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Ameena Qobrtay

'Star Wars' fans love CGI Luke Skywalker, but deepfake implications are dangerous

Episode 6 of “The Book of Boba Fett,” released in early February, included a surprising guest appearance: a young Luke Skywalker in all of his CGI glory.Mar 3

Hey, Vogue France: Your double standard for headscarves is not fashionable, it's Islamophobic

Vogue France has recently been under fire for an Instagram caption that praises a non-Muslim wealthy white woman for wearing a headscarf when Muslim women, especially in France, are discriminated against for wearing headscarves — hijabs — for religious reasons. Feb 3

Reflection: Joan Didion's impact was personal, not just universal

I write my collected musings beneath a bulletin board of memories. Ubiquitous candy wrappers stolen from my grandmother’s purse join paper menus, placed beside free pins picked up at comic book stores and letters from loved ones, right next to a trinket I found on a walk and a drawing a friend gave me when I was 14 — all of it creating a collage of unexplainable connections.Feb 2

Reading bell hooks after her death remains enlightening, inspiring

“I came to theory because I was hurting ... I came to theory desperate, wanting to comprehend — to grasp what was happening around and within me,” bell hooks wrote in her 1991 essay “Theory as Liberatory Practice.”Jan 27

'The Love Hypothesis' is latest gushy romance novel you need to read right now

Hypothesis: "The Love Hypothesis" by Ali Hazelwood is the perfect escapism for everyone who needs to take a 384-page-long break from reality. And let’s face it, all of us could use a book-induced bender before the business of the semester. Jan 18

Lauren Boebert's bigotry toward Ilhan Omar is indicative of larger problems in America

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) — one of the few Muslims ever elected to Congress, the first person to wear a hijab and the first Somali American naturalized citizen to be elected in the House of Representatives — has been the victim of recent violent anti-Muslim remarks and death threats. Dec 8

Cuomo brothers' fall from grace: Reckonings for abuse of power

The fates of the Cuomo brothers, Andrew and Chris Cuomo — a disgraced former governor of New York and a recently fired CNN nighttime anchor, respectively — have changed dramatically since the early days of the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. At first, they inspired eager breakfast time confessions. Now? They're embroiled in scandal. Dec 6

'Red (Taylor's Version)' triumphantly reclaims Swift's music in style

The recent longing looks fastened on starry-eyed passersby on strolls down College Avenue aren't just an inevitable side effect of impending finals-season-scaries, but almost a sure sign of being enveloped in the autumnal universe of one of the greatest releases in all of music history: "Red (Taylor’s Version)."Nov 19

Tips from your favorite literary icons on how to overcome writer's block

You’re sitting at your desk and it’s crunch time. That Friday, that day your five-page essay is due, the day that felt decades away? Well, some sly trick has turned that "oh-so-distant-Friday" into "oh-my-God-no-way-today." Nov 15

Beware of ‘Meta’: Mark Zuckerberg's vision for social media is concerning

“Metaverse” is not just some buzzword in the headlines of articles you’ll never read or captions of funny Twitter memes that jest at the eerily reptilian nature of Mark Zuckerberg.Nov 10

Here are some good reads for when you have downtime this coming break

Somehow October became November and there are only a few weeks left of the semester. As we prepare for the only slice of solace some of us have to look forward to during the treachery that is sure to come — Thanksgiving break before finals — one of the ways to unwind and regroup is through reading. Nov 4

Anything but iconic: Why Senator Kyrsten Sinema is so problematic

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) is not the yas-queen-bisexual-girlboss-icon that she was originally thought to be. Her post-9/11 early political days as a Green Party spokeswoman and anti-war protest organizer are long over, and her recent obstructionism against the Build Back Better Framework has cemented her position as a centrist Democrat. Oct 29

On being catcalled: Lessons learned in blue velvet boots

“Men look at women,” scholar John Berger wrote. “Women watch themselves being looked at … The surveyor of woman in herself is male: the surveyed female. Thus she turns herself into an object — and most particularly an object of vision: a sight.”Oct 22

Sally Rooney's 'Beautiful World, Where Are You' pairs love with clairvoyant political commentary

