Author: Ginger Knauer

May 7, 2025

Payton’s Nostalgic Playlist

For my playlist, I decided to focus on songs from when I was a small child. I wanted to pick the songs that six-year-old Payton would have been rocking out to on one of the most ancient pieces of technology known to man — the iPod Shuffle. All these songs give me a feeling of nostalgia and remind me of a better time: a time when I knew nothing of discussion posts, essays, and late-night study sessions.

1. “Rockin’ Robin” by Michael Jackson: This was my first ever favorite song. Some of my earliest memories are of my mom singing this song to me to make me feel better when I am upset. It is still a song that I put on when I’m not in a good mood, because it reminds me that if everything was okay back then, everything will be okay now. It is hard to be sad when listening to this song, because it just has such good vibes.
2. “Dangerous” by Kardinal Offishall ft. Akon: Let me tell you, baby Payton thought she was the baddest kid on the block while listening to this song. Did I know or understand a single word that was rapped in this song? Absolutely not. Have I since listened to the song and realized I probably shouldn’t have listened to it as a child? Absolutely yes, but I stand by this pick. It is still a bop, and it makes me giggle when I think about how often I was jamming out to this at the ripe age of four years old.
3. “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison: This song holds the feeling of hanging out with my dad and all of our escapades from when I was little. We would go on all kinds of adventures, such as traipsing through the woods looking for shed antlers and other goodies, pontooning and discovering new sand bars, or making s’mores at the gigantic fires he would build in our backyard. He would always play this song for me and sing it with me. It just holds so many good memories.
4. “I Would” by One Direction: Truth be told, this whole list could have been One Direction songs. The band was such a big deal to my sister and me as little girls (and still to this day if I am being so honest). I specifically remember dancing in the kitchen to this song with my sister while my mom made lunch, and our dogs sat by and watched. I also picked this song specifically because I will never not love yelling “HE’S GOT 27 TATTOOOOOOOOOS” when that part in the song comes on. Some things never change, and screaming that lyric for no reason is one of them.
5. “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful” by Sammy Kershaw: This is THE iPod song. I would listen to this on repeat for days on end. I could not tell you what it was that I loved so much about this song, but it was always on. The fiddle, Sammy’s twang, and the adorable lyrics make me love it even to this day. I think this song is a large part of the reason that I love love so much. It is an example of what it should be, and young Payton decided that she would settle for nothing less than the love in this song.

May 7, 2025

Horror Games that Offer Thrills and Chills

May 7, 2025

Biggest Draft Busts Since the 1990s

For as long as the NFL Draft has been around, there have always been players who’ve never lived up to the hype put on them by sports analysts and fans alike. Often called “busts.” these athletes end up failing when they get to the league; this could be due to a variety of factors that all come down to how well the player is able to transition from a college football player to a multi-million-dollar professional athlete. This week, we’ll be looking at two of these players and discussing how they were projected to do in the league by sports analysts and scouts, and how they ultimately ruined their careers once in the NFL.

Starting off strong, we have a second overall pick by the name of Ryan Leaf, who was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the 1998 NFL Draft. Watching Leaf during the 1998 Combine, many scouts and football-analysts praised him for his arm strength and overall potential to do well in the league. However, there were others who took issue with his performance during the combine, stating that they saw a lack of maturity, leadership, work-ethic, and overall football understanding from the young prospect. These analyses of him and his performance at the combine frustrated and infuriated Leaf, who often called them “lies” and “bullshit.” However, they would all come to be right as Leaf’s career in the league was plagued with obstacles both on and off the field. He struggled to develop at the professional level, battled substance abuse, arrests, and even ended up serving a prison sentence. With such a dramatic downfall, it’s safe to say that Ryan Leaf’s NFL career was over even before it began.

Another notable bust was JaMarcus Russell, who was picked first overall by the Oakland Raiders in the 2007 NFL Draft. During his combine performance, scouts and football analysts alike all thought very highly of Russell, citing his impressive arm strength, massive size at 6-foot 5-inches tall and 265 pounds, and movement within the pocket and on the run. For the most part, everyone viewed him positively and considered him to go #1 overall in the draft, as he did. However, much like Ryan Leaf, Russell struggled upon making it into the NFL. Most notably in his work ethic, which was made evident in one instance where the Raiders coaching staff sent Russell home with blank films of practice footage to study. The next time they saw him, the staff asked him about the film, to which he stated that he’d been studying “blitz packages” on the tapes. Knowing the films where blank and that Russell was lying, the team benched him for the entirety of his third season and released him shortly thereafter … marking the end of his NFL career.

 —Seth VanEss, Sports Editor

May 7, 2025

The 6 D’s of Self-Care

Self-care is essential for maintaining both our mental and physical well-being, especially in today’s fast-paced world. The 6 D’s of self-care provide a comprehensive framework to help us prioritize our health and happiness. Let’s explore each of these principles to enhance our self-care journey!

1. Disconnect: Take a break from technology and social media. Unplugging helps reduce stress and allows you to focus on your mental wellbeing.
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2. Declutter: Organize your space to create a calming environment. A tidy space can lead to a clearer mind and less anxiety.
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3. Decompress: Find activities that help you relax, like meditation, deep breathing, or taking a warm bath. It’s important to give yourself time to unwind
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4. Delight: Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether it’s reading a book, painting, or spending time with loved ones. Prioritizing what makes you happy is essential for self-care.
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5. Discover: Take time to explore new hobbies or interests. Trying something new can boost your mood and provide a sense of accomplishment.
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6. Discipline: Establish routines and set boundaries to maintain your self-care practices. Being disciplined about your self-care helps ensure that you prioritize your well-being consistently.

