Elizabeth Moore - Assignment 22 - I'm a small town girl ;)

My parents, I think, would be considered strange by the rest of society. My dad grew up in rural northeastern Kentucky in a little town called Russel, and my mom grew up in Louisville, then Hopkinsville in rural western Kentucky, where my grandfather got a job as police chief. And I was born and raised in Lexington, a fact that always seems odd to me given my personality; I’m too redneck to be living in a city. My parents have instilled in me an unparalleled love of the country, bluegrass music, and home cooking. And I have vivid memories of my dad quite literally pushing me into groups of adults at my church because “it costs nothing to be friendly and get to know someone”. And then there’s always his conviction that I should say hello to ANYONE I’VE EVER SEEN, even if I’m sure they won’t remember me. But despite a few awkward encounters with near-strangers, I’ve come around to my dad’s way of thinking. I like getting to know the people in my community. To that end, over the past few years, I’ve befriended every person over 50 in my church. Each Sunday there are about 100 older women who ask me how I’m doing, how school is going, where I’m looking at attending college; and I love it! Those women are some of my favorite people, and without my small-town upbringing, I don’t think I would have made those connections. And that’s what I want out of college: a personal connection with all of my classmates and professors. I want to be walking around a campus where I won’t get strange looks and cold retorts when I wave, smile, and strike up a conversation with an acquaintance. So a small, southern college it is!

Assignment 20 - hannah whaley - how to piss people off

As I've met a variety of new people in high school, I have discovered an amazing talent of mine. It's something so innate that I have to alter my behavior to prevent it. I excel at pissing people off. Somehow, the words that spew out of my mouth - like vomit - are almost always phrased in the exact perfect way so that a completely innocent thought is portrayed in a judgmental, rude way. However, I have come to recognize the step that lead to my pissing people off. Here's how to do it yourself!  First, take a random, well-meaning sentence in the appropriate setting. For example, somebody sneezes. A possible response is "Bless you." However, the next step is to think of a response in which you are trying to be helpful, such as "Would you like a tissue?" Next, alter the phrasing so that it seems as if you are being judgmental. In this case, change "Would you like a tissue?" to " You look like you need this tissue." This makes the helpful action of giving them a tissue seem a little rude, as you're inherently pointing out a flaw in their appearance, (them having a booger). Lastly, change your tone of voice. This is the most important part because any sentence, no matter how rude, can seem innocent if you say it sweetly and with a kind face. Instead, you have to have a completely straight face and use a tone in which the you in the sentence is emphasized and try to overall sound like a jerk. There we go, that's how to piss people off! I do it naturally with little to no effort but maybe if you practice enough you can try to reach somewhere close to my level.

Assignment 21- Mary Huffman- When your dreams aren't all you thought they'd be

I can take you back to a moment that changed the course of my life. It’s dramatic, but so is this blog’s subject matter. It didn’t alter my life in the way that I may have led you to believe, but I don’t think I’ve experienced anything that’s changed me more fundamentally than this. Strap in, because this is gonna get geeky and sappy as always.

I strolled the halls one afternoon as I did most days when I should’ve been in a science teacher’s crowded classroom for a Robotics Club meeting. I know it’s terribly nerdy, and I knew it was terribly nerdy when I joined Lansdowne’s team in the third grade, when I joined Tates Creek Elementary’s team when I moved schools the following year, and yet again when I entered middle school. It was really fun until it wasn’t. And in seventh grade, my illustrious robotics career came to an end. It’s all Ellis Padgett’s fault, and she deserves more recognition for that than she gets. 

As I wandered around the block of classrooms, I got closer and closer to a group of boisterous adolescents who huddled around another room. Ellis saw me and asked if I was there to audition. Audition for what? Then I was back in the science teacher’s classroom, telling the teacher that I would be with the drama teacher for a few minutes, but I’d be right back. Only I never went back. I auditioned for The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon, and boy did I feel like a badass. Maybe it should’ve been harder to leave robotics behind after four years, but the decision was actually quite easy. It was not a decision that garnered immediate gratification, however. I didn’t make the cast list for Brothers Grimm. Sad, I know, but I took a position on the stage crew, though somewhat begrudgingly. I guess this was kinda like my first time using drugs, except the substance was obnoxious, dramatic teenagers who ran around pretending to be someone else. I was hooked.

My addiction manifested itself as I stage managed the next three shows and acted in one production. I didn’t get back into theatre until sophomore year, when I was at the bottom of the totem pole again, as a low-level stagehand, and I was loving it. By the end of this year, I will have been a part of four productions at Henry Clay. I switched from one geeky extracurricular to another, I know. I often think about how different I would be if I hadn’t done theatre, if I’d kept playing with Lego robots. I’ve stuck around, but it’s not been the easiest. The issue with theatre is that “theatre kids” fulfill the stereotypes all too often. We’re not all bad all the time, but some of these people really need a switch that turns off the drama. I know it’s in their blood, but it is so hard to be friends with everybody, which is something I recognize I have a bit of a need for. Sometimes it feels like I’m caught in the middle of an awfully written soap opera that stars hormonal attention-whores and questionable leadership. That’s not to say that I don’t love most of the people I’ve worked with in the many productions I’ve been a part of, but we’ve got a severe issue with cancel culture in this theatre department. If you want the gossip, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I would rather not perpetuate the very thing I wish to destroy. But I can summarize my whole issue now. It’s been a secret dream of mine to have major roles and be in the theatre clique. But now that I’ve accomplished these rather selfish goals, I have some major cognitive dissonance going on. I know that the people I admire do terrible things. I’m guilty of some of the same terrible things, but it’s becoming hard to choose between defending them and staying on good terms with other people. 

So what do you do when you’ve achieved your dreams and befriended your heroes, but it means that you are surrounded by principles you can’t stand for?

