Set in the quaint town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, “Gilmore Girls” follows the iconic mother-daughter duo of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, played by Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel. Viewers experience the highs and lows of life in this multigenerational story and become rather attached to the eclectic and lovable people of Stars Hollow. 

Picking my top ten was rather difficult, but in the end, I chose to go with episodes that have stuck with me over time. This is not in order from best to worst or worst to best, these are simply my top favorite “Gilmore Girls” episodes. Do not ask me to rank among them, I cannot do it. A lot of spoilers are presented, so please proceed with caution. 

1. Season 1, Episode 1: “Pilot”

Partially for sentimental reasons, but also because it is undeniably an excellent episode, the pilot of “Gilmore Girls” clearly deserves a place in the top ten best episodes. The song “There She Goes” plays as the camera pans over the bustling streets of Stars Hollow,  and the viewer is introduced to Lorelei in her classic form: on her way to Luke’s Diner to get coffee. We are then introduced to the unconventional mother-daughter relationship of Lorelei and Rory as a blissfully ignorant man accidentally hits on both of them and is promptly scared away with a hilarious retort from the two. I have seen the pilot more times than I would like to say, but I stand by classifying it as one of the best opening episodes of any show. We are introduced to the electictic, but tight-knit community of Stars Hollow, the complex relationship between Lorelai and her parents and the close bond between Lorelai and Rory. 

2. Season 1, Episode 6: “Rory’s Birthday Parties” 

 The episode opens with a classic Friday night dinner scene at Emily and Richard Gilmore’s house where, as usual, Lorelai cracks jokes and Emily rolls her eyes. In this episode, Lorelai and Emily plan for Rory’s birthday party and have some unexpectedly sweet moments. Rory celebrates her birthday with two parties. Emily throws one of the parties, and the primary guests are middle aged, upper class people and Rory’s classmates from Chilton. Unsurprisingly, at one point both Lorelei and Rory are hiding upstairs and Emily is not pleased. The second party is at Lorelai and Rory’s house. The house is filled with laughter and the lovable Stars Hollow riff-raff. A disgruntled Emily and Richard appear at their granddaughter’s party, a bit taken aback by the scene. But Rory is thrilled to have so many of her loved ones around her. A certain tall and gangly Dean Forester makes an appearance to see Rory as well. Do we sense a crush? Clearly the answer is yes. My favorite part of the episode is near the beginning, where we find Lorelai at Luke’s Diner. Luke interrupts her rambling suddenly with “Will you marry me?” This is followed quickly with the line “Just looking for something to shut you up.” If my fellow viewers are anything like me, you will yell, “HE LOVES YOU, YOU IDIOT” to the screen. 

3. Season 1, Episode 7: “Kiss and Tell” 

This episode shows us Stars Hollow in its finest form – endearingly decked out for a holiday. At the center of this episode, however, is a groundbreaking event: Rory’s first kiss. This event takes place at Doose’s Market with Dean who is sporting his green Doose’s Market apron. Rory, taken aback,  responds to the kiss with a breathless “Thank you” and proceeds to run away to tell her best friend, Lane Kim. Uncharacteristically, Rory does not tell her mother, who has to find out from the holier-than-thou Mrs. Kim. Lorelei has to decide between playing it cool, asking Rory or spying on Dean. She chooses the last option. She skulks around in the market with a vaguely amused Luke and we get the iconic line: “That lothario over there has wormed his way into my daughter’s heart and mouth. For that he must die!” Dean, of course, does not die at the end of this episode. Rather Lorelai and Rory figure things out and Dean comes to their house for a movie, a lot of commentary and of course, copious snacks.

4. Season 2, Episode 4: “Road Trip to Harvard” 

As “Gilmore Girls” is seven seasons long and follows Lorelei and Rory through many phases of life, there are inevitably a good number of relationships as well as breakups. “The Roadtrip to Harvard” marks the end of Lorelai and Max Medina’s relationship, as Lorelei, in true form, takes Rory and runs away with no map and not much of a plan. Lorelei is concerned by the fact there is no music playing on the road trip, while Rory is mostly preoccupied by the fact that neither of them have the vaguest idea where they are. While some viewers may be disheartened – I admit, I was – over Lorelei’s dash from the altar, this episode is more of a celebration of who we are all here for – Lorelei and Rory. While driving, Lorelei decides to surprise Rory with a visit to Harvard, Rory’s intended college. This episode has lighthearted moments as the two tour Harvard and avoid the nosey bird-watchers at the bed-and-breakfast alongside difficult and bittersweet moments as Rory confronts Lorelai to explain her decision to leave Max. For me, one of my favorite parts of this episode is when we see a cross and sulking Luke quickly turn to the happiest of men after he receives the news of Lorelai and Max’s broken off engagement.

