Outside Reading #10

I finally began New Moon, the second book of the Twilight series written by Stephenie Meyer. I only read about ten pages of the book today so I am taking the chance of judging the book. So far I believe the book is a bit boring. After the amazing ending to Twilight I expectedthe beginning of New Moon to be just as good. What I have heard from others that are reading the Twilight series is that the first, third, and fourth book are unbelievable. However the second is not the greatest. Therefore I wondered why. Why was the second book not as great as the first, third and fourth? Stephenie Meyer is an incredible writer in my opinion, but I just don't understand how she let down Twilight fans in the second book. My conclusion is that she  doesn't want too much to happen, and is saving the best events for last. I recall reading an article that was based off of an interview she did. I remember her explaining that Edward and Bella's relationship does not grow rapidly, it takes time. Their feelings for each other are obviously strong but the physical part and mental part of the relationship blooms slowly. Because of this statement I believe Meyer mad New Moon not as good as the others to help readers understand Edward and Bella's relationship better.

Outside Reading #9

Every year for Hannukah all the cousins in my family pick another cousin to give a gift to. This year I picked my seven-year-old cousin who desperately wants a new "Bratz" doll. As a result of her plead for the item I searched the internet for the specific type od Bratz doll she wanted. It was then when I came across this article on CNN.com. Due to the fact that Mattel sued Bratz manufacturer MGA Entertainment Inc., and last week a federal judge ordered MGA to stop making the dolls. Bratz will no longer be on the shelves after this shopping season ends. While many young girls are very disappointed to here the news, most moms feel relieved. Six-year-old Sierra Curry-Corcoran of Newport News, Virginia is a Bratz lover. Sierra prefers Bratz over Barbies. "I like Bratz better. They have more fancy clothes, and they look more cool," Sierra declared. Looking at the situation from a mom's point of view is the total opposite. Many moms believe Bratz are very risque. Mom, Kristi Cassell of Sandy Springs, Georgia is a non-supporter of the dolls. "Barbies come across more wholesome," Cassell said. Barbie has some "questionable" clothes, "but it seemed like all the Bratz dolls were on a darker side of Barbie," she said. In this cas moms aren't the only ones happy to see these "trashy dolls" leave the shelves. Bratz rival, Barbie, is relieved to see them discontinued. This will provide less competition for Barbie. In my opinion I also believe Bratz are a little too much. However when I was that age I didn't pay much attention to the appearance of the doll to the point where I would want to look like them. I knew they were unrealistic people. Now that I'm older I do understand the parental opinion better, and I do agree with it. Because of the unrealistic body images that are sadly considered "normal" in our society today. It is important that guardians teach their daughters at a young age to lead a healthy life style, with a well balanced self of esteem.

This entire article can be found here.

Outside Reading #8

For my outside reading I read an article about the NFL having to lay off some of their workers. Due to the nations poor economy the league is cutting more than ten percent of its staff. Commissioner Roger Goodell announced this information on Tuesday in a memo to the league's employees. Goodell explained in the memo that the cuts were the results of the economy, and that they will help the NFL become stronger during this recession. Before the economy went down hill the NFL was considered the "the richest game" and the "the strongest sport in the world." Now that the economy has taken a downturn, and cuts are being made.They are at the same level as the NBA, NASCAR teams and the company that runs the Major League Baseball's internet division. The cuts will take place in the next sixty days or so. All thirty-two individual teams will need to make cuts and layoff employees. As of right now fans have not noticed the cutbacks, however the NFL announced last month that they will be reducing play-off tickets by ten percent. As well as the tickets sold for this season, Goodell does fear next season. His fear is due to the fact that prices of tickets will have increased, therefore not many will purchase them. My personal response to this article was a response full of frustration. I am very upset, as is everyone else, about our economy. I believe sports events such as football are events that keep people from being stressed about the economy. Now that the economy is involved with events such as it just makes me sick to my stomach. Americans need to pull it together and figure out our issues before anything else happens!

This entire article can be found here.

