“Music City USA.” Modern Giant. Modern Giant, n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2016. <http://www.moderngiant.bigcartel.com/product/music-city-usa>.

Week 14: Something that Should Be on Every Music-Loving Teenager’s Bucket List

         MUSIC CITY USA – Recently I visited Nashville, Tennessee to tour Vanderbilt University. Besides falling in love with the campus, I fell in love with the city. On the itinerary for the trip, I was to tour Vanderbilt, attend a show at the Grand Ole Opry, and eat at the Hard Rock Café. However, there is so much more to this city of entertainment.

         We will skip over the college talk because that is just stressful and annoying for teenagers and my blog is to inform you of all the fun places to travel and visit! First of all, the Grand Ole Opry is a legendary place to go and experience a timeless tour of Nashville. Grand Ole Opry shows have taken place every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday since 1925. Each show features world-renowned country stars and those who are just now up-and-coming. Personally, my favorite performance was by a group from Fort Worth, Texas called Green River Ordinance. They sound very unique and the group members harmonize perfectly with one another. I included a video below of their performance from that night that someone else uploaded to YouTube. My point is that it is groups and individuals like this that make the Grand Ole Opry so special. The famous circle performers stand on and perform in is where many artists started their careers. It is also where many performers come back to later including Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, George Strait, and Taylor Swift. I highly recommend getting a ticket to the Grand Ole Opry even if you do not know any of the artists in the lineup for the night. I promise that you will see some amazing performances anyways. Also, do not worry if you can not physically go because the Grand Ole Opry broadcasts their show each night on 650 AM WSM or Sirius X Radio Channel 56! I suggest tuning in from home if you get the chance!

Green River Ordinance Grand Ole Opry Performance

“Green River Ordinance, Grand Ole Opry February 2016.” YouTube. YouTube, 6 Feb. 2015. Web. 28 Feb. 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JbqY65wD2I>.

         Similar to New Orleans, Nashville has a famous street too known as Honky Tonk Highway. It consists of a long strip of bars that rising stars try to book each night for a gig. There is never a lack of music in this city; I will tell you that. For 365 days a year, live music can be heard from all ends of the district. The best part is that you can go to any of the restaurants and bars with out having to pay an entry fee. Thus, if you are having a really bad night, you can always go listen to some live music for free. Nonetheless, Honky Tonk Highway comes alive during the early afternoon so don’t worry if you are a family oriented type of person. When it is light outside, Honky Tonk Highway has less of a bar type atmosphere and more of an outdoor pavilion feeling. Therefore, it is the perfect place to take your kids during the day to hear some live music. According to the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, “This is really an enchanted time, with the afternoon sun backlighting the performers, the places are not as crowded or noisy as they will become. It seems the music is purer then, perhaps because the people are more focused on the performance.” What is better than experiencing Music City USA with the people you love?

Honky Tonk Highway

image

Andrea and Guido: Across the U.S., Day 15 - Nashville (TN). Guido Neitzer, n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2016. <http://www.event-s.net/2014/10/across-us-day-15-nashville-tn.html>.

          Before I wrap up this blog, I want to tell my followers that Nashville, Tennessee is not all country music. While I was there, my tour guides debunked this myth and informed me that about 60% of the artists that come through Nashville are of genres other than country. However, country music is part of the roots of Nashville and it is what makes Music City USA what it is today. 

Vanderbilt University

image

Vanderbilt University. 2016. Nashville, Tennessee, Nashville. Web. <“Andrea and Guido: Across the U.S., Day 15 - Nashville (TN).” Andrea and Guido: Across the U.S., Day 15 - Nashville (TN). Guido Neitzer, n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2016. .>.


P.S. I highly recommend Vanderbilt University if you want a medium sized campus with a Harry Potter feel to it and a great location! (I’ll be EDing for sure so fingers crossed because that 11.2% acceptance rate is scary! EEEEK!)

P.S.S. Also, make sure to look out for celebrities while you are there!

Works Cited

“About the Opry | Grand Ole Opry.” Grand Ole Opry. Grand Ole Opry, 2016. Web. 28 Feb. 2016. <http://www.opry.com/about>.

“The Soundtrack of America, Made in Tennessee.” The Soundtrack of America, Made in Tennessee. Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2016. <http://www.tnvacation.com/vendors/broadway-historic-district-honky-tonks/>.

“American Pharoah 5-2 Favorite in 141st Kentucky Derby.” New Yorks PIX11 WPIXTV. N.p., 02 May 2015. Web. 16 Feb. 2016. <http://pix11.com/2015/05/02/american-pharoah-5-2-favorite-in-141st-kentucky-derby/>.>.

 Week 13: Kentucky This, Kentucky That

            After realizing that the state of Kentucky was next on the list for my blog, two things immediately came to my mind – the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Although these two seem to be on opposite ends of the bucket list spectrum; technically, one involves horses and one involves chicken. Horses and chicken are animals. Horses and chickens are on farms. Thus, they are one in the same.