5. Season 3, Episode 9: “Deep Fried Korean thanksgiving” 

This episode features a frenzied day of  Thanksgiving dinners as Lorelai and Rory scramble to make it to their four different obligations. There is, of course, tofurkey from Mrs. Kim where Dave, Lane’s secret boyfriend, is faking being a Christian guitarist. It is chaotic and adorable. For once Sookie is not cooking the meal. Her husband Jackson insists on cooking the turkey and thus Sookie is stressed and then turns hilariously tipsy. Emily and Richard’s dinner involves pretension and bickering, so no surprises. Luke’s Thanksgiving dinner involves a rant and an entertaining argument with Taylor. At this point Rory is dating Jess, and we see their relationship unfold. Jess is trying to avoid an enraged Dean. There is drama, laughter and copious amounts of food – a Thanksgiving classic. 

6. Season 3, Episode 22: “Those Are Strings, Pinocchio” 

A lot goes down in this episode –– it is the end of an era. It is time for Rory to graduate Chilton and there is a bit of a scare as we find out that Rory did not receive financial aid and Lorelai considers postponing purchasing the Dragonfly. Thankfully, Richard and Emily and their limitless pocketbooks come in handy, and Friday night dinners are reinstated. While it may be a little unrealistic how everything falls into place, it is still precious. Rory’s valedictorian speech is heartwarming, and everyone is blubbering. This episode is a farewell to Chilton and the status quo of Stars Hollow between Lorelai and Rory. For after this, we experience college and an unknown world alongside Rory.  It is also a clean break for Rory, who has been bouncing back and forth between Dean and Jess for a while. There is also a strange dream sequence where Luke imagines that Lorelai asks him not to leave and gets engaged on his summer trip with Nicole, his current love interest. The closing episode of the third season leaves the viewers anxious and excited to see how things progress between Luke and Lorelai and how Rory takes on her newest phase in life.

7. Season 4, Episode 2: “The Lorelais’ first day at Yale”

“The Lorelais’ First Day at Yale ” is all about familiar college angst and separation anxiety, as well as an unrealistic first-year dorm. The goodbye between Lorelai and Rory is hard, which is evident because the two do not actually say goodbye. Lorelai runs in between New Haven and Stars Hollow several times to make sure Rory has what she needs, but mostly because neither of them can bear to be without each other. While this episode brings a new environment for Rory, we do see a familiar face – Paris arrives and is suiting with Rory. Speaking of the rooming situation, Rory’s dorm room is incredible. It is enormous, has hardwood floors, a fireplace and a connected bathroom. It puts my first-year experience to absolute shame. In the episode, Lorelai consoles Rory by staying with her the first night and helping her make friends by trying and rating all the takeout places nearby – a very Gilmore move. 

8. Season 4, Episode 21: “Last Week Fights, This Week Tights” 

What would be completely ludacris in other towns is very normal in Stars Hollow. This is evident when this episode opens with small children dancing around a maypole directed by the iconic Miss Patty. It is Luke’s sister Liz Danes’ renaissance-themed wedding, and Jess, with his ever-present disgruntled attitude, is walking her down the aisle. Everything is simultaneously ridiculous, hilarious and endearing. There are several sweet moments between Luke and Lorelai, and it is what we have all been waiting for. Luke, who does not dance, asks Loreai to dance. After the wedding he walks her home and asks her to see a movie with him. Is this the start of all we have been waiting four seasons for? The less endearing part is the fiasco between Rory, a married Dean and a problematic and sad Jess. It is a bit much, so I like to focus on Lorelai and Luke. Mrs. Kim also makes an amusing appearance as Lorelai must also placate Mrs. Kim, who is about to pass out because Lane is living with two boys. “Think of them as girls?” Lorelai offers. 

