the bird on fire

The Bird is the Word: Sophisticated Schoolyard Shenanigans

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Behnke’s Bops

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Does your playlist need a shot of adrenaline? Makena has a new list of suggestions.

By Makena Behnke, Blogger Songster

here are some songs that for some reason hit me right in my feelings. some are happy, nostalgic, sad, or basically whatever other feelings i can think of. anyway, i love them.

  • Sorrento by Paul Anka
  • Someday by The Strokes
  • Dope on a Rope by The Growlers
  • Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds by The Beatles
  • Threat of Joy by The Strokes
  • Not My Baby by Alvvays
  • Make Someone Happy by Jimmy Durante
  • Best Friend by Rex Orange County
  • Birthday by The Sugarcubes
  • Pablo Picasso by David Bowie
  • Modern Things by Björk
  • Tupelo Honey by Van Morrison
  • Be My Man by Jill Barber

Editor: Holden Hartle

baby it’s cold outside, but let’s warm up with these hot tunes

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By Makena Behnke

new music for a new holiday–even though these are not holiday-related songs, you may still enjoy them over your two-week break. this playlist  includes a multitude of different genres from different time periods. enjoy:

  • Dionysus by The Buttertones
  • The Killing Moon by Echo & the Bunnymen
  • A Nightmare on My Street by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
  • Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers
  • Ruby Tuesday by The Rolling Stones
  • Vivid Red By Misfits
  • Holy Toledo by Vundabar
  • This Old Dog by Mac DeMarco
  • Semi-Charmed Life by Third Eye Blind
  • Wilson (Expensive Mistakes) by Fall Out Boy
  • Happiness Is A Warm Gun by The Beatles
  • The Impression That I Get by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
  • Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard by Paul Simon

Editor: AJ Patencio

Go See It.

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By Makena Behnke

In Palm Valley’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone, we see quick changes, strong voices, and monkeys. The main character, Janet, played by both Marianne Capetz and Kaiya Treash, is portrayed as a bodacious movie star who retires into marriage. Charles Schnell plays Janet’s fiance, Robert. Robert is totally lovestruck by his gorgeous girl. Every musical number (and there are a lot) causes very powerful and strong emotions, especially the “Aldolpho” number. Jake Sonderman plays “lady killer” Aldolpho who accidentally seduces Jackson Dean, the Chaperone. The storyline goes many different ways and adds to the comedy (look out for the irony coming from Leo Milmet). Taking place in the 1920s, I’m confident in saying the hair and makeup of the play are definitely important aspects of the show. Back then, thin and dark brows, pouty heart lips, and perfectly pinned and slicked back hair was the most popular look. Every character is perfectly put together; outfits are colorful; and attitudes are sickly sweet. Our dear Janet, while in conflict with herself, sings a lovely song about her love for a monkey. Everyone in the cast executes the music perfectly. There is a range of different characters–from the ditsy Kitty, played by Caroline Scheil, to dramatic Marianne and Kaiya’s Janet. I highly recommend The Drowsy Chaperone to anyone who enjoys a good laugh and/or chills when grand musical numbers occur.

 

Editor: Holden Hartle

 

horror movies you should’ve seen

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By Makena Behnke, Horror Movie Expert and Enthusiast

 

since halloween is over, here are some horror movies that you should’ve watched

  • Halloween. a classic. seriously, everyone needs to see this. no questions.
  • The Hills Have Eyes. it’s not as scary as it is creepy. the storyline could be clearer and the acting could definitely be better, but what can you do? it’s from 1977; give it a break.
  • A Nightmare on Elm Street. one of my favorite movies ever. you have 1) young Johnny Depp, 2) a crazy dream murderer guy, and 3) the iconic orange and green sweater. the storyline is interesting, but your understanding of the movie isn’t dependent on being super focused throughout the entire movie. (if you get up and get a snack, you won’t feel like you missed too much).
  • Friday the 13th. there is an entire series of Friday the 13th’s, any one of those movies will be just fine. the first movie does not have good acting and the overall theme of the movie reeks of  “classic horror.” if you’re in the mood for mindless killing, check this out.
  • Jigsaw. yikes, this was weird. the killer basically lets his victims go through an obstacle course of death. it’s gross and gory, but sometimes that’s what you’re looking for in a horror movie.
  • The New Daughter. this  has a really good story and it’s super interesting to watch. it’s not as scary as you would expect it to be, just creepy and interesting.
  • Hush. this has such an original story, and i really haven’t found another movie like it before. the killer and victim relationship is really unique, and there’s really nothing like it. there’s also some gory parts, so it automatically improves the horror aspect of the movie.
  • Scream. i love this movie so much. it’s just really good, and i don’t know how else to explain it. good watch.
  • The Amityville Horror. specifically, the 1979 one. there’s lots of slow parts in this movie so just be aware of that. the acting isn’t good, but it’s a must watch movie. plus, the dad reminds me of a werewolf, so that’s cool.

Editor: Leo Milmet

music to my ears

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Need a song for a rainy day? a sunny day? any old day? To recover from the PSAT? Makena has just the song for you.

Compiled by Blogger of Eclectic Taste, Makena Behnke

 

i don’t like just one genre of music; i have a collection of different music tastes from different time periods. my music taste is basically whatever speaks to me. so, here are some songs that i enjoy and you might, too:

 

  • Homely Feeling by Hockey Dad
  • Pulling Mussels by Squeeze
  • Gravity by Architects
  • 5 Minutes Alone by Pantera
  • One Week by Barenaked Ladies
  • Words to Me by Sugar Ray
  • Kozmic Blues by Janis Joplin
  • I Won’t Share You by The Smiths
  • Rain On The Scarecrow by John Mellencamp
  • Calypso by Spiderbait
  • In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning by Frank Sinatra
  • God Only Knows by The Beach Boys
  • Love Test by The Growlers

Editor: Holden Hartle

a thought

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A prose poem by Poet Blogger Makena Behnke

 

does human nature like to be trapped? do you, specifically, like to be trapped? you always go on about liberation and being free. but, you were the one who trapped yourself in that stupid box in the first place. i think you wouldn’t know what to do if you weren’t looking for a way out. you’re always griping about how everything sucks and how your life is terrible. if you unleash yourself from your own restraints, you would be so much happier, you would enjoy life. what would you do if you were content? how would you handle yourself? who would you be if you weren’t stuck in that box?

