ESCAPE Dec. 4, 2015

ESCAPE SMILE. EXPLORE. RELAX. DEC. 4 | WEEKEND

DE-STRESS 6 WAYS TO CHILL

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PLAYLIST FOCUS TUNES

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FINALS ESSENTIALS

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SIANDHARA BONNETT/THE DAILY

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Friday, December 4, 2015

NETFLIX AND ACTUALLY CHILL HOW TO DE-STRESS DURING DEAD WEEK

ALLISON WEINTRAUB | @ALLIEFRANCES12

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Netflix and actually chill — Seriously, nothing is better than taking 30 minutes from your study session to watch a funny show on Netflix (or Hulu, Amazon or even on actual TV).

Don’t watch a drama or something deep, just a nice little sitcom that will distract you enough but won’t encourage marathoning. Make sure that you set a timer for this form of de-stressing so that your distraction doesn’t turn into a binge watching session.

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Game night with friends — Get some board games or video games and your group of friends. Arrange some night that you all can meet, taking time off studying to have fun.

Hanging out with friends is one of the best ways to de-stress, and it’s one that is often neglected during dead week.

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Sleep! — This is such an important activity, and during dead/finals week it seems to fall off everyone’s schedule in favor of writing that next page in that essay. Nothing will relax you more than the feeling of deciding to stop studying, especialHave a jam session — This isn’t just listening ly when you realize you’ve been reading over the same senSIANDHARA BONNET/THE DAILY to music. It’s getting up from your study space tence for the last five minutes. You’ll wake up refreshed and Biology pre-med freshman Bailey Chaples takes a break from school and moving to the beat and singing the words. ready to start with a sharp, stress-free mind. work by watching Netflix in The Bookmark Thursday. One way to The purpose of this activity is to distract your de-stress from studying is to listening to music and moving around. mind and shake out any pins and needles you may get from sitting for two hours as you try to absorb the chem textbook you haven’t looked at once this semester. This method is HEALTH BENEFTITS probably best saved for your room, but if you feel the need in the middle of the library, go for it. Anything goes during Practicing relaxation dead week and finals week. and you’ll probably give other techniques can reduce studiers a nice distraction.

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stress symptoms by:

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Work it out — Not only is exercise great for your body, it’ll help you work out any stress that you may be experiencing thanks to your classes. You can do yoga, punch a bag until you feel better and just generally work up energy. Set a time limit for yourself to make sure that you’re not just using the Huff as an excuse not to study, because that’ll only end up making you more stressed than you were when you went in.

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Distract yourself — Shifting your focus can sometimes be all you need to relieve some of the stress caused by impending tests. Some options are giving your room a deep clean or cooking something that requires some preparation.

Whether that’s a microwaveable mug brownie or a pot of something delicious depends on your resources, but both serve the same purpose. Another thing you could do for a distraction is organize a desk, your closet or even your sock drawer. Part of the reason behind this is that you need to distract yourself with something that produces tangible results, so you can feel accomplished in your break while still relieving stress.

•Slowing your heart rate •Lowering blood pressure •Slowing your breathing rate •Reducing activity of stress hormones •Increasing blood flow to major muscles •Reducing muscle tension and chronic pain •Improving concentration and mood •Lowering fatigue •Reducing anger and frustration •Boosting confidence to handle problems

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GET YOUR STUDY ON FIVE TIPS TO HELP YOU GET READY FOR DEAD WEEK AND FINALS JESSICA BARBER | @JESSICADYLAN16 Getting your life together before dead week can seem like a daunting task with all of the work ahead of you. However, there are a few easy things you can do to get organized.

1. GET RID OF CLUTTER A clean work and living space will make your life so much easier to navigate. It seems so simple, yet we rarely take the time to do this. Before studying, tidy up and organize your books, papers and laptop. The ability to find exactly what you need when you need it will change the game.

2. TURN OFF YOUR PHONE

Seriously. I have the hardest time with this because I would not survive without my phone. But when I study, I have to turn it off, or I will not get my work done. You will not miss out on a breaking Instagram post. I promise.

3. GO TO SLEEP AT A DECENT TIME

Pulling all nighters only works on TV and in the movies.

There are so many studies that debunk the myth of all-nighters. We need our sleep to be productive human beings. So go to bed. Do it.

4. PRIORITIZE

Before you begin your work,make a list of what’s most important to get done and work your way down the list.

Prioritizing will help you do everything as efficiently as possible and will keep you from stressing out at the last minute.

5. TAKE A BREAK

SIANDHARA BONNET/THE DAILY

Pushing yourself during marathon study sessions is important, but at a certain point you hit a wall. At that point, it’s time to take a break. Take a nap, take a walk, get a snack or watch an episode of “Friends.”

