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(02/16/21 5:00pm)
Ball State Daily · Coven S7E7: Female Tropes in TVWelcome back to another episode of the Coven! In this episode, join in as we dive into female tropes in TV and movies! Tune in as we discuss why tropes are harmful, how it limits women's opportunities in film, and cover a couple of prominent examples of female tropes in media!Hosts: Shwetha Sundarrajan & Lia Weisbecker-LotzEdited by: Lia Weisbecker-LotzGraphic by: Lia Weisbecker-Lotz
(02/16/21 5:00pm)
Welcome back to another episode of the Coven! In this episode, join in as we dive into female tropes in TV and movies! Tune in as we discuss why tropes are harmful, how it limits women's opportunities in film, and cover a couple of prominent examples of female tropes in media!
(02/14/21 6:00pm)
Welcome back to another episode of Remixed! On this special Valentine's day episode, join us as we talk about love songs, what they mean to people, and why they're important! Tune in as we talk about all this and more on another episode of Remixed!
(02/15/21 3:43pm)
Once the Christmas season passes and we bid adieu to jolly St. Nick, the ruby and blush colored rose bouquets, countless brands of heart-shaped chocolate boxes, and colorful plush animals of all types as big as the eye can see start barreling in on the shelves. Tis’ the season for the only day of the year where it’s socially acceptable and celebrated to be super corny and mushy with your lover. This day practically oozes affection. This kind of love is a challenge to flee from when it surrounds every move you make throughout February, so the majority of people either completely love it or completely hate it. I have certainly flip-flopped from one side to the other, but something that remains a burning question in my head is how did Valentine’s Day become a holiday?
(02/15/21 3:35pm)
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
(02/15/21 12:30am)
by Arianna Sergio
Once the Christmas season passes and we bid adieu to jolly St. Nick, the ruby and blush colored rose bouquets, countless brands of heart-shaped chocolate boxes, and colorful plush animals of all types as big as the eye can see start barreling in on the shelves. Tis’ the season for the only day of the year where it's socially acceptable and celebrated to be super corny and mushy with your lover. This day practically oozes affection. This kind of love is a challenge to flee from when it surrounds every move you make throughout February, so the majority of people either completely love it or completely hate it. I have certainly flip-flopped from one side to the other, but something that remains a burning question in my head is how did Valentine’s Day become a holiday?
Lupercalia and St. Valentine
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="414"] Image from Mental Floss[/caption]
This story kicks off with the earliest origin of Valentine’s Day: the pagan holiday Lupercalia. This holiday, which celebrates fertility, took place for centuries in mid-February. Lupercalia was one of the few pagan holidays that was celebrated 150 years after Christianity was legalized, showcasing how popular and influential it was within the Roman Empire.
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="413"] Image from Catholic Online[/caption]
At the end of the fifth century, Pope Gelasius became the new pope and stopped anyone from celebrating Lupercalia. Shortly after he announced this, the Catholic church made Feb. 14 their feast day to celebrate the martyred St. Valentine. I have to preface that in the early martyrologies three various St. Valentine’s are discussed, all sharing Feb. 14 as their feast day, and because the historical records are very few and scattered no one can wholeheartedly confirm who the “real” St. Valentine is. The first St. Valentine was a priest who doubled as a doctor. He not only educated the fellow Christians in his community to follow Jesus, but he also aided people who were sickly. St. Valentine was a publicly recognized leader in his Christian community, and at the time Christians were tormented for their faith and were highly sought after and jailed, so he eventually became jailed and then beheaded. The second St. Valentine was a Bishop of Terni, then known as Interamna, and he also became jailed and then beheaded. The third St. Valentine suffered martyrdom with many others in Africa, but nothing else is known about him. Some believe that all of these versions of St.Valentine are the same person, but that hasn’t been confirmed.
Why is it associated with love?
