Join me on my first trip to Canada!
Welcome back
Sign in to comment to your favorite stories, participate in your community and interact with your friends
or
LOG IN WITH FACEBOOKNo account? Create one
Recommended for you
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Subscribe to our
Newsletter
Arts Entertainment
Epic Creation Myths: Norse Origins Unveiled
What happened in the beginning, and how the heavens were set in motion.
18h
2310
Now, I have the everlasting joy of explaining the Norse creation myth. To be honest, it can be a bit kooky, so talking about it is always fun. The entire cosmos is included in this creation myth, not just the earth but the sun and the moon as well. This will be a short retelling, a summary of the creation myth, somewhat like I did with Hermod's ride to Hel.
File:Blake ancient of days.jpg - Wikimedia Commonscommons.wikimedia.org
The Norse cosmos began with two worlds, Niflheim and Muspellheim. These two worlds, the worlds of primordial cold and fire, were separated by a great fissure called Ginnungagap. The waters from the well Hvergelmir, at the center of Niflheim, by many rivers flowed into Ginnungagap and "when those rivers, which are called Elivagar, came so far from their source, the poisonous flow hardened like a slag of cinders running from a furnace, and became ice. ...Then layer by layer, the ice grew within Ginnungagap" (Byock 13). The northernmost regions of the gap filled with hoar frost and rime, but the southernmost were "the regions bordering on Muspell [and] were warm and bright" (Byock 13). Where the cold of Niflheim's ice and the warmth of Muspellheim's fire met in Ginnungagap the ice thawed, and "there was a quickening in these flowing drops and life sprang up" (Byock 14). From the ice came Ymir, known as Aurgelmir by the giants, the origin of all frost giants. As the wise giant Vafthruthnir says, "'down from Elivagar did venom drop, / And waxed till a giant it was; / And thence arose our giants' race, / And thus so fierce are we found'" (Bellows 76-77).
Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment
25 Throwback Songs You Forgot About
But you know you still know every word.
16 August
138645
8tracks radio
We all scroll through the radio stations in the car every once in a while, whether its because we lost signal to our favorite one or we are just bored with the same ol' songs every day. You know when you're going through and you hear a song where you're just like "I forgot this existed!" and before you know it, you're singing every word? Yeah, me too. Like, 95% of the time. If you're like me and LOVE some good throwback music, here's a list of songs from every genre that have gotten lost in time, but never truly forgotten.
1. "Big Pimpin'" - Jay-ZÂ ft. UGK
Jay-Z gives us a ballad about, you guessed it, pimpin' big in NYC. Jay-Z's rhymes paired with that catchy beat is just bound to get stuck in your head for the rest of the night.
2. "Mr. Brightside" - The Killers
If you say that you don't know any of the words to this song, you're the worst kind of person... a liar. This classic has left stamps of its lyrics on 99% of the population, and has a forever spot in my soul.
3. "Lose Yourself" - Eminem
This song always leaves me feeling like I could sign a record deal and launch my career as a rap/hip-hop legend... and craving spaghetti.
4. "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American) - Toby Keith
A ballad for the ages that brings the overly patriotic American badass out of all of us.
5. "Drop It Like It's Hot" - Snoop Dogg ft. Pharrell Williams
SNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!
6. "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" - Green Day
This song makes me want to walk down a lonely road, preferably a dark one, and reflect on all of my life choices. Nevertheless, it's still a fantastic song.
7. "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" - Panic! At The Disco
If your friends don't "chime in" by screaming the chorus at the top of their lungs in the car with you, it's time to leave them there and find new friends. Also, did anyone ever tell the groom what his bride has been up to?
8. "Semi-Charmed Life" - Third Eye Blind
A life anthem for all of us. Third Eye Blind has recently released another album. My inner child is tingling.
9. "Baby Got Back" - Sir Mix A Lot
Nicki Minaj sampled this in her song "Anaconda" in 2014. Take a minute to realize that some people have heard that, but not the REAL jam that the sample came from. Now, cry.
10. "Get Low" - Lil Jon ft. Ying Yang Twinz
The real question is which version is better: Lil Jon's or Sandra Bullock's?
11. "Check Yes Or No" - George Strait
You don't have to be a country lover to know this song. My hardcore rocker/screamo friend even knows the chorus. Don't try and tell me you don't. I don't like liars.
