There are so many different communities and genres, each having come my favorite content creators. There’s the beauty/makeup community, the story time/rant community, the drama channel creators, the fitness creators, the True Crime community and so much more!

Below, there’s a list of YouTube channels you need to know, divided by genre.

Dance

ThePalaceDanceStudio

This is a channel that showcases multiple dance groups, originally started by Parris Goebel, an internationally known New Zealand choreographer. The Palace groups are known for their synchronicity and intensity, and you can see this for yourself on her channel. One of the most famous groups to come from the studio is The Royal Family. They are most known for being the girls who danced in Justin Bieber’s music videos for his Purpose album. Yes, Goebel choreographed Bieber’s famous video, Sorry!

Comedy

Noel Miller Live

Noel Miller is a YouTuber known for his comedic commentary videos, Twitch streams, and being in a comedy duo with Cody Ko. His channel is full of hilarious takes on videos from all corners of the internet. His classic combination of sarcasm and humor makes his channel memorable.

Social Commentary

Jubilee

This is a channel that has a range of content that they churn out every few days, but they are most known for their series “Odd Man Out” and “Middle Ground.” The popular series “Odd Man Out” has a group of people that seem to share one defining trait, sometimes it’s their sexuality or sometimes a specific identity. But one of them is lying, and the game is to see if the group can figure out who is lying. “Middle Ground” has a group of people that have different perspectives on a controversial topic, and they have a discussion figuring out why. Both series are so interesting and show various perspectives, some of which you might learn from.

Pop Culture Commentary/Educational

For Harriet

This is one of my favorite channels because I feel like there is so much to learn. The channel has countless videos where the creator, Kimberly Nicole Foster, shares her opinion on hot topics in pop culture. Foster makes a point to do her research before she shares commentary and cites this within the video & description box.

Sex Positive/Sex Education

Stevie

Stevie is a YouTuber that strives to educate her audience about sexual health and becoming comfortable with their sexuality and how they express it. She tackles topics that may be uncomfortable to talk about in a fun, informative and important way.

Music/Comedy

Terell

Have you seen those popular videos by “Elle” or “Seventeen Magazine“ with celebrities trying to match a given word to a song lyric? Well, Terell does the same thing with his guests, but they are most often people of color or those well known in the R&B, Soul or Gospel industry. His guests are always talented and hilarious to watch since Terell works interviews into every game, too. A great channel to sing along with at home!

There are so many channels that I could include, but I’m sure you’ll stumble upon some great ones in your recommendations after looking at the ones listed!

Born in the town of Akebono-cho in Bunkyo, Tokyo, on January 5th, 1941, Miyazaki was the second of four sons. When he was three years old, Miyazaki and his family moved to Utsunomiya. After the bombing of Utsunomiya in 1945, the family moved to Kanuma. The constant moving and bombing left a lasting effect on Miyazaki, and displacement can be a reoccurring, climactic event in a lot of his films.

Concerning inspiration for his works, the fact that his father was the director of “Miyazaki Airplane”inspired Miyazaki to include a lot of airplanes in his work. His mother, who was sadly diagnosed with spinal tuberculosis, regularly questioned societal norms. This resistance to norms and cultural expectations can be found in the characters and themes in his films.

Fast forward to the start of his career. His initial aspiration was to be a manga artist, but he soon discovered that he could not draw people. He could, however, draw airplanes and cars.This can be seen throughout his works, almost all of which have detailed and thoughtfully drawn automobiles and vehicles.

His personal style of writing really developed in a monthly manga (Japanese cartoon) strip titled “Kaze No Tani No Naushika” (“Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind”), published by Isao Takahata in Animage Magazine. The manga was well received and encouraged not only a film by the same name, but for Takahata and Miyazaki to pair up and start Studio Ghibli in 1985.

Studio Ghibli is the Japanese animation company created by the two, that has since churned out award-winning works like “Spirited Away” (2001), “My Neighbor Totoro” (1988) and “Howl’s Moving Castle” (2004).

Miyazaki was meant to retire in 1999, according to his own announcement, but that didn’t exactly work out.

“I wanted to retire,” Miyazaki said in an interview with Roger Ebert, an American film critic. “But life isn’t that easy. I wanted to make a movie especially for the daughters of my friends. I opened all the drawers in my head they were all empty. So I realized I had to make a movie just for 10 year olds, and ‘Spirited Away’ is my answer.”

“Spirited Away” was well worth the decision, as it broke the Japanese box-office record previously held by “Titanic.”, and became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history.

To save her kidnapped parents, Chihiro gets help from supernatural beings like Haku and No-Face.

Spirited Away is exquisitely drawn, and Chihiro’s character development is shown in detail and well thought-out. The alluring flying scenes and the genuine care Haku has for Chihiro allows viewers to dive into the world Miyazaki created. One thing that makes a lot of the scenes so powerful are the visuals or lack of dialogue that lets the viewer sit with the music, characters and themes.