            I am of course just kidding about that part but not kidding about going to the Kentucky Derby. I read a Forbes lifestyle blog by Larry Olmsted, where he compares the Kentucky Derby to the Superbowl but better. It is “the complete package, morning to night fun – for two full days – at a minimum.” This sounds a little familiar, since each music festival I go to is two full days, morning to night. The only difference is there are no prerequisites for the Kentucky derby. At Free Press Summer Fest, I have to be familiar with the artists and their music to fully enjoy the experience. The only thing needed for the Kentucky Derby is the ability “to have a good time” and “appreciate history”, according to Olmstead.course just kidding about that part but not kidding about going to the Kentucky Derby. I read a Forbes lifestyle blog by Larry Olmsted, where he compares the Kentucky Derby to the Superbowl but better. It is “the complete package, morning to night fun – for two full days – at a minimum.” This sounds a little familiar, since each music festival I go to is two full days, morning to night. The only difference is there are no prerequisites for the Kentucky derby. At Free Press Summer Fest, I have to be familiar with the artists and their music to fully enjoy the experience. The only thing needed for the Kentucky Derby is the ability “to have a good time” and “appreciate history”, according to Olmstead.derby. At Free Press Summer Fest, I have to be familiar with the artists and their music to fully enjoy the experience. The only thing needed for the Kentucky Derby is the ability “to have a good time” and “appreciate history”, according to Olmstead.

image

“American Pharoah Wins Kentucky Derby.” Southern California Public Radio. Southern California Public Radio, 02 May 2015. Web. 16 Feb. 2016. <http://www.scpr.org/news/2015/05/02/51416/american-pharoah-wins-kentucky-derby-lets-his-peop/>.>.

            Now for those of you who are like, “What the heck is the Kentucky Derby and how could it possibly be better than the Super Bowl?” The Kentucky Derby began in 1875, making it the longest running sporting event ever. However, over time traditions have transformed. At the first race, 15 horses raced 1.5 miles in front of about 10,000 viewers. The winner was a Thoroughbred racehorse named Aristides and rider, Oliver Lewis. The jackpot was precisely $18,325! Today, the track is 1.25 miles total in length and more than 160,000 people attend the event each year. In fact, the 2015 Kentucky Derby set an all-time high record of 170,513 people. The winner was a horse named American Pharaoh and its jockey, Victor Espinoza, two-time back-to-back champion. But most importantly, the winner receives precisely $1,425,000 as pay. Plus, tons of media attention and a beautiful horse draped in garlands of roses.

image

“18 Mind Goggling Facts About Kfc - GossipKatta.” GossipKatta. GossipKatta, 04 Jan. 2016. Web. 16 Feb. 2016. <http://gossipkatta.com/18-mind-goggling-facts-about-kfc/>.GossipKatta, 04 Jan. 2016. Web. 16 Feb. 2016. <http://gossipkatta.com/18-mind-goggling-facts-about-kfc/>.

           Now what about if I went to the Kentucky Derby in Kentucky and ate Kentucky Fried Chicken at the Kentucky Derby in Kentucky? Imagine that—fried chicken and entertainment. I can proudly say Kentucky Fried Chicken is a large part of my life being that it is only 1.2 miles from my house. As a child, my dad would bring home one of their classic fried chicken buckets every Friday evening for my brother and I. Over the years, we have switched to a bucket of half friend and half grilled chicken due to my healthiness though. One interesting thing to know about KFC is that the chicken recipe is kept secret and locked up at KFC headquarters. The name Kentucky Fried Chicken came after the acronym, KFC too. Normally, an acronym is formed after a name. And my personal favorite fact, KFC is the traditional Christmas Eve dinner in Japan. This began in 1974 with a simple campaign slogan of, “I. Over the years, we have switched to a bucket of half friend and half grilled chicken due to my healthiness though. One interesting thing to know about KFC is that the chicken recipe is kept secret and locked up at KFC headquarters. The name Kentucky Fried Chicken came after the acronym, KFC too. Normally, an acronym is formed after a name. And my personal favorite fact, KFC is the traditional Christmas Eve dinner in Japan. This began in 1974 with a simple campaign slogan of, “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!” (Kentucky for Christmas!), that sparked a national tradition. I wish we had that in the US!


Works Cited

Keyser, Hannah. “12 Finger-Lickin’ Facts About KFC.” Mental Floss. Mental Floss, Inc, n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2016. <http://mentalfloss.com/article/70275/12-finger-lickin-facts-about-kfc>.

Olmsted, Larry. “The Kentucky Derby: Great Fun And A Must-Do For Your Bucket List.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 8 May 2012. Web. 15 Feb. 2016. <http://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2012/05/08/the-kentucky-derby-great-fun-and-a-must-do-for-your-bucket-list/#34ad40ca5979>.

Rapp, Timothy. “Prize Money, Results and More from Kentucky Derby.” Bleacher Report. Bleacher Report, Inc, 4 May 2015. Web. 15 Feb. 2016. <http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2452827-kentucky-derby-2015-payout-prize-money-results-and-more-from-churchill-downs>.

Si Wire. “2015 Kentucky Derby Sets Attendance Record.” Sports Illustrated. N.p., 2 May 2015. Web. 15 Feb. 2016. <http://www.si.com/horse-racing/2015/05/02/kentucky-derby-2015-attendance-record>.

