BU News Service Editorial Board
The BUNS editing team has scattered across the world, spanning nine hours in time zones. In between Zoom meetings, Slack catch-ups and Facebook pitch meetings, we’re turning to media – old and new – to get us through this crazy time. Here is what the editorial team is watching, reading and listening to right now.
Sabrina Schnur, Managing Editor, Las Vegas, NV
While living in these chaotic times one would think I’d be searching for something calming to invest time into between moving away from Boston and readjusting my entire life 3,000 miles away. No no, all my content consumption is equally as stressful. I’m finally catching up on three things: “Hunger” by Roxane Gay, a Kesha album that came out nearly three years ago and “Good Girls” on Netflix. All three are just as high-intensity and stressful as the life I’m currently living, but living in a book or show is escaping my own reality, so let the chaos live on.
Lillian Eden, Assistant Managing Editor, Melrose, MA
I’m currently living with my boyfriend in a city just north of Boston. I’m finally getting to meet my neighbors because we all tried working outside in the afternoon and exchanged a few words from our respective front porches.
My boyfriend and I have been watching the newest season of “The Expanse” on Amazon and “Star Trek: Picard” on CBS. The interstellar crises seem so relatable right now, perhaps because being in a spaceship is so similar to the social isolation we’re all experiencing. If I had a food synthesizer at home I would be eating a lot more cake.
I’ve been taking advantage of my local library’s online audiobook offerings. I’m listening to “Wishful Drinking” by Carrie Fisher and reading lots of comics on the app Webtoon.
Kendall Tamer, Copy Editor, Plattsburgh, NY
I’m living with my parents for the foreseeable future in a sleepy little town. Amidst this craziness, my binge-watch of choice has been “Gilmore Girls.” I’ve seen the entire show more times than I can count, but there’s no better solace in unsure times than the familiarity of an old favorite and the comfort of Stars Hollow.
I’m reading two books: “Always and Forever, Lara Jean” by Jenny Han because it’s light and fun, and “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel because it’s about how society comes back together after a pandemic. That one’s a little darker so it gets mitigated with the former and a few episodes of Lorelei and Rory’s wisecracking.
I am listening to the “Frozen II” soundtrack because “Show Yourself” is an absolute bop, and I’ve created an “Angry Playlist” composed of MCR, ADTR, P@tD, FOB and Pierce the Veil.
Sammie Purcell, News Editor, Atlanta, GA
I’m with my parents and we’re all starting to get quite bored of each other. Luckily, I’m a champ at distracting myself with movies, music and the like.
I’ve been vibing to Dua Lipa’s new album, “Future Nostalgia.” It’s a shame this album came out while everyone’s stuck inside because it’s chock-full of certified bangers and glittery, poppy goodness. My favorites include “Levitating,” “Love Again” and “Good in Bed.” If anyone is up for a virtual dance party, let me know.
I’ve been watching “Devs,” a science fiction show on FX that is visually magnificent, and “Tiger King,” which is the most unbelievable thing I’ve ever seen. If the true story of a polygamist zoo owner who hires someone to kill his arch-nemesis, who may or may not have fed her husband to tigers via a meat grinder, doesn’t distract you from the real world then nothing will.
Comfort movies: “Clueless,” “Sweet Home Alabama” and “10 Things I Hate About You.”
Katharine Swindells, Arts and Opinion Editor, London, UK
London is on lockdown so I am spending a lot of time with my parents. We are watching “Malory Towers,” a recently-released BBC adaptation of a 1940s Enid Blyton series that I, my parents and their parents grew up reading. It’s set in a girl’s boarding school after WWII – so lots of midnight feasts, pranks and “jolly good!” It’s the perfect antidote to the news right now.
In total contrast, I’ve also been watching “Big Mouth,” the Nick Kroll animated comedy about puberty. I don’t usually go for stuff of the “Rick and Morty” ilk, but this has totally won me over. It is extremely crass, very gross and occasionally, very sweet.
I’m reading “Trick Mirror,” the collection of essays about women, capitalism and the internet by New Yorker writer Jia Tolentino.