So many of his films explore concepts of acceptance, love and friendship. “Howl’s Moving Castle” is one that comes to mind. The film includes an oddly fitting steampunk vibe, a forbidden love, a unique backdrop of a war and the complex character of Howl. An important fact about the movie “Howl’s Moving Castle” is that it is loosely based on a book of the same name by Diana Wynne Jones.

“Howl’s Moving Castle” follows introverted and often overlooked Sophie as she stumbles into the arms of the infamous sorcerer, Howl, only after falling victim to a spell-casting witch. The layers that the characters have, the breathtaking landscape scenes and the journey to understand the personalities and morality entice audiences everywhere. The comic relief throughout the film, from Calcifer in particular, pairs well with the more emotionally intense scenes, including one where Howl quite literally slips into a depressive episode. All of this contributes to the utterly intriguing journey of “Howl’s Moving Castle.”

“I do believe in the power of story. I believe that stories have an important role to play in the formation of human beings, that they can stimulate, amaze, and inspire their listeners.” Hayao Miyazaki said, when asked about his storytelling.

Hayao Miyazaki is a well-respected and often recognized filmmaker and has worked on countless beautiful animations and films. Miyazaki’s films have received over 177 nominations, winning 120 of them.

Here is the ultimate movie marathon list that you can watch all from the safety and comfort from your own home.

1. Harry Potter

This 19 hour and eight movie-long marathon is a great place to start. Even if you are re-watching them for ole time’s sake or watching them for the first time (where have you been?), you’re sure to love them.

2. Marvel Cinematic Universe

Trust me, this universe goes far beyond your classic Iron Man, Thor and Captain America. This movie franchise expands over more than 42 hours of running time and a whopping 23 movies. Yes, you read that right. Twenty. Three. Make sure you take a break (or several) during this marathon.

3. Star Wars

When it comes to Star Wars you are either a die-hard fan or don’t care for them at all, and quarantine is the perfect time for you to decide. With nine movies divided up into prequels, the original trilogy and the most recent sequels, you are sure to have enough content on your hands.

4. Jurassic Park

With five films out now and a 6th on the way set to release in 2021, this marathon gives you something to look forward to. With classic characters, amazing special effects (for the time) and dinosaurs, what more could you ask for?

5. The Fast and Furious

With nine films in this extended franchise, the action and adrenaline packed scenes are sure to get your blood pumping. With more films on the horizon, don’t be hesitant to start now while you’ve got the time.

With all this extra time on our hands, we might as well jump into the movie marathon spirit (if you haven’t already like I have).

Spotify, Apple Music and every other music streaming service is likely working overtime right now. I’ve made a Spotify playlist that has all of my favorite nostalgic classics because staying inside is the perfect opportunity to reminisce on the music of years past. I’ve listed a few of the songs from the playlist, so if you do not use Spotify, you could easily add them to your Queue!

Link- https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6VOhs33GoYhQQJpxKnsTX9?si=9gzqf9XTQlCLRIakr1WM6g

Songs

• “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield

One of the songs you NEED in your back-pocket for your next karaoke takeover.

Best Line: I’m just beginning, the pen’s in my hand

• “Marry Me” by Train

Such a cute song that warms my forever single heart.

Best Line: You wear white and I’ll wear out the words I love you

• “Single Ladies” by Beyonce

The best anthem to get ready for a night out, tbh.

Best Line: Just broke up (up) I’m doing my own little thing

• “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus

The quickest way to give me flashbacks to my elementary school talent show.

Best Line: There’s always gonna be another mountain, I’m always gonna wanna make it move

• “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis

I cannot express how much of a different person I become when I listen to this song. I can somehow perfectly relate to singing my heart out in the middle of times square, obviously.

Best Line: But nothing’s greater, than the rush that comes with your embrace

• “Put Your Records On” by Corrine Bailey

While I can’t think of this song without thinking of the Chippettes jamming out on a rooftop, it’s a bop.

Best Line: Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams

• “Set Fire To The Rain” by Adele

This song is one of the many that made the world take Adele seriously, and it deserves all your respect.

Best Line: My hands, they were strong, But my knees were far too weak

• “Eenie Meenie” by Sean Kingston ft. Justin Bieber

One of my fav JB songs, quite iconic, if I do say so myself.

Best Line: Can’t make up your mind, mind, mind, mind, mind

• “Lucky” by Jason Mraz

This is one of the sweetest songs I’ve ever heard still to this day, and it automatically evokes daydreaming of falling in love.

Best Line: They don’t know how long it takes, waiting for a love like this

• “No One” by Alicia Keys

I do not know anyone that doesn’t know this song. Talk about a cultural reset…

Best Line: Everything’s gonna be alright, People keep talking, they can say what they like

• “Diamonds” by Rihanna

Another song that defined an era. Everyone and every radio station was singing this song.

Best Line: You’re a shooting star I see, a vision of ecstasy

• “Beautiful Soul” by Jesse McCartney

This song introduced me to the amazing-ness that Jesse McCartney. I still have a childhood crush on this wholesome man.

Best Line: I don’t want my love to go to waste, I want you and your beautiful soul

• “ Like A Boy” by Ciara

You probably remember this one from middle school.