By focusing on disconnecting, decluttering, decompressing, delighting, discovering, and practicing discipline, we can create a balanced lifestyle that nurtures our mind, body, and soul.

—Jenna Fintelmann, Self-Care Editor

May 7, 2025

Coachella Fashion

Coachella 2025 showcased a vibrant array of fashion, with celebrities flaunting bold styles and nostalgic trends.

Megan Thee Stallion grabbed attention in a Y2K-inspired look, complete with ultra-low-rise jeans and a denim bikini top, marking the return of the “whale tail” trend. ​

Jennie from BLACKPINK enchanted fans in a Western-inspired ensemble featuring red shorts, a cowboy hat, and vintage Mugler pieces, such as jewelry or shirts. Even when faced with a wardrobe malfunction due to a tight leather jacket, she elegantly managed the hiccup, revealing a chic cutout tank top and cape underneath.

Lady Gaga made a striking appearance in a red Victorian-themed outfit that served as both clothing and performance art, merging high fashion with theatricality.

Tyla (pictured above) embraced early 2000s pop aesthetics with a green bikini and zebra boots, shaking off comparisons to Britney Spears.

Charli D’Amelio, the TikTok sensation turned multi-talented star, made an impression with her numerous appearances and performances and significantly impacted the festival’s atmosphere.

Coachella 2025 celebrated the creativity and diversity of celebrity fashion, showcasing looks from Western styles to futuristic designs, reinforcing the festival’s reputation as a vital moment in the entertainment fashion calendar.

April 1, 2025

Thank You to Our Submitters!

A huge thank you to everyone who submitted their work to the Northern Lights Literary & Arts Journal! The submission deadline for this round was March 23, and we are incredibly grateful for the creative energy, talent, and diverse voices that you’ve shared with us.

We are currently reviewing all of the wonderful submissions, and we can’t wait to see what’s to come. Stay tuned! We will be in touch soon with updates on the next steps. You can expect to hear back about the outcome of your submission by mid-April.

We are so excited to see the magic that’s being created, and we truly appreciate each and every one of you for contributing to this vibrant community.

Keep an eye on your inbox, and thank you again for being part of the Northern Lights Literary & Arts Journal journey!

—Ginger Knauer, Co-Editor-in-Chief

April 1, 2025

Publishing Doesn’t Come Easy

April 1, 2025

Protect Yourself from Foolish Attacks

We have all been victims of foolish pranks. The Vaseline on the door handle, the phone call saying we won a prize, and the “big” announcement. This year can be different by following these seven foolproof tips.

1. 1. 1. Do not open anything dated April 1. Delete all emails without reading them. They will be your colleagues and acquaintances trying to prank you. Nobody works on April Fools’ Day.
      2. Do not answer the phone. People don’t call people anymore, so this must be a prank.
      3. Do not answer your door. Unless they have balloons. You can trust anyone with balloons.
      4. Do not touch anything. Handles, faucets, spoons … they have all been manipulated to mess with you.
      5. Do not believe anything you hear. Assume every human is lying. Except your closest family and friends, they would never prank you.
      6. Do not go into public areas. Avoid leaving home. Pranks can’t happen at home.
      7. Do not believe the news on TV or radio. Fact-check everything online. If it is on the internet, it must be true.

April 1, 2025

5 Great Places to Cry in Green Bay

As we adjust back into our school routines after spring break, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. You may even need to cry, or already have, which is totally okay and healthy! If you’re getting tired of crying in your dorm or around campus and need a change of scenery, here are five other great places to cry in Green Bay.  

1. 1. 1. Bay Park Square Mall: From 10 a.m. through 8 p.m., the mall is a great place to get lost amongst the crowd for a good cry. Although it would be slightly humbling, you can grab a sweet treat from the food court after!
           
      2. Kwik Trip: A Midwest staple and classic place to cry.
           
      3. Culver’s: Another Midwest staple. Specifically, cry in your car in the parking lot and not inside of Culver’s. You can get ice cream after you finish crying.
           
      4. Bay Beach Amusement Park: When it’s open, kids cry here all the time. You’ll be able to blend right in. And if you need a distraction, a mix of the amusement park rides and the smell of the lake may snap you out of your funk.
           
      5. Lambeau Field: Last but not least is the football stadium home to the Green Bay Packers, which is no stranger to wins and losses. Plenty of people have already cried here over their teams losing so you’ll fit right in! 

—Clover Cicha, Local Favorites Editor 

April 1, 2025

Free Spring Events 

Here are some favorite events for spring time.

• The Farmers’ Market on Broadway: Every Wednesday from May 21-Sept. 24, come to downtown Green Bay to shop from more than 150 local vendors.
• UWGB Concerts & Music Series: The series stages different perspectives presenting a fresh variety of musical styles at the Weidner Center. On Wednesday, April 5, don’t  Grammy-nominated composer, arranger, and educator John LaBarbera with the Green Bay Jazz Orchestra. On Wednesday, April 9, enjoy a lecture recital with soprano Whitney Myers and pianist Joseph Welch: “Wagner’s Träume: Mathilde Wesendonck, the Poet, the Muse, the Dream”
• Draft City Music Fest: On April 24-26 (which is also NFL draft weekend), enjoy this free two-night music festival at Leicht Memorial Park in downtown Green Bay. While the musical acts haven’t yet been announced, the festival promises “nationally known performers” in multiple genres, as well as food trucks, artisan vendors, and children’s activities.