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Brandeis University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1949 | Waltham, MA

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Taylor Swift's '1989 (Taylor's Version)' will never go out of style

(11/07/23 11:00am)

Taylor Swift just released her re-record of her album “1989,”  and as a major Taylor Swift fan, I was so excited to listen to 1989’s “From the Vault” tracks, which are brand new songs added to the original “1989” album. The first release of “1989” was released on Oct. 27, 2014 and the re-recorded version was released on Oct. 27, 2023. As many “Swifties” know, Swift started re-recording her songs so she would own her own work, meaning she would own the masters of the re-recorded songs. She has six albums that were originally owned by the recording company Big Machine. Swift has re-recorded “Fearless,” “Red,” “Speak Now,” and most recently “1989.” These re-recordings were a huge power move on Swift’s part, and I have a lot of respect for her as she continues to build her brand. She’s an incredible business woman, even though some people hate her — “haters gonna hate, hate, hate,” I suppose. With each re-recorded album, Swift adds brand new songs — From the Vault tracks — that she didn’t include in the original album. As the re-release of “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” approached, I couldn’t wait to hear the From the Vault tracks and they did not disappoint! As a disclaimer, I am not the type of Swiftie who obsessively scrolls through Twitter trying to find the most up to date conspiracy theories or updates. With that in mind I’m so excited to share my opinions and commentaries on the From the Vault tracks. 





Creating a culture of creativity: Basement Records empowers students

(11/14/23 11:00am)

Art evokes many different meanings. No matter the medium, art is thought-provoking and compels us to have a shared experience through our emotions. While Brandeis may be known for its research, it shares a large community of talented artists and creators through the student body. Basement Records, a campus club, aims to bring together artists of all kinds. They helped to create a directory of students that are  creating film, music, photography and other mediums as well as create a community. The club was born in 2016, and while there was some loss in membership during the pandemic, it was revived in late 2021. When the president at the time went to study abroad, it was time for a leader to rise. Lizbeth “Liz” Sandoval ’25 serves as the current president of Basement Records alongside several other students on the leadership team. Her vision was to create a community that supports and uplifts BIPOC — Black, Indigenous, People of Color — artists and creatives. 



"Red, White and Royally Blue": A Royal Critique

(10/24/23 10:00am)

I read “Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston for the first time the summer before I started college. I couldn’t put it down and it quickly became one of my favorite rom-com books. RWRB explores the romantic relationship between Alex Claremont-Diaz, the first son of the United States, and the Prince of England Henry George Edward James Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor — yes, that is really his name. As two of the world’s most prominent political figures, Alex and Henry must balance their growing love for each other with their responsibilities to their countries. Although there are many reasons to love “Red, White & Royal Blue,” some of my favorite aspects include the adorable emails that the two main characters exchange, the development of sibling relationships, and the mandatory happy ending that all good, fun rom-coms must have. 


The Black Handguide to time travel: A review of ‘See You Yesterday’

(10/17/23 2:39pm)

As a young Black woman who loves engaging with and consuming all kinds of media, I strive to find stories that reflect my identity and interests and tell amazing stories in powerful ways. Often within Black media in particular it can become cacophonous to see the same stories repeated —  the films about slavery or the Civil Rights Movement that are only really showcased during Black History Month. I would be remiss to not express and acknowledge that these stories are important and necessary to talk about. These stories need to be told and remembered in order to educate and inspire us to create a better future. It is also important to recognize that these stories do not define us, but rather are part of our shared history. 


Be your own Weird Barbie

(10/17/23 2:39pm)

The release of the film “Barbie” undoubtedly raised a frenzy this past summer as the allure of Barbie and her dream world not only applies to young girls who dream of “becoming” Barbie, but also to women of all ages who seek their childhood memories. However, rather than immediately showcasing Barbie’s iconic dream house and the signature Barbie pink, the movie takes a different approach by retelling the history of Barbie.


“Strong Women in Renaissance Italy,” only a train ride away!

