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Kate Mahan February 26, 2022 | 4:48pm EST My History With Art Ever since I was introduced to the world of art, I have always thought of it as a physical one. Art is tangible: whether on a piece of paper, a sculpture, or a hanging mobile. When I would go to art galleries with my grandma, we would walk through aisles of paintings — each representing different cultures — along with various other forms of expression. In recent years, however, digital media has seeped into art culture, followed soon by NFTS. Digital Art Although digital art began in the 1960s, it did not become a popular form until the invention of tablets and iPads. As digital art grew with the accessibility of technology, its unique techniques became increasingly mainstream. Unfortunately, a dispute in the art community developed as to if this digital form is truly art. Thus arose the question: who is to say what is or isn’t art? Quickly following the uptick in digital art came the production and distribution of NFTs. In my opinion, purchasing an NFT is the new equivalent of purchasing a painting in a gallery. What is an NFT? NFT stands for “non-fungible token”. When you purchase an NFT you are purchasing the digital asset to a painting or image. To sell an NFT, it costs about $80 to publish a piece, which for some people is a worthwhile investment. Many young artists and entrepreneurs are taking advantage of NFTs. For example, Jaiden Stepp, a 15-year-old artist, has made $60,000 by selling NFTs. Many other artists have been making millions through this unique form of selling art. Implications Artists may want to begin converting their art into online NFTs. But what does this mean for art galleries? Will art commissioners purchase NFTs for clients? How much business is in this form of art?

Jinger Callwood February 14, 2022 | 4:18pm EST Promoting black books should happen all year round, but particularly for Black History Month— I'd like to emphasize celebrating black voices everywhere in order to reflect and honor the contribution of black people worldwide. Due to racism and discrimination in the publishing industry, black voices have been systematically and perpetually silenced. It's time to shed light on black stories and uplift black authors. Whether you are into fiction, memoirs, romance, sci-fi, black writers have done it all! Let's review some must-read books for this month (and every month after that)! Non-fiction 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones (2021) The highly anticipated comprehensive book on black history dropped in November 2021, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones did not disappoint. During a time when topics in African American history are being suppressed in the education system and are viewed as controversial, Jones put forth a masterpiece of nearly 500 pages that says, "our history will not be buried or forgotten." This will be your new go-to book to anything regarding black history. Four Hundred Souls edited by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain (2021) Four hundred souls is another critical collective account of African American history spanning from 1600-2019. It incorporates 90 contributing voices from renowned writers, leaders, and activists. The book also features a variety of historical essays, short stories, personal narratives, and poems. Four Hundred Souls explores untold stories of black history throughout the centuries. Memoirs Somebody's Daughter by Ashley Ford (2021) Ashley Ford debuts her first novel, Somebody's Daughter, opening up about her tumultuous childhood and growing up with an incarcerated father. She speaks on her experience as a sexual assault survivor and domestic abuse. The absence of her father heavily impacted her life, especially grappling with his actions leading him to be In prison. She also touches on her identity as a black woman and reflects on her journey to regaining confidence and growing to appreciate her individuality. Ford is the epitome of strength and courageousness. Buses Are a Comin': Memoir of a Freedom Rider by Charles Person and Richard Rooker (2021) Charles Person details his experience as the youngest passenger of the Freedom Ride in collaboration with Richard Rooker. He discusses being targeted and attacked by the Ku Klux Klan, as well as facing segregation. The Freedom Riders demonstrated strength, dedication, and resilience and depict how unity combats racism. Charles Person and the brave Freedom Riders were transformational in changing the narrative of segregation. His story is fearless and pivotal to raising awareness about the journey for racial equality in America. Becoming by Michelle Obama (2018) Michelle Obama needs no introduction. The former First Lady reflects on her journey from her college days at Princeton to Harvard law school, her first job, and motherhood. She shares insight and provides sound advice and wisdom on navigating relationships, managing your career, and bettering yourself. To sum up this book, as Mrs. Obama says, "When they go low, we go high." A Promised Land by Barack Obama (2020) I know what you're thinking. You can't have Becoming without A Promised Land, right? So here we have it, Michelle Obama's husband (and the first black president of the USA)— Barack Obama. But on a serious note, his powerful memoir broke the record for the first week sales of a presidential memoir by selling millions of copies. A Promised Land explores the journey of President Obama's first term in the White House. The novel of over 700 pages goes in-depth on his career leading to his presidency, from his college days at Columbia University, being the first black president of the Harvard Law review, and his bid to the senate in Illinois. He allows the reader