Earbuds Supremacy
It seems that recently we’ve been turning fads that were shameful into things that are both “trendy” and “fashionable.” We blinked and suddenly the New Balances worn generations ago are the new shoes selling out. This recycling of styles has taken the ear accessory department by storm. Now, it seems that headphones are becoming popular and are on the rise to AirPods’ status. This raises an important question. Is it weird to be seen with wires hanging from your head? Short answer: no. We will always be earbuds supporters and here are a few reasons why.
1. You never have to charge earbuds. There is simply nothing worse than being in the middle of a work out, study session, or car ride with someone who doesn’t shut up, and you hear the sound indicating your AirPods are on the verge of running out of battery. With no charger in sight, you’re forced to suffer through the pain of utter silence.
2. Earbuds are comfortable. We know your heads are not resting gently on your pillows if you’re wearing huge headphones. With AirPods, you live with the constant and absolute threat of having them fall out of your ears. But with earbuds, you can sleep soundly, nestled up with a bud in your ear, not fearing it getting lost on the streets or in your bedsheets. What more can you ask for?
3. Earbuds are just simply cooler. People will ask themselves, “Who’s that mysterious girl with the earbuds?” as you walk through the Yard blasting My Chemical Romance’s “I’m Not Okay (I Promise)” into your ears.
So stop trying to fit in and let those wires dangle.
Crying by the River is Better than Crying Elsewhere
People, generally, opt to cry in their rooms (facing away from their roommates), in front of Science Center Lecture Hall B, or in their communal showers. We think these are objectively the wrong choices. What is more cathartic than staring at the geese and making eye contact with the Men’s Heavyweight coxswain, as you let those tears go? There is a certain anonymity to the River. Somehow you see a hundred people, but never any of your friends. This makes it the perfect place to let it all out. There are also several benches, and your tears can flow right into the Charles (convenient)! Bonus points if it’s raining, and you can romanticize your way out of the crisis.
Everything, Everywhere, All at Once is a Must See
The movie won seven awards at the 2023 Oscars for a reason. With a starring cast of Michelle Yeoh, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ke Huy Quan, and Stephanie Hsu (¾ took home Best Actors awards), EEAO (which won Best Picture) immerses viewers into an interdimensional experience, filled with action, chaos, humor, and plenty of plot-twists. Pay attention to all 2 hours and 19 minutes or you might miss something, or everything. From the actors’ captivating performances to the special effects and creativity, the film somehow manages to make you laugh, cry, and rage all at the same time. Its creation is important for more reasons than one; not only is the movie extremely entertaining, well-written, and produced, but its predominantly Asian cast follows a trend set by the 2018 film Crazy Rich Asians, in which Yeoh was also a part of: a push for Asian representation within movies and television. The film tugs the heart-strings of those watching, who follow the familial dynamics of the Wang family shift, and ultimately, almost crumble. Throughout this journey, expect taxes, hot dogs, and a fight to save the world. If you have not watched the movie already, give it a chance. You will not be disappointed.
Starbucks (or Dunkin’) Egg Bites
It doesn’t matter if the eggs used in the Starbucks Bacon & Gruyére are from a free-range farm or from a suspicious carton of pre-cracked egg liquid, these egg bites are certain to change your morning routine. Essentially just patties of cooked egg, (or egg whites), egg bites can pose as a protein-style breakfast sandwich or as an afternoon snack, packed with questionable chemicals in aesthetic packaging. Not only are they a fun take on traditional scrambled eggs, but they also offer an unpredictable game of Will-This-Gross-Out-My-Friend? Starbucks, in its minimalistic and recognizably pretentious brand, can often get away with throwing egg mixture in a ball and calling it a healthy breakfast. They’ve even managed to make a kale and mushroom option without entirely turning off its loyal fanbase. Yet Starbuck’s older, crasser, slightly unkempt sister coffee shop seems to be struggling to keep up with the egg-loaf wave. Dunkin’s Bacon and Cheddar Omelet bites, in its peculiar bundt-cake shape, pose no threat to the slick Bacon & Gruyére bites. Though a fair comparison, and an ultimately identical taste, there’s something about eating a ball of cooked egg in the shape of a donut that just doesn’t cut it. So give the Starbucks Bacon & Gruyére a try. You’ll (probably) love it.
Independent Thoughts is the inaugural culture and lifestyle column, reflected by opinions of those in the Independent. Please contact (editorinchief@college.harvard.edu) if you wish to submit any content.