Stress- Tapan Darji

Stress takes a lot to manage. I try not to worry about things, but that doesn't work for tests. I have a busy weekend as I have to ref. about seven soccer games this weekend and I need to study for Physics and write an essay for Latin class. I am stressed out about all this. I usually kick my soccer ball around for a several minutes to relieve my stress. It gets my mind off the tasks at hand. After I kick my ball around, I am calmed down and ready to face the task ahead. This strategy works most of the time. I manage my stress by trying to get everything done early when I know I have big things coming up. I know that next week is AP testing so I tried to do most of my homework on one day and take a break on another day this week so I don't get tired and stressed. I try not to stress out too much because I believe what is going to happen will happen.

STRESS!! - Amelia Caldwell

Based upon the fact that this week is production week for my studio's production of Rapunzel and AP tests start next week, you could say I have enough stress for two people maybe more. In order to deal with the stress I really need to prioritize my time. For example, I need to spend more time studying for physics than calculus. As long as I leave enough time for every subject I will be okay. If, for some reason, I become overwhelmed with stress. I will go to my room, turn off my lights and meditate. Meditation is a good way to deal with stress because it forces you to relax and then think more clearly.I love to meditate, it helps me stay focused and calm even when I am surrounded by high stress situations.

The Future - Amelia Caldwell

Junior year has been a very long and challenging year both academically and socially. I took difficult classes and sometimes I wished I hadn't taken as many APs. Socially I did not really like the friend group I had, they were fantastic people but I felt as though I needed to branch out this year since I had classes with a variety of people. I am really glad I decided to find a new "group."
We have grown so close this year and we will grow even closer next year. One thing I wish I had done better this year is organization. I often forgot about assignments such as blog posts and things for seminar. Next year I am going to be more organized. This summer I will be attending GSP, I am still waiting to hear which campus I will be going to. I cannot wait to meet all the new people and make friends that will last a lifetime. Junior year has been full of ups and downs, and I am happy that it is coming to an end.

Assignment 25 - STRESS!! - Optional

This is a Makeup Blog Post.  If you have a score that is less than a 30/30, this will replace that grade

Inspired by Keanu Gomez

As high school students, you are becoming more and more involved and in control of your school life as well as your "real" life. You face the many challenges of being a high school student in the Liberal Arts Academy as well as the growing responsibility of independence. Many of you are about to experience the dreadful two weeks of multiple high stakes tests as well as your Final for US History. To get through these two weeks and other weeks like these, how do you manage all that stress? What are your stress relieving activities? Are they effective? 



Minimum of 150 words.  Due on May 11th @ 11:59 pm

The Future - Maya Creamer

        Junior year has been a great year for me, both academically and socially. I've managed to juggle 5 AP classes and maintain my 4.0 unweighted GPA, I scored a 34 on my ACT, I was nominated for Youth Salute, and I was accepted to GSP for this summer, as well as Chamber Orchestra for next year. I've made new friends and built stronger relationships with old ones, both in and out of school, acted in 2 plays, advanced my violin playing, participated in the Girl Project, and had many great experiences with the people I love.
        Of course, the year hasn't been without its challenges. I've been extremely stressed for a majority of the year, with figuring out how to get all my work done, applying to GSP, deciding on my senior mentoring project, and thinking about college, and sometimes it all got to be a bit overwhelming. I've set goals that I didn't meet, such as learning not to procrastinate on my schoolwork, violin practice, etc., and finally cleaning out everything in my room. I still don't have my restricted license, and still have a lot of driving to do before I can get it. But overall, my year has been pretty awesome.
        This summer, I am going to try to go on some more college visits, as well as some small trips with my family. I will hopefully be volunteering at the FACETime refugee day camp at Breckinridge Elementary, a camp I helped with last year and loved. Then I will attend GSP, where I hope to make lifelong friends and learn more about myself and what it feels like to be in college. Finally, I will work with the wonderful girls I have met through the Girl Project to create a performance that we will share with the community in the fall.
        My goals for senior year are numerous and varied. I hope to get accepted to a good college that fits me (once I figure out what/where that is) without too much stress. I want to inspire girls in the community along with my friends in the Girl Project when we perform our pieces in August. I hope to maintain my GPA and work ethic until the very end of high school. And finally, I want senior year to be my best year of high school. I want to enjoy my last year of life before college and my entry into the "real world" of life on my own.