 Smith, K. Annabelle. “Why Japan Is Obsessed with Kentucky Fried Chicken on Christmas.” Smithsonian. Smithsonian, 14 Dec. 2012. Web. 15 Feb. 2016. <http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/why-japan-is-obsessed-with-kentucky-fried-chicken-on-christmas-1-161666960/?no-ist>.

Stephen, Eric. “Kentucky Derby 2015 Results: Full Finishing Order for Run for the Roses.” SBNation.com. Vox Media, Inc, 02 May 2015. Web. 15 Feb. 2016. <http://www.sbnation.com/2015/5/2/8537417/kentucky-derby-results-2015-american-pharoah>.

Week 12:  For all you Low-Key-Ben-&-Jerry’s-Craving-Vermonters

The Ben & Jerry’s Bacon Breakfast Sandwich. PROOF THAT HEAVEN DOES EXIST.

image

“Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream.” Http://www.benjerry.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Jan. 2016. <http://www.benjerry.com/>.

Ingredients: 

  • French Toast 
  • Peanut Butter
  • Banana
  • Bacon (cooked to your liking)
  • Ben & Jerry’s Triple Caramel Ice Cream (or your favorite flavor)
  • Maple syrup

 Recipe:

  1. Choose 2 slices of leftover French toast, or make some just for this occasion
  2. Spread both slices with peanut butter
  3. Add a layer of sliced banana to one slice
  4. Top with 2 or 3 slices of thick cut crispy bacon, perhaps also left over from breakfast
  5. Top with Ben & Jerry’s Triple Caramel ice cream
  6. Place the other slice right on top of the ice cream
  7. Slice in half
  8. Drizzle with maple syrup if desired
  9. Enjoy
image

Jailani, Yana. “My Ben & Jerry’s Experience: Flavours.” My Ben & Jerry’s Experience: Flavours. Blogger, 17 May 2012. Web. 28 Jan. 2016. <http://mybenandjerrys.blogspot.com/p/flavours.html>.

          I just told you the secrets behind this recipe but there is much more to it. Before you dive into of these sandwiches, the glorious Ben & Jerry’s ice cream that goes in it must be crafted. All the more reason, you need to visit the Ben & Jerry’s factory in Waterbury, Vermont!

          Vermont is known for three things–beer, maple syrup, and ICE CREAM! Although I am biased towards the magnificent Bluebell ice cream of the South, I will admit that Ben & Jerry’s takes ice cream to a whole new level. Their flavors range from plain and simple to gourmet and savory. Today, there are 103 flavors served across the country. Each time a new line of flavors is released, you will find ingredients you never imagined in ice cream. Americone Dream is vanilla ice cream with fudge-covered waffle cone pieces & a caramel swirl. Meanwhile, Late Night Snack is composed of vanilla bean ice cream with a salty caramel swirl & fudge covered potato chip clusters. This flavor was actually inspired by Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and continues to be my family’s favorite late night snack. Think about it… waffle pieces and potato chips… in ice cream… I don’t even think the originator of ice cream, King tang of Shang in China in 200BC ever thought his favorite desert would become this extravagant.

          However, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield took their first step to success in 1978 with the opening of their first ice cream shop in Burlington, Vermont. (This might be another cool location to add to your bucket list to visit while in Vermont visiting the factory.) The most recent thing the company has done is join the consumer movement against GMO products. Tour guides make sure to mention this on factory tours as it is something the company is very proud of; their belief is, “everyone has a right to know what’s in their food.” Furthermore, each 30-minute tour shows the manufacturing process and explains how decisions are made at Ben & Jerry’s pertaining to new additions and, of course, new flavors! There is also a gift shop open to visitors at the end of the tour.

image

“Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream.” Http://www.benjerry.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Jan. 2016. <http://www.benjerry.com/>.

          Sadly, one of the best parts of the Ben & Jerry’s factory is not included in the tour. Due to this, many people do not know about the Flavor Graveyard that sits upon the hill behind the factory. A short walk and a couple snowshoes later, you’ll be standing with the thirty-one retired Ben & Jerry’s flavors. I do not recognize any of the flavors listed on the website, but wish I had gotten to experience their divine taste. The most interesting gravestone I read about was “Schweddy Balls”. This was a 2011 Holiday Season Limited Batch, which consisted of vanilla ice cream with a hint of rum & loaded with fudge-covered rum & malt balls. YUM!

          So next time you’re at the store and you come across the little pints of gold, think about making a trip to the factory to see how each little treasure is made. But… don’t forget to pick up one of the Triple Caramel Ice Creams for your Ben & Jerry’s Bacon Breakfast Sandwich and cross this off your Vermont bucket list!

Works Cited

“Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream.” Http://www.benjerry.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Jan. 2016. <http://www.benjerry.com/>.

 "The Origin of Ice-cream.“ BBC News. BBC, 07 Sept. 2004. Web. 28 Jan. 2016. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/find_out/guides/tech/ice-cream/newsid_3634000/3634978.stm>.

Week 10/11 - RHowdy Animals in RH

image

“Roger Williams Park Zoo | Wikiwand.” Wikiwand. Wikiwand, n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2016. <http://www.wikiwand.com/en/Roger_Williams_Park_Zoo>.