12. "Ride Wit Me" - Nelly
"Ayyyyye, must be the monaaayyy!" - frequently screamed lyric
13. "Pony" - Ginuwine
Even though I can't hear this song without seeing Channing Tatum's half naked body in my mind, it's still one of my favorite songs to hear. Instant day brightener when I hear that funky beat at the beginning.
14. "Cleanin' Out My Closet" - Eminem
As sad as these lyrics are, Eminem really hit this one out of the park.
15. "Gangstas Paradise" - Coolio
10/10 would recommend listening to Weird Al's parody of this song.
16. "It Was A Good Day" - Ice Cube
The first time I heard this may have been on Grand Theft Auto, but that doesn't mean that it isn't a great song.
17. "What's Your Fantasy" - Ludacris
Another song that I knew most of the lyrics to that I probably shouldn't have at a young age.
18. "Everybody (Backstreets Back)" - Backstreet Boys
They really were back, and we all wish they had stayed.
19. "Misery Business" - Paramore
I can't tell if I want to be Hayley Williams or be ON Hayley Williams. I'd be okay with either. #girlcrush
20. "Steal My Sunshine" - Len
This feel good song makes me want to rip open a popsicle and ride my bicycle around town.
21. "Fly" - Sugar Ray
As repetitive as this is, this song will never get old.
22. "Song 2" - Blur
WOO-HOO!
23. "Buddy Holly" - Weezer
Weezer may have hated this song, but we are glad they recorded it.
24. "No Rain" - Blind Melon
Maybe it's just me who is obsessed with this song, but if you haven't heard it, I highly recommend.
25. "99 Problems" - Jay-Z
I have 99 problems, and this playlist solves all of them.
Keep Reading...Show less
Photo by DESIGNECOLOGIST on Unsplash
Life is full of many wonderful pleasures that many of us, like myself, often forget about. And it's important to recognize that even on bad days, good things still happen. Focusing on these positive aspects of our day-to-day lives can really change a person's perspective. So in thinking about the little things that make so many of us happy, I've here's a list of some of the best things that often go unrecognized and deserve more appreciation:
1. Sun showers
2. Smiles
3. Tight hugs
4. Discovering new foods you like.
5. Laying in bed after a long day.
6. And being completely relaxed
7. "This reminded me of you"
woman in white shirt leaning on yellow wall Photo by Bostan Florin Catalin on Unsplash
8. Breakfast foods
pancakes with syrup Photo by Mae Mu on Unsplash
9. Over-sized clothes
person in brown knit sweater Photo by Giulia Bertelli on Unsplash
10. Contagious laughs
a person sitting on a couch with a laptop Photo by Surface on Unsplash
11. Car rides with that one person
woman in black and white floral dress sitting on red car hood during daytime Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash
12. Random (I miss you/ I love you) texts
a person holding a cell phone in their hand Photo by Behzad Soleimanian on Unsplash
13. The city at night
high angle photo of cityscape Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
14. Surprises
woman covering eyes with hand Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
15. Blanket cocoons
smiling woman wrapped with white headscarf Photo by David Izquierdo on Unsplash
16. Good hair days
Good hair | Jamie | Flickrwww.flickr.com
17. Really good coffee
mmm coffee | We found a good coffee place on the island. Act… | Flickrwww.flickr.com
18. Days where you're in a good mood naturally and for no particular reason
man jumping on the middle of the street during daytime Photo by Andre Hunter on Unsplash
19. Conquering a fear
person jumping on big rock under gray and white sky during daytime Photo by Sammie Chaffin on Unsplash
20. When they give you a lot of guac at Chipotle
a bowl of guacamole next to a bowl of tortilla chips Photo by Zoshua Colah on Unsplash
21. Being so comfortable with someone that you can literally talk about anything
two women sitting on a couch in a living room Photo by Marea Wellness on Unsplash
22. Home-cooked meals
cooked food on black bowl Photo by Jingxi Lau on Unsplash
23. Tattoo stories
men's arm tattoo Photo by Matheus Ferrero on Unsplash
24. Leaves changing color in fall
a group of trees with orange leaves Photo by Stephanie Klepacki on Unsplash
25. Butterflies in your stomach
The butterflies in the stomach... | Check out my blog! www.p… | Flickrww.flickr.com
26. Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches
two bread with sauce in box Photo by Douglas Bagg on Unsplash
27. When you can't stop laughing
a couple of young girls standing next to a tent Photo by Colin + Meg on Unsplash
Keep Reading...Show less
Summer is hot and humid, and it's almost like summer was made specifically to drink the refreshing, cold, crisp wonderful, delicious, nutritious nectar of the gods. Which is none other than beer; wonderful cold beer. With summer playing peek-a-boo around the corner while we finish up this semester, it's time to discuss the only important part of summer. And if you haven't already guessed, it's beer. There are few things I take more seriously than my beer, in order are: sports... and beer. Here are my favorite summer brews:
Coors Light Summer Brew:
This summer shandy begins this list, it's a mix of lemon, lime and orange. While this is by no means a craft beer, it still has it place as a refreshing summer brew to enjoy.