The Future - Kevin LaZur

Chronicling the major assessments throughout the year from each class period individually in my head, I realize that I haven't enough effort into any of the classes to give a performance that I could (or should) be proud of.  You could say that I'm not happy with my academics because I didn't put any work into it, but I might argue that you have it backwards. Looking over everything I've done this year, my growth as a musician is what I'm most proud of (relative to my nonexistent happiness for other accomplishments). This is especially great, because I don't plan on going to college for a musical degree. Maybe I care exclusively about things that don't matter. I'm not going to go into detail on my progress in music, because I'm certain that saying I "independently study music" would sound synonymous with a conceded statement such as "I'm special because I spend my time on something different" 

 

While I don't have much to brag about, there isn't a lot I can say that I've completely failed at. I think the concept of failure is relative, and made up of mistakes; my threshold for how much I can slip up before I "fail" is no doubt larger than the threshold of many people I know. I also have friends that look at my life as a huge success, where my mistakes are minimal in comparison to theirs. This notion that smaller mistakes lead to total failure seems to only make sense in the absence of larger mistakes that constitute failure in themselves. My point is that, excluding an interpersonal communication error or two (which don't matter in the grand scheme of things), I haven't made any one big mistake to feel shame over, and I'm skating just below the point where my numerous mistakes make me feel like a failure. Or perhaps I have experienced a mistake large enough to be considered a failure many times, and I just don't see it that way.  

 

If I took more risks, I would no doubt have more to write about in the successes and failures instead of my absence of both. It all ties together quite nicely, and it originates from how I don't care enough about the opportunity for success to create a chance for failure, aka taking risks.

 

I'm not writing a paragraph for every topic, because I think I can sum up the other 4 I have neglected  pretty well in one. Lessons learned: none that will help me in school. I'm too stubborn to learn how to stop procrastinating, and think for the future in general. Because of this, I cannot sufficiently share any plans for the future. I don't want to bore you with my timid ideas of how the next few years of my life are going to go, but I think this picture can depict how I am thinking better than any words can describe

 

 

 



The Future- Isabelle Rinker

Junior year: it has been a handful, especially over the past few weeks. Trying to juggle schoolwork with everything else in my life has been quite the struggle, but I just keep reminding myself that in five weeks, summer will be here. I always knew junior year in the Liberal Arts Academy would be stressful, so I didn't expect anything different, but actually going through the movements has been an exhausting experience. I have succeeded in putting schoolwork first, making commitments to the theater department at HC, and staying loyal to my good friends. I feel as if I have had some time management issues here and there, but haven't we all? One lesson I can take from junior year is to "let go of what you can't control". What has happened is in the past, and all we can do is learn from it and move on. Some people who you never thought would hurt you, will, and sometimes, as a teenager, you won't get all the freedoms of being an adult...yet. These are things I've had to come to terms with throughout junior year. This summer, I plan to work at the hospital, go on several church trips as I usually do during the summer, and maybe (if my parents finally let me) get my driver's license. As far as my senior year is concerned, I hope to be successful in my mentoring project and be happy, no matter what life throws at me next.

Perfect Playlist- Tapan Darji

Perfect Playlist for India Cricket Games
1. Jana Gana Mana- the national anthem of India written by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The national anthem is played before any match and what better way to start watching a cricket match than by listening to the Indian national anthem. It shows pride for India.
2. Om Jai Jagdish Hare- a religious song written by  Pandit Shardha Ram Phillauri in Punjab, India. I picked this song because it is a religious song. By picking this song, I am remembering god so India will play well and win.
3. Make Some Noise for the Desi Boyz- from the Bollywood movie Desi Boyz. The song is upbeat and fun to listen to. It gets me in the mood to watch the game.
4. India Waale- from the Bollywood movie Happy New Year. The song reminds us of India and shows how they are the best. It played when the Indian team is playing well.
5. Tu Jaan India- the theme song for the Indian cricket team during the 2015 Cricket World Cup. II placed it at the end because you have to play your theme song after you win the game so the other team remembers that they lost to India.

Future- Tapan Darji

Junior year was a great year. The success I had was getting into NHS. My failure is not joining any new clubs. I learned how to manage time and spend the least amount of time needed on practice AP questions in calculus. I need to keep up with the readings that Mr. Pope gives us. I need to stop procrastinating big projects/assignments because things pop up and you get little time to do them.
In the summer I plan to work on my college applications and look for scholarships and then complete them. I also plan to work on my resume and make it look better. I will also go and visit several colleges over the summer. I will narrow my list of colleges through research. I will also start on my senior mentoring project.
For my senior year, I want it to go smooth. I don't want to get stressed out. I want get straight A's senior year. I want to get all my college stuff done in a timely fashion. To do this, I plan to work on college applications in the summer.

The Perfect Playlist- Madye Moore

This is my perfect playlist for when you're taking a road trip with your best friends (and yes I'm aware that most of these are throwbacks):

1) Life is a Highway- Rascal Flatts

Yes, this song is a throwback, but I think it's the perfect song for when you're on a long car ride with your friends. It's very upbeat, and pretty much everyone knows the words so you can all sing it together! 

2) Party in the USA- Miley Cyrus

Yet another throwback, but if you don't know this song than I don't know what you listened to back in 2010 when this song was a hit. Not only should everyone know the words to this song, everyone should be able to come up with some kind of dance moves to go along with it! It's another upbeat song that you can sing at the top of your lungs with the windows down on the highway.

3) That's Just the Way We Roll- Jonas Brothers

Once again, a throwback and yet another song that if you don't know I don't know what you were doing with your life back in 2007. Very upbeat, everyone can sing and dance along to it, perfect for cranking the radio so you can sing as loud as you want. 