           Providence, Rhode Island – Home to one of the oldest zoos in the country. Roger Williams Park Zoo opened in 1872 and was quoted to be “one of the best zoos in the country for its conservation efforts” by The New York Times. The animals living in the zoo range from pygmies to anteaters to giraffes. Currently, admission is half off for the winter months and registration for Zoo children summer camps is open now.

           Each year, 650,000 people from New England visit the zoo. But the reason this zoo should be on your bucket list is because of the Alex and Ani Farmland exhibit. Alex and Ani is a mixture of both an urban farm and a community farm so it gives each New England visitor a little taste of what life is like on a commercial farm. The A&A Farmland interested me because I know farm well since I am from Texas, but I feel like it is not as prominent in the North. I do some of the same activities that kids can participate in at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo each March. Activities such as egg collecting and cow milking entertain the children while cattle presentations and speakers fascinate the adults. However, the most important aspect of this in-zoo-farm is the wide range of farm animals. In today’s world, the stereotypical farm is thought of as having cows, chickens, and pigs. The Alex and Ani Farmyard has a lot more. Alpacas, chickens, Guinea hogs, Flemish giant rabbits, and even a miniature donkey reside in this area. His name is Willy!

            Anyways, when I was looking this place up for more information about the animals they have, I came across an alphabetical list of every animal’s vital statistics, geographic region, and fun facts about them. The animal I decided to investigate more into is the Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine. I came across a porcupine in New Hampshire once while at a leadership camp retreat. I watched it scale a tree in less than 13 seconds and then proceed to stride out onto a branch. It was one of the weirdest experiences of my entire life because I had no idea that these spiky creatures could climb. Honestly, I was afraid that it was going to jump down on top of me, but the “Did You Know?” section on this type of porcupine informed me that porcupines cannot physically JUMP! Isn’t that funny?

Don’t forget to check out the online Giraffe cam! It’s live now!

http://www.rwpzoo.org/279/giraffe-cam

image

Works Cited

“About Roger Williams Park Zoo.” About Roger Williams Park Zoo. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2016. <http://www.rwpzoo.org/114/about-roger-williams-park-zoo>.

Week 10/11 - Virginia

image

“Who Is Buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?” Today I Found Out. N.p., 09 Mar. 2015. Web. 23 Jan. 2016. <http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2015/03/buried-tomb-unknown-soldier/>.

         Virginia was admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788, and nearly a century and a half year later, an unknown soldier was buried at the Arlington National Cemetery. His remains lie in a sleek, white casket on top of a hill overlooking Washington D.C. This is America’s famous Tomb of the Unknown.

            Although I was very young, I remember visiting this fascinating exhibit on my 5thgrade trip to Washington D.C. It is one of my most distinct memories. I was fortunate enough to get to view the changing of the guards. It is estimated that 18.9 million people visit the Washington D.C. area every year. The Arlington Cemetery is one of the common destinations for tourists because of this mystifying tomb. The marble tomb is both a burial site and a symbol for all of the American soldiers who fall unidentified. It is monitored 24 hours a day by a Sentinel. The Sentinels rotate every 24 hours on a 3-relief system and do not speak. The same goes for tourists, you are told to be quiet before entering the area. However, it has been observed for the Sentinel to step out of line and tell tourists and observers to stop chit-chatting. Hopefully, by now you are as fascinated as my little 10-year-old self was with this high security tomb.

            Since 1937, there has been someone guarding the tomb every minute of every day. Each walk by the Sentinel is 21-steps, which refers to the 21-gun salute. Everything is done in sets of 21 seconds too—their steps, walks, changing of guards. Every Sentinel takes pride in their job and sees it as one of the highest honors bestowed upon them.

            Now that you’ve read half of this blog on the Unknown Soldier… I feel that it is appropriate to inform you now that in 1998, DoD scientists declared that the remains are of Air Force 1stLt. Michael Joseph Blassie, who was killed in An Loc, Vietnam in 1972. They used the mitochondrial DNA remaining on his bones to identify him. Regardless, he remains as the globally recognized Unknown Soldier.

              Sorry for antagonizing you!

Works Cited

“Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.” Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2016. <http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/Tomb-of-the-Unknown-Soldier>.

Week 10: TX to NH (State #9)

image

Phancy Pharmacist. “US States.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 10 Jan. 2013. Web. 10 Jan. 2016. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:US_state_linked_map>.


          Coming from a large Italian family, I constantly watched my cousins go off to college. Whether it was Texas A&M, University of Texas, Sam Houston, Texas Christian University, or another college residing in Texas, it was always somewhere within the borders of the Lone Star state. Until my older brother transferred to my school in New England, one hundred percent of my mother’s side of the family went to school in Texas for both high school and college. Similar to him, I wanted to be different. Ever since I can remember, I used to tell all of my friends that after high school we would all lose touch because I was not going to spend the rest of my life living in the South. I wanted to go far, far, away and be able to play in the fluffy, white snow. Little did I know that I would be out of Texas before I even graduated high school.

