The Ultimate Halloween Playlist

These songs were either specifically made for Halloween or have a Halloween vibe to them.

1. Basically anything from Melanie Martinez’s album “Cry Baby”

2. Anything from Lana Del Rey

3.The Chainsmokers- Kanye remix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2PsVc--_YU

4. Panic! At The Disco and Fall Out Boy have plenty of songs perfect for your Halloween playlist

5. The Neighbourhood- R.I.P. 2 My Youth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKH-rcO6PA8

6. Cash Cash ft. Busta Rhymes, B.o.B., & Neon Hitch- Devil https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cVms_hyY9g

7. Grace Potter- Alive Tonight https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3yEqk9ntyM

8. R5- Dark Side https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUZ5LAcWE-s

9. Fifth Harmony- I’m In Love With A Monster https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlkFTxnizyk

10. MKTO- Afraid Of The Dark https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDGXLrqY_tk

11. Grace Mitchell- Jitter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAZIyOBN2RI

12. Any 80′s, 90′s, 00′s horror/Halloween movie usually has a great soundtrack (i.e. Ghost Busters, Beetlejuice, The Addams Family, Harry Potter, etc)

13. KONGOS- Come With Me Now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gz2GVlQkn4Q

14. X Ambassadors- Jungle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqXW57WM9TA

15. Buffy The Vampire Slayer Theme https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-xnvdtuRRo

16.Michael Jackson- Thriller (that was a given!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOnqjkJTMaA

17. Hocus Pocus Version- I Put A Spell On You https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAzOoea0PiI

18. The Black Keys- Howlin’ For You https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLSpj7q6_mM

19. Yeah Yeah Yeahs- Heads Will Roll https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auzfTPp4moA

20. Any song from Disclosure’s album “Caracal”

21. Aaron Carter- I Want Candy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e35FSyv2XxI

22. OutKast- Dracula’s Wedding https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wC0uVsAqo1o

23. AC/DC- Highway To Hell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKggnBh2Mdw

24. Tegan and Sara- Walking With a Ghost https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtCGODjuRq0

25. Lady Gaga- Monster https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pd8WeXLeXQs

26. Rihanna- Disturbia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1mU6h4Xdxc

27. THE ENTIRE SOUNDTRACK FROM NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

28. Bing Crosby & Boris Karloff- The Halloween Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzvVna7Te4c

Now, obviously this playlist isn’t excluding any other song. It’s your playlist and you can manage it to your heart’s desire! I hope everyone has a great Halloween filled with childhood nostalgia and treats! But most importantly, stay safe!

-A

Jokes Hurt Too

The most dreadful people are the people that pick on things that are out of people's control, such as: weight, sexuality, amount of money one has, etc.

What good is there in consistently making hurtful jokes to others about things like that? There is NO good.

I am 16 years old, I am 5'2 and I am very skinny. I have ALWAYS been skinny. I was bullied a great deal cause of this. People made jokes all the time, sometimes even my family and friends with say things thinking it didn't bother me but for the most part it did. They made me feel like being skinny was bad. People would always say, "Come to my house, I'll feed you to get some meat on them bones; are you anorexic?; do you eat?; you're a twig; chicken legs." Believe it or not at one point in my life that really hit me. I HATED when someone would mention something about my weight even if it was a compliment. I became extremely insecure cause of that. I would get hate messages over AskFM and my friends would tell me to ignore it but I never could. I never really understood why people had so much negativity in them. This bullying changed me. In a way no one could ever understand. It was about 9th grade where I began to grow confident. I began to learn to stand up for myself and not give a flying crap about anyone who has something negative to say about me. From that point on my confidence grew. I came to the realization that everyone gets ONE body in this lifetime, so take care of it, love it and cherish it. If you are not pleased with it then CHANGE it, but only change it for you. Don't change it because other people don't like it. Be confident in your own skin. Everyone is different and we are all flawed. Being skinny or fat is NOT bad. Don't let ANYONE tell you that your body is not good enough. Weight is something that should never be picked on. Gaining and losing weight is VERY hard so cut some people some slack!!

