Talking Heads defined a generation, and after 50 years, their songs are still changing lives. David Byrne of Talking Heads is currently going on tour with his new album, Who Is The Sky? which I attended. This album is unique from his previous works, since it incorporates more modern influences, and discusses themes of COVID-19, loneliness, and pure joy.

While this tour was just Byrne, he played many Talking Heads songs, such as: “Houses in Motion,” “Life During Wartime,” and “Burning Down the House.” He also played a cover of “Hard Times" by Paramore.

This was different from his work with Talking Heads. There was no drumset, just percussion instruments with carriers. All performers on stage were wireless, which made dancing much easier. The set was stripped back, just an empty stage, and three screens behind Byrne, which had visuals unique to each track. Each song had dance moves, and many were similar to the moves done in Stop Making Sense which is a Talking Heads concert film from 1984. This concert film was the origin for the iconic big suit jackets which are often associated with “Talking Heads.”

Byrne is known for his dancing, running, and movements while he is performing. Some of the most notable are again in Stop Making Sense, but in nearly all live performances, he can be seen running around, swaying, and grooving. Even in his old age, he was as young as ever on the stage, in “Life During Wartime,” my favorite Talking Heads song, he can be seen doing similar moves to the original Stop Making Sense film.

This concert was probably my new favorite that I have been to, and I’ve seen Sublime, Blink-182, Weezer, and many other heavy hitting bands. But the concert was truly surreal, seeing one of my idols perform was life changing. Seeing all of my favorite Talking Heads songs also be performed made it so much cooler. This is one of the few artists that I think everyone should experience, because there is a song for everyone. The new wave and art pop influences define a generation, and it was such an enlightening experience to see it all live.

The first sports drink began in England in 1927, and it was called Lucozade. This drink took over the market because it was easily digestible. This led to the popularity of sports drinks that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Now, from personal experience, the drink of choice for many athletes is energy drinks, and the first modern energy drink was Lipovitan D, introduced in Japan in 1962, and the popularity soared in the mid-80s. Monster, Redbull, Rockstar, and Four Loko were the pioneers of energy drink sales, but a new brand has emerged, and it is taking over gas station shelves.

Alani Nu was created in 2018 by fitness influencer Katy Hearn, and the goal of this was to create a fitness brand targeted at women due to the lack of workout drinks and pre-workouts. With zero sugar and 110% of the daily Niacin, B6, B12, and Biotin. This idea exploded, and Alani Nu has spiraled to be one of the most popular energy drink brands; flavors ranging from caramel apple (Witches Brew), mixed berry (Cosmic Stardust), and coconut (Hawaiian Shaved Ice). They also have a wide variety of regular flavors such as Pumpkin Cream, Cotton Candy, Juicy Peach, and Watermelon Wave. A fan favorite line is the slush flavors, which include Pink, Red, and Blue Slush.

These energy drinks are especially popular among high schoolers because of their fun flavors and smaller cans, and with 200mg of caffeine, they provide ample energy for the average burnt-out high school student. After late Friday nights spent at Kiwanis Field, many student athletes and performers have early morning practices, and Alani Nu has taken over the sidelines.

The other main energy drink that has taken over high schools across the country is Redbull, which has been one of the most popular energy drinks for the past few decades. With Biggby selling Redbull drinks with boba and other add-ins, it has shot up the popularity of Redbull with teens. With flavors such as watermelon, apricot, and blueberry, Redbull has the fun flavors that many people want. And with most teenagers not liking the taste of coffee, energy drinks have become the caffeine source of choice.

In my personal experience, Alani Nu and Redbull are both good ways to get easy energy, but the main downside is the possibility for caffeine overconsumption that often happens with teenagers. Caffeine sends dopamine to the brain as it gives energy, which can increase the chance for addiction. Caffeine isn’t a drug, but it is still important to be mindful of the consumption.

The Goodwill Outlet (Bins) has seen a spike in popularity in recent years due to the rise in Depop reselling. The Bins, as many have begun to call them, are large bins of textiles, shoes, toys, and home decor, and shoppers rummage through these to find unique pieces that no one else has.

The main reason these are so popular is that it is extremely easy to find good-quality vintage clothing for cheap, as customers pay by the pound at the bins. But with this, there are some important things to keep in mind if one is going to dive into the bins.

Always bring gloves

Gloves are crucial for the bins. Many of these clothing items were not washed before being donated, and the original location of these clothes is unknown. There will likely be undergarments, athletic clothes, and sleepwear that may have bodily fluid on them, so gloves are an absolute must, and long sleeves are highly recommended. Hand sanitizer is also an important item to keep on hand.

