LETTER FROM THE EDITOR #2

Death is truth.

Death is the biggest FACT of all
Death is undeniable
Everything dies
Everything ends
The only thing that matters is when and how it happens
Birth and Death
Beginning and Ending
The events that occur in between define people, relationships, movements,

life.

bigQUESTIONS #2

Some ancient cults view nothing after death and see growing as continual death. Thoughts?

One of the ideas that we want to explore in this issue is that death is a constant throughout life. As we live and grow, we experience death in many different ways. The death of our ego, the death of a relationship, the death of a movement. No matter how permanent it may feel, most deaths will result in a rebirth of some kind. We can pick up the pieces and rebuild or build something new altogether. Viewing life as continual death allows one to live freely and accept death as inevitable.

What’s it like being young and dumb?

It’s amazing. More people need to be young and dumb. It has nothing to do with age, level of intelligence, or experience. Young and dumb is a state of mind that exists independently of any other factor. To be young and dumb is to transcend. It is an almost childlike state of innocence. You can do anything, and you fear nothing. To be young and dumb is to live in a state of bliss.

What is the base purpose of existence?

Enrichment. (Disclaimer: By no means do I claim to have any moral or spiritual authority.) I believe the key to living a fulfilled life is constantly improving yourself and your environment. No matter what religion or non-religion you follow, you learn the importance of kindness and helping others. That is what I believe to be the base purpose. Be good, and you will be happy.

Horoscopes Winter 2024

Regarding Horoscopes

Astrology, the study of the stars, is a system of categorization that was used in antiquity for medicine, science, and social work.
While it is entertaining, sun sign astrology is dangerously general. Its popularity arose in the 1970s when American magazines and newspapers appealed to their patrons with provocative forecasts. It was a total disservice to the Western world. Sun sign astrology oversimplifies the horoscope and leads to harmful stereotypes of signs.
Here are some forecasts from the luminaries. Check your rising sign for the most accurate prognosis. And of course, no horoscope is accurate without the full picture. There’s the whole sky to consider. These horoscopes were researched and written with love — in the hopes that each reader will shine a little brighter after reading them.

Welcome to the Underworld

In the fall and winter months, the sun moves below the ecliptic. There, it explores possession, control, the unknown, and mortality. The ancients who used astrology to guide their lives designated the cold months as periods of dormancy.
As of April 2023, humanity started a new 2-year cycle that focuses on global rage, self-expression, independence, and boundaries. The north and south nodes, mathematical points that represent destiny, are the head and tail of the Draco constellation. This dragon in the sky represents the world we live in, and he has a deep influence on the draconian principles that rule our societies and pervade our psyches.
This new cycle will trigger you to release codependency and move towards inter-dependency. The recent eclipses will activate the areas in your life where these concepts are out of whack. Interrogate what it means to be an individual — how might your relationships provide convenient excuses for your insecurities?

As the sun moves under the horizon, things you’ve planted will solidify and devel- op calloused branches where they once bore fruit. How will you stretch your harvest to last through the winter?

Aries sun + rising Recommended activity: sparring

There is an incredible potential for drama and intensity in your closest relationships these days. The trauma of losing someone may cause you to white-knuckle the bond by holding on for dear life. If you find that your closest connections foster brutality, it’s time to release them. Something that feels wrong is wrong. On the other hand, meaningful relationships are transforming. Ideas of closeness and power in human in- interaction have been subverted entirely. Use your experience as a guide in your social life, because new people coming into your world may trigger an impulsivity or a feeling of, “Hey, I’ve seen you before.”

Desires for power or control are really your insecurities trying to reveal themselves to you, asking to be nurtured. This period of time requires you to be honest without being remorseless. The balance of love and respect is being revealed to you through your personal mirrors.

Taurus sun + rising Recommended herb: bay leaf

After the crazy ass past 4 years you’ve had, the heavy energy is finally lifting. You can finally enjoy freedom without guilt. The uphill battle that you’ve so diligently fought is rewarding you with growth and good fortune. The pride you feel in your work and commitments will fuel your next steps. Now is the time to consider your long-term goals.

