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(05/02/17 3:56am)
By Samantha Roberts
Staff Writer
John Mayer’s seventh studio album “The Search for Everything,” was released on April 14. With each and every song written by Mayer himself, the album is a return to the soulful songwriter’s pop and rock ‘n’ roll roots.
The album, which was released in two waves of four songs before its full April release, contains hits reminiscent of his glory days in the early-mid 2000s.
Specifically, “Love on the Weekend,” a single to come from the first wave of songs released, has a similar sound to Mayer’s album “Room for Squares,” which includes hits “Your Body Is A Wonderland” and “Back to You.”
“Love on the Weekend” is about a weekend getaway between two lovers and how it is to get caught up in love after time apart. Mayer feels himself falling for the subject, saying, “I hate your guts ’cause I'm loving every minute of it,” an ode to “the old John Mayer” who famously sang about fighting his feelings in “Gravity,” one of his biggest hits of all time.
“The Search for Everything” is very much an album about love and losing love. Songs like “Still Feel Like Your Man,” which is rumored to be about his ex Katy Perry, “Moving On and Getting Over” and “You’re Gonna Live Forever in Me” are deeply personal and discuss the difficulties of getting over a relationship. Many have said that “The Search for Everything” is Mayer’s most intimate album to date.
“You’re Gonna Live Forever in Me” is different stylistically from much of Mayer’s past work. The song, which is simple in its sound, has deep lyrics about an intense, all-consuming love.
Mayer sings, “Parts of me were made by you, And planets keep their distance too. The moon's got a grip on the sea,” implying that no matter the distance between the two lovers, they will always be intertwined and have a “grip” on one another. Although the two lovers will not reunite romantically, Mayer acknowledges that this love is so deep that it will live forever in his own heart. Mayer has no ill will towards this ex-lover, instead he alludes to his presence at her wedding day: “And when the pastor asks the pews, for reasons he can't marry you. I'll keep my word and my seat.”
The song is filled with beautiful metaphors about the strength of this love, alluding to the fact that it will even survive the end of the world. “You’re Gonna Live Forever in Me” will absolutely go down as one of Mayer’s greatest hits lyrically.
“Never On the Day You Leave” is another song about leaving a love behind. Mayer explains, that when ending a relationship, you never consider all the seemingly little moments that you will grow to miss.
“No, it’s never on the day you leave that you remember Christmas Eve, and all the things you miss about her crazy family,” Mayer sings. “You'll hear an old familiar sound and hope it's her when you turn around. But never, never on the day you leave.”
The song ends with a reflection by Mayer: “So maybe it’d be better off to write her and leave a little note right there beside her that says maybe we're not perfect, but I'll be damned if I ever leave.”
“In the Blood” is another standout song and is a departure from the album’s love song continuum. The track will undoubtedly make listeners ask themselves: how much of us are predestined, do we really have any control over who we are, who will we become in our lifetimes?
“How much of my mother has my mother left in me?” Mayer asks. “How much of my father am I destined to become?”
The lyrics reveal the lasting impression Mayer’s family members have had on him as he begs the question: “Could I change it if I wanted/Could I rise above the flood? Will it wash out in the water or is it always in the blood?”
“In the Blood” is one of Mayer’s absolute best lyrically, and is reminiscent of old school Mayer’s sound.
“My record has one name in the parentheses on every song, and it’s my name," he told the New York Times. “That’s important.”
For fans, at the very least, the album is a testament to Mayer’s longevity as a triple threat: a lyricist, musician and singer.
(03/07/17 8:44pm)
By Samantha Roberts
Staff Writer
If you choose a job you love, you will never have to work a day in your life: an age-old adage alumnus Esteban Martinez (’11) challenged in his Brown Bag lecture entitled “From Dreams to Films” on Friday, March 3, in Mayo Concert Hall.
Martinez, a documentary filmmaker, discussed the process of turning one’s dreams into a reality.
“You will only work harder” when you reach your dreams, he said. “You will want to do more."
Martinez first realized this when he left his job with the Philadelphia Eagles as a front end web developer to pursue his dreams as a filmmaker, a transition that came with several sacrifices, he said.
“Even though I worked for the Philadelphia Eagles, which is great on paper, it wasn’t what I wanted to do,” Martinez said. “I knew that my passion was video.”
