Princess Diaries: Gowns for Prom

Prom season is coming up and everyone is trying to find the perfect dress for the perfect night. Every teenage girl wants to feel like a princess for a night, and Prom (or Senior Banquet in GRCHS case) is the closest thing we have to a ball. Finding the perfect dress might be the most difficult thing though. I personally have looked/purchased five different dresses and I think I have finally found the one I like. Shopping for dresses is very hard because you want to find one that fits your personality, but is also unique enough that someone else won't show up wearing the same dress. That is why it is probably safe to stay away from you department or very popular stores, and it more the local boutiques or bridal stores. Though the dress pictured looks more like a bed spread then the dream dress, for many girls, the big elaborate dress is just what their looking for. In the end, my hope is that I feel beautiful and have a fun time at my Senior Banquet.

Lewis, Victoria. Princess Diaries: Gowns for Prom. 24 March 2012. 25 March 2012 <http://www.teenvogue.com/style/2012/03/prom-gown-ideas#intro>.

Wedding Gown with 2-Mile Train Breaks World Records

You are going to need a lot of flower girls to carry this train down the aisle. "Romanian design house Andree Salon unveiled a couture wedding gown with a 1.85-mile-long train — a world record-setter. The train took 100 days to create, a spokeswoman for the designer tells the U.K.’s Daily Mail, and required the meticulous work of 10 seamstresses. It’s made of pricey lace imported from France, plus taffeta sourced from Italy." They hired a 17-year-old model to show this unique dress off.

Who needs an almost 2-mile-long train, I'm not quite sure, and the time and effort put into such a thing for a 17-year-old model to wear instead of an actual bride seems a little over the top. I can see how it would be cool to be in the world record slot of making the longest wedding dress train, but it seems like a lot of time and money for a little spot of fame. I do like wedding dresses and long trains, but a 2-mile-long train is probably the limit for any bride-to-be. The only question I have left is how heavy the dress is now and would you really be able to walk down the aisle?

Biel, Jessica. PHOTO: Wedding Gown with 2-Mile Train Breaks World Records. 21 March 2012. 25 March 2012 <http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2012/03/21/wedding-dresses-worlds-longest-train/?xid=rss-topheadlines>.

The Host: Take a First Look at Stephenie Meyer's New Sci-Fi Movie

Once again, one of Stephenie Meyer's books will hit the big screen, but Twilight fans should be warned, there are no vampires or werewolves in this film. The Host is Stephanie's 2008 Sci-Fi alien romance novel. "Irish actress Saoirse Ronan plays Melanie, one of the world's last remaining free spirits. As an alien named Wanderer assumes control of Melanie's soul, Melanie's remaining emotions still draw her to a handsome human named Jared (Max Irons). Rounding out the cast: Diane Kruger, who plays Seeker, an alien sent to regulate the takeover of Earth's population." The first previews for this movie was seen by The Hunger Games fans when it was shown during the previews before the new movie began. The Host is planned to come out on March 29, 2013.

I have personally read The Host and though it was about four years ago, I do recall that is was nothing like the Twilight series that Stephenie Meyer is so famous for. When they say that it's a "alien romance" they aren't exaggerating. I also saw the previews before The Hunger Games and was very excited that I recognized the book before the preview even said what movie the trailer was for. I am very excited to see this movie and waiting the long year before the chance to will be very hard. It may give me time though to re-read The Host in time for the movie.

Tauber, Michelle. The Host: Take a First Look at Stephenie Meyer's New Sci-Fi Movie. 22 March 2012. 25 March 2012 <http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20580919,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines>.

Hilary Duff: I Can't Believe I Have a Baby!

Little Hilary Duff is all grown up! Starting her career as Wendy in Casper, Hilary Duff has gone a long ways from those days. "The new mom, 24, who gave birth to son Luca Cruz Comrie on Tuesday, is sharing her joy with the world, calling her little one, "the most wonderful, sweet, adorable baby." Hilary announced that she was pregnaunt in August and was ready to start a new chapter in her life with her husband and child. "She described the experience of being pregnant as, "Kind of like a little alien has taken over your body. You just don’t quite feel normal."

I grew up watching Hilary Duff on Disney Channel in her show "Lizzie McGuire" and listening to her music. It's really weird to think about her being all grown up, married and having a child, especially since she's really not that much older than I am. I feel like just yesterday I was sitting on the floor watching all the movies that she starred in that I loved watching. It just shows how fast life goes and how much you want to take in every moment of it, even if it just a TV show that you loved to watch when you were little.

Shira, Dahvi. Hilary Duff: I Can't Believe I Have a Baby! 23 March 2012. 25 March 2012 <http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20581469,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+people%2Fheadlines+%28PEOPLE.com%3A+Top+Headlines%29&utm_content=Google+Reader>.

“Hunger Games” Gives Taylor a Break—From Her Own Life

Ever since Taylor Swift was little, she loved writing songs, singing, and dreaming of being a famous country singer. She is most famous for writing songs about her life, songs that are really true. "Drew looks at me, and I fake a smile so he won't see, she sang in "Teardrops on My Guitar." Yep, she really has an ex-boyfriend named Drew. Yep, there are critics who really have been "Mean." When she got the opportunity to change from her normal entertainment and write songs for the new move The Hunger Games, she took the opportunity. Writing from the main character's, Katniss, point of view, Swift has to write about a girl who has to fight for her life in what is called The Hunger Games.

"Slipping into her mind was such a wonderful break," Taylor tells Rolling Stone magazine. "It's pretty intense writing about my own life, my own struggles. It was almost like a vacation to get to write from someone else's perspective."

I have been listening to Taylor Swift ever since her first song came out. What I love so much about her is that she writes real stuff. She writes about things that have really happened to her and things that people can relate to. I can see how fun it was for Taylor to write in a different perspective then her normal self. It was probably even more fun to write about a character that so many people are excited about. The Hunger Games has become a huge hit since the movie was announced and now that the movie has been released, I can only imagine how much bigger it will become. Taylor has written two songs for The Hunger Games Soundtrack, including a duet with thesinging group The Civil Wars.

Schmitt, Brad. “Hunger Games” Gives Taylor a Break—From Her Own Life. 16 March 2012. 25 March 2012 <http://www.countryweekly.com/news/hunger-games-gives-taylor-break-her-own-life>.

Lady A to Play Free Concert for Tornado-Ravaged High School

"Lady A announced the winner of its "Own the Prom Night" contest Tuesday (March 20). And the winner is Henryville High School in southern Indiana, which was battered by storms just days after Lady A announced the contest. Schools as far away as northern Wisconsin submitted videos pleading with Lady A to pick Henryville." Even Henryville's rival high schools nearby entered the school in for the contest. The students feel so blessed that some schools would try to help them get the group for their prom instead of their own. "Lady A has a gig the actual night of the school's prom, so the group instead will play a free show for juniors and seniors in nearby Louisville, Ky., May 16. Then, Lady A will do a benefit show for the community."

This is one of the reasons why I love country music so much. Country music is more then just a genre of music, it's a community. For schools from all different areas to come together and try to make a different in students lives after something devastating happened is an amazing thing. This is when contest like this is a great idea, where you can truly make a difference in someones life because now they can have a night to remember. I know that for myself, it could have been hard nominating another school for a concert that I would love to go to, but in the end, I'm sure the schools where thrilled that they could make a difference. This just shows that you really can touch other peoples lives even if you think that nothing will happen in the long run.



Schmitt, Brad. Lady A to Play Free Concert for Tornado-Ravaged High School. 21 March 2012. 25 March 2012 <http://www.countryweekly.com/news/lady-play-free-concert-tornado-ravaged-high-school>.

Taylor, Band Perry Each Hit 4 Million Mark for Single Songs

It's sometimes hard to believe what songs get picked for No. 1 song of the week, but it may be even harder to think about a song selling over 4 million copies. Taylor Swift has just hit the 4 million mark with her song "You Belong With Me". She now has two songs to pass this mark with "Love Story".

The Band Perry also hit 4 million in sales for the single "If I Die Young"

"And the No. 1 best-selling country single of all time? Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now" has sold more than 5.7 million copies."