9. Season 5, Episode 3: “Written in the Stars”

This episode is classic. Lorelai and Luke are dating and the peanut gallery  – me – cries “Finally!” Oddly enough, no one in Stars Hollow really seems to care, and Lorelai, knowing her incredibly nosey neighbors, is offended – not for long though. The matter of their relationship shows up in the town meeting as Taylor enters with “Now as you all know, the relationship we have feared for some time has emerged.” The town discusses that if a breakup ensued, it would be bad for the economy and bad for the town. Lorelai is amused and Luke, heavily annoyed, makes quite the speech. Lorelai and the rest of us are smitten. Over at Yale, Paris, who was dating the late Professor Asher Flemming, is morosely smoking his pipe and planning a wake. The wake, as it happens, turns into a bit of a party. The party-goers do not know it is a wake, but thankfully Paris also does not know it is a party. 

10. Season 5, Episode 7: “You Jump, I Jump, Jack” 

This episode follows Luke and Lorelai as they must deal with Emily and Richard, who have found out that Lorelai is dating Luke. The highlight of this episode is the dashing and charismatic Logan Huntsburger, who introduces Rory to the Life and Death Brigade. Rory is investigating the secret society for the Yale Daily News, and Logan is the inside man. This episode is all mystery, intrigue and obvious chemistry between Logan and Rory. Logan convinces Rory to participate in the elaborate stunt that the Brigade pulls at each event. Logan and Rory jump off a high scaffolding in a field and an exhilarated Rory says that it had been a once in a lifetime experience. Logan says, “Only if you want it to be.” And thus commences the whirlwind romance of Logan and Rory. 

“Gilmore Girls” is a masterpiece and remains one of my favorite shows. Picking my top favorite articles was a trying task, as there are so many excellent episodes. Also, most of the episodes on this list are from the earlier seasons. The earlier seasons are superior – case closed. 

Music is one of those timeless things that everyone can enjoy. Even though no one will interpret the same song the same way, there are many lyrics that seem to speak to people on a personal level. I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite inspirational quotes from pop songs – in no particular order – to help keep you motivated.

10. “I won’t be afraid as long as you stand, stand by me” – Ben E. King, “Stand By Me”

This is an immortal piece of music. Everyone has heard this song. However old this song may be, its lyrics are still timeless. This particular lyric sings of solidarity and sticking together in order to accomplish a common goal.

9. “It’s a beautiful day / Don’t let it get away” – U2, “Beautiful Day”

I absolutely adore this lyric. The song has been around since the early 2000s, yet it has the vintage feel of something much older. The lyrics are so simple, yet powerful and effective. It persuades the audience to seize the day and make something beautiful with their lives.

8. “Darkness exists to make light truly count.” – Sleeping At Last, “Uneven Odds”

This lyric comes from one of my favorite songs. The song itself consists of lilting violins and mournful piano to create a sort of melancholy feel. It’s structured as a lesson to the listener to take everything that comes, the good and the bad, because it’s the bad days that make the good days really count.

7. “There will be an answer, let it be” – The Beatles, “Let It Be”

The Beatles will forever be immortalized by their music. This song in particular speaks to the audience on a different level than most of their other songs. The lyrics tell the audience to slow down and stop overthinking every little thing that they encounter. Eventually an answer will present itself, but until then, it’s best to let it be.

6. “If at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again” – Aaliyah, “Try Again”

Even though Aaliyah has passed on, her music remains with us and continues to inspire its listeners. While this lyric is more or less a modification of the popular phrase “if at first you don’t succeed, try again,” Aaliyah’s lyrics are more powerful. This is because the song acknowledges that some damage has been done – the dust – but it’s possible to heal and try again.

5. “Live your life with arms wide open / Today is where your book begins; the rest is still unwritten” – Natasha Beddingfield, “Unwritten”

Sure this song has become a bit “meme-y” in the past few years, but that doesn’t mean that the lyrics don’t have meaning. I like this lyric because it tells the listener that they have the opportunity to rewrite their own story, that they can control their own narrative if they have an open mind.

4. “Hello hurricane / I’ve got doors and windows boarded up / All your dead end fury is not enough” – Switchfoot, “Hello Hurricane”

While Switchfoot isn’t as popular as some of the other artists on this list, their music is still just as relevant. This song describes the negative parts of life as a hurricane, and the singer is telling the hurricane that it has no power over him. He sings that the hurricane isn’t enough to sweep him off his feet, that only he can control his life.

