Despite the massive challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption to learning at Tufts, Professor Malcolm Turvey, Director of the Film and Media Studies Program, is confident that some degree of normalcy will prevail.
Back in the doldrums of summer quarantine, The Daily had the opportunity to interview No Suits – a music group you may not have heard of, but you should know. Self-described as a blend of “hip hop, funk and alternative with live instrumentation…”, their sound draws on those of artists like Still Woozy, Pink Floyd and Kota the Friend -- an eclectic but effective mix.
The company’s goal is for as many people as possible to have access to their non-toxic underwear to help prevent prostate and breast cancer, which can be caused by toxic dyes and chemicals with carcinogenic properties found in other underwear brands.
The festival will take place online from October 5-25, with programming that includes over 55 live and pre-recorded sessions, and 142 presenters and moderators from 21 US states, the District of Columbia and the UK and Kenya.
On the day of its publication, author Martha S. Jones, joined by Nikole Hannah-Jones, discussed her new book “Vanguard: How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality for All” (2020) in a Harvard Book Store virtual event on Sept. 8.
It’s certainly impressive that creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh were able to find another adventure to add to Phineas and Ferb’s already jam-packed summer; it’s perhaps even more impressive that “Candace Against the Universe” is the franchise’s most mature and satisfying story yet.
One of the world’s most thoughtful and thought-provoking screenwriters returned to film with the Netflix release of “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” (2020).
Amazon Prime’s "The Boys" (2019–) might be the most complicated yet simple show on television. The show is intricately plotted, yet straightforward and digestible. The show is fantastical and grounded, played straight and comically, all in a healthy balance. Balance is the operative term for the first three episodes of the series’ second season,which premiered on Sept. 4 on the streaming service. The show maintains an engaging ride throughout with only a few details that upset a solidly balanced opener to this next chapter.
Here's what Tufts Daily photographers were up to this summer.
Independent bookstores, like most small local shops, faced an increased challenge because of COVID-19. Many independent bookstores rely on local foot traffic and events to bring people into the store and stay open, so they had to find new ways to reach customers and engage their communities.
It’s easy to close your eyes and imagine — or idealize — summer. Our mouths flood with the tastes of ripe, juicy fruits and our noses smell backyard barbecues. Our minds fill with nostalgic images of childhood bike rides in suburban neighborhoods and deep sunburns. Our skin aches for the touch of the sand and the feel of the ocean. Our lips long for a summer love. During any other year, these textures and ideas might come to us in May and be gone by August (when we’re sick of the heat and ready for pumpkin-flavored everything). But 2020 has robbed us of these experiences.
Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies
To be more deliberate with my time and help diversify my literary world, I committed to only reading authors of color during my quarantine time and throughout 2020. I first read April Sinclair's“Coffee Will Make You Black” (1994) and “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” (1965). Two very different books, but both so important to read. The first is a fictional story told from a young girl's point of view as she examines colorism and her own femininity and sexuality. Malcolm X’s autobiography paralyzed me with the knowledge that I did not actually know anything about this crucial and complex man before, and I am so glad that I was able to really learn about him now. I journeyed from Malcolm X to James Baldwin’s “The Fire Next Time” (1963), a perfect follow-up to the autobiography as Baldwindiscusses Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam in this short nonfiction piece. Staying on the nonfiction side of things, I read “Between the World and Me” (2015), a striking and important letter written by a father to his son about holding on to his Black body. Ready for some fiction, I consumed “Kindred” (1979) by Octavia E. Butler and “A Mercy” (2008) by Toni Morrison both in a span of two days. Most recently, I have read “Girl, Woman, Other” (2019) by Bernardine Evaristo which was a simply stunning composition weaving together so many non-male Black lives and experiences into one complete and breathtaking story. Celeste Ng's“Little Fires Everywhere” (2017) is currently on my bedside table, along with “In the Castle of My Skin” (1953) by George Lamming and “On Beauty” (2005) by Zadie Smith.
On behalf of The Tufts Daily, welcome back to the Hill. We know this is a time of unique challenges, but we know this semester will undoubtedly yield meaningful experiences as well.
The Boston Book Festival (BBF) named Tufts alumnaGrace Talusan (LA '94) as itsOne City One Story contest winner for 2020 for her piece of short fiction “The Book of Life and Death” (2007, 2020).
“I’m good at introductions … I keep it sweet and simple.”
The day after screening his senior thesis short film, Jacob Ehrlich was sentimental about his journey through the Film and Media Studies (FMS) department.
As we approach our collective second month quarantinaversary, many of us are craving human connection. With everyone more-or-less trapped in their own spaces, we’re searching for those precious people-to-people bonds in places we never thought we’d look (if you didn’t have TikTok downloaded before, you certainly do now). Yes, we have Zoom and Houseparty and the unofficial revitalization of Club Penguin Online, but a date at the Pizza Parlor with PenguinPatty101 doesn’t feel quite as special as dinner at Oath with your housemates — even if your date does have the cutest puffle.
Former congressman and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke speaks at a Town Hall hosted by the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life on Sept. 5, 2019. Alexis Serino / The Tufts DailyMedford City Hall is pictured on Sept. 16, 2019. Alexander Thompson / The Tufts DailyThe Science ...
Graduating senior Matt Podniesinski is the epitome of a student of arts and sciences. As a double major in biology and biochemistry, Podniesinski certainly has a demonstrated passion for the sciences; but with his heavy involvement in Tufts Music, his musical passions and talents cannot be overlooked. Since his first year at Tufts, Podniesinski has taken part in myriad ensembles, where he has held the roles of clarinetist and pianist.