I am so happy for these three entertainers for their achievements in the music world. I love listening to all three of these groups and enjoying the music that they sing. It's so cool to hear about how their songs influence peoples lives and how they have become such great hits. I hope that they keep going with their talents and continue making music for all their fans. I know that I will listen to them for as long as they keep producing great songs.

Schmitt, Brad. Taylor, Band Perry Each Hit 4 Million Mark for Single Songs. 23 March 2012. 25 March 2012 <http://www.countryweekly.com/news/taylor-band-perry-each-hit-4-million-mark-single-songs>.

Last week's 'Glee' inspires record traffic for The Trevor Project

"Glee" winter finale last week contained the story line of teen suicide when former bully, Karofsky, found himself attempting suicide after being a target for gay bullying. "The episode included a PSA for the Trevor Project, a national organization that helps prevent LGBT suicide that counts Daniel Radcliffe and "Glee's" own Chris Colfer, Darren Criss, Kevin McHale, and Adler among its supporters." The episode allowed the Trevor Project's website and phone line being overwhelmed with views of the show. Cofounder of the Trevor Project, Peggy Rajski, says that they were ready for an overload of viewer to go to their website. "Rajski says the Trevor Project toll-free number fielded triple the number of calls normally received, plus a huge online boost. "On average, our site probably attracts about an average of 1500 visits a day," she admits. "Tuesday we got 10,000. There's the power of network TV."

I watch "Glee" every week on Tuesday nights, and though I view it as a fun show and a little cheesy, it was cool to see the producers use it for a way to get a message across. Gay bullying is a problem for American teenagers and it must be a hard thing to have to live through. When I started watching "Glee" I never thought that I would actually seen things I could learn from, but I have. "Glee" has done many episodes that contribute to real teenagers today. A young girl getting pregnant, but still being able to pursue her dreams to go to Yale. Or a young man who thought there was no other way out and decided to attempt suicide. We can learn from these episodes, we need to realize that there are people out there that go through this everyday, and we need to respect and reach out to those people so that we can help them. We do need to remember that this is just a show also, and the dramatized reactions might not be the best way to approach a situation that can be touchy. I respect the organization and the producers of "Glee" to use an episode to send a message about things happening in real life. It is awesome that so many people responded in a positive way. Calling and visiting the Trevor Project's website and seeing what the organization is all about.

Stack, Tim. Last week's 'Glee' inspires record traffic for The Trevor Project. 28 February 2012. 1 March 2012 <http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/28/showbiz/tv/glee-trevor-project-ew/index.html?hpt=hp_bn4>.

Does Walking Make You Smart? Yes, and In More Ways Than You Think

So does walking everyday really help make you smarter? Well in some ways it can. Doing exercise everyday can help with concentration, mood, self esteem, and physical heath. Exercise, such as walking, is a great way to get your body in the shape that it should be because it is fast and easy and very in expensive. Most of the time people can't afford to do a sport that requires equipment because of the cost or they don't join gyms because of the membership fee. Some sports also require some skill, which can make people depressed if they are unable to fulfill the required skills for the sport. Walking is a great alternative because it's practically free, and there is no skill needed. A great way to get into walking is to use a pedometer while exercising. This will count your total steps throughout the day. "They provide ongoing feedback on your walking progress and most professionals suggest aiming for 10,000 steps per day. This translates into about 5 miles of walking." This helps you get motivated and to think about making time to exercise. After a while you will think about how to get over the required steps and doing things purposely to get more steps in, like parking farther away from the grocery store, or taking the stairs instead of an elevator. In the end walking is a win-win situation because it is easy to do and it's something you can do everyday with out a hassle of going to the gym.
I run cross country and track right now. I understand how stress-free I feel during the sports seasons because I get to take a little time for myself and not think about anything but running. I see how my grades improve a little during the season because I have a little more motivation to get things done. I have seen in high school how much I miss having recess during school. Just having a half hour to hang with friends and be able to run around a play was a great stress reliever. It was a time where you were practically forced to take a break from school and not worry about it for a little bit. Now we just spend our days sitting in classrooms, under florescent lighting, and maybe seeing the light of day before and after school walking to and from your car to go to school or home. It's too bad that we lose the privilege to be able to go outside during the day especially during some of the most stressful times in our lives.

