The Third Place Dilemma

    

    In 2020, with the peak of COVID-19, masses were sent home and the lines between home life and work life were blurred. Work from home became normal and rates for depression and anxiety skyrocketed. In theory, there are three places where a person spends the majority of their time. There are the first and second spaces which are home and work, but it is suggested that you find a third space to frequent as well. A third place is an informal public space where people can gather outside of their homes and workplaces. Examples of a third place would be coffee shops, parks, libraries, and diners. The importance of these places has decreased significantly in the eyes of today's society. During COVID-19, third spaces became deserted. These places, though, are necessary to foster strong communities and a sense of belonging. With the lack of emphasis placed on casual settings in current times, these third places are becoming scarce. Subsequently, a sense of isolation and disconnect from each other has pervaded many communities. In addition, as prices have continually increased, many have found it hard to go out because of the cost. Third places are imperative in alleviating this financial stress as they provide all of the social aspects of going out without the necessity to spend money. This allows for casual meetings with friends and community outside of the stressors of work and home. This helps build strong communities with family-like ties. Today, these places are being replaced by social media. It can be argued that this makes no difference, and that social media is better than in-person third spaces because of convenience, but social media has become an increasing problem. While it may feel like you are connecting with others, these connections are often superficial and has been linked to feelings of loneliness and depression. Third spaces are vital for enriching our lives with interaction, collaboration, and strengthening bonds. As society progresses, we cannot understate the importance of these spaces and the value they bring to our lives.

Good Will Hunting

     Good Will Hunting is an insightful and impactful film that follows Will Hunting, played by Matt Damon, a mathematical prodigy from Boston who despite his talents, works as a janitor at MIT and struggles with his past experiences. Written by the stars of this movie, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, Will's journey about his struggles with self-doubt and emotional scars is truly inspiring, making it unforgettable. In the beginning, an MIT professor challenged his students with a challenging math problem. Will comes across the problem and anonymously solves it, showcasing his true potential and mathematical genius. When nobody claims that they solved the problem, the professor posts another, more difficult question, hoping for a response from the secret prodigy. While completing the new question, Will is caught and blamed for vandalism by the professor. As Will was only the janitor, the professor didn't once think Will could be the one who actually solved the problem. In addition to this, Will is arrested for assaulting a police officer. When the professor realizes Will was correctly solving the problem, he contacts Will's parole officer and offers for Will to study mathematics and undergo therapy in exchange for avoiding jail. As the story progresses, Will and his psychologist butt heads. Will resists Maguires attempts to get to know him and refuses to open up, which causes tensions rise between the pair. Over time, Maguire's genuine interest in Wills life and wellbeing allow Will to open up about his past trauma and they bond over this. The movie comes to a climax as Will breaks down and Maguire repeats "It's not your fault,". Maguires wisdom, warmth, and unflinching support truly provide Will with the strength he needs. The overarching theme of this movie is that of resilience, connection, and accepting the pain and trauma we hold inside. 

Franney and Zooey

     

    Published in 1961, this novel, or more accurately, this short story and novella by famous author J.D. Salinger explores the life of the Glass Family, a group of highly gifted children. This book specifically focuses on its namesakes Franny and Zooey, the two youngest children in a family famous for appearances on a radio quiz show "It's a Wise Child". Franny, now a young college student searches for purpose and a deeper meaning in her life while Zooey, former child prodigy, grapples with confliction regarding his childhood. The story opens with Franny, tired of the pretentiousness of her college, at a train station to meet her boyfriend. Franny holds a book "The Way of the Pilgrim", which she has been reading with the goals of reaching enlightenment and a state of authenticity. Through her journey, she faces challenges, frustration, and tragedy which eventually lead her to be sent home, where the second half of the book takes place. With Franny at home, Zooey has more to worry about than his career and disillusionment. Concerned for his sister, Zooey attempts to help her find meaning and understanding in their life. He challenges her ideas in an attempt to ground her and pushes her to approach her life and that of those around her with compassion and understanding. The siblings mutually bond over their shared childhood experiences and the loss of their older brothers and while their viewpoints often conflict and juxtapose, they take comfort in their communal struggle. As child radio stars, they both struggle with self-worth tied to their intellect and spirituality and often feel as though their connections to others are disingenuous. "Franny and Zooey" is a philosophical, meaningful story centered around the family dynamics of the Glass children. It is a heartwarming novel about exploring faith, struggling for authenticity, and searching for meaning in life beyond external validation.

