If you’ve tried, you know that coming up with a catchy name for your band is a difficult feat. It can seem as though all the good names are taken, and you’re just completely out of ideas. But fear no more, because I’ve created a crackerjack system to help you give your rock outfit the exciting title it deserves!

There are seven basic types of band names. Sure, there are those who go rogue and name their band in a totally random format, usually inspired by an extraordinary life experience, but some people simply don’t have enough interesting events in their life. If you know that that’s your case (be honest), then you might as well go with one of the traditional band title formats. If you’re unfamiliar with these, here are your seven options for your name.

Just choose one of the formats and fill in the blanks with the type of word directed. It’s sort of like a Mad Libs.

Format 1)

The (plural noun)______________

Examples: The Beatles, The Cars, or The Kinks

Though only 3 examples are shown, the list of bands that name themselves according to that format is endless. This is probably because it is the easiest format to use, since all you have to do is think of a noun and make it be plural.

Format 2)

The (“ing” verb OR adjective)______________ (plural noun)____________

Example: The Rolling Stones, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, or The Silver Beatles

Some people try to say that this format is exactly the same as Format 1, accept for one added word. They are correct, but nobody cares.

Format 3)

(name)______________________ and the *  (plural noun)____________

*if desired, an adjective or “ing” verb may be added here

Example: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers or Ricky and the Red Streaks

Nobody really uses this format unless their name is catchy or exciting.

Format 4)

(random letters)________(random numbers)________

Example: U2 or MC5

For the best results when using this format, try sticking to less than four didgits, and say it out loud to make sure it doesn’t sound stupid. M94585749473975 is not a good band name. Neither is your phone number.

Format 5)

(name)_____________________

Example: Billy Joel, Van Halen, or Beck

It doesn’t have to be your real name, if you were wondering. It could be anyone’s. Change your name if you see fit, just don’t name your band Jimmithy Schwazz.

Format 6)

(noun)_________(noun)__________

Example: Arcade Fire or Pizza Pizza

Make sure you do not use two animals as your name. You may think that naming your band Cat Dog would make you sound rebellious, witty, and contradictory, but it doesn’t. It just sounds stupid.

Format 7)

(random medical condition or procedure)______________________________

Example: Spinal Tap or Paranoia

Sexually transmitted diseases do not make for good band names.

If you’re not satisfied with the results, either try plugging in different words or use another format. Don’t name your band Jimmy James and the Dancing Keyboards just because it was the first thing you got when you tried the system. Experiment! Keep your mind open!

Another thing; once you’ve found a name that you think you’re satisfied with, think about it a little. Make sure it truly is an exceptional (and socially acceptable) band name. Do you think any place would ever book a band called Explosive Diarrhea?

It’s understandable.  You had more important things to do than study… you know, like painting your nails for the fifth time because the color wasn’t quite right the first four times, or hitting the Wildwood Town Center with the crew, or maybe you don’t have a crew to distract you but just had to catch the last twenty episodes of Modern Family. You’re not alone.  There are many just like you.  And so, lhsimage.com is here for the rescue.  It’s time to get your parents off your back and change some of those failing grades to fabulous (read, not so failing) grades just in time for your parents to go holiday shopping.

Day One:

Turn that can’t-do attitude into a might-be-able-to-do attitude.  You also may want to log into Infinite Campus.  You probably don’t know how to do this.  It’s okay.  The school actually hires people to help you accomplish this.  You might know them as your counselor.  You will want to do this in the morning, because we both know that as time goes on, your motivation wanes.  Knowing this will help you go far.  Now, check those grades.  It’s painful. But necessary.  Write them down on your hand as a constant reminder that you really do need to do this. 

Day Two:

Now that you have the information you need, you may want to actually begin to take action.  For starts, just open that math book.  You may want to blow off the dust first.  Or find it.  While this may seem hard at first, just know that all your teachers want is effort.  Nothing on that page of homework actually has to be correct.  But you need to look like you did something. Rather than trying to gain something from this experience (If you were going to do this, you may want to have started back in September), your main focus in the next couple of days is playing the ‘point game.’   Gain as many of these as you can.  And if you’re a gamer, for lives, Emergen-C and coffee will help with that.

Day Three:

Continue with the point game.  But now, it’s time to take it up a notch.  Turning it in might be a help.  Paying attention in class will also aid in your journey to a better report card.  If you’re beginning to think this is impossible, it might be.  For you, at least.  Just give up.  You don’t really need to finish high school in four or five years, anyways.  For the rest of you, continue to day four.