I have never been fully sure of my sexuality. But I have a few gay friends who would get picked on for their sexuality and believe me I became a raging monster anytime they got picked on. They are the greatest people I have ever met!! One time I was on AskFM and these guys that I know (will not be named) said the most disgusting thing ever. The question was, "Opinion on gays?" and one of the guys put: " I hate them all" and the other guy put: "They need to stay away from me with that gay shit." I WAS IN TOTAL SHOCK! Literally out of words. I didn't know how to politely push them off a cliff. Being me, I had to say something because I was EXTREMELY offended. How can you say something like that? You hate ALL gays? How can you generalize them all? But I bet if you seen two girls making out you would think it was 'hot', but if it was two guys making out, they're 'gross'? I have never been so disgusted in my life. You can not generalize an entire group just because of one bad experience/person. Most gay guys can pick up when a guy is gay or not. They will not continue to flirt with you if they realize you're uncomfortable. Jeez. They are people too!

Money is not everything. Not everyone has it so why talk crap about people who don't have it? It's a huge struggle. I've been through it. My mom lost her job due to a work incident and a car accident. Ever since, it's been really hard. It sucks not being able to get what you want when you want it. But what I do know is my mom ALWAYS tried to give me and my brothers what we wanted. We knew when we couldn't have something and we accepted it. No complaint. We knew we would get it when we could.  I was never spoiled growing up. Every dollar I make, I use to support my family. It's not easy to live in this world. Nothing is free. There are kids who have EVERYTHING and take it for granted. That pisses me off. Those kids are so lucky but they never appreciate what they have. Then they have the nerve to pick on someone who doesn't have much. It's sickening. Some people need to realize that not everyone has it good.

-E

Health Textbook Has Wrong Information

I had a substitute for health class so the class did what most kids do when there’s a substitute- get out a textbook and answer the assigned questions that go along with the reading. I was reading a paragraph that described a person’s “uncontrollable risk factors”. It mentioned factors such as age, race, heredity, but then it said gender. Last time I checked, gender was non-binary. Just because you are given a blue blanket at birth doesn’t mean you can’t switch it with a pink one- or a yellow one for that matter. You can change your gender identity, you can change your sex. You don’t even have to identify with a gender. I think what annoys me most is that so many students will come across that page and think what was said is ‘okay’ and 'correct’ because it was in a textbook. Most people should know that school textbooks often exaggerate, twist the truth or just spew wrong information. We’re just perpetuating more people to become uneducated and ignorant. This book gets even more problematic. There was a topic called “Six Health Risk Behaviors” and it listed “sexual activity” as one of them. The paragraph which is titled "sexual activity" states in the first sentence, “Sexual activity outside of a committed relationship, such as marriage, puts people at risk for health problems.” So the book is basically saying that if you have sex with lots of people or if you have sex while not in a committed relationship, you’re at risk for health problems. It is possible to have health problems from having sex with lots of people, but did you know that you can get an STD from your significant other? Even if they were your first? You can only have sex with one person in your lifetime and STILL be at risk for health problems. This sentence reminds me of that one Mean Girl quote, “If you have sex, you will get pregnant and die.” This is just another thing perpetuating people to become uneducated and ignorant. 

-A

It's Not Just A Joke

“Isn’t it illegal for a 20-year old and 17-year old to have sex?” Your friend inquires. “17 with consent,” you reply. “What if she doesn’t want to have sex with you?” He asks. “Rohypnol!” You laugh.  He laughs.

I’m ashamed to call you my brother, Ashamed that you’d say such a thing; “It’s a joke,” you’d tell me if I were to tell you how wrong it is, Well, brother, let me tell you how wrong it is to joke about rape.

Rape is never consensual, No means no. If a girl gets raped, You gon’ call her a ‘hoe’?

‘Cancer is worse than rape because it’s a prolonged death. Rape is quick.’ You said once. Rape is just as bad as cancer; stop making it a competition.  Now listen, it’s one of the most traumatizing things anyone can experience. It affects your body, mind, and spirit. 

Imagine someone saying the same thing about your sisters, your relatives, your mother. You may not know her personally for her to matter to you, but she does because she is a woman. A woman that is a minor. She’s brilliant, graceful, and vivacious. To have her beautiful soul ripped away from vile hands that wish to graze her,  Why don’t you ask yourself “what if she was me and I was her?” -A