Best Line: If I played you like a toy, Sometimes I wish I could act like a boy

• “…Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears

This song put Spears on the map and is one of the greatest throwback songs to date.

Best Line: My loneliness is killing me (and I)

• “Animal” by Neon Trees

I turn into a literal rockstar when this song comes on, and it’s the greatest feeling.

Best Line: And I’m afraid I won’t get out alive, No, I won’t sleep tonight

• “No Scrubs” by TLC

This song makes me remember my worth and how powerful TLC was.

Best Line: Hanging out the passenger side,Of his best friend’s ride, Trying to holler at me

• “Wannabe” by Spice Girls

One of my favorite songs to sing with my friends. I think it brings us closer every time.

Best Line: If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends

The list continues!  Take a look at 70+ more on the Spotify playlist (linked above).

After hearing about how bizarre this series was from not just my friends but also my family and pretty much the whole internet, I decided to give it a watch. Within the first five minutes of the first episode, I was transported to a world of mullets, animal activism, polyamorous relationships and of course tigers.

The series is centered around a group of tiger owners/collectors, mainly focusing on the rise and fall of Joe Exotic. While the series does mainly follow Joe, it also takes a look at his other competitors and how they compete against one another.

While it was an interesting look into the life of Joe Exotic’s journey from running for governor and president to him ending up in prison, it also closely follows his biggest competitor Carol Baskins.

By now you have probably heard of the infamous Carol Baskins, but if you haven’t I’ll save you the spoiler on why she is. Baskins is Exotics’ biggest competitor and he does the most bizarre thing to wreck her reputation.

While his tricks and antics are funny and entertaining to watch, it is also one of the shows fatal flaws in my opinion. The series, maybe not intending to do this, made it feel like Carol was the main and only antagonist of the show.

Truth be told, no one in this series is a good person. In my opinion, they’re all attention driven, money-hungry people. The fact that Carol is seen as the only negative person in this series is upsetting.

Another flaw that I noticed was how I felt Netflix really glazed over the animal abuse in this series. There were a lot of upsetting actions that took place within the show that I felt were glossed over and not focused on.

At the end of the day, it is an exciting docu-series. This is the kind of series that will have you accidentally watch the whole thing in one sitting without you realizing. If you haven’t seen the madness and mayhem that is “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness” then I recommend you watch it. It might just take your mind off the madness and mayhem going on in the world right now.

Spring is finally here! And with summer just around the corner, you might be planning a road trip.

Whether it’s a long drive to the beach with your friends or you are just cruising around town at night, here’s the ultimate feel good ultimate road trip playlist.

1.“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey

Just because this song is a Paulson Stadium tradition doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it on the road.

Best Line: Strangers waitingUp and down the boulevard / Their shadows searching in the nightStreetlights, peopleLiving just to find emotion / Hiding somewhere in the night

2. “Hotel California – 2013 Remaster” by the Eagles

This one is just a classic, with a twist.

Best Line: This could be heaven or this could be hell / Then she lit up a candle and showed me the way.

3. “All Star” by Smash Mouth

If you don’t know what movie this iconic song was in, I have pity for you.

Best Line: Hey now you’re a all star / Get your game on, go play

4. “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC

Name a better road trip song… I’ll wait.

Best Line: No stop signs, speed limit/ Nobody’s gonna slow me down/Like a wheel, gonna spin it

5. “Hey, Soul Sister” by Train

Best listened to with the widows rolled down.

Best Line; Hey soul sister/ain’t that Mr. Mister on the radio, stereo/The way you move ain’t fair you know

6. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver

I’m not even from West Virginia, but I belt this song.

Best Line: Country roads, take me home to the place I belong/West Virginia, mountain momma, take me home, country roads.

7. “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay

Any song by Coldplay should be in rotation on a road trip to be honest.

Best Line: Be my mirror, my sword and shield/My missionaries in a foreign field

8. “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster The People

I don’t recommend trying to “outrun a bullet,” but, if you do, listen to this song while you do it.

Best Line: All the other kids with the pumped up kicks/You better run, better run, outrun my gun

9. “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond

Another classic.

Best Line: Reaching out/Touching me, touching you/ Sweet Caroline, good times never seemed so good

10. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor

Thank you Rocky for being the only thing I can think of when I hear this song.

Best Line: It’s the eye of the tiger/It’s the thrill of the fight/Rising up to the challenge of our rival

11. “Circles” by Post Malone

A great one for listening to while cruising at night.

Best Line: Seasons change and our love went cold/Feed the flame because we can’t let go/Runaway but we’re running in circles

12. “Adore You” by Harry Styles

This song is just great.

Best Line:Walk in your rainbow paradise/Strawberry lipstick state of mind/I get so lost inside your eyes

13. “Sunday Best” by Surfaces

Maybe a little less known but still a great song nonetheless.

Best Line: Feeling good, like I should/Went and took a walk around the neighborhood/Feeling blessed, never stressed

14. “You should be sad” by Halsey

Also a great one to add to a breakup playlist.