Be careful

One does not know what they will find in the bins, which is both a good and bad thing. There is always a possibility of sharp objects and other items in general, so when looking, be mindful of anything that looks suspicious. This also goes for items above; one does not know where the clothes have been, so again, be mindful of anything off.

Keep items close

The bins are known to be filled with resellers trying to make a profit, and some will be lurking to find the best items. Make sure one’s personal items are near, and keep track of belongings. It is easy to lose keys or a wallet while digging through mounds of clothing, so be sure to keep items in pockets or a purse to minimize the risk of losing items.

Check tags, sizing, and brands

As mentioned above, the bins are crawling with resellers. This is because there can be high-end brands underneath the SHEIN knockoffs. When looking for items, it can be beneficial to look at the tags to see if it is real vintage, but it can also be important to see the brand. It is often fun to see name brands for these extremely low prices, so look out!

It is also important to note sizing, especially vintage sizing. Due to the lack of a universal size chart, brands each have their own sizing and measurements, so when looking for pants, shorts, etc, it is crucial to double-check the measurements of the garment.

Wash all clothes after purchase

This seems like a given, but especially in the bins, washing clothing after purchase is crucial. These clothes have likely been to multiple Goodwill stores, and many people have been rummaging through them all day, not to mention they likely have not been washed. So, after purchasing items, wash them thoroughly, so there is minimal risk of skin reactions.

The Goodwill bins are a fun and unique way to acquire a lot of clothing quickly, but it can be difficult to find something that is one’s style. It is also imperative to always wear gloves and to make sure that one washes their items after purchase.

The closest Goodwill Outlet, to my knowledge, is in Indianapolis, but there are other locations around Chicago and Gary.

During a time of third-wave feminism, a punk subgenre emerged in the early 1990s. Riot Grrrl, which is heavily associated with DIY, feminism, and activism, was not just a music genre but a way of life.

The Riot Grrrl movement originated in 1991, when a group of women from Olympia, Washington, and Washington, D.C., held a meeting about sexism in their local punk scenes in the United States. One example was the all-female punk band Calamity Jane, who were subjected to sexist abuse from a massive, predominantly male audience of around 60,000 people. The crowd threw mud, rocks, and coins at the band, causing them to leave the stage in tears. Nirvana, which they opened for, was so mad that they sabotaged their own show.

This sexism is still seen in modern punk scenes, but at this time, it was much worse. The word Grrrl came from associations with childhood, and the rrr’s were used as a way to reclaim the derogatory use of girl.

The DIY aspect of the scene has been a core foundation since the beginning. Zines, like magazines, are small booklets that contain art, music, or other information, and were used to express oneself and political views. Zines often described experiences with sexism, mental illness, body image and eating disorders, sexual abuse, racism, rape, discrimination, stalking, domestic violence, incest, homophobia, and sometimes vegetarianism. These ideas were also some of the key themes in Riot Grrrl music.

The musical influences of Riot Grrrl came from hardcore punk in the ‘80s, but when it came to female artists, the genres varied greatly. Souxie Sioux, Joan Jett, and Kim Gordon are all notable influences in this scene. Courtney Love has also been credited as an influence with her raw attitude and her lyrics, but she has separated herself from the Riot Grrrl label as much as she can.

“As supportive as I am of them, there's a faction that says, ‘We don't know how to play, but we're not going to follow your male-measured idea of what good is.’ Look, good is Led Zeppelin II. That's ******* good. And I'm not going to sit here and say you're a good band when you suck. They're like, "But we're entitled to suck." Really? We work so hard to get good at what we do without covering up who we are as women,” Love said in an interview with Copper Square Press.

In the early to mid-’90s, bands like Bikini Kill, Bratmobile, Heavens to Betsy, and Slant 6 began to produce a type of female punk music that sent waves across the United States. These bands began to form a scene where women could express their rage and frustration about all of the things that made their lives more difficult. They were labeled as Riot Grrrls because of their ideals, their attitudes, and their political beliefs. In an undated, typewritten Bikini Kill tour flier, it answers the question "What is Riot Grrrl?" with:

"[Riot Grrrl is ...] Because we girls want to create mediums that speak to US. We are tired of boy band after boy band, boy zine after boy zine, boy punk after boy punk after boy... Because we need to talk to each other. Communication and inclusion are key. We will never know if we don't break the code of silence... Because in every form of media we see ourselves slapped, decapitated, laughed at, objectified, raped, trivialized, pushed, ignored, stereotyped, kicked, scorned, molested, silenced, invalidated, knifed, shot, choked, and killed. Because a safe space needs to be created for girls where we can open our eyes and reach out to each other without being threatened by this sexist society and our day-to-day bull****," Lisa Darms, lead singer of Bikini Kill, said.