Outside Reading #7

The article I read to day was about a memorial service that was held for a college prep school teacher, Lee Jones. Jones taught history at Shattuck-St.Mary's. Jones shot and killed himself with a handgun on campus this past Friday. Boys in seventh through ninth grade heard the gun shot from their dorms. Jones' co-workers tried to helped him, leaving students moved. Unfortunately he ignored the help. Jones was a popular teacher and lacrosse coach, and very well liked. When I read this article I created two points of view. One of the views is from Jones' perspective. As much as I don't even want to think about putting myself in Jones' position, I've realized he must have been in a great deal of pain. Enough pain to kill himself. This made me wonder, if I became that depressed would I want help? After reading this article I googled depression. The results I got included a very interesting fact. People with depression believe no one can help them. This fact gave me mixed feelings. Did Jones' do the right or the wrong thing? Then I came up with a conclusion, everyone has their own opinion about death. Maybe Jones felt like death would help him. My second point of view is from the people and loved ones Jones leaves behind. For all of them it's a very tragic event. When I put myself in their shoes the first thing I thought about was, what kind of impression did Jones leave on them? Do they look at life and death differently? My hopes are that they realize to ask for help when needed. Whether it's depression or homework everyone should ask for help.

This entire article can be found here.

Outside Reading #6

Today I read an article on CNN.com. The article was based on a one on one interview between CNN's Denise Quan and pop sensation, Katy Perry. The article says Katy Perry began her career as a teenager. She was a Christian music singer known as Katy Hudson. After her teenage career ended Katy reinvented herself as Katy Perry. The last name Perry is Katy's mother's maiden name. Perry's first music video was "I Kissed a Girl". This first video of hers was one of the summer's number one hits. It was also number one in fifteen other countries besides the United States. Quan questioned Perry about the video, Perry responded. "Yeah, "I Kissed a Girl" got a lot of attention -- and that was my first video. It is kind of interesting when you are going for your first video and your first everything, you know, you are taking a lot of chances,...". Because "I Kissed a Girl" was her first video she took a chance, because not everyone succeeds with their first video or song. Fortunatley Perry's first time she was overly successful. Quan also asked Perry if the song had any meaning to Perry's past life. Perry admitted she had kissed a girl before and she enjoyed it. Perry also explained how she does not pay attention to tabloids or rumors. For instance the rumor that her parents didn't support her number one hit. As much as celebrities are viewed as rich, egocentric people, I admire Perry. Always being under the spot light would be very stressful in my opinion. Constatnley reminding yourself to think before acting or saying anything. Perry has the courage to ignore what people think about her.

This article was written by Denise Quan, and can be found here.

Outside Reading #5

I finally finished Twilight. I finished the amazing story approximately 7 hours before the midnight premiere of the film version. My overall opinion on Twilight is very positive. Twilight is the first book I have ever fell in love with. I have never read a book so fast. As much as I love the Gossip Girl series, it does not even compare to Twilight. As much as I adore the story of Twilight, I thought the first one-hundred pages were a little boring. After the first one-hundred, the book was addicting. I was constantly reading. I didn't watch T.V. for four days straight because when I had time to kill, my nose was buried in Twilight. Now comparing Twilight, the novel, to Twilight, the film, the two were both phenomenal. However as usual the movie did twist the story just a little. Overall it was the same story. The actors Kristen Sterwart(Bella) and Rob Pattinson(Edward) did an unbelievable job at portraying the characters from the novel. Whatever it is, Stephenie Meyer has an incredible talent within her writting. Her story of Edward and Bella has become a classic. A story of love, good vs. evil, and life challenges. A story that will never die in the minds of teenage girls and young women. I  highly recommend Twilight to anyone looking for a good read.

Outside Reading #4

As I finish up Twilight, a part of me doesn't want to read the last ten pages. I almost want to not read them so the story will never come to an end. I know there are three other books in the series, but the first book of a series is always the best in my opinion. As the story does unfortunately come to an end, more secrets are revealed. Such as how one becomes a vampire. " 'We have another fairly superfluous weapon. We're also venomous,' she said, her teeth glistening" (20.414). I usually dislike fictional books such as the Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings series. However when it comes to Twilight, my views were the total opposite. I fell in love with the story. Even though our culture does not believe in vampires there was something about this book that made the creatures seem real. Due to my opinion I didn't dare categorize it as a "fantasy" type of book. Meyer did a phenomenal job creating a fictional story into a story that seemed unbelievably real. Besides falling in love with the story, my fear of monsters and such have faded. As pathetic as that may sound it's the truth. Since I was a little girl I've been terrified of monsters, or the idea of monsters in general. Twilight has made me believe that not all "scary" mythical creatures are bad. 