an inside perspective on intense moments and critical decisions during his presidency and includes behind-the-scenes photographs. This is the first volume of another book expected to drop, covering his second term as president. Fiction Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler (1993) Parable of the Sower tells the story of Lauren Oya Olamina, a teenager living in a futuristic dystopian society in the mid-2020s. The book is told from Lauren's point of view through her journal. She describes the despair of a devolving community as citizens go missing, and homelessness, crime, destruction, and robberies increase. The society is also plagued by environmental degradation. Lauren also faces unprecedented difficulties and tragedy, which prompts her to create her own religion, Earthseed, meaning "God is Change," which eventually attracts followers. She attempts to beat the odds to survive by getting out and heading north. This book is a part of a series (the second is Parable of the Talents). There is an uncanny similarity to what is happening in the present day, particularly with the pandemic and current social justice movements. Octavia Butler called it! Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Badlwin (1953) James Baldwin is a classic. You can't go wrong with any of his books but his first novel, Go Tell It On the Mountain, established him as a famous author. This book is semi-autobiographical, and It centers around teenager John Grimes and takes place in Harlem during the 1930s over the span of twenty-four hours on his fourteenth birthday. John is gay but struggles to reconcile his identity due to his strictly religious family. This book explores the duality of religion and represents themes of family ties, religion, hypocrisy, and sexuality. Baldwin, who faced tremendous discrimination due to his identity as a black gay man, advocated for black and queer voices in literature. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston (1937) Zora Neale Hurston is another one of those one-of-a-kind authors. Their Eyes Were Watching God centers around young and beautiful Janie Crawford is trying to find herself. However, in the 1930s, there were many obstacles for an independent black woman. She is pressured into marriage three times and suffers domestic abuse. In the end, through her journey of self-discovery, she realizes her value and appreciates her individuality. The film starring Halle Berry is worth the watch! Poetry Dear Strong Black Woman by Jennifer Sterling (2019) This work uplifts and celebrates black women by encouraging healthy self-care practices. It emphasizes the importance of black mental health and addresses the historical hardship and oppression in which black women have felt invalided and devalued. This book informs us that it's ok to feel, love ourselves, put ourselves first, and most importantly, ask for help! It also incorporates beautiful abstract black and white artwork illustrated by black women. Happy reading, and remember it's always the right time to amplify black voices!

Kat Raiano February 11, 2022 | 2:46pm EST In the fall of 2020, I spent the second Saturday of the semester hiking 2 hours near my house in New Hampshire. The weather was almost perfect, I spent time with my sister, and I took pictures that I still use as my screensaver. But this wasn’t where I was supposed to be. The next day, I went to bed around noon and didn’t get out until after classes on Monday. On the second Saturday of the spring semester, I started working at a cafe 15 minutes from my house. Like many other students, I didn’t come back to school after winter break. After that weekend in the fall, I finally admitted that I needed help dealing with my mental health. So instead of writing papers and studying for exams, I flipped eggs and steamed kale. I liked my coworkers and my job (as much as I could), but everything felt off. Don’t get me wrong, it was a welcome change. My day ended at 3:30 and I never had homework. I had time to pick up hobbies, see friends and find a therapist. My life in March 2021 was a lot different than how I’d imagined it in March 2020. Because nothing happened the way any of us had planned, my friends and I had a running joke that we were living in an alternate timeline. I’d been saying this for months by the time I watched Community season 3 episode 4, titled “Remedial Chaos Theory” AKA the alternate timelines episode. The study group goes to Troy and Abed’s new apartment. When the pizza is delivered, Jeff rolls a die to see who has to go get it. Abed warns Jeff that he’s creating 6 different timelines because there are 6 random but equally likely outcomes. As expected, Jeff rolls the die anyway, creating 7 different timelines. In every timeline, each character has a role that is left empty when they leave. Britta plugs in her iPod to play Roxanne by The Police. She gets shut down by Jeff and goes to the bathroom where she smokes weed. Pierce makes a joke about having sex on an airplane. Shirley leaves to go check on her pies in the oven. Jeff goes to get a drink and hits his head on the ceiling fan. Annie tries to look at his head. And Troy receives a creepy Norwegian troll as a housewarming present from a jealous Pierce. Some timelines are pretty mundane like when Annie leaves. Some timelines end in fighting, death, or dismemberment like when Troy leaves. But in the last timeline, Abed catches the die and points out that Jeff would never have to get the pizza because there are 7 people and only 6 sides. Abed then delivers a line that sums up the theme of the show: “Chaos already dominates enough of our lives, the universe is an endless sea of randomness. Our job isn’t to fight it but to weather it together on the raft of life. A raft held together by these few