3. “Don’t worry ‘bout a thing, ‘cause every little thing gonna be alright” – Bob Marley, “Three Little Birds”

I couldn’t not have Bob Marley on this list, especially with this song. This song is very, very popular and is still quoted even decades after it was written. I don’t even need to explain to you what it means, but I do think it’s a great reminder that it’s okay to slow down sometimes.

2. “Listen as your day unfolds / Challenge what the future holds” Des Ree, “You Gotta Be”

This song is all about observing the world around you and learning from it. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to experience life all at once, but the song advises the listener to be whatever they want to be – whether that be bold, hard or strong – in order to truly face life head on.

1. “Go on and try to tear me down / I will be rising from the ground like a skyscraper” Demi Lovato, “Skyscraper”

This song in particular sends a very powerful message. It’s all about recovering from trauma and rising from the ashes of the past. I really appreciate that the song functions as an anthem and is accessible to just about anyone who listens to it.

Have you ever thought to yourself, “God, I really don’t want to go to class today?” I’m sure that we’ve all felt like that once or 40 times in our lives. Here are just a few suggestions of excuses to tell your professor for why you won’t be in class.

10. Family Emergency – I don’t really support pulling this card, but it’s still a good excuse. Most professors here have a family they go home to every day, so they would be willing to excuse you for an urgent matter concerning a family member. However, if they find out you lied about it, go ahead and say goodbye to that trust and say hello to coming to class for the rest of the semester.

9. Study for a different class – Though this probably won’t get your professors to give you attendance points, it’ll at least allow you to earn some brownie points. The professor will more than likely be understanding and want you to get a good grade, especially if it’s for a difficult class. If your professor is not having it and emails you questioning why you’re skipping when you should’ve been prepared ahead of time, then just ignore the email. Act like it never sent and have a mental breakdown instead.

8. Too Tired – Honestly, I think every William Jewell College student can agree that we’re tired 110 percent of our lives, especially student athletes. The professors here at Jewell – for the most part – are pretty chill and are likely to be understanding of you not having enough energy to take part in class – or life, honestly. Your target should definitely be an easy professor for this one.

7. Work Emergency – This excuse is honestly too good to pass up. Even if you don’t have a job, this will still work. It’s as simple as telling your professor that your boss called you and is having you come in early for work due to someone not showing up for their shift. You’re welcome.

6. I need to eat – Sometimes – and by that I mean 99 percent of the time – eating is, and should be, a priority in everyone’s lives. So if you’d rather go eat and not be hangry on the hill, then tell your professor that if you don’t eat within the next 10 minutes, you might choke out that one annoying kid in your class. 

5. Meeting that overran – Saying a meeting took way longer than it should have is something that everyone understands. We’ve all been stuck in some meetings that should’ve taken 15 minutes but ended up being a solid 45 minutes. Your professors are going to understand completely because they have meetings all day long, so this is going to be an excuse they can get behind.

4. Car Troubles – For all the off-campus students and students involved in Greek life – and the beloved Senior House students – having car troubles is actually a pretty reliable excuse for not going to class. Though you could just hop in with a friend, which I’m assuming your professor would rather you do, they’ll understand that you’re probably not having a great day if you can’t get your car to start.

3. Doctors Appointment – Most professors are not going to ask if you actually had an appointment or not because you’re a grown(ish) adult, so the likelihood of you needing to bring them a doctor’s note is very low. It’s a reliable excuse because it could apply to many different kinds of doctors.

2.  Sickness – Hand in hand with doctor’s appointments, using this excuse will get you a good amount further. Preferably, your professors will want you to go to our lovely nurse practitioner. But when in doubt, use this and don’t get up from your bed. If your professor asks for a note, then – once again – ignore the email and have another mental breakdown in your dorm room.

1. Just Don’t Go – Sometimes you don’t feel like going to class and don’t feel like emailing your professor about your absence. That’s completely acceptable. We’re all adults here, so missing class isn’t going to be a big deal, especially if you haven’t done it more than three times. After that you should probably explain to your professor why you’re not going to class, and then pray that they accept whatever reason you give them so you can make up those points.

Metal, heavy metal, rock, hard rock and screamo are all terms that have been lumped together and used to describe metal music. But metal, like every genre of music, has a vast history of diverse sub-genres with different nuances and sounds that have evolved since its inception. Since then, there has been pop metal, death metal, folk metal, rap metal, electronic metal, symphonic metal, black metal, stoner metal, thrash metal, groove metal and so much more. 