 

Editor: Luke Langlois

Without

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Take a moment with Blogger Makena Behnke

too many people go through life blindly. they don’t notice the colors in the innermost part of their friend’s eyes. they don’t notice the many colors that are born in the mountains. they don’t notice the way the light bounces off their best friend’s smile.

too many people go through life without feeling. they don’t feel the way the warm water engulfs their body when they swim. they don’t feel the way their friend’s hand brushes against theirs. they don’t feel the way their hand feels when they first run it through their hair in the morning.

too many people go through life without appreciating the little things. they don’t care about the way their favorite candle gives a certain glow to the room. they don’t care about the little doodles their friends leave on their notes. they don’t care about the scuff marks that appear on their favorite pair of shoes.

Editor: Bella Bier

some movies that i love and you might not but i don’t care because i love them with all my heart

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By Makena Behnke

 

some movies i like suck; some rule. it’s all a matter of opinion, okay? it’s summer, so instead of going outside and getting a tan, stay inside your little cave of a room and watch movies (most of these are on Netflix by the way). so, here we go.

  • The Craft. four girls experiment in the world of witchcraft. can they handle it, or do they go power mad? plus it has Skeet Ulrich soooo, yes.
  • Almost Famous. a 15-year-old kid goes on tour with a band in the 70s. as far as i know, this is the most realistic movie about band life on tour. also, a true story. love, peace, and joy, man.
  • 10 Things I Hate About You. despite what Leo says, it’s great. Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger? yes! also, a modern interpretation of a Shakespeare play? yes! also, set in the 90s? yes! overall, yes.
  • Hush. the horrorest of horror. not really, but it’s still good. It involves a deaf girl who lives in the middle of the forest and a murderer. the girl’s cat’s name is my favorite thing; i’m not allowed to mention it on the blog, but trust me, it’s good.
  • Peter Pan–the 2003 one specifically. the very story of Peter Pan just makes me so happy, but the actors and the way it’s executed makes me love it more.
  • Scream. so darn good. a classic. it has Matthew Lillard, Skeet Ulrich, Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox–my favorite 90s actors. truly one of my favorite movies ever.
  • Bring It On and Bring It On: All or Nothing. i was obsessed with this for a long period of time. i probably still can remember most of the cheers (and probably most of the script), but don’t ask me to cheer; i won’t.
  • 13 Going on 30. a movie everyone should watch. although a little chick-flicky, it’s great. can a magical birthday present fast forward through seventeen years? 
  • Kong: Skull Island. i haven’t seen any other giant monkey movies, but this was on the plane, and i couldn’t sleep on the plane. so far, i’m a fan of giant monkey movies. my last two eight-hour plane rides were good movie days.

 

Warning: some movies are Rated R, so beware.

Editor: Claire Jenkins

some coffees i’m ready to try… now:

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By Makena Behnke

many people enjoy drinking their normal morning coffee. it may be a latte, cappuccino, or a normal drip coffee. well, lattes, flat whites, and mochas are just the tip of the iceberg–

  • turkish coffee~ coffee with fine grounds and a cardamom pod included. also referred to as arabic and greek coffee. (turkey/greece/middle eastern area)
  • cuban espresso~ espresso sweetened with sugar while brewing the shot. (cuba)
  • marocchino~ espresso, cocoa powder and milk froth. sometimes thick hot cocoa and/or nutella is splashed in. (italy)
  • galão~ 1 part espresso and 3 parts foamed milk. (portugal)
  • kopi tubruk~ coffee with coarse grounds are left in the mix and are boiled with solid sugar. (indonesian)
  • swedish egg coffee~ the egg cuts the bitterness and heightens the smoothness. supposedly it doesn’t taste like egg. (sweden)
  • qishr~ spiced coffee husks, ginger, and every once in a while, cinnamon. (yemen)
  • fat americano~ substitute hot water with a can of Coca-Cola and pour it over ice. (america)
  • cafe breve~  0.5 part milk foam, 1 part steamed half and half, and 1 part espresso. (america)
  • red eye~ drip coffee with a shot of espresso. (america)
  • mazagran~ lemon juice, ice cubes, water, and espresso. (portugal)
  • espresso romano~ shot of espresso with lemon. (italy)
  • cafe tobio~ 1 part drip coffee and 1 part espresso. (america)

Editor: AJ Patencio

songs to sing along to

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By Music Master-Blogger Makena Behnke

sometimes, we’re in such a good mood, and we just want to scream at the top of our lungs (out of happiness). sometimes that hurts your throat so instead of screaming here are some songs that you can dance to, hum to, sing along with, etc.

  • Habits by Machine Gun Kelly
  • Remedy by State Champs
  • Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard by Paul Simon
  • Cool for Cats by Squeeze
  • Dead Moon by Brick + Mortar
  • Gangsta’s Paradise by Coolio
  • Bum Bum Tam Tam by MC Fioti
  • Psycho Killer by Talking Heads
  • Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners
  • Papa Don’t Preach by Madonna
  • Fashionista by Jimmy James
  • 18 And Life by Skid Row
  • 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton

*Warning: some songs might contain swear words

Editor: Bella Bier