          Attending boarding school in New Hampshire has completely altered my perspective on life. New Hampshire was the ninth state to join the Union. Today, it is my home. I am forever grateful that I was able to move away from my hometown like I always dreamed I would. Although I hurt many people’s feeling when I announced I was leaving including my coaches, cheer team, family, and friends, I know it was the right decision for me. So here I am, getting my education far, far, away from home. Cross that one off my bucket list.


image

HUMPTYDUMPTYMURALMAGIC. “You’ve Got One Life – Make It Count. The Choice Is Yours.” HUMPTY DUMPTY MURAL MAGIC. Wordpress.com, 02 Nov. 2015. Web. 10 Jan. 2016. <http://humptydumptymuralmagic.com/2015/11/02/youve-got-one-life-make-it-count-the-choice-is-yours/>.


          When I say that New Hampshire has altered my perspective on life, I truly mean it. If you ever have the chance to travel somewhere to learn, I advise you to take advantage of that opportunity. By experiencing another way of life, freezing temperatures and all, I have learned that there are more ways to enjoy life than the way I was raised. The sky really is the limit when it comes to education. At boarding school, I carved my own path for the future. I concentrate on school when I am here and schedule my personal time around my studies. I know that I am here to learn, not to mess around and get behind. I know that all of the work, sleepless nights, and long hours will be validated next year when I am accepted to college. I only have one life so why not take every opportunity I come across.

Just kidding!


image

Abby, Shayla, and I at Basketball Game, Smith Center. Personal photograph by Angela First. 2016.


          I really do enjoy the difference in lifestyles that I have been exposed to. The sports are very different. I went from sweaty, Friday night light football games, poufs, and pom-poms to layers upon layers of clothes for hockey rinks. The jargon used in New Hampshire is wicked cool. My accent has even begun to disappear slightly (not sure if that’s good or bad). Furthermore, I think one of the most interesting differences I have noticed is the way people dress, especially girls. At home, I never dress up or wear makeup. I lampshade (big t-shirt over Nike shorts so it looks like you have no pants on) every day with a big, messy bun on top of my head. Here, I discovered that skirts and combats boots are in vogue in New England. Also, Kendra Scott, James Avery, and David Yurman are like ghosts names to my friends. I hear cricket noises every time I mention one of the three, despite my obsession with them.

          Other than the crickets, the wildlife is so different from home. At one point in my life, I had 5 goats, a chameleon, two hamsters, the ugliest fish I could find at Walmart, three dogs, three cats, and a pig. New Hampshire pets are basic—dog and cat. However, the materialistic differences are not what make my life here so unique from home. The school community I reside in is like a family. We all know one another and look after one another. Everyone is open to suggestion and meeting new people. Honestly, it is hard to explain my feelings towards New Hampshire; they’re indescribable.


image

King, Ari. “Now What?! Conversations About College, Graduation, and the Next Step.” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2016. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ari-king/conversations-about-college_b_3533087.html>.


           Nevertheless, going to school in New Hampshire has helped me decide what I do not like in a school. This means I have been able to start narrowing down my options for college in the future. I know I want to live in a big city because I do not like how my current school is in a small town. However, I want a small to medium sized school because I do like to have a personal relationship with my teachers. The fan spirit must be absolutely amazing where I go because sporting events are what I miss the most at my old school. There is a chance that I might participate in a recreational dance team too so I would like to have that option available. The pros of coming to New Hampshire for high school outweigh the cons by far. I am so excited to use the knowledge I have obtained from living in New Hampshire to guide me on the road to success following high school. It’s an experience I will never forget and one I highly recommend. If you have any questions about other aspects of my new life in New Hampshire, feel free to message me because there are many boarding schools in New Hampshire one can attend besides mine. Soooo… add New Hampshire to your bucket list and remember, “Live Free or Die”.


Works Cited

“New Hampshire: Facts, Map and State Symbols - EnchantedLearning.com.” New Hampshire: Facts, Map and State Symbols - EnchantedLearning.com. EnchantedLearning.com, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2016. <http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/newhampshire/>.

Week 9: Just Southern Things - Clemson, SC

image

“Clemson Photos - Football Pictures To Buy at Replay Photos.” ReplayPhotos.com. Lulu Press, n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2015. <http://www.replayphotos.com/clemsonphotos/football-pictures/_F___0001024.cfm>.

           Today is Sunday. Today is December 13, 2015. Today is the day. Today the Houston Texans come face to face with the New England Patriots. I am stoked for this game. All of my thoughts about the game today woke me up ten minutes ago at 7:37am. The fact that I have waited all season for this game and the time has finally come is so exciting. I feel like a three-year-old on Christmas’ Eve impatiently waiting for the next morning. Football has been a part of my life since the day I was born. I have been on the sidelines of high school and professional games since Day 1 because my dad is the physician for so many teams. The smell of sweaty, determined players is ingrained in my mind. It is unique, it is unforgettable, it is riveting. I love the sport and I love the pride people take in their teams.