In my own personal experience at shows as a teenage girl, there are often comments about how we should “get out of the pit” and “put more into our looks.” There is still sexism in the punk community, and Riot Grrrl is the counter-culture to that. There is always someone who will shame others for doing what they love, but when a culture acknowledges and addresses the frustration and rage many experience, it is truly life-changing.

The Riot Grrrl lifestyle is about politics, feminism, DIY, and musical culture. There is little focus on fashion, and no specific style is attributed to the Riot Grrrl movement. The goal is to lift others up while acknowledging the lived experiences that others went through, which is what makes this punk subgenre truly unique.

The Ladies In Orange is an all-abilities pom squad that celebrates inclusion, teamwork, and the power of performance.

This special abilities group was created by Taylor Stafford, a special education teacher at Kesling Intermediate School, Trisha Rosembaum, and Ms. Nanny, who have helped many students have the opportunity to cheer and dance. They even perform at middle and high school football games.

“I believe in purposeful inclusion. The girls in our Life Skills program love to sing and dance, just like any other girls. However, due to sensory sensitivities and other unique needs, traditional cheer or pom teams aren’t always equipped to fully support them. The Ladies In Orange gives our girls the opportunity to be part of a cheer squad that understands and meets their needs. We are incredibly grateful for our high school cheer team! They’ve been so welcoming and have become wonderful role models for our girls,” Stafford said.

Their most recent performance was in memory of Maria, a classmate who unfortunately passed away over the summer. In dedication to her, the squad wore pink, and the audience was encouraged to as well. Maria was filled with sparkle and kindness, and this performance was just as bright as she was. The freshmen cheer squad joined the Ladies to show their support, and it was a huge success.

Recently, on October 6, the ladies soared through the Homecoming parade. Even when their trailer broke down, Stafford, with the help of family and friends, created a safe and gorgeous truck. Safety rails were installed, and step stools were used to make sure everyone would be safe and happy. This homecoming truck was a hit at the parade, and it has brought The Ladies In Orange even further into the community spotlight.

This all-inclusive group has captured the hearts of La Porte County, and this group will continue performing for years to come.

Radiohead is an art and experimental rock band that began performing in 1985, and their debut album, Pablo Honey, was released in 1993. They are most known for their song “Creep,” which was released as a single in 1992, but gained full popularity on the album version. But this song, and really their first two albums, don’t have that signature Radiohead sound, leading many fans to say that Pablo Honey is their worst album, which makes sense, because it was their first. This group was just learning what their sound was, and it was completely unique.

As mentioned before, their first album was Pablo Honey, which immediately shoved the band into the spotlight across the UK. “Creep” was a massive hit among fans, but at the time, it was their only song on the radio. Immediately after, there was immense pressure for another album, another hit, another “Creep,” which then led to the release of The Bends. Their second studio album was released in 1995, and it features some of their most popular songs. “My Iron Lung,” “Just,” “Fake Plastic Trees,” “High and Dry,” all of these are beginning to capture the sound that many associate with Radiohead. That intense, sad, melancholy feeling that no other artist captures the way Radiohead does. This album was a near-perfect follow-up to Pablo Honey, but what they did next changed the band forever.

OK Computer has been credited as being one of the biggest left turns in music history. From the mellow acoustic sound of The Bends and Pablo Honey, this electronica masterpiece changed the band’s legacy forever. Released in 1997, this album is a fan favorite, with songs, “No Surprises,” “Let Down,” “Exit Music (For a Film),” and “Karma Police.” This album is part of the binary theory, which is a fan theory that combines two albums, as the songs fit seamlessly within each other. This dystopian album paints a picture of the future, where consumerism takes over. In the song “Subterrarian Homesick Alien,” Yorke describes feelings of isolation and anti-capitalism. Many of the themes in this song, and the album as a whole, will be later explored in Kid A and Hail to the Thief. 

Kid A was their next album, and it is almost completely electronic, and many of the lyrics seem random, and that’s because they are. Thom Yorke stated in an interview that the members wrote random lyrics and drew them from a hat, and that is how they wrote many songs for Kid A. Released in 2000, it features “Everything In Its Right Place,” “The National Anthem,” and “Motion Picture Soundtrack.” This follow-up to OK Computer is flawless. Each song has a different feel, and in my opinion, this is one of their best albums because of how unique it is. This sound is unlike other Radiohead albums; it's distant, synth-heavy, and overall, futuristic.