Best Line: I wanna start this out and say/I gotta get it off my chest/Got no anger, got no malice/Just a little bit of regret

15. “ROXANNE” by Arizona Zervas

I give thanks to TikTok for introducing me to this song.

Best Line: Roxanne/Roxanne/All she wanna do is party all night

16. “What A Man Gotta Do” by Jonas Brothers

The Jonas Brothers are making a comeback!

Best Line: So, what a man gotta do?/What a man gotta do?/To be totally locked up by you

17. “Kiss Me Thru The Phone” by Soulja Boy and Sammie

Throwback!

Best Line: Baby you know that I miss you/I wanna get with you tonight but I cannot baby girl/And that’s the issue

18. “Beautiful Soul” by Jesse McCartney

Another throwback, you can never have too many!

Best Line: I don’t want another pretty face/I don’t want just anyone to hold

19. “Fergalicious” by Fergie and will.i.am

An absolute BOP.

Best Line: My body stay vicious/I be up in the gym just working on my fitness/He’s my witness

20. “Eenie Meenie” by Justin Bieber and Sean Kingston

I just had to throw in some Justin Bieber.

Best Line: You seem like the type/To love ’em and leave ’em/And disappear right after this song

21. “Gives You Hell” by The All-American Rejects

Perfect for drives to the beach with the windows down.

Best Line: Now where’s your picket fence love/And where’s that shiny car/And did it ever get you far

22. “Sk8er Boi” by Avril Lavigne

Another throwback classic.

Best Line: He was a skater boy./She said, “See ya later, boy./He wasn’t good enough for her.

23. “Here’s to Never Growing Up” Avril Lavigne

Another one from Avril!

Best Line: Singing Radiohead at the top of our lungs/With the boom box blaring as we’re falling in love

24. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri

Thanks Twilight!

Best Line: I have died everyday, waiting for you/Darling, don’t be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years/I’ll love you for a thousand more

25. “Take Me to Church” by Hozier

Come back, Hozier!

Best Line:My lover’s got humor/She’s the giggle at a funeralKnows everybody’s disapproval/I should’ve worshiped her sooner

26. “Stacy’s Mom” by Bowling For Soup

I’m going to name my daughter Stacy.

Best Line: You know, I’m not the little boy that I used to be/I’m all grown up now/Baby, can’t you see?

27. “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes

You can never go wrong with this one.

Best Line: I’m gonna fight ’em all/A seven nation army couldn’t hold me back/They’re gonna rip it off

28. “American Idiot” by Green Day

Green Day never disappoints.

Best Line: Don’t wanna be an American idiot/Don’t want a nation under the new mania/And can you hear the sound of hysteria?

29. “Demons” by Imagine Dragons

You’ve probably forgotten about Imagine Dragons but add this to your rotation!

Best Line: When the days are cold/And the cards all fold/And the saints we see/Are all made of gold

30. “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyes Peas

Lastly, a truly great song!

Best Line: I gotta feel-/I gotta feeling, that tonight, that tonight

Reuniting with your friends after quarantining from COVID-19 deserves the best music playlist. Here’s the best playlist for the occoasion.

If you don’t know who Conan Gray is, you will probably find out pretty soon as he’s gaining a lot of traction in the music world. So, read this crash course on this singer-songwriter and review of his debut full album.

Here’s a quick run-down of who he is and why you should care.

Conan Lee Gray is a 21-year-old California-born but Texas-raised Japanese-American pop musician and YouTuber who currently attends UCLA. Way back in 2013, he started producing music and posting it on YouTube. His YouTube channel now includes videos about his art portfolios, college advice, music videos, thrift store clothing hauls and more. He’s also pretty active on other social media platforms, such as Twitter, often teasing fans with hints about upcoming songs.

After releasing a debut EP entitled “Sunset Season” in November 2018, including the song “Generation Why,” Gray went on tour with Panic! At the Disco on their Pray for the Wicked Tour.

Gray has garnered attention from other famous musicians as well. On Twitter in 2019, Gray posted about his shock after BTS’s Kim Taehyung or “V” said in an interview with Rolling Stone that he was inspired by Gray’s music. 

MTV even went so far as to label Conan Gray as the “Prince of Pop,” according to Spotify.

Then Gray released his breakthrough single, “Maniac.” By January 2020, he became one of the most streamed artists on Spotify. “Maniac” has over 90 million streams on Spotify alone.

Without further ado, here’s a breakdown of Gray’s new twelve-song hit album titled “Kid Krow.” Some songs are based on the singer’s real life while others are based more on acquaintances or other influences, and all of the songs feature situations that are gender neutral so that anybody of any gender identity and/or sexual orientation can relate to the song.

“Comfort Crowd”

This beautiful, soft song is all about friendship and needing someone when things get tough. In this song, the speaker talks about saying he doesn’t need anybody when deep down he’s really feeling lonely. What he needs is comfort.

I just needed company now / Yeah, I just needed someone around / Yeah, I don’t care what song that we play / Or mess that we make / Just company now

“Wish You Were Sober”

This song has another relatable but poetic theme. The speaker wants someone he likes to like him back–and not just after a couple beers. At its core, this song is about longing and doubt.