Assignment 21 - That time I was rejected - Elizabeth Moore

Last year, more than anything I wanted to be accepted into the three-week intensive GSA program to develop my artistic skills. I spent hours and hours creating works of art for my application. I became interested in art the year prior when I lucked into an Art 1 class taught by my favorite person, Charissa Riley. Vast improvements in the quality of my creations – though they still weren’t excellent – made me excited about the prospect of acceptance into the GSA program. So I applied… And I was rejected. And I realized that I had expected something out of myself that was insane: sophomores, as a rule, are not accepted into the GSA visual art program, and I was only one and a half years into my studies. During middle school, and even through freshman year of high school, every time I failed at something, I shut down. Tears, loss of confidence, the whole shebang.  But rejection from GSA, though it marred my confidence a bit, marked the first time that failure inspired me. I started working harder and spending more time improving my art. I stepped up my game and began the AP art track. I took art supplies on vacation to attempt some plein-air painting. And as a result, I just won my first art award: I placed 2^nd in the state-wide EKU art competition in the painting category! I’m going to keep working, keep experimenting, and with time, I now know that I can achieve my goals.

Assignment 19 - Delaney Staley - Advice

One of the pieces of advice that I think almost every person has gotten to hear multiple times in their lives in one form or another is "talk to others like they are your equal." It's so simple but it is something that I think should occur more and I know I try to do, though I am not perfect. Recently I have started working and I have people that come up to me and some are nice and happy, and others not so much. The other day I had a woman get mad at me for her scoops of ice cream being so small and she laughed at me, making me feel stupid because I just started and Im not sure what to do in that type of situation. In that moment I literally wanted to just quit because I didn't think I could handle customers like that but I knew that I couldn't just give up. I hope that all of us can realize that just the way we talk to others, our tone, our choice of words, can all define that person's day and can actually have a bigger impact on them than we think.

Assignment 18 - Delaney Staley - Bucketlist

The number one thing on my bucket list before I finish high school is probably to go to more concerts. I love going to concerts and I've been to a lot already but I am hoping to go to more and see all different types of artists because I like different types of music including pop, country, and rap.
The number one thing on my bucket list before I finish college is to go on a mission trip. I would like to go to other countries and help others and learn about their way of life.
The number one thing on my bucket list before I die is to probably go skydiving. I want to experience something crazy like that and that kind of adrenaline. I don't know if I could actually do it because I'm also terrified of planes but hopefully I can get over both of those fears eventually.

Assignment 17 - Delaney Staley - Movie Review

I had high hopes for the second movie “To All the Boys: PS I Still Love You” to be as good as the first one but it did not live up to its hype. The whole movie was just buildup and the last 30 minutes was the only somewhat interesting part. The entire movie we just see Lara Jean and Peter get in like 2 stupid and pointless fights and then this other guy gets introduced but it doesn't actually go anywhere so basically there was no real plot. If you're bored and have literally nothing to do then sure, watch this. But your time could be easily spent somewhere else for something actually interesting or better than this.  It is hard to make a sequel live up to the first film by nature, so it is nothing against the director and if you loved the first film then I am sure you could see something enjoyable about this one.

Assignment 21: OB-STA-KELS – oh Brother Where art Thou (College)

We love obstacles.  When other people are facing them that is.  But where and who would our heroes be if they didn’t face any obstacles.  The same can be said for us.  Our obstacles shape who we’ve become and who we are becoming.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

OR

Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution

Minimum of 150 words - due Sunday, March 8 at 11:59 pm

March 29 is the last day to make up blogs 20-22

Assignment 22- Sarah Clark - arguing

My family likes to argue. At dinner, driving home, watching TV, really wherever and whenever. Believe it or not, I used to hate arguing, and whenever they started, I just ignored it. So I guess the unusual circumstance I’ve been presented with is being born into an argumentative family when I  was apathetic and didn’t like/care speak my mind when I should’ve. I honestly don’t remember when I inserted myself into their arguments (about politics, sports, history...really whatever), but it was about 1 or 2 years ago. Anyway, now I think I’m faced with the problem of being too argumentative, and getting extremely passionate about things that really don’t matter. Now, when I’m involved in an argument, I try to think to myself “Is this really the hill I want to die on?” And restrain myself before I get too deeply involved. 

Every morning last year, on the way to school, my brother and I would listen to a political podcast. And every morning without fail, we argued about it. Even if we had the same opinion, we somehow found how to get into a disagreement. Now I know this isn’t an attractive quality to have, but I think, in the long run, it has actually helped: made me question others’ political views before blindly following them, made me think of the nuance of issues, and made me into someone, who, even if it took a long time, doesn’t really mind getting yelled at anymore.

And although it makes for some interesting socratic seminars, at least I’m speaking my mind. 

Assignment 17- Andrei Zivkovic - movie critic

One of my favorite movies series ever is Harry Potter, I have seen the movies more than I can count and read the series a couple times as well. These films I’m my opinion fall under the genre fantasy/ action. A similar film When it comes to genres is the Lord of the Rings movies. I like them a decent amount while I may not be the super fan of them or like them as much as Harry Potter, they are some quality movies. Both of these movies takes you to another would and it’s like you’re experiencing a whole new place and that’s one thing I love about them. Some obvious differences are the story plot behind the two as well as time and setting all that fun stuff. Another similarity is the connection you get to develop with the characters. In the Harry Potter series you get to see the main characters grow up and develop and that helps you make an emotional connection with the characters. While lord of the Rings isn’t as long you still know the characters for a while and start to develop an emotional connection as well and in my opinion both films did a great job at this. I could go on and on about them but that’s something for another time.

Assignment 19- Andrei Zivkovic - “wise words In life”

I think In life I get a lot of advice that just goes in one ear out the other but some sticks with me. I know it’s a cliche but the one that sticks with me is that everything happens for a reason. It’s a basic one but something I forget often and in the past couple days has come up a couple times. There’s a few things that have happen the past couple days that haven’t put me in the best mood but talking with my cousin about it she helped me realize how much better I will do without these things and how she thinks it wouldn’t of been the best for me doing the thing in the first place. I’m not really trying to say what they were just because I don’t really wanna share that so I’ll just refer to it as the thing. But she helped me think about how overthinking about things really does you dirty and doesn’t help your well-being. I get hung up on things and overthink but just slowing it down and saying it happened for a reason something even better will happen helps me calm down When I get stressed in life

Assignment 18- Andrei Zivkovic - “challenges for my life”