          As you might have realized by now, football is a huge part of my life and culture. However, just recently I realized that I have never actually been to a college football game. With only 620 days until I head off to college, it is absolutely mandatory that I go to one soon. But not just any college football game, I’m talking a sold out, Division I, wild-student-section, crazy game that only Southerners understand. LSU averages over 91,000 fans a game, Texas A&M follows at about 86,000 (Lombardi). However, I want to see the best team in the nation devour another team for breakfast. This year, the Clemson Tigers went undefeated in the regular season. Their next game is against Oklahoma on December 31. And my-oh-my, do I want to go to that game! Especially since Texas defeated Oklahoma earlier in the season!

image

“Admissions.” Clemson University, South Carolina. Clemson University, n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2015. <http://www.clemson.edu/>.

          The best football in the country is located in Clemson, South Carolina (the eighth state to be admitted to the Union). Football in South Carolina is big enough already. The University of South Carolina gathered 3.601 million viewers for their game against the University of North Carolina. More shockingly, 7.647 million people watched Clemson University play Notre Dame (College). But because Clemson finished 1stin the Atlantic Division, viewer ratings are going to skyrocket next year. Clemson has about 22,000 students, half of which you can find at every Memorial Stadium football game, wearing solid orange, a tradition at Clemson. Another interesting tradition the football team has at Clemson is running down “The Hill” before games. In most stadiums, players enter from below a part of the stands. In Clemson’s case, the players run down an orange, carpeted hill from the Fike Field House at the top of the stadium to the turf. The hill helps get the fans “#LIT” and ready to roll since the players practically go down a runway between student sections. Besides the hill, the entire football team rubs Howard’s Rock before each game. The tradition began in 1967 after a win against Wake Forest. It is a good luck superstition that definitely worked this year, seeing that Clemson went 13-0.

image

Ridge, Scott. “Clemson ‘Howard’s Rock’ Vandalism Trial Goes to Jury.” Sporting News. Sporting News Media, 23 July 2015. Web. 13 Dec. 2015. <http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football-news/4650634-clemson-vandalism-trial-goes-to-jury>.

          I believe the best part about football is the pride people take. Although Clemson has a smaller student section than most Division I schools due to their school population, it definitely does not show when it comes game days. The Tiger fans were ranked #1 overall for top student sections in the ACC by ESPN’s Heather Dinich. She states in her blog (Crumpton):

“Clemson: They’re on The Hill. They’re in the stands. They’re on the field after the game. They’re one of the biggest reasons Death Valley is one of the top venues in the country, let alone the ACC. From the Tiger Walk to the Tiger Rag, Clemson students are loud and proud. They helped the program set a school record for attendance last year and finish No. 15 in the nation and best in the ACC in attendance figures.”

image

“Admissions.” Clemson University, South Carolina. Clemson University, n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2015. <http://www.clemson.edu/>.

          It is traditions and statistics like these that make me want to watch a team like Clemson that much more. I envy South Carolina for having this unbelievable group of men who dedicate themselves to the game. Even though I am looking only at college in cities, I think it may be time for a college tour to Clemson just so I can experience a college level pride… and of course, so I can cross a college football game off my bucket list.

 Works Cited

“College Football TV Ratings.” Sports Media Watch. Sports Media Watch, n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2015. <http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/college-football-tv-ratings/>. 

Crumpton, Tony. “Clemson Ranked #1 Student Section in the ACC - Clemson Football Update | TigerNet.” Clemson Ranked #1 Student Section in the ACC - Clemson Football Update | TigerNet. TigerNet, 17 Feb. 2014. Web. 13 Dec. 2015. <http://www.tigernet.com/update/player/Clemson-ranked-1-student-section-ACC-14966>.

Dinich, Heather. “Top Five ACC Student Sections.” ESPN. ESPN Internet Ventures, 17 Feb. 2014. Web. 13 Dec. 2015. <http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/67438/ranking-the-5-best-student-sections-in-the-acc>.

Lombardi, Matt. “The 20 Most Popular College Football Teams In The Country In 2014, Based On Total Attendance.” College Spun. College Spun, 14 May 2015. Web. 13 Dec. 2015. <http://collegespun.com/national/the-20-most-popular-college-football-teams-in-the-country-in-2014-based-on-total-attendance/5>.

“Traditions.” Traditions. Clemson University, n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2015. <http://www.clemson.edu/about/traditions.html>.

Matis, Ellen. “Visit the Mid-Atlantic’s Caverns.” Recreation News. Indiana Printing and Publishing, 21 July 2015. Web. 13 Dec. 2015. <http://recreationnews.com/2015/07/21/mid-atlantics-caverns-offer-tours-plus-cool-temperatures/>.

Week 9: Crystal Grottoes Caverns in Maryland

          The Crystal Grottoes Caverns in Boonsboro, Maryland were discovered in 1920. It is the only cave open to the public in all of Maryland. The stalactites are absolutely magnificent and a must see. They demonstrate just how amazing nature’s creations can be. Located only about an hour from Baltimore, Maryland. The Crystal Grottoes Caverns are an easy 30-minute pit stop and therefore, an easy bucket list item to cross off.

Now, who wants to go underground?

“Crystal Grottoes, Washington County.” Crystal Grottoes, Washington County. Maryland Geological Survey, n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2015. <http://www.mgs.md.gov/geology/caves/crystal_grottoes.html>.

