Tag: Op-ed

Why Practical Effects Work When CGI Doesn’t

CGI has been a greatly effective tool for filmmakers in the modern day. It allows for a greater capacity for scenes and scenarios to be depicted on the big screen that just wouldn’t be possible back in the day. Take the original “Jurassic Park” and “Pirates of the Caribbean,” for example. These films were praised […]

Sampling as a Cultural Archive

Sampling as a Cultural Archive

By tapping into obscure jazz riffs, dusty gospel loops, and forgotten soul grooves, music producers are doing more than just crafting new beats — they’re curating cultural history. Sampling, historically a foundation of hip-hop and electronic music, has matured into a powerful form of archival work. When a producer plucks a melodic phrase from a […]

Politicians Are Trying Too Hard to Be Relatable

Politicians’ campaigns and online presence are nothing like they used to be. In an era of Trump, political figures are reimagining how they attract and maintain supporters. They now guest on podcasts, post humorous videos to their page and spread messages on social media almost as casually as texting a friend. Yes, this may attract […]

Is Trash Talk Dying? And Should We Care?

Is Trash Talk Dying? And Should We Care?

Trash talk has long been a staple of competitive sports. From Muhammad Ali’s poetic jabs to Larry Bird’s icy confidence, verbal sparring has elevated rivalries and fueled iconic moments. But in today’s era of heightened sportsmanship, social media scrutiny and league-enforced fines, some wonder — is trash talk a dying art? Athletes once thrived on […]

The Knicks Coaching Search Is Shameless

Shame. Shame. Shame — that’s all I have to say about the New York Knick’s direction after firing Tom Thibodeau. His coaching tenure from 2020-2025 led to a revival of the troubled franchise. A successful regular season record, Four playoff appearances, an Eastern Conference Finals appearance after 25 years — a winning culture. As the […]

The Art of Yume Nikki and Many Like It

“Yume Nikki,” is a Japanese indie title, created by the video game developer, Kikiyama and released on June 26, 2004. The game receives praise for its surrealist nature, with many popular games such as “Undertale” and “Doki Doki Literature Club” having drawn inspiration from it. The main protagonist of the game is a girl named […]

Libraries Need a Comeback in the Age of Bookstores

When’s the last time you took a trip down to your local library? Today’s readers are usually getting their books by walking into a bookstore or utilizing Amazon’s click to buy feature. With costs rising and environmental concerns ever-present, it may be time to dust off your library cards and remember why borrowing is always […]

Has Gov. Newsom Changed His Mind on Running for President?

Gavin Newsom, the current governor of California, appears to have changed his stance on whether he will run for president.  Previously, Newsom had repeatedly stated he was not interested in the position. In 2022 he told the San Francisco Chronicle that he has “sub-zero interest” in a presidential bid and later confirmed to Politico that […]

Hey! Are you enjoying NYCTastemakers? Make sure to join our mailing list for NYCTM and never miss the chance to read all of our articles!