rare beautiful things that we know to be predictable… Us.” I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say this is the best episode of Community. Fans love it. It gets a shoutout in content made about the show as a whole. It was also nominated for a Hugo Award and an Emmy and won the Pan American Association of Film and Television Journalists award for best comedic writing. But the critical acclaim and fan appreciation aren’t why I’m writing about it 10 years after it was released. This episode is my favorite because watching it genuinely made me feel good. I was impressed by the concept and comforted by the theme. The characters that I cared about and their relationships with each other made the episode what it was. When Troy left, the darkest timeline happened because his role is to be the joy in the group. But even when Peirce–the target of the group’s negativity–left, the group turned on each other and presumably fell apart soon after. The episode showed what each character contributed to the group and how it was important. In other words, each timeline was out of balance because somebody was missing. When I first watched the episode I thought I was living in my darkest timeline. With the logic of “Remedial Chaos Theory” that would mean that I was living in the timeline where the imbalance was caused by a loss of heart or joy. That seemed right to me. This was the argument I was going to make. However, when I rewatched the episode, I realized how much self-awareness the writers had when creating scenarios where one of their characters was missing. To stop creating unbalanced timelines, Abed had to become aware of the situation himself and tell the group what he was thinking. This move isn’t that different from the way I learned to cope with intrusive thoughts. Abed argues that the universe is in fact an endless sea of randomness. That much I agree with. He’s also right that you can’t fight it. I tried by ignoring my worsening mental health to do well in school. So by Abed’s logic, we have to find something predictable and hang onto that. Not a lot has been predictable in the past two years. Even as I’m writing this I’m not sure if Covid will allow most of my spring plans to happen. At the end of the day, the alternate timelines episode asks viewers to think about what’s predictable rather than what’s chaotic. In other words, Abed tells us to focus on what we can control when we live in a world filled with things we can’t.

Prisca Afantchao November 30, 2021 | 10:06pm EST Y Tu Mamá También (2001) is one of my all time favorite films. The film follows two teenage boys from very different backgrounds, Julio and Tenoch, as they search for thrills the summer before they enter university. The two best friends are joined by an older woman, Luisa, who is married to Tenoch’s cousin. Painful truths are revealed and hidden, connections are strengthened, tested, and broken, paradise is discovered, and despite the enormity of their adventures the boys manage to reject it all when they return to their homes. As they road trip to a beach called Boca del Cielo (“Heaven’s Mouth”), the story illustrates just how much our realities can change when we leave our usual surroundings, and just how transient and fleeting this change can be. One remarkable thing about this film is the fact that Julio and Tenoch made up Boca del Cielo when they first suggested Luisa should join them on a trip, not expecting her to accept, and they had no idea where the beach was or if they could really find one that matched their fictitious description. This strikes a chord with me because their youthful folly and naivete motivated them to go after a mystical location, yet they actually find a beach of the very same name. Despite having life changing experiences there, the pressures and norms of their original settings and the sociocultural divides between the boys lead them to abandon the lessons they learned, return to Mexico City, and follow their respective, expected paths. The first time I watched the film I wasn’t exactly sure how to explain the impact it had on me. Now, I realize the role of the changing settings, used not just as backdrops but as fully developed spaces, almost like characters themselves. This technique allowed me to further appreciate the three main characters’ experiences travelling through this land. When the unexplained narration kicks in, and all other noise is removed, facts about the characters and their surroundings are shared and make the world so much more real. As they begin their drive in Mexico City they pass an ambulance and a body on the wayside and the omnipresent narrator explains the backstory of a hit and run and how it took four days for the body to be claimed. As they look for Julio’s older sister in a crowd of emblazoned protestors only to ask permission to use her car on the road trip, the narrator explains that they are at a tumultuous, pivotal point in Mexican history. As they enter rural Mexico, the narrator tells the audience that if we had driven down that very road a decade earlier we would have seen a wrecked truck and a crying woman surrounded by a flurry of chicken feathers. Seemingly removed facts actually add to the significance of their every turn and remind me of the many histories that collectively create the spaces I occupy, even if I am just passing through. Overall, the characterization of various settings doesn’t just claim that we are only small beings in the grand scheme of things, but more poignantly, how we are so greatly influenced by the people and places around us. Rewatching Y Tu Mamá También yet again, I’m not merely entertained by the story I so adore. I’m also challenged to give into the changes life brings me, pushing and pulling like the clear waters of Boca del Cielo.

