In this edition of TFS recommends, your writers are two guys who just got off a 2 week Covid Hiatus, sharing with you what interested them most during their break. Enjoy.

Nick-

#1 The Matrix:

SPOILER ALERT! This was my first time watching the original Matrix movie, and as you might think, it was mind blowing. The idea that the world is a simulation, with every human trapped inside the so-called “matrix”, was insane. To sum it up, the main character, Neo, (Keanu Reaves) realizes that he is the chosen one, destined to uncover the truth of reality to the rest of humankind. Pretty simple and harmless. Kidding. He is then transported outside of “reality” and discovers that earth as we know it, is a simulation. That true human kind has collapsed on itself. After watching the movie I found myself looking into mirrors deeply, and randomly applying pressure to different walls in my house to see if I might be able to discover a blip in the matrix. Another spoiler alert, I sadly couldn’t find any overarching evidence of the matrix. In the end, it’s crazy stuff, and I highly recommend it. 

#2: Nonante-Cinq by Angèle:

Since freshman year, my enjoyment of French music has grown exponentially as I have consistently found myself prioritizing French music over English music.

Usually my favorite artist is Maitre Gims, but Angèle (the Dua Lipa of France and Belgium), has almost topped my charts with her new album. Songs like Plus de sens, Bruxelles je t’aime, Solo, Libre, and Pensées positives are all certified bangers in my book. The simple, yet European tone, mixed with upbeat pop instrumentals, allows me to put the album on repeat for hours. If you’re ever feeling sick of english music, give it a listen. 

#3: Oceans 11:

Before watching this movie I had heard countless suggestions from my friends, urging me to watch it, but I had never gotten around to it. However, when an hour and a half of school work seemed to get the job done, I found that I had lots of time on my hands. So, I finally decided to give Clooney’s Oceans 11 a watch.

 It did not disappoint.

A star studded-cast of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Casey Affleck, Elliot Gould, and Julia Roberts made the movie destined for greatness from the beginning, but the overall plot is truly what made the movie what it is now. If you come down with “the vid” over winter break, or even just need a movie, hop on HBO Max, and then thank me later.

Quinn – 

#1 DAMN. by Kendrick Lamar:

Often outshined by his two most popular albums, Good Kid M.A.A.D. City and To Pimp a Butterfly, fans are slow to give DAMN. a chance. However this album is just as good if not better than both those albums, as fans get to see Kendrick in his most versatile and personal state. Tracks like PRIDE. Show Kendrick introspectively rapping over a distorted guitar beat shows listeners a fragile, human side of the artist. Meanwhile tracks like GOD. show K Dot at his most prideful and confident, as he gets caught up in his fame and success. Each song on the tracklist portrays a character defining emotion, as Kendrick struggles to find an identity up until the final track titled “DUCKWORTH.” as Kenny reflects on how his father’s kindness during a robbery that created a butterfly effect resulting in him being signed by his label. The track is titled after him and his fathers last name, and creates a mind-blowing finale to an extremely emotional album. I don’t have enough pages to go into every little detail Kendrick put into this masterpiece, and my words won’t do it justice anyways.

#2 Tacos:

As my sense of smell and taste slowly disappeared, I was devastated knowing that I wouldn’t be able to have some of my favorite foods. But on a cold Wednesday night when all hope seemed lost, I had one of the greatest homemade tacos possibly ever. This taco was so good that my tastebuds were fighting to come back just to taste its savory goodness. I’m talking chicken, cheese, rice, sour cream, and habanero hot sauce all inside of a flour tortilla. The spiciness of the sauce and chicken clashed with the sweetness of the sour cream and cheese to make a delicious combination of flavors.

#3 Grabbing toy claw things:

In April of this year I had a knee injury that had me stuck in bed for days at a time, and my friends got me a claw thing to help me grab hard to reach items without getting up. As a lazy person, this thing is a life-changer. I can close my door, turn off the lights, grab a snack, a water bottle, etc, all from the comfort of my bed. Its easy to imagine the small effect this might have on your life, but when you actually have it in your hands you feel invincible, and I am not exaggerating in the slightest.