Day Four:

One word: teacher’s pet.  Or, if you want to get that language grade up, consider it two words.  They all hate you, and it’s time to change that.  Baking brownies, bringing apples, and generally trying to change your slacker image will help.  There’s no way they’re going to change your grade if they don’t like you to begin with.  Students will hate you, and you’ll probably lose your crew (if you had one to begin with) but all that holiday money your parents will spend on you will make it worth it.  Who needs friends, anyhow?

Day Five:

This is the time to get down to business.  If you’re serious about this, then you have to get your assignments from friends and skip school and do some last minute cram studying.  If you want to pull out with a “fab grade” this is a must.  Don’t go to the mall, or the Valley, or the Wildwood Town Center today.  Stay home.  Unplug the TV.  And the computer.  And turn off your phone.  Pull out the books, familiarize yourselves with the front covers, and then open them up and begin to study.  Understandably, this is a foreign concept to you.  But that’s okay.  The first step is to read over the material.  Then teach it to someone- a pet dog or a pet cat or a pet rock if you’re parents hate animals.  A friend will work too.  It doesn’t matter.  Once said student understands the material, you should too.

Day Six:

Lay low.  Continue working, and most of all, do NOT lose motivation.  You need this.  You can do this.  There you go, now go back to the books.

Day Seven:

It’s hard to do work if you’re not used to it.  Take today off, or you may explode later on in the ten-day period.  Get a massage or hang with your crew or get a mani-pedi or whatever you West County folks like to do.  This day should probably be a weekend day.  You don’t want to miss any homework assignments (if you truly plan on getting your grade up).  Plan accordingly.  You deserve to take one day off.  But remember, tomorrow is back to work.

Day Eight:

Back to work.  Remind your parents how awesome of a kid you’re being.  You’ve already set a pretty low standard, so the fact that you’ve turned in anything at all should make them giddy.  Also hint at that new Xbox game you want or that new pair of Sperry’s, or the red Mercedes convertible.  Finish with repeating what an awesome kid you are.

Day Nine:

Get your testing outfit in order.  Set it out for tomorrow.  Dress for success.  A sweater vest might work, or glasses.  Dress like you’re smart if you want a grade like you’re smart. 

Day Ten:

Get ready for it.  Do some mental push-ups or jumping jacks.  Review your material one last time.  Cross your fingers and enter the testing room.  Good luck!  If it doesn’t work, hack into Infinite Campus.

Even if you fail, your good will account with parents and teachers has gone up considerably because of the minimal effort you put in in the last ten days of the semester.  So…. Enjoy the Holidays and reap the benefits of your “hard work.”

Each year the night of Thanksgiving, after all of the eating has ceased, brave Americans with their credit cards ready, fill the shopping malls and department stores, hoping to snag up the deal of the century at a show-stoppingly low price.

But, Black Friday is not as simple as your normal shopping trip. It takes preparation, courage, determination and coffee. If you follow the steps listed below, you will become a champion Black Friday shopper.

When to leave: It is called Black Friday for a reason. It is still nighttime when the shopping begins. This year many stores will be opening at midnight, which is earlier than previous years. Try to take a power nap before hand, so you are fully energized and ready to go. Leave earlier, to give yourself time for a coffee stop.

How to dress: Do not worry about how you look. There is almost a guarantee that you will look ridiculous. It is going to be early in the morning, in the middle of fall. So, it is going to be very cold. For pants, wearing jeans under sweatpants allows both comfort and warmth. Do not wear flip flops. Wear Uggs or snow boots for warmth. If you are going to be running very quickly through the stores, than try to wear tennis shoes, which allow both comfort and speed. Bring hand warmers, gloves and a hat. You will be standing outside in lines for large periods of time, so it is vital that you dress warm.

Planning: Make sure you know what you are going to be looking for. Some helpful tips for different stores are listed below.

Wal-Mart:

When it opens: Midnight

What to shop for: Toys and movies

Game plan: Come early to stalk out the competition. Wal-mart price matches, so for example, if you see that Zhu Zhu Pets are a dollar cheaper at Toys-R-Us than they are at Wal-Mart, make sure you have the Toys-R-Us catalog with you to show the cashier the price difference, saving you a dollar and a trip to another store.