Focusing Is Not My Forte

Growing up I have ALWAYS had a problem with focusing. I have the attention span of a squirrel and I’ve been told that enough times to actually believe it myself. At times it becomes really hard. I get frustrated and just feel like giving up and crying. I don’t know why I can’t focus… AT ALL. I first realized I had trouble focusing when I was in the 6th grade and as I got older it has become worse. I’ve tried many things to try to fix my problem such as putting myself in a quiet place and shutting off my phone. I’ve tried to just completely block out distractions and mainly focus on one thing. I sometimes would Google ways to focus because at times it would get so hard to focus I felt helpless. I have not seen or spoken to a doctor about this problem. Azra is the only person I personally told about my problem because she has noticed it in many occasions. This doesn’t just affect my schoolwork but it also affects me and the people I surround myself with. Like when a friend comes to me for help/advice it can become very hard for me to focus on their problem which makes them feel like I don’t care but in reality I truly do. My mind is a crazy never ending rollercoaster ride. A million thoughts floating in my mind at once. Tonight I sat down at my computer desk at 6:30PM to begin my AP History homework, it’s currently 10:08PM and I haven’t even finished one question. I got lucky enough to get the answers from a fellow classmate. I was on FaceTime with my boyfriend and he was encouraging me and motivating me to not give up.. I felt so helpless and upset I was at the verge of crying. I could not put my mind to the homework no matter how hard I tried. I couldn’t even talk how bad I began to feel. So I hung up.  My problem affects my mood greatly. Talking about this makes me very emotional because I have no control over it. I push myself every single day to get better. I WILL get better. Time is the best healer.  This doesn’t define me. It’s not a problem but an obstacle I have to overcome. I can’t let it get in my way. I have to keep pushing forward and never look back. I have to take control. I want everyone out their to know you ARE special. We have our flaws and obstacles. Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do something or that you’re not special because trust me YOU ARE! Funny thing is while writing this post I’ve gotten distracted at least a million times before I ever clicked post, but want to know the good part??? I finished it and clicked post :) You can do it. -E

Catcalling and Street Harassment

I can’t even walk a block to the corner store without hearing whistles, cars honking or “hey ma!”

Growing up, I was always told to not go or stay outside too late. I was also told to do the buddy system. I believe now I know why. Unfortunately, we still live in a patriarchal society. What I mean by this is that many people (mostly men) find it socially acceptable to yell provocative things, whistle, and taunt women on the street. I can’t say on behalf of all women that they find it ‘flattering’ or 'endearing’, but a majority of women find it objectifying, disgusting, rude, and sometimes scary. We are not to be shouted at. We are not dogs so stop whistling at us. Just because you compliment us on our assets does NOT mean we are entitled to you. You know what I find terrifying? A huge amount of cat-calling and street harassment is targeted at young girls. I can’t stress enough how scared I get when I see a man behind me when I’m walking from school. I don’t care how friendly he may seem, I’ve experienced so much street harassment that I’m always in fear. I don’t wear certain clothes out in public in fear of a guy telling me that I look sexy and how he knows how to have a good time. What the hell am I supposed to say/do to something like that? If you ignore them or call them out they will either a) continue harassing you; b) call you a bitch/slut/whore; c) attack you; d) all of the above. Did you know girls are trained to put their keys in between their fingers in case of attackers? Did you know that girls are taught how to avoid rape yet boys aren’t taught not to rape? I say boys because 98% of all rapists in the U.S. are men. We need to put an end this kind of behavior because it’s unacceptable. -J

First Day As A Junior

This was it. My Junior year. This year held hope, promise and challenges I prayed wouldn't be TOO hard to handle. I was overwhelmed, anxious, but mostly, excited. This year was the year of ALL of my AP classes. My homework would be through the roof, I honestly didn't think I could manage, but a part of me knew it wouldn't be anything I couldn't overcome. It scared me, the thought of failing to achieve all's hard work, but who didn't carry any fear with them when the thought of immense amounts of homework sprung to their mind? This is my Junior year. It was going to be a good year. First period my boyfriend, Stephen, walked me to my class, and me being the rebel I was, I purposely came to class "fashionably late," as I like to say. I walked in and planted a big kiss on him in front of the class, not caring who saw or what they thought. After all, I am Elmira. :) He pulled me back when I pulled apart and started placing quick, but sweet kisses all over my face. Accidentally I opened my eyes. Good thing he didn't notice. We shared several kisses where my eyes were open today. I don't know what got into me!! I kept forgetting to close my eyes!!!! :') There's one downfall to this year; none of my friends were in ALMOST ANY of my classes. Which sucked, considering the fact that I was a JUNIOR and the final two years were supposed to be spent MAKING MEMORIES with my BEST FRIENDS. But you don't always get what you want, and I had to accept that. Maybe next year. The first block I had Chem. Chem was boring. As usual I was barely managing to keep my eyes open because boring classrooms usually tend to put me straight to sleep. I'm dosing off about who knows what, wishing I was anywhere but in Chem. I hear "Sup" and think nothing of it, but seconds pass and I slowly focus my eyes again and come to the realization that the voice I've grown to love, sometimes laugh at, and adore. Stephen. I play it cool, but inside I'm jumping with joy, fireworks going off, my heart in my ears, the butterflies never failing to calm themselves. I find out his schedule's changed, so now we'll both be in the same Chem class. Now HOMEWORK DATES are way more possible! Moving on. My Health teacher's cool. Class ends and Stephen walks me up to my AP US History class, such an amazing boyfriend I have. (I forced him to walk me) The teacher's standing outside the class, but that doesn't stop Stephen from getting some action, so he grabs me and kisses me quick, but deep before the teacher sees us. What. A. Rebel. Lunch comes and I walk my friend Josephine to her study hall, she has it with Stephen. I'm outside soon enough and the scorching sun ALREADY has me covered in layers of sweat. I find Brooklyn and we end up talking about underwear, what weirdos we are. There's a fire drill 8th period, and I see my brother. He tells me he wants to skip the rest of the day. I laugh because he's only a freshmen. Now, now, child.. have a seat. No one believed he was my brother because he looks older than he really is. Omg I HATE when girls tell me my brother is hot, like, EW. How can you like THAT? AP English arrives and the teacher says, " NO FOOD OR BEVERAGES." but guess who's eating and drinking without a CARE IN THIS WORLD? ;P Yours truly. You can say I won't be her most favorite student this year. Oops. End of the day comes and I couldn't be happier. I link up with my boyfriend, his friends in tow, and you already can guess what me and my boo do. Soccer practice follows and I run and run and run and RUN. Soccer's fun. I like soccer. And that's my first day as a junior.  -E