In some ways to me a bucket list is just a list of challenges that you make for yourself sort of like those New Years resolutions that you “make” even though most people don’t fulfill them. I’m not saying bucket lists should be that exciting but definitely more than a list of resolutions. To start of on my life bucket list something I wanna do before high school ends is put myself out in the world more, do something that’s outside my comfort zone. This is a very broad idea but I can’t think of anytime I really went out in the world and tried to start something. I feel like it would be a fun experience and help me with confidence as well. Something before I graduate college would be go on a road trip or vacation with friends. College is a time that you get a fresh start I want to meet new people and then take a road trip around the U.S or some sort of adventure that would help is bond. I think that would be a great experience to do while you’re growing up with new people sort of. The big thing on my bucket list is one that I want to do before I die is to go back to Russia. I haven’t been back to where I was from and I really don’t know when I will get that opportunity but it is definitely something I have to do. I want to see the town where I was born and who knows maybe meet my birth parents but one step at a time. It would be a great experience to see just where I was from and my roots and I look forward to the time that I get to do this.

Assignment 19- Penelope Pierson- Advice from myself

Honestly, I really can't think of any advice that anyone has ever given me that has made a lasting impact. At some point, someone probably has said something that has stuck but I can't think of it for the life of me. Though, I do have advice I give myself when I'm feeling down. It's simple: you're hella funny. It doesn't really matter what has gotten me down, I always remind myself that I am actually the best version of myself I can be, and that my personality is honestly superb, You could say I think fondly of myself, but I really do believe I already am the best I can be and there is no point in being unhappy about what one person thinks about me, because in the end, it will be a loss to them to not get to know me better. By keeping this in mind, I have come to grow a lot from what I was in elementary and middle school, who was a lot quieter and definitely knew when to keep their mouth shut. Now, my incredibly loud voice is able to be heard (even by those who don't want to hear it) and as cheesy as it may be, my authentic personality can come out.

Ok this entire post makes it seem like I'm really pompous and think I'm better than anyone, but I swear a solid 85% of the time that's not the case.

Assignment 19-- Daniel Mendoza Vasquez

I am conscious that this piece of advice is quite strange--and maybe not always applicable--but it has certainly stuck with me. I have been advised to exhibit a Jerry Seinfeld-esque indifference to setbacks in life. And Seinfeld was specifically referred to. Whether they be emotional, school-related, or otherwise, it has been suggested to me that I don’t dwell on things, but that I instead pick my head up and move on. Of course, this doesn’t mean that I should never care about anything or lack sympathy, which is true of Seinfeld’s one-dimensional sitcom character. It doesn’t mean that I should act in an asshole-ish fashion to get me in difficult situations in the first place, such as forgetting my girlfriend’s name. It does mean, however, that I shouldn’t overthink things and hold myself back even more by refusing to get over hardships and misfortunes. Because, as I myself have observed in my very short lifespan, the universe tends to unfold as it should.

Assignment 19 - Justin Zhu

One of the most common pieces of advice in the community for the rhythm game Osu! is just two words. "Play More." I've played Osu! for over a year and asking any top player how to become better will result in these two words, repeated among the entire community. And it doesn't only apply to Osu! The more I involve myself in sports, school, and other games, the truer these two words become. I can't find real improvement through little tricks and shortcuts. Copying a top player's settings or copying test answers from your seatmate doesn't make you any better than you were before. In fact, it's actually detrimental to your improvement.  Since you appear to improve without work, you continue to skip on out studying or practice, falling behind your peers who are actually putting in the work to improve. While there are some things, such as a poor environment that can hinder development, committing time and effort yourself to become better has proven to be fruitful, especially to me. The more I play volleyball, lacrosse, Osu! or studying, I can see and feel myself improve.

Assignment 18 - Justin Zhu

One of the things I definitely want to learn while in high school, especially before I leave for college, is learning how to cook. I believe cooking is an essential skill that carries on and lasts for a life time. Along with the tight finances that come with college, being able to cook now allows me to "survive" better as a lot of college students lack the funds to constantly eat out. Also, being a good cook means I have more control over diet and quality of my meals. While in college, I definitely want to leave the country, especially by myself or with a group of friends. I want to experience other countries with the freedom to see what I want to see. Leaving the country with your family feels extremely restricting, you have to be near them at all times and everywhere you visit is up to your parents. Visiting the country by myself, I believe, will be more fulfilling. And finally, the oldest item on my bucket list, which is very common, is skydiving. I'm a thrill seeker and I don't think anything will be more thrilling than falling towards the earth at terminal velocity.

Assignment 20 - How to read a book in a single sitting - Cat Lucier

How to read a book in a single sitting (or a very short time; it depends upon the length and complexity of the book). These aren't in any particular order. 

1. Get your phone confiscated by your parents because you were sick at school (it's because of that damn phone not because you actually contracted an illness or anything.) You could also throw it in a lake or river, or just turn it off and leave it in a different room.

2. Get a bottle of water. I like the reusable kind with the straw that flips up because you don't have to take your eyes off the page to take a drink, and I like to chew on the rubber mouthpiece as a sort of fidget while I'm reading.

3. Get a blanket. Even if it is the middle of summer, and you are plenty warm already, a blanket is good for providing a cushion for any bony body part and can double as a pillow if your neck gets tired.

4. Get a big, semi-comfortable chair. It is important that this mustn't be a chair that is too squishy and comfortable and leans back (think La-Z-Boy) because you will fall asleep. I prefer an ugly floral print wingback chair that was my great-grandmother's because it is wooden and has lost most of its padding, but it still soft enough to be comfortable for hours upon end, and it is large enough that I can curl up in many different positions without hurting an elbow or something.

5. Get a book that you can't seem to put down. I have a few favorites that I can read in an hour or two and have read many times. There are others that I started and couldn't put down. Usually, Stephen King or Ellen Hopkins are authors whose books do that for me. 

6. Read!

Assignment 18-- Daniel Mendoza Vasquez

High School:

Maintain a 4.0 GPA
Get higher ACT and SAT scores
Get into CBYX Program
Find a way to get into an out-of-state college without having crushing debt

College:

Major in an area where I actually enjoy going to the classes
Keep traveling frequently
Find a job that will provide money to live on but not overwhelm in concurrence with my classes
Earn masters right away

Life:

Go to Cuba (ideally with my dad as a guide)
Build a career in business--hopefully in an area like sports or cars
Learn to fly an airplane
Attend a World Cup
Make enough money to travel


The most important thing for me to do before I finish high school, which will be very soon, is to be well prepared for the rest of my life. I’d like to be accepted into a college of my choosing and to do so without bankrupting my parents or taking on huge amounts of debt. Of course, achieving this can’t be done without working hard to do everything else on the list, but because it is the final objective it is most important.

College-wise, I don’t have many expectations or desires besides just wanting the experience to be as useful as is advertised. But, it is crucial to me that I actually enjoy what I study, so that I don’t dread getting up early to go to class or spending time studying.

Life goals are much harder to define and they don’t have a known expiration date. It is hard to choose one, and it would make sense to say that making money is most important, but dear god if I never go to Cuba it will be my life’s greatest tragedy. My father was born there, so half my family is Cuban, he has the means to go, and it was getting increasingly easy to go up until a couple years ago. It is a little ridiculous that I haven’t already gone. I intend to meet my other half before I die.

Assignment 17 - Justin Zhu

Two movies directed by Josh Cooley are the masterpieces Inside Out (2015) and Up (2009). Both movies have a special place in my heart. Up describes the mystical adventure of a young boy scout and an adventurous old man in a floating house, while Inside Out depicts the coming of age of a young girl whose family just moved. Both succeed in gripping the audience's attention to create a lasting memory in their hearts. Up contains multiple plot twists containing betrayal along with the growth in each character and their relationships to form a narrative that is extremely heartwarming and portrays the message of friendship, despite generations. Inside Out on the other hand, creates a story much more realistic that's much darker. By portraying the brain as a series of different emotions controlling the brain with its own world, the visual of that world crumbling during the main character's darkest time proves to become visually appealing. Inside Out is also relatable to adolescent and adults, describing the difficulty of coming of age and leaving the place you call home.

assignment 19 Juliann Hyatt

The best advice I’ve ever gotten was not given to me directly, it was actually explained on Game Grumps by Dan avidan, and the exact name of it is too explicit to say here, so I’ll paraphrase. 

It’s called the “[Screw] it adjustment”. How does it work? Simple. Say something isn’t working out for you and you’re really stressed over it. Just pause, evaluate if it’s THAT important, and if not? [Screw] it and move on. Just chuck it in the [Screw] it bucket and move on. Life’s too short to be stuck doing things that don’t matter and that you don’t enjoy. Once I realized this, my grades slipped a bit, yes, but I also became less stressed, slept better, and enjoyed life a bit more. I’m still working on it to this day, but the adjustment has helped me prioritize things immensely. 

Assignment 19- Landon d’Angelo

One piece of advice that came from my mom was to choose my job and what to study in college not based upon how much money I’m going to make from it but rather how much I would enjoy it. This is having more of an effect on me now than when I first heard it because I’m getting closer to applying to colleges and I want to consider that before making any decisions. Ultimately, whatever I decide to pursue is going to dictate much of the rest of my life because it will limit what jobs I am qualified to hold. I don’t want to regret that decision 20 years down the road because I chose to ignore that advice. Obviously, I need to choose something that will allow me to provide for myself but I need and will keep that advice in my mind before making any big decisions.

Assignment 18- Landon d’Angelo

The most important thing for me to achieve during high school is to be able to enter the university of my choice. I don’t know what that is yet but I want to be able to pick whatever fits me best. This means keeping grades and ACTs high so that I’m not limited based on my academics.

During college I want to go on a road trip with friends from high school. As we all move forward with our lives it is inevitable that old friendships also move farther apart. I think it would be fun to relive old memories before we get too old or too busy.

Before my life is over I want to be able to provide for my mom so that she can retire and live how she wants to whether that’s traveling the world or something else. I want to repay her for getting me where I’m at in life and supporting me in whatever I did. 

Assignment 18 Juliann Hyatt

As far as highschool goes, I’d really like to shoot a 290 or better and get on the 290 board in the gym. My highest right now i think is a 273, which isn't awful but it isn't particularly good either. If I get on that board it’s very likely that I’ll place in the tournament as well.

In college I want to pick up a third language. I’ve been trying to teach myself German, Japanese, Italian, Portugese, Russian, French, and ASL, but, naturally, I have failed because of inconsistencies in practice. In college I want to take a Japanese course because I really like the language and culture. And food. 

As far as life goes, I’d like to leave the continent at some point. Maybe just to England and back or something, but I really want to go somewhere, and the concept that the European countries are so small is fascinating to me.

Assignment 17- Landon d’Angelo

Psych: The Movie is based off of the television show Psych. The show revolves around a “psychic” named Shawn Spencer who, along with his best friend Burton Guster, helps the local police solve crimes. The movie structure is very similar to the layout of each episode of the show - it begins with a crime that most of the characters believe has a simple explanation, but then Shawn is somehow able to derive the actual truth. While the movie is able to bring some of the same comedy that the show does, it just feels like a longer version of an episode. This doesn’t mean that the movie was bad, it just lacks something needed to elevate it into a more memorable movie. The difference between a show and a movie is that a show has many episodes which means that not every episode must be unique or memorable. A movie is supposed to be a stand-alone piece that draws the audiences attention further than an ordinary episode. Unfortunately, the movie does not do this for the viewer. 3.5/5 https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/psych_the_movie

Assignment 17-juliann hyatt DC made a decent movie

I am not much of a DC fan, and after seeing Suicide Squad this movie had me a bit worried, but Birds of Prey was excellent. Margot Robbie did an outstanding job as Harley Quinn and also as a co-producer. The story line is coherent, the motivation for the movie isn’t to regain a man’s affection, it had a perfect soundtrack, and the special effects were stellar. This movie is entertaining to anyone, no previous DC knowledge required. I don’t recommend bringing kids under the age of fourteen as the language is rough and there is quite a bit of graphic violence, but those things add to the story rather than detract from it. 10/10 great movie, will definitely buy on DVD.

I have no clue how to post on rotten tomatoes please forgive me.