Morgan Goldberg November 30, 2021 | 10:30pm EST There is something inherently cliche and cinematic about the mom’s books club in which the women of the cul de sac gather to chat briefly about a book focusing on the more sensual scenes while consuming copious amounts of wine. While this might be a trope and sometimes ring true, I think more focus ought to be placed on the novels that become classics among hordes of housewives entrusting their literary lists to the all-powerful Oprah. This past summer while recovering from the strain of spring semester I searched for an escape into fictive worlds that would not only entertain but help me keep my reading pace quick for the approaching semester. After consulting peers, relatives, librarians, and the internet I began a quest to read as many of the trending books from the past couple of years that were marketed in a particular way. I was in search of something beyond the classic Elin Hilderbrand novels that are beloved beach reads focused around summer romance and drama on New England shores. I was after the books that seemed to be in everyone's hand over the past couple of years so much so that many of them earned limited series on streaming platforms or op-ed reviews worth reposting to social media. I began with Liane Moriarty’s main trilogy: Big Little Lies, The Husband's Secret, and Nine Perfect Strangers. Then it was on to Tara Westover’s Educated followed shortly by Richard Rothstein’s The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America. I explored love in our formative years through Normal People by Sally Rooney and needed a few days off from reading to recover emotionally before tackling Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere. I closed out the last two weeks of summer reading The Marriage Plot by Jeffery Eugenides and the wildly gripping Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Just as soon as the last page had been turned, I was logging onto the internet to process endings and begin the media adaptations. Now that I have exposed my random taste in books I want to prod at why they became so popular within reading circles. There is no formula for writing a book club worthy book as book clubs are made up of all kinds of people. I opened this blog post by referencing the most common demographic utilizing some novel revolving around a meet-cute as an excuse to gossip and drink wine. However, that could not be farther from the truth. The books I had explored this summer are hopefully known as great for prompting literary discussions of themes around family, identity, race, history, aging, love, etc. They were not written with an intent to reach the same one single audience but rather appeal to all and therefore be the source of fruitful discussions in which personal experiences are connected to the written word. The key component that drove many of their successes and central placement on the bookshelves of stores was accessibility. Now, not everyone has access to books or libraries or the internet but those who do regardless of occupation or other limiting factors are able to experience great writing in these digestible forms and when a book is so widely acclaimed there then exists a large circle of fellow readers ready to break down the book. Beyond the pages of these books there are, what I consider to be, supplementary materials such as podcasts, articles, saturated internet pages on connections, and TV/film adaptations. I believe that the increased interest in books that are popularized for the dialogues they initiate ought to continue to be highlighted even if it is on cheesy webpages claiming them as the next great hit for your gal pals. I understand that there are arguments against trending pages citing that society is only drawn to binge a show because it feels like everyone else is and never for personal enjoyment. To that I can only suggest that books get popular for a reason and if you wish to join in the discussion, by all means, pull up a chair and share with me your ideas.

Simi Singh November 18, 2021 | 6:45pm EST Throughout the years, it seems that media bases careers have been male dominated. From movies, TV, books, and even music, most people can agree that the majority of media they consume are by men. In recent years there has been a realization that when it comes to the media that the male gaze might not be the best to convey emotions, connection or even character development. The biggest example of why the female gaze is so important can be seen in movies. Especially in the action and sometimes in the romance genres. These movies, either depict women as being “one of the guys” or just a sex object without any real development throughout the film. While men, characters have to not show emotions and must “act like a man”. These are in great contrast to movies that were either written or directed by women. Looking at movies such as Wonder Woman, just a simple detail as not putting female characters in the stereotypical armor bikini, already makes a huge change in the story. When looking at movies that incorporate the female gaze, you can see how the tone and the development changes compared to male gaze movies. However. The main reason why the female gaze is so powerful, especially in 2021, is because it introduces more diverse voices that are often overlooked in the entertainment field. When movies, books, and even songs have that female narrative it introduces the audiences to ideas that they usually are not exposed to. A great example of this would be Pride and Prejudice (2005). While it was directed by a man, the story was written by a woman. The reason this movie is so important when it comes to showing the female gaze is because it shows a male character in an important light. While Mr. Darcy does insult Elizabeth the first time, he declares that he wished to marry her. And while she rightfully rejects him, he still is there for her and still admits that he was wrong for what he did. The female gaze both allows women to be empowered while also allowing men to be vulnerable. Photos: Photo credits: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/pride-prejudice Photo credits https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/6/7/15740202/wonder-woman-origin-story-amazons-marston-explained Photo credits: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/best-female-directors/

Ava Sheffler November 15, 2021 | 2:50pm EST I know some people are frequent visitors of the Katzen Arts Center, but for those that haven't crossed Nebraska Ave since you took that one art class there, I am here to convince you to maybe make the trek over and check it out again. So, to that end, let's go on a literary walk-through of the museum, and hopefully, by the end, I will have convinced you to go see these artists’ pieces in person. Step through the glass doors and walk past the front desk and your eyes will immediately be caught by the shifting colors and textures of Diane Burko’s “Lenticulars.” With your every movement, the light causes the colors to swirl like water, wind, and ice, introducing you to her exhibit: Seeing Climate Change. Diane Burko is a painter, photographer, and climate activist who has seen the damaging effects of climate change first hand. Her work in this exhibit focuses heavily on the melting of arctic ice and the loss of coral reefs. Her paintings take up whole walls of the museum and include a variety of textures achieved through paint as well as textiles and other found objects. Recently, she has included a series on COVID-19 and the death that it has caused in our world. Her works are interactive even without touching them; I feel like I could look at them for a long time and still notice something new about it with every new glance. Somehow she has captured both the beauty of our natural environments as well as the tragedy of their devastation. Photo from: PSB whyy.org / posted May, 28 2019 Continue up the Katzen museum steps to the second floor and your eyes will be drawn upwards as you are met by the massive hanging tapestries by Amber Robles-Gordon. You have made it to the second exhibit: Traversing US Colonialism. The collection includes paintings, collages, and tapestries that discuss the relationship between US policy and US territories specifically surrounding access to resources, citizenship, and the right to sovereignty. Robles-Gordon was born in Puerto Rico and now resides in Washington DC; both locations are reflected in her work and she addresses the individual struggles of each as well as how they affect each other. My personal favorite pieces in this exhibit are her collages. They are eclectic and at first glance chaotic, but after looking closer you can see the organization and very intentional positioning of each element. She includes different materials, objects, images, photos, drawings, and paint to create extremely colorful and eye-catching pieces. I also really appreciate how personal her work is, she always connects her pieces to her personal experience and her communities which gives her work a much deeper and more emotional feeling to them. Similar to Diane Burko, I feel as if I could look at Robles-Gordon’s work for hours and still pick up on new intricacies. Photo from: amberroblesgordon.com / posted June 21, 2021 Title: Reflexiones sobre el yo, la virgen maría y el colonialismo by Amber Robles-Gordon By now your feet may be getting a little sore, but you won't regret it if you muster the energy to climb just one more flight of stairs to the top floor of the Katzen where you will find photographer Philip Brookman’s exhibit titled In the Light of Memory, 1969–2021. I’ve always been drawn to photography. I see it as a window into other people's lives, a snapshot of a singular scene that will never appear again quite the same way, and I think capturing that temporary moment in time is beautiful. That is probably why I loved this exhibit so much. In his In the Light of Memory series, Brookman captures mundane everyday life, whether that is a portrait of someone he meets in the subway, a friend, or a street view in the morning before anyone has woken up. His photos are real and untouched and always feel intimate like you could be standing right there next to the camera. Brookman has been working as a photographer and curator since the 1970s and his commitment to social justice has influenced the subject matter of his work. In his diverse body of work and subject matter, he perfectly captures the imperfections and grit of everyday life from beauty and joy to struggle and pain. The exhibit showcases photos from many different places and environments both nationally and internationally. As you walk through his exhibit you will pass a quote on the wall that made me stop and write it down in my notebook. Not only do I think this quote perfectly explains the connecting thread of this exhibit that may otherwise seem random, but it also inspired me to think about my future work this way. It reads, “My pictures are a visual diary of my experiences, but it’s a diary that does not follow a timeline or narrative. Maybe it’s more like a dream journal.” Photo from: americansuburbx.com / posted July, 14 2015 You can see all these artists and more from now until December 12, and I couldn’t recommend it enough!

Eva Wallis November 15, 2021 | 2:23pm EST In my senior year of high school, I took a literature class about improving happiness and wellbeing. We studied the theories that made us feel good, and implemented each practice on a weekly basis. I went on a social media detox, starting exercising, meditating, and journaling. I was forced to apply all of the self-care habits that doctors and psychologists often advised, and which I often ignored. I no longer could use the excuse of not having enough time. Essentially, it forced me to take care of myself by reflecting on what worked and what didn’t. One of these exercises consisted of using our strengths as much as possible. A common misconception in our daily routines is to work towards building up our weaknesses. If our strengths are just that, strengths, shouldn’t we practice self-betterment by reinforcing those traits that we aren’t as good at? However, this only provokes insecurities. By using our strengths, we nourish our greatest qualities, thus boosting our confidence and happiness. The exercise consisted of the character strengths survey (which you can take here!), produced by the VIA Institute, similar to a personality quiz. The end result was a ranking of the 24 character strengths. My top strength was appreciating beauty and excellence. How could this be a strength? I thought of strengths as perseverance or creativity. Wasn’t this simply an action? I went into the challenge skeptical, but looked for places of beauty throughout my week. I studied outdoors, basking in sunlight and warm weather, and listened to music constantly. I decorated my room, something I had been putting off for weeks. As I hung posters and fairy lights from my walls, I felt more at home in my room than I had felt since we moved there. I went to a flea market, and spent hours just staring at the plethora of randomness before me. I was in awe. I had always known that I loved Pinterest boards, Spotify playlists, and Sunday flea markets, but now I had an explicit reason for why I enjoyed them so much. I was good at appreciating beauty. Aesthetics didn’t just please the eye, they pleased my mind. I looked at everything around me with an awareness I had never had before. I took every opportunity to be one with my surroundings, and treated the mundane and the special as the same. Stopping and smelling the roses proved to be true, however cliche it was. Even if this isn’t everyone’s top strength, it is a skill that I am proud to have, and I encourage everyone to implement the practice, as well as to use their own strengths as often as possible. Watch your favorite movie over and over again, cover your walls with posters and pictures that make you happy, and watch every sunset you can. Make every effort to feel good about yourself, and fall back into the childhood wonderment of taking in everything around you to the fullest extent.