Outside Reading #3

After only five days I am almost finished with Twilight. I can't even explain how much I have enjoyed reading this book. I am currently on page 375, chapter 16. I'm known to being a slow reader, but not with this book. I have read more than fifty pages a day for the past five. Stephenie Meyer is an unbelievably exceptional writer, making this series addicting! As you may know Twilight the film premieres Friday, November 21st, at twelve o'clock a.m. Besides worrying about purchasing tickets for the premiere. I'm concerned that the movie may not live up to the amazing book. I wonder if the actors in the film will portray the characters in the book in a positive way. Or if the story will follow the exact format of the book. I personally believe that if a book is made into a film, the film has a fifty-fifty chance of being as good as the book. For example Harry Potter films have obviously lived up to the books. And the novel The Notebook was also created into a film, which was an exceptional movie but didn't exactly live up to the book. Either way I'm still extremely excited to see the movie, and then begin the second book, New Moon!

Outside Reading #2

I finally began Twilight! I can't put it down it's such a good read! I stayed up until 12:30 a.m. reading just the beginning of this fantastic novel. The Twilight series is written by Stephenie Meyer. I am only on page 67, chapter 3, as of right now and I have loved reading every page so far. The story is based on a relationship between a mortal, Isabella (Bella) Swan, and Edward Cullen a vampire. There is something about this story that has teenagers going crazy for it! Maybe it's the love story? Or the action? Overall this book is phenomenal! Over 17 million copies have been sold worldwide! It has also been translated into twenty different languages. Twilight is the first of four novels in the series. Twilight is followed by The New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. As the books go on the relationship between Bella and Edward does as well. Even though I have just began the first novel I plan on reading the following three. In my personal opinion I believe the love story between Bella and Edward is what keeps me reading. As well as that the story takes place in modern times. Bella and Edward's story could be considered every teenage girls dream. Not necessarily falling in love with a vampire, but falling in love and having that type of relationship with someone. Making that special connection with someone.

Outside Reading #1

All of my teammates from my hockey team have convinced me to start reading the "Twilight" series, written by Stephenie Meyer. Since I have not started to read it quite yet I decided to blog about an article I read on the Twilight movie that premieres November 21st. The article was written by CNN's Karen Valby, and based on Stephenie Meyer's interview with Entertainment Weekly. "I was terrified for days in advance before I saw Twilight for the first time. I was so worried it was going to be horrible and break my heart." Meyer admitted.  After watching the film Meyer's worries had melted away, the movie reflected the book perfectly! Entertainment Weekly questioned Meyer's ability to "put her foot down" when something during filming didn't look right. She responded by saying just in general she has a hard time being critical, but during this project she felt comfortable doing so incase something needed changing. Meyer also talked about the actor, Robert Pattinson, who plays Edward in the film. She explained her negative feelings that occurred when fans were outraged that he was casted to play Edward. Though the movie has not come out yet, she believes they will change their minds when they see the film. "And when they see the movie, oh my gosh, there's no way not to love him!"

The entire article can be found here.

Outside Reading

What is it about the color red?! Is it our eyes? The brightness of the color? According to CNN's Theresa Tamkins wearing the color red boosts your sex appeal. In a series of five studies, one-hundred and fifty heterosexual men rated photos of women wearing blue or red clothing. Most of the men rated the women in red more appealing than the women in blue. Wearing red may make a women "sexier" but according to author Andrew Elliot, Ph. D., "red won't make you look smarter or more competent". As the article went on Tamkins related wearing red to the presidential race. According to Elliot wearing red does not apply to the presidential candidates, but has been proven to be a negative color depending on the setting. "So why is red so sex?" The color red has also been proven to be a "sexy" color due to the fact that we relate the color red with Valentines Day. A day of romance. Researchers believe women also find the color red sexy. In conclusion these tests and results can't give us the straight facts to why is red a sex appealing color. It can only tell us that men would prefer to be with women in red over women in a different color. This whole article can be found here at CNN.com

Comic Book Superheroes in a Box

The focus on my "Heroes in a Box" project are the fictional superheroes of comic books. When I think of comic book heroes the word super instantly comes to mind. Super-powers, super-weapons, super-costumes, the list goes on forever! These characters are considered heroes because they have abnormal abilities to fight crime for the greater good.