Assignment 19 - Lia Jacobs

I don't have many pieces of advice that serve as guiding principles for my life, but one of my favorites was what my dad told my mom a few years ago: "Better is good enough for now". Some people find the phrasing a bit difficult to digest, so basically all it means is to take baby steps instead of leaps. To fully understand the context would take a lot of explaining, so really all you need to know is that my dad likes to keep things tidy whereas my mom seems to lack that skillset. Its rarely a large problem, but its always a source of frustration for my dad. From what I can understand, my mom starts by maybe leaving her shoes in the kitchen, then leaves some clothes on the floor, and before you know it all of her stuff is a mess. While I don't suffer from this chronic messiness, my mom and I do share a lovely ability to get easily intimidated by large tasks. So this is where the advice comes in, my mom gets overwhelmed with cleaning up her colossal mess and doesn't fix it until one day she decides she's had enough and the whole house must be spotless. This, of course, is rather annoying to the rest of the family who doesn't feel the need to mop the floor and wash the windows because of one person's sudden need for tidiness. So, our family has had to adopt this mantra, "better is good enough for now" so that all of the cleaning happens gradually and not all on one day. Its impact on me has not been life-altering, but whenever I'm presented with a giant task I don't get nearly as intimidated. I just remember that even the tiniest amount of progress is still progress.

Assignment 18 - Lia Jacobs

Before I finish high school:

• Maintain good academics
• Start a club
• Get accepted into a good college
• Get a job
• Don't burn out

I think my number one priority is not burning out. It's my top priority because I can't really accomplish anything if I do. In most aspects of my life, I push myself a little too much to try to be successful and I can feel it starting to take its toll. As I've gotten closer and closer to the end of high school, I can feel myself putting in less and less effort. After putting in this effort for so many years, I find myself in the same position as those who don't (the ones who copy the homework, don't study for the tests, etc.). I'm not saying I've reached rock bottom by any means, but it just takes more and more energy to reach the same standards I've always set for myself. And sometimes I just don't have the energy. So, the goal for before finishing high school is to rediscover the enthusiasm I used to have for working hard.

Before I finish college:

• Make good friends
• Keep raising more service puppies 
• Graduate without a lot of debt/get a job during college
• Get a degree in a career I love

My number one priority here is finding a career that I love. At the moment, I'm unsure of exactly what I want to do with my life, so I'm hoping to gain a bit of clarity on this during college. I know a lot of people who love their jobs and a lot of people who hate their jobs, and based on their lives I would much rather identify with the former.

Before I die:

• Find something that makes me happy
• Don't have to worry about money
• Own lots of dogs
• Build and maintain strong relationships in all aspects of life
• Don't influence the world in a negative way

Lastly, my main goal for life is to not have a negative influence. From what I've seen so far on this blog, most people want to have a positive impact. I don't really picture myself leaving a huge lasting impact, so I'd much rather keep things neutral and glide through life without disturbing anyone. This idea probably seems pessimistic to most, but I would much rather focus on living a joyful life for myself than worry about my long term impact on the world (so long as I'm not harming anyone).

Assignment 17 - Lia Jacobs

Usually, my winter breaks are filled with movie watching but this year we only saw the new Star Wars movie. Though I did enjoy the movie, if I'm being honest I can't remember most of the plot. So instead, I'll be talking about two Baz Luhrmann movies. I've seen both Moulin Rouge and Romeo + Juliet countless times at this point, but I decided to rewatch them over the break. The two movies are wildly different but through all of the chaos emerges Luhrmann's unique style of directing. Upon first glance, the two movies simply seem odd. They have utterly different plots, and the only thing that seems to connect them is chaos. Both movies feature flashy costumes, over-the-top music/dance sequences, and modern music which is a mismatch from the time period of the movie. I guess the best word to describe these two movies is spunky. They certainly won't appeal to every viewer. but I find them just weird enough to be enjoyable. I should add, I've also recently watched The Great Gatsby (the one with Leonardo DiCaprio), and it aligns with Luhrmann's chaotic movies, but simultaneously seems much tamer.

Assignment 23 - Tahsen Hossain - "Laugh into the Void" Mix.

This one's a bit early but I really liked this prompt.

The "Laugh Into The Void" Mix. (7 songs)

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg57hD-tCzCnuuTMlPAj63gUpXGogzz77

Description: For those times when the world is devolving into chaos and it feels like the uncertainty of the future is becoming too stressful this playlist allows you to find some comfort in the fact that there is nothing you can do about it but laugh into the void before you.
If listening to sad music is to "feel so good to hurt so bad, and suffer just enough to sing the blues" (in the words of Elton John), to dilute one's sadness; then this playlist ought to dilute one's hopeless frustration at the world by allowing them to feel just cynical enough to sing some alt-rock. It's like exposure therapy to being an impatient teenager.


1. Lake Shore Drive by Aliotta Haynes & Jeremiah - The beginning of the song is the setup. It makes everything seem fine. But the shift to the "Laugh into the Void"  mood sort of kicks in when the singer reveals that he's really talking about an LSD trip and there is no seemingly utopian Lake Shore Drive. It starts the playlist with a playful but not too energetic tone.

2. Four Out of Five by the Arctic Monkeys - Maintains the 70's style of music but cements the "Laugh into the Void" mood from the very beginning of the song. "Advertise in imaginative ways, start your free trial today". This song is rife with criticisms about the unsustainable way we live that's hidden underneath our capitalist cultures but it never really denounces any of it. It's a brief dip into nihilism, a "none of this has any meaning so I'll do what I want anyways" mentality. It talks about a hotel on the moon that has been having problems because neighborhoods on the moon are all "getting gentrified" with "cute new places popping up". Its sort of like "yay we made the moon habitable" only to be like "yeahhhhh... but we also kinda brought the problems of capitalism with us when we did.... so boo".

3. Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino by the Arctic Monkeys - It's rare for me to include two songs from the same album in the same playlist unless its a particularly broad playlist like for driving or working out; for playlists detailing emotional states it almost never happens. However, in this case, it would be a disservice to separate Tranquility Base and Four Out of Five because they flow so well into each other. Tranquility Base has this ominous feel to it, where things that people usually say cheerfully like the call operator lines "Good Afternoon, Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino, Mark speaking, please tell me how may I direct your call." are delivered with what can only be described as a singsong cynicism. The disparities between the song's tone and what it's saying make the audience become doubtful of the realities around them, bringing the uncertainty aspect of the playlist into full view.