Amnesiac was released in 2001, just one year after Kid A, and immediately, there is an obvious change in sound between the two albums. Amnesiac is still electronic, but it is also acoustic-heavy, more raw, more real even. It's less futuristic in the sense that it feels more down-to-earth. With the songs “Knives Out,” “You and Whose Army,” and “Pyramid Song,” there is a clear jazz and classical influence. This album, while many believe it is the B-Side or outtakes to Kid A, is a separate album in itself. Originally, these songs were to be featured on a double album, but Yorke felt kit would be too dense, so a separate album was created, and the B-Sides of Kid A were released separately. This album goes back to the roots of Radiohead, while still experimenting with new sounds that have not been featured before.

Hail To The Thief is my personal favorite Radiohead album, partially because it discusses Yorke’s hatred for the American Government, but also because of its sound. The title is a play on words with the famous “Hail to the Chief,” the American Presidential anthem, and it is in follow-up to three electronic albums, but now, it features the mellow sound that began Radiohead, almost as if they went back to their roots, while still featuring their innovative sound. Released in 2003, it features “There, There,” “2+2=5”, and “Wolf at the Door,” which, for me, are all some of my favorite songs. This album changes their sound to keep their ever-growing audience interested, while still feeling like Radiohead. This album debuted at number one on the UK charts, and it was an immediate sensation for fans. The rock-heavy feel of this album was in contrast to the previous, leading to a more truly traditional rock sound.

In Rainbows is, in my own personal observation, their most popular album, and it has stolen the hearts of fans, This bright, electronic album was released in 2007, and it features, “15 Step,” “All I Need,” “Weird Fishes / Arpeggi,” and “Jigsaw Falling Into Place,” which again, are some of their more popular songs. This album is bright, upbeat, but also features gut-wrenching ballads that can make audiences cry. This album is also part of the binary theory. Which layers OK Computer and In Rainbows, playing one song, then the other in sequence to create a mega project, but Radiohead states that the theory is not complete. This album was their first album to be distributed online. The recording was up for pre-order, and within ten days, fans began downloading the MP3 tracks, but the reason this was so special was that fans could pay what they wanted for the album, even not pay at all. This led to less financial gain for the band, but that was not the goal; the goal was to distribute their music digitally, and make an impact on the way music is sold.

The King of Limbs was their second-to-last studio album, released in 2011, and it sought to be a less conventional album in comparison to In Rainbows. This proved to be extremely beneficial. The King of Limbs was named one of the best albums of the year by publications including Rolling Stone, The Wire, NME, and PopMatters. At the 54th Grammy Awards, it was nominated in five categories, including Best Alternative Music Album. The most popular song from this record was “Lotus Flower,” which was the song behind the viral internet meme of lead singer Thom Yorke dancing. Despite mixed reviews from fans, this album has remained a cult classic in their discography since it was released.

Their final studio album was A Moon Shaped Pool, was released in 2016, bringing an ambient closure to the life of Radiohead. Many songs on this album were written or recorded previously, and when recording, there was no rehearsal before; they entered the studio, and recording began. With songs, “True Love Waits,” “Burn The Witch,” and “Daydreaming,” this album was soft, ethereal, and a peaceful end to one of the most critically acclaimed rock bands in history. Critics loved this album. On the review aggregator website Metacritic, A Moon Shaped Pool has a score of 88 out of 100 based on 43 reviews, indicating “Universal Acclaim.”

Radiohead is one of the most influential bands of the 21st century, and their music has inspired many other modern artists to break the norm and experiment, as in many cases, this can work out for the better.

The first chill in the air. The crisp water on the windshield. It's officially the season of Smashing Pumpkins.

'Tis the season for Halloween, pumpkin spice, and chilly nights, but these recent nights have opened my eyes to a whole new world of music. “This Night Has Opened My Eyes” by The Smiths has been a fall favorite for me, but it was also a fall favorite last year. From the compilation album Hatful of Hollow, released in 1983, this song encapsulates the feeling of fall. It's low, mellow, and pushes and pulls the melody. “She could have been a poet, or she could have been a fool. Oh, you did a bad thing. And I’m not happy, and I’m not sad.” This is a line from the last chorus, and it is my favorite part of the song. The instrumental ending is absolutely beautiful, and I appreciate that it continues on and on.