Week 8: Winding & Grinding, Wheeling & Dealing in Washington, DC

image
image

“Detroit Red Wings v Washington Capitals.” CBS Detroit. CBS Local Media, 3 Feb. 2014. Web. 06 Dec. 2015. <http://detroit.cbslocal.com/photo-galleries/2014/02/03/detroit-red-wings-washington-capitals-2-2-14/detroit-red-wings-v-washington-capitals-9/>.

“Capitals Hockey at Verizon Center, Washington, DC.” Peter Wants to Get Away. WordPress.com, 03 Oct. 2011. Web. 06 Dec. 2015. <https://peterwantstogetaway.wordpress.com/2011/10/03/capitals-hockey-at-verizon-center-washington-dc/>.

            Want to know an interesting fact about me? I am absolutely terrible at geography. It’s terrifying to think that I am applying to college this same and until this year I thought Washington DC was part of Maryland. I had no idea that the capital was its own territory and does not belong to any state. Now, I could write this blog on all of the historic sights of Washington DC that one should visit and the government, but I want to write about an event that presented itself to me last night involving hockey.

image

“Tuesday’s Women’s Hockey Game vs. Trinity Postponed.” Saint Anselm. N.p., 26 Jan. 2015. Web. 06 Dec. 2015. <http://www.saintanselmhawks.com/sports/wice/2014-15/releases/20150126g0iffn>.

            I went to a school hockey game yesterday. I posted pictures and videos on social media during the game of my peers playing. Immediately, my friends from Texas started texting me asking me about the game and if I enjoy watching hockey. It was at this point that I realized I have never been to a professional ice hockey game. The Houston Aeros used to be the team for Houston, but this organization diminished due to the lack of popularity in Texas. Consequently, it is rare to find a hockey game in Texas. There are only 1.64 million people who play hockey; the majority of which reside in Canada. Although my older brother plays hockey, I do not remember going to his games. I was too young and he played for Brewster in New Hampshire and the University of Delaware, thousands of miles away from where I was living at the time. Now that I go to school in this region, I make it a priority to go to hockey games to support my friends. Hockey is so interesting because it is on a completely different terrain from every other sport. Plus, it is super aggressive. It’s like football on steroids.

            Before I graduate high school, I want to go to a professional hockey game. Washington DC has their own team called the Washington Capitals. They are in 1st place in the Metropolitan Division of the National Hockey League currently with a record of 18-5-2 this year. There home “turf” (ice) is the Verizon Center in Washington DC. It can hold only 18,277 people so it’s no surprise when the arena sells out for Capital games. When I get the chance to go to a professional hockey game, I want to sit right next to the ice so I can be up close and personal with all of the action!

image

“Ice Hockey Rink Dimensions.” Ice Hockey Rink Dimensions. CS Odessa Corp., n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2015. <http://www.conceptdraw.com/How-To-Guide/ice-hockey-rink-dimensions>.

            However, it is common to ignore the factors that make hockey games possible. It can take 15,000 gallons of water to make the surface of the rink. Each rink is 200 feet long and 85 feet wide. In addition, the corners of a rink are rounded to a 28-inch radius. Despite how much water is needed, the ice ends up being only ¾-inch thick because it has to be laid in so many layers. Additionally, maintaining the ice is the most difficult part. The surface must be kept at a temperature of -9 degrees Celsius or 15.8 degrees Fahrenheit so that it does not melt. (Hint: Layer up!) Besides the ice, the next most important feature of a hockey rink is the glass surrounding the rink. This protects fans and players from one another. A puck to the head would lead to a very treacherous injury. Nonetheless, nothing is perfect, there is always a chance for a strong slap-shot to shatter the glass. Although an impressive accomplishment for a player, it is a dangerous one as well. Watch out!

image

“Bobcats of the Week  .” - Athletics - Past Bobcats of the Week. Brewster AcademySM, n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2015. <http://www.brewsteracademy.org/RelId/646376/ISvars/default/Past_Bobcats_of_the_Week.htm>.

            I asked fellow hockey players about professional hockey games to get a sense of what I would experience. They example what makes this level of hockey different from high school and college hockey. Brewster Academy’s Varsity Girls Ice Hockey Captain Marina Jozokos notes, “It’s the level of intensity and skill that makes these games so unique and intriguing. Every single player is just nasty on the ice! The games are at a much faster pace because these men eat, sleep, and breathe hockey.” Noah Selig, an avid hockey fan since he was 7 years old, reports, “The atmosphere of a Washington Capitals game is insane. Everyone is chirping at the other team and cheering on their own. You can really feel the passion the fans have for the Capitals! It is an unbelievable experience!”

            All of this hockey talk makes me look forward to when I’ll be able to cross going to a professional hockey game off my bucket list. I am already texting my friend who attends American University in Washington DC about getting tickets to a Capitals game in January!

image

“Charitybuzz: 4 Rinkside Seats to a 2013/14 Washington Capitals Game At… - Lot 354702.” Www.Charitybuzz.com. Charitybuzz Inc., n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2015. <https://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/4-rinkside-seats-to-2013-14-washington-capitals-game-at-354702>.