McKenzie Taylor November 10, 2021 | 6:56pm EST 1. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak The Book Thief is definitely not a unique choice for an all time favorite novel, but it is still mine all the same. I read it at the ripe old age of 12 and have a core memory of finishing it during my 6th grade math class and having to hide in the bathroom for the remainder of the period because I could not stop crying. It is a beautiful novel about the resilience of human beings, about how hatred is taught, and that words, love, and children are the most powerful forces in the world. It also gives a sobering account of grief, fear, and loss from the perspectives of both children and adults so powerful you have to step away for moments. Even writing about it now years after the last time I’ve read it (yes, I have read it multiple times and plan on reading it again), it brings tears to my eyes and raises goosebumps on my arm. 2. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller I read this book during a pretty dark time in my life, having just freed myself from an abusive relationship and starting to date again. My inner child had been crushed and giving out my love to others was a terrifying thought. The Song of Achilles, however, is one of the best love stories ever written, and the best one that I have ever had the honor of reading. Following the story of Patroclus and Achilles’ relationship from childhood up to adulthood and witnessing the pure, unfiltered love they had for each other reminded me of the privilege it is to be capable of loving someone so deeply they have the ability to destroy you, especially when they choose not to. Both because of this, paired with the absolutely beautiful writing style of Miller, I recommend this book to every person I meet. 3. Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas Easily the best fantasy series I have ever read. I even have an (abridged) quote from the series tattooed on my arm. I have always been a lover of fantasy, so enjoying the first two novels in the series did not come to much of a surprise to me, however… my mind was absolutely blown from book three and kept getting blown over and over again up until book seven. How Maas even got from book one to book seven is insane to me. Did she have it all planned out from the beginning? Did she make it up as she went? I need answers. The plot twists were unbelievable, the character development was beautiful. The major themes of what it means to be human and whether monsters were born or made were so intricately woven into the plot while simultaneously plaguing your mind every waking moment. Do not even get me started on the female protagonists (and even antagonists!). There are too many good things to say. Aelin Galthynius is by far the best female character I have ever read and every morning, I wake up aspiring to be just like her. 4. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky The Brothers K has to be my most secretive and most pretentious favorite book. It is a Russian classic, by the same man who wrote Crime & Punishment, and is a whopping 800 pages. To make it seem more appealing, it is the story of three brothers, a monk, an intellectual, and a soldier who are all suspects in the murder of their crazy alcoholic father. Not to mention all the affairs, betrayals, secrets, bouts of insanity that include a tiny little devil haunting one of the brothers, and romance. It is probably one of the more bizarre books I’ve read, but it was absolutely enthralling. What I personally valued so much in this book was the moral and religious questions it asks, mainly, if God is not real, where do we get our morals from? If there are no morals, is anything permissible? If questions of ethics are of interest to you, then I highly recommend this book, and I also highly recommend it if you love massive books filled with twists and turns and crazy weird characters and events.