4) Lay Me Down- Sam Smith and John Legend

Not a throwback, and if you don't know this song you probably haven't turned on the radio in the past couple weeks. Sure, it's a slower song compared to the others, but that doesn't mean you can't turn the volume up and sing along at the top of your lungs (especially when you get to John Legend's part)!  

5) Back Home- Andy Grammer

This song is perfect for a road trip with your best friends, especially around your junior and senior year, because it's all about how, no matter how far apart you go, you will always find your way back home. 

The Future- Madye Moore

So far, junior year hasn't really exceeded my expectations. Sure, it's had its good times, bad times, exciting times, however you want to phrase it, but I wouldn't say that it exceeded my expectations by any means. Over the course of the year, I have definitely had some successes, my ACT score being one of them, along with the fact that I've gotten to be closer with a lot of people this year and I'm beyond grateful for the friendships that have grown. However, I do have to point out that I have still had my failures. Starting out the year, I said I was going to be less of a procrastinator (which hasn't changed in the slightest , I continue to wait until the very last minute to do almost everything), along with many others. So, if I had to say one thing I've learned this year, along with any other year, it's to NOT procrastinate! It doesn't do you any good, and only stresses you out more when you're struggling to do it last minute. As for this summer, my family only has 2 vacations planned so far- one to Myrtle Beach for my brother's national basketball tournament, and one to wherever my parents decide to surprise us with, along with wherever Mason's baseball tournaments end up! Also, I am hoping to visit the last few colleges on my list: OSU, Alabama, and Ole Miss. For my senior year, I hope that I choose a college by the end of my first semester, so that I can just relax and enjoy my last semester of high school! I also hope that I learn my lesson about not procrastinating, even though I know that'll be a hard habit to break! 

Fictional Character, Fictional Life- Madye Moore

If I could be any fictional character, I would want to be Brooke Davis from One Tree Hill. In high school she made a lot of mistakes, ones she wish she wouldn't have made when looking back. She may not have been the smartest, but she went to college, got her degree, and, against what everyone had thought would happen, ended up owning her own clothing company. Although she had been very successful, her company ended up being taken, leaving her without the fortune she had made and her company. Yet, she found a way to pull herself through that situation, married the guy she loved, had the kids she had always dreamed of, and created yet another company of her own. I wish I was Brooke Davis simply because of the fact that she ended up doing what many people thought would never happen- she ended up being successful. Along with that, she is one of the strongest people on the show, because despite all of the negative things that were thrown her way, she continued to see the positives and knew she could be better than what everyone thought of her. I hope that I turn out like Brooke because she is proof that what happens in high school does not define you, you can make the best out of a bad situation and your life can still turn out like you pictured it to be, it may not be perfect, but it'll be worth it. 

The future- brandon castillo

I think that there is some of everything in my junior year- success, failure, risks, mistakes. I think my academics would be one success this year, I got a 4.0 GPA in the semester for the first time and an ACT score I was pleased with. I think another success would be the ability to develop friendships more and learn more about my close friends. I also think that I successfully enjoyed almost every moment of junior year, of course there will be some bad or boring times in a year but for the most part I think it was one of my favorite school years so far. A mistake I made was using the phrase "so far" at the end of the last sentence as if we had many more years to compare this one to. I think its hard realizing that your "childhood" is about to end. I don't really know about any single failures but there are times that I'm disappointed in myself for not living up to being a good Christian and just being nice to everyone. A risk that I took was dating my best friend's sister but so far its been awesome and I'm so happy I took it. In the summer, I plan on running everyday to help get me in shape for my last season of cross country and track, forever. I want to just enjoy it with my friends as I probably won't see a lot of them ever again. In my senior year, I just want to get all my college stuff done in the first half of the first semester and try to earn some money or get some scholarships for college. I am going to try and enjoy my last year of high school.

Right Now- Madye Moore

At this very moment, there is a 5 year-old getting ready to finish his last days of preschool, an 11 year-old getting ready to get promoted to middle school, a 14 year-old inching closer to "graduating" middle school, an 18 year-old gearing up for their last month of high school, a 22 year-old getting ready to receive their undergrad, the list could go on and on. There are always going to be milestones in our lives, whether that's the simple handshake and medallion from your middle school principal or the diploma from your high school, and at that point it's time to close that chapter of your life and begin a brand new one, as exciting and intimidating as that may sound. Sure, we will hold on to the memories from the past chapters, but we won't ever get a chance to go back and relive them, although we may wish we could. And, even though it sounds pretty far away, we are going to be the 18 year-olds gearing up for our last month of high school in about a year, so might as well make the most of what we have left. 