Martinez set goals for himself, made the transition and is now a videographer who’s done competitive fighting game coverage for companies like Red Bull, Bandai Namco and ESPN. His first big project, however, was a film of his own: “FGC: Rise of the Fighting Game Community,” in which he documented the culture of competitive fighting games like Capcom’s “Street Fighter.”
According to Martinez, the transition from web development to video did come at a cost.
“I didn’t have a social life for two years,” he said. “I spent most of my days at my computer with (the editing software Adobe) Premiere open.
“There were steps I took to balance things out,” he said. “Like choosing what and how to sacrifice in order to stay sane and keep myself on deadline.”
Martinez said everyone will have different priorities, and it’s up to the individual to find the balance that’s right for them.
One ambition Martinez set for himself was to “get a documentary out as soon as possible while also maintaining quality, telling a story and being well done,” he said.
“FGC: Rise of the Fighting Game Community” was a culmination of all these goals.
Another goal of Martinez’s was to make his projects digestible and easily understood, even to those outside of the gaming community. He joked that although his grandmother hadn’t yet seen the film, she was his goal, as someone that had no familiarity with these kinds of gaming competitions.
Andrea Palermo, a senior elementary education and iSTEM double major, believed Martinez’s clips did their job.
“As someone who is not involved in gaming, I can still say that I received and understood his message,” Palmero said after seeing a portion of the film. “The film was very well done and professional.”
Martinez also hoped to have a seamless transition in turning his visions into reality, however, this was and is not always the case in the creative processes.
Martinez discussed having his camera break mid-filming and having his mics go out during production. While these were setbacks, quick thinking led Esteban to improvise, something he says is crucial in filmmaking or any similar pursuit.
When Martinez covered the Capcom Cup 2016 “Street Fighter 5” tournament for ESPN, these adaptation skills were put to the test yet again. Martinez needed to mold his shooting style to the needs of his client. He was also filming in a dark arena and was asked to provide an abundance of crowd footage, so he dedicated much more of his time than usual finding the best crowd shots possible.
Martinez said he faced great pressure working with a crew he’d just met and knowing his footage would air on ESPN2 the next day. Still, he rose to the occasion.
Martinez took questions from the audience and ended with what he believed was the key to his success.
“If you want to do something, then do it,” he said. “If you’re not motivated by yourself, no one will be able to push you. You’ve gotta be the one to start the car.”
(10/22/14 10:58pm)
Halloween candy, pumpkin-flavored everything and bright and beautiful colors are just a few of our favorite fall things. However, our favorite has definitely got to be the cozy casual style that comes with the chillier weather.
This week, we found sophomore communications major Nicole DeStefano on her way to class dressed perfectly for the fall.
We asked Nicole how she would describe this outfit, and her fall style overall, and she said “laidback. In the fall, you’ll always find me in oversized clothing and my converse.” Here, Nicole rocks a basic oversized white tee, a pair of ripped jeans, converse sneakers, and an oversized flannel. Our favorite thing about Nicole’s outfit? Its simplicity.
Recreate Nicole’s casual fall look by pairing your favorite pair of boyfriend jeans with any oversized t-shirt. The two of us chose this pale gray off-the-shoulder tee, courtesy of Urban Outfitters, because we think it’s the perfect combination of comfortable and cute. Finish off your look by adding a lacey bralette and your high-top white converse sneakers (which are probably old and beaten up if you’re like the two of us... thank you, TCNJ night life). On a chillier day, throw on your oversized flannel or your cargo jacket to stay warm, all while looking adorable.
Nicole’s ensemble, a long with our rendition, is perfect for next weekend’s homecoming festivities. What better way to kick back at TCNJ’s homecoming tailgate and football game then by doing so comfortably, and in style? We can’t wait and hope to see you there!
Until Next Time,
From the Roberts
(09/19/14 2:56am)
By Samantha Roberts and Raquel Roberts
Bloggers
If you’re like us Roberts sisters, then you’re dreading the thought of saying your final goodbyes to summer. Summer is typically a time of little worries, beautiful weather, and lax fashion trends. But lucky for us warm-weather-loving ladies, we have a few short weeks left of being able to dress to accommodate our favorite season. By slowly incorporating fall trends into our summer ensembles, we can make the transition from summer to fall just about seamless.
Sarah Lederer, a freshman business major, is all about dressing cute for the warm weather; she said, “I love dressing for the summer because it is so easy to look cute. On a typical summer day, I just throw on a sundress, some jewelry, and my favorite pair of sunglasses." And of course, Sarah incorporates her summer wear into the transition to fall weather: Sarah typically throws on “a lightweight scarf, a pair of booties, or my favorite jean jacket. You’ll always find me in one of these in the fall.” By incorporating the right fall accessories into you summertime looks, the fashion transition isn’t all that bad. Sarah said, “Transitioning to fall style is actually pretty fun. I love bringing different accessories into the mix, because they make me feel like I have a million more outfit options.”
Like Sarah, you can transition your style from summer to fall by pairing your favorite warm-weather pieces with the right accessories. Recreate Sarah’s look by starting off with this Brandy Melville double strapped, low back dress. The dress’s pattern and its natural tones have “fall” written all over them, while its cut is still reminiscent of summer. Pair this adorable dress with a pair of fall-inspired faux leather booties and a matching faux, colorblocked satchel. And for the finishing touch? All you’ll need is a light washed denim jacket. A jean jacket is the perfect fall time staple. While you’ll be getting lots of use out of this piece, there is still no need to splurge! Maintain your budget by snagging this one from H&M for only $29.95.
By slowly incorporating fall accessories and staples into your summer wardrobe, you will be able to smoothly transition from seasons, all while holding on to the last days of summer!
Until Next Time,
From The Roberts
(05/08/14 10:46pm)
By Raquel Roberts and Samantha Roberts
Bloggers
Springtime style spotted: The fashionistas of TCNJ were spotted this week sporting some pretty adorable outfits. Two of our particular favorites were completely different, but they both had “spring” written all over them.
Sophomore communication studies major Rashida Ricketts was spotted wearing a fabulous all-white ensemble around campus this week. And while Rashida’s sophisticated white outfit doesn’t apply to the whole “no white before memorial day and after labor day” style “rule,” we think that her white-on-white outfit was perfectly balanced out by her springtime accessories. White is typically a summertime color. But if you’re like Rashida and can incorporate spring trends into your style, you will totally be able to rock this sleek look this season. Rashida finished off her polished look by adding a colorful, patterned clutch and gold accessories, including a fabulous statement necklace. You go, girl!
To find out how to recreate Rashida’s classy look, keep reading:
Pair this white crocheted Forever 21 cami with a matching pair of white jeans. We absolutely love these jeans, courtesy of Urban Outfitters, because of their fun lace up bottom. Take a note from Rashida and accessorize your outfit by adding a patterned bag or clutch and gold chunky jewelry.
Contrasting Rashida’s super sweet look, we spotted sophomore psychology major Aleta Nadolny traipsing around in an edgy springtime ensemble this week. Aleta’s outfit is comprised of a tribal print high-low skirt, a black tank, a pair of adorable moccasins and a beaded cross body bag. We asked Aleta what her favorite part about her outfit was and she said it was her tribal print skirt. She said, “I love this skirt — it’s one of my favorite buys, for sure, because the print is like an outfit in itself. It doesn’t really require much else.” And we couldn’t agree more! Keep it up, Aleta!
To find out how you can rock a high-low skirt like Aleta does, keep reading:
Tobi’s Low Ombre Skirt is fun, flirty and totally amazing for the springtime. To keep the tribal vibe of Aleta’s outfit, pair this skirt with these beautiful Diane von Fürstenberg’s Fisher Bootie, which include some killer fringe and braids. As for the perfect accessories? Choose this Free People Coin Crop necklace and this edgy Free People Steel Snake Armlet. This outfit is perfect for a day spent with family or friends enjoying the glorious spring weather. And if you add a heel, this outfit is instantaneously date-night worthy!
Keep up the good work, ladies!
Sincerely,
From The Roberts
(04/13/14 3:03pm)
By Raquel Roberts and Samantha Roberts
Bloggers
While the two of us are obsessed with the spring for its promise of beautiful weather, we mostly love the season for its adorable fashion trends. Spring is the perfect time to experiment with your style, so add some fringe, color or pattern into your wardrobe and see how easy it is to be trendy.
Below, we have compiled a few of our all time favorite spring ensembles (channeling our inner Oprah minus the “everyone gets a car” bit … wouldn’t that be nice?), so keep reading to find out how you can sport one of our favorite trends this season:
This spring, the two of us are head over heels for bold patterns. In particular, we’re really lovin’ bright tie-dyes and florals.
