Editor's Picks: Quarantine Edition
|| Graphic created by Jillian Cheney
Recommendations from the Empire State Tribune writers and artists for this time of social distancing.
As events are being canceled and postponed, New York’s usual lively scene has gone quiet. Students have returned home for the semester and social distancing is becoming a global reality. If you are like us, you are starting to get stir-crazy and ready to stop binge-watching the same shows over and over again. The Empire State Tribune has compiled a list of our favorite podcasts, TV shows, movies, books, games, crafts and recipes. Our suggestions range from anything that is considered “unproductive” to “productive,” and basically just a list of things we are loving right now. Be safe and stay healthy! We look forward to seeing you in the fall.
Podcasts:
“The Bible Binge”: If you are missing your in-class humor from theology professors, we recommend you check out this podcast that takes the familiar and obscure stories found in scripture and walks listeners through the odd circumstances in which these ancient figures find themselves. Of course, humor and pop-culture references are abundant. - EST staff, (Available to stream on Spotify and Apple Podcasts).
“Every Little Thing”: Have you ever wondered what “baby corn” really is? Or, who invented the hair-tie? Anyone? Just me? Well, this is the show talks about everything you might be overthinking right now. I don’t know about anyone else, but I have spent my fair share in deep thought and asking the world’s best-kept secrets. - Shannon Mason, editor in chief of EST, (Available to stream on Spotify and Apple Podcasts).
“Switched On Pop”: Do you ever hear a song and you’re like “Why do I like this song so much?” or “Why do I hate this song so much?” well Vox Media has an answer. Vox Media Podcast Network breaks down pop songs to figure out what makes a hit and what is its place in culture. For music fanatics, music listeners, talented musicians and professionals alike, this podcast will keep you occupied. Plus, King’s very own Alissa Wilkinson makes an appearance on an episode about the Rocketman soundtrack. - Shannon Mason, editor in chief of EST, (Available to stream on Spotify and Apple Podcasts).
“The Daily by NYTimes”: For anyone who wants to catch up on news of the day in an easy and simple way, this podcast is for them. The Daily is a daily news podcast and radio show by The New York Times. Hosted by Times political journalist Michael Barbaro, its episodes are based on the Times' reporting of the day with interviews of journalists from the New York Times. I usually have it on in the background while making breakfast. -Shannon Mason, editor in chief of EST, (Available to stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher).
“The Happiness Lab”: Hosted by Yale Professor Dr. Laurie Santos, The Happiness Lab takes listeners through the science of happiness and the ways that we can make our lives better. Santos has released a new series of the podcast entirely focused on COVID-19, providing strategies for listeners to coach themselves during a crisis and beating isolation loneliness. - Callie Patteson, ESTv Executive Producer, (Available to stream on Spotify and Apple Podcasts).
“Song Exploder”: In each episode of Song Exploder, an artist dissects one of their feature songs, taking it apart piece by piece, in order to exemplify the creative process of their craft. From writing to recording, Song Exploder uses the history of a track to show that a song is so much more than a song. -Micah Paulec, Opinion Editor, (Available to stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Soundcloud).
Books:
“The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg: The award-winning New York Times business reporter Charles Duhigg takes us to the thrilling edge of scientific discoveries that explain why habits exist and how they can be changed. With penetrating intelligence and an ability to distill vast amounts of information into engrossing narratives, Duhigg brings to life a whole new understanding of human nature and its potential for transformation. - Annabelle Ford, Social Media Editor.
“The Colossus of New York” by Colson Whitehead: I first read this book when I was moving to New York City and I didn’t quite understand it then. As I re-read the poetic pages about Whitehead’s New York, I realize it is not so different from my New York. If you had to return home and you are missing New York, this book will make you feel like it is just outside your door. -Shannon Mason, editor in chief of the EST.
“I, Robot” by Issac Asimov: Isaac Asimov asks readers to imagine a world where robots protect us from our own worst nature. Beginning with a simple story about the relationship between a little girl and a limited-function robot, I Robot moves on to explore, in subsequent stories, increasingly sophisticated thoughts, questions, and moral complexities. In the process, the book reveals Asimov’s overarching vision of a future that entangles inextricably the humans and the machines. -EST staff.