There are copious theories as to why the holiday is associated with love. A few of the most popular being: that in the Middle Ages in France and England it was commonly believed that Feb. 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance; St. Valentine signed a letter that ended with “from your Valentine,” to his jailer’s daughter, who he fell in love with and healed from being blind to a certain degree; and lastly St. Valentine opposed Emperor Claudius II commands and, in secret, married couples to pardon the husbands’ from war. All of these beliefs can provide us with some sort of idea to entertain, since none of us will for sure know what the “real” reason is.
Next time you are shopping at your local grocery store purchasing some of the discounted limited edition Valentine’s Day treats, you can ponder about the mysterious theories that surround St. Valentine, why the pink and red doused holiday is celebrated for love, and how it came to be what it is today.
Sources: BBC, Britannica, Catholic Education, History, National Geographic, Saints Resource,
Images: Catholic Online, Mental Floss
Featured Image: History
(02/14/21 11:00pm)
By Mason Kupiainen
Time-loop films aren’t anything new, with many films including Groundhog Day, Edge of Tomorrow, Happy Death Day, and Palm Springs taking new approaches to the formula. These stories have gotten pretty boring at this point since many other movies and episodes of television have taken a similar approach. However, The Map of Tiny Perfect Things is able to take a new look into this overused formula.
The film follows Mark, a 17-year-old who struggles to figure out what to do after high school. When he finds himself stuck in a time-loop, he decides to take the opportunity to find himself a girlfriend and soon discovers a girl named Margaret stuck in the time-loop as well, and the two quickly form a bond.
(02/14/21 10:30pm)
by Lia Weisbecker-Lotz
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
I love celebrating Valentine’s Day, but not for the reasons most people do. For many, Valentine’s Day is about spending the day with their significant other, showering them in love and care. For me, it’s about expressing my love and appreciation for my friends, family, and myself. I started this tradition in high school where I would make personal Valentine’s Day cards for all of my friends, or anyone I wanted to be friends with. I’d spend hours making these cards, using a list of people I enjoyed being with and a list of things they were interested in. I’d write down any puns I could think of that were also compliments and practice drawing cute versions of animals or characters they liked. As an example, I made one friend who liked hiking and camping, a card with a drawing of a s’more with a cute face below the words “I need s’more friends like you!” I wanted to remind people, especially the ones who weren’t in romantic relationships, that someone loves them. I wanted them to know that I listen to and care about what they’re interested in and passionate about. Because you shouldn’t have to be someone’s partner to be valuable to them.
For some reason, our society holds romantic relationships above platonic ones, making them seem as if they are milestones for everyone to reach. Family members that you haven’t seen in a while always end up asking, “Have you found a boy/girlfriend yet?” Depending on your sexual orientation, hugging anyone of the opposite gender immediately leads to someone asking, “Oh, are you guys dating?” This is especially obvious around Valentine’s Day, as all the commercials and rom-coms begin to play. But if this is the holiday of love, then why doesn’t it include all types of love?
When we’re children, we go around giving cards and candy to every one of our classmates, even those we aren’t very close to. Then at some point, we’re convinced that Valentine’s Day is only meant for couples and crushes. The way there’s an emphasis on romantic relationships, is a mistake. A majority of the most important and longest-lasting relationships are platonic. And there are people who aren’t interested in dating during a certain period of their life, or at all. Which should be normal. And it should also be normal to celebrate your love for friends and family on a day about love.
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="404"] Image from Mashable [/caption]
Of course, I’m not the first person to think friendships should be celebrated. In the TV show Parks and Recreation, the character Leslie celebrates “Galentine’s Day,” a day dedicated to her female friends just before Valentine’s Day. And people have started to take up the holiday, making it a day to celebrate the special relationship that comes with female friendships. In 2011, the UN declared July 30 National Friendship Day. Many people in the U.S. celebrate this day by posting photos of friends on Instagram or Snapchat and typing out what they appreciate about them. There’s even a National Self Love Day on February 13 that some celebrate.