Comic Book Superheroes:

A comic book superhero is a fictional character with superhuman powers. Powers such as the ability to fly, enhanced senses, superhuman strength, or the ability to turn back time. For example Superman's superhuman powers include the ability to fly, turn back time, and superhuman strength. 

Superheroes don't have to possess superhuman powers to be a superhero. Some characters such as Batman do not possess superhuman powers but have mastered skills such as martial arts or another type of skill to fight crime. All the photos of batman in action are of him fighting by himself without any help of a gadget. This proves that comic characters don't have to have super powers to be a superhero.

 

Other superheroes suchpossess weapons or technology that make them super.From this video I

discovered some superheroes need the help of specific weapons or technology to fight crime. Wonder

Women's bracelets give her the ability to fly. This proves some superheroes are superless without

their powerful weapons.

This pictures provides a visual of a few comic book superheroines. All superheroes aren't all

men. In a way it proves women are just as good if not better than men at fighting crime.

Conclusion:

Speaking in terms of superpowers, superheroes are divided into three groups. One group of superheroes which have superhuman powers (Superman, The Hulk, Spiderman,etc..).  The second group is based on superheroes which have mastered skills (Batman). And the third group is superheroes with super weapons or technology (Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, IronMan, etc..).

Superheroes are also categorized by gender. Men- Superman, Spiderman, Batman, etc... And women- Wonder Women, Batgirl, Supergirl, etc...

All comic book superheroes/heroines fight crime. Therefore they put their safety on the line for the safety of others. I believe this part of being a comic book superhero is what makes a superhero a hero. Someone willing to sacrifice themselves for others is a hero. Someone who sacrifices themselves for others but with super powers is a superhero.

Outside Reading

Last week the Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson's mother and brother were shot to death in their Chicago, Illinois home. Today, Sunday October 26th, Jennifer identified the bodies of her mother and brother, according to Cook County's medical examiner's office. However there's another mystery to the unfortunate event. Hudson's seven year old nephew Julian is missing. He has not been seen since friday, the day Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson and brother, Jason Hudson were killed. Jennifer's sister and Julians mom, Julia Balfour, made an announcement to the public pleading for her son back. Police have Balfour's husband, William Balfour is currently in custody. However Julian was not with W. Balfour was he went missing. W. Balfour's mother, Michele Davis-Balfour believes her son had nothing to do with the shooting and the kidnapping of Julian. Police have issued an Amber Alert for Julian. 

This article was found at CNN.com, and can be found here

Outside Reading

For the past couple of days I have taken a break from Gossip Girl. Since the election is near I decided to browse CNN.com in hopes of finding an interesting article on either Obama or McCain. The article that caught my eye was written by CNN's Jack Cafferty, explaining why dozens of foreign countries prefer Barack Obama over John McCain by a margin of almost 4 to 1. Between May and September of this year seventy countries were polled in AFrica, Europe, Asia and North and South America. Nearly half the world's population. The only people who preferred McCain over Obama were citizens of the Phillippines and Georgia. Cafferty's question "Why do citizens in s70 foreign countries prefer Barack Obama to John McCain by a margin of nearly 4-1?" was a question open to all who had an oppinion. Five answers made the air including, Obama is a "pasty" and can be pushed around, McCain and Palin are jokes. As well as because McCain is a republican, Obama is not white, and Obama is intelligent and knows how to represent America. 