Fall is also the season of my birthday, and I will be turning 17. Currently, as a 16-year-old, I am the age of consent in Indiana. “Age of Consent" by New Order was released in 1983 on the album Power Corruption and Lies, and it is a new wave masterpiece. This song was featured in the 2019 thriller The Goldfinch, which brought the song back into the modern light. This song is five minutes and 15 seconds of pure autumn: the smooth guitar riff that carries the song, the electronic drums, the twinkly synth. It's truly a great song.

Even though the days are getting shorter, the sun is still shining. “Every Shining Time You Arrive,” by Sunny Day Real Estate, is a ballad from the album How It Feels To Be Something On, which was released in 1998. Sunny Day Real Estate was one of the pioneers of modern emo and has been an inspiration for many contemporary bands, including My Chemical Romance and Hot Mulligan. This album features some of their most popular songs – “Guitars and Video Games,” “Pillars,” and, of course, “How It Feels To Be Something On.”

Fall wouldn't be complete without apples. “Rotten Apple” by Alice in Chains is a grunge classic and a fan favorite among listeners. From the album Jar of Flies, released in 1994, it was released at the peak of grunge. Nirvana, Sound Garden, and Alice in Chains dominated the alternative music scene. This album is notorious for being absolutely gut-wrenching; it's intense, sad, and filled with emotion. The raw feeling is conveyed in a way like no other, and it's a musical experience that is hard to come by nowadays.

High school is a time when many think they’re grown, but in the end, we are all still young. “1979” by the Smashing Pumpkins is their most popular song in their discography, and it encapsulates the feeling of being young in a way I cannot fully describe. Melancholy And The Infinite Sadness is roughly two and a half hours long, and the deluxe version is about five and a half hours long; both albums feature some of the best songs in their discography. This song captures the essence of being young during fall; it feels like late-night drives with friends and crisp mornings with everyone you love.  This song was my top song in 2023, and it still is one of my favorite songs of all time.

After just recently going through a breakup, Jeff Buckley’s “Forget Her” has been a new fall anthem. Jeff Buckley has been featured on many of my playlists, and this song is no exception. The album Grace is a work of art in itself; each song flows into the next, and “Forget Her” is one of my favorites from the album. “She was heartbroken from the moment that you met her. My heart feels so still as I try to find the will to forget her somehow.” This song is unapologetically heartbreaking, and I find myself coming back to it even more in these past few days.

Fall is my favorite time of the year, and not just because October is my birthday month. The way the leaves change, and the cool weather that allows me to layer my clothing, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year. My music taste slowly evolves as the seasons change, as the weather gets colder, the music gets slower, sadder, and melancholy. As summer fades into a memory, my summer music goes with it.

Cookies, doughnuts, bundt cakes, and frozen yogurt, what do all of these have in common? These are all popular items at dessert chains, and many have gone out of style.

At the turn of the century, frozen yogurt was all the rage. From Smyle to PinkBerry, frozen yogurt shops were seen all across America. Later in the 2000s, bundt cakes experienced a surge in popularity with the launch of Nothing Bundt Cakes. These fun-shaped cakes led America into the doughnut craze of the 2010s, with America running on Dunkin’. In 2025, cookie shops have seen a surge. Crumbl and Insomnia Cookies have seeped into college towns all over the United States.

In my experience, there aren't hundreds of frozen yoghurt places still open, bundt cakes are no longer at the forefront of Pinterest boards, and doughnuts are no longer the same aesthetically pleasing breakfast dessert go-to. On the other hand, nearly every major city will have a Crumbl or an Insomnia Cookies.

Why is this? Why did froyo seem to fall off the face of the earth? The answer is simple: There just wasn’t a demand for it. Same with bundt cakes and doughnuts. The demand lowered after the new dessert came to town. Now, with cookies being the new fun thing, in 10 years, it begs the question: What will the new dessert be?

Crumbl does the dessert game a little bit differently; there is a weekly rotation of cookies, cakes, and other desserts, and it keeps the masses interested. The six different desserts give people variety, and it is one of the many things Crumbl does right with their business. On the flip side, Insomnia Cookies is open late, so college students can get a quick, sweet treat delivered for relatively cheap. These businesses are trying everything to keep their relevancy because they want to stay in the dessert game, but it is only a matter of time before a new dessert comes to town.

The dessert game is intense, and with the new way these cookies are marketed, they are fighting to stay on top of the sweet ladder. The rotating flavors from Crumbl bring a new variety that the dessert places of the past lacked, and this is a strategy that will hopefully inspire other companies, because it has proven successful.