Pictured above is one of our all time favorite jumpsuits — the Urban Outfitters tie-dye jumpsuit is an outfit all on its own. As it is, we LOVE jumpsuits, but when you add the perfect pattern to the mix? Outfit = flawless.
Another patterned piece that we adore is this Brandy Melville floral halter. This top is ideal for layering: pair it with a fringe kimono or your favorite high-waisted bottoms for a perfect little outfit.
We also are crazy about this Nasty Gal UNIF I skirt. This piece is fresh, fun and flirty all thanks to its bright colors and funky cut.
If heavy-duty patterns typically aren’t in your comfort zone, then sport a less-bold accessory, such as this Aztec clutch! As you can see, patterned pieces like these can be instrumental in taking any outfit from boring to bold.
After a painfully long winter filled with drab colors, the two of us couldn’t be any more excited to be able to sport some of our all time favorite colorful pieces. The two of us love this Forever 21 dress; not only is its hot pink shade perfect for spring, but the dress is also backless, which makes it super flirty and appropriate for the season. This spring we’re also lovin bright skater skirts. Try on this red one, courtesy of Forever 21, to add some necessary color to your wardrobe.
And what better way to take your outfit from basic to fabulous than by adding bright, bold accessories? Pair your colorful skater skirt with some funky accessories, such as a pair of these ever-so-adorable heart shaped sunglasses. We’re obsessed!! And for those ladies who are more color-reserved, colorful accessories will be your BFF this season. Pair an outfit that has a more neutral pallet with any of the bright accessories above for a much-needed pop of color.
The two of us are forever obsessed with fringe. Add a little bit of fringe to your outfit for a chill, springtime vibe. The both of us absolutely love kimonos, but for extra style, choose the printed kimono with fringe over the latter.
If a fringe kimono doesn’t do the trick for you this season, try this adorable romper with waistline fringing. Rompers are extremely figure flattering and this touch of fringe will give you the all the style brownie points you need.
Another fringe item that the two of us can’t live without is the perfect crossbody bag. We both couldn’t be any more obsessed with this gorgeous fringe bag from Nordstrom. Add this accessory to your adorable springtime ensemble for the perfect finishing touch.
Dress fashionably this season by incorporating bold patterns, bright colors and fringe accents in your style: add one of our favorites to your wardrobe this spring and see how your style flourishes!
Sincerely,
From the Roberts
(04/08/14 7:58pm)
By Raquel Roberts and Samantha Roberts
Bloggers
Spring is a time of warm weather, bursts of bright colors and killer fashion trends. From layering to bold patterns, the styles of this season are seen widely throughout the fashion world, and the College is no different — students alike are spotted across campus sporting these trends.
This week, we spotted sophomore communication studies major Cat Castaldo sporting classic distressed jeans and a layered tank combo. Although we adore Cat’s jeans since they are light-washed and perfect for the season, we agree that the real showstopper of her outfit is her layered lace bralette and tank. Beneath an oversized charcoal cardigan, Cat donned a black bralette and simple white cami. We think that the adorableness of this outfit is in its simplicity. Who knew that being so fashionable could be so effortless?
Below, we have recreated Cat’s adorable ensemble. Don’t worry, ladies — this look definitely won’t be draining your bank accounts.
To recreate Cat’s look, start by layering a maroon lace bralette with a dual strap Brandy Melville tank. To add a little extra spring flair, opt for a baby-pink cardigan (we love this one, courtesy of Nasty Gal). After all, nothing says spring quite like blush pink! Next, pair the layered top combo with light-washed jeans from Urban Outfitters. To finish off this relaxed look, add a pair of Forever21 sneakers for extra comfort and springtime stylishness.
Likewise, this week, freshman interactive multimedia major Sam Williams was spotted wearing another of our favorite spring trends: printed bottoms. Printed bottoms are huge this season: from floral to Aztec to tie-dye, as Sam sported. A pair of patterned pants can make for the perfect spring outfit.
Sam’s tie-dye leggings, oversized hoodless sweatshirt, ballet flats and accessories created the perfect laid-back spring look.
Printed pants are statement pieces within themselves, so we appreciated that Sam finished off her outfit with more simple pieces.
