Starr Shapiro, Columbia University, Author at Study Breaks

HASfit Is Perfect for Staying Physically And Mentally Fit at Home

Starr Shapiro, Columbia University

The YouTube channel provides a fun, free, inclusive and COVID-proof way to work out.…

October 8, 2020

In an article about @soyouwanttotalkabout, an illustration by Daisy Daniel's of a phone with the words progressive politics on it

@Soyouwanttotalkabout Makes It Easy To Stay Politically Informed

Starr Shapiro, Columbia University

This Instagram account has everything you need to know about current politics and social justice issues.…

September 26, 2020

illustration by Daisy Daniels of a water slide in Class Action Park

‘Class Action Park’ Highlights the Human Cost of Unbridled Fun

Starr Shapiro, Columbia University

Ever wondered what would happen if a theme park had no rules? This documentary is your chance to find out — from a safe distance.…

September 18, 2020

Sentencing of Lori Loughlin Proves That There Is Privilege in Punishment

Starr Shapiro, Columbia University

Guilty of participating in the biggest fraud in the history of college admissions, Aunt Becky and her spouse will spend only a few months in jail.…

September 8, 2020

Illustration by Ellen Budell of a truck as depicted in "Carrier"

‘Carrier’ Demonstrates How Audio Dramas Can Help Fill Our Theater Void

Starr Shapiro, Columbia University

The thrilling listening experience proves that the genre is our best chance at getting a taste of live theater during the pandemic.…

August 31, 2020

Mike from Mike's Mic holding a box of nerds

Mike’s Mic Is the YouTuber Every Gen Zer Needs Right Now

Starr Shapiro, Columbia University

With his witty sense of humor and wildly entertaining opinions, the Australian star's YouTube channel is perfect for this generation's present predicament of pain.…

August 22, 2020

‘World Of Dance’ Does Not Treat All Dance Styles Equally

Starr Shapiro, Columbia University

It has all the elements of great dance competition TV, but, especially before Season 4, the judges have consistently proved that they unfairly favor hip-hop over other dance styles.…

August 19, 2020

Illustration by Daisy Daniels of the TV shows

5 TV Shows to Hold You Over During the Pandemic’s TV Lull

Starr Shapiro, Columbia University

Quarantine has greatly slowed production of new television programming, but have no fear. Here is some must-watch content from recent years that you can watch right now.…

August 13, 2020

Illustration by Ellen Budell of Raven, the star of That's So Raven

‘That’s So Raven’ Models How Children’s Shows Should Discuss Race

Starr Shapiro, Columbia University

The Disney Channel sitcom may have been made in the early 2000s, but their representation of racism feels like a gaze into the future.…

August 5, 2020

‘Wind of Change’ Highlights Political Intrigue in Art and Culture

Starr Shapiro, Columbia University

The podcast takes a conspiracy theory seriously to reveal how the CIA has influenced art in the past — and could very well still be doing so.…

July 29, 2020

Illustration by Ellen Budell of the Netflix show Unsolved Mysteries

‘Unsolved Mysteries’ Proves That the Allure Of Unsolved Crime Is Timeless

Starr Shapiro, Columbia University

Netflix's recent reboot taps into people’s fascination with unresolved cases in the hopes of getting justice for victims and their families.…

July 24, 2020

Illustration by Daisy Daniels of an individual free writing

Free Writing Provides a Powerful Way To Escape Writer’s Block

Starr Shapiro, Columbia University

This exercise is one of the best ways to help authors overcome feeling stuck. Following certain guidelines of the practice will ensure success.…

July 15, 2020

Ben & Jerry’s Stands Strong in the Fight Against Racial Injustice

Starr Shapiro, Columbia University

The company’s powerful statement and meaningful actions in support of the Black Lives Matter movement stand out. Other companies should take note.…

July 9, 2020

Illustration by Ellen Budell of two individuals participating in a Trust Exercise

‘Trust Exercise’ Takes a Worthwhile Risk With Unlikable Characters

Starr Shapiro, Columbia University

Susan Choi's novel defies conventional wisdom about fiction and intentionally creates characters that are hard to relate to — making a unique, compelling read in the process.…

June 30, 2020