The Future - Meagan Hale

My junior year has been my favorite year of high school thus far. I have made even more friends this year, my grades are better than previous years, and I've felt very well adjusted. I would say this whole school year has been a success. I set the goal of procrastinating less earlier this year and unfortunately did not reach that goal. I'm pretty sure that's going to be my New Year's resolution for my entire life. However, I still plan on reaching it every year nonetheless. This summer will most likely just be finding a job and staying in Lexington. Hopefully I will get to spend a lot of time with my friends and family. I may be taking a trip to the beach but I am not sure yet. Next summer I am planning on traveling to Scotland and Ireland maybe England too as my big graduation trip which I am looking forward to more than this summer. For my senior year, I want to do the best I can academically which coincides with wanting to get accepted to my dream college. I also want to spend as much quality time with the amazing friends I've made at Henry Clay because after we graduate it will be more difficult to stay in touch with one another. I'm both nervous and excited to take my next step in life after graduation and I am determined to do my best to keep contact with my friends after we've all gone our separate ways. But until then I will just keep trying do better in math.

The Future- Eliza Jane Schaeffer

The most valuable thing I learned from Junior Year was time management. In middle school, I would spend hours memorizing vocab words. This year, I learned to spend as much time on an assignment as the point value warrents. My English teacher in 8th grade constantly reminded me that I need to learn when it's appropriate to spend hours on an assignment and when it's really just not worth the effort. But I never understood that until this year, when all of a sudden I had so many assignments hat I couldn't afford to spend hours on any one of them because I wouldn't be able to complete the rest. Now, I spend 5 minutes studying for vocab quizzes; not because I'm lazy, but because my time would be better spent elsewhere. 

Moving forward, my goal for myself is to do that which makes me uncomfortable until it no longer makes me uncomfortable. I think that's how you grow.

The Future - Emily Salamanca

                   I'm doing this as early as I can, because I know I will study more the closer AP tests come into my schedule. I don't feel like the year is ending, either because I would be forced to admit that (a) I am in fact a junior and the future is coming fast and (b) that AP tests season is upon us and there is no stress. I can't say I believe either. In terms of successes, I don't feel like I've had any. As terrible as it sounds, I just haven't done much that warrants a huge success party. I haven't taken any of my tests. I refuse to look at my ACT score because I'm scared of how low it is. I have the majority of importance of the year left, so I feel that I can't justify any good feelings I have. I'm not done. Nothing is finalized. My failures are more plentiful than any blog post can take in. Over the year, I have not taken certain classes seriously enough and embraced others with such a ferocity that I've neglected myself. I think my biggest failure is probably that I haven't had any major successes. I'm not special in any way. I'm just kind of here. However, I've learned lessons that I hope will guide me into college. I've learned how to study well and take better care of myself. I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder, which is helpful because it means that my feelings are legitimate. I'm too scared of everything and the fear sometimes runs my life. I do not know what constitutes a 'mistake' over a failure. To me, they seem too interrelated. This summer, I think I will going to camp, attending GSP, and perhaps traveling around. In senior year, I just want to keep up the same motivation I have this year and improve myself overall. I'm taking 6 AP classes again next year to (hopefully!) keep me in line. I will reach my goals with hard work. You don't really have to be smart. You just have to work hard to be successful.

Perfect Playlist - Sam Flomenhoft

1st Song - Hey Mama, by Kanye West
In my opinion this is one of Kanye's deeper songs. He is an artist I like overall from just his flow and his beats, and I think the softness and meaning of Hey Mama is a perfect showcase of his talent, but also his diversity because he doesn't normally write such meaningful songs.

2nd Song - Another Brick In the Wall Part II, by Pink Floyd
This album is art of Pink Floyd's most popular album, and arguably one of the most popular album's of all time, The Wall. This isn't necessarily the deepest song although it is against the government brainwashing people, but the reason I chose it for my playlist is because it is a great tune, accompanied by quality vocals.

3rd song - Car radio, by Twenty One Pilots
Car radio is on the outside about how a guy who doesn't like the fact that his car radio was stolen and now he can't listen to music in the car. On a deeper level it suggests that the time of silence with your thoughts and past actions can eat you alive. In addition to having an interesting meaning, the song and all of the band's songs have an interesting musical style, that is a mix between rap and regular singing, which I really enjoy.

4th Song - IV. Sweatpants, by Childish Bambino
This is in my opinion one of Bambino's best songs, if not his best. He combines a quick beat with fast rapping and surprisingly clever lyrics to create an extremely interesting song. It offers something to everyone, whether you like background music, the flow of rapping, or the meaning of the lyrics. One reason I like it so much is because it showcases how smart he is, which is not a quality people often associate with rap.

5th song - Feel good, by Logic
This song is a softer rap genre as well. It has a very melodic bridge and chorus, along with a musical instrumental, and a not-too-dominating beat. In it Logic discusses the things most rap songs talk about - money and sex - and explains how meaningless they really are. I really like this song because it's not a typical rap song. I also like the rapping and the music in it.

While these songs don't necessarily flow together or fit under one category, I picked them because they all have special meanings or memories associated with them and I like to listen to a lot of different types of music.

