Keeping warm, Gophers? These gray and sub-zero days pair splendidly with plenty of layers, a knit blanket and some clocked hours watching your favorite shows on the couch. Sure, you could be brave and venture out into the wintry abyss, or you could stay in and watch a stop-motion about felted guinea pig cars, a Hulu comedy or a post-apocalyptic plague show (in case you wanted to face reality head on by consuming it as an HBO dystopian drama). The Minnesota Daily A&E writers have compiled some options for your below zero days. – Nina Raemont
“CAPRISONGS” by FKA twigs: Shortly after FKA twigs released her painfully intimate and emotionally raw album “MAGDALENE,” I wondered what was next for the impeccably talented singer, dancer, sword wielder and creative genius. The answer to my question came on Jan. 14 with twigs’ newest mixtape “CAPRISONGS.” On “CAPRISONGS,” twigs has shed her sadness that welled up and overflowed on her highly regarded “MAGDALENE.” This time around, she wants to have fun — even while crying in the club or deliberating over former lovers. Futuristic synths, experimental sounds and Afrobeats on the mixtape have replaced the tender lyrics on love and heartbreak that flooded “MAGDALENE.” It’s a welcomed change, one that makes me want to put on my Friday night finest and dance to the songs in an underground London club. – Nina Raemont
“all my ghosts” by Lizzy McAlpine: On Jan. 19, Lizzy McAlpine released her third single from her upcoming sophomore album titled “five seconds flat.” Known for her devastating acoustic melodies, this track expands on McAlpine’s sound by incorporating electric guitar and upbeat drums. An accompanying music video follows McAlpine as she dances in a convenience store and explores city sidewalks, reminiscing about a past relationship. “all my ghosts” serves as a perfect heartbreak song and marks the beginning of a new era for the young musician. – Sarah Horner
“Pui Pui Molcar” Season 1: If you’re hoping to fend off the back to school blues with a deliciously weird and equally adorable stop-motion show involving felted guinea pig cars navigating life in the big city, look no further. I can’t imagine how you’d have a craving that specific, but Netflix’s “Pui Pui Molcar” will certainly scratch an itch of that nature with its charming music and pastel color palette. Watch as the Molcars stop bank robberies, fend off zombies, search for hidden treasure in a carwash and perform a multitude of other absurdly cute tasks. – Bel Moran
“Dollface:” So, you’re looking for a new binge-worthy, girls-night friendly, whole-bottle-of-wine-drinking series? Well, do I have one for you. “Dollface” is a Hulu original series that aired in 2019 and is making a comeback as its second season is set to premiere in the next few months. The series is focused on Jules Wiley — a 20-something recently dumped and friendless heroine — as she enters the fearful world of dating after a longtime relationship, mending bridges with old friends and following the advice of a cat-headed fairy godmother. Stacked with comedians including Kat Dennings, Shay Mitchell, Brenda Song and Esther Povitsky, this series is bound to have you cracking up as Jules faces the world of ex-boyfriends head on. – Carly Quast
“Station Eleven:” If you’re feeling mentally prepared to consume media about plagues and fictional scenarios that mirror our current ongoing pandemic, check out “Station Eleven.” The HBO Max mini-series wrapped up on Jan. 13, but if you’re like me and didn’t jump on the bandwagon quick enough to watch weekly, all of the episodes are available now for streaming. The series takes place in a post-apocalyptic world after a devastating flu wipes out a majority of the population. It follows the lives of survivors in multiple timelines, beginning in “Year Zero” and spanning across decades, as they cope with grief and rebuild what was lost. Although eerily relevant at times, the series is an emotional and thrilling watch that will leave you at the edge of your seat. – Macy Harder
“Halo Wars 2:” If you are the type of gamer who loves strategic gameplay, “Halo Wars 2” is the game for you. Regardless of whether or not you follow the Halo franchise as a whole, “Halo Wars 2” can be enjoyable. The overall goal of the game is to utilize your resources to build the most effective base and army in order to take down your enemies. With improved graphics from its predecessor, the video game gives users a more enjoyable and realistic experience. On top of the improved graphics, the game provides users with more game options, ranging from capture the base to classic battle arenas. Download “Halo Wars 2” on your Xbox today to explore its exciting gameplay. – Harry Madden
