Skip to content

Search articles

News Sports Opinions Inside Beat Videos Podcasts HoRU About

Rhea Swain

Reflection: At Rutgers, art can be found anywhere

In my four years at Rutgers, I’ve written around 80 articles for Inside Beat, many of which have centered around pop culture, music and the arts. I’ve got to cover amazing events, of which the 2019 Young the Giant concert and the 2022 Angela Davis talk have been my favorites.May 2 2022

Reviving ‘Take Me Out’ proves to be theater’s latest home run

The theater has long been a place of refuge and recreation for me. In middle school and high school, I was a part of the chorus in productions of “The Little Mermaid” and “The Devil Wears Prada.”Apr 29 2022

Don't let these women of indie music continue to fly under your radar

My top genre in my 2021 Spotify Wrapped was indie pop, an all-encompassing genre that found its way into my headphones regardless of whether I was happy, sad, angry or somewhere in between.Apr 21 2022

Refreshing representation, steamy sexual tension: 'Bridgerton' season 2 has it all

The “Bridgerton” series premiered in late 2020 on Netflix and has since enraptured audiences with its depictions of sex, scandal and status, as aptly put by a review of the first season in The Daily Targum.Apr 6 2022

Angela Davis speaks at Rutgers in rousing talk that elicits standing ovations

On Friday, the Rutgers community had the enormous privilege of hosting Angela Davis at Kirkpatrick Chapel on the College Avenue campus. Concurrent with the subject matter of the "Angela Davis — Seize the Time" exhibition at the Zimmerli Art Museum on the College Avenue campus, the theme of Davis’ talk was “redefining justice and freedom for everyone.” Mar 7 2022

SNL's 'Please Don't Destroy' hits Busch Student Center with uproariously funny comedy routines

In a YouTube skit titled “the first day of the rest of our lives,” comedy trio Ben Marshall, Martin Herlihy and John Higgins — known popularly as “Please Don’t Destroy” (PDD) —foreshadowed their first show at Rutgers that happened on Tuesday.Feb 17 2022

Searching for your next de-stress show? 'The Sex Lives of College Girls' should be your next stream

“The Sex Lives of College Girls” is a new HBO Max comedy-drama written by Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble. The show, which premiered in November 2021, follows the journey of four first-year roommates at the fictional Essex College. Feb 3 2022

Jonathan Larson's legacy is honored more than adequately in 'tick, tick...BOOM!'

2021 was a year of showstopping movie musicals, with Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Leonard Bernstein's “West Side Story” and Jon Chu’s film “In the Heights” — as adapted from Lin Manuel Miranda's Broadway production — as the highlights. Among these excellent films is my personal favorite, Netflix’s recreation of Jonathan Larson's musical, “tick, tick…BOOM!”Jan 25 2022

Hulu’s latest gem 'Only Murders in the Building' has genius plot

From the YouTube series Buzzfeed Unsolved and a whole sleuth of other content (shows, films, podcasts, you name it!), people's morbid curiosity with true crime has never been easier to capitalize on. Nov 2 2021

Film adaption of 'Dear Evan Hansen' is worth watching

“Dear Evan Hansen,” a beloved coming-of-age musical written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul of “La La Land” fame, opened on Broadway in 2015 and was reprised as a movie this year.Oct 12 2021

Need something to do this weekend? Check out Zimmerli Art Museum's new exhibits

Visits to the Zimmerli Art Museum have been an integral part of my college experience since I was a first-year at Rutgers. I’ve often spent hours on end in the galleries, reading wall texts and learning about the history of art at Rutgers and the worlds beyond it. Sep 21 2021

Here's how you can cook amazing meals without burning through your wallet

Students living off-campus and in on-campus apartments, usually upperclassmen with a desire for some independence from the youthful bustle of residence halls and suites, have to cook for themselves maybe for the first time in their adult lives. Sep 20 2021

Indie-pop band Bleachers' 'Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night' is raw, lyrically intelligent

Indie-pop act Bleachers released its highly anticipated third studio album “Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night” on July 30. Following “Strange Desire” in 2014 and “Gone Now” in 2017, this latest album packs a punch as Bleachers pay homage to lead singer Jack Antonoff’s literal, metaphorical and musical roots.Sep 7 2021

