Emerson College's student newspaper

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College's student newspaper

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College's student newspaper

The Berkeley Beacon

Latest from Lucia Thorne
Illustration Lucia Thorne

[Photo] What the hell happened to Wendy’s money?

April 13, 2022

Illustration Lucia Thorne

A Thanksgiving on-campus: a guide to an improvised feast on campus

A Thanksgiving on-campus: a guide to an improvised feast on campus

By Lucia Thorne, Editor-In-Chief
February 4, 2022

Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce piled high on plates across a long table have come to symbolize thanksgiving — a holiday famous for its food. But, for some Emerson students staying...

Letter from the Editor: The Beacon’s shortcomings and how we will improve

Letter from the Editor: The Beacon’s shortcomings and how we will improve

By Lucia Thorne, Editor-in-Chief
January 13, 2022

It’s been a year and a half since The Beacon began a process that had been long overdue: reckoning with the racism within our organization. As our new editor-in-chief, I’m writing to update you on...

The entrance to a vaccination clinic on Tremont Street.

Emerson to require booster shots for all community members before spring semester

By Lucia Thorne and Charlie McKenna
December 8, 2021

Emerson will require all students, faculty, and staff to receive a COVID-19 booster shot prior to the beginning of the spring semester, college officials announced Wednesday. The decision comes just...

Vaccine mandates arent fascism; theyre a public health imperative

Vaccine mandates aren’t fascism; they’re a public health imperative

By Shannon Garrido and Lucia Thorne
November 11, 2021

Life gets you down sometimes, and that’s understandable. But if you ever feel worthless or unwanted, just remember this past Sunday, a group of what are clearly very “well-rounded” individuals gathered...

Two dogs dressed as a bride and groom at the parade.

Annual Doggone Halloween Costume Parade brings spooky festivities Downtown

By Lucia Thorne
November 4, 2021

Tricks and dog treats took over Downtown Crossing this Halloween as the annual Doggone Halloween Costume Parade made its triumphant return to Summer Street between Washington and Hawley Streets on Sunday.  The...

Halloween is back! Here are some ways to celebrate the spooky holiday

Halloween is back! Here are some ways to celebrate the spooky holiday

By Lucia Thorne
October 21, 2021

After missing out on tricks and treats last year, a somewhat normal Halloween is finally here and it's time to get in the spooky spirit.  Whether you’re dying to spend the night out or you’d rather...

American exceptionalism foreshadowed our pandemic response

American exceptionalism foreshadowed our pandemic response

By Lucia Thorne
October 21, 2021

As Americans, we have been taught to believe that the U.S. is the pinnacle of what a nation should be. To question the authority of our nation would be borderline-treasonous, as this is the best the world...

Get the vaccine, your lack of sympathy is showing

Get the vaccine, your lack of sympathy is showing

By Lucia Thorne
October 14, 2021

When the general population became eligible for the vaccine on April 19, cases, hospitalizations, and deaths drastically declined, providing the much-needed glimmer of hope.  But with the arrival of...

Disneyland is back: here’s what it was like to return to ‘the most magical place on earth’

Disneyland is back: here’s what it was like to return to ‘the most magical place on earth’

By Lucia Thorne
June 1, 2021

After a little over a year, the wait was over. I woke up at five in the morning, left the house by six and got into line at seven, at 8 on the dot. Then, I had my temperature and bag checked and my ticket...

Five safe ways to say goodbye to friends before the spring semester ends

Five safe ways to say goodbye to friends before the spring semester ends

By Lucia Thorne
April 21, 2021

As the end of the spring semester rapidly approaches, conversations with friends about who’s moving out and when are already among us. While positive COVID-19 tests on campus have risen significantly...

The way we experience the weather says a lot about our positionality and our privilege.

[Photo] Climate change is detrimental for people living in poverty

April 21, 2021

The way we experience the weather says a lot about our positionality and our privilege.

Helen Keller, with her secretary and close friend, Polly Thompson.

Bright Lights’ screening ‘Her Socialist Smile,’ shines light on Helen Keller’s activism

By Lucia Thorne
April 14, 2021

In Emerson’s latest Bright Lights film screening on April 7 and 8, “Her Socialist Smile” delves into Helen Keller’s affinity for the implementation of socialism, ending the exploitation of the...

AMC Theater by the Common.

Movies don’t need to be a cinematic masterpiece to be worthwhile

By Lucia Thorne
April 8, 2021

As we all start slowly returning to sitting in front of the big screen, a once-wide selection of movie showings is lacking as a result of the pandemic. We can either see screenings of classics or movies...