My mom is on weight watchers, and she pretty much lost all her weight by wearing a perdometer. She mentally thought about what she needed to do throughout the day to get over the 10,000 step goal. She lost a ton of weight and her self esteem went way up. She is a happier person now and she enjoys excersising throughout the week.

Against Banning Books

Many school libraries have started banning books from their shelves in the hope that students will pick better books to read then ones certain people feel as inappropriate. On a teen website, a student writes an opinion essay about what she thinks about banning books. Many things she writes I agree with when it comes to this topic. One this she writes is, "First, I believe that education should be open to everyone. Everyone should have an opportunity to read any literature of their choosing and form his or her own opinions based on the reading. Micah Issitt lists "three basic rights covered under the freedom of the press: the right to publish, the right to confidentiality of sources, and the right of citizens to access the products of the press." I agree that education should be something chosen upon by the student. Throughout our lives, we are required to take certain classes because it is require we know how to do certain things. This includes grammar, math, science, and history. We are even required to read certain books. But one thing that is unique about the written word is that anything you want to read is out there. Reading books is the only why that you get to learn about what you want to know. Even if the book is a fantasy or a fiction book, the reader can learn how to create stories and ideas using imagination.

The student continues saying, "My second reason specifically addresses the last right stating that citizens should have access to the press. The government should not restrict books from being published or interfere into personal affairs as this is an infringement of the First Amendment." I respect that the government wants to protect the next generation from things that may not be good for them, but they don't really have that authority. Even though Harry Potter is seen as a witchcraft filled book that gives students ideas of untrue practices, I personally think that Harry Potter is a way that a student can step into a new world and use imagination in a way that they may not have thought of themself. The government should warn parents about books that they think may not be approprate for their children, but not make a ban list for people to go by without even evaluating the books themselves.  

The studend concludes with, "Finally, I believe that parents should monitor what their own children read, but not have the authority to ban other children from reading these novels." I understand that parents want to protect their children from certain ideas, but that shouldn't mean that they can ban it from othe children also.

I love reading books. It's a way for me to escape the stress of life and jump into a story that I probably myself would never think of writing. I can't imagine someone not being able to continue reading a series of books because their library decided to ban the book. I understand that books can also be purchased, but the whole point of a library was for students to be able to borrow a book and then return it without having to go out and buy the book they may never read again. I'm glad I have parents that trust me in the things that I read and trust that I know what things are right and good, and what things are just fantasy.

K., Neha. Against Banning Books. 14 March 2012 <http://teenink.com/opinion/social_issues_civics/article/131038/Against-Banning-Books/>. Web.

Emma Watson: People Said I Had ‘Lesbian’ Hair

After the final Harry Potter film, Emma Watson decided to cut her long hair into a pixie cut. Unfortunently, first reaction from journalists not  was not what she was hoping for. “I had journalists asking me if this meant I was coming out, if I was a lesbian now,” she tells the U.K.'s Independent. "That haircut did make me realize how subjective everyone’s opinion is. Some people were crazy for it and some people just thought I’d lost my [mind].” After Harry Potter, Emma was ready to experiment with her style, but she got a lot of negative responses. She now says that she thinks a little more carefully about what she wears, but doesn't consider any of her formal outfits a mistake. “I’m a multidimensional person and that’s the freedom of fashion,” she says, “that you’re able to reinvent yourself through how you dress and how you cut your hair or whatever.”

After being part of Harry Potter for most of her life, Emma Watson is happy to have the freedom to choose her own style and look. I respect that Emma continues to choose her own look, even after journalist disagreed with her choices in style. Emma Watson is a beautiful girl and if she wants to try a new hair style, then I think she should have the freedom to try what she likes. She shouldn't automatically be accused of being a lesbian, or an edgy person, because thats not who Emma is. Growing up and watching her on Harry Potter, I could see that she was a strong young girl who wanted to live life to the fullest. Now that the films are done, she should have the freedom to have what ever style she wants.