Simon and Garfunkel: A History

    

Arguably the most iconic musical duo in history, Simon and Garfunkel have achieved an insane level of significance and cultural importance in their career. Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel are a famous folk-rock duo that got their start in high school playing small gigs at dances and were particularly inspired by a band called "The Everly Brothers". Meeting in elementary school, the duo was fast friends and began writing music together by the time they were teenagers. They originally went by the names Tom and Jerry, inspired by the popular children's cartoon of the same name. Their breakthrough came, though, in the 60's when they reemerged as Simon and Garfunkel. Their harmonies paired with acoustic guitar are what makes their sound so unique. They gained fame with the rerelease of their hit single "The Sound of Silence", with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics. Their later albums only helped to cement their fame. With their final album "Bridge Over Troubled Water" Simon and Garfunkel's unmatchable talent and variety were showcased. Unfortunately, though, tensions rose along with their fame. Simon desired control over their music while Garfunkel wanted to branch out on his own. They eventually disbanded but continued to reunite for special occasions and performances where they pulled crowds of more than 500,000 people. Simon's career continued to flourish as he hit big in the charts with albums like "Graceland" and Garfunkel continued his music career while briefly trying out acting in films like "Catch-22" and "Carnal Knowledge". Despite their career being relatively short compared to other famous bands, Simon and Garfunkel were truly influential with countless songs like "The Sound of Silence", "Bridge Over Troubled Water", and "Mrs. Robinson" being a few of their most popular tunes to this day. Simon and Garfunkel's music is undoubtedly some of the most thoughtful, emotional, and impactful music to come from the 60's.

 

10 Words I Love

 Esoteric

    Esoteric refers to knowledge likely to be understood by only a small group of people. This word reminds me of the book "The Secret History" by Donna Tart that follows a group of isolated college students studying Latin and how their reclusiveness affects their mental health. It is extremely interesting to see the biases of the narrator and look at his words through a critical viewpoint. Their niche worldview is so odd to look upon as an outsider that it is easy to get lost in the inconceivability of it all.

Soliloquy

    Soliloquy is a dramatic monologue meant to reveal a character's inner thoughts. This specifically makes me think about Juliet's soliloquy in Romeo and Juliet. She goes on a tangent about how long her nurse is taking to send her note to Romeo. Angry at her nurse for being too slow, Juliet accuses her of having no heart and no passion, for if her nurse was a messenger of love, she would be swift and nimble. The flowing nature of the word reminds me of the prose and pattern of the work of Shakespeare in particular, and the appreciation the world has for his art.

Vicious

    Vicious isn't as unusual a word as the others in this list but deserves just as much appreciation as they receive. Vicious brings to minds imagery of bared teeth and slashing claws. The beauty of the word, though, lies in that same garish vision. The raw intensity of the connotation contrasts the inherent beauty of the word itself, resulting in a kind of interesting composition.

Discourse

    Discourse is the communication and exchange of ideas. I often associate this word with scholarly argumentation or disagreement. I guess I find the excitement and passion of discourse, the ability to share your idea and findings and to debate your opinions and beliefs enticing. This word brings to mind the bubbling fervor with which those who are passionate discuss their ideas.

 Blasé 

  Blasé is the appearance of indifference and being unimpressed due to overexposure. It feels cool, in a way, that you could be detached to the outside world. While blasé impresses the image of levelheadedness, I find it serves as a reminder that we should maintain a sense of wonder throughout every aspect of our lives, even in the most mundane, repetitive scenarios.

Limerick

    Limerick is a comedic, five-line poem with a structured rhythm and rhyme. The humorous nature of a limerick reminds me of my childhood and the outlandish books I would read. The specificity of the scheme of a limerick paired with the loose absurdity of the contents makes for a nostalgic experience, and with a name that rolls of the tongue, limerick is undoubtedly a great word.

Bedlam

    Bedlam is a scene of uproar and chaos. Originating from the name of the first mental institution in Britain, the word bedlam has a questionable history. Yet, despite this, bedlam has sort of a fun, British sound to it that makes it amusing to say. The ominous history and implications of disorder that this word inflicts evokes a chaotic imagery that lends to its intrigue.