It’s one thing to engage in fearmongering by spreading conspiracy theories on a Facebook message board, and another to give them more coverage on prominent news platforms.

[Photo] Fear-mongering in the media has spiraled out of control

April 7, 2021

It’s one thing to engage in fearmongering by spreading conspiracy theories on a Facebook message board, and another to give them more coverage on prominent news platforms.

Let it Sing: A Cabaret of Color

Third annual ‘Cabaret of Color’ highlights BIPOC performers

By Campbell Parish and Lucia Thorne
April 1, 2021

The pandemic may have halted live stage productions, but it can’t stop the Musical Theatre Society’s third annual Cabaret of Color from showcasing Emerson’s BIPOC student talent.  Created by...

The Office of Financial Aid in the Union Bank Building.

Yearly tuition increases should not become the norm

By Shannon Garrido and Lucia Thorne
March 31, 2021

On March 15, Emerson announced a “flexibility week” meant to tackle the steady decline of students’ mental health. That same week, it was announced that not only will Emerson students not receive...

Unless you are a business mogul or a Rockefeller, shrinking your carbon footprint will not create the same level of difference that a corporation would by changing their waste methods.

[Photo] Private corporations must be held accountable for climate change, not the American public

March 25, 2021

Unless you are a business mogul or a Rockefeller, shrinking your carbon footprint will not create the same level of difference that a corporation would by changing their waste methods.

Heres some tips and tricks from The Beacon editorial board on getting vaccinated.

[Photo] When will I get the vaccine?

March 19, 2021

Here's some tips and tricks from The Beacon editorial board on getting vaccinated.

Museum visitors in the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

How cultural institutions have adapted to the pandemic one year later

By Lucia Thorne, Living Arts Editor
March 18, 2021

While the pandemic rages on after more than a year has passed since it began, Americans’ go-to outlets for entertainment look quite different from how they did a year ago.  Making whipped coffee...

As someone who struggles with mental illnesses myself, I can say with complete conviction this hybrid learning model has been detrimental to my health.

Adapting to hybrid learning is a privilege

By Lucia Thorne
March 17, 2021

Trigger warning: This op-ed discusses topics related to mental illness. After a year of experimenting with new forms of learning in an attempt to simulate an in-person experience, it is quite evident...

More than a year of our college experience has been lost forever, and the scary reality of graduating into a pandemic looms ahead.

[Photo] A year of loss and disappointment: what the pandemic has taken from us

March 17, 2021

More than a year of our college experience has been lost forever, and the scary reality of graduating into a pandemic looms ahead.

Emerson Sweetss nutella mousse cups

First-year student business ‘Emerson Sweets’ brings a sprinkle of sugar to Boston campus

By Lucia Thorne, Living Arts Editor
March 10, 2021

First-year visual and media arts major Salwa Shuman recently launched her new baked goods business through Instagram on March 3, titled Emerson Sweets. Shuman sells various types of desserts including...

Floor Wars flyer and drop-off area on 13th floor of Little Building

[Photo] Emerson Flows helps combat period poverty one pad at a time

March 11, 2021

Floor Wars flyer and drop-off area on 13th floor of Little Building

Gov. Abbott’s rollback of mask mandates, as well as allowing businesses to open at full capacity, threatens to accelerate COVID spread even further.

[Photo] Texas, please stop embarrassing me

March 9, 2021

Gov. Abbott’s rollback of mask mandates, as well as allowing businesses to open at full capacity, threatens to accelerate COVID spread even further.

Although we already live in a digital age, the pandemic made us even more reliant on technology than ever before.

[Photo] The need for digital knowledge is more important than ever

March 6, 2021

Although we already live in a digital age, the pandemic made us even more reliant on technology than ever before.

Algorithm bias researcher Joy Buolamwini showing the racist faults in the Aspire Mirror.

‘Coded Bias’ latest screening from Bright Lights Film Series, highlights racial bias in AI

By Lucia Thorne, Living Arts Editor
March 2, 2021

Artificial intelligence, defined as “the development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence,” has the potential to shape the future of every industry. Yet...

I convinced myself that people could see my loneliness, radiating like an inverted aura that stigmatized me into something wretched and weak.

[Photo] Confronting my loneliness was a double-edged sword

March 1, 2021

I convinced myself that people could see my loneliness, radiating like an inverted aura that stigmatized me into something wretched and weak.

