(Photo courtesy of Billboard) Taylor Swift breaks new sound barriers on her latest effort. Troy Lafond Connector Editor Among contemporary pop stars, very few have switched styles as seamlessly, effectively and consistently as Taylor Swift. Starting in country, transitioning to pop, and then, more recently, to alternative, she has shown a penance for constant musical…
UMass Lowell meal swipe donation program falls short
(Photo courtesy of Bergmeyer) “University Dining Commons is the main dining hall on East Campus.” Troy Lafond Connector Editor Last week, students at UMass Lowell received an email looking for students willing to take part in a meal swipe donation program. Claiming that 37% of the student population often goes undernourished, this program looks for…
Don’t worry about rushing out to theaters: “Don’t Worry Darling” doesn’t live up to hype
(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures) “Don’t Worry Darling is Harry Styles’ first movie with a leading role.” Troy Lafond Connector Editor After releasing the critically acclaimed and excellent coming of age comedy “Booksmart”, director Olivia Wilde shifted gears to make her sophomore outing a thriller. “Don’t Worry Darling” had a lot going for it:…
True crime media: when will enough be enough?
(Photo courtesy of BBC) ““Monster: The Jeffery Dahmer Story” stars Evan Peters and was created by Ryan Murphy” Troy Lafond Connector Editor “Monster: The Jeffery Dahmer Story”. “Tiger King”. “American Crime Story”. “The Girl From Plainville”. “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile”. True crime media, especially those that focus on murder, appears to be getting…
Rina Sawayama shifts gears on new, star-making album “Hold the Girl”
(Photo courtesy of BBC) “Rina Sawayama’s newest album is out now.” Troy Lafond Connector Editor Rina Sawayama broke through the underground pop scene with her catchy, experimental debut album “Sawayama” in 2020. Blending elements of pop, rock, R&B, metal, and dance with Y2K stylings, the appeal was immediate and striking. With her second album “Hold…
Title IX conversation between Donna Lopiano and Chancellor Julie Chen sparks controversy
(Photo courtesy of Montana Office of Public Instruction) “Title IX logo used by Montana Office of Public Instruction.” Troy Lafond Connector Editor In a forum that was organized by Chancellor Julie Chen to focus on the anniversary of Title IX and its importance, guest speaker Donna Lopiano insensitively used an inappropriate racial slur twice. The…
“The Lost City” Strikes Gold
(Photo Courtesy of Fortis Films) “The Lost City” was released on March 12. Troy Lafond Connector Editor “The Lost City”, starring Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum and Daniel Radcliffe, is one of the best surprises of 2022 thus far. Released on March 25, this romantic adventure-comedy follows a reclusive, washed-up author (Bullock), kidnapped by a billionaire…
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl Don’t Live Up to Their Adjectives
(Photo Courtesy of Nintendo) “Brilliant Diamond” and “Shining Pearl” are available to play on Nintendo Switch.” Troy Lafond Connector Editor “Pokémon” is one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time, with installments dating back to 1996. Games take place in different regions of the world of “Pokémon”, with each game region encompassing what is…