Cairn

    Cairn is a pile of stones often used as a marker or memorial. This word resembles guidance and reminiscence to me. The physical reminder of human impact that cairns represent make this word impactful. Cairns tell a story, whether it's a story of someone's journey or loss and learning, it makes you think of your impact on other and everyone's path through life.

Zephyr

    Zephyr is a light breeze. Evoking a sense of calm, the word is exhaled gently as the listener is transported to a summer day, dandelions flowing in the wind. The lightness and tranquility of this word symbolizes an appreciation for nature and reminds us to take life in stride while making time to stop and slow down to admire the beauty of the world around us.

Cormorant

    Cormorant is a large, dark seabird. Majestic and skilled at diving, cormorants envelop a resilient nature and showcase the strength and persistence that are necessary for us to survive. While grounding us with their connection to their body, mind, and environment, they also remind us to revel in ourselves and our resilience. 

    Language is the expression of self, and its beauty is often overlooked. It can connect us to the world around us and resonates with everyone in a different way. The unique nature of these specific words reminds me to keep a true appreciation for the language and environment that enrich our lives.

Cupid de Locke

     This haunting melody from the album "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" by The Smashing Pumpkins has entered my playlist once again as the air has become colder, and as the use of harp has struck me, so have the lyrics. The title "Cupid de Locke" meaning Cupid of Locke is a reference to a mid-seventeenth century masque "Cupid and Death" whose score was written by composer Matthew Locke. This masque follows the characters of Cupid and Death who have accidentally mixed up their arrows. Havoc ensues as Cupid shoots and kills potential lovers and Death shoots two men in a duel and instead, they fall in love. The style and lyrical nature of this song is heavily inspired by the baroque era in which the masque was produced. 

    In addition, Corgan's lyrics mirror the tumult of this story, "Cupid hath pulled back his sweethearts bow," and "Your world will be shattered with nary a note," exemplify the unpredictable nature of love. There is a duality to the meaning of these lyrics. As Cupid pulls his bow back, we don't know whether it is his arrow or Deaths. Corgan plays into this uncertainty with the double entendre of his later lyric. The lover's worlds are shattered by this arrow, but listeners must determine if their world is shattered by tragedy or by exultation. Corgan continues to sing "The Devil may do as the Devil may care," and "Her mouth the mischief he doth seek, her heart the captive of which he speaks,". Within these lyrics, listeners wonder whether Death or "The Devil" is going to take the life of the girl or if he is in love with her. He seeks her mouth; he speaks of having her heart. The misdirection and uncertainty of these lyrics certainly add charm and intrigue to the song, contributing to its evident success. 

    The lyrics of "Cupid de Locke" explores the unpredictable nature of love, a force that can both empower and devastate, much like in "Cupid and Death". The timeless narratives reflected in both pieces truly emphasize the continuous themes of love within every life and showcase how they endure throughout history.

The Edifice Deficiency

    

    Cold, unforgiving facades adorn buildings all across North America. Most Americans can only admire flowing, ornate architecture within media from places like Europe. While I walk around unadorned expanses of concrete and glass, I wonder what happened to beauty in architecture. The lack of beauty surrounding architecture in the U.S. is often attributed to the fast-growing colonization mentality of the settlers. The focus was to take over as much land as possible, and that left no time for dilly-dallying about the unimportant details of looks. In addition to this, in the past, European royalty and rich spent their money hiring people to create ornate buildings with the purpose of display their wealth. Buildings are boring today because our values as a society have changed. There have been attempts in America and Europe to create acts ensuring you can only build beautiful buildings, but the issue is that beauty is subjective. What one person finds beautiful could seem gaudy or cold to another. Is it possible to return to a society that values grandiosity, is it important? I might be alone in the wish for architecture for people. Through research, tough, it has been found that our surroundings have a great impact on mental health. Studies have shown that people who live in beautiful places are, on average, happier than those who don't. As beauty is subjective, there is unfortunately no sustainable way to ensure the construction of beautiful buildings, but if we want to decrease the increasing mental health issues in America, we should really consider building prettier buildings.