Despite this, I think it should be Valentine’s Day where we can celebrate the love of friends, family, and ourselves. The people who dislike Valentine’s Day often dislike it because of the focus on and pressure for romance. Or simply because seeing others in a romantic relationship makes them feel lonely. But this is a day about reminding people that love exists for them. That they have friends who love them, and that they should love themselves. By genuinely making it a day for love, we can stop making people feel alienated or like they’re missing out. Honestly, sometimes, it seems that only people who are in love get to experience happiness on this day. That if you can’t get or simply don’t want to have a date, you’ll never get the joy of this love-crazy day.
Platonic relationships are just as, if not more, important than romantic ones. When romantic relationships fail, it’s our friends and family that we rely on to help us through. When we’re insecure or worried about something going on in a romantic relationship, it’s our friends and family we turn to for advice. Platonic relationships are the backbone and basis of love. Family provides you roots and friendships help you grow. Self-love is the product of that growth, being able to enjoy, not only time with others, but with yourself should be prioritized. Because you have to spend every second of your life with yourself.
Valentine’s Day can and should be, a special day for everyone. To love and be loved, is a special feeling that is not always romantic. So don’t forget all of the people who are here to support you through every dip and rise you go through in life.
Sources: Her Culture, IMDB, Instagram, National Day Calendar, The Atlantic,
Images: Mashable
Featured Image: History
(02/14/21 10:22pm)
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EwsUMFhRIs" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Blake breaks down Tesla's recent huge investment in the cryptocurrency Bitcoin.Checkpoint is Byte's video news series, reporting on recent events in the world of entertainment, tech, and pop culture. Whether its video games, film, television, or music, we've got you covered!
(02/14/21 6:15pm)
Ball State Daily · Remixed S6E3: Love is in the soundwaves
Welcome back to another episode of Remixed! On this special Valentine's day episode, join us as we talk about love songs, what they mean to people, and why they're important! Tune in as we talk about all this and more on another episode of Remixed!
Hosts: Sam Shipe & Arianna Sergio
Edited by: Sam Shipe
Graphic by: Shwetha Sundarrajan
(02/13/21 5:00pm)
By Conner Tighe
2009 was a different time with the technology, style, and music. I never thought Taylor Swift would return to her country roots, which started her off in the music industry. Some of her best work took place with those Southern twangs and guitar plucks, but the artist decided to revamp her classic hit “Love Story,” which told a cringey yet fun tale of young love. Perhaps what Swift knows best is that our past never truly leaves us, and even the best of us need to come back to our beginnings sometimes. There’s more heart as she believed revamping the song would be a nice reminisce, and although it’s subtle, the artist’s voice is even different this time around, granted she was only 20 when the song released. Twelve years later, “Love Story” continues to dazzle fans who have stuck with the singer the whole way.
(02/13/21 4:00pm)
Ball State Daily · Wrapped Up S1E2Welcome back to another episode of Byte's new news podcast! In this episode, tune in as we cover this week's top stories, ranging from Taylor Swift's re-recorded 2008 album Fearless to the announcement of Sonic 2 the movie.Host: Kellyn Harrison
(02/13/21 3:00pm)
By Conner Tighe
German singer-songwriter Roosevelt delivered a pre-album release surprise on Friday, Feb. 12, before his release of POLYDANS later this month. His latest EP Lovers is another electrified generosity of pure genius-ness not unlike the artist. This synth-pop artistry comes after his release of Heart Marksman III a year ago. Although much of his music remains similar in its sound, save for a couple of rap beats here and there from tracks like “Crush, Pt. 13,” “Jupiter,” and “Admiration,” it’s difficult to find anything worth complaining about with the musician. Lovers continues that tradition.
Returning to electronic hypnosis
Nearly all the songs demonstrated on Lovers have already been released by previous albums and EPs except for the track named after the EP. When listening to the EP at firsthand, it feels tired and old, but Roosevelt knows what he’s doing and knows he’s skilled in this unique melody of notes. I find myself using Roosevelt as background noise easily able to block out everything around me as soon as I hear his strange echo-y voice with fast-paced disco appeal. So, in a sense Lovers is a “take it how you want” scenario but I see the cup half full.