You will learn from many foils during this period. Both wealthy and subjugated people will provide for you. Remain humble, open, and grateful, and you will be granted access to new spaces — both physical and immaterial. Try not to ruminate on how difficult the past was. Don’t let it haunt you, or it’ll possess you and you’ll turn into a ghost.

Gemini sun + rising
Recommended journal prompt: where do i expect others to anticipate my needs?

You are a source of inspiration to others, especially right now. Others are looking to you as a success story. The wisdom you’ve cultivated from healing past wounds is obvious to anyone who interacts with you. Be as vulnerable as you can — that is how your students will find you.

Beware of whom you trust and confide your dreams in. With the current transits, your goals can shift if you hear the wrong advice. Confusion may surround you in the form of gossip and betrayal, so live and let live. Don’t become overly attached to social expectations and shared plans.

Cancer sun + rising
Recommended song: god’s with me by MIKE

This is your year! These days, you might be saying to yourself, “If it’s not one thing, it’s the other.” That’ll always be true, though. Focus on the abundance of imagination and creativity surrounding you. Your feelings are guiding you to commit to your goals and the community supporting them. There, you will find bounty and growth that expands as your feelings about yourself and your goals deepen.

Do not attempt to moderate your wisdom and life experience to fit in. That will trigger a wound, either physical or emotional, that will drain the vitality of your visions.

Leo sun + rising
Recommended activity: swing on a swing set

You may notice changes in appetite for food, life, money, experience, or romance. This season is a test for you to identify your higher philosophies. The world is open to your inner child’s expressions. Playfulness, curiosity, and creative energy will inspire confidence in your sense of identity. You’re especially fortunate this season, and taking risks will bring you closer to your true purpose.

If you resist sudden changes and approach them without faith, your reputation and professional life may be met with significant consequences. Express your true self in the public sphere, and you will be gifted with the growth you seek.

Virgo sun + rising Recommended herb: cinnamon

There is a partnership that has been brewing since the early months of this year. Whether romantic, professional, or clinical, this time of year will affirm the strength of this bond. You have developed an idea of what you want out of life, and are inspired to take leaps toward it while including your partner. This critical period will determine if the work is worth the connection. Relationships are a team sport — they require responsibility and commitment to accommodate growth.

If it’s worth it, you will find yourself in a long-term commitment that rewards your home life and work. If it’s unaligned, there will be jealousy and stress that can no longer be shrouded in the fantasy you once held. Remain discerning and steadfast in this partnership, and you will be rewarded with something undeniable.

Libra sun + rising
Recommended journal prompt: how would i spend my day if i was the only person on earth?

A change in your story has surprised you and those you’re close to. This upheaval could have highlighted a major power struggle that you have been teetering on the edge of confronting. Although a major wound of yours has been highlighted, you may deflect to rehabbing the same injury in others. Do not deflect your pain into your relationships — you’re the one who needs nurturing at this time.

Avoid shrinking yourself to fit into dynamics that don’t fit. That could play out as outright dishonesty, lies by omission, and softening the edges of hard truths. Remember, when you are dishonest for the benefit of others, you are reinforcing that you cannot trust yourself. The reward of committing to your healing will be a greater understanding of your role in others’ lives, which will bring you closer to your destiny.

Scorpio sun + rising
Recommended song: negative energy by trippie redd

The world is becoming a more subtle place for you. You’re learning to transmute any heaviness you’ve felt into sympathy and sensitivity to the needs of others. This openness contributes to a strong sense of personal power, which you can use to uplift others through community work and activism. The decisions you make have an immense effect on your life and the momentum of those around you. You are a mediator between the intangible realm and our shared physical space right now.

The engagements you put your heart and soul into are very susceptible to influence. Even the people who don’t appreciate you can be transformed if y’all share a significant history. And still, great power requires responsibility. Set an intention for bringing wellness into the world this season, and move accordingly.

Sagittarius sun + rising
Recommended activity: go in the woods and scream

You’re in your releasing era, and commitment to your personal truths will give you a sense of lightness and ease. Similar to Libras, you have to open up to others to receive the benefits of these transits. This isn’t the time to force relationships or material responsibilities that do not naturally flow, because any feelings of doubt or paranoia can play out in the physical world as deceit or disappointment. Look into the feelings of futility or existentialism that are triggered by obstacles. Is it really pointless, or do you feel like it’s not in alignment? Investigate how you dismiss difficulties to avoid rejection.