I’ma crawl out the window now / Getting good at saying “Gotta bounce” / Honestly, you always let me down / And I know we’re not just hanging out

“Maniac”

Gray revealed in a Tweet that this song was his favorite of the album. It’s also based on an ex’s drunken midnight text. The ex told people that Gray was a “freak” who wouldn’t leave them alone. Gray said, in reality, the ex was the one sending strange late-night texts and showing up at his shows unannounced.

Here’s Gray’s statement on the song’s inspiration and the spooky Halloween-themed music video. 

Tell all of your friends that I’m crazy and drive you mad / That I’m such a stalker, a watcher, a psychopath / And tell them you hate me and dated me just for laughs / So, why do you call me and tell me you want me back? / You maniac

“(Online Love)”

This is one of two “interludes” in this album, indicated by parentheses around the title. They are short and meant to provide more context for those who listen to the album in order.

Surrounding issues involved with long distance relationships, such as with communication, this 37 second interlude begins as if it’s a phone call. The singer talks about their connection with another person but also wonders how things might be different if they were physically in the same place. The song closes with different voices talking about why someone isn’t answering them in a long-distance relationship until, finally, one voice says, “Delete.”

Quirky, but especially relatable for those on dating apps and in relationships where they’re physically apart.

You only pass through my city / Every once in a million seconds on a broken clock / Yet we talk like we’re living / Only miles, only minutes from another just around the block

“Checkmate”

In this angry song about a bad relationship, Gray uses the metaphor of chess to explain how he felt played by a past significant other. There’s a twist here, though, as the singer reveals what the past flame didn’t know: Gray is plotting revenge on the cheating partner. 

The music video actually features a guy and a girl both cancelling plans with Gray, but, when he follows them, he sees them on a date together kissing. 

Honestly, this one could pair pretty well with Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” despite the different genres.

’Cause I’ve gotten tired of the games that you play / When you tell me you love me then you throw me away / So cry me a river ’til you drown in the lake / ’Cause you may think you’re winning but checkmate

“The Cut That Always Bleeds”

This moody, sad track with simple instrumentals captures you early on. It’s about needing to say goodbye but finding it hard to do so.

The singer is having a hard time getting over someone who is constantly leaving and coming back in a push-and-pull, hot-and-cold way. The singer knows it’s not a good situation, but, by the end of the song, he still wants that person to stay.

The song even ends on an unfinished line, showing how it never really “ends,” at least not with any closure: Oh, I could be / Anything you need /As long as you don’t leave / The cut that always

Oh, I can’t be your lover on a leash / Every other week, when you please / Oh, I can’t be the kiss that you don’t need / The lie between your teeth / The cut that always bleeds

“Fight or Flight”

Another song about betrayed love, this chaotic song mirrors a past situation in the singer’s life. In the song, the singer notices his partner doesn’t look at him the way they used to and other details that point toward his lover cheating on him. The singer is in love with this person, but he says he would rather die than tell them that now or show how hurt he is.

You tell me it ain’t what it seems / But, baby, this is lookin’ like a crime scene / There’s clothes thrown on the balcony / And you smell like perfume out a magazine / I’m throwing all your shit outta my window / Telling you I wish we had never spoke

“Affluenza”

Detouring from songs about relationships, Gray talks about unhappy rich kids. Despite growing up in what he describes as a financially-challenged household, Gray said that he hung out with people who were “insanely rich” but also absolutely “miserable.” This song is about how money can’t buy happiness.

Crystal liquor cups and designer drugs / They say money “Monday can’t buy you no love” / But a diamond cheers you right up / Give me none of your affluenza

“(Can We Be Friends?)”

This 58-second track is the second interlude on the album–and it’s all about being desperate for a friend. The speaker begs for another person to be his friend, and the lines come off as very serious. The speaker never gets an answer within the track.

Could you be my best friend? / I’ll tell you all my secrets / I’ll tell you all the times / That I wish that I could die

“Heather”

This slow, moving and poignant song returns the album to songs about love. The speaker is in love with someone who is in love with a girl called Heather. The speaker expresses their pain but admits that Heather is an angel and much prettier. They wish they were Heather because she’s with the person they want to be with.

One fan loved the song so much that she wrote a companion piece from the perspective of Heather entitled “Sucks to be Heather.” Here’s her YouTube video. While the original never states any gender beyond Heather’s, this version shows Heather noticing her boyfriend’s attention is often on another boy.

I still remember, third of December, me in your sweater / You said it looked better on me that it did you / Only if you knew, how much I liked you / But I watch your eyes as she / Walks by / What a sight for sore eyes, brighter than a blue sky / She’s got you mesmerized while I die

“Little League”

A little faster paced, this song is less about baseball than being nostalgic about younger days. Everyone is telling the speaker to act his age, but he just wants to rewind back to the good old days before his friends moved and he felt like he could get away with anything.