Perfect Playlist - Gates

My perfect playlist really depends on the genre, but this time around, I'm going to share my perfect RAP playlist. Over the past year and a half, my love for music has been ever growing. My tastes have been refined and the songs I enjoy have more meaning and a story compared to many Pop songs of our generation.

Here's the playlist

1) 25 Bucks - Danny Brown

2) HiiiPower - Kendrick Lamar

3) A.D.H.D. - Kendrick Lamar

4) Float On - Danny Brown

5) Numbers On The Boards - Pusha T

6) Raid - Madvillain

7) Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst

8) Grown Up - Danny Brown

9) The Blacker The Berry - Kendrick Lamar

10) Hood Politics - Kendrick Lamar

As you can see, Kendrick and Danny are likely my two favorite rappers. Their songs have meaning and sometimes a great story. Just like Kendrick's new album To Pimp a Butterfly, which could be a perfect playlist in itself.

Assignment 24: The Future

You're done!  - well almost
Your Junior year (nearly) OVER.
Tell us about it.
Successes? Failures? Lessons Learned? Risks taken? Mistakes made? What will you do in the Summer?  What do you want for your Senior year? How do you plan to reach your goals?

Minimum of 150 words - due on Sunday, April 26th at 11:59 pm

Right Now- Olivia McCrary

At this very moment, somewhere in the universe someone is wishing they could be anyone else but who they are. They are wondering what it would be like to simply change every thing that they don't like about they way they are and move on without insecurity. They are wondering what it would be like to live without stress, fear, and unhappiness, and all other unpleasant things.
They are wondering what it would be like to switch places with someone else and live their life instead. Maybe they wonder what it would be like to live the life of every person they ever encounter, even if for just a minute. They might want to know what it would be like thinking with someone else's mind and seeing the world through someone else's eyes.

The Perfect Playlist- Olivia McCrary

This is my perfect playlist for getting artistic inspiration. In other words, these are songs I always go to when I need creative inspiration for my own writing, art, music, etc.
1) Warpaint- Warpaint
This song is a great introduction to the playlist. The reason it's on the playlist anyways is because it's a song that always gives me ideas to write about. This song sounds like multiple songs blended together, which makes it interesting to listen to. I get a different meaning out of it every time I listen to it.
2) Prayers for Rain- The Cure
This song creates a very unique mood. Not only is it a great song for artistic inspiration, it is great to listen to while creating art.
3) Girl Anachronism- The Dresden Dolls
If I could write or create a piece of art based on just one song, it would undeniably be this song. This song is brilliant from start to finish and the lyrics are always impactful.
4) Persephone- Cocteau Twins
This song has a dreamlike and abstract quality. The great thing about this song is that it can be interpreted so many different ways. It doesn't tell any story, but instead creates a certain mood or emotion. (If it does tell a story, it would be impossible to know what story that is because the lyrics are basically incomprehensible.)
5) Sights- London Grammar
This song is a great conclusion to the playlist as it is a bit calmer than the previous three songs. It has the perfect combination of melancholy and optimism, which connects to the all the other songs but still ends the playlist on a positive note.

Fictional Character, Fictional Life- Olivia McCrary

If I could be any fictional character, I would be Angharad "Harry" Crewe from The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley. Though she has her flaws, she has been a favorite character of mine since I read the book about five years ago. I have always had some sort of respect or admiration for her. She is taken away from everything she knows, yet she doesn't let this stop her from succeeding. She started out as an average girl who was rather bored of her life and by chance ended up becoming a hero. I love the way she adapted to her new surroundings. She easily could have chosen to isolate herself and refuse to change but instead she treated her new lifestyle as a learning experience. She came to accept the Damarians as if they were her own family. I would really love to have her emotional strength and determination.

The perfect playlist - Jeb Brumley

Playlist for motivation for when you are lacking effort in anything you are doing.
1. Remember the Name - Fort Minor.         I chose this song because it is upbeat and fast. If you need some inspiration or motivation this song is a good choice. This song's lyrics fit perfectly within this category and it will surely get you motivated if you need it.
2. Don't Stop Believin' - Journey.           This song is a bit older but can't be forgotten as it was a great song of its time. It's tune has been in many movies and it will not disappointed you if you need some motivation.
3. Hall of Fame - The Script (feat. will.i.am).          The song fits great with this playlist theme as it will surely motivate you to work at least a little bit harder.
4. Happy - Pharrell Williams.          This popular  song is from a "Despicable Me" movie. It's lyrics and tone will definitely make you happier.
5. Winner - Jaime Foxx (feat. Justin Timberlake and T.I.).           This is a decent song that will make you want to work harder for a but and is perfect to listen to if you need a little motivation to work harder at a practice or a workout.

Right now-Silvia Todorova

Right now somewhere in the universe a teenager is dreading going to school tomorrow. She has yet to finish all her homework because all she can think about is having to go to school for a full week. She understands that school is important but sleeping in and doing nothing all day seems more appealing to her. But she is excited to see her friends she didn't get a chance to see over the weekend (probably the only things she likes about school). She lays in her bed contemplating whether or not to get up and finish her math homework. She decided to leave it until the morning, she procrastinates yet again. 