Quality over quantity
Only five tracks take up the nearly 30 minute long listen through, but even first-time listeners should not be discouraged. Lovers is comical in a way as it feels the artist is toying with his fans, building up the anticipation for POLYDANS which will surely feature all-new tracks. It might be safe to say Lovers is a preview for what’s to come. Some of Roosevelt’s albums like 2016s Roosevelt features 12 tracks while his 2019 Young Romance (Deluxe) features a whopping 17. His EPs, much like this one, features only a handful or more on the playlist. Although his EPs don’t match up to his powerful album playlists, EPs like Lovers take fans back to what made Roosevelt so memorable in the first place, his unique sound.
Elephant in the EP
The only new track named after the EP is a happy, uplifting tune much like the other tracks he puts out. The track doesn’t stand out amongst his other tracks as it’s already difficult to do that. Roosevelt’s music is beautifully made but in a separate way than your average artist. Yes, most of his tracks sound similar but because he’s so enjoyable, it doesn’t matter because I feel like I’m listening to one giant Roosevelt run. If I were to listen to the track without reading the title, honestly, I would say I’ve heard it before. Again, it’s best to recognize this about him before diving in.
Recommended if you like:
Poolside
Martin Garrix
Tiësto
Top tracks:
Strangers
Feels Right
Sign
Feature image from: Genius
(02/13/21 9:56pm)
Welcome back to another episode of Byte's new news podcast! In this episode, tune in as we cover this week's top stories, ranging from Taylor Swift's re-recorded 2008 album Fearless to the announcement of Sonic 2 the movie.
(02/12/21 9:09pm)
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
(02/12/21 9:00pm)
By Brandon Carson
The Foo Fighters have been a leading force in the mainstream rock scene for 25 years. They constantly play sold-out stadium shows, playing their biggest songs, and show no signs of slowing down. “Times Like These,” “The Pretender,” and “Everlong” are just a few of their countless hits that have dominated the radio. There has never been a terrible Foo Fighters album, although, they’ve come close. One by One and Concrete and Gold never reached the same highs that The Colour and the Shape or Wasting Light have especially with painfully drab songs like “Halo,” and “Sunday Rain.” Lately, the band has been on a streak of bland albums with no reason to come back to them. Unfortunately, Medicine at Midnight follows the same footsteps. Produced again by the acclaimed Greg Kurstin, the record is boring and unmemorable, with very few moments to keep the listener interested. All the while, the same old Foo Fighters tropes keep coming back: featuring slow beginnings leading to fast endings, big, catchy, and repetitive choruses, with basic, tired lyrics.
(02/12/21 9:04pm)
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
(02/12/21 10:00am)
by Brandon Carson
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
Australia’s King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard are the only known band with 16 albums, two official live albums, a wide variety of styles, and an entire universe linking them together. Formed in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, each record they make is a new unique take on their sound, starting from surf/garage rock in 2012 and currently landing in the microtonal sounds they tried back in 2017.
King Gizzard is the hardest working band to date. Before 2020, the band was constantly touring, even during their five-record-run of 2017. Each record builds their discography a floor taller, allowing for variety in their already energetic live shows. But not only are they just making the music, they also constantly tie together storylines, create characters, and build worlds inside these amazing records.
(02/11/21 6:00pm)
Ball State Daily · Coven S7E5: Rainbows, Celebrities & the LGBTQIA+ community
Welcome back to another episode of the Coven! On this week's episode, join us as we discuss the coming out of popular Youtuber & Dance Mom alumni Jojo Siwa. Tune in as we dive deep into the problems facing LGBTQIA+ celebrities and instances when some celebrities seemingly take advantage of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Hosts: Shwetha Sundarrajan & Sam Shipe
Edited by: Lia Weisbecker-Lotz
Graphic by: Kellyn Harrison
(02/11/21 6:00pm)
Welcome back to another episode of the Coven! On this week's episode, join us as we discuss the coming out of popular Youtuber & Dance Mom alumni Jojo Siwa. Tune in as we dive deep into the problems facing LGBTQIA+ celebrities and instances when some celebrities seemingly take advantage of the LGBTQIA+ community.