Tag: line-up

The Lineup: Emily B.

The lineup of what the DPL staff have been up to lately.

Emily’s Lineup

TV Show: The Clone Wars

I used to love watching the original Star Wars movies with my dad growing up, and over time that love for Star Wars never dissipated. A few years back, a good friend of mine introduced me to The Clone Wars series and after a LOT of convincing, I finally watched it. It is now my favorite series, and I find myself re-watching it every so often. It gives an amazing insight into the storyline before Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader. If you’re looking for a good series to binge- that should be your starting place. 

Availabe to check out here or it is currently streaming on Disney+.

Music 

Music is a very big part of my life; for every song, I have a story attached to it. Right now, my current favorites are
Zach Bryan and Morgan Wallen– more specifically, the song 28 by Zach Bryan and I Got Better by Morgan Wallen. Their two songs that touch on growing up and moving on, and being in my early 20’s, really resonate with me. With that being said, my music tastes vary dramatically. I’m very big on the 80’s, country, alternative, and musicals! Radiohead and Artemas are also two of my current favorites. 

Personal Interests 

I love to travel, I always have. Whether it’s out of the state, out of the country, or simply just out of town- I love to travel. There is always something new to see and something new to experience. The craziest place I’ve been was Dubai with my mom and my most recent trip was to Branson. To say I fell in love with the scenery is an understatement; the nature there is beautiful. However, my favorite part of traveling is the drive and the stops at random gas stations in the middle of nowhere. 

Hobbies 

I’m a very girly girl, so my hobbies usually center around shopping, tanning, lashes and doing my nails. A few years back I graduated from cosmetology school with my esthetician license, so all things beauty are right up my alley. I’ve also been getting more into coloring, making jewelry, and hopefully scrapbooking soon! I do love karaoke as well- nothing beats getting to sing your heart out! 

Video Games

“We fight not so that the world will remember us, but so that there will be a world to remember.”
– Capt. Price (Call of Duty)

I don’t do a lot of gaming, but if I do, it’s usually Call of Duty. I love the storyline and the depth of it; it also helps that the main characters are easy on the eyes. I love all of the COD games, but Modern Warfare III is my favorite. It’s gripping, intense, and fast-paced, all the things needed to keep me entertained. I also really enjoy Halo, Animal Crossing, and Mouthwashing! 

The Lineup: Alyssa

Alyssa’s Lineup

Music: El Mal Querer by Rosalia

Fun fact about me; I love Latin and Hispanic culture. I grew up in Houston, Texas where I listened to Selena’s live concert from the Astrodome on repeat and ate as many tacos and sopapillas as I could get my little hands on. That love has now manifested into a Frida Kahlo tattoo and an obsession with authors like Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and Isabel Allende.

When I discovered Rosalia early this year, I knew she would be the soundtrack of my 2021. This Spanish album is phenomenal. Rosalia is a musician from Spain who incorporates traditional flamenco with urban rhythms to create a unique sound. The album is inspired by a 13th century novel about a woman who overcomes an abusive marriage. Even if you can’t understand a word that Rosalia sings, both her vocals and the production will pull you in.

I recommend starting with “Malamente,” “Que No Salga La Luna” and “De Aqui No Sales” 

Book: Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera

On the topic of Latin and Hispanic culture, this middle grade novel is a fantastical journey into the world of Mexican mythology. Having been raised in neighborhoods where local women would warn me of the ghostly La Llorona, I’ve always been fascinated by the mythos of Mesoamerica, and this book captures just that.

Cece Rios lives in Tierra del Sol, a desert plagued by vengeful spirits or criaturas. While Cece’s town try to scare off the criaturas, Cece feels they might not be as dangerous as others think. But when her sister is kidnapped by El Sombreron, she teams up with the legendary Coyote to enter a dark and dangerous world.

The characters, writing, and plot are all exceptional, and I was so immersed in the supernatural world. Also, if you are looking for the same vibe in TV form, check out Victor and Valentino here at the library or on Cartoon Network or HBO Max!

TV: Dopesick

This eight-part miniseries on Hulu about Oxycotin is addictive. If you are into court dramas, mental health/health care, stories of addiction, or the insanity that is the pharmaceutical industry, I highly recommend this show, inspired by the non-fiction novel of the same name. It’s not easy to watch at times, but it’s told with such high production and performance quality and with a sincere reverence to those impacted by OxyContin in the early 2000s.

The series gives you all perspectives; members of the pharm company, a sales rep, a doctor, a patient, a DEA agent, and the lawyers who brought a case against the drug. Michael Keaton, Rosario Dawson, and Peter Sarsgaard have lead roles.

Interestingly, my mother worked as a hospital phlebotomist around the time of the drug’s release when I was about ten years old, and I remember her having pens and notepads with its logo. Never would I have imagined the scandal and deception behind it.

Company: Les Mills

Fitness has been a consistent part of my life for nearly four years. I box with Evolution Fitness Studios in Wichita (which I highly recommend), but when COVID hit last year, I had to find something else to keep both my physical and mental health intact. I stumbled upon this video on YouTube and fell in love with the New Zealand-based company called Les Mills.

I use Les Mills Plus, an on-demand subscription where I follow along with videos taught by instructors from all over the world. Les Mills has so many different programs including weight training (Body Pump), HIIT (Grit), shadowboxing (Body Combat), dance (Sh’Bam), cycling (RPM) and more.

I follow Body Pump and Grit Cardio to supplement my boxing work.

The workouts can be tough, but they’ve pushed my fitness level in a whole new way. The instructors are motivating and helpful too. If you are hesitant to get into a gym or you are looking for something new, I recommend giving Les Mills a try.