Perfect Playlist- Silvia Todorova

This is the perfect playlist for when you are with your best friends, the weather is beautiful, and you are driving on pretty country roads outside of Lexington with your windows down singing the words as loud as you possibly can.

Radio-Lana Del Rey

This song is slow yet upbeat and the lyrics are kind of unusual so they are a lot of fun to sing out loud. It's an exciting happy song.

Promises-Wiz Khalifa

This songs is not the typical Wiz Khalifa rap song. It's a lot slower and the melody is really nice and instead of Wiz Khalifa rapping he is singing.  

Riptide- Vance Joy 

This song and very relaxing and happy. It has a very nice instrumental music and good vocals. It just gives off this happy carefree feeling.

Young Volcanoes- Fall Out Boy 

This song is exciting a very fun. The lyrics are pretty easy to remember And fun to sing to especially when driving with the windows and sunroof down.

Trap Queen- Fetty Wap

This song must be played at least once every time you get in the car. Even though it's silly it's still very fun and catchy to sing along to. It's a very fun song to blast the volume to.

Fictional Character-Silvia Todorova

If I could be a fictional character I would want to be Phoebe Buffay from friends. She has had a very traumatic childhood, but yet she is the happiest and quirkiest character from friends. She so funny, honest, and strong. Not to mention she also very poetic and writes really meaningful songs, my personal favorite being "Smelly Cat". She's full of wisdom and has really big dreams for herself. She always tells the truth even when others don't want to hear it. She's her own person and won't let anyone control her. She stands up not only for herself, but also for her friends. She has a kind heart and always makes sacrifice for others. She is always so bright and happy and can find the good in almost anything. She's my favorite character from friends because she has taught me that happiness can be found in any situation despite the circumstances.

Fictional Character, Fictional Life - Jeb Brumley

If I could be any fictional character, I would choose to be Harry Potter. Harry Potter is one of the most famous fictional characters of all time and is a favorite of many. He is known as an extremely brave wizard and "the boy who lived." He gets this name because he and his family were attacked when he was just a baby. While both of his parents were killed, Harry miraculously survived with nothing worse than a scar on his head. It would be awesome to be Harry Potter because he is not only a wizard, but one of the best wizards to have ever lived. It would be so much fun to be able to live in a world of magic and be able to learn real spells. It would also be amazing to play quidditch and be known as "The Chosen One" to destroy the most evil wizard, or Voldemort.

Right now - Jeb Brumley

At this very moment, somewhere in the universe things are happening that we could not even imagine. Right now, there are people experiencing many different emotions and feelings. As I write this, Jordan Spieth, a twenty one year old professional golfer, is feeling happy as he became the second youngest Masters champion of all time. The Masters is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments on the PGA Tour. After setting several records over the past few days Jordan Spieth had proven that he can compete with the top players and the world and is one of the best players himself. Right now he is having the greatest moment in his golfing career. Right now some people are feeling sad and disappointed, like me. I am still unable to get over and accept the Kentucky basketball loss to Wisconsin in the final four. After falling just short of our ultimate goal of a perfect season, Kentucky basketball fans have to move on and prepare for next quest for nine NCAA titles.

How to- James Jones

How to... replace strings on a guitar with a Floyd Rose Tremolo
Necessary info:
A tremolo is a whammy bar if you're not familiar with the term, there are string locks at the top of the fret board and on the tremolo, and there is a compartment in the back of the guitar where springs that hold tension in the tremolo are located, an allen wrench of a very specific size not available in most stores is needed to unlock things.
1. Place a small object in between the lock screws at the back of the tremolo and the guitars body to prevent the tremolo from digging into the body
2. Unlock the string clamps at the top of the fretboard with the correct allen wrench, if you use the incorrect one you will strip the screws.
3. Unwind each string until they no longer have tension on them.
4. Pull each string out of the tuning heads
5. Unlock the string screw locks at the body of the tremolo bridge.
6. Remove and throw away old strings.
7. Put each new string into the locking clamps on the bridge and tighten them with the correct tension otherwise they will either A) (if they're too loose) pop out and hit you in the face and draw blood when you use the tremolo (I know from experience) or B) (if too tight) the clamp will break.
8. Wind each string and begin to tune them, you'll probably have to readjust the tension in the strings in the back of the guitar, multiple times, and then re-tune, again and again for the next half-hour
9. Put the locking clamps at the top of the fretboard back on and play the guitar, the use the tremolo, then play a guitar with a regular bridge exclusively for the next five months because you broke a string on the guitar with the tremolo the day after you replaced the strings for 45 minutes.
or...
Beg someone else to change the strings for you.
ps: I know this is late but I figured I should still post it.