The supportive energies of this time come into play when you live and let live from a place of faith. You become unburdened and de-aged when you release your qualms with painful experiences and integrate them as foundational elements of your beautiful story.

Capricorn sun + rising Recommended herb: clove

Everything that you were beating yourself up about has recently disappeared into thin air. And yet, you’re still being self-critical. Like Taurus, the pandemy triggered an uphill battle of self-worth. And to others, a climb is nothing to the Mountain Goat. But in your internal world, countless personal iterations have been shed and recycled. Relish in your accomplishments, and live in a sense of pride before you make your next move. You must be kinder to yourself to advance.

Furthermore, try to develop a plan without identifying any flaws in your approach. What would life look like if you did things from a place of joy and excitement, as opposed to feeling like you need to have a hold on everything? Because you likely never will. Ironically, you will feel more and more powerful as you relinquish control.

Aquarius sun + rising
Recommended journal prompt: when do i feel the most free?

Not all money is good money. Not all affection is love. And not all decisions are choices. It’s natural for you to move from a place of faith and anticipation because you can display non-attachment to an outcome. Still, this season is handing you a paradox. Use the current, lukewarm safe spaces to prove to your wounded self that you are capable of being “okay.” Or, you could move with faith, as you respond only to experiences that supply you with expansive energy.

Standing on the edge of the cliff is exhilarating. It’s scary, sure. It’s also free without anything standing in front of you.

Pisces sun + rising
Recommended song: betray my heart by d’angelo

If procrastination was ever your MO (and who are we kidding — we know it is,) obstacles and responsibilities in your personal life will make it impossible to continue this way. The good news is that once you develop a sense of routine, you will be provided with unexpected wish fulfillment through your social circles and wider network (think opportunities in your DMs).

Commit to a sense of personal responsibility that affirms your dreams and fantasies. There you will find that your closest relationships and public life benefit. It will happen through sudden changes that seem like they do more harm than good. Right now, however, things for you are not as they seem. Dreaming with discipline must be your mantra as you move through this hazy season.

Crystal Ballin #2

Over here at bigFACTS, we reject any type of trend or fad. We believe that fashion is timeless and good style is universal. Trends and fads occur when the general population becomes aware of a niche interest or item and is then infatuated with is for a short period of time before finding a new thing to latch on to. In this column, we will examine some things to look out for in the near future.

Cowboys!!

From Mexican drug lords to TikTok’s #foryou page, cowboy hats are taking over our society. Anyone following the liberal mainstream media should be more than aware that, at this point, climate change is a legitimate issue in society. Moreover, with its many dangers, climate change brings on new fashion opportunities. Long considered a look relegated to Hal- loween costumes and cosplaying rednecks, this style will soon take over society.
As we move towards a bleak future that looks more and more like the post-apocalyptic society that has been imagined in fiction for the past century, the cowboy look seems very suitable. In addition, the hats will help protect our skin from the potentially hazardous rays of sunlight slipping through a rapidly deteriorating ozone layer.
The Power of the Dog, a brilliant film about gay cowboys, does incredibly well at showing us cowboy looks for every season and every occasion. The most notable of the fits is worn by Peter, played by an actor named Smit-McPhee. His top buttoned off-white shirt and matching hat would not seem out of place in a hip club in any coastal city.
Back to the topic of Mexican drug lords, Bad Bunny, the number one international superstar, recently had a turn on the Netflix series Narcos playing a rich kid turned narco. Although he doesn’t really wear any cowboy hats on the show, Benito, as he’s known to fans, has been a prominent pioneer of the casual cowboy look, complementing many of his fits with a strategic cowboy hat.
Fashion houses have been paying attention as well. A quick scan of recent collections shows a massive influx of cowboys and wild-west-inspired looks. The most notable of the bunch has to be Casablanca SS23 which designer Charaf Tajer described as a “Psychedelic Ranch” and featured plenty of horse poop. The outfits were straight out of a cowboy’s acid trip. Hats of all shapes and sizes paired with boots, lace, and beads of all colors proved to be a departure from Casablanca’s usual tennis-chic vibe. Other culprits this season were Wales Bonner, with her exaggerated collars straight out of Don Quixote and Dries Van Noten’s Matador-inspired satin shirts.
In its essence, dressing like a cowboy is a fun, silly thing to do. But, as we move towards a post-ironic world, these little novelties start to have more meaning and are so much more fun.

