may 2020 | The Burgundy Zine

May 24, 2020

Weekly Newsletter #74: Launches Galore

Needless to say, this has been a pretty big week for our community, with the launch of our Kickstarter, welcoming a new member aboard our team, and the final countdown before the release of “The Burgundy Zine #15: Go Green.”

But this isn’t the hype train’s final stop – far from it, in fact. We have a plethora of exciting content lined up for the week ahead. Not to mention, Thursday is the debut of the second bi-monthly issue of our digital magazine.

Before we get too ahead of ourselves, let’s dive into everything that has bloomed right before our very eyes over the last seven days.

May 22, 2020

To Walk the Sea by Sally Piper

Creative writing student Sally Piper shares an imagery-driven piece inspired by a local getaway near to her heart.

May 22, 2020

#HarvestAtHome During the COVID-19 Pandemic by The Subversive Gardener

Brooklyn-based organization The Subversive Gardener discusses their viral campaign to promote sustainable indoor gardening and connect New Yorkers with the global movement to grow your own food.

May 20, 2020

African Violets: A Horticulturist’s Mutant Paradise

With showy blossoms ranging from blue to burgundy and white to green, it’s no wonder African violets (Saintpaulia Ionantha) are among the most popular houseplants across the world.

When gazing upon these vibrant, vivacious “violets” with their pinwheel stripes or “fantasy speckles,” one can’t help but wonder, “How the hell did we get here?”

The answer lies in almost a century of hybridization, accented and accelerated by a few decades of chemical mutagens and radiation, according to a 2017 Folia Horticulturae review.

May 19, 2020

Tune-In Tuesdays #70 BONUS: Mint on the Turbulence of the Digital Age

UK-based rock band Mint shares the story behind their latest single, “Turbulence.”

May 19, 2020

Tune-In Tuesdays #70: Maxine Ashley on “Runaway”

After diving into the music industry at 13-years-old and getting signed by Pharrell Williams just a few years later, Maxine Ashley has established herself as a fierce, independent R&B/pop artist and model.

Last month, the unbelievably down to Earth and lovable artist released her very candid single, “Runaway,” which details the rollercoaster of learning to be honest with yourself and your partner in a relationship.

Recently, we spoke to Ashley via telephone to learn more about her start in music and the story behind “Runaway.”

May 18, 2020

Mycelium: Man’s Unexpected Best Friend

Red speckles and poofy, majestical shapes that appear to be pulled straight from a fairy tale are most likely at the forefront of your mind when you think of mushrooms – or, perhaps, some colorful, swirly-whirly imagery and “hippie babble” come to mind.

But there’s far more to mushrooms than meets the eye. Mycelium, the vegetative part of fungi that forms during the hyphae growth stage of mushrooms, has piqued the interests of researchers around the globe.

In recent years, scientists have put mycelium under the microscope due to its physical strength and pharmacological properties. This has opened the floodgates for mycelia to serve as a natural construction compound for building houses or creating new medicines.

May 17, 2020

Weekly Newsletter #73: Stay Cool

At some point amidst the days that seem to blend together all too fluidly, summer has decided to remind us it’s just right around the corner with sunny skies and temperature highs of 85 degrees.

Stay cool and stay hydrated as we jump into this week’s recap.

May 16, 2020

Now Introducing: Burgundy Bug

You know her as the “bug behind the blog,” but did you know The Burgundy Zine editor burgundy bug is also a full-time freelancer?

That’s right, bug buddies. I’ve launched my own portfolio site, where you can learn more about the services I provide and inquire about working with me on your upcoming projects.

May 16, 2020

Review: 3-Minute Inspirational Reflections for the Soul by Anita Oommen

Written to inspire and evoke “God-fidence,” author Anita Oommen awakens readers to the radiant beauty of their soul in her latest book, “3-Minute Inspirational Reflections for the Soul: 50 Daily Truths and Journal Prompts.”