What exactly is love? Why do people choose to get into romantic relationships with others? Oct 21

Frances Haugen exposes Facebook: Effects of surveillance capitalism on social media users

Facebook is no stranger to controversy, but the past few weeks have been particularly disreputable for the tech giant. Oct 15

When searching for your next spooky season movie, don’t miss 'Batman: The Long Halloween'

“Accept” is the first word in the brain teaser of the mind puzzle Alberto Falcone is completing in the first scene of “Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One.” That fleeting, less-than-3-second scene provides a glimpse of the undercurrent consistent of the glorious two-part, 3-hour event. Oct 13

Type ‘Yas’ to affirm: @rutgersaffirmations admin Mary Gillespie discusses powers of manifestation, media marketing

The short, choppy sentences. The obvious Rutgers stock images. The white block font with a bright color shadowing the relatable text. If you’re a Rutgers student on Instagram, you most likely have seen the account @rutgersaffirmations on your friend’s story, if you aren’t already one of the nearly 4,000 followers of the account. Oct 8

Where to listen to Taylor Swift songs at Rutgers

It’s no secret that there is a small faction of Taylor Swift fans — Swifties — at Rutgers campus. @rutgersaffirmations is an Instagram account with almost 4,000 followers run by Mary Gillespie, a School of Arts and Sciences sophomore. She created a post with more than 1,000 likes with a short message: “I will spread the Swiftie Agenda on campus." Oct 4

Move over ‘Euphoria,’ ‘Sex Education' is Generation Z's staple show

You’re probably reading this to discover if you should watch the latest season of Netflix’s “Sex Education.” The short answer? Yes. Hell yes. The long answer? You absolutely have to watch this season, because there’s truly nothing else like it streaming right now. Sep 30

Don't know what to wear to Governors Ball? Here are some cute outfit ideas

This year's Governors Ball is right around the corner. Taking place between Friday, Sept. 24 and Sunday, Sept. 26, at Citi Field in Queens, New York, Gov Ball is an annual celebration that features all the hottest stars in music. Sep 23 2021

Must-watch for Marvel fans: 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings'

Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is the latest origin story of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), becoming the first Marvel movie with a predominantly-Asian cast. Sep 16 2021

It’s cuffing season: Venus is now in Scorpio, act accordingly

If you’re feeling an anticipatory chill down your spine, it’s not just the cooler weather. It’s official, folks: as of Sept. 10, Venus has entered Scorpio and will stay there until Oct. 7. What does this mean for you? Well, in short, buckle up for a wildly intense few weeks filled with passion and thrills.Sep 15 2021

‘My Year of Rest and Relaxation': Dreary glimpse of pre-9/11 New York City with calculated characters

“My Year of Rest and Relaxation” isn’t just some novel: It’s a holy text. The 2018 book by Ottessa Moshfegh takes the reader through the jagged depths of a young, rich, thin and beautiful woman’s tumultuous mind in the early 2000s. Sep 10 2021

Lorde's 'Solar Power' emotionally captures her spiritual growth

“Now if you’re looking for a savior, well that’s not me,” is one of the first lines of the alternative singer Lorde’s latest album in four years, “Solar Power.” The 24-year-old native New Zealander released her latest album to her not-so-patiently awaiting fans on Aug. 20. Sep 9 2021

Reflections from EE bus amid Tropical Storm Ida

Tropical Storm Ida’s devastation in New Jersey led to the destruction of homes, massive flooding and a rising death toll. The effects of the damage in New Brunswick are still being assessed, but there are reports of flooding, cancelled classes and dangerous road conditions.Sep 3 2021

Rutgers students, prepare for battle: Spotted lantern flies have taken over our beloved campus

Not only are Rutgers students faced with broken air conditioners in residence halls, inconsistent bus schedules and, of course, the delta variant of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), but also my beloved Rutgers peers, we’re currently braving a battle of grave magnitude: the plague of the spotted lantern flies (SLF).Sep 1 2021

How to heal from heartbreak

At best, Valentine’s Day is a mushy, capitalistic day to tell the people we love how we feel by using stolen sentiments we buy with our hard-earned cash. But for those with aching hearts, the day becomes all the more insufferable. Feb 14 2021

Farmers are still protesting in India: Here's why you should care

You may or may not have seen #StandWithFarmers on your social media timelines. Farmers in India have been protesting for months — with hardly any coverage from Western media outlets. Feb 10 2021

Rutgers buses, I miss you most of all!