Target:

When it opens: Midnight

What to shop for: Electronics and toys

Game plan: Target is best with a group. The electronics counter is a jungle during Black Friday, so it is important to have a minimum of three people with you if you plan on attacking the electronics. One person needs to wait in line, one person needs to search for the electronics and the other person serves as the communicator so that the person waiting in line does not lose their spot.

Toys-R-Us

When it opens: Midnight

What to shop for: Toys and video games

Game plan: Toys-R-Us is in pandemonium during Black Friday. It is important that you are able to steer a cart with ease. Toys-R-Us has narrow lanes, which means large cart traffic jams. So make sure that you have one person to steer the cart and another person to walk on foot through cart jams. The video games and electronics area is always a large mosh pit of people. You need to be able to bob and weave through people if you plan on getting a Nintendo 3DS before the crazy housewife rams you in the knees with her cart.

Best Buy is a different story. If you plan on going to other stores, then do not go to Best Buy. People camp out in tents for multiple nights in order to get a good deal on a Mac. They are determined, and once you actually get into Best Buy, it looks like hundreds of bees swarming while holding a plasma t.v. Then you have to wait in a huge line for multiple hours that stretches all the way to the back of the store. Best Buy is for the elite, and not for a rookie shopper.

Remember these vital shopping tactics and you will be able to conquer the stress inducing, freezing cold and tiring experience that is Black Friday.

Unfortunately, many people find this American pastime a difficult sport to master. This is most likely due to the fact that the game is centered on the point at which a player hits the ball with a bat.

It’s true; for some people, hitting a spherical object about 9 inches in circumference with a large piece of wood specifically designed to hit said object proves to be an extremely difficult task.

So for those who lack the skill to complete this confusing task, here is a list of five methods one can use to become a pro batter in no time!

Method 1 – The Classic Hit:

This is the most common method used when hitting a baseball, and the only method accepted for use in professional baseball leagues.

The Classic Hit is simple: stand just over an arm’s length to the side over home plate, and have one of your friends throw a baseball over the plate.

When you see fit, strategically swing your bat in an attempt to hit it as far away from the other players as possible.

If you cannot hit the ball after numerous attempts, then consider using one of the other four methods. They may be better suited for those of your skill level.

Method 2 – The Toss-Up:

This method is probably the hardest in this list to perfect. It has been broken up into specific steps for your convenience.

First, hold the bat in your favorite hand, and the baseball in your least favorite hand.

Second, toss the baseball in your least favorite hand about two feet above your head.

Third, while the ball is in midair, place your least favorite hand alongside your favorite on the handle of the bat.

Fourth, refocus you’re attention on the ball you tossed up in the second step and try your best to hit it (with the bat). If you somehow managed to hit the ball, celebrate, because it probably looked really cool.

Method 3 – The Hitting Tee:

This is the method you used when you were five years old. It’s arguably the easiest method you can use, because your target (the baseball) remains completely stationary throughout the entire batting procedure.

If you are not familiar with the object referred to as a “tee”, it’s basically just a mount for the ball to sit upon as you swing at it.

All you have to do is aim and swing! Sure, you might not hit the ball as far as you would have if it had possessed any momentum when you made contact, but it’s still a definite hit.

If you do somehow miss such an easy target, then perhaps you should not even be attempting to participate in this sport whatsoever.

Method 4 – The Cricket Bat:

Cricket is basically a watered-down version of baseball they play in Europe. The bat used in cricket is flat, and has a much larger surface area than a baseball bat, giving you a better chance of making contact.

So, if you’re having trouble hitting the ball with a real baseball bat, you may want to consider using a cricket bat.

This is not technically legal, but if you’re bad enough at hitting, the other players may make an exception.

Please note: this method may be impossible to use, because you’re not likely to find a cricket bat in any sports equipment store in the United States.

Method 5 – The Blind Swing:

It’s a fact of life; some people in this world rely solely on dumb luck to solve all their problems.

If you’re one of these people, then the Blind Swing is the method for you. This method is very similar to the Classic Hit, with only a slight difference in the execution.

When the ball reaches home plate; close your eyes and swing the bat in the most uncontrollable fashion possible with as much force as you can.

If you’re as lucky as you think you are, then it’s a definite home run! You just need to believe. Don’t stop believing.

Well, those are basically all the different ways to hit a baseball. If you can think up any other way, it’s not as good as these. Have fun with your newly acquired batting skills, and please hit responsibly.