Photo above: Communications senior Abbi Melrose studies for finals on lower level one of Bizzell Library on Dec. 3. One way to stay productive is to prioiritize work, getting the most important and time-pressing matter taken care of first.

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• Friday, December 4, 2015

MUSIC FOR FINALS MADNESS MADY MASTERS | @MADYELLE10

JORDAN HALE | @WEREWOLFSHADES

ANTI-STUDY MUSIC

STUDY MUSIC

People are going to tell you to not worry about your finals. All you have to do is stay on top of them, and you’ll be okay. But let’s face it, there is a lot of academic weight on our shoulders! It simply doesn’t make sense that every single one of us will be able to just put on a laidback album and chill out.

So, for those of you who are like me and grow irritated and paranoid by the end of finals week, here are some lovely soundtracks to your inevitable descent into madness.

As finals are approaching, you may feel stress building up. The days are getting colder, and it’s getting harder and harder to get out of bed. If you can muster up the motivation to break out the books and study, make sure you have some good background music to keep you going. Here are a few songs that will help you in your academic endeavors.

1. “Dark Times” — The Weeknd ft. Ed Sheeran

1. “Fear Of Music” by Talking Heads

The Weeknd has some of the best songs for studying, and when you add Ed Sheeran into the mix, it only gets better. The song is a simple melody and has a good R&B feel to it. Their soothing voices are sure to bring the good vibes.

This album is nervy and anxious. One could feasibly imagine lead singer David Byrne waking up in a cold sweat and writing the lyrics to “Life During Wartime” as a result. Cold sweats should also be a common occurrence during finals week.

2. “Tee Shirt” — Birdy

2. “The Downward Spiral” by Nine Inch Nails

This one has a more acoustic feel to it. The tone of Birdy’s voice is always relaxing, and this song especially feels like a calm Sunday morning. The quiet harmonies add warmth and comfort to the melody.

The crown jewel of intense albums, this 1994 masterpiece should helpfully simulate the feeling of being watched and that your every move may in fact be the wrong one. After all, just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean you’re wrong.

3. “The Great Pumpkin Waltz” — George Winston

3. “Enter” by Fire! Orchestra

Before you say anything, yes, this is Charlie Brown music. Classical piano is a favorite among many for studying, and all of Winston’s works are beautifully composed. I love the Charlie Brown soundtrack because it always reminds me of the holidays. It is sure to lift your spirits.

Probably the least accessible album on a list of inaccessible albums, this avant-garde jazz album is atonal and urgent. It’s the sound of you entering a mad dash as you realize you’re late for your final.

ILLUSTRATION BY KEENAN BETZ

Friday, December 4, 2015 •

FIVE FINALS ESSENTIALS FINALS WEEK IS NEAR. DO NOT FEAR. THE DAILY IS HERE.

SIANDHARA BONNET | @SIANDHARAB

The end is near. The dreaded week. The week everyone craves caffeine until they can stay awake for two days straight — finals week. In order to prepare, students study during dead week. So here are a few essential items to make sure you stay warm, comfortable and ready to tackle a semester’s worth of notes.

2. A light jacket/sweater —

How you dress for studying is very important.

You don’t want to be too comfortable because you may fall asleep, but you I don’t know about most people, but trying to focus in also don’t want to be in clothes so tight that they would distract you from studying. A light a quiet room is incredibly difficult — so difficult, in fact, that I get distracted by the silence. jacket or sweater is helpful because sometimes it gets a little cold in Bizzell or the Union.

In order to keep your focus in check, bring headphones to listen to some music (other students may not need it, so remember to be considerate).

1. Headphones —

3. Writing utensils —

4. Notecards —

Highlighters. Highlighters. Highlighters.

Making notecards or flashcards helps in the studying proMaybe it seems silly, but highlighting notes or keywords in a reading or in notes is helpful. cess immensely. Not only do you get the motion of writing down the curriculum again, The bright colors will help you find the words faster and set them apart from information but you also have to repeat the information. Plus, after they’re made, you can go back that may not be the most necessary. through them. Use both sides in order to quiz yourself (very helpful for language classes).

5. Snacks —

Healthy snacks like carrots will help keep you awake. Make sure they’re easy-to-eat snacks that will allow you to study at the same time. However, it isn’t a bad thing to take a few moments off of studying in order to re-group and bring your focus back. Mints are also a helpful tool because they wake you up. Have a mint during your test as well, and you may remember some of the material you reviewed while studying. Water is the last essential snack. It’s important to stay hydrated while you study, even though you aren’t doing much physical activity.

ILLUSTRATION BY AUSTIN DORROUGH

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Previous Solution

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Monday- Very Easy Tuesday-Easy Wednesday- Easy Thursday- Medium Friday - Hard

investments may cause loss and/ or damage to your reputation. Get some advice from those you trust.

Romantic opportunities can develop through unusual circumstances.