2019 Awards Ceremony for Go Carbon Neutral! A Transportation Challenge

Museum of Science, Boston to host third annual ‘Go Carbon Neutral!’ competition virtually

By Lucia Thorne, Living Arts Editor
February 28, 2021

The Museum of Science, Boston is adapting to the pandemic while encouraging college students to combat climate change by holding its third annual “Go Carbon Neutral! A Transportation Challenge” online...

I am aware that my work has lots of room for improvement, but I am proud of myself for starting after being discouraged in my youth.

[Photo] Creating art is not limited to just artists

February 23, 2021

I am aware that my work has lots of room for improvement, but I am proud of myself for starting after being discouraged in my youth.

Drug overdose is the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 50, and companies like McKinsey have benefited from it the most.

[Photo] America’s opioid epidemic lies in the health care system

February 16, 2021

Drug overdose is the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 50, and companies like McKinsey have benefited from it the most.

Discussion and Q&A with Tim Gunn

Department of Marketing Communications speaker series begins with guest Tim Gunn

By Lucia Thorne, Living Arts Editor
February 14, 2021

Tuesday, Feb. 9 marked the beginning of the Department of Marketing Communications’ four-part spring semester speaker series, “Rethinking Consumer Engagement: Leading with Empathy, Equity and Integrity”,...

As much as the game itself may have been disappointing, how many events like this have truly felt right since the start of this pandemic?

[Photo] Superbowl traditions this year just weren’t the same

February 13, 2021

As much as the game itself may have been disappointing, how many events like this have truly felt right since the start of this pandemic?

Demonstrates carry a peace sign flag on Boston Common in reaction to Joe Bidens presidential victory on Saturday, November 7, 2020.

As a journalist, I still deserve to have an opinion

By Lucia Thorne
February 10, 2021

As journalists, we are taught that objectivity is the key to good reporting. We’re taught we must not allow our biases to seep into our reporting and writing. We either must keep our opinions to ourselves...

Still from Down a Dark Stairwell

ArtsEmerson screens film ‘Down a Dark Stairwell,’ hosts post-film discussion

By Lucia Thorne, Living Arts Editor
February 10, 2021

During a post-screening chat about her new documentary “Down a Dark Stairwell” hosted by ArtsEmerson, journalist-turned-director Ursula Liang said she was drawn to Akai Gurley’s case–who was shot...

Broadway Smashes COVID virtual event poster

Non-profit ‘Health Care Without Walls’ to host virtual Broadway fundraiser

By Lucia Thorne
February 3, 2021

In an effort to raise funds for their organization, the Wellesley-based non-profit Health Care Without Walls (HCWW) is hosting the “Broadway Smashes COVID” virtual benefit on Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. EST....

Calling for unity in America—to once again use the trite politics-as-a-sport metaphor—is like calling for peace in the middle of a football game. It isn’t going to happen.

[Photo] Unity in America is a far-off dream

February 3, 2021

Calling for unity in America—to once again use the trite politics-as-a-sport metaphor—is like calling for peace in the middle of a football game. It isn’t going to happen.

Detail shot from “Hurricane Lost”

Emerson Contemporary introduces spring Media Arts exhibition “Hurricane Lost”

By Lucia Thorne
January 27, 2021

To kick off the spring semester, Emerson Contemporary’s Media Art Gallery is hosting Boston-based interdisciplinary artist Georgie Friedman’s Hurricane Lost sculptural media art exhibition.  The...

Even though the world is forced to adapt to the pandemic, the fashion world may never be the same again.

[Photo] Could the pandemic get rid of fast fashion for good?

January 26, 2021

Even though the world is forced to adapt to the pandemic, the fashion world may never be the same again.

Instead of creating self-confidence by erasing long standing insecurities, these procedures sometimes transfer those insecurities onto other people.

[Photo] Social media normalizes plastic surgery in a dangerous way

January 17, 2021

Instead of creating self-confidence by erasing long standing insecurities, these procedures sometimes transfer those insecurities onto other people.

Alumnus and comedian Bill Burr 93 received his first Grammy nomination for his new comedy album, Paper Tiger.

Bill Burr ‘93 receives first Grammy nomination for comedy album ‘Paper Tiger’

By Lucia Thorne, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
December 14, 2020

Emerson alumnus Bill Burr ‘93 will have his first ever shot at a Grammy early next year after his newest Netflix comedy special, Paper Tiger, received a nomination for Best Comedy Album.  Paper Tiger...

Jacob Warman, the first-place winner of the 24 hour screenplay competition for his screenplay Glue Boards.

Mouse traps and sports drafts: Here are the winners of the 24 hour screenplay competition

By Lucia Thorne, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
November 16, 2020

When first-year Jacob Warman’s girlfriend suggested he write about a woman who regretted using mice glue traps, he did not think the idea would lead him to victory in the student-organized 24 hour screenplay...