To find out how to rock an outfit similar to Sam’s (of course without breakin’ the bank), keep reading:
First, you’ll need a pair of patterned bottoms. While we love Sam’s tie-dyed leggings, we are also crazy about floral Harem pants this season. In this case, either will do! Pair off your bottoms with an oversized pullover sweatshirt. The rose pink color of this Forever21 Longline Pullover makes this top all too perfect for the season. Then, finish off your outfit with simple accessories: a layered necklace, a pair of suede ballet flats and a cross-body bag will do just the trick!
These TCNJ fashionistas have shown that creating the perfect look for spring can be oh so simple. Good job, girls!
Sincerely,
From the Roberts
(03/30/14 11:50am)
By Raquel Roberts and Samantha Roberts
Bloggers
Dread not fashionistas of the world! Spring is finally on it’s way despite the very long and harsh winter. And with the much-anticipated arrival of spring, we would like to talk about our new favorite trend for the season: jumpsuits.
Jumpsuits are a one-stop-shop, making them the easiest (and the cutest) style to rock for every occasion. Below, we have featured a few of our favorite jumpsuit ensembles. Keep reading to find out how to get the style of an A-lister all while keeping a college student’s budget:
We absolutely adore Selena Gomez for her bold fashion choices, and this outfit is no exception to her rockin’ style. Here, Selena pairs her boyfriend style overalls with an itsy bitsy halter bralette. To polish off her edgy look, Selena sports a pair of single-strapped heels with her perfect, boxy tote.
Selena’s boyfriend style jean overalls are extremely laid-back, whereas her accessories add some class to her outfit. To inexpensively recreate Selena’s look, all you’ll need is a pair of distressed overalls, a patterned bralette, a pair of single strapped heels and a neutral colored, boxy tote. With these inexpensive yet adorable pieces, you too will be able to rock Sel’s jumpsuit style.
Even TCNJ students are sporting this new trend for the spring. Here, freshman biology major Megan McPhee pairs her adorable Forever 21 Aztec printed jumpsuit with a cropped blazer and adorable electric blue booties (absolutely perfect for the spring). We love everything about this look of Megan’s.
Style icon Olivia Palermo always brings her fashion A-game, and if anyone can rock a sleek jumpsuit, it’s this girl. The two of us are obsessed with virtually every outfit that this fashionista has ever donned, including this sleek look.
Here, Palermo rocks a low-cut, black jumpsuit and a fitted varsity jacket to add some edge. Palermo finishes off her look with a pair of suede, high-heeled booties and a cream colored belt to add some definition to her waist.
To inexpensively recreate Palermo’s look, pair this deep V Nastygal jumpsuit with this baseball varsity jacket from LuLu’s. Accessorize your jumpsuit by adding this studded waist belt from Forever 21 and this lace bralette from Free People.
There you have it — a perfect ensemble for a night out with your girls.
Sincerely,
From the Roberts
(03/02/14 3:32pm)
By Raquel Roberts and Samantha Roberts
Bloggers
An island getaway is the perfect escape from the harsh reality of being a college student. But sadly, this isn’t in the cards for all of us this spring break. Whether your plans include lounging on a beach with a margarita in your hand and your bestie by your side or visiting your friends at other universities, you can keep up your grade-A style without breaking the bank. Below we have put together a few spring break ensembles that are ever so perfect for each occasion.
Who knew it was possible to look this adorable while soaking up the rays? Pair this charming Forever 21 crochet bikini with an oversized beach blouse, your favorite pair of sunglasses, a distressed denim beach tote and a straw fedora to create a look that’s perfect for a beach day with the girls. We’re obsessed with the high neckline of the bikini top. But the best part? It’s cheap enough that you can still afford that martini on your island getaway.
We Roberts sisters will be spending spring break visiting friends at other colleges. For this occasion, we both agree that your outfit should be a mix of flirty and sweet. Here, we paired TOBI Grey Sky Shorts with a long-sleeved off-the-shoulder top. These two items are a perfect pair because the off the shoulder top is sexy while the lace shorts keep the outfit innocent. Finish off the look by adding a scalloped headband, a pair of high heel booties and your favorite cross body bag. There ya have it, you’re ready for a night out with the gals.
Here’s to hoping that you all have a great (and fashionable) spring break!
Sincerely,
From The Roberts