4. Way Beyond by Bastille - This song brings the energy level of the playlist back up and sort of serves as the bridge between the first three songs and the last three. In the way of content, it's pretty clear about its dissatisfaction in modern culture. Where Tranquility Base and Four Out of Five criticise its unsustainability, Way Beyond is dissatisfied with how shallow and unsubstantial it is. "Movies and news on television, sometimes it's hard to tell the difference." It reacts similarly, saying "It only matters if we care now" and that "you're way beyond that" putting its chips on nihilism and not caring about anything.

5. 20 Dollar Nosebleed by Fall Out Boy (feat. Brendon Urie) - This song is more chaotic than the last and its lyrics are certainly more up for interpretation but for the most part, it's about doing copious amounts of drugs and embracing chaos. The chorus involves a cartoonish exchange where two characters "exchange smoke rings" and ask for drugs and then demand to be called "Mr. Benzedrine". The few times the narrator in the song is referencing reality and not his drugs, he's criticizing the government's justification for the war in Afghanistan and the geopolitical landscape of America. Almost as if saying "Man if I was sober, I would probably be mad as hell."

6. Desolation Row by Bob Dylan, the My Chemical Romance version - Also more chaotic than the last song and probably the hardest rock song in the album. This is the climax of the playlist where Bob Dylan's great lyrics are delivered by the screaming voice MCR's Gerard Way, this is arguably the best way to experience this song. It better portrays the absurdity of the situation being painted by Bob Dylan's lyrics. While it does have a more complex view of the situation it's still describing a very strange but familiar alternate 1960s reality where people are attending mob lynchings like they were carnival shows, a possessive Romeo is heralded as an asshole for objectifying Juliet, and Cinderella's reliance on her looks to score a rich husband gives her a distinctly sexual connotation. Probably the most disturbing thing about the song is how it trivializes violence and anger like they are the parts that make the most sense and to a sad degree they are. If the lyrics are lost on you then it may just be cathartic to hear someone screaming like Gerard Way is.

7. Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen - I don't even really need to justify this one. It's just a good song. But if you still need something may I direct you to the lyrics "I'm just a poor boy nobody loves me" and "nothing really matters, anyone can see, nothing really matters to me."

Assignment 20 - Tahsen Hossain - How to Waste Time like Tahsen Hossain

TLDR - Say you're going to do something and then do everything except that thing for copious amounts of time


Step 1 - Decide to do something. Usually, homework or in those rare instances when you're all caught up academically, workouts.

Step 2 - Do what seems like a reasonable amount of work at the time but really isn't that much at all. Like the first half of a blog post (literally only 75 words) or 7 minutes on the treadmill at half-speed.

Step 3 - Go get yourself a drink of water from the kitchen because even the best procrastinators need to HYDRATE.

Step 4 - Forget why you were in the kitchen because you have the attention span of a literal fruit fly and check your phone for what seemed like 5 seconds but was really closer to 10 whole minutes, instead of completing Step 3 and maintaining your own health.

Step 5 - Realise that you are losing focus and try to get back on task

Step 6 - Open up the youtube tab on a device for the sole purpose of playing music while you work and nothing else. (Foreshadowing: This is what I'd like to call walking right next to the rabbit hole and expecting not to fall in.)

Step 7 - See the thumbnail of a video that you know is probably clickbait but click on it anyway because, again, you have the attention span of a hummingbird on crack cocaine. Swan dive headfirst into the rabbit hole.

Step 8 - Give up all hope of being productive and start sketching and doodling on random papers you find nearby, maybe even upgrade from Youtube to Hulu or Crunchyroll so you can catch up on some shows that you wanted to watch. If the weather is nice, take your sketchbook and your bike, go outside, find a nice spot in the shade or a park bench, and doodle there instead, while you can enjoy the breeze. Unapologetically set up camp in the rabbit hole and when the rabbit that lives there comes by, make sure there's still enough room for it to be comfortable because habit loss is no joke.

Step 9 - Look at the time and how much you didn't do and act surprised to be in the situation you're in.

Step 10 - Stress-work extra hard to get an acceptable amount of work done.

Step 11 - Feel a little guilty for wasting so much time.

Step 12 -  Realise you don't actually feel guilty at all and sleep soundly with no regrets.

Step 13 - Wake up in the middle of the night realising that you still haven't had any water all day and your mouth is as dry as the Gobi desert.

Step 14 - HYDRATE; for real this time.

Assignment 19 - Tahsen Hossain - You want some advice kid?

"What is the one piece of advice given to you that has stuck?"

This is a surprisingly hard question for me. I did not expect to face this much difficulty trying to remember a useful piece of advice. People don't give me much advice on things.

I guess the best advice I've received so far came in two parts from two different people.

The first was probably not meant to be advice but rather an excuse to get me to stop talking. Whenever my mom didn't feel like explaining something to me in its entirety she would give me the cliched "the world's more complicated than you'd expect". Whenever I would ask "complicated how?" or "why?" she would respond with something along the lines of "Well if I could explain it in five minutes then I suppose it wouldn't have been that complicated" tacking on a rhetorical "would it?" at the end for good measure. At that point, I knew not to poke the proverbial bear but I usually didn't think much on her words afterward. Looking back on it now I can confirm, the world is definitely more complex than I thought it was.

This realisation happened largely because I was watching Crash Course on youtube and John Green exclaimed in one of his patented John Green asides, "Stupid truth! Always resisting simplicity, and such!" and it made sense. 