Hockey Jargon-

nasty (adj.) - ridiculously good, superior skill, and belligerent, 

chirping (v.) - the act of yelling or whispering smart remarks or whispering to a player in order to district or mock them; a form of distraction

Works Cited

“40 Fun Hockey Facts.” OnTheFlyOneMillionSkatescom RSS. One Million Skates, n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2015. <http://onthefly.onemillionskates.com/on-the-fly/40-fun-hockey-facts/>.

Hughes, Travis. “Annual IIHF Survey Shows Growth of Hockey Worldwide.” SBNation.com. Vox Media, Inc., 23 Aug. 2013. Web. 06 Dec. 2015. <http://www.sbnation.com/2013/8/23/4650836/iihf-survey-2013-hockey-growth>.

Russell-Ausley, Melissa. “How Ice Rinks Work.” HowStuffWorks. HowStuffWorks, 31 Mar. 2000. Web. 06 Dec. 2015. <http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/ice-rink2.htm>.

“Washington Capitals.” Washington Capitals. NHL.com, n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2015. <http://capitals.nhl.com/>.

Week 8: Somerville, Massachusetts Bucket Climb

image

“About BKB Somerville - BKB Somerville.” BKB Somerville. Brooklyn Boulders LLC, n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2015. <http://brooklynboulders.com/somerville/>.

            I’m back and ready to blog some more! I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving and ate lots of turkey, sweet potatoes, and pie! I know I devoured at least twenty cardonies (Italian dish) with mi familia. However, it is time for us to get back in the gym and work off the thousands of calories we ate.

image

Review33. “Workout at Gym Archives - Buykouteatoday.” Buykouteatoday. N.p., June 2013. Web. 02 Dec. 2015. <http://www.buykouteatoday.com/tag/workout-at-gym/>.

             Fortunately, the winter trimester just began so I am in the gym 6 days a week not that Field Hockey season is over. Nevertheless, the same old routine can get boring, especially for a teenager. I love looking for ways to incorporate new forms of cardio and strength conditioning into my routine whether it is dance team, yoga, spinning, or Zumba! Because Massachusetts is the next state in line for me to write a blog on, I chose to look for an intriguing kind of exercise. Mercifully, I stumbled upon rock climbing!

image

“Brooklyn Boulders Somerville.” Arrowstreet. Arrowstreet|. Web. 02 Dec. 2015.

            Brooklyn Boulders Somerville is a 40,000 square foot facility for any type of fitness goo-roo, whether you are a beginner or expert. There is 28,000 square feet of climbing space along with fitness classes and trainers. There is no rock climbing building within 100 miles of me. The only rock climbing I have ever done was on a literal rock wall in Marble Falls, Texas. I feel that rock climbing at a facility such as Brooklyn Boulders would work my entire body. Pulling myself up the wall would work my biceps, triceps, trapezius, and deltoids. While pushing on rocks below me would toil my gluteus maximus and my rectus femoris a lot. I think doing rock climbing as a work out would be tiring yet highly effective. I would be able to engage all of my muscles in one days’ work rather than waiting for leg day.

image

“Several Functions in Muscle of the Body.” Wwwinvestinlibyaorg. Www.investinlibya.org, n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2015. <http://www.investinlibya.org/several-functions-in-muscle-of-the-body/>.

            I chose to add this destination to my bucket list because of it’s credibility. Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, Boston Magazine, CNN, Coca-Cola Journey, and the New York Times have commented on Brooklyn Boulders. I read all six articles on the facility and was captivated by what each one had to say. In short, the articles explicitly described how the place is perfect for people who work hard and strive to be active during the day. CNN notes, “At Brooklyn Boulder Somerville the two worlds collide.”

            My hope in the future is that I go to my dream school, Harvard College (REEEEACH), and would possibly be able to attend Brooklyn Boulders on a weekly basis. It is located on the Somerville, Cambridge line in Massachusetts at 12A Tyler Street. The 0.7 miles between my dorm and the “rock gym” could be my warm-up. Now how cool is that.

image

“Google Maps.” Google Maps. Google, n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2015. <https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Brooklyn+Boulders,+12A+Tyler+Street,+Somerville,+MA+02143/Harvard+University,+Cambridge,+MA+02138/data=!4m8!4m7!1m2!1m1!1s0x89e377365810bec3:0xfe4e83648f71541a!1m2!1m1!1s0x89e377427d7f0199:0x5937c65cee2427f0!3e0>.

Works Cited

“About BKB Somerville - BKB Somerville.” BKB Somerville. Brooklyn Boulders LLC, n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2015. <http://brooklynboulders.com/somerville/>.

Holmes|, Michael. “Hybrid Space Stimulates Innovation - CNN Video.” CNN. Cable News Network, 22 Oct. 2014. Web. 02 Dec. 2015. <http://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2014/10/22/spc-smart-business-brooklyn-boulders.cnn>.

“Indoor Rock Climbing Gym Comes to Somerville.” The Somerville Beat. Somerville Beat, 28 Mar. 2013. Web. 02 Dec. 2015. <http://somervillebeat.com/features/indoor-rock-climbing-gym-comes-to-somerville/>.