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Meredith MacLean

George Street Playhouse's 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' S-L-A-Y-S

In my most recent bid to see more live theater and, yes, pass my Theater Appreciation class, I made my way down to New Brunswick's own George Street Playhouse to see its production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" — and I'm so glad I did.Apr 7 2023

Celebrities don't owe us parasocial relationships

We’re all a fan of something. Whether it’s the hottest new TV show, your favorite movie of all time or a sports team you’re a lifelong fan of, each and every one of us has something we hold dear to us — though, technically, it sometimes holds little bearing on our personal lives. But what about holding dear someone that doesn’t even know you exist?Apr 6 2023

'The Best We Could' does better than its best

Going to see a play you know nothing about can be a terrible experience — the last thing anyone wants to do is to shell out time and money for something that won't be an enjoyable experience.Mar 29 2023

Though network TV might be dying, 'Abbott Elementary' triumphs

Away from a sea of streaming comedies that are often canceled after just one or two seasons (I'll miss you forever, "American Vandal"), network sitcoms provide comfort and consistency to their viewers by having greater chances of renewal.Mar 27 2023

'Yellowjackets' proves to be stinging psychological thriller

Buzz, buzz, buzz! Calling all fans of "Yellowjackets" — the season 2 trailer has officially dropped, and all of my insane theories about what's to come have plenty of new ammunition.Mar 10 2023

Women's history event at Zimmerli Art Museum may 'spark' your interest

March marked the beginning of Women’s History Month, and I got the opportunity to celebrate by attending one of the Zimmerli Art Museum’s SparkNights events.Mar 8 2023

To BORG or not to BORG: Safe alternative or dangerous trend?

If you're a college student on TikTok, you've probably seen a BORG on your "For You" page. Maybe at this point, it's already made it to Instagram reels. The "blackout rage gallon," or BORG as it's known, is the newest trend in drinking — which seems like a remarkably depressing and dangerous sentence until you get into what a BORG actually is.Mar 3 2023

Consent on camera: What gets lost in conversations about TV sex scenes?

Let’s talk about sex, baby! In the past few weeks, the internet has exploded in fits of discourse over "Gossip Girl" alum and current stalker on Netflix’s "You," Penn Badgley, announcing his resistance to sex scenes in the roles he’ll play in the future.Feb 27 2023

Don't close out your tab before you try these astrological drinks

Whether you’re out at Huey’s every weekend or have recently filled up your bar cart for hosting with friends, it’s no secret college students love to drink. But for those recently 21 or, who like me, have that hallmark Libra indecisiveness, picking your go-to drink at the bar can be a daunting task.Feb 23 2023

LTC's production of 'Hair' is perfect end to Aquarius season

I recently had the experience of getting to go and see The Livingston Theatre Company’s production of "Hair." I’ve enjoyed a couple of productions from the LTC over the years, and me enjoying the production of "Hair" was no different. It was plenty different in and of itself.Feb 17 2023

On social media, believing women is dead

This past week, more than 130 women’s organizations and prominent feminist figures have now all signed an open letter in support of Amber Heard. If you’ve witnessed and objected to the onslaught of abuse Heard has received this year, one sentiment rings true: too little, too late. Nov 18 2022

Live, laugh, love, lectures: How to thrive in your classes this semester

When it comes to college, you'll find most of the advice you receive stops becoming useful about two weeks in. If I had a nickel for every time I was given advice on what to tack on and off from my packing list or how to organize my closet or given reminders to reach out to people on my floor and in my classes to make friends, I'd be able to pay my tuition about 10 times over.Aug 31 2022

First music fest? Here's how to survive Governors Ball (or any other festival)

If you’ve never been to a festival before, the idea of it can be a little overwhelming. Even though I wasn’t traveling across the country and entering unknown territory to go rub elbows with California influencers at Coachella, the idea of going to the Governors Ball was still intimidating.Jun 16 2022

Your Governors Ball music review, from Kid Cudi to Clairo

Even if you somehow like sore feet, overpriced festival food and the hot June sun beating down on your back all day, it’s indisputable that music festivals are truly about one thing at their core: the actual music played at them.Jun 16 2022

In conversation with founder Jordan Wolowitz: Governors Ball's smaller acts are its stars

Post coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the idea of going to a music festival can be terrifying.May 20 2022

Talking new horror classic ‘Fresh’ with Daisy Edgar-Jones, Sebastian Stan

“Fresh” has been called “Get Out” for women multiple times since its release, and I want to assure you that is definitely not the case. Perhaps there’s an element of bias there: My lived experience as a white woman makes “Get Out” feel inherently more subversive, more creative, more intelligent, more surprising (and I think it’s definitely objectively better).Mar 21 2022

