hony

I'd just like to bring to everyone's attention a website that I think deserves so so so much attention right now: Humans of New York (HONY). It's a blog run by 29-year-old Brandon Stanton, who lives in New York City and photographs its residents for his photography website. He was recently added to Time Magazine's '30 Under 30' list, which basically means he's a super cool person under the age of 30. He also just came out with a book of all his best/favorite photographs/interviews/quotes he's collected over the years, and it is available here (I already put it on my Christmas list!). I'm sure it will be as amazing as his blog is. - Alex 

Humans of New York book by Brandon Stanton

you got to lose to know how to win

Every time that I look in the mirror
All these lines on my face getting clearer
The past is gone
It went by like dusk to dawn
Isn't that the way
Everybody's got their dues in life to pay

Yeah, I know nobody knows
Where it comes and where it goes
I know it's everybody's sin
You got to lose to know how to win

- Aerosmith, "Dream On," June 1973


"Dream On" has always been one of my favorite songs. The line, "You got to lose to know how to win" has always been my favorite line from the song. It makes so much sense...how can someone be successful in anything or even have substantial knowledge of it if they've never failed, or lost? The answer is that you can't. My Saturday thoughts aren't much: don't be discouraged if something doesn't work or if someone hurts you. Know that now, you are really the one with the upper hand. You've been hurt, or something hasn't gone right - but now, you know what you don't want. Who you don't want to be. 

"Dream On" can also be used to demonstrate the theme of losing/winning. In my opinion, it is one of the greatest songs of all time. However, Rolling Stone magazine listed it as #173 on its '500 Greatest Songs of All Time' list...not that being listed at all is a loss, but #173? Really, Rolling Stone? The Beach Boys were listed several times before Aerosmith was even mentioned. Not that there's anything wrong with the Beach Boys (I'm actually rather fond of them), but listing many of their songs before any Aerosmith song, especially before "Dream On"? Oh, Rolling Stone. You really have lost it.

Well, now I need to run to the grocery store because, well, I guess I have to eat. And, as always, homework is calling. But in case you were wondering more about "Dream On", you can read all about it here. And if you wanted to read Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, you can check that out here. - Alex

let it be

Sometimes I think that high school should come with a disclaimer of some kind. "Warning: may agitate, cause anxiety/depression/high stress levels, and introduce you to people you'd rather not be introduced to. And then we're going to trap you with these people for four years and you can't leave because we got the law involved." 

I mean, doesn't it make sense to at least warn people of what they're about to be forced into?

That being said, high school (and your teenage years in general) don't come with disclaimers or warnings. Sometimes, it's hard to stay positive in the great pool of hormones, caffeine, all-nighters, backstabbing friends, and endless piles of homework that seem to consume the lives of every twenty-first century teenager. That's why I've taken time to browse around the internet and compile some inspiring quotes and pictures to help you make it through your crappiest of days. Sometimes, one single quote can hit home for me and turn my entire day around. I hope one (or several) of these will do the same for you. 

It isn't always your fault, no matter how you feel. Love is great and love is strong. It is the simplest thing you'll ever encounter. If love hasn't worked out for you, know that you can't give up on love itself - sometimes you have to give up on the person involved. Love isn't complicated...people are.

Abe was on point with this one. You can't change who you are, and you shouldn't bother trying. Whatever, whoever you are - be the best one you can be. 

Listen to yourself. Sometimes, you may be your only cheerleader, and that's okay. Just keep going, keep living, keep pushing yourself. Be who you want to be, not who those around you want you to be. Live only for yourself and for no one else.

You're not alone.

Take every chance. Drop every fear. Live every day. Love every chance you're given.

And don't be afraid to do it.

Let it be.

And to end, one of my favorite quotes ever. Above everything, always stand up for what you believe in, and know what you believe in. If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.

I hope someone out there found these quotes to be inspiring in some way, shape, or form. Also, I do realize that this is my first post in like six months, and I do apologize. Life does have a funny way of intervening. -Alex