Day 1: Find potential Homecoming date. It doesn’t matter who. Make sure, however, that they are semi-attractive and possibly know who you are. It is usually easier to go with someone you are already friends with, but when you’re desperate, anything flies. Godspeed, my friends.

Day 2: Facebook stalk. Remember, social networking is your friend. Locate any potential threats to your plan, and plan to upstage them immediately. Every girl posting on his wall is a potential threat (unless they have the same last name—then they’re probably related). Do not underestimate their danger to your overall plan. Stalk pictures.  Judge his character based on who he hangs out with and what he does. Determine height based on comparing him with others in his pictures. Determine how high of heels you can get away with, but DO NOT PURCHASE THE SHOES UNTIL YOU ACTUALLY SEE HIM. And remember, a photogenic date is always a plus.

Day 3: Initiate a text conversation. Find out number from friends if necessary. Ask about homework. When he wonders where you got his number, remind him how you got it last year in geometry (lie). Act confused until you are forced to call him and ask for additional help. Quickly steer the conversation away from homework. No one cares about that anyways.  Talk about his athletic prowess. Compliment if at all possible. If he does not seem to have this talent, do not bring this up.  It will only make him feel badly about himself. Instead, ask about his accomplishments on the chess team. That’s interesting too, right?

Day 4: Approach potential date at school. Make sure target is not surrounded by other girls. If he is, start over with new subject.  It’s too risky for the 10-day plan. It could take years. There is no going back now if he spots you. Forge ahead and remain confident.

Day 5: Subtly bring up the fact that you just bought a Homecoming dress. Even if you didn’t. Comment on how it matches his eyes. And wouldn’t he look dashing in a tie of this color?

Day 6:  Get a picture with him. Make profile picture. This borders on stalker, so be careful. Be prepared for the comments.  Defend with he is not your boyfriend, but don’t we look cute together? Make sure to tag him so his friends see this too. And then they start picturing you together. Start planning the wedding now.

Day 7: Follow subject to find out about his schedule.  This way, you can “coincidentally bump in to him” on Day 8. If he spots you, it’s okay. He’s still thinking about the picture, anyways. Approach him at end of day with your plans for the weekend.  Let him drive the conversation. This gives him a false sense of control. This is important since HE is going to be the one asking YOU. Don’t pay attention to what he’s saying, however. That’s unimportant. Instead, focus again on the SHOES you should wear.  Buy the shoes on the way home.

Day 8: This is CRUNCH TIME. It’s time to step up your game. Start dropping hints about cute ways you’ve “heard” guys ask other girls. Don’t forget, you have to bump into him today. Laugh casually as you pass him. Between. Every. Class. This is also the day to confide in your friends with your plan. Tell them almost everything. It would just be creepy to tell them everything.  Ensure that none of them like the same guy. It’s not quite important enough to lose a friend over.  Almost.

Day 9: Tell your friends to drop hints. Now. It’s important. No hint is strong enough. Be obvious. If he hasn’t called you by now, abort. ABORT! Start again with a new guy. If things are going well, however, take advantage of every opportunity to talk, text, call, bump into, walk with, follow, laugh with, and stalk him.

Day 10: Just wait. If you are asked, continue reading. If not, take a moment to bawl your eyes out and remember, there’s always next year.

CONGRATULATIONS! The ten step plan has worked for you!  Now that you have a date, this is the perfect time to start picking out wedding dresses.

Cali Swag District’s 2010 hit Teach Me How to Dougie brought about yet another dance move that can be added to the evolution of dance.

Glee‘s Harry Shum Jr. and Heather Morris showed their YouTube fans how to Dougie, explaining its interpretive nature and that it is all about development.

Essentially, the bare bones of the Dougie is an in-place side step/leaning, back and forth or side to side, arms extending with every step. The tempo, is right, left, right right, left. You will alternately double on both sides throughout the song.

Now, Cali Swag’s version is slightly different and consists of 3 steps:

1. Leanin’ side to side

2. Put your arms into it

3. Add some Dougie Fresh

The signature move, the Dougie Fresh, is when the dancer sweeps his hand over his or her head, like you’re smoothing your hair back.

Cali Swag District in their interview with Billboard.com said that the dance is all about originality and making it your own form of the Dougie.