“How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe” by Charles Yu: A sci-fi meta novel about a time machine repairman who goes on the hunt for his missing father and writes a book in the process. Great if you love time travel, wit and/or familial bonds. - Jillian Cheney, Magazine Editor.
“Daily Rituals: How Artists Work” by Mason Currey: “Writers, composers, painters, choreographers, playwrights, poets, philosophers, sculptors, filmmakers and scientists on how they create (and avoid creating) their creations.” (from the back cover) -Micah Paulec, Opinion Editor.
Binge-Worthy Shows:
Fleabag: Like me, Fleabag is a dry-humored and awkward woman in her (presumable) 20s. Unlike Fleabag, I am not British, nor do I own a guinea pig cafe. Well, comparison is the thief of joy. Watch the show. It’s biting, clever and unmissable. - Morgan Chittum, Managing Editor, (Available to stream on Amazon).
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker is an American drama web television limited series, which dives into the life of the first woman self-made millionaire. -Shannon Mason, editor-in-chief of EST, (Available to stream on Netflix).
Black Mirror: The future of technology is uncertain, but one thing is for sure -- its capabilities are rapidly expanding and evolving. Often described as mini-standalone movies, Black Mirror, a British anthology TV series, explores the question, “What are the consequences if technology could do x, y, and z?” - Gabriela Kressley, Photo Editor, (Available to stream on Netflix).
Twin Peaks: This 90s cult classic has everything necessary for a good binge: the best intro song, suspense, romance, and a lot of coffee. It’s about an FBI agent with cryptic dreams who investigates the death of a teenage girl in a creepy town. It’s the best. -Jillian Cheney, Magazine Editor, (Available to stream on Netflix).
Portlandia: Created by SNL alum Fred Armisen and musician Carrie Brownstein, Portlandia is a hilarious sketch comedy show that mocks white people living in urban areas. (It’s set in Portland, but 100% applies to NYC.) - Jillian Cheney, Magazine Editor, (Available to stream on Netflix)
Parks and Recreation: From the creators of The Office and The Good Place, Parks and Recreation is perfect for those binge-worthy nights. Its short episodes will leave you wanting more as you get to know the loveable characters from the Pawnee Indiana Parks Department. - Callie Patteson, ESTv Executive Producer, (Available to stream on Netflix).
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: This Emmy award-winning show will have you laughing all through quarantine. Follow the story of Midge Maisel in 1958 New York as she turns from classic housewife to stand-up comic. - Callie Patteson, ESTv Executive Producer, (Available to stream on Netflix).
Tiger King: “Murder, mayhem, and madness” - this short documentary series follows big cat keeper, Joe Exotic. It is bizarre, sad, hilarious, and cringey all at the same time. - Hannah Mallard, EST Weekly Editor, (Available to stream on Netflix).
Documentary Now!: A comedy series that pays loving homage to the world’s best-known documentaries. Each episode adopts a different style of nonfiction filmmaking to honor the most important stories that didn’t actually happen. - Micah Paulec, Opinion Editor, (Available to stream on Netflix)
Movies:
20th Century Women: In 1979 Santa Barbara, Calif., Dorothea Fields is a determined single mother in her mid-50s who is raising her adolescent son, Jamie, at a moment brimming with cultural change and rebellion. Dorothea enlists the help of two younger women -- Abbie, a free-spirited punk artist living as a boarder in the Fields' home and Julie, a savvy and provocative teenage neighbor -- to help with Jamie's upbringing. - Annabelle Ford, Social Media Editor, (Available to stream on Netflix).
Us: This is definitely a horror/thriller movie so if that is not your slice of cake, then move on to Little Women. Meanwhile, Jordan Peele brilliantly delivers the story of Adelaide Wilson returning to the beachfront home where she grew up as a child. Haunted by a traumatic experience from the past, Adelaide grows increasingly concerned that something bad is going to happen. Can you feel the suspense? - Gabriela Kressley, Photo Editor, (Available for purchase on Amazon).
Little Women: Does this need any more reasons? Louisa May Alcott’s beloved story about the March sisters comes to life with Greta Gerwig’s interpretation. Honestly, this movie will make you laugh and cry. Catharsis. -Shannon Mason, editor in chief of the EST, (Available for purchase on Amazon).
