Spotify for free on tablets and smartphones
Spotify, my favorite music streaming service, earned some extra brownie points from yours truly when it announced last month that it would begin offering its mobile and tablet applications for free — a change for the previously subscription-based apps.
Playlists can be streamed in a shuffle mode while using the mobile app, and its tablet counterpart offers full Spotify functionality. Of course, each is populated with ads. But hey, I can deal with a 30-second spot advertising some far-flung online university every now and again. No big deal.
I didn’t get the opportunity to take advantage of the new technology over Winter Break, but I’m really getting into it now that I’m back on campus. My entire library of playlists — none of which cost me anything — is available to me as I walk to campus and from class to class. And with WiFi connectivity spanning most of campus, I’m not even depleting my iPhone data allotment for the month.
Instead of listening to the same several high-school-era albums that are saved on my phone, I now have everything I’ve “starred” at my fingertips. So thanks, Spotify. You’re the music streaming service I’ve always wanted.
Jim Ryan,
Asst. Managing Editor
Community Season Five
Anyone who knows me will tell you that I’m far too attached to television. It’s my best friend, and saying goodbye to my favorite characters when a series comes to an end is equally as painful as saying goodbye to real humans.
On the flipside, welcoming back my favorite shows is a most joyous occasion, and I’m thrilled to welcome shows like Community, Parks and Recreation, The Mindy Project and Scandal with open arms.
Most exciting, Community finds itself with creator Dan Harmon back at the helm for season five after his unceremonious firing following season three. I’ve been thrilled with the first three episodes, from the character Abed’s channeling of Nicolas Cage to the return of comedian John Oliver — and not to mention the addition of Breaking Bad’s Jonathon Banks. Catch the comedy Thursdays on NBC at 8 p.m., and while you’re at it check out Harmon’s podcast, Harmontown, available through iTunes.
Nicolien Buholzer,
Managing Editor
Girls Season Three
Admittedly, much like its protagonists, Girls is a show that is not without its faults. Besides the fact that the show always lives under the assumption of being Sex in the City-like, there was the uneven and too self-serious second half of season two that saw the show loosing the comedic self-awareness that made the first season so rewarding.
Although it’s still too early to tell, based on the first two episodes of season three, it looks like the show is finally coming back to form. Jessa is back and funnier than ever, and the show seems more aware of its strengths. It’s possible that this season three will go down in quality again like the last season did. But, from the look of things, it appears the show is back in full force.
Will Ashton,
For The Post