The entire article a can be read at here

Comic Book Superheroes

Top Ten Comic Superheroes

1.) Superman

2.) Spiderman

3.) Batman

4.) Wolverine

5.) The Hulk

6.) Wonder Women

7.) Green Lantern

8.) Captain America

9.) Spawn

10.) The Punisher

Outside Reading

During the chapter the "the morning after" Blair over slept and is rushing to make her eleven o'clock interview for Yale University. This chapter was intriguing due to the fact Blair's character is always prompt. As Blair rushes around the hotel room she goes over the interview in her head. "Why Yale?" "Tell me about yourself." "Who is your role model." Besides wanting to be able to answer the interview questions thoughtfully and throughly, Blair wanted to look her absolute best. Blair woke up at ten o'clock and her interview was at eleven o'clock leaving her very little time. Cecily von Ziegesar does a very good job describing Blair's thoughts and emotions as she's getting ready. von Ziegesar describes Blair's put together very quick, look as smart and sophisticated. It wasn't exactly Blair's potential look, but it didn't matter it was a "Yale look". It was a look Yale was looking for. I understand the teenage girls of the Upper East Side faking their way to the top of the social pyramid. Yet I don't understand faking your way into college. I feel I would want to be myself during a college interview. Maybe thats a good thing to some and a bad thing to others, but thats just my opinion.

outside Reading

I am currently on page 123, the beginning of the chapter "best wester vs. motel 6". As of right now Blair and her step brother, Aaron, are taking a trip to visit Yale University. Yale is the only school Blair applied to and has dreamed about going to." ' I've been planning on going there since I was little.' " (Blair-page 123) Blair obviously is not aware if she has been accepted or not to Yale. Yet she is very sure that she will. Instead of reading farther into the chapter I thought about my own life. I've wanted to attend the University of Wisconsin and play on the Women's Hockey Team since I was about nine years old. Relating the two situations got me thinking. "What if my childhood life plans don't come true?" This not only scared the heck out of me, but also forced me to think about back up plans. Due to this little sentence in a random book I'm reading, I made a list of the top ten colleges I would like to attend.  As well as talk to my parents about my goals and options during and after high school. Going back to the book, Blair is obviously used to getting whatever she desires. Money is usually the essential to getting whatever she desires. However Yale University isn't something you can just buy your way into. In Blair's case and type of lifestyle. Yale could be something she could buy her way into. These thoughts make me eager to read more. Over all as much as I don't want to believe it, not all dreams come true.

Currently in Gossip Girl the drama is evolving around this wedding between Eleanor and Cyrus. Whether the drama is between Blair and Serena, or between Blair and Aaron, it all traces back to the wedding. I'm fortunate to say my parents are still married, and as a result I've never had to experience a divorce and/or stepparents. When reading this part of the story I can't help but think, "if I were in Blair's position how would I handle it." And then I realize, I would be an absolute mess. A nasty divorce, never getting to see your dad, and weird stepdad and stepbrother. It would all be too much. My conclusion to my own question also made me rethink my personal view on Blair's character. Blair's character is categorized as a "bitchy character". She's been a bitchy character in the first book as well. When I think about her situations I understand her "bitchiness". Since the beginning of the first book Blair has been experiencing some pretty negative situations. And due to experiencing negative situations, Blair has become a bitch. A flat out mean, whinny character. In this case I'm cutting Blair some slack. My view of Blair has gone from a stuck up brat to a girl whose just trying to make it through her difficult life.

The chapter I have recently read in Gossip Girl is "b gets the hell out". Previously to this chapter, Blair's mother, Eleanor Waldorf, got engaged to a man named Cyrus Rose. Blair is very unpleased with the news of her mother's engagement. Before her parent's divorce, before her father addmitted he was gay, Blair's life was picture perfect. She had a perfect family, Nate, the perfect boyfriend, and Serena, the perfect best friend. Besides the fact that her life was a total mess compared to what it used to be, Blair could not stand Cyrus. As well as Cyrus Blair is intolerant of Cyrus's son Aaron. Aaron is describe as the exact opposite of Blair with a head full of dread locks. 

During this chapter, "b gets the hell out", Eleanor is trying on wedding gowns. Blair is just sick to her stomach about this whole engagement and preparation for the wedding. Eleanor of course made Blair made of honor. As a result Blair was suppose to find a gown to wear. Blair loved to shop for just about anything. Due to the occasion the shopping would be done for, she had no interest in shopping. When Eleanor finds the dress she likes she turns to Blair and begins to question her about how she looks, is she excited for the wedding, what are her plans. It was all too much for her. Blair had to leave the bridal shop, even if it meant walking all twenty two blocks home. I can personally relate to Blair, not on her situation, but on how she is feeling. All girls can easily get overwhelmed emotionally and mentally. Whenever I feel this way I need to stop what I'm doing and just leave.