nickycinema #2

American Honey (2016)

Funny story about this movie, prior to learning about the craziness that is Shia LaBoef, I made it a mission to watch all his movies. I started this movie but never finished because it failed to captivate me, and I was resistant to investing two hours and a half of my time. If I were to rank my favorite movies from this list alone, this movie would probably be last, but I chose to write about it because something about the film stuck with me. It’s the definition of a slow burn film, except in this film nothing really happens. There’s minimal character development, no arc, or resolution of conflicts. It’s essentially a film about a group of, for lack of a better term, “white trash” teens from middle America who are brought together under the guidance of a young woman who takes care of them and encourages them to sell magazines to middle and upper- class Americans across the country. Their relationship resembles the dynamic between a pimp and his woman, but interestingly the “pimp” in this case is a young woman. The story unfolds from the perspective of a young woman who joins this gang of outcasts and the plot centers around their daily existence. While the film touches on elements of romance, drama, socioeconomic discourse, and class dynamics, it predominantly adopts a documentary-like feel rather than adhering to conventional cinematic storytelling. I’ve always appreciated slow-burn movies because I enjoy seeing how directors transform the most mundane things into artistic masterpieces, so I’d recommend this to anyone who understands that logic and is receptive to experiencing art for the sake of consuming something new and different.

Beau is Afraid (2023)

I love Joaquin Phoenix. When I found out that one of my favorite directors, Ari Aster, was teaming up with him I was over the moon and very curious to see where this film would take me. Aster is known for pushing boundaries and Joaquin’s phenomenal acting can fit practically any role, but especially disturbed individuals. This stood true because this movie is nothing short of a clusterfuck. From the very opening scene you’re overstimulated and confused and that feeling lasts for some time, arguably until the end. It’s really difficult for me to describe this movie to other people, and I honestly don’t know if everyone would even like it. It’s dense and at times convoluted but it’s a masterpiece to me. In short, this movie is about a mother and her son’s unconventional and unorthodox relationship. Aster’s meticulous attention to detail throughout the film enables the audience to build a profound connection and adoration for Beau. There’s so much going on in each scene, I’d need multiple watches to fully grasp the layers of nuance interwoven throughout the film. Films like these serve as a reminder of the forgotten art of revisiting a film, as certain movies truly do warrant multiple watches to have a true appreciation for them. This is another really long movie but remaining engaged was not an issue at all. Another pleasant surprise with this film was how funny it is, I did not expect to laugh so hard at how ridiculous the world Ari Aster created was. The unexpected humor provided a necessary counterpoint to the underlying intensity going on and the true dark and depressing nature of the film. This is a gem of a movie, understandably not for everyone, but worth the watch regardless of if you appreciate cinematic ingenuity.

Babylon (2022)

This is one of the best movies I’ve watched in a very long time, and I watch a lot of movies! I might be being dramatic, but I really do mean it. This movie reminded me of the purpose behind my page, @nickycinema, to enjoy and appreciate true artful storytelling. This film is a beautiful telling of the history of modern-day cinema in all its ugliness and glory. The story follows three characters, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and Diego Calva, who are navigating the world of cinema in the 1920s and learning to adapt to all the new changes happening, including the advent of sound in motion pictures. Surprisingly, despite the amazing cast, the film garnered less publicity than I expected, and some viewers were underwhelmed. I have no idea how because I was enthralled by each scene, it had a meta and avant-garde quality and provided a refreshing perspective on the cinematic experience altogether. The one criticism I had was how long the movie was, but it felt justified as the length served a deliberate purpose and everything contributed to the narrative. This movie is a piece of art that (should haha) holds universal appeal, provided you can get over the length. I highly recommend watching if you’re into history or cinema in general. I have so many favorite scenes, but my favorite is when they do a split between Margot and Brad shooting their respective scenes and it’s this beautiful moment of watching them shoot a movie scene in a movie, the score, the emotion, everything. I loved every moment.