For Glee‘s version, click here for their demonstration:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uYi729Rf0U

For Cali Swag’s version, click here for their demonstration:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJxYiIfr4WM

These simple tips from Jim Cronin at Missouri Driving School will help you ace the most stressful section of the driving exam.

1. Pull up to the space fairly close. You will usually enter the parallel parking section of the test from a left turn. Finish the turn “high”-that means make sure when you come out of the turn, you are fairly close and in a straight line on the way to the space.
2. Pull forward an entire car length. Drive forward slowly parallel to the space until you can see the stick of the cone over your right shoulder in your rear window.
3. Put the car in reverse and begin to turn right into the space. Put your blinker on, shift to reverse, and back very slowly backwards until you see the stick of the cone in the lower right corner of your rear right passenger window. Once you do, cut the wheels all of the way right and back slowly.
4. Begin to turn the other way. Stop backing in turned to the right when the stick of the front cone appears at the halfway point of your passenger front window. Once you see that, cut the wheels left and finish backing into the space.
5. Center yourself. Depending on how you ended up in the space, either pull forward or roll slightly backwards. Ideally, you’d like to be parked in the very middle of the space but not being perfectly aligned won’t cost you your license. Park the car.
6. Prepare to leave the spot.When you have the ok to leave the spot, put the car in reverse and roll backwards just a couple of inches. This will ensure that you won’t knock over the front cones when you’re leaving the spot. That willcost you your license. Then, put the car in drive, put on your left blinker, and get ready to leave. But wait! The instructor will be watching  very carefully for a traffic check, another major source of point loss. Glance quickly in your rearview mirror, side mirror, and over your left shoulder. If you’re good, slowly leave the parking spot and collect your driver’s license!

And remember-it’s not a race. Don’t attempt to parallel park in one smooth movement. Do every step smoothly and slowly, look around and think about your actions, and remember…breathe.

No matter what holiday traditions you follow, try these tips to turn to those frowns upside down.

1. Send a Candy Cane Gram, sponsored by the Community Service classes, to a friend, acquaintance or even someone you’ve never spoken to. No matter who is on the receiving end, it is sure to result in a smile.

2. When leaving the grocery store, keep those extra coins in hand and deposit them in the iconic red Salvation Army bucket. Not only will you be making someone else’s day, but you will also be satisfied knowing that you’ve done a good deed.

3. ‘Pay it forward.’ Just at the members of Lafayette’s National Honor Society have been challenged to do, go a little bit out of your way each day to make someone else’s life a bit more pleasant. Whether its lending an ice-scraper to your neighbor in the parking lot when the winter weather is in full swing, or picking up the papers that just spilled out of someone’s folder, even the smallest actions can make a difference.

4. Volunteer your time. Soup kitchens, animal shelters and food pantries are always on the lookout for helping hands, so why not put a couple hours a week toward the betterment of those less fortunate?

5. Donate. Places such as Goodwill and the bright yellow clothing drop boxes stationed in school and church parking lots are the perfect place to put your gently used clothing, especially during the winter months. Pass on the trash!

Coming from an Italian family that loves to cook and entertain, one tradition my family and I always add to the table is our family’s Italian  Sweet Corn. Sometime you find a similar chunk of this deliciousness in Mexican restaurants along side of beans. But this recipe is just a little bit different.

Ingredients:

• one can cream style corn
• one can regular corn
• 1/4 c. butter
• one box corn muffin mix
• two eggs
• two tbsp. sugar

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Once everything is well mixed pour into a pan and cook in the oven for half an hour. Let it cool for ten minutes, serve and enjoy!

The recipe is very simple and the end product is delicious, so why not give it a try?

Listed below are some unique methods of treating blemishes.

1) Wash pillowcases every few days to a week in order to remove dead skin cells and other bacteria possibly living there.

2) Apply ice to acne spots to reduce swelling and heal. The cold temperature unclogs your pores.

3) Try a crushed clove of garlic on blemishes. Garlic has anti-bacterial properties which eliminate bacteria that hides on skin surfaces.

4) Eat foods rich in Vitamin A like carrots, sweet potatoes and broccoli. Vitamin A in large amounts has been shown to act like the powerful drug Acutane, which is used to treat acne.

5) Create an acne remedy mask made of beaten egg whites, a few drops of witch hazel and lemon juice. Spread the mixture over the face and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse well with lukewarm water.

6) Use a nutmeg and milk mixture on acne spots for one to two hours to heal spots fast.