One month ago, I decided to get a dog but I wasn’t too sure as to which type of dog I wanted. Growing up my cousins always had dogs but at that time it never caught my attention to get one.
Recently, I just felt like I wanted some sort of change/something new to happen in my life. This is when I decided to get a dog. I started looking and deciding what type of dog I wanted but honestly, I never chose a specific one.
I began telling my friends/family that I was planning on getting a dog. A close friend of mine had a coworker that was breeding his dog. He asked me if I wanted one and without even knowing what type of dog it was I said yes. This was very risky of me to do but I have no regrets.
Days later when I saw my puppy for the first time I instantly fell in love with him. He is a Maltese mixed Dachshund. I had no idea what to name my puppy so for a few days I would just call him doggy until I finally decided to name him Milo.
This is my first puppy so of course he is very spoiled. Every time I go to Petco/Petsmart I am always buying him toys and treats. I love taking Milo with me everywhere, whether it’s to Target or to get a car wash. I am enjoying the puppy stage because it is going by very quickly.
If you are ever able to get a dog, you should, you won’t regret it!
We all know that Halloween time is the start of the holiday season. Movies are often the best way to get into the holiday spirit. I will be listing my top 5 movies that are always putty in the mood to carve pumpkins, dress up in a costume, and get ready for the tricks and treats of the season.
Hocus Pocus (1993): Hocus Pocus is probably my favorite Halloween movie of all time. From the amazing costume design to the nostalgic feel you get while watching, Hocus Pocus follows the character and protagonist, Max. As a new student I’m Salem, Max is cynical about the lore the rest of the town seems to believe in. That is until he blows out the Black Flame Candle and summons the Sanderson sisters back into town. Hocus Pocus is the perfect movie to put you in the Halloween spirit.
Halloweentown (1998): Halloweentown, which originally premiered on Disney Channel, comes in second place for movies to put me in the Halloween holiday spirit. This movie, which is the first of four, follows a family of witches. Marnie, the oldest sister, is new to her witch powers and happens to follow her grandma to a whole new world. Marnie’s grandma lives in Halloweentown and is a witch herself. In this film, they must save Halloweentown and keep the spirit of Halloween alive. This movie never fails to make me excited for Halloween.
Halloween (1978): This one is for all the slasher fans. Halloween is a classic Halloween movie and one I prefer to watch with the lights on. Brutal murderer, Michael Myers escapes custody after killing his sister, Judith. He then stalks Jamie Lee Curtis’ character Laurie. This movie is perfect to put you in the Halloween spirit if you’re up for something a little bit frightening.
Coraline (2009): Coraline, the famous claymation film by Tim Burton, is fourth on the list. In this film, Coraline moves into the Pink Palaces, an eerie condo complex. She comes across a box and in that box, there is a doll that is identical to her. This doll leads her through a secret door in her home, to her “Other Mother,” an identical copy of her mom, but with button eyes. This film is my favorite Tim Burton film and overall, just a great movie to watch around Halloween time.
Scream (1996): Last, but certainly not least, Scream. This film is the first of the Scream franchise and a Halloween classic. Scream is yet another slasher film, that offers a little bit more humor than Halloween, but doesn’t take away from the goryness a true slasher includes. Characters, Randy, Gale, Dewey, Sidney, and her father all must uncover who is actually behind the mask. This film is fifth on my list because although it is a classic, it doesn’t top Halloween’s ability to encapture Halloween thrillers.
Halloween movies are such a big part of the holiday and hopefully, my top 5 Halloween movies could inspire the urge to throw on a scary movie tonight.
The autumn season comes with such a specific energy. Of course we have the cultural phenomenon of things such as Ugg boots or the Starbucks pumpkin spice latte, but often people will also look to music to fit the autumnal vibe as well.
With this desire for a fall energy comes classic albums such as Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” or even more contemporary songs such as girl in red’s “we fell in love in october.”