Outside Reading

  " If it weren't for the fact that she was head of the Constance's social service board, leader of the French club, and chairwomen of all the worthwhile junior social functions in the city, Blair would have told Becky to fuck off."- Cecily von Ziegesar, You know You Love Me, page 84. On the Upper East Side of Manhatten drama fills air. When it comes to keeping a good reputation however, the Drama Queens of Constance Billard's High School know how to fake a good smile. As much as these teenage girls of the Upper East Side despise each other and start nasty rumors about one another. They always seem to be somewhat pleasant to one another face to face. In other words they will fake their way to the top. If one doesn't believe faking kindness will get them to the top, then they believe rumors will. When it come to "bitchiness" the Constance Billard's social butterflies are "bitchy" in a tasteful way. They are very suttle when face to face. But behind each others backs only God knows how they start these awful rumors and spread gossip.

Outside Reading

  The book I have been reading outside of school is 'You know You Love Me', the sequel to 'Gossip Girl' by Cecily von Ziegesar. "She didn't care whether she ate steak or muscles or brains for dinner-she was fianlly going to lose her virginity!" (von Ziegesar page 4). Right from the start von Ziegesar gets into the dirty drama of the teenagers of the Upper East Side. This quote reveals how edgy this story is. von Ziegesar doesn't hold back, her writing style can also be described as edgy. She seems to not care about what people think about what she rights about, but she knows how to attract readers better than any author! To some readers this quote may have sounded appalling, while others found it exciting and wanted to read more. In the previous book Blair is a prude. Having this book start off with a topic like Blair loosing her virginity was different and intriguing. It also makes me think about the other drama that will occur through out the book. Which also leads to the thought of comparing and contrasting the drama of the Upper East Side in the book and the drama of Edina High School.

  Besides Animal Dreams I have recently read the novel 'Gossip Girl' written by Cecily Von Ziegesar. Gossip Girl is a novel written for teenagers, based on a group of teenagers living the fabulous life on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City. However not everything is fabulous, the teens of the Upper East Side are constantly dealing with drama. Drama regaurding sex, drugs, and relationships. The thesis of this novel is connected to trust. Who you think you can trust isn't always the one you should trust. Cecily Von Ziegesar proves this thesis through the relationship between two of the teens, Blair and Serena. Blair and Serena were best friends until Serena had sex with Blair's boyfriend, and a rivalry was born. Since the rivalry began between the two "frienemies" drama has filled the air on the Upper East Side, along with many rumors. I agree with the Von Ziegesar's position on the novel because it's the truth. When it comes to girl drama, especially teenage girl drama, it's tough to recognize who you can and can't trust. Therefore I loved this novel, the drama and situations actually seemed realistic, making it very hard to stop reading.

  Dependent is an adjective that describes both Hallie and Codi. The two sisters depended on eachother to survive their whole lives. The girl's are inseperable, they could be described as one soul, one heart, one person. "A slice of of white moon from the window divides their bodies deeply into light and shadow, but not one from the other. No light could show where one body ends and the other begins when they're sleeping like this. Maybe a mother's eye could tell, but that is the one possibility that can't be tried." (page 3 chapter 1) This quote proves how close Codi and Hallie were to each other, so close they couldn't even sleep without being together. "For how close together these two are, and how much they have to lose. How much they've already lost in their lives to come." (page 4 chapter 1) This quote describes how dependent they are on one another. They literally only have each other after losing their mother and being neglected by their father. Codi played the maternal role in Hallie's life, supporting, caring, and loving her. Without Codi, Hallie could not have survived. On the contrary Codi could not have survived without Hallie. Hallie was the one thing in her life that wasn't complicated or lost. Codi was guided by Hallie, as Hallie was guided by her. Though the two were referred to as one person, they were very different. Codi was one to observe and wait for things to happen on their own time, while Hallie was out making things happen. As Hallie grew more independent, Codi stayed the same. Codi continued to depend on Hallie to help guide her through her life. Codi even asked Hallie how to teach her own class. As the story progresses and Hallie is kidnapped, Codi does gain a sense of confidence. I believe this confidence does come from Hallie's absence. Without Hallie's guidance Codi must learn to live her own life and make her own decisions. Therefore Codi and Hallie can both be described as independent women. The relationship between Hallie and Codi is very strong, Codi just takes more time than Hallie does to live life.