Forget 'for him' or 'for her': It’s time we include LGBTQ+ people in Valentine’s Day

Walk into any store in the lead up to Valentine's Day, and you’ll be accosted by pink pastels and heart-shaped everything — it’s gotten to the point where you probably see Valentine's products up as soon as Christmas decorations hit the clearance shelf.Feb 14 2022

Your next TV journey, as told by your zodiac sign

There’s no denying we’re in the golden age of TV. With some of the best programs on TV right now that have ever been on, it can be a little intimidating wading through your options to find something you’ll like. Nov 29 2021

Insights into Enneagram: What your type says about you

Gone are the days of having just your Hogwarts house or zodiac sign down pat — MBTI, Enneagram and other indicators of personality are now in vogue, and if you don’t know yours, it’s time to learn it. Nov 16 2021

Hollywood's homophobia is anything but glamorous

When people think of Hollywood, rarely does their mind ever go to “what a bunch of conservative, church-going folk."Nov 11 2021

Here's what your Myers-Briggs personality type says about you

MBTI, or Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, isn’t a new personality test — in fact, it was developed by Isabel Briggs Myers and Katharine Cook Briggs in the early 1960s. But its recent explosion on social media has turned it into somewhat of a “scientific” (or more accurately, pseudoscientific) version of asking someone for their zodiac sign. What are the basics, and what does it all mean? Nov 9 2021

Should influencers be held responsible for teens' declining mental health?

Body dysmorphia among teenagers is rising and eating disorders are at a high, especially after the pandemic. Scrolling through their Instagram feeds and TikTok "For You" pages, teenage girls see picture after picture and video after video of what feels like impossibly beautiful women, thin and tanned with luscious locks and gorgeous smiles. Nov 8 2021

Recap: Best music releases in October

When you think of music in October, your brain might automatically shift to whatever Halloween playlist you put on for everything from pumpkin carving to the Halloweekend pregame — but music releases this past month were just as eclectic and just as high quality as any other release month.Nov 2 2021

What movie you should watch next based on your zodiac sign

Calling all cinephiles and amateur astrologers! If you’re looking for your next classic rewatch, or in the mood for something new, turn your eyes to the stars — and then back to me, your unofficial (and untrained) film and zodiac guru (I know how to read my full chart and have a Letterboxd Pro account, so that has to count for something, right?).Oct 28 2021

Viral TikTok hits you need to stream

It’s indisputable that TikTok is the current trendsetter — from popularizing recipes like Emily Mariko’s salmon bowl or Gigi Hadid’s pasta to catapulting dancers like Charli D’Amelio and Addison Rae to stardom.Oct 21 2021

Here are some films to look forward to for end of 2021

Everybody likes going to the movies — or, at least if you take my opinion as an indisputable fact (which you should) — going to the movies is a great experience. And whether you’re a sucker for a good biopic or ready to see the next big blockbuster, there are some seriously exciting movies still left to premiere in the final stretch of 2021.Oct 19 2021

Ignore critics: 'Ted Lasso' season two is totally worth watching

The “Ted Lasso” craze has been sweeping the internet. And for anyone who’s watched the Apple TV+ show, it’s not hard to guess why — it makes you laugh, it makes you cry, it makes you feel a little bit better about the state of the world. And most importantly, it gets you to actually care about sports.Oct 15 2021

Here's what song you should stream next based on your zodiac sign

Music is something that transcends age, race, gender, class — and yes, cue the eye rolls, zodiac signs. But these star-influenced looks into your personality, whether you wholly believe or just engage for fun, can be great insights into what music you should listen to. Whether these songs capture your personality, or function as this week’s horoscope, give a listen to the recommendations below.Oct 13 2021

Stressed out for midterms? Here are some tips to help you get through them

Midterms have officially hit Rutgers, and whether you’re bogged down with papers that you haven’t even started yet or cramming for your hardest calculus exam yet, it’s important to make sure you study effectively and efficiently without sacrificing your mental health — even if you might have to sacrifice your social life or your next Netflix binge.Oct 11 2021

Reflection: Sensationalizing true crime is actually super insensitive

There’s a problem on the internet. And no, it’s not minor infractions, like shitty memes or troll comments, or the much bigger, more terrifying nationwide scourges like faulty news sources on your mom’s Facebook or Neo-Nazis in Twitter replies. Oct 7 2021

Sustainable fashion might be trending, but let's not forget about fatphobia

There’s not a bigger rallying cry among socially conscious young women on social media right now than shopping sustainably. The TikTok comments are plentiful under fast fashion hauls, and many women’s "For You" pages are filled with people ragging on Amazon, SHEIN, Forever 21, ROMWE, AliExpress, you name it.Oct 5 2021

