Pack Rat Magazine loves the voodoo that you do.

So, maybe some of you or most of you are aware of this thing called The Sweater Curse. I had not heard of it until I came across it in Wikipedia and then had a good giggle at the fact that this thing had its own entry. Urban Legend has it that The Sweater Curse, (some times known as The Curse of the Love Sweater) strikes when some well meaning knitter makes a sweater for her/his significant other. Apparently, this is the kiss of death because in no time, that girlfriend/boyfriend is headed for the hills. The wikipedia entry on this phenomenon is hilarious and I highly advise everyone read it. My favorite part is when it analytically breaks down potential variables that may cause The Curse of the Sweater to be effective. Such as:

• Rescue mission. The knitter senses subconsciously that the relationship is about to end, and knits a sweater as a dramatic gesture to save it.
• Catalyst for analyzing the relationship. Giving or receiving a significant gift such as a sweater may cause either the giver or receiver to evaluate the relationship. For example, the gift may seem too intimate, too domestic or too binding to the significant other. It can be seen as a signal that makes them realize that the relationship is not reciprocal, prompting them to end the relationship before it involves obligations.

Pack Rat Magazine loves its readers

It’s easy to think that the statement “You are beautiful,” is just some cheesy attempt at self-love, an affirmation mantra a la Stuart Smalley.  But it’s actually an artistic movement encouraging people to let go of the constant external and interal doubts.  The concept is simple: if a barage of advertisements can make us buy things like soda and laundry detergent, then they could also be put to good use, like making us realize our own self worth.  Repetition, bright colors, and visibility are all tactics used in this consumer driven age to convince us of the things we need. This artistic movement employes all of these strategies, and also tries to catch people in a moment of unawares and penetrate their cynacism through the unexpected.   Does it work?  Who can say, but there’s certainly something to be said for trying to bring a bit more positivity into the world.