“I wanted to be a songwriter: I never imagined I would turn into a rock star.” - Billy Joel

Known by many as the “Piano Man,” Billy Joel is an American cultural icon. The Grammy-Award winning legend has released 13 studio albums, sold 160 million albums worldwide, and is the 3rd highest-selling solo artist of all time.

Every reader at one point in time has read something with romance in it. If it’s only been a small sub-plot or the main genre of the book. Romance is in everything; what you watch, what you read, and what you see around you. Romance in people's personal lives is there or not there at all.

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard has had a prolific career, releasing 25 albums spanning multiple genres in just 13 years. From starting off as a garage rock band to now being one of Australia’s most well known bands with an overarching story across their albums known as the Gizzverse, it’s safe to say that they’re truly a once in a lifetime band.

Whether you're a Christmas fanatic like I am, or if you are just trying to make it through various get-togethers, holiday movies are seen as a staple in many events from hosting a full house, to alone cuddled up next to a cozy fire, with flannel blankets and hot cocoa. While Elf, The Grinch (animated or otherwise), and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation are all great options here are some other movies to watch in different situations.

We all remember late nights, sitting criss-cross on the floor, the only illumination from the blue light of the TV. If you were lucky, your parents would accept your negotiations for ten more minutes of playtime. It was those nights, on the floor, in front of the TV, where I remember the hum of my trusty PS2 while playing the digital version of famous novel, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

We have all heard of bump, set, spike. Coming from a volleyball player who is in their second year of the sport, it is so much more than that. It's not just about the performance; the equipment and overall ambiance must be taken into account too. Unfortunately, the bump, set, spike stereotype is widely believed and embraced. Let's take a look at how volleyball is represented in different movies and shows.

I decided to go back in time for a bit and watch what people (or the internet) calls a classic movie. Though I am a movie fanatic and have been in screenwriting classes, I realized that there are only a handful of classics that I have actually watched.

Since 1976 when the original “Rocky” movie was first released, fans have constantly been craving more. So much so that they created not just a sequel, but eight more additions to the film collection. “Creed III” made its way onto the list as number nine. Like most fans, we wonder how it could get better than the first. Can new actors such as Michael B. Jordan, ever live up to the original standards that Sylvester Stallone set almost 50 years ago? I’m here to answer any questions or thoughts you may have, and personally detect if it’s worth your time.

In 2012, The Young Adult thriller “The Hunger Games” was presented onto the big screen, where it took fans' hearts immediately. Fast forward a decade later, and the first three books have been adapted into movies, and all have been major successes. However, once the final movie came out in 2015, fans were immediately thirsty for more, and author Suzanne Collins answered their prayers with a book in 2020, dubbed: “A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.”

The Video Game community and Harry Potter fandom is in for a treat for 2023. The brand new open-world game “Hogwarts Legacy” has recently come out on February 10 (Feb 7 for pre-order), and it, for me, has exceeded expectations. The game is fantastic, and lets you explore the world of Harry Potter in all forms. Ranging from taming fantastic beasts, to dueling dark wizards, to even attending classes and visiting the famous hamlet of Hogsmeade. Although the game is based on Harry Potter, it has no attachment to the main Harry Potter timeline in the movies and books, and the game requires no knowledge of the storyline, (although it helps to understand some easter eggs!) which makes the game fun for everybody! I will be rating the Main Story, Side quests, Overall Gameplay, and Map on a scale of one to ten.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, plenty of broke high school students, like me, are looking for heartfelt yet affordable gifts for their partners. As hand-made gifts are the most endearing and heartfelt of all, I decided to make three inexpensive DIY gifts. I will be making Heart Gummies, a 53 Reasons Why I Love You book, and Origami Flowers, I will also include four alternative crafts. Disclaimer: I am not at all a skilled origamist, so the time it takes for me to do the craft will be much less for those with better skills. 

When I was younger, Valentine’s Day was all about cards, candy, and colorful banners. I used to love the holiday, it was a magical time of pink hearts and sparkles--you didn’t need anyone else, just the company of your heart and maybe a few extra friends.

Brennan Garrott, one of many seniors at Jenks High School, is a self-made singer-songwriter in the making. His passion for music began when started playing in the Jenks Orchestra, and what he did not yet know was that he'd eventually choose to expand his musical endeavors outside of school and extracurricular activities.

Watch this video to learn how to make my all-time favorite snack, Patacones!

For my entire life I have stayed pure, until now, until this very moment. My brain has never been blurred by its means, and my eyes have never been burned by this form of unholy entertainment. But now, it’s all coming to an end. I am going to have to watch some Hallmark Christmas movies.

Snuggled up on my couch with the fireplace's comforting heat, I suddenly desired to turn on my favorite Christmas movie and indulge myself in a cup of hot chocolate. Christmas time is my favorite season of the year: and the best part is the festive traditions that come along with it. Watching Christmas movies, ice skating, seeing Christmas lights, and of course, drinking hot chocolate. As a certified hot Chocolate lover, I wanted to share my love and knowledge of this fantastic chocolatey drink with others. My goal is to go to stores near me to try and find the best hot cocoa to make from the comfort of my home.

Christmas is all about being merry, from the red and green lights to the families coming into town. Once we get all those family members sitting around in the living room, the temptation is to turn on the TV, but what to watch? Christmas movies are funny and original, but they're also starting to get old. Every Christmas is different and new, why not change it up this year and watch a Batman Movie instead?

That time of the year is here again, and you may get some Deja Vu. One of our previous Torch Staff members, Aaron Seibert, attempted the same story, and if I was the judge, he would definitely be getting coal for Christmas. Not having “Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande on the list is just a shame. But, enough of the past- let's focus on the future! These songs were in the Top 15, hand-picked from the Spotify Album “Christmas Hits.” This is my recreation (in fact a better version) of the Top 15 Spotify Christmas songs. Yes, there may be some on this list that you don’t like, and I’m sorry for that I really am with all my heart….

Even though I’ve never been the most avid listener of Taylor Swift, I have been surrounded by Swifties and forced to hear of their undying love of the icon. However, the release of her new album, “Midnights,” piqued my interest, so, I decided to write a review of it, using the help of my Swiftie friend, Taryn Lahr, to give me more insight. I will rate the songs based on their lyric depth, tempo, significance, and overall vibe.