Assignment 19 - Hannah Whaley - bad advice is just as effective

The prompt for this blog post didn’t specify that it had to be GOOD advice. This advice was certainly a gem. And it certainly made some impact on me. For some background context, my mother is the youngest of 5 kids born in Iraq. The oldest is 20 years older than her and the next youngest is 7 years older. The Kurdish culture requires you to respect your aunts and uncles. They are family and they are older than you. Respect them, listen to them, clean for them, eat until you puke for them - whatever they want. The oldest sister of my moms siblings advised me, at a young age, to treat all family well. Blood is more important than anything else. But then, I watched how she treated my own mom, her younger sister. She treated her with blatant disrespect. Always. I even was told a story. When she was 30, the oldest sister bullied my preteen mother constantly and called her ugly, fat and destroyed her self esteem. When I saw this aunt this past summer, she called my sister and I trash and disgraces to the family. What’s funny is she did it in another language, knowing my sister and I don’t understand. She constantly talks badly about her daughter-in-law, who is nothing but precious. She’s a mean snake. She used to lock her oldest daughter in rooms and refused to take her in public because she was too ugly and too fat. So I looked at the advice she gave me - to put family above all. Well, I don’t like to think that I am even related to that woman. If blood was what connected us so strongly, why was she showing my mom and sister and me disrespect and hate? So I now know blood may bring people together, but being related in no ways means that you have to love somebody. That’s the life lesson I took away from her advice and how strongly it clashed with her actions.

Assignment 20 - Elizabeth Moore - How to SUP!

11. I guess SUP is kind of an obscure sport, so I will explain. SUP stands for Stand-Up Paddleboard. It’s like a surfboard that you can use on any body of water. SUPs are stabilized by 1-3 fins, allowing anyone with moderate balance skills (so not my father, who has fallen off of my SUP several times) to stand up while paddling and in time, do tricks and even yoga on the water (I’ve tried this and it’s VERY fun. I can actually do a headstand on my paddleboard). SUPing isn’t for everyone, so if you’re interested, I would definitely recommend taking a class. My mom got us tickets several years ago to take a group SUP trip on Boone creek with an instructor. The instructors provided paddleboards, paddles, and taught us to navigate the boards with ease. For more advanced paddleboarders there are even SUP classes that explore rivers in caves.

22. If you’ve decided that you want to start paddle boarding, you will need to purchase a paddleboard. My parents and I researched for weeks to determine the best make and model for me (there are hundreds) and ultimately settled on an inexpensive, but good-quality inflatable paddleboard. Hard plastic paddleboards are EXTREMELY heavy and are difficult to transport as they are much larger than the interior of a vehicle. Inflatable paddle boards, on the other hand, are lightweight, feel rock solid when inflated to between 13 and 15 psi, take only 15 minutes to inflate manually, and deflate to fit into a backpack for easy transportation.

33. Put your paddleboard in the water fin-side down, and mount the board in the middle, facing the front of the board, under which there are no fins. I recommend mounting on your knees if you’re new to SUPing.

44. Pack water, Chacos or some other water-capable sandal, and an extra double-bladed paddle in case you get too exhausted to use the board as it is intended. You can always sit down and use it as you would a kayak. I stash all of these things in bungees that are attached to the front of my board.

55. The paddle technique is a bit counterintuitive. We feel the urge to use the paddle - which is slightly bent but not curved – as a scoop, but for maximum speed, you should actually flip the paddle around so that the flat back hits the water. The paddle is single-bladed, so you will place one of your hands on the grip at the very top and the other as far down the paddle as is comfortable. To make a stroke, squat down slightly, stick the paddle in the water at the front of your board, and pull the paddle towards you and parallel to the side of the paddleboard. Keep pulling the paddle until the bent section is perpendicular to the water, then slide the paddle to the right and up out of the water so that there is minimal water resistance. Since you have only a single paddle, if you’re not careful, a stroke will turn you off your course and you will have to switch hands to course-correct. As you practice, your technique will improve and you will be able to paddle longer without switching hands.

66. Take your skills, and do your thing! If you travel to a national park (and you took my advice and got an inflatable paddle board) there are streams, lakes, and definitely somewhere scenic to take your board, a picnic, and have a good ol’ time. On a recent family trip to Acadia National Park in Maine, I spent several hours paddling around Echo Lake. And because paddleboards have such a large surface area, there was room for my little cousins to pile on with me. That’s definitely one of my favorite memories. There are also plenty of local lakes, streams, creeks, coves, tributaries, even the Kentucky river, all of which are beautiful and PERFECT for your next paddleboarding adventure. My personal favorite is the Dix River, which feeds into the Kentucky. I’ve heard of people paddleboarding to Cumberland Falls to see the moonbow, and that’s DEFINITELY on my bucket list. You can also take a paddleboard on rapids. I’ve done a short section of rapids on my paddleboard on my knees, but I want to learn to ride the rapids while standing.

Assignment 19 - Elizabeth Moore - Scary Stuff Man

My art teacher during both Freshman and Sophomore year is one of my favorite people I have ever known. She is my mentor and my friend, and I don’t know how I would have gotten through High School intact without her. We frequently talk about my future, something that scares me more than most other things because while I know I’m in control of what I do, I also know that everything that will happen is completely out of my hands. And I have this ridiculous need to be the best. To be a doctor, an engineer, a lawyer; you know, one of the professions that requires you to be a pre-something in undergrad and to stay in college until age 35. But Ms. Riley gives me that knowing smile every time she strikes up a conversation about what I want to be, and she tells me that I need to do something that makes me truly happy and leaves enough time in my life for the really important things: God, family, and myself. She thinks I should animate for Pixar or be a teacher :). I still don’t know what I want to do with my life, but I do know that when I make that decision, I’m going to look back on all the advice Ms. Riley gave me and choose the best path forward not to satisfy my ego, but to give myself a happy and fulfilling life.

#20: How to Make a Perfect Smoothie- Kelly Landry

As odd as it may seem to many people I think smoothies are my favorite food. This may be weird considering most people my age would likely say "Takis" or "Reese's Peanut Butter Cups" but a good, fresh fruit smoothie has become a daily ritual for me. I think if people refined their smoothie-making skills, people would drink a lot more smoothies. I am someone who does not like going out to eat so making smoothies at home is ideal. I use frozen fruit because it's the easiest to preserve, I use a combination of berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and mango chunks; I also use either half or a whole banana, almond milk, organic plant-based vanilla protein powder, chia seeds and flax seeds. Consistency is key, but it also depends on the person, I personally like the texture of a Stake-N'-Shake milkshake, not too thin but not super dense. I use a Nurti-bullet. Once the fruit, liquid, and protein is fully blended, I add in a little extra flavor and protein by adding in Trader Joe's crunchy almond butter and a little bit of coconut and chia seed granola.