'Fearless (Taylor's version)' is Swift's most authentic, emotional album yet

Taylor Swift gifted fans her first rerecorded studio album, “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)," on April 9, and in a statement on Instagram, Swift described the album as “full of magic and curiosity, the bliss and devastation of youth.” After listening to the album, I couldn’t agree more.May 3 2021

Missing out on art museums? Check out Mason Gross' virtual galleries

I’ve always tried to immerse myself in the vibrant arts and culture scene at Rutgers. The Zimmerli Art Museum feels like home to me with its quiet galleries, the cascading staircase topped with George Segal’s “Red Acrobat” and the friendly and familiar faces walking around. Apr 29 2021

What we can expect from this year's NJ Folk Festival

Many of us have been distanced from New Brunswick during the pandemic, missing out on the valuable cultures that flourish within it. A way to rediscover and reconnect with the exciting communities that inhabit the city is by engaging with an event like the New Jersey Folk Festival (NJFF).Apr 23 2021

We need to do better at making society safer for women

I think I speak for many women when I say, “I’m exhausted.” I’m sad, angry, annoyed and determined to talk about why I feel this way. Mar 26 2021

'To All The Boys: Always and Forever' ends Netflix's beloved rom-com trilogy

“To All The Boys: Always and Forever,” the final film in Netflix’s popular “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” trilogy, was released on Feb. 12. The film is based on the 2017 young adult novel, “Always and Forever, Lara Jean,” by Korean-American author Jenny Han. Feb 22 2021

Zayn Malik explores romantic side in 'Nobody Is Listening'

After a two-year-long hiatus, pop singer Zayn Malik finally released his third studio album, “Nobody Is Listening,” on Jan. 15.Feb 2 2021

Why we love everything about the millennial romance 'Normal People'

In light of a New Year’s resolution to rediscover the love for reading I had as a pre-teen, I decided to start looking for accessible reads to tackle in 2021. Jan 25 2021

Study parties, Friendsgivings: Hosting friends over Zoom

Some of the fondest memories I have of being at Rutgers are not necessarily associated with the place but the people. Nov 23 2020

Zimmerli Art Museum hosts 'Art Before/After Hours,' honoring Anthropocene

On Tuesday, the Zimmerli Art Museum, in collaboration with Rutgers Global, hosted the first Art Before/After Hours of the academic year, centered around “It makes me think of that awful day…” The Natural World in the Anthropocene. Oct 8 2020

Zimmerli Art Museum virtual book launch of 'Angela Davis — Seize the Time'

On Thursday, the Zimmerli Art Museum hosted a Virtual Book Launch of its catalog for the highly anticipated exhibition “Angela Davis — Seize the Time,” which will open on Sept. 1, 2021. Oct 5 2020

Everything we love about Telfar

Taylor Swift's 'folklore': Album we didn't know we needed

Having the last laugh: How late-night comedy is moving online during coronavirus

If you love British comedy, 'Fleabag' is a must-watch

Tired of rewatching 'Harry Potter'? Marathon these movies

With platforms like Netflix Party, Discord and Zoom enabling friends and family to get together for films and fetes, a large number of people are virtually getting together for fun movie marathons. Apr 22 2020

Don't forget about climate change during coronavirus

Fast fashion brands like Fashion Nova are selling face masks during the COVID-19 crisis for as much as $14.99. On their site, the brand states the masks will keep you healthy and fashionable. Apr 17 2020

Take these virtual European museum tours

One of the best, most missed forms of amusement during this period of quarantine is visiting art museums. Apr 16 2020

Becoming a master of cuisine during coronavirus

I recently found peace during this stressful spring by baking some Bon Appétit chocolate chip cookies courtesy of Chef Chris Morocco, which received rave reviews from the friends I delivered them to. Apr 8 2020

Virtual art museums: 4 American museums making the switch

Niall Horan refuels boyband energy in 'Heartbreak Weather'

As I’m writing this, my quarantined brain is wired to remind me that it has been five years since Zayn Malik left One Direction, my all-time favorite band.Mar 27 2020

Travel experience during a global pandemic

Travel experience during a global pandemic

It’s been a week since my sophomore year physically ended a little abruptly and I left Rutgers University—New Brunswick to engage in some social distancing with my sister in Indiana.Mar 23 2020