Paige Colley, Science & Tech Editor, Anchorage, AK
I’m adjusting to the cold again, and I’ve been playing an unnatural amount of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. After all, now is the perfect time to move to a deserted island to fish, catch bugs and spend all your time indebted to a Tanuki.
I’ve been re-watching a lot of “Person of Interest” on my own, and catching up on movies with my parents. We watched “The Two Popes,” and I highly recommend it.
I recently started reading “What Stars are Made of: The Life of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin,” which is about a woman who was pivotal in astronomy. It’s been so long since I’ve read a book for fun.
Alex Hemmer, In-Depth & Data Editor, Francestown, NH
My boyfriend and I have moved in with his parents, for the time being, to a small town where you really couldn’t run into anyone if you tried, which is great for avoiding a virus.
On Saturday I was tasked with being the breakfast DJ while my boyfriend’s mom made us waffles. I’ve never been the best party playlist curator, but I discovered that I’m great at coming up with chill songs to wake up to. Below are my recommendations for your morning coffee.
“Vultures,” and “Still Feel Like Your Man,” by John Mayer, “Love and Happiness,” by Al Green and “Coffee,” by Tori Kelly. For something with more attitude, I recommend anything by Justin Timberlake, especially his latest track, “The Other Side,” with the fabulous-in-every-way SZA.
Mikayla Heiss, Sports Editor, Freeville, NY
I returned to New York to help my mom move. While packing dishes and food, I’m listening to Rap Strength Training Radio – featuring Drake, NF, Eminem and J. Cole – and Michael Buble Radio on Pandora.
Books, such as “The Voices of Hockey: Broadcasters Reflect on the Fastest Game on Earth,” have become my substitute for live hockey games. I’ve also returned to “A Winter’s Tale” by Shakespeare. Finishing this play is a goal of mine.
To relax, I’ve been rewatching “How I Met Your Mother,” catching “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” on Sundays and watching “Hi Bye, Mama” on Netflix. A friend recommended I watch “Love Island,” and I am sad to say that I took their advice.
Hannah Harn, Podcast and Production Editor, Seal Beach, CA
Me? Back at home with my family? More likely than you’d think! I’ve been working my way through “A Drop of Midnight” by Jason Diakité and have a lot of other books lined up once I’m ready for them.
I have also been listening to a lot of lo-fi hip-hop and instrumental polyrhythmic rock, which have been great for studying and just relaxing while I make dinner. Right now, I’d recommend the latest album from Wun Two, “O Cavalo Vermelho.” WTBU has put together a lot of really great quarantine playlists, so I’ve had those on repeat.
I’ve also been spending a lot of time playing various Jackbox games with friends over Zoom. We’ve had some great rounds of Tee K.O., Fibbage: All About You and Quiplash. I’ve been forcing my family through some of my favorite movies and shows, too: “Spirited Away,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and the McElroys’ “Monster Factory” series on YouTube.
Matteo Venieri, Photo Editor, Boston MA
I’m still in my apartment in Boston, even though at times I am very tempted to pack up and go back to Italy.
I still record a weekly sports podcast with a friend via Skype, although good sports topics are a rare commodity these days. I found out that Zoom classes can be less lame if you have enough fantasy and friends on the other side of the screen.
I can’t say I’m reading or listening to anything new in particular— quite the opposite. I’m mostly watching “The Twilight Zone” on Netflix. Given the circumstances, it seems very appropriate.
Steff Staples, Social Media Editor, Boston, MA
I’m listening to “Zane and Heath: Unfiltered” and “Monster: DC Sniper.” I spend more time than I’m willing to admit on Tik Tok. My weekly screen time continues to go up solely because of that app.
When I’m not distracted by the latest Tik Tok trend, I’ve been watching some comedy specials, including “Tom Segura Ball Hog” and “Taylor Tomlinson Quarter Life Crisis.” I’m also watching “Prodigal Son,” “Bob’s Burgers” and “Ozark.” With the ongoing social isolation, I’m tempted to re-watch “The Circle.”