Anna Woodward November 5, 2021 | 3:49pm EDT If I have learned anything in the past almost-two years, it’s that binge-watching is a great pastime. After all, the plethora of streaming services has something for everyone. And as more and more different mediums are combining, it’s only natural that books and television join forces. Movies have been the dominant medium of adaptation from the Harry Potter series to The Hunger Games. But as the culture surrounding media and entertainment is changing, so should our methods of consumption. Getting lost in a show is reminiscent of getting lost in a book. And for those who may not have the time to sit down and read, a television adaptation is the next best thing. What makes movie franchises based on books so popular is the fact that they have multiple parts, and keep viewers engaged. Television adaptations are an extension of that, a happy compromise that keeps fans coming back. You can quickly turn on the next episode after being left on a cliffhanger, but also experience the thrill of waiting for the next season. Interestingly, television adaptations provide storytelling that movies often fail to achieve. Take 2020’s Normal People, adapted from the Sally Rooney novel of the same name. This series lasted one season, 12 episodes, and still manages to do the novel more justice than a movie adaptation would’ve. Episodes parallel chapters and significant scenes in the novel, giving it more direction and character development than a two hour film (or even multiple films) would. Being a miniseries, it still achieves the finality that the concluding film of a franchise has. With the rise in popularity of streaming services, television adaptations have made their way into mainstream television. Netflix’s Bridgerton, Shadow and Bone, and Anne with an E are prime examples of adaptations that have received positive feedback from fans of their respective books. While the episodes are shorter than a film, television adaptations offer flexibility, and more opportunities for depth and development. Take Hulu’s adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale series. Originally published in 1985, the book has remained relevant through its themes of women’s rights and criticism of oppressive governments. In its four television seasons, it has managed to remain relevant for the same reason. Television adaptations can last year after year, and while movie franchises can do the same, the former typically has a more consistent presence, lasting multiple weeks out of a year instead of publicity strictly at the time of its release. Not only are television adaptations important to consider from a cinematic viewpoint, they’re also interesting in their accessibility. That being said, not everyone has access to the streaming platforms that most adaptations are released on, but accessibility can be defined in other ways. For example, viewers can sit down and watch one episode a day, or put it on in the background instead of dedicating multiple hours to going to the theater. Television adaptations can be enjoyed in small increments without breaking the flow like a film may. This is especially important for shows that cover heavy topics, which can easily overwhelm viewers. Instead of having to keep up with and stay engaged in a full-length film, viewers can watch at their own pace. Of course, you can say the same about pausing a movie, but who wants to do that if the movie itself is interesting enough to watch in the first place? While movies are classic, and have their own appeal, television adaptations deserve their time in the spotlight. Their potential to binge-watch and room for creativity will leave you intertwining “one more chapter” with “one more episode.”

Sophia Slavin November 3, 2021 | 7:04pm EDT Art is Everywhere. A cliche phrase that couldn’t be more accurate in the world of art. Art is not dominated by a certain country or people; it’s shared and interchangeable through all cultures. We can appreciate the art of Frida Kahlo, the movies of Lupita Nyong’o, and the novels of Leo Tolstoy. Yet, Americans have an obsession with easily absorbing things. They like to stick to what they know, which is English. The most famous foreign musicians in America come from other English-speaking countries like the UK, Australia, or Canada. By limiting our intake of music and other art, we miss out on the rhythm and cultural implications of music across the world. Music is constantly a tool of subculture, political activism, cultural ideals, and trends. There is so much we can learn about others if we just open our minds to being okay with understanding less immediately (not knowing the language, of course) but appreciating more in the long run. So now I will introduce you to what I call: Sophie’s “Can’t Understand” Playlist. LATIN AMERICA Although the reggaeton beats of J Balvin, Daddy Yankee, Bad Bunny, and Maulma, are a great cultural insight and just overall fun to listen to, Americans have a tendency to not explore the other depths of Latin music. If indie music is your cup of tea, I would highly recommend exploring the music of The Marias. This is an indie-pop band that has been described as the intersection of Selena Quintanilla and Tame Impala. They bring together a psychedelic rock beat with glossy vocals. Another group to look out for is Las Villa. They have a rap and pop fusion because the group consists of Columbian-born twins who’s work blended their own individual styles. Finally to wrap up the Latin American recommendations, if you listen to anyone on this list, I would prefer it to be Arca. They are a nonbinary trans woman who blends the elements of experimental music with Latin reggaeton and pop. Her music is something I never heard the likes of before, but she has worked with Bjork and FKA twigs. AFRICA Most Americans would say they are familiar with very little or possibly none African music. We love and appreciate the African-American influence on the music industry and would only further enjoy adding African beats and voices to our playlists. Nigeria is Africa’s fastest-growing music industry. Most artists blend the lyrics of English, French and African languages. If you’re looking for African beats that sound familiar check out Nigerian Afro-pop singer Yami Alade. Alade’s hit ‘Johnny’ made her recognizable across the music industry, even named one of the best African musicians. Another artist hailing from Ghana is Sarkodie. He is one of Africa’s most popular rappers with entertaining and upbeat flows and great collaborators. ASIA Korean shows and pop music have been blowing up and are trendy in the US already. K pop stars have been winning grammy’s among so many other awards so we are very comfortable already. I would love to recommend Vava. She is a woman rapper in China who is working to get female emcees the recognition they deserve. If you didn’t listen to the words of her music you would believe she was on the American female rap scene. Now if you’re feeling something out there, Dir En Grey is one of Japan’s most famous rock and metal bands. They play shows across the world and their music (especially videos) is a bit creepy. Also, I know we are all listening to study beats while doing homework so check out Kmail Hamid, an Indian producer who puts together dreamy and rich beats of different paces. EUROPE I feel like most European music that Americans listen to came out before we were born. I’m about to put you on some new and exciting bangers. Firstly, most of us have heard of them after they won Eurovision last year; Maneskin is an Italian rock group. Their mix of Italian and English covers is so energetic and fiery. Next, is Albanian rap and pop music by Soolking. His music is dancing club vibes with lots of hip-hop beats mixed in. Along with the same wave is the Greek performer Sin Boy. But, my (super biased) favorite rapper on the whole list goes to the Russian rap duo MiyaGi & Endspiel. Their rap can be deep and meaningful with hits like ‘Kossandra’ or upbeat and pop like ‘I Got Love.’