Freshen up your throwback playlist with these pre-90s hits

Some things never go out of style: blue jeans, red lipstick and all the music your dad probably loves.Sep 30 2021

2021 Governors Ball's anticipated lineup is iconic: Here's who will be attending

After its 2020 cancellation, the Governors Ball is finally back with a star-studded lineup. Sep 22 2021

Nice try, Amazon: Camilla Cabello's 'Cinderella' is still super sexist

When you think of feminist cinema, I doubt “Cinderella” comes to mind.Sep 14 2021

Agree to disagree: Unpopular opinions about Rutgers

It probably seems impossible to get all of Rutgers to agree on one thing — Rutgers is a diverse school full of people from all different walks of life. But some opinions seem to transcend major or class year, and even broader categories.Sep 10 2021

Here are some of HBO Max's best shows to stream this semester during your study breaks

It’s possibly the worst time of the year to hear about the best of TV, considering syllabus week is over and the real work of the semester has just begun.Sep 8 2021

Feeling unmotivated? Here are some chill tracks to add to your study playlist this semester

With a seasonal change upon us, it can be hard to transition our playlists from the soundtrack of hot girl summers to hitting the books for the fall.Sep 3 2021

Reflection: Dealing with post-lockdown loss

It’s difficult to conceptualize the loss spent by a year inside without feeling selfish. While the young, healthy and privileged such as myself spent their time indoors, learning TikTok trends of coffee preparation and lamenting about time spent in quarters too tight with family, people across the nation and across the world were dying, or losing their jobs, or watching friends and family suffer.Sep 1 2021

Painfully relatable, totally addictive: Breakup queen Olivia Rodrigo's debut album 'SOUR' lives up to its hype

If there’s one thing that’s been taking the social media world by storm, it’s Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album “SOUR.” Since its release last Friday, the album has been endlessly streamed, praised and meme-ified.May 29 2021

Rina Sawayama's debut album 'SAWAYAMA' proves to be brilliant jumpstart to her career

It's been more than a year since Rina Sawayama released her critically-acclaimed debut album, “SAWAYAMA," which was released on April 17, 2020, and the album is still incredible.Apr 28 2021

Here are some hot summer reads that will keep you on your toes

With summer break on the horizon, most people are probably dreaming of beaches or bonfires with friends — though considering the circumstances of the past year, it might be more viable to stay inside and occupy yourself otherwise (or just with hopes of a successful summer).Apr 20 2021

Reflection: Capitalism's influence on modern cinema doesn't detract from its value

Discourse surrounding film — and the sometimes pretentious critiques that come from white guys about it — is nothing new. Instances of Hollywood elitism (or frankly, just elitism) with directors and actors who only consider slow, boring movies full of white men to be real cinema are abound in all film critic spaces.Apr 15 2021

Diet culture: Movement toward health or glorifying eating disorders?

It’s hard to imagine a world where diet culture doesn’t have an iron grip on the lives of women. Apr 8 2021

Listen up men: Saying '#NotAllMen' is incredibly insensitive to survivors

Not all men: It’s a sentiment that’s echoed everywhere from face-to-face interactions to trending Twitter hashtags whenever the topic of rape culture, women’s rights and sexism, in general, become notable or newsworthy.Apr 5 2021

Looking to laugh? Here are some of Netflix's best comedy shows

With the world in a seemingly semi-permanent state of disarray, it’s normal to need something a little extra to brighten up your day. And when it’s still difficult to visit friends and family you miss or your wallet can’t handle any more pints of Ben & Jerry’s — Netflix is a good friend to turn to for a laugh.Mar 23 2021

Julien Baker's 'Little Oblivions' delivers with raw, emotional power

Julien Baker’s emotionally wrought third album, “Little Oblivions,” which was released on Feb. 26, was met with critical acclaim.Mar 3 2021

Don't be fooled: Valentine's Day is just another capitalistic money-making scheme

Valentine’s Day is an egregious example of holidays morphing from one thing to another. How did a holiday set to respect Catholic saints become about chocolate and Cupid?Feb 14 2021

Iconic female LGBTQ+ artists to play at your next jam session

Based on TikTok's comment sections, artist girl in red and Hayley Kiyoko’s "Girls Like Girls" music video seem to have spawned thousands of Generation Z sexual awakenings. Feb 12 2021

TikTok beauty trends are more toxic than we think

From promoting Barbie doll proportions to Disney princess’ "damsel in distress" trope for women, children’s media has long been criticized online for its impact on young children — especially young girls.Feb 1 2021