Trespass Against Us (2016)

This movie stars accomplished actors Michael Fassbender and Brendan Gleeson and centers around a very complicated and toxic relationship between a father and son. As always, a24 fucking snapped with this one and artfully depicted the pervasive struggle between a son trying to placate his father, often to his own detriment. In the film, Fassbender and Gleeson are a part of an Irish mob and Gleeson, the mob boss, has a tight grip on his son compelling him to continue the family legacy. Michael is torn between the desire to appease his father while preserving the wellbeing and happiness of his wife and kids, who are all intertwined in the chaotic and dangerous lifestyle of the mob. This film adds an interest perspective on the notion of legacy, focusing on the concept of father’s bestowing their legacies upon their heir/successor. It also offers an interesting take on the generational impact between the grandfather, father, and grandchild and how Michael’s upbringing shapes his decisions and what he chooses to pass down to his own child. I absolutely loved the last scene of this movie; it opened with a beautiful scene depicting their dysfunctional family riding around the countryside of Ireland, but the ending was absolutely perfect. It’s also a relatively short film so an easy and worthwhile watch. Another pleasant surprise in this film was just hearing Irish slang, I really want to incorporate all the lingo into my everyday conversations now. This amazing film is currently streaming on HBO Max, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

MUSIC

Fast Trax 3
/454/
October 2022

Despite being released over a year ago, I have yet to hear a body of work as complete as this project from 454. His ability to combine fun & glitchy video game-inspired beats with deep, heartfelt lyrics is unmatched. You can listen to this project front to back without a single skip—a truly remarkable album from an incredibly unique artist.

• Stich + Lilo

• Love Me, Hate Me

• 8Teen

• Swiss Cheese

Fbfr: Fuego Baby Furtado Returnz!(Sorry 4 Da Longness)
/Kibo/
September 2022

You are doing yourself a serious disservice if you aren’t paying attention to UK rap at the moment, and Kibo is one of the most versatile and interesting guys coming out of that scene. His latest project is him putting on a clinic on how to properly mimic the most popular styles of rap at the moment. From rage beats to Detroit-style punch-ins, he does it all and he does it well. He packs so many references into his bars that it takes multiple listens to unpack.

• Ronaldinho Riddim

• Top Floor Business

• Feelin Like Peter Andre

• NOOGSHOTZ FLYIN

Living Proof
/DRAIN/
May 2023

DRAIN is so fucking sick. I love hardcore music, and a lot of people assume the lyrics are negative because of the abrasive instrumentals and vocals. DRAIN completely flips that narrative. A lot of these songs are just about regular life, regular emotions, and regular people. They sound really cool, though.

• FTF(KYS)

• Imposter

• Watch You Burn

• Living Proof

UGLY IS A SERIOUS CRITIC

I furrow my brows. “Honestly, this all feels... perfunctory, performative even.” My daughter’s birthday clown is devastated.

fre$hmen

Originally Published December 2023

Cmillano
Mercury
Peso Pluma
Namani
Ayooli
Seiji Oda
KPSKYWALKA
Jenn Carter
Niontay
OG MarlynMonROLLUP
MSPAINT
Vayda
Sideshow
BLP KOSHER
Jim Legxacy
Tia Corine
ODUMODUBLVCK
BAMBII
The Dare
youngfootsoldier
ItGirl
Subiibabii
Hondees
Nia Archives
Dav1d
FearDorian
xaviersobased
800pts
Fimiguerrero
Oodaredevil
Stiffy
AJRadico
EthanUno
h1mward
CLIP
Bb trickz
BXKS
Shygirl
Tommy Richman

UGLY IS AT PEACE

sacrificing my drive and personal ambition to be a former gifted kid with burnout

baile total funk

I know it’s extremely cliche to say, but music truly is like a drug to me, in the sense that I am always looking for the next hit. I’m always looking for something that’s crazier, more abrasive, weirder, etc. I adore music that feels like a meltdown, something that feels like it’s on the brink of collapse. That moment right before you die. Just like how drug addicts search out the same batches that caused someone else to overdose, I need music that is too mad for most.