Slipknot and Tool both topped the Billboard 200 chart with recent albums, showing that metal is still very relevant to this day. Furthermore, you can find all sorts of covers, collaborations and features where metal artists and bands have worked with mainstream artists. One recent notable example is Ozzy Osborne’s feature on Post Malone’s new album “Hollywood’s Bleeding.” 

Metal is a genre that I believe has the potential to be appreciated and listened to by music listeners of all stripes. The purpose of this list is to introduce a few metal albums to those of you who just appreciate music, have an open mind and want to give some metal a try, if you haven’t already.

1. If you like pop: “The Silver Scream” by Ice Nine Kills

If Panic at the Disco made a Halloween-themed metal album, it would end up sounding something like “The Silver Scream” by Ice Nine Kills. The catchy, melodic choruses and pop-infused vocals of lead singer Spencer Charnas are sure to please any pop fan.

2. If you like rap: “DXXM” by Scarlxrd

Scarlxrd – pronounced Scarlord – is an innovator in the rap industry who has managed to blend the trap rap sound of artists such as Future and Young Thug with heavy metal. I believe the execution is superb.

3. If you like country: “Guitar Gangsters and Cadillac Blood” by Volbeat

Danish rockers Volbeat have been going at it for 14 years now, and they’ve always managed to maintain their rockabilly-metal sound, drawing heavily from Johnny Cash in particular. Their fusion of metal, country and blues is wildly creative and fun to listen to.

4. If you like classical: “Reclaimer” by Shadow of Intent

Classical and death metal may seem like an unlikely alliance, but Shadow of Intent blends the two genres all throughout their symphonic death metal album, “Reclaimer.” This album sounds like the musical score of a movie or video game, which makes sense considering the album is Halo-themed. The way the orchestral lines interact with the dark and heavy sounds of the guitars and drums creates a surprisingly pleasing finished product.

5. If you like classic rock: “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath is without a doubt the most well-known band on this list. Who doesn’t know and love their hits such as “Iron Man” or “Paranoid?” But a fact that isn’t widely known outside the metal world is that the Black Sabbath members are actually considered to be the creators of the metal genre itself. The more you know!

6. If you like alternative: “The Stories We Tell Ourselves” by Nothing More

I think of alternative fans, myself included, as those who like that which is different and can’t necessarily be described by one genre. Nothing More definitely fits the bill. These guys drew the attention of many in the music industry when they received the most Grammy nominations in the rock category after the release of “The Stories We Tell Ourselves.” Be prepared for eclectic hard rock hits, emotional power ballads and deep philosophical interludes in this hour-long rollercoaster of an album.

7. If you like female vocalists: “The Strange Case of…” by Halestorm

Who doesn’t love a strong female vocalist? Throw in a touch of metal and a whole lot of badass and you get the excellence that is Halestorm. Elizabeth “Lzzy” Hale’s incredible songwriting and amazing voice is what makes her not only one of the best female hard rock vocalists, but one of the best hard rock vocalists in the industry. Halestorm’s Grammy Award-winning song “Love Bites (So Do I)” that kicks off this album will get anyone and everyone head banging, no matter their musical taste.

8. If you like electronic: “Vessels” by Starset

Starset’s electronic, symphonic metal sound is inspired by their theme of space technology exploration. You’ll also find yourself hearing an Imagine Dragons-esque electropop sound. Just lie down, put on your best pair of headphones and listen to their beautiful album from start to finish. It’s one of my personal favorites.

9. If you like punk: “Disease” by Beartooth

Beartooth’s punk roots are so clear that many have gone so far as to describe the band as hardcore punk, a sub-genre of metal and punk. Whether you’re a fan of The Clash, Blink-182, The Ramones or Green Day, Beartooth’s upbeat punk-driven instrumentals, catchy choruses and powerful vocals are bound to get you hooked.

10. If you like show tunes: “Prequelle” by Ghost

Show tunes can cover such a wide range of diverse songs with different sounds, but the one thing they all have in common is a story, theme, drama and theatrics. Ghost, arguably the biggest band in metal right now, is nothing but those things. Their incredible live show features a huge cathedral setting, saxophones, incense, characters and more than 10 masked members. The masked members are led by the powerful frontman, Cardinal Copia, a character portrayed by vocalist Tobias Forge. Don’t just listen to Ghost, watch them!