Harman, Justine. Emma Watson: People Said I Had ‘Lesbian’ Hair. 21 February 2012. 26 February 2012 <http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2012/02/21/emma-watson-haircut-lesbian-rumors/?xid=rss-topheadlines>.

Taylor Swift's Surprising Response to Prom Invitation

"Taylor Swift was asked to the prom, but she's taking her date to an awards show instead." Kevin McGuire, a high school football player, was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of thirteen. Unfortunently, at the age of eighteen, the cancer has come back. Kevin's family and friend wanted to make Kevins dreams come true by making a Facebook page asking Taylor to the prom. Over 87,000 people viewed the page and the news spread to Taylor herself. "Kevin, I'm so sorry but I won't be able to make it to your prom. But I was wondering, the ACM Awards are coming up. Would you be my date?" the singer asked via Facebook." Kevin told USA Today that he obviously said yes, saying that going to the ACM is a lot better than a senior prom. Due to his sickness though, he is unsure if he is able to attend the award show.

I wish that all celebrities could be like Taylor Swift. She is a true role model for all her fans and she wants to make her fans happy. I'm glad that the headlines for Taylor is about her helping someone instead of doing something contriversial, which is what so many healines for celebreties have now. It's really cool that Taylor wants to make a total strangers dream come true by givinghim a night of a lifetime. I'm sure that Kevin's friends and family are thrilled that Kevin gets to fulfill his dream. I hope that this gives Kevin the encouragement he needs to continue to fight through his cancer and try to fulfill all his life goals. This is a great encouragment for other teenagers that have cancer and want to try to fulfill their own dreams.



Nicholson, Jessica. Taylor Swift's Surprising Response to Prom Invitation. 24 February 2012. 26 February 2012 <http://www.countryweekly.com/news/taylor-swifts-surprising-response-prom-invitation>.

J.K. Rowling Working on a New Novel – Not for Kids

J.K. Rowling is writing again! Though her Harry Potter series was aimed for all ages, her new nevel is specifically toward adult readers. "Although I've enjoyed writing it every bit as much, my next book will be very different from the Harry Potter series, which has been published so brilliantly by Bloomsbury and my other publishers around the world," Rowling, 46, said in a statement released by Little, Brown."  Rowling is excited to expore new territory that she gained from her success with Harry Potter.

Though many people think that a children's author changing her style to an adult audience might not be a smart move, but J.K. Rowling is not your ordinary author. Coming from a very poor life, and living off of welfare, Rowling changed her life by persuing her Harry Potter series, which we all know was a huge success. All fans of Rowling will surely read her new book when it comes out, no matter what age you are. Most of us that grew up reading Harry Potter is now at an age where we can read the new book that she is writing. I am very excited to hear what her new book is about and I can't wait to jump into another story writen by J.K. Rowling.



Raftery, Liz. J.K. Rowling Working on a New Novel – Not for Kids. 24 February 2012. 26 February 2012 <http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20573343,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines>.

Savannah Hardin, 9, Dies After Being Forced to Run for 3 Hours

Savannah Hardin, a 9-year-old girl, died after allegedly being force to run for three hours. She was forced by her grandmother and stepmother to run as a pushiment for lying about eating a candy bar. "According to the Birmingham News, her stepmother, Jessica Mae Hardin, called 911 at 6:45 p.m. and reported that Savannah was having a seizure and was unresponsive." Savannah was taken to the Children's Hopital in Birmingham, Alabama, where she was taken off of life support. The third grader's death has been ruled a homicide by a state pathologist. Reports indicate that Savannah was extremely dehydrated and very low sodium levels. "According to AP reports, Savannah had a very common bladder condition and could not handle the caffeine in a chocolate bar. It is not believed, however, that the bladder condition contributed to her death." Savannah's stepmother and grandmother are both being charged with murder. If capital murder charges are pursued, they may face the death penalty.

Reading this article, I felt very grateful for being blessed with a loving family. I know that many people have family problems, but after reading this article, I feel bad that a little girl had to experience this kind of abuse. Being a runner myself, I can understand the feeling of being dehydrated, but I could never imagine being so dehydrated that you have to be hopitalized as a result. I can understand that a parent can be mad about a child eating a candy bar, but punishing them to the extent of making a child do some kind of excerise that most people don't do, is a little excessive. Though running is a very common excerise, and though many people don't usually die from running, running for three hours is a little over the top even for very athletic people. Running for cross country, my longest running is a little over an hour long. Now I know that if I worked up to a run that last three hours I would probably be fine. The key word is "worked up", not many people can just go out a run for three hours without having some kind of training for that kind of excerise. Especially for a 9-year-old, doing this kind of extreme excerise probably contributed some to her death.

Orloff, Brian. Savannah Hardin, 9, Dies After Being Forced to Run for 3 Hours. 24 February 2012. 26 February 2012 http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20573491,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+people%2Fheadlines+%28PEOPLE.com%3A+Top+Headlines%29&utm_content=Google+Reader.

Taylor Gets Grammy Revenge on “Mean” Critics

Taylor Swift has done it again! Many Taylor Swift fans know about the meaning behind her song, "Mean", about the critic that said she wouldn't make it in the music world. Taylor  to achieved revenge on the critic after winning two grammys for the song that tells it all. "Not only that, but Taylor performed the song, and put in the words Someday I'll be singing this at the Grammys. . . . The crowd rewarded the performance with a standing ovation." This shows how true Taylor is to her music. She writes about her life and what she believes. Taylor always feels blessed to be able to attend the grammys and is always grateful to be nominated or to even win one.

When I first hear the song "Mean", my first thought was, "Oh man, what ex-boyfriend is it this time. Until I heard on the radio that the song was actually about a critic that dislike Taylor and said she would not make it in the music business. Wasn't he wrong! Taylor has been an inspirational singer for my fans and will continue impressing us in the years to come. I'm excited to hear and see all that she has to offer in new music and performances. I am sure that all her fans will need something a little bigger than a mean critic to stop listening and loving Taylor Swift songs.



Schmitt, Brad. Taylor Gets Grammy Revenge on “Mean” Critics. 13 February 2012. 26 February 2012 http://www.countryweekly.com/news/taylor-gets-grammy-revenge-mean-critics.

Update: Sugarland Was Never Asked to Delay Indy Show

Country group, Sugarland, has been in the spotlight lately for the controversial concert disaster in Indiana. As a result of very bad weather, the stage at the outdoor concert collapsed. Many people were hurt and seven people died. It was said that Sugarland had been asked to delay the concert until the weather passed, but the group refused because they needed to get to their next show. New insight has been made, claiming the musical group was never asked to postpone the concert. "Furthermore, in a response to a lawsuit, Sugarland says it had nothing to do with the tragic accident, saying instead "a gust of wind of unprecedented intensity" caused the staging to blow over onto the crowd, and that the incident was "a true accident or act of God," WRTV reports." Unfortunately, it is very hard to find the true problem with what happened at this concert. Though many people do blame Sugarland, the most important thing to the musical group is their fans.

After hearing about this tragic event on the televison and in the paper, it's really sad to think that so many people are wrapped up in blaming others for something that is very uncontrollable. In the end, it doesn't really matter if Sugarland did or did not try to postpone the concert. There was still a very tragic event that happened and we need to think more about the families of the people who were hurt or died due to this event, than trying to blame someone. My hope is that the true fans of Sugarland will continue to support them during this hard time. Sugarland is still the same fun loving country group that we enjoy singing with and listening to often.



Schmitt, Brad. Update: Sugarland Was Never Asked to Delay Indy Show. 21 February 2012. 26 February 2012 http://www.countryweekly.com/news/update-sugarland-was-never-asked-delay-indy-show.

Zac Efron Jokes He'll Spend Valentine's Day with Taylor Swift

Rumors have been made stating that Taylor Swift and Zac Efron are dating. "The two were spotted being "flirty" at a dinner together last month in L.A., and the web blew up from there." In an interview with Zac, he was asked about Valentine's Day, he said that he would probably just stay home. When he was told that Taylor would probably be doing the same thing, he joked that they should "team up" on the holiday. When he realized what he had just said, he commented, saying, ""Wait a sec. Uh, no, we're really good friends. She's trying to teach me how to play the guitar." Taylor and Zac can be heard on the big screen in the upcoming animated film, The Lorax, which opens March 2.