45 Boston Ballet performers danced to Duke Ellington’s “Waltz of the Flowers,” outside the Boston Opera House, wearing street clothes as costumes.

Boston Ballet films performance outside Opera House for virtual season

By Lucia Thorne, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
November 9, 2020

Dancers of the Boston Ballet rejoiced Monday afternoon as they danced on Avenue de Lafayette for their first in-person performance since the pandemic spread through the country in March. This filmed performance...

Director Sam Feder and actress-writer Jen Richards discussed trans representation in Hollywood in their documentary Disclosure

VMA and SEAL hosts Q&A Panel with director and subject of “Disclosure”

By Lucia Thorne, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
November 8, 2020

Disclosure director Sam Feder and actress-writer Jen Richards discussed the documentary’s analysis of the ways trans representation in Hollywood both empowers and endangers trans lives at a Q&A panel...

A sign point to a polling place in Boston City Hall on Election Day Nov. 3

Stressed about the election? Here are some resources that can help

By Lucia Thorne, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
November 3, 2020

There’s a reason why Google posted a breathing exercise video to its Twitter account.  As the end of Election Day nears, political anxiety is much higher than previous elections. To add on to the...

8 laughable horror movies to watch for Halloween

8 laughable ‘horror’ movies to watch for Halloween

By Lucia Thorne
October 31, 2020

Watching horror movies is a go-to way to celebrate Halloween, especially for those too easily spooked to visit a haunted house or break out a Ouija board. The desire to binge-watch Halloween classics is...

Griswold 10 on the set of Quirewood: The Musical, which is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime.

Adam Griswold ’10 lands first musical on Amazon Prime

By Lucia Thorne, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
October 28, 2020

Filmmaker and alum Adam Griswold ‘10 spent years thinking about producing a musical, but he has now made his mark on the theatre world with the release of Quirewood! The Musical, now available on Amazon...

Megan Quirk sets up a plastic pumpkin basket outside a Colonial dorm in preparation for Halloween.

A Halloween without tricks or treats: How students are celebrating this year

By Lucia Thorne
October 14, 2020

The pandemic is making it trickier to get treats. Every year, the night of Oct. 31 normally calls for costume contests, frat parties, and trick-or-treating. But with the COVID-19 pandemic raging on,...

Alumnus and comedian Bill Burr 93 received his first Grammy nomination for his new comedy album, Paper Tiger.

Bill Burr ‘93 to host Saturday Night Live this weekend

By Lucia Thorne
October 8, 2020

Bill Burr ‘93 will host the second episode of Saturday Night Live’s 46th season this weekend on NBC with musical guest Morgan Wallen.  The Emerson alum has been an active stand-up comedian since...

During production of The Last Dance, Gregg Winik (right), current NBA Commissioner Adam Silver (left) and former NBA Commissioner David Stern prior to Game 5 of the 1998 NBA Finals.

Gregg Winik ’84 wins Emmy for docuseries “The Last Dance”

By Lucia Thorne
October 6, 2020

While documenting Michael Jordan’s last season with the Chicago Bulls in the late 1990s, Gregg Winik ‘84 and the rest of the NBA Entertainment film crew joked that the footage would become either a...

Scooby Doo in all his glory

First-year student wanders LB in Scooby Doo costume to ‘spread love’

By Lucia Thorne
October 1, 2020

To the surprise of many, residents of the Little Building earlier this week were graced by the presence of everyone’s favorite mystery-solving canine, Scooby Doo. Scooby, a student who requested to...

Freshman William Blackwell Kinney (left), Derek Delson (second from left) and Maxwell Reid created an activity for incoming freshman to participate in during orientation week: a 24 hour screenplay competition.

In lieu of first-year orientation, three students create DIY screenplay competition

By Lucia Thorne
September 23, 2020

After the pandemic pushed traditional freshman orientation into Zoom, new students Maxwell Reid, Derek Delson, and William Blackwell Kinney decided to put together an orientation activity of their own...

Load More Stories

Comments (0)

The Berkeley Beacon intends for this area to be used to foster healthy, thought-provoking discussion. Comments are expected to adhere to our standards and to be respectful and constructive. As such, we do not permit the use of profanity, foul language, personal attacks, or the use of language that might be interpreted as libelous. Comments are reviewed and must be approved by a moderator to ensure that they meet these standards. The Berkeley Beacon requires a valid email address. The email address will not be displayed but will be used to confirm your comments.
All The Berkeley Beacon Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest