Sophie Heller
Bio
Like most other 20 somethings I'm doing what I can to find my place in this crazy planet. For me that means traveling, enjoying nature, reading, writing and embracing a nomadic lifestyle, always with an open mind and heart.
Stories (8/0)
Best Octavia E. Butler Books
Butler was a fascinating writer and an inspiration to many. Raised by her mother and grandmother, she was born a black woman in 1947 California. As if they could be simply pushed away, Butler disregarded the social structures and ideologies potentially holding her back. At a young age, she was inspired to write science fiction novels and short stories, and so she did. The parables that Octavia E. Butler wrote reveal undeniable parallels to real-world power structures that we interact with on a daily basis. Among her long list of achievements is the MacAurthur Fellowship award, or "Genius Grant" awarded to Butler in 1995, the first science fiction writer to receive this award. Science fiction fan or not, these titles aren't your typical sci-fi books. In no particular order, I give you ten of Octavia E. Butler's best books and must- reads.
By Sophie Heller7 years ago in Futurism
Signs of Depression in Men
It may surprise you to learn that the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide is depression. According to the World Health Organization, a staggering 300 million people suffer from depression. And that’s just diagnosed depression. Even more so for men than women, depression is deeply misunderstood and still widely prevalent. Although many indicators of depression in men and women may be similar, the disease will always manifest itself in different ways in different people. In a stigma-filled society, men can be especially vulnerable because like many of us, they may be resistant to observing and acknowledging the signs of depression and then seeking help. Depression is treatable, and it can be overcome. These key signs of depression in men are critical to recognize; it may just change your life.
By Sophie Heller7 years ago in Psyche
Dear Donald...
...Do you mind if I call you that? I’ve never been much of a “political person” which I think explains why I’m following the events of the past few months so closely. Rather than politics, I feel like I’m watching a scandalous soap opera, complete with massive contradictions, dirty lies, and a few grossly egotistic characters. The problem is, the show is no longer keeping anyone guessing.
By Sophie Heller7 years ago in The Swamp
Things You Didn't Know About Vodka
With a history potentially dating back to the 8th century, there are probably quite a few interesting things you didn't know about vodka. Vodka and some of its most famous producers like Absolut, Smirnoff, Grey Goose, bring back fond memories, or sometimes lack thereof, for many of us.
By Sophie Heller7 years ago in Proof
Why Is America So Obsessed with Cupcakes Lately?
They’re tiny and overpriced but nonetheless delicious “gourmet” treats. America's cupcake obsession is spread long and far. I’m not sure if it's the trendy shop itself or perhaps the huge variety of mouth watering flavors that make cupcakes so tempting to the passerby. All around the country in virtually every city and town you are sure to find one of these trendy cupcakeries, a bakery dedicated to producing cupcakes. And it’s not just a fad anymore; with 669 million cupcakes sold from October 2010- October 2011, we have to admit that this obsession is serious. From Georgetown Cupcakes to Magnolia Bakery, we know the names well and there is certainly no shortage of cupcakes to fuel America’s obsession. So where did this cupcake obsession come from anyway?
By Sophie Heller7 years ago in Feast
Best Bong Cleaning Products
A clean bong is severely underrated and keeping up on that cleanliness can make all the difference in your next smoke sesh. Nothing ruins the intricate flavors of that quality weed more than smoking through a thick resin build up. A clean bong is crucial for maximum airflow and circulation, full bud flavor, and of course simple respect for your sweet Mary Jane!
By Sophie Heller7 years ago in Potent
How to Orgasm More
The big O-word, aka orgasm, can illicit uncomfortable reactions as it has long been misunderstood as “unimportant” or “taboo” for many women around the world, but fortunately recent studies have identified certain characteristics that are connected with women who orgasm more. Surrounded by social norms and even religious restrictions, sadly many women have been denied the pleasure of experimenting with orgasms. One thing we know for sure is that these tricky sensations are unique to each individual and their body. So some simple logic for you- no experimentation equals no orgasm. “The more you learn about your own body’s responses, the more adept you'll be at quickly reaching an orgasm,” says sexologist Yvonne K. Fulbright, PhD, author of Sex with your Ex.
By Sophie Heller7 years ago in Filthy
Crazy Discontinued Doritos Flavors
Doritos, a long time beloved chip, most classically known for its red “Nacho Cheese” or blue “Cool Ranch” packaging actually has a long history of outrageous discontinued Doritos flavors. Upon inspection of these old-school flavors, it appears that some of the flavors themselves were outrageous, while some seem so tasty that the discontinuation is the real outrage. Regardless of whether you're a lover or hater of the obscure flavors, we can all give props to Doritos for their hugely successful model of utilizing fan-created content. Throughout the history of outrageous discontinued Doritos flavors, the company has exemplified interesting marketing methods to maximize fan engagement. And while not all the flavors lived to tell the tale, the methods to engage fans and increase customers certainly succeeded.
By Sophie Heller7 years ago in Feast