Sydney Smith November 3, 2021 | 3:10pm EDT Quantum, the first minted NFT by Kevin McCoy. Image credit: Sotheby’s Artist Kevin McCoy spoke at the Phillips Collection this past weekend on his most famous creation: the non-fungible token, or NFT. I was lucky enough to be able to attend the lecture over Zoom and listen to his thoughts on the digital art world and its history. McCoy is a digital artist who often works with his wife Jennifer. According to their website, their art focuses on “[teasing] out the gap between representation and lived experience.” NFTs are difficult to explain, but essentially they are pieces of art that have their ownership rights created through blockchain, similar to how cryptocurrency is made. It takes a certain kind of computer to create the rights to the art. Recent examples of an NFT are the original image of the “side-eye Chloe” meme or photos of pixelated characters called CryptoPunks. Technically, the item purchased for insane amounts of money (a CryptoPunk character went for $11,754,000) can be saved by anyone due to it usually being just an image, but what you actually buy when purchasing an NFT is the ownership rights contained in the blockchain. It’s like buying a poster of the Mona Lisa at the museum gift shop versus owning the original piece. Clearly, the controversy around these pieces is warranted as the concept seems a little ridiculous, and the environmental impact is astronomical, but Kevin McCoy believes they are the future of the art world. McCoy defended the unique art form, saying that “technology serves as a mediator between the human and the world” and explained that digital art has always evolved as a response to the times. He spoke about the history of digital art, starting with Nam June Paik and Shuya Abe’s “Paik/Abe Synthesizer” that mixed colors simultaneously in real-time on television. This was revolutionary as it was made in 1969 when the technology was far less advanced. McCoy claims that this was the beginning of art’s intersection with technology. He mentions artists David Jones, Gary Hill, and Steina and Woody Vasulka as others that contributed to the exploration of video and sound engineering in art. They all used analog media, and that reliance ended with the creation of digital media in the 90s. The custom hardware used to create the pre-digital art eventually changed into custom software to be used with what could be considered closer to modern computers. McCoy was incredibly enthusiastic in his discussion of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, as according to him they “connect so many elements of the world”. He described technology as a kind of “alchemy available to everyone as an open database, yet each unit inside is individually owned.” He used Bitcoin’s blockchain to create the first NFT in 2014 using crypto’s principles of ownership and scarcity. McCoy acknowledges that technically anyone can own the image or visit the site of an NFT, but it’s the blockchain that makes it unique and retains the ownership to one person. Conservation of digital works like NFTs is an entirely different concept; traditional art like painting or sculpture has historical techniques to conserve as much of the original work as possible. How do you conserve something that exists entirely in the digital space? The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City owns McCoy’s first piece, and he described the conservation as “up to the owners,” and that it “feels rhetorical in many ways.” Though McCoy argues that NFTs are inherently anti-institutional as anyone can create them, the general consensus on these pieces is that the negatives far outweigh the positives. To create cryptocurrency and by extension NFTs, a special kind of computer is required to “mine” the information needed and store the digital files. Annually, those computers use as much energy as countries like Austria or Colombia and also produce mass amounts of electronic waste. That is a ridiculous amount of energy and waste for digital ownership of the “original” Doge meme or a recreation of the Nyan Cat gif. I posed a question via Zoom chat, asking McCoy for his thoughts on the environmental impact of NFTs and blockchain. McCoy claimed that “in global energy usage, the energy used by blockchain is fractional.” He was adamant about how other things in the world take more energy than blockchains such as airlines and healthcare, and that that fact justifies the usage of the technology and energy. McCoy also dispelled the idea that a regular computer could be used, as it has too many “risks” of stealing ownership to be used to farm cryptocurrency. A regular computer would put the ownership in a more risky format, making it likely that someone else could claim the ownership rights. I also asked whether or not he sees any ethical issues with his concept, but my question was ignored despite it being the only other question posed. Despite being a questionable practice in both terms of the ridiculousness of the concept and the environmental impact, McCoy’s work does have some valid critiques of art. Questioning what art really is and if it has to be physical or even exist in tangible terms at all is a fascinating idea. The history of digital art is very rich and many artists today pull ideas from the past. Though the merit and ethicality of Kevin McCoy’s art will always be questioned, the lasting exploration of the digital realm will help other artists forge new paths.