Scott Pilgrim vs The World: This is my all-time favorite movie. Read the books, or don’t, and get lost completely in the world of a Toronto 20-something-year-old guitarist. He battles his girlfriend’s seven evil ex-boyfriends and does it video-game style. I know this doesn’t make sense, just watch it. -Shannon Mason, editor in chief of the EST, (Available to stream on Netflix).
Jojo Rabbit -Jojo is a lonely German boy who discovers that his single mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their attic. Aided only by his imaginary friend -- Adolf Hitler -- Jojo must confront his blind nationalism as World War II continues to rage on. Also, this film won an Academy Award for Best Writing Adapted Screenplay. - Micah Paulec, Opinion Editor, (Available to purchase on Amazon).
All the Bright Places: When I say I wept, I mean I WEPT. Based on the beloved YA novel, this movie covers everything from grief, loss and depression, to joy, recovery and friendship. It’s fresh, unpredictable and has a mind-blowing soundtrack. Disclaimer: the movie does contain characters with suicidal thoughts which may be triggering for some. –Meg Capone, Co-City Editor (Available to stream on Netflix)
About time: This movie is a gift to mankind and somehow it’s still on Netflix. If you haven’t seen it yet, you must. It’s about a young time traveler who learns to appreciate his life and I’m afraid if I say more I’ll give too much away, so just trust me, watch it and bring a box of tissues (or two if you’re me). –Meg Capone, Co-City Editor, (Available to stream on Netflix).
Hook: For those who grew up watching Peter Pan every day and owned a Tinker Bell costume that was an everyday attire, Hook is going to rekindle that memory. As we all did, Peter Pan grows up in this movie and is played by Robin Williams. The 1991 American fantasy adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg is going to make you feel all the things, once again, and relive your childhood. - Shannon Mason, editor in chief of EST, (Available to stream on Netflix).
Games:
Organ Attack: Did you ever want to be a doctor but then changed your mind and studied the humanities? If you did, you can have both now! The object of Organ Attack is to remove your opponents' organs before they remove yours. The last person to still have at least one organ is the winner! Use related afflictions to attack your opponents (for example, playing Gallstones on Gallbladder or Thyroiditis on Thyroid). The game requires absolutely no medical knowledge and only takes about one round to learn. -EST staff.
Settlers of Catan: I feel like this game is a given, but truly a good way to bond with your quarantine buds. The website allows you to put in age limits, difficulty and number of players to help you decide which board is best for you! Plus, each game lasts a long time and involves a lot of strategy! - EST staff.
Spicy Uno: It is Uno, but with spice. If you have done the whole “regular” Uno and you are ready to take it up a notch, read the rules and get ready for an intense game. -EST staff.
Stardew Valley: If you don’t have a Switch but want to experience the simple pleasures found in a game like Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley is for you. You can farm, fish, mine and make new best friends with the villagers of the town. Since I bought it two summers ago, I’ve played 658 hours. You do the math. - Jillian Cheney, Magazine Editor, (Available for $15 on Steam (for PC/Mac) and $8 in the App Store.)
Art projects:
Paint-by-Numbers: If you were supposed to go to Paris over Spring Break but that dream got ruined, we suggest you paint about it. Etsy has some great “Paint By Numbers” pieces that are inexpensive and range from easy to artÍst. Some of our favorites are this scene of Paris streets, plants for those who can’t keep real plants alive, and this Mr. Rogers portrait. -EST staff.
Bob Ross: Duh. If you want to paint happy trees, this is the time. Stream his videos on Netflix and paint along! -EST staff.
Knitting: The reputation of knitting is kind of all wrong. It can be for anyone. Don’t let those needles fool you, knitting isn’t just an activity for Grandma. Once you get into the groove and feel comfortable with those basic patterns, it is an easy, mindless (yet productive) project to do while listening to your favorite podcast or binging a show. - Callie Patteson, ESTv Executive Producer
Online Workouts:
Alright, so you feel like you have done enough binge-watching, now what? Here are our editor’s favorite at-home workouts.
The MoveU Program
Lulu Lemon Yoga Videos
Yoga With Adriene
Athlean X Total Body
Nike Training app (The premium workouts are currently free during quarantine)
Yoga Vida (live on Instagram every day at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.)
Recipes:
Our in-house chef and food columnist, Serena Tuomi, has been experimenting in the kitchen and this is what she found to be the best recipes.