(10/03/23 10:00am)

On Sept. 9, 2023, the Museum of Fine Arts opened an exhibition titled “Strong Women in Renaissance Italy,” which focuses on the life and works of women and craftswomen of 16th and 17th century Italy. The exhibition was curated by Marietta Cambareri, a senior curator of European sculptures and author of the related publication, “Strong Women in Renaissance Italy.”Additionally, she assisted Simona Di Nepi, curator of Judaica at the MFA, in the exhibition. Female artists in history have not been highlighted nearly as much as their male counterparts despite their historical contributions. Cambareri aims to highlight the contribution of artists that history has left out of the narrative. Located in the MFA’s Gallery 184, this exhibition takes the viewer through fine arts and detailed crafts to show the Renaissance through the women of the time.


Sanaa Lathan’s ‘On The Come Up’ is ‘Bri-lliant’

(10/03/23 10:00am)

It seems as though most of us spent our summer doing internships, working, or trying to relax before getting back into the groove of all-nighters, exams, and papers. If you know me, I love to find new films, especially at the intersection of music and poetry. I rewatched several of my favorite films like “Hidden Figures” and some cute Pixar comfort movies, but I enjoyed watching “On the Come Up” the most. I initially read the book “On the Come Up” by Angie Thomas last summer, but I was beyond excited when I heard it was being turned into a film, specifically as Sanaa Lathan’s directorial debut.  


‘Jujustu Kaisen’: A Review

(09/13/23 3:49am)

 With the long-awaited release of the anime adaptation of the mnga book series “Jujutsu Kaisen’s” Shibuya Incident arc, both manga readers and those experiencing it for the first time are steeling themselves for an especially dark point in the show’s storyline. This anticipation did not appear out of nowhere, however, and it was a previous arc’s handling that made it happen. The TV series “Secret Inventory” finished airing this past summer, a prequel to all other arcs taking place in the youth of Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto, the latter having been the main villain. They were hinted to have been allies in the past until Geto betrayed Jujutsu High, a story elaborated in this series. Being only five episodes long, “Secret Inventory” adds a surprising amount of context to the story, but most importantly creates a sense of expectation that enhances the arc that follows it. 



Abbott Elementary: The sweet season

(09/12/23 10:00am)

Most of us have heard of the hit ABC show “Abbott Elementary.” For those of you who haven’t, the series is a fresh take on American sitcoms and the mockumentary television style that rose to prominence with shows like “The Office” and “Parks & Recreation”. Created by Quinta Brunson and set in Philadelphia, the series explores the world of public school through the lens of passionate and hardworking teachers and a dubious yet hilarious principal. What is most heartwarming is the focus on Black joy and Black womanhood through the series despite the setting being a poor, Black neighborhood in Philly. With 15 nominations and three Emmys, including Quinta Brunson’s Outstanding Writing for Comedy Series and Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Outstanding Supporting Actress, “Abbott Elementary” is doing quite well for itself.




"Radium Girls" radiated my Brandiesan experience

(05/02/23 10:00am)

 The “Radium Girls” production  was presented by Brandeis students  in the Multi-Purpose Room of the  Shapiro Campus Center on April 20,  with a total of four shows. I was lucky  enough to be part of the production  staff as the props designer. I was  asked to help with the props for the  show and I was originally hesitant  to agree. As every student here can  attest to, it can be hard to balance  class work, social activities, and  clubs, but I ultimately agreed to  join the production crew. It was an  amazing experience and I’m so glad I  was able to be a part of this amazing  show. I can’t believe I ever considered  turning the position down.  By the time that tech week rolled  around, all the major props were  bought and sitting in the first floor  of the SCC. Because the show was  performed in the Multi-Purpose  Room on the second floor of the SCC,  the production staff and cast had to  carry everything from the first floor  to the second. It was a lot to move,  and the transportation of curtains,  props, and lights added a significant  amount of time to rehearsals. Despite  this inconvenience, everyone  involved with the show took it in  stride. It was amazing being a part  of a team that worked so hard and  with such passion to put on the best  show possible. Alyssa Allen ’24, our  director, and Phoebe Shapiro ’25, our  stage manager, worked to make sure  that both cast and crew had a fun,  welcoming environment to work in.  Whether it was playing an energetic  pre-show game, organizing giftgiving among the cast and crew, or  sharing inspirational words before a  performance, the “Radium Girls” set  was such an amazing place to be.  Laughing, singing, and dancing  was a pivotal part of every rehearsal  and show. “Radium Girls” was truly  an amazing show to work on. If you’re  ever on the fence about participating  in a production, don’t hesitate to join.  It’s such a wonderful experience and  you won’t regret it!