The Rutgers buses have been the greatest source of my creative inspiration. Jan 26 2021

'Zoom University' shouldn't stop us from forming meaningful friendships

One of the things I adore the most about college is making friends from class. The transition from replying to each other’s points in class to riding the bus together before lectures to friendship is just as beautiful as falling in love.Dec 9 2020

ON THE FRONT LINES: Muslim Pro data sharing fearful reminder of tech's overreach

Nearly every Muslim I know, young or old, had an application called Muslim Pro downloaded to their phones. Nov 23 2020

Cosmic insights based on U. President Jonathan Holloway's zodiac sign

University President Jonathan Holloway took office on July 1, serving as the 21st University president, replacing the subject of some of the best memes I’ve ever seen, former University president Robert L. Barchi. Nov 20 2020

Thanks for turning my hijabi grandma into Trump's biggest supporter, Zuckerberg

The best memories I have of my beloved grandmother are of her cooking.Nov 19 2020

Why you should stop watching ‘New Girl’ after season four

If you’re anything like me and like to lose yourself in TV shows to escape reality’s increasingly lethal grip, you may have stumbled upon “New Girl” in your shows-for-self-care searches. Nov 10 2020

Obsession, sacrifice, commitment: Inside horrors of Welcome to the Blumhouse

What do you get when you cross Amazon Studios with Blumhouse, the production outfit that created Paranormal Activity, just in time for spooky season? Oct 13 2020

ON THE FRONT LINES: American Muslims, do not get excited over Biden saying ‘Inshallah’

It happened so quickly that it took the flooding of my Twitter timeline and frantic messages from my friends watching for me to realize it: Former Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee for the 2020 election, said “Inshallah” in response to President Donald J. Trump during their heated quote-unquote debate last Tuesday. Oct 6 2020

How to wow professors with your discussion posts

Growing despite chaos: The Happy Fits' 'What Could Be Better' album

The Happy Fits are a New Jersey-based alternative band that your Rutgers bestie may have forced you to listen to. Sep 7 2020

Struggles of being horny during coronavirus

Editor's Picks: Movies

How Bella Thorne disrupted incomes of thousands of OnlyFans sex workers

How to make the most of Zoom University

Horoscopes for your pandemic semester

Editor's Picks: Albums

Editor's Picks: Television

Documenting change: Rutgers students join protests to mourn George Floyd

Joe Biden says we should believe women. So why not Tara Reade?

Rutgers international graduate students face difficulties amid coronavirus pandemic

Tool kit to surviving the oncoming media apocalypse

What will Ramadan 2020 look like for Muslims across the globe?

‘Give ourselves grace’: Nutritionist Kaitlyn Eck on dieting during global pandemic

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has completely changed life as we knew it, abruptly ending whatever routine college students had. Apr 13 2020

Part-time lecturers express concern over Rutgers hiring freeze

Rutgers University announced a hiring freeze on April 2 in an email sent to staff, a measure which could result in less part-time lecturers (PTL) working at the University next semester. Apr 12 2020

Legacy of Tomie dePaola: College student’s ode to her favorite children’s books

Tomie dePaola was a children’s author and illustrator of more than 200 books who died on March 30.Apr 7 2020

Looking to change your major? This tool can help

Corona-fighting man reveals message: 'Stay sterile kids!'

Last Wednesday was an eventful day for Rutgers students. Mar 13 2020

ON THE FRONT LINES: Readers have responsibility to expand past Western mainstays

I used to love “Jane Eyre.” Mar 5 2020

ON THE FRONT LINES: Bloomberg’s Muslim surveillance disqualifies him from office

ON THE FRONT LINES: Problematic behaviors require open discussion

QOBRTAY: Objectifying womens' bodies must stop

NJ Film Festival features inspiring, different independent films

"Textile Workers" features Vika Shonia, pictured above. Film maker Andrea Nappi experimented with illustrations on 16mm film. Jan 28 2020

Lay off Lizzo, body positivity important for everyone

Lizzo has an active social media presence, but has recently taken a break from Twitter for an undefined amount of time. It may be from the hate messages she receives on the platform.Jan 23 2020

Megxit should come as no surprise to those following royal news

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are now dividing their time between North America and Britain. With the change, there are rumors of a future Disney contract. Jan 22 2020

London Tube thoughts: Commentary on traveling alone

London's Underground is called the 'Tube' by most people for the shape of some of the tunnel system. The Tube has several stops and lines to connect commuters and tourists.Jan 21 2020

Inside 2014: Cultural effect of 'The Fault in Our Stars' movie

"The Fault in Our Stars" film starred Ansel Elgort and Shailene Woodley as star-crossed lovers. The film included a lot of romantic scenes that wooed young middle schoolers.Dec 5 2019

'Reppin' on the Runway' showcases variety of cultures

United Muslim Relief is an organization that works to create charity events with proceeds going to global crises. Last Thursday it held a cultural fashion show. Nov 25 2019

Catwalk crisis sparks debate on influencer qualifications

Demi Rose Mawby is a British Instagram model and influencer, with 10.8 million followers. The influencer has recently been under fire due to her runway walk for Oh Polly. Nov 21 2019

Instagram's 'fitspo' may be resurrection of Tumblr's 'thinspo'

Tammy Hembrow is one of the most popular fitness influencers on Instagram. With an army of more than 10 million followers, she frequently posts work out videos.Nov 13 2019

Vexing virginity testing: T.I. violates daughter's rights

Rapper T.I. is under fire for openly admitting on the "Ladies Like Us" podcast that he annually tests his daughter's virginity. He doesn't do this for his son.Nov 11 2019

Nick Kroll, creator of 'Big Mouth,' performs comedy at Rutgers

Rutgers University Programming Association presented Nick Kroll's "Middle-Aged Boy Tour" last Friday. Kroll creates, co-produces and voices 30 characters in "Big Mouth." Nov 4 2019

MUAs shine as line between costume, regular makeup thins

Special effects makeup is an integral part of Halloween, and can differ from day-to-day looks created by makeup artists for their feeds. This is a prime example of special effects makeup.Oct 31 2019

Fanfiction's reputation is shaky, yet has lasting legacy

Anna Todd is one of the most successful fanfiction writers of all time, as she earned a six-figure publishing deal when her One Direction fanfiction was adapted into a feature film. Oct 22 2019

Ellen's Cowboys controversy raises questions on polarization

Ellen has always been welcoming to politicians, seen here with former First Lady Michelle Obama. Publicly chilling with George W. Bush got a different reaction.Oct 16 2019

Klein, care workers, flesh out issues in Green New Deal

The Green New Deal gained traction in activist circles prior to being introduced earlier this year and championed by left liberal politicians like Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.).Oct 10 2019

Cheat Codes electrifies College Avenue for RUPA's concert

Trevor Dahl of Cheat Codes basked in the glow of an appreciative College Avenue audience. This was a Beats on the Banks that distinctly focused on catering to fans of EDM. Sep 23 2019

NJ Film Festival launches month-long cinema celebration

Zuzy Martin Lynch, a director and producer, is just one of many artists who have premiered films at the NJ Film Festival. This season's festival kicked off over the weekend.Sep 16 2019

'Hot Girl Summer' can revolve around self-love as well

Megan Thee Stallion coined the term "Hot Girl Summer," which has taken on an amorphous meaning. From chasing a bag to partying hard, it's really an affirmative state of mind.Sep 10 2019

Lana Del Ray delivers strongest, saddest album to date

Lana del Rey's "Norman F*cking Rockwell!" received the highest rating for a female solo album this decade by Pitchfork, and has been deemed her magnum opus by many critics.Sep 5 2019

How to avoid homesickness: Tips for staying in touch

Communication is key, especially as you shift between different social circles. Whether keeping in touch with friends at other schools or family abroad, maintaining ties is crucial.Sep 3 2019