Plastics-James Jones

The piece of advice that has stuck with me the most is also the most simple. When I was younger and ever complained about how I couldn't do something, saying "I can't do it!!" all the time, my grandfather would always say "can't never could." Those three words stuck with me more than any other advice, because it can apply to any situation. No matter what task there will be a time where you may say that you can't do it. And saying that is admitting defeat, and my grandfather knew that if you were willing to give up you wouldn't be able to do the task. Once I was old enough to really understand what my grandfather was saying I took his words to heart, so whenever I think I really can't do something I make myself figure it out, because you really can't do something if you tell yourself that you can't, but if you make yourself do it, and try as much as you can you'll find a way. 

ps: I know this was due for the first four posts but I didn't get the opportunity to post it before that original date. 

The Perfect Playlist - Meagan Hale

Reminiscing Solo Road Trip (Rock Edition) Playlist:

These songs are in order of slowest to fastest. This is in order to think back on past things which may be good or bad and then speed up to the present. Rock, if it's classic and done right, is about the words and is suppose to make you feel something. Classical rock is a very heart felt and personal genre of music. It is an emotional genre and though sometimes the sounds are more important than the words, usually the words were meant to be heard. The artist put a lot of themselves into rock in order for the audience to get a lot out. Music is a give and take. Rock is perfect for driving because there is an aspect of rock for every aspect of driving. Each song is different just as no two people have the same driving style. There's fast and slow, angry and calm, rough and smooth. What a better genre to drive to than one that moves and changes the way the road and car does?

Rooster (Alice In Chains):
This song is slow and sets a slow beginning to the trip. This is the first taste of what type of rock this playlist is going to consist of. The artist's deep low voice builds as the song goes on and the tempo speeds up during the chorus but this is still the slowest of the songs. This starts the playlist off low and slow because it will end high and fast.

Dani California (Red Hot Chili Peppers):
The pace speeds up some from the first song. Dani California is a story within a song and it's very dynamic. Not only is is fun to listen to but if you know the words, singing it is a blast. This is one of those songs that you know but you don't know that you know it. When you hear it your interest will immediately be peaked and when the chorus comes it'll be hard not to mash the pedal.

Kryptonite (3 Doors Down):
Obviously this song is faster than the other two and by this point the listener can't wait to see what songs are still to come. 3 Doors Down has a lot of softer, sweeter songs but this playlist wasn't made for sweet. There is a sort of spooky essence to this song but once it gets going there's no doubt its a head banger. But don't get too caught up in the tempo and forget to listen to the words, they're unique.

Howlin For You (The Black Keys):
This is another song that you didn't know you knew. The Black Key's could be it's own genre honestly but this song is a a quicker tempo and fun to listen to. Driving down the highway with your ray bans on listening to this song makes you feel way cooler than you are and that's the point.

Sympathy for the Devil (The Rolling Stones):
What rock playlist would be complete without the Stones? What better way to end? This song is by far the fastest song and it is the most fun song. If you haven't heard this, first off, consider yourself uncultured, and secondly, you're welcome. Easily one of the coolest rock songs ever. It is in this playlist because it is made up of my three rock S's, story, sound, solid. The story is interesting and well known, it sounds dynamic, and it has a solid beginning and end and it doesn't wane in the middle.

Fictional Character, Fictional Life - Meagan Hale

If I could be a fictional character I would be Elizabeth Swan from Pirates of the Caribbean. Elizabeth is a heroin many over look, which is easy to do when Johnny Depp plays Captain Jack Sparrow. She is both lady like royalty and a pirate at heart. She travels the world and sees corners of the Earth that many in the rigid society she comes from would never dare to even look at on a map. At her core she is cunning and courageous. Many over look her because she is a woman but when push comes to shove she can out pirate the best of pirates. She is fearful but doesn't let it stop her, not even when faced with the Kraken. Her undying loyalty to Will Turner is also a stellar characteristic to admire. She would do anything for the people she loves. She is smart. She knows that everyone underestimates her and she uses it to her advantage. This allows her to get information as well as get close to her enemies without them every realizing she's there to kill them. In the beginning of the first movie, Elizabeth Swan is the the helpless damsel in distress caught in the dangerous world of pirates, but by the last movie Elizabeth is the captain of her own ship with an unwavering crew and has gained the respect of those who doubted her for so long. She hated pirates but there's no doubt that she was meant to be one all along.

Right Now - Meagan Hale

Right now there is a soldier clutching a torn, dirty picture of his wife and baby. The earth is quaking around his from explosions and ears are ringing.
Right now there is a soldier dragging his fatally wounded brother in arms out of way of gunfire, the same friend he went to first grade with.
Right ow there is a soldier looking through his scope at a boy way too young to know what he is doing, much too young to see war.
Right now there is a soldier taking a bullet for his friend to make sure his friend makes it home to his family.
Right now there is a soldier asking the man beside him to tell his mother thank you for everything in case he doesn't make it.
Right now there is a soldier somewhere where no one will ever find him again, never see him again.
Right now there is a soldier crying in pain, making every noise except the words to give up the location of his men.
Right now there is a soldier shaking from fear because he knew war was awful but he never expected this.
Right now there is a soldier camouflaged behind enemy lines afraid to breathe too hard.
Right now there is a soldier listening to his daughter tell him about losing her first tooth on the phone thousands of miles away.
Right now there's a soldier riding a chopper into the ground.
Right now there is a soldier trying to learn how to walk with his two new prosthetic legs.
Right now there is a soldier diving on a grenade to save his brothers, no matter the cost.
Right now there is a teenager complaining that their iPhone battery dies too quickly.

The perfect playlist Eliza Jane

These songs are good to listen to no matter how you're feeling. They're all really happy and empowering instead of derogatory (like a lot of music nowadays). When I'm happy, they make me happier, but they also make me feel better when I'm having self confidence issues. So I guess this would be the perfect playlist when for when you want to feel good about yourself. 

1. "i" by Kendrick Lamar. 

This song is about self-acceptance. The main chorus is "I love myself" and it has a really happy beat. Every time I hear it, it makes me think of a dancing African tribe. I know that sounds really racist, but you would understand if you listened to it. It's just so darn happy. 

2. "You Don't Own Me" by Grace 

This song is very empowering. It's about independence and freedom and equality and standing up for yourself. It makes me feel like the world is big and I am small but that's okay.

3. "King Kunta" by Kendrick Lamar

This song has the same sort of beat as "i". It's very happy and upbeat. I had no idea what it was talking about until just now when I looked it up, but it apparently deals with the oppression of the black community. Kunta was a slave who lost a foot trying to escape slavery. While I might not agree with Lamar politically, I admire his use of a song to raise the level of discussion around civil rights. Yay for free speech!

4. "Conqueror" by Empire Cast

Another very empowering song. It talks about getting back up after you fail or make a mistake and never giving up. It's good to listen if you need a little motivation to keep going. 

5. "Reflections" by MisterWives

This one is something about getting rid if anything that "reflects" a past relationship, which is not at all inspiring, happy, or positive BUT the beat is really happy so I believe it belongs on this playlist. 

The Perfect Playlist - Emily Salamanca - Entry inspired by John Cowgill

           This playlist is called, "Fondly Remembering Mr. Logsdon" and both my older brother and sister have helped me to create it. It celebrates all the good (and perhaps slightly awkward times...) they had while working with Mr. Logsdon.

1. "This Kiss" -Faith Hill - This contribution is from Jean Ellen. Apparently, when she was doing the plays Fools at Henry Clay, she had to kiss a boy. Unfortunately for her, she was terribly inexperienced with kissing - both inside and outside the theatre. Logsdon, noting her apparent lack of experience and abundance of awkwardness, 'forced' Jean Ellen and her partner to kiss repeatedly. Then, he made them kiss for 30 seconds or something, while he left the room, and made them continue until he returned. The photo of Jean Ellen and Zach is still on our refrigerator and commemorate's Logsdon's attempt and success.

2. "What Up Dog?" - Was Not Was - The start of John's memories of AP English Language and Composition. He and his friend Andrew Riley teased with Mr. Logsdon 'constantly' as he claims now. In one such instance, while Mr. Logsdon checked the homework from the previous night, John and 'A-Dog' as well as a bunch of other students, began sniffing the air and looking around puzzled. Then, John said in a whisper to his friend, "It smells a lot like Up Dog in here!" To which Logsdon replied, "What is...up dog?"

3. "Principal's Office" - Young MC - When English finished around 2:45 and AP were within a few weeks, John and his friend Emily Estus (he might have been dating her?) decided that it wasn't really worth it to stay in class. Instead, they skipped on the last 30 minutes of downtime to go and 'study'. Of course, he bragged about his truancy to his left-behind friends, who claimed that he was eventually going to get caught by Logsdon on the next day. The overly optimistic John of course did not believe such farce. The next day, upon returning to AP English, he greeted Logsdon with a smile and thought he had gotten off. Logsdon then apparently called him up and respectfully sent him to the principal's office. Where the principal greet him with a smile in turn and asked what John was doing there. John explained. It was his first and only time visiting the principal with disciplinary issues and the last time he skipped Logsdon's class.

4. "We're All In This Together" - High School Musical Cast - John fondly remembers when he was paid $300 to do the school musical during his junior year, with Mr. Logsdon 'overseeing' what was happening during the play. He especially would like to give a shout out to those who built that *darn flippin* stage for over 6 hours on a saturday. At least they all did it together, right?

5. The Sleeping Sun - JAMP - John Cowgill, Andrew Riley, Max Pohl, and Preston Bell. The ultimate band. The ultimate quartet. The best of 2009. During his junior year, all John wanted was to have his band take off. Music was his life. He still has mixtapes for sale - if anyone is interested. Please check out the link below to view his music, especially record producers. John feels personally humbled by the fact that Mr. Logsdon, inspired by his blog post, created this 'Perfect' Playlist assignment. However, he feels that it should be a requirement that all playlists have a song that he he played with this band.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yUDFjsHJns