Leinenkugel Summer Shandy
Solid choice for any summer get together, great taste with a hint of citrus.
Leinenkugel Sunset Wheat
Distinctly reminds me of Fruity Pebbles, but nonetheless is a wonderful summer beer.
Want to know more about beer?
Summertime is the perfect time for beer, and that's why International Beer Day is on August 2nd. Our community has you covered with more stories about beer, including:
- The Benefits of Drinking Beer: Let us count the ways. There are more than you might think.
- Delicious Beer Substitutes: Is beer not typically your thing? Try one of these instead.
- Unique Beer Flavors to Try: Whether it's hard apple cider or the tase of wild blueberries, these are great options.
- If College Majors Were Beers: Business, sports medicine, design – there's a beer for every major.
Sam Adams Summer Ale
Sam Adams is known for their traditional Boston Lager, but their Summer Ale is damn good.
Hell or High Watermelon
Made with real watermelon, not much is more summer-esque than juicy watermelon in July.
Blue Moon Summer Honey
I love me some Blue Moon, so the summer brew is a no-brainer on this list.
LandShark Lager
Fun fact: LandShark is owned by Anheuser-Busch, and is more commonly know as the signature drink of Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville.
Corona
Obviously Corona had to take the number one spot. To me, there's nothing more refreshing than a cold Corona with lime on a hot summer day.
So whether you're on a sandy beach, a fishing boat, or at a pool, just remember what our dear friend Jack Nicholson said, "Beer, it's the best damn drink in the world."
Drink responsibly and never drink and drive.
Keep Reading...Show less
Featured
7 Reasons SoCal Rocks!
75 degrees and sunny, plus, no humidity. I mean do I really need to say more?
19 July
5746
Photo by Jeff Hopper on Unsplash
SoCal summers are the best summers by far, and honestly, no argument is needed. But, if you aren't sure why SoCal summers are the best, here are 7 reasons why!
Perfect Weather
Photo by Julian Myles on Unsplash75 degrees and sunny, plus, no humidity. I mean do I really need to say more?
You'll get an effortless tan
Photo by Roberto Nickson on UnsplashBeing outside is inevitable when the weather is this nice, so slap on some low SPF and enjoy the perfect weather as you become a bronzed beach babe!
You can exercise with a view
Photo by Cedric Letsch on UnsplashWho said working on your summer bod has to stop when summer starts? In SoCal there are hundreds of gorgeous hiking trails in the mountains or on the cliffs overlooking the beach, so maintaining your summer bod is easy on the eyes and a lot less of a drag!
You don't have to worry about bug bites
Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on UnsplashThe likelihood of you getting bit by a bug is slim, so you don't have to worry about smelling like bug spray whenever you want to go outside.
We have outdoor concerts
Photo by Aranxa Esteve on UnsplashAt the county fair or on the beach, summertime means outdoor concerts with good music and great friends.
We live where people vacation
Photo by Jeremy Bishop on UnsplashWe're lucky enough to live in paradise and we don't take that for granted. We take advantage of our sunsets on the beach and backyard staycation without spending a pretty penny on visiting somewhere that isn't nearly as perfect as SoCal. We're pretty spoiled.
Keep Reading...Show less
Trending Topics
Songs About Being 17
Grey's Anatomy Quotes
Vine Quotes
4 Leaf Clover
Self Respect
Top Creators
1. Brittany Morgan, National Writer's Society
2. Radhi, SUNY Stony Brook
3. Kristen Haddox, Penn State University
4. Jennifer Kustanovich, SUNY Stony Brook
5. Clare Regelbrugge, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign