Articles written by Mandy Hackman

What is Helium

About me - Mandy Hackman

I'm a roving observer of life. Right now I study for a living, filling in my time with plenty of dancing and other artistic specialness.

I also like pina coladas and getting caught making dorky jokes.

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Hobbies & Games > Kids Games & Toys Are Barbie dolls appropriate for young girls?: 2 of 42
It's just a piece of plastic. That's the trope that most of us repeat when we're asked about Barbie. Sure, she's idealized. Sure, "You look like a Barbie doll" is a phrase mixed with deep layers of envy, condescension, and revulsion. But ultimately, it's just a doll. Isn't it?Miss Barbie has gotten a lot of flak over the year... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Long distance relationships: 6 of 66
I'm crackling to your voice in another zip code:o god, we thicken the air.here I am madly, madlydevising remedies for old persistent sicknesses.apple cider vinegar, honey, heat.your voice drops low & I hear you from under the indigo tidelineyou pull over the world like a tarp.I will not be seeing you tonightten long miles, a ... More..
Entertainment > Music Genres, Trends & Scenes The weirdest songs of all time: 2 of 13
When you look back over the last fifty years or so of music making, something strange appears . . .well, several somethings, in fact. Let's face it, we've been bobbing our heads and snapping our fingers to some really odd stuff. I mean, one of our most-beloved rock icons got his start as a rock 'n roll alien drag queen named ... More..
Local Guides > New York City A visitor's guide to New York City's subways: 1 of 5
The Desperation Guide to NYC's MTA.What do you do if you're hopelessly lost in the concrete tunnels of the subway system? Here are a few "if all else fails" pointers.1) Get to Times Square.Most of the trains will hit the Times Square-42nd street station. The ones that do not will hit Grand Central-42nd street, from which you ... More..
Hobbies & Games > Board Games How to win at backgammon: 2 of 4
Winning at Backgammon is not so complex. I've used these very simple tricks for years, and I rarely lose. 1) Know when to capture.Do not capture unnecessarily. If an opportunity arises, take it. Otherwise, don't go looking for trouble, especially if you have unprotected men in the capture zone. There's no reason to put your o... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: No girls allowed: 1 of 2
The hull of your car is gunmetal grayand we're talking about punishment.'See, I wasn't even there,'you say'and I'm having this conversation'your smile is like a boyon a sandheap- another hill conqueredi hand youthe shovel.later on, brown turrets rise upagainst your couch's red slipcoverI wonder at how littlegrains of sand fal... More..
Entertainment > Movie Reviews Movie reviews: Shortbus: 3 of 5
"That's the thing about New Yorkers. They're all permeable."This (more or less) is the theory behind Shortbus,a movie that explores permeability and intimacy in every way it can. The line is delivered by an unnamed former Mayor of the city, as an overture to a romantic interlude with a young man likely a third of his age.Shor... More..
Local Guides > New York City A guide to discount shopping in New York City: 3 of 5
This is a topic close to my heart. I believe in New York's fabulousness, but I do not believe in New York's price tags. Here is a tiny list of places to get interesting items off the mainline, coming from a girl who considers the GAP a pricey joint.1) Flea Markets, baby.You came to New York for the experience of it, yes? The ... More..
Hobbies & Games > Board Games Game reviews: Trivial Pursuit: 13 of 17
Trivial Pursuit: Oh, the memories. Being the brilliant, intellectual, worldly family we are, my parents, siblings, and I spent a lot of time playing trivial pursuit when I was younger. Granted, we most often threw out the actual board and just tried to answer the questions. We may also have cheated on a stumper or two. Noneth... More..
Education > Secondary School (Other) Should school districts provide cash rewards for high grades and test scores?: 54 of 67
"In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue."Gimme five bucks.I can just see it. Mrs. Pritchett, our teacher, has been strolling back and forth from desk to desk for hours. She has been extolling the brilliant twists of language used by Shakespeare, or explaining how mountain ranges or formed. Maybe she has been helping her clas... More..