Assignment 18- Penelope Pierson- My smol list

High School Bucket List:

• Go on a vacation with my friends
• Road Trip 
• Get into more exchange programs
• Penelope trip with the company of Penelope

I want to go to Japan. Again. As soon as possible. I'm working on it. 

College Bucket List

• Find the purpose on why tf I'm here
• Party (LEGALLY)
• Make friends
• Take a gap year to Japan

I've never found drinking, smoking or really anything illegal fun. So, when I go to college, I want to go to as many parties yet also have enough time to hang out with myself and enjoy having fun with my friends. 

Life Bucket List:

• Treat myself to a really expensive and fancy meal (hopefully a steak dinner)
• Meet some famous person
• Go to Japan as many times as possible
• Make enough money to treat myself
• get a pet
• Find rich person to marry with good genes

I will be getting a pet. My parents have had pet allergies for-EVER and I want a cat. While I am allergic as well, I would like a hairless cat. They may be a little ugly, but I can put a sweater on it. 

Assignment 19- Conor Kelley

I've gotten so many pieces of advice from those around me, especially my family, but the one that I've always remembered, and has always stuck with me, was something my great-grandmother told me years ago. She said to always keep a few dollars in my pocket, because I never know when I might need it. I've tried to follow this advice as best as I can, although I often find myself out of money to carry around. But the reason it's always stuck with me, I believe, is that it had more meaning than it shows. It isn't just about money, it's a principle, to always be prepared as best as you can, as you never know what lays ahead. It's not possible to be prepared for everything, there just isn't any way to predict every possible course your day could follow, but having a few tricks up your sleeve, in case of unexpected roadblocks or turns, can make a world of difference.

Assignment 18- Conor Kelley

For my bucket list before I graduate high school, the list has changed a lot, since I initially created this list, in freshman year, my aspirations have changed. My current priority is to make decent enough grades to get a student discount on my insurance. Insurance is way too high, and if I could just raise my GPA a little, I could get it cheaper. So at the moment, my priority is a student discount.
Before I graduate college, my priority is to pay for all of it without taking out and student loans. It won't be easy, but I have a plan to get through college using only my own money. Using the credit transfer program through BCTC and working through college, I theoretically should be able to get a degree from UK without loans.
My priority for my life is to live it like it's almost over. There's really no way for me to set a specific goal for my life, sure there are plenty of things I want to do, but I'll probably be a completely different person in two years, assuming the current pattern I'm following continues. So instead of setting a specific goal for myself, I'll just tell myself that no matter what it is I want to do, I have to go for it, not hesitate, not wait, but act as though I won't be alive tomorrow.

Assignment 20: How to …

Hide not your talents, they for use were made. What's a sundial in the shade?
--Benjamin Franklin

Ben makes a good point. For this week, put your gifts and skills on display by developing a "how-to." Choose something that you have a level of expertise in and explain step by step how it is done.

No repeats though! If two people are both really talented at making ice and one beats the other to the post on "How to make ice..." then, second person - you need to reflect upon your other talents.

So, stop standing in the shade and astound us!

Oh, this can be a video blog that you create.

Minimum of 150 words - due Sunday, February 16 at 11:59 pm

March 22 is the last day to make up blogs 20-22

Assignment 19 - Bethany Welch

I'd say the best advice I've ever received was from my mother, she told me at a young age to "always treat people with kindness, as you never know what is going on in their life." This has stuck with me and is part of why I always to try to be a nice person. Looking back at my life I can certainly remember some comments people have made to me that weren't necessarily "mean," but were rather insensitive and weren't good to hear at a specific time of my life. I am not claiming to be a perfect person and say I'm always nice, there are definitely times in my life that I look back on and regret, but I feel that this piece of advice has definitely molded me into being a more understanding and friendly person. I'd also like to take this a step further and try and be a friend to lots of people I've never talked to before, because you never know when someone may need a friend. 

Assignment 18 - Bethany Welch

High School Bucket List:

• All A's
• Pass all of my AP exams
• Get a 5 on the AP Biology exam (I love biology)
• Seal of Biliteracy
• Run a half-marathon
• Begin reading again
• Compose my own song on guitar
• Go on a camping trip with my friends

I'd say my number one thing on this list would be to run a half-marathon. In the past I've struggled a lot with keeping a consistent running schedule and I've often been upset with myself due to how long it has taken me to run certain distances. I'd like to run a half-marathon to have that experience of intense training and to know I've really devoted myself to something that I've struggled with in the past.

College Bucket List:

• All A's
• Travel as much as possible
• Make new friends
• Go to a music festival
• Study abroad 
• Do ROTC in college

I want to travel as much as I can, especially with my mom. I hope throughout college I can keep traveling and can save up the money to take my mom somewhere in the world and pay for everything. Traveling holds a special place in my heart, as pretty much everyone in my family loves to travel and the world holds so many interesting places.

Life Bucket List:

• Hike the Swiss Alps
• Positively influence the world in some way
• Have 2 kids and give them the best life I can
• Join the Army (maybe)

For me, I'd love to be able to positively impact the world, and if not something as big as the world, I want to positively impact someone's life or be able to help a good cause.

Assignment 17 - Bethany Welch

As I don't go to the movies as much as I'd like to, I'll pick some movies I've seen in the past that were pretty memorable. I really love horror movies, but finding horror movies that aren't laughable can sometimes be tough. However, I'd say two of my favorites would be Hush and Hereditary. For Hush, I'd say I love this movie just due to how different is. It features a deaf woman who lives by herself, and her struggle to survive when a man hunts her down. It isn't extremely unique, but the main character is intelligent and it provides a nice change from horror movies with a main character that makes you want to yell at the screen. The movie Hereditary also stuck with me, but more due to how shocking it was. I can't talk much about the movie without spoiling it, but it certainly left a lasting effect on me. The movie focuses on the idea of "family demons," but in more of a literal sense. The movie is hard to watch but is extremely well made.