock

Dear Between,

If you and your ex are over, then you have to do your best to put him or her aside. It can be hard to let go, but holding on past the natural end of a relationship isn't healthy. As for the other person, there's no reason you can't just ask how s/he feels.

It may be that s/he ~~would be perfectly willing to become OT3 with you and your ex or even OT5ormore~~ isn't comfortable with your feelings or with his/hers for reasons that have nothing to do with you. It may be that s/he cares for you too. You'll never know unless you take the risk.

Don't worry, Between. Even if this new love isn't the one, there will be someone for you.

Warmly,

Beka & Phoebe

Coffee pin-up

credits:
editors: Jake Gavin jr & Chloe Sullivan
layout: Jake Gavin jr
words: Jake Gavin jr, Phoebe Halliwell, Callisto, Beka Valentine, Rory Gilmore
pictures: Jake Gavin jr, Chloe Sullivan, D'Anna, Alex Krycek, gettyimages
coffee pin-up artist: www.roytawan.com