Going Gluten-Free

I think I first noticed I had a gluten intolerance back in May. I would get all sorts of symptoms- nausea, pain in my intestines, headaches, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue. I brushed it off thinking it was just the stomach bug or maybe it was that time of the month. August came around and I finally decided that it was time to cut gluten out of my diet. I did my own little research to find out what exactly is gluten and where can gluten be found in.  Gluten, by Google's definition, is "a substance present in cereal grains, especially wheat, that is responsible for the elastic texture of dough." It happens to also be found in random things like shampoo! I don't have Celiac disease, that I'm sure of because I don't have major allergy reactions from digesting foods with gluten nor do I need medical assistance upon entering a restaurant that cooks with gluten. But I do know that if I continue to eat gluten, I'm only going to be hurting myself. I'm sick of being irritable, having virtually no energy to do anything (I love running), and crying from how much pain I'm in.  Cutting gluten out of my diet has got to be the best thing I've done for myself. I have more energy throughout the day, I don't have an afternoon crash which is amazing, and I can have 6 hours of sleep and wake up not feeling exhausted. Less pain in my intestines, the better for me. Giving up pizza, cookies, donuts, cakes, and other foods that include gluten isn't easy. I still have some of these foods, but in very tiny portions. It's been hard, I'll admit, but I'm trying. I'll continue to limit myself of gluten until it is completely out of my diet.  -A

J

Don't just count the days, make the days count.

Tips To A Healthy Relationship

-Let it be known. Meaning, don't be afraid to tell people who you are with. -Keep your business to yourself!! Unless you like snakes slithering into your business. -BE HONEST! No matter what it is, good or bad. Don't have lies in the relationship because one lie leads to another and sooner or later those lies will catch up with you. Just face your consequences straight up. -Be yourself with one another. Nothing feels better than knowing someone loves you for YOU and all that you are. You wouldn't want to be loved for something that you're not. -Find time for each other. A simple text/call can mean a lot. It shows that you make time for them. -COMMUNICATE! Communication is the key to a great relationship. Talk to eachother. Get to learn the little things about one another, tell eachother about your day, when you're upset talk it out. -Trust eachother. Do not lie about trust. For example, if your girlfriend is uncomfortable with you around a certain someone than I recommend you keep your distance from that person. If you don't it'll cause fights between you and your girl. -Support eachother. Help eachother in positive ways. Compliment eachother. -Don't let mistakes define your relationship. If you love that person than you'll find a way to forgive because you never stop caring. -Don't give up. Put up a fight like Mayweather and Pacquiao did! -Don't believe in rumors. 9/10 they are JUST rumors. -Don't be afraid to remind eachother here and there what they mean to you. Everyone needs assurance. Be happy. If you find a good person than KEEP THEM HOMIE!! GLITTER fish are rare compared to regular fish. Find yourself a glitter fish and enjoy every moment with them. Don't take them for granted. True love can be hard to find.

-E

In honor of going to Manhattan in 3 days ✨💓🌆