However, one piece of music has been severely overlooked within popular culture’s fall time music conversation. That album is “Heaven or Las Vegas,” (1990) by Scottish alternative band Cocteau Twins.
Cocteau Twins, a trio who made music between the years of 1979 and 1997, are known for their peculiar music sound. Their subgenre within the alternative genre was known as “dream pop,” which was born out of psychedelia and has a heavy emphasis on the atmosphere and texture of the music itself.
Within the Cocteau Twins’ dream pop works, they actually helped define the shoegaze genre, which falls under the dream pop umbrella. Shoegaze blends the sonic textures of dream pop with an ethereal set of obscure vocals.
This specific sound is found heavily within their album, “Heaven or Las Vegas,” which is what makes this album a quintessential autumnal piece.
Imagine walking down the street, with your most comfortable sweatshirt on while the cold wind blows through your hair and freezes your nose. The crunch of a perfectly browned leaf under your foot, as you go about your day.
That exact picture is what the album sounds like.
The album’s opening track, “Cherry-coloured funk,” encapsulates that by utilizing the dreamy instrumentals mixed with frontwoman Elizabeth Fraser’s mildly operatic yet ethereal voice. It’s almost impossible to make out the lyrics on first listen; but that in itself helps capture the vibe.
The entire album in itself is extremely cohesive, with each song sounding like a sibling to each other. The dreamy elements of the shoegaze and dream pop genres shine through strongly, creating the perfect album for watching the leaves fall and wandering aimlessly in the cold.
The album’s title track, “Heaven or Las Vegas,” is another personal favorite, as it somehow manages to slow down an already slow album. This song is the auditory equivalent of laying down in the grass, surrounded by foliage, with your eyes closed, as the cool breeze hugs your body.
A final personal favorite off the album would be the track “Fotzepolitic,” which just feels like being lost in the woods. Not that there’s woods in Fullerton, but a guy can fantasize.
Overall, the ten-tracked album perfectly captures the fall energy, and needs to be given the level of attention that Stevie Nicks’ works do. At least for myself, the season would not be the same without this album.
Loewe kicked off its Spring-Summer 2024 runway show in Château de Vincennes in Paris this past September. With J.W. Anderson as creative director of the Spanish luxury fashion house, this season saw many exaggerations with an unexpected yet fun twist across the board, as J.W. Anderson is known for. This time around, the collection, which spotlighted the delicate silhouette of the human body, highly emphasized outline and essence with many looks that accentuated the waist and form.
The fashion house also continuedits collaboration with artist Lynda Benglis, the creator behind a series of jewelry pieces and an installation of bronze sculptures. Her work was present at the show as black and gold sculptures were carefully placed to adorn as models made their way down the runway.
Various pieces made for walking commentary on the hidden hierarchy for practicality and comfort we search for in our everyday looks. But if there’s anything J.W. Anderson taught us this season, it's that practical doesn't mean boring. And oh boy, did he make that clear with vibrant hues of yellow, purple, red on oversized knits, crystalized floral tops, loose semi see-through dresses and black knee-length shorts with a playful pin at the top.
The collection showed off many extremes from extremely high-waisted pants to extremely oversized loose-knit ponchos with giant gold buttons adorning the front. Here are someof the highlights:
LOOK 03
LOOK 04
LOOK 06
LOOK 21
LOOK 35
As of now, the collection is not yet available to purchase. Stay tuned for third-party reviews when it drops!
One of my earliest childhood memories is falling in love with the San Diego Chargers. The lightning bolts on the helmets and uniforms were so intriguing as a kid because what 8-year-old boy doesn't think animated lightning bolts and fires weren't cool? I am now 21 years old, and I can assure you that once December kicks around, the Chargers will break my heart again.
The most toxic relationship I've ever had is with the Chargers. How can you return to something that has hurt you every year for nearly a decade and a half? Once April and May kick around, I always fall into the trap of "this year will be different," but it never is and probably never will be.