Museum highlights Mexican Muralists' impact on U.S. art

The Whitney Museum of American Art launched its much-anticipated exhibition “Vida Americana: Mexican Muralists Remake American Art, 1925-1945” on Feb. 17 to the public.Mar 2 2020

Best advice for requesting letters of recommendation

An important aspect of life at university, outside of academic life, is looking for some some sort of employment on or off-campus. Feb 26 2020

Art history professor highlights iconic Black artists

Happy Black History Month! In an engaging conversation with Professor Amber Wiley, a professor in the Department of Art History, we’re looking at how Black people have impacted and continue to impact the ever-evolving art world. Feb 20 2020

Margot Robbie's recent award show outfits earn criticism

Australian actress Margot Robbie has played iconic roles like that of Sharon Tate in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and most recently DC’s Harley Quinn in “Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey,” which is now showing at Rutgers Cinema. Feb 19 2020

Sequel to film 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before' disappoints

The first article I ever wrote for The Daily Targum was in October of 2018, during my first year at Rutgers.Feb 17 2020

Exploring rise of food content across social media

There has been a recent surge in viral food videos and culinary content creation online.Feb 11 2020

Zimmerli Art Museum offers snapshots of Soviet life

The Zimmerli Art Museum hosted its first Art After Hours event of the decade and semester on Jan. 27, centering around an exhibition in the Dodge Wing Lower Level called “Dialogues — Ilya Kabakov and Viktor Pivovarov: Stories About Ourselves.” Feb 7 2020

Binging television shows creates new viewing culture

Popular shows like NBC's "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" are just one of the few shows that Generation Z may still watch on a weekly basis, rather than binge. Feb 4 2020

Studying tips for organized, healthy start to Spring 2020 semester

Bullet Journaling, pictured above, is one of the many ways to get organized. Using keys, rulers, pens and a lot of planning, some use the Bullet Journal to formulate their days. Jan 27 2020

Harry Styles' 'Fine Line' album spans variety of genres

Harry Styles has recently released two music videos. Pictured above, Styles appears in his "Adore You" video. Jan 23 2020

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show canceled due to changing views

The Victoria's Secret Angels were considered an integral part to the show's success. With decreasing cable viewership and the body positivity movement, the show's been canned.Dec 9 2019

Forgotten generation: Who comprises Generation X?

Generation X is known for being silent in politics, even though that's not always true. Serena Williams is a tennis player that has inspired social change.Dec 3 2019

Emma Watson's Vogue interview shows media's perverse priorities

There's plenty of things that the media could've picked up from Emma Watson's robust British Vogue interview, but instead, outlets honed in on the fact that she was single. It seems like the tabloid model is the first, and only, order of business, even for more "respectable" publications.Nov 22 2019

Rex Orange County dazzles on major label debut "Pony"

When Tyler, the Creator first hear Rex Orange County, he flew him to Los Angeles and featured him on the album "Flower Boy," helping to get his career off the ground.Nov 15 2019

Rutgers' buses can be rough, here's some basic bus-riding etiquette

When it comes to riding the bus, a good rule of thumb is to imagine that everyone on there with you is having a bad day, and that extending courtesy will make it a bit better. Nov 12 2019

Zimmerli's Art After Hours features painter James Tissot

Zimmerli Art Museum hosts monthly free events where selected artists' work is displayed for students and patrons. This month highlighted Tissot.Nov 7 2019

Crafting creative costumes, side characters to memes

Getting clever with costumes is a great way to get in the spirit of Halloween. Unconventional ideas like becoming a meme are something that could be created from your closet.Oct 31 2019

Keeping museums responsible: Social, political duties

Decolonize This Place is a New York-based political movement that stages protests at museums. It also raises awareness about causes such as Black liberation and degentrification.Oct 31 2019

Culture in 2010: LeGrand, 'Toy Story 3,' Bieber, Obamacare

After a spinal cord injury, former Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand was paralyzed. LeGrand has inspired many due to his courageous display of perseverance.Oct 28 2019

Maturing with magic: Why kids deserve fantasy as they age

Cynics may say that kids don't need to be told about myths such as the Tooth Fairy or Santa Claus. Still, Disney movies help to show that magic always serves a higher educational purpose. Oct 22 2019