My absolute favorite musical occurrence this year has been the resurgence and complete explosion of baile funk. Let’s be clear, Brazilian funk has been around for decades in different iterations. The stuff that’s been coming out in recent years, though, is different from anything I have ever heard, in any genre. These kids are combining sounds that God never intended and creating beautiful music in the process. You never know what to expect once you hit play, and that is the shit right there.

Ugly Loves His Wife

my wife and I don’t believe in traditional gender roles,, every night after cooking HER dinner, she creampies me before meeting her mistress at a motel

ABORTION

There’s a war going on outside, and it’s not the one you’re thinking of. It’s between men and uteri. For centuries, men have laid claim to women’s bodies through a combination of manifest destiny, religion, and “we were here first” logic. Throughout history, men have created laws and policies policing what women can and can’t do with their bodies and minds. Slowly, women have made progress, such as gaining the right to choose who they marry and even voting in elections. The war is far from over, though, as the final frontier is yet to be conquered: abortions. The war was thought to have been won when women conquered abortion in the 1973 battle of Roe v. Wade, but a surprise attack by some male leftovers in 2022 left them no longer in control of their own uteruses.

Ugly talks about 2024

stop telling me to vote, I did, but the Give me Liberty, or Give me Death boys created a system where they appoint 9 prep school rapists to rule for eternity as philosopher kings

VOTE?

Once again, we are approaching the great virtue-signal olympics. A prestigious event that only occurs once every four years but (allegedly) holds consequences that reverberate for many years to come. As always, the American people are tasked with a decision: Do we go with the same boring guy as the last 4 years, or throw a wrench in the plans and hope for a little bit of excitement from the cheeto guy? It’s a tough choice. Both guys are pretty old and exhibiting signs of dementia. Both are war criminals, though one is probably a criminal in many other ways(and might be imprisoned shortly). One guy is soooooo funny though

Ugly Counterpoint-

I personally think 2020 drove people more insane. I watched the minds of my peers slide into medieval peasant paranoia. My uncle stopped talking to my mom on the phone because of 5G. Everyone believes in giants on TikTok. I could very easily start a cult, and I am not very charismatic.

Global chilling... out

Something mad happened in 2020... everyone chilled out. As a society, we all decided to stop giving a fuck all the way. It was so cool. Everyone pretty much accepted that they were all trying way too hard to do their jobs, and it didn’t matter at the end of the day. It helped that there was a massive pandemic that caused everyone to stay home and realize how truly useless their jobs were. Shit just isn’t that serious, who cares if your doctor takes a couple shots before surgery... You have no idea what he’s going through. For all you know, you could be neurodivergent, or even worse, a minor. Who cares if the bus driver needs to make a couple of extra stops to sell recreational drugs... he’s just trying to feed his family. I think it’s absolutely beautiful that we as a society have accepted the futility of giving a fuck.

Ugly Talks About Royalty

imagining a British guy who no longer respects the monarchy, but only because the royal family stopped inbreeding

Ugly’s opinion on Israel

Israel’s ideology is fascism based around the idea that they’re God’s nepo baby, The lord’s special little guy

Amy Schumer Appointed Queen of Gaza

In a landslide victory that Hillary Clinton would envy, Amy Schumer has been unanimously elected queen of the newly conquered Jewish state of Gaza by the Jews who rule the world. The main factor in her victory has been her staunch support of Israel in its war on Palestinian children. Her unwavering defense of the IDF tactics, such as bombing of hospitals and blocking of lifesaving aid from reaching Gaza, has not gone unnoticed. In her victory speech, she stated that she “Didn’t even know this was a thing” and “doesn’t understand why she’s being tied up and blindfolded.” Without a doubt, Amy will go down as the greatest Jew in history for her incessant posting about the genocide occurring in Palestine.

UGLY HAS A TOXIC EX

crying, telling my friends that I lost the Mandate of Heaven because my shitty ex blamed blamed me for poor crop yields