Contemplating your actions before taking them will ensure your success. Being precise and honest will help you avoid unnecessary setbacks and criticism. Discipline GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Plan coupled with enthusiasm will work to have some fun. Travel, physical wonders for you. Believe in yourself. activities and entertainment will give you a new lease on life and SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) ease the emotional stress you face.

-- Verify every piece of information Love will conquer all. that comes your way. Accuracy will make a huge contribution to your CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Your success. DonĘźt over- or underestiability to get things done will help mate anyone or anything. you avoid a dispute. Keeping busy is your best course of action against CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- You someone looking for a fight. Protect canĘźt buy love, but you can go into your health and well-being. debt trying. If you want to spend money, purchase something that LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Make spewill grow in value. Make decisions cial plans for yourself and someone cautiously. you love. Whether you take a short trip, attend an entertaining event or AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Voice host a get-together at home, your your opinion and interact with generosity will be appreciated. people you feel have something to contribute. Plan a social evening VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- DonĘźt and express your concerns. You will overreact to emotional disappointmake a lasting impression. Love is ments. Get all the facts and look highlighted. for a solution that will ensure no one gets hurt or feels alienated.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Your Activities that involve children will emotional life will suffer if you be enlightening. havenĘźt been honest about the way you feel or what you want. Someone LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Shop for will take advantage of your vulner- something that will lift your spirits ability and desire to please. and boost your confidence. Taking better care of your physical and ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- DonĘźt mental states will pay off. Romance let your anger mount or interfere is in the stars. with your productivity. Getting along with others will be far more SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Homeconducive to success than disagree- improvement projects will be money ing with them and halting progress. and effort well spent. Your unique Compromise will not be a waste ideas will help you stand out and of time. be noticed by people of distinction.

Follow your heart.

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Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker December 4, 2015

ACROSS 1 “You got that right!�

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34 Part of a sound system, often 38 112.5 degrees away from S 39 Cohort 40 Grab the tab 41 Abandoned 44 San Andreas fault phenomena 12/4

45 Paving block 46 Nearly unsolvable 47 Delphi VIP 50 Potter’s oven 51 ___ out a living 54 Long-flight facilitator 57 Beginning 58 Army group, e.g.

59 Geometric measure 60 Dole’s running mate of 1996 61 Boxer’s target 62 Garden annoyance DOWN 1 Some donations 2 Drudgery 3 Air current 4 Nancy Drew’s beau 5 Like some tomatoes 6 Introduction or preface 7 Lacrosse officials 8 “Not ___, later maybe�

9 Word with “puff� or “keg�

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37 Far from wet 42 Steep artificial slope 43 Turned on again 44 Greet in the military 46 They played Sinatra 47 Siberian river port 48 Ceremonial occasion 49 Kicker Vinatieri 50 Bingolike game 51 Dublin’s isle 52 Certain joint 53 “Ods bodkins!�

55 Nylon ruiner 56 Community ordinance

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

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CENTER FIELD By Lewis Harper

Friday, December 4, 2015 •

NEW MUSIC FRIDAY

FEAT. COLDPLAY, AVRIL LAVIGNE, TROYE SIVAN AND MORE ALLISON WEINTRAUB | @ALLIEFRANCES12 Several artists have released new music just in time to jam to during dead week.

“FloriDada” by Animal Collective is the newest single from the band, and it’s a fun experience. It’s quick, all based around a driving drum beat with pretty lyrics.

Musically, the song sounds like a Dada painting looks, with dramatic but strange sounds seeming to spontaneously erupt and then fade into newer and funkier sounds.

“Get Over Me” by two people that society has already gotten over, Avril Lavigne and Nick Carter, was released. The song is straight out of 2007, with both singers recounting tragic tales of their obsessive hook-ups.

With a chorus that goes, “Now I got a stage five clinger / Tryna put a ringer on my finger / Only want me ‘cause I’m a singer / Get over me,” the song sounds like a Backstreet Boys B-side that should have stayed forgotten.

Coldplay released their seventh studio album “A Head Full of Dreams.” The album is one that Coldplay fans will love and that will probably get a bit of radio time. It may even win the band some new fans. There are several good songs like lead single “Adventure of a Lifetime,” which reflects Coldplay’s tried and true method of pop beats with serious, puzzling lyrics.

The album also has some strange elements (why have Beyoncé perform as a backup singer?), but overall it is cohesive and is sure to be a hit.

Rick Ross released “Black

Market,” which is also sure to be a hit. With such draws as a Drake diss track (“Color Money,” which appears to have Ross taking Meek Mill’s side of the infamous rivalry), a song with Mariah Carey and a song dedicated to his mother, the album has something for everyone.

Troye Sivan, a young Australian YouTube star, released his debut album “Blue Neighbourhood.”

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