Contemporary Indian artist visits Zimmerli Art Museum

L.N. Tallur, who's visiting the States at the moment, made sure to stop by Zimmerli Art Museum to discuss a collection of his work being exhibited at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey.Oct 11 2019

Zimmerli exhibition demonstrates ties between arts, STEM

"Dimensionism: Modern Art in the Age of Einstein" is now at the Zimmerli. Some featured artists include Wassily Kandinsky and Marcel Duchamp.Oct 8 2019

Taylor Swift steps into sunlight on 'Lover'

'Oscar bait:' How filmmakers court those coveted gold men

It's no secret that some actors get more attention from Oscar voters. Leonardo Dicaprio is one example, and his role in "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" might aid the film's chances.Sep 25 2019

Multi-hyphenate madness: How interdiscplinary artists operate

Donald Glover, or Childish Gambino depending on who you're talking to, is a sterling example of an interdisciplinary artist. He works in music, film, TV, comedy and more. Sep 19 2019

Views from 'Bachelor Nation': Portraying love on reality TV

Demi Burnett, of "Bachelor in Paradise" fame, represents a first in the long line of lovelorn leads. Queer relationships are being showcased for the first time in franchise history.Sep 12 2019

Insta-sham: How aiming for professional pages stifles authenticity

Instagram, as demonstrated through the rinsta/finsta divide, is a place for professional and irreverently honest posts alike. Your approach to using the application will change how you source content for it in the real world. Sep 6 2019

Zimmerli's opening event zooms in on new photographs

Work by celebrated photojournalists like Donna Ferrato are on display now. This is her 2008 photo entitled "Billion $ View, 56 Leonard St, 2008."Sep 5 2019

Beats on the Banks takes indie turn with Young the Giant

Usually headlined by rappers and EDM artists, RUPA took a different approach for Beats on the Banks this time around, hosting a band instead of a solo artist. Apr 30 2019

Marvel Cinematic Universe reaches climax after 11 years

The cast and the crew of "Avengers: Endgame" helped tie a knot on more than a decade of films. Odds are, "Endgame" will be the most successful installment in the Marvel franchise yet.Apr 26 2019

Rampant rewinders risk monotony, but revel in familiar content

The mix of nostalgia and comfort can lead to becoming a serial repeater, like someone who would rather revisit a classic Studio Ghibli film than find something new to watch.Apr 24 2019

Social media is useful, but not for relentless comparison

Documenting life through social media is a great way to keep memories fresh and accessible. Still, that can lead to unhealthy forms of comparison.Apr 19 2019

Dealing with doubt: How Rutgers students handle uncertainty

Studies have shown that nearly 50 percent of college graduates don't have careers related to their major. With that fact in mind, overthinking your academic career isn't worth it. Apr 10 2019

From MoMA to Zimmerli, diversity in arts is rising focus

MoMA announced it's closing for the summer, with the express goal of boosting diversity. But what does diversity look like —better exhibitions or different leadership?Apr 4 2019

Revitalized 'Queer Eye' bolsters LGBTQ+ representation

Sparking joy: Self-care tips, tricks for your next week off

Just because you're not in school doesn't mean you shouldn't be learning new things. If baking is foreign to you, the freedom that comes with a week off makes for perfect practice time.Mar 25 2019

Reading is fundamental: It illuminates, inspires, informs

Whether they're documenting history or weaving spectacular tales, books are a source of joy and entertainment for readers across the world.Mar 14 2019

Perfect playlists: How to match music with activity, mood

The streaming era allows for a "record collection" that would've been impossible a few decades ago. With whole record shops at your fingertips, a diverse playlist is nearly guaranteed. Mar 7 2019

Ted Bundy is back: Examining our true crime obsession

Bebe Rexha raises awareness regarding body, beauty

Nominated for two Grammys, Rexha realized how high fashion excludes women of different sizes when she had trouble finding a designer for the awards show.Jan 28 2019

For digital generation, how art of journaling has evolved

More than makeup: how cosmetics are shaping today's culture

Far from 'Shallow', soundtracks enhance film experience

World Mental Health Day focuses on youth in changing world

Netflix film offers progressive take on traditional rom-com themes