UMass Lowell Connector Logo

Author Archives: Troy Lafond

The look inside the Oscar nominations

The look inside the Oscar nominations

(Photo courtesy of: Variety ) Many of the years top movies made the but, but who will take home the trophy? Troy Lafond Connector Editor The nominations for the annual Oscars ceremony were announced on Tuesday, January 24. Leading the pack in nominations was A24’s critically acclaimed and biggest commercial hit to date, “Everything Everywhere

The biggest mystery of “Velma” is how it managed to be so bad

(Photo courtesy of The Boston Globe) “Velma” has strewn so far from the source material it is almost unrecognizable. Troy Lafond Connector Editor A few of the hallmarks of recent entertainment media include a constant barrage of remakes and recreations of classic IPs, maturing classic IPs for older audiences, meta fourth-wall breaking comedy and a

Climate activism in capitalism

(Photo courtesy of YES! Magazine) “One of the most devastating impacts of climate change is the melting of the ice caps.” Troy Lafond Connector Editor So much climate change advocacy is based around change on an individualistic level. Endeavors such as reducing personal use of plastics, partaking in recycling endeavors and not littering are certainly

Current laundry situation in Sheehy Hall is disastrous

(Photo courtesy of YouVisit) “Sheehy and Concordia Halls are connected, and serve as two of the three resident halls on South Campus.” Troy Lafond Connector Editor As of this semester, UMass Lowell’s laundry machines were made free for residential students. This did raise the cost of housing, but made laundry machines more accessible for many

Ranking the Grammys’ 2023 album of the year nominees

(Photo courtesy of Billboard) The nominees for album of the year have caused much discussion around the internet. Troy Lafond Connector Editor   Mary J Blige – “Good Morning Gorgeous”  “Good Morning Gorgeous” is the biggest surprise of this year’s slate. While Mary J. Blige has transcended into icon status, this album sees her on

“House of the Dragon” burns bright in triumphant season 1

(Photo courtesy of Variety) “House of the Dragon” has wowed viewers after a controversial and critically panned “Game of Thrones” finale. Troy Lafond Connector Editor For varying reasons, many expected “Game of Thrones” spin-off series “House of the Dragon” to be a failure. For much of its run, “Game of Thrones” stood up as the

Why are students being held accountable for Satisfactory Academic Progress for Covid years?

(Photo courtesy of University of Missouri-St. Louis) “Students nationwide need to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards to be eligible for financial aid.” Troy Lafond Connector Editor For many students of all ages around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly intrusive in the ability to complete school. Many students had to take withdrawals from a