When we were younger / We didn’t know how it would be / We were the dumbe, the wild, the free / Little League / And when we were younger / We wore our heart proud on our sleeve / Why did we ever have to leave?

“The Story”

The final song of the album also focuses on childhood and growing up as well as disillusion. Switching between third-person and first-person, the singer tells us stories: one about a boy and a girl who didn’t love themselves so they became “headstones on a lawn”; one about two boys who were best friends and wanted to be more but were too scared; and one about the speaker and his female best friend, how they used to want a better life and how he wonders if she’s all right where she is now.

It’s an emotional piece, and, according to Genius, one that Gray revealed was very personal and related to his own childhood. 

Despite the majority of the focus being on the pain of growing up and looking at the past, the song does have a hopeful note as the singer includes the following lines.

Oh, and I’m afraid that’s just the way the world works / But I think it could work for you and me / Just wait and see / It’s not the end of the story

Featuring a host of universal themes, such as needing comfort, longing for an unrequited crush or feeling betrayed by a lover, each song is meaningful and shows a slice of life for modern-day young people. The album is inclusive for everybody. While it doesn’t break any new boundaries, what it does include is done well, using distinctive lyrics and smooth vocals. What’s not to like?

If you made it this far, I think it’s time you gave “Kid Krow” a shot if you haven’t already.

First up to meet the parents was Hannah Ann.

Hannah Ann Meets the Webers

All Hannah Ann wants to do is just tell and let Peter’s family know how much she loves him. She immediately starts crying as soon as she meets his whole family and won’t stop gushing about how much she loves him.

Peter’s mother Barbra (Barb) is eating that up. When Barb and Hannah Ann go off to talk one-on-one, Hannah Anne lets Barb know how much she loves Peter. That’s pretty much all they talked about.

Peter expresses to his family that Hannah Ann has been ride or die for him the whole time, but he is still conflicted with his decision between Hannah Ann and Madison. His family doesn’t understand his dilemma because they believe Hannah Ann is all that and a bag of chips. I get it. Hannah Ann has proven to be the most loyal and unconditionally loving towards him, which is all they want for Peter.

Madison Meets the Webers

Let me preface their meeting by saying that, before Madison even got there, the only thing Peter told his family about Madison was her ultimatum (that Madison claims was not an ultimatum). Remember when she told Peter that she couldn’t continue on with him if he was intimate with other girls?

So now Madison has to meet his family with them only knowing that about her, and, of course, the family is now going to grill her through their whole meeting.

They question Madison on her and Peter’s compatibility since they have two completely different lifestyles, asking how much are they really wanting to compromise for each other.

Needless to say, this meeting did not go as well as Hannah Ann’s because afterward, when Peter was talking to his family about the girls, they were all still team Hannah Ann.

This is when we finally see who Barb is crying over in her infamous “Don’t let her go. Bring her home.” Barb was crying over Hannah Ann! Not much a shocker after Madison’s meeting with them.

Madison’s Final One on One

For their final one-on-one, Peter takes Madison on a helicopter ride and then, of course, talks about where they stand after that really bad family meeting.

Madison tells Peter that she’s been fighting for him since day one, but maybe it is time for her to just surrender and send herself home. I get why she did it. There’s much more to a relationship than just a spark.

Madison sending herself home wrecks Peter. Peter is so upset that they have to bring Chris Harrison to check on Peter to see if he can even bring himself to go on his final date with Hannah Ann. Peter eventually manages to pull himself together to go.

Hannah Ann’s Final One on One

Peter takes Hannah Ann to go hang out with baby kangaroos, and then, of course, to have dinner and talk.

Peter doesn’t tell Hannah Ann that Madison self-eliminated herself, but he does thank her for being so supportive and selfless throughout this whole process.

One thing Peter hasn’t done to Hannah Ann is reciprocate the same love she has for him. This is all she wants from him, but he tells her to give him time and to trust him.

The Engagement and Final Rose

Now we finally get to see Peter propose to his (supposedly) true love Hannah-Ann. Even though he hasn’t even told Hannah Ann that he loves her yet, Peter proposes anyways. Hannah-Ann is surprised and overjoyed by his proposal and obviously says yes.

I honestly don’t know who is happier, Barb or Hannah?

Unfortunately, this love train doesn’t last long. A month after their engagement Peter has Hannah Ann over to talk. Hannah Ann can sense something is off and that is when Peter tells her that he doesn’t think he can truly give his whole heart to her.

Hannah Ann did not take this well, as no one woman whose engagement is being broken should. She tells him that he took away her first engagement and storms out. 

The Live Finale

After watching Hannah Ann’s and Peter’s engagement crumble, we are brought back to Peter sitting solemnly on a stage with Chris Harrison in front of a studio audience (including his whole family).

Chris invites Hannah Ann on stage for them to have one last pow wow, and Hannah Ann lets Peter have it. She pretty much just goes off on Peter about he shouldn’t have even proposed if he knew he couldn’t love her the way she loved him. Hannah Ann even revealed that she should’ve broken things off with Peter when he wanted clarity from Hannah Brown.

Yes, Hannah Brown.

