Dear Readers,

Recently, I took a job organizing a woman's wardrobe for her. While my motives were financial and recreational, the hours we spent sorting through her clothing, accessories, and shoes--much of it the same items in many different colors--and all of it stuffed to the brink in overfilled closets and dressers, led me to begin thinking. While North Americans are slaving away for more hours than ever before to consume more stuff, is their level of happiness also increasing? Even with greatly increased incomes and anti-depression medicines skyrocketing in use, happiness in the United States has not risen over the past fifty years. Nevertheless, the United States remains the biggest consumer culture in the world--with over thirty million North Americans addicted to overshopping and nearly half of us spending more than we earn annually.

While therapy, support groups, and even medication exist to fight oniomania, the scientific term for shopping addiction, so too do all of us. Together, we can remind ourselves of the value in non-material actions such as mentoring, sharing a good meal, and, of course, reading magazines. And this issue of [X]Press does bring you plenty of free entertainment. From a feature about oniomania to an introduction to the simple living movement, you are sure to uncover spectrums of our lifestyles. For more light hearted fun, we provide articles from the Twilight phenomenon in the United States to an exposé about sugar babies.

While you are searching through our magazine for something to occupy your time and share with somebody else, we must remember that many lives have been hijacked by shopping addiction--because what we as a society must do is provide encouragement. When warranted, actually give compliments. Especially during our holiday season, pay attention to the practices of yourself and those around you--and say something when need be. Before you make a purchase think: can I really afford this and do I (or the person it is for) really need it? If the negative consequences outweigh the benefits of the transaction, then it may be time for alternative places and methods of giving and getting goods. (Checkout page 9 for do it yourself cocktail recipes and page 10 for a guide to shopping on the cheap.) So the lesson this season is moderation because the best gifts come from good health and sincere affection.

One last thing before you depart into a page turning frenzy--let me conclude by saying goodbye for now. Editorships last only one semester and this issue marks the end of my favorite job to date. Thank you advisers, designers, editors, photographers, readers, writers, and everyone else who make [X]Press a true reflection of what young urban intellectuals want--none of these visions could have become realities without you! We hope you all will continue participating in the [X]Press community with next semester's editor-in-chief, Amanda Epstein.

Happy holidays!

Lea Wiviott

Editor-in-Chief