All posts by Erika Rivera, Opinion Editor

Arts and Entertainment, Opinion

Review of ‘The World’s a Little Blurry’

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Photo of scene from The World's a Little Blurry

Apple tv’s newest film; The Worlds A Little Blurry gives us an insight on pop sensation Billie Eilish’s life, whose life magically changed at the age of 13.

The story starts right at the beginning of her career when she and her brother decided to jokingly record a song for one of Billie’s dance routines. Little did they know that one song recorded in her brother’s bedroom would gain the hearts of millions years later.

This film broadcasts the stages of her life from ages 16-18.

You see as she goes through changes, heartbreaks,and turmoils. Moments where she just wants to take a minute to herself; she reminds herself who she does it for.

This film just goes to show the messiness of stardom even at a young age.

Billie started her social media following with low numbers has gained over 70 million in the past four years. However she still remains in total shock as the celebrities she once looked up to start shining the light on her.

Although the movie is quite eye catching there are some moments that the film would’ve done better without.

I feel as if they should’ve made a shorter film and then released all the extra footage as an extended version. I also wish she had more moments.  Overall I would rate this movie a 6.0 out of 10 and I would definitely recommend one to watch it.

 

Opinion, Slider

My top two places in Lawrence that offer birria tacos

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Birria tacos from El Patron
Birria tacos Courtesy of El Patron website

If this picture made your mouth water then you are one out of the millions who have been affected by the birria taco craze.This new birria taco trend has recently taken the world by storm but Ironically it has been around since the early 2000s. Originating from Tijuana Mexico these crunchy and savory tacos will surely make your stomach sing with joy.

Since the craze I have tried a variety of different restaurants in Lawrence and have compiled them into my top twos.

 

 

 

El Patron logo
Courtesy of El Patron Instagram

#1 El Patron Grill and Cantina

Located in 169 East St Methuen MA 01844; El Patron Grill and Cantina stands as number one in my list. Their birria tacos price ranges around $13 for a set of three and their customer service skills are top tier. I would recommend everyone to give these a try first.

Coco Ray's logo
Coco Ray’s

#2 CocoRay’s

CocoRay’s is a NECC known restaurant that holds two separate locations, one in 197 Parker St, and the other in the Lawrence campus.  Their Puerto Rican take on the Mexican dish is something I didn’t know I needed. Their price also ranges to be around $13, and it’s a must to pair it with their signature Parcha juice.

The Birria Tacos business seems to be fast growing so I wouldn’t be surprised if I have to update my list a couple times.

 

Opinion

A pandemic sort of poem?

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How do I keep myself grounded when the world keeps spinning out of control ?

As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, I begin to lose my balance.

It was finally supposed to be my year.

This wasn’t what I had in mind.

All the empty halls that I was supposed to be walking through. Reminds me of all the opportunities that have been removed.

I’m losing track of the days , somehow they all feel the same.  Wake up, thank god, sit, and rest.  Wishing I was the hole in the wall, at least it’s free from this anxiety induced mess. Don’t get me wrong I love my home, but too much of something can make you feel sick.

 Once throughout the day I let out a big smile as if everything was normal, but then I quickly remember.

I wish I could forget. I wish I could go out and not think about the consequences.

Just take me back to those moments that I took for granted.

That distant memory that keeps cascading in the burrows of my mind. Have we always lived this way?

With this much fear of the unknown. I guess we all have problems of our own. Tik tok. I’m reminded of the time.

Months go by and no good news insight.

Tired of turning the news on at night and hearing that the  death tolls , and infections have risen.

I just wanted to be a reckless teen, to actually know what college freedom is.

Guess I’ll test my luck next year but for now I’ll just wake up, thank god, sit, and rest.

Arts and Entertainment

The best A24 films to watch

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A24 is an independent entertainment company that produces films. Over the years their selection of films has expanded and reached different platforms. These may be some of the best movies coming out now in terms of screenplay, creativity, and cinematography.

