What have we loved this week? Well, it varies. Macy Harder is reveling in a “Gossip Girl”-esque podcast, while I’m enjoying a seasonal pastry from a St. Paul pâtisserie. Bel Moran is glad to have the vax, and Harry Madden is jamming to Nicki Minaj’s newest single. Read on to learn more about our weekly faves. – Nina Raemont
“Deux U” podcast: I’ll admit it — I’m a sucker for pointless celebrity gossip. Between work, school and all the other responsibilities of a non-celeb, examining the lives of A-listers provides a weird sense of escape. My favorite source of celebrity drama is the anonymous Instagram account @deuxmoi, which started back in 2013 but amassed a large following during the early quarantine days of the pandemic. They post tips on their story from fans and industry insiders about the status of celebrity couples, which actress was seen hanging out with which musician, speculations about new celebrity projects and so on. They recently expanded their celeb drama empire into the world of podcasts with the release of “Deux U.” So far, the episodes have taken a deep dive into celebrity sightings, marriage and divorce theories, famous couples that may or may not be a PR stunt and more. If you need a break from real life this week, give this podcast a try. – Macy Harder
Rose Street Patisserie’s Gibassier: Like a citrus-y bright spot in the gray days of February, Rose Street Patisserie’s gibassiers have returned for a limited and sugar-coated time. Enriched in olive oil, speckled with anise seeds and resplendent with orange aroma and peels, the pastry is as delightful to chew on as it is to look at. The shape is like a crescent, with folds that resemble the rays of the sun. The gibassiers are available on Fridays through Sundays while they last, Rose Street said on their social media. – Nina Raemont
“Ozark” Season 4 Part 1: Let me be honest. For a show that is based around money laundering for a Mexican drug cartel, I would never have expected to be as excited to see the final part of Netflix’s original series “Ozark” as I am. From murder and kidnapping to drug addiction and fake identities, this show includes every aspect of criminal life that I should look away from — but here I am, unable to stop watching. This series takes you deep into southern Missouri, where Marty and Wendy Byrde use local businesses to launder money for one of the world’s largest drug circuits. The newest season offers the possibility for the Byrde family to be free of the harness holding them in the Ozarks, but only after they get the FBI to allow the leader of the drug cartel to travel freely between Mexico and the United States. With new twists holding you on the edge of your seat in every episode, “Ozark” is a must-watch for any thrill-seeking, drama-loving TV watcher. – Carly Quast
“Do We Have A Problem” by Nicki Minaj & Lil Baby: Nicki Minaj has finally released her highly anticipated single, “Do We Have A Problem,” with Lil Baby, and fans could not be more excited. The new single dropped on Friday, Feb. 4 with visuals on YouTube. Minaj recently confirmed on “The Late Late Show with James Corden” that the single is an introduction to her unnamed upcoming fifth album. During the chorus of “Do We Have A Problem,” Minaj shows off her vocals along with clever bars, her pen game, versatility and overall talent. During Minaj’s verse, she defends her name and reminds fans that she is not leaving anytime soon. Although Lil Baby’s fast verse differs from his usual slow pace, it complimented Minaj and the beat well. The two rappers have announced that they will be releasing a second song called “Bussin” sometime within the next two weeks. – Harry Madden
“Kissing Lessons” by Lucy Dacus: Last week, Lucy Dacus dropped a new single after advertising a “Kissing Lessons Hotline” on posters around various cities. Fans who called the phone number listed on the ad were answered with a teaser of the song, which was then officially released a few days later. As the title implies, “Kissing Lessons” is sweet, lighthearted and reminiscent of first romance. It joins songs like “Silk Chiffon” by MUNA feat. Phoebe Bridgers in the small but mighty category of music that highlights queer joy rather than pain. Although it is short and follows a non-traditional format, “Kissing Lessons” has sparked lots of excitement amongst listeners who see their experiences reflected in the lyrics. Flowers and chocolate are great, but Dacus gave fans an even better Valentine’s Day present with this lovable song. – Sarah Horner
Being Vaccinated: This week, I was unlucky enough to catch a case of Omicron. I didn’t leave my bed for almost four days and slept for more than half of that time (when I was able to breathe properly). Basically, I was extremely sick, the most sick I’ve been in recent memory, but I survived. I thankfully wasn’t sick enough to need hospitalization, and if I was, I probably wouldn’t have been able to get a hospital bed for some time. I’m fully vaccinated and still got sick, yes, but it could have been so much worse. Get vaxxed, please. – Bel Moran