Hannah Anne gets her final words into Peter, telling him how he is a coward for never admitting his feelings and leading her on. Power to Hannah Ann.

After Hannah Ann leaves the stage, they show what happens next in Peter’s journey.

On the big screen, it shows Chris Harrison having a meeting with Madison. Yes, Madison! He tells Madison that Peter and Hannah Ann and have broken off their engagement. What does Madison do with this information? She takes it and runs with it, all the way back to Peter.

Where does it leave the two? Well on the stage in front of everyone at the finale. The two never disclose technically where they’re at with their relationship, but I think they are together. What we do know is that Barb is not happy with this relationship.

Barb and Madison get into it with each other, and Peter comes to the rescue by saying that he loves her and that should be enough. That is where this season of “The Bachelor” leaves us. It kind of left us all on a cliffhanger with what is technically going on with everyone.

Two days after the live finale, Madison and Peter both released that both of them have decided to part ways. Honestly, I saw this coming, but I didn’t see it coming this fast.

With that, this concludes this season’s Bachelor Recap!

You might not be able to head to your nearest bookstore, but that won’t stop you from buying these books from the Kindle store–or ordering them to be shipped. If you don’t have a Kindle, you can download the Kindle app for free on your smartphone. 

From feminist critiques to brand-new fantasy novels, these upcoming or recently published books will have you laughing–or crying. I pinky-promise to not to sneak in any books about pandemics.

“Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot” by Mikki Kendall 

Genre: Nonfiction

Length: 288 pages

Publication: February 25th 2020

Kindle price: $13.99

Mikki Kendall is a new voice in Black feminism. In “Hood Feminism,” a collection of essays in which she draws on her own experiences, Kendall addresses how today’s feminisit movement has a glaring blind spot. Kendall argues that, rather than focusing on the basic survival of many, mainstream feminists focus more on increasing privilege for the few, which ultimately results in more women rebuffing the title of feminist. 

Food insecurity, access to quality education, medical care and safe neighborhoods are some of the issues that Kendall discusses as feminist issues, and she goes on to write how prominent white feminists can fail to see how things like race, class, sexual orientation and ability intersect with gender.

More details and reviews can be found here.

“The City We Became: A Novel” (Great Cities #1) by N.K. Jemisin

Genre: Fantasy

Length: 437 pages

Publication: March 24th, 2020

Kindle price: $14.99

Hugo award-winning and NYT bestselling author N.K Jemisin delivers the first book of a new series about five New Yorkers who must come together in order to defend their city. In this world, cities have souls–and a dark side. Some are ancient, and some are as new and destructive as children. 

New York, however, has five protectors. When an ancient evil stirs, they must rise to protect their city.

More details and reviews can be found here.

“The Gravity of Us” by Phil Stamper

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, LGBTQ+

Length: 314 pages

Publication: February 4th, 2020

Kindle price: $8.64

Two “Astrokids” fall for one another in this young adult novel by debut novelist Phil Stamper, who got his start writing Legend of Zelda fanfiction. 

Seventeen-year-old successful social media journalist Cal is used to sharing his life online, but that still doesn’t completely prepare him for when his pilot father is selected for a highly publicized NASA mission to Mars. After they relocate from Brooklyn to Houston, Cal meets sensitive and mysterious Leon and falls for him fast. 

Then secrets about the program are uncovered, and Cal must find a way to reveal the truth without hurting the people who have become important to him.

More details and reviews can be found here.

“The Herd” by Andrea Bartz

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Length: 336 pages

Publication: March 24th, 2020

Kindle price: $13.99

In this thriller from Andrea Bartz, whose previously published book “The Lost Night” is being developed for TV by Mila Kunis, The Herd is the name of an elite, women-only coworking space that prides itself on mentorship and empowerment. Its charismatic founder is Eleanor Walsh, who is also extremely private.

Writer Katie Bradley hopes she’s found her next book subject in Eleanor. Luckily, she has an in–her sister Hana is Eleanor’s best friend. As head of PR, Hana is working to prepare for a huge announcement from Eleanor that would change the trajectory of The Herd forever.

Then Eleanor vanishes without a trace, and everyone’s a suspect. As Hana struggles to unveil what her friend was hiding and Katie chases the story of her life, the sister must also face the secrets they’ve kept from one another.

More details and reviews can be found here.

“Deacon King Kong” by James McBride

Genre: Historical fiction

Length: 371 pages

Publication: March 3rd, 2020

Kindle price: $14.99

It’s September 1969. A fumbling, cranky old church deacon called Sportcoat shuffles into the courtyard of a south Brooklyn housing project, pulls out a .45 and in front of everybody shoots the project’s drug dealer.

At the heart of this book lies the reasons for this burst of violence as well as the consequences of the shooting. Award-winning author James McBride brings to life the people affected by the shooting: the victim, the African-American and Latinx residents who witnessed it, the white neighbors, the local cops assigned to investigate, the members of the baptist church, the neighborhood’s Italian mobsters and Sportcoat himself.

As the story deepens and the truth emerges, it becomes clear that the character’s lives intersect in surprising ways.