If you haven’t taken the time to watch an a24 film I highly recommend you do. They have movies ranging from horror to coming to age etc. You will not be left disappointed by their catalog.

Out of all the films, these are the ones that truly caught my interest.
Lady Bird (2017)
Greta Gerwig’s’ Ladybird is a coming of age story about a high school girl who’s tired of her small town in Sacramento. This film gives an insight into what it really means to grow up.

Florida Project ( 2017)
Monee and her struggling mom live surrounding” the most magical place in the world” but are living a completely different reality. This movie showcases the harsh reality that some of the residents in Florida endure.

Mid 90s (2018)
Jonah Hill’s directorial debut; is a story about a 13-year-old skater-boy growing up in the 90s. This movie delivers the pressure of growing up without parental figures.

Amy (2015)
Although A24 is known for its creative films, they have also been successful with their documentaries. Amy is a celebration of the remarkable Jazz star Amy Winehouse’s life, and career.

Opinion, Slider

Tips for coping with anxiety

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These troubling times have taken a toll on our mental health. Being forced to be home hasn’t been easy for anybody, but it is exceptionally hard for those with disorders. It feels like things aren’t ever going to clear up but trust me, somewhere down the line there will be better days.  
As a person with a disorder I understand how easy it is to get stuck on things we can’t control, but if we take it one day at a time, we can overcome it. These thoughts come and go but the only way through is through.  
These are the ways that I work through anxiety: 
  
1. Breathing exercises: 
If you feel yourself dissociating from reality close your eyes and breathe slowly.  As you’re breathing in, touch your fingertips and count to three. Repeat this exercise until you feel better. 
 
2. Go on a nature walk or a drive: 
Social distancing does not mean you can’t go outside and enjoy the fresh air. Sometimes all your mind and body needs is some air and vitamin D. Go put on your headphones and enjoy the little joys that we have in life. However, remember to observe the six feet and mask rules. 
  
3. Exercise: 
Working out is a very efficient way to work through anxiety, depression...etc. Luckily, there are many workout challenges online (thanks to YouTube) that can be done right at home. There are many ways to work out whether it’s riding a bike, dancing, Zumba and the list goes on. Get that cardio in today! 
  
4. Drink tea: 
Tea is proven to bring anxiety levels down. So, whenever you feel your heartbeat thumping, head to the kitchen and start boiling the water! This is my favorite one because I get to try all sorts of tea, but the one that seems to do its justice with me is Chai. 
  
5. Reach out: 
Sometimes all we have to do is speak to those we love. If that is not possible then reaching out to teachers and people who care about us in general can be a big help. As corny as it is, “High School Musical” was right, “We’re all in this Together”. 
Opinion

Tea helps to cope with quarantine, symptoms

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I think I was exposed to Coronavirus.

 The day was Tuesday April 14, 2020. I woke up that morning with a cold.  I was scheduled to work and was debating whether I would work the shift, or if I would disappoint my job. I asked my coworker for his advice. He then shared with me a COVID-19 related email he had received.

As I read the email I realized that I could potentially have the virus. I called my manager right away. Flashbacks of me not being cautious start playing in my head as the phone rings. I share with them the news and they tell me to get tested right away.

 My doctor informs me that my symptoms aren’t typical but there’s still a possibility of infection. She instructs me to stay in my room for a total of 10 days. I was not allowed anywhere in the house without gloves or a mask, and I was forced to self medicate. My schedule looked a bit like this:

 9 am: Morning tea, vitamins, alongside regular cough medicine.

 3pm: Afternoon tea, and second dose of regular cough medicine

 11pm: Night Time tea 

 I wasn’t eating as much as I wanted to because my sense of taste and smell disappeared but luckily I made it through. There is no proof that the teas actually did something but it seemed to work for me.

I was fortunate enough to not develop any further symptoms, but this experience was life changing. I believed I was being careful but in reality the only way to be safe is to be home. So with that being said; please stay home!