I want to think of myself as a winner and someone who does not want to lose. If you follow football, or even if you don't, let me tell you something: the new Los Angeles Chargers are everything except winning. The team does not have the "winning" gene in them, and every time you think things are turning around for them, they will ultimately "Charger" themselves out of a win.
What does it mean to "Charge" a game? It's pretty simple in sports terms: you choked the game away or did everything not to win. It's just what the Chargers do; whether it's missed field goals, coaching blunders, or untimely mistakes, the Bolts always find a way to lose. They are just that one team that can't get out of their way.
What keeps me around if all the team does is lose? The iconic players always trap me in this Chargers love every year. What Taylor Swift is to all the Swifties, Justin Herbert is to all his Herbies! I don't know if that is a term Chargers fans use, but I will use it. Before Herbert was Phillip Rivers and Antonio Gates. You know that one person that you feel so bad for because they are just stuck in a situation they can't get out of? Well, that's Justin Herbert and Keenan Allen, and before that was Phillip Rivers and Antonio Gates.
I rooted for these players because they give their all to the Chargers. If coaching and organizational competency were ever a thing in the Chargers dictionary, then in an alternate world, the Chargers are winners.
Working in sports media over the last two years has allowed me to cover competent organizations in Los Angeles, like the Lakers, the Rams, and the Dodgers; I yearn for the day the Chargers become an elite organization like their city counterparts.
I wonder if they will ever become that in my lifetime, and the Chargers will likely waste their young, great quarterback talent in Justin Herbert as they did with all great Chargers teams before. The Los Angeles Chargers can never guarantee a win, but they can always ensure an inevitable heartbreak.
As the hockey season gears up, the excitement of watching the LA Kings play live is an experience every fan should savor. Navigating a game day in Los Angeles requires a strategic approach to make the most of your time and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the hockey scene. Here's your ultimate guide to a thrilling LA Kings game day:
Navigating the Streets:
Early Planning:
Start your day by checking the game schedule and planning your route. Consider traffic conditions and give yourself ample time to reach the Staples Center.
Public Transportation:
Beat the traffic by using the Metro or bus services. The Pico Station is conveniently located near the arena, providing easy access for fans using public transportation.
Rideshare Services:
Embrace the convenience of rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. They offer drop-off zones near the arena, saving you the hassle of finding parking.
Parking Preparation:
Prepaid Parking:
Opt for prepaid parking to secure a spot in advance. This eliminates the stress of finding parking and allows you to focus on enjoying the game.
Arrive Early:
If you prefer on-site parking, arrive early to secure a good spot. The Staples Center's various parking lots can fill up quickly, especially on game days.
Pre-Game Eats:
L.A. Live Dining:
Explore the vibrant L.A. Live area surrounding the arena. Numerous restaurants, such as Yard House or Tom's Urban, offer diverse menus, making it a perfect spot for pre-game meals.
Iconic Food Trucks:
Venture a bit farther to experience some of LA's famous food trucks. From gourmet tacos to fusion cuisine, the variety is endless.
Niche Things Unique to an LA Kings Game:
Game Day Merchandise:
Immerse yourself in the Kings' spirit by grabbing some game-day merchandise. The team store at the Staples Center is a treasure trove of jerseys, hats, and other memorabilia.
Celebrity Sightings:
Keep an eye out for celebrity hockey fans. Los Angeles is home to numerous stars who are passionate about the Kings. You might just spot a familiar face in the crowd.
Post-Game Hangouts:
Extend the excitement post-game by exploring nearby bars and pubs. The Mixing Room at the JW Marriott or the Yard House are popular choices for fans looking to discuss the game over a drink.
Unique Fan Traditions:
Join in on the unique fan traditions, such as the "Go Kings Go" chant. Engaging with fellow fans in these rituals adds an extra layer of camaraderie to the experience.
In conclusion, navigating a game day to see the LA Kings involves a blend of strategic planning, culinary exploration, and embracing the unique hockey culture of Los Angeles. By incorporating these tips, you'll not only witness an exhilarating game but also create lasting memories in the heart of the King's kingdom.