Click here for more details and reviews.

“The Last Human” by Zack Jordan

Genre: Science fiction

Length: 448 pages

Publication: March 24th 2020

Kindle price: $12.99

Humans normally fear aliens, right? Not so in this humorous debut space opera. Sarya, the main character, is the civilized galaxy’s worst nightmare: a Human. Humanity was deemed too dangerous to exist a millennium ago, but somehow Sarya, the last of the human race, lives and must hide her identity among the hundreds of alien species around her. 

After an encounter with a bounty hunter and a miles-long kinetic projectile shatters her world, Sarya must navigate the galaxy in a stolen ship and discover an impossible truth. 

More details and reviews can be found here.

“Chain of Gold” (The Last Hours #1) by Cassandra Clare

Genre: Young adult urban fantasy

Length: 624 pages

Publication: March 3rd 2020

Kindle price: $12.99

The Shadowhunters are back in an all-new series–this time set in Edwardian London. Cassandra Clare, nicknamed the Queen of Fantasy, has also written other series for her Shadowhunter Chronicles, such The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices and The Dark Artifices.

James and Lucie Herondale, the children of famous Shadowhunters Will and Tessa Herondale, have been raised in a peaceful London where demon sightings are rare. Meanwhile, Cordelia Carstairs and her family have traveled around the world, but, with her father under trial, Cordelia is determined to save her family from ruin.

But everything changes when the Carstairs family and another old Shadowhunter family come to London…and so does a demonic plague and a despicable plot.

Along the way, they will discover the cruel price for being a hero…and falling in love.

Find more details and reviews on Goodreads.

“The Oracle Code,” written by Marieke Nijkamp, illustrated by Manuel Preitano

Genre: Graphic Novel, superhero fiction

Length: 208 pages

Publication: March 10th 2020

Kindle price: $9.99

In this graphic novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp and artist Manuel Preitano, Barbara Gordon must solve her first mystery: herself.

Before she was Batgirl, Barbara Gordon was Oracle. But before she was even Oracle, she was left paralyzed by a gunshot and entered the Arkham Center for Independence, where Gotham’s teens undergo rehabilitation. Now wheelchair-bound, Barbara feels something is amiss as she hears strange sounds at night and patients go missing.

But, with Barbara’s own judgment in question, could this suspicion be a result of her trauma? As Barbara pushes her fellow patients away in favor of ghost stories, she must battle her past before she can rise to meet her future.

More details and reviews can be found here.

Each of these books will stave off boredom, so treat yourself to some great reads this spring.

It’s finally time to see if the girls can come to some kind of understanding and put this crazy drama behind them, but, of course, we don’t get to see that come to fruition.

Tammy, who has long standing “beef” with Kelsey and essentially everyone in the house, did not apologize on-air to Kelsey, who she accused of being an alcoholic, popping pills, and emotionally shaming her when the two were in the Bachelor Mansion together.

We also finally get to actually hear from Victoria F. herself about those allegations from the mysterious woman who accused her of breaking up multiple relationships. Victoria F., of course, denies these allegations with her signature crying face.

But, to Victoria F.’s credit, she was one of the few women to keep her composure and not act catty on stage towards the other women.

So, who were the missing ones?

If you were paying attention, you might have noticed how two girls who, in my opinion, played at least some sort of important/pivotal role this season.

Kelley and Natasha!

While information about why Natasha wasn’t on Women Tell All is little (she was asked to attend, but couldn’t), we do have a little more information as to why Kelley wasn’t on stage.

Kelley, who was a fan favorite, wasn’t invited back to WTA. Chris Harrison said to the podcast “Almost Famous,” that they didn’t feel as though Kelley played an integral part to the storyline.

Which is confusing, because Kelley is actually a recognizable face and made is considerably far in the game, unlike some women on the stage that returned for WTA but also went home on the first night.

So, I’m guessing Kelley was bad for ratings, for whatever reason, and wasn’t offered a chair on stage for that reason.

So, let’s talk about how Madison accepted Peter’s rose.

After last week’s fiasco of Madison leaving after dinner during Peter and her Fantasy Suite date after learning Peter has been intimate with other women, (i.e. Hannah Ann and Victoria F.) Madison decides to make an appearance at the Rose Ceremony.

Peter seemed more nervous than usual following this Rose Ceremony but wound up giving the first rose to Hannah Ann.

Cue dramatic music.

Okay, so obviously he chose Madison. I think we all saw that coming,

But how she accepts the rose is what has got some people talking. She hesitates. Peter says her name and, even when Peter asks her to accept the rose, Madison waits an uncomfortable amount of time.

She eventually says yes, and Peter even goes as far to ask “Are you sure?” to which she says yes and they hug.

This leaves Victoria F. to be the one getting into a limo and being sent home, which in my opinion is fantastic.

On March 9th, the Final Rose Ceremony will air and Bachelor Nation will finally get to see all the drama come to an end.

Who will Peter choose? Who is his mom talking about in the clip they have teased us with all season about bringing “her” home?