Poor Taylor, can never get a break about her dating life. Or just be able to go out with a friend for dinner without everyone thinking that she is dating him. Now maybe in the end, Taylor is actually dating Zac Efron, but that is still her business until she wants everyone to know. It maybe partly her fault for these rumors also, since Taylor is so famously known for her boyfriends, and writing songs about them, especially break-up songs. I still feel bad that she has to go around with people talking about her boyfriends, what songs shes writing about them, or what guy she will be going for next. It almost feels like a game sometimes. The press makes it feel like Taylor doesn't really care about the relationship or that there actually wasn't a relationship in the first place. I will have to say though, it is kinda fun trying to guess what songs are written for which boyfriend...

Schmitt, Brad. Zac Efron Jokes He’ll Spend Valentine’s Day With Taylor. 10 February 2012. 10 February 2012 <http://www.countryweekly.com/news/zac-efron-jokes-hell-spend-valentines-day-taylor>.

David Nail Celebrates No. 1 Song

Newcomer, David Nail, is still in shock from his number one hit song, "Let it Rain". He celebrates his hit with a party at the Nashville Offices of performance rights organization ASCAP. David still has a hard time realizing that his song is a number one hit. Along with his other 2009 hit "Red Light", David feels completely blessed for coming so far. He has toured with Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum.

He is now on tour with pop singer Gavin DeGraw. David comments on the tour, saying, "I'm a huge Gavin fan and have been since his very first record. We've covered one of his songs in our show off and on for a couple of years now. It seems like he has a strong appreciation for Nashville and for our format here. It's funny, for the last six to 12 months, I would hear people comment on 'How come a country act doesn't [tour] with a pop act?' or vice versa and I always thought in the back of my mind that, given the opportunity, that that would be a cool thing. What better way to bring country listeners to Gavin DeGraw and pop listeners who have never really entertained the thought of country music [to country]? Hopefully we can do that together. At the end of the day, hopefully, we can kind of convert some people over, to not just me, but to recognize that there's a whole host of artists over here that they should pay attention to."

I am a big country fan, and I love that when my cell phone goes off, it plays "Let it Rain" by David Nail. My friend and I enjoy going to the B-93 Birthday Bash in the summer because it is a concert specifically for new coming artist to be heard. Though we have never heard David Nail there, we have seen The Band Perry, the Jane Dear Girls, and Eric Church. I love listening to new country artist to see how there songs compare to artist that have been in the business for most of my lifetime. Being a big Rascal Flatts fan, I love listening for different sounds and instruments the artist experiment with in their music. I also enjoy listening to Taylor Swift. Taylor, being closer to age with me, is an inspirational singer that most teenage girls look up to as a role model. I also love the fact that so many people have come to country music through her so they can hear the great music of this genre, like David Nail. I am so happy that David can gain the title of having a number one song. His song "Let is Rain" and "Red Light", from 2009, are some of my favorite songs, and I am very excited to hear his next number one hit.

Nicholson, Jessica. David Nail Celebrates No. 1 Song. 7 February 2012. 10 February 2012 <http://www.countryweekly.com/news/david-nail-celebrates-no-1-song>.

Billionaire, 48, Adopts Girlfriend, 42, as Daughter

                                           

When you think things couldn't get any weirder...a man decides to adopt his girlfriend instead of just popping the question. John Goodman faces civil trial for the death of Scott Patrick Wilson, who was 23-years-old. Police say that Goodman was driving his car when he ran a stop sign and slammed into Scott Wilson's car. "Attorneys for Wilson's parents, who are suing the billionaire, speculate the adoption may be designed to protect Goodman's children's trust, estimated to be worth "several hundred million dollars." As Goodman's legal child, a third of the beneficiary interest in the trust would be entitled to Hitchins.

Why does our world have to be so strange? Or the real question, why do people have to do weird things? If you have a girlfriend that is almost the same age as you, it should not be legal to adopt her. Either pop the question, or find someone that you actually want as a partner in life. Also, if your boyfriend was being convicted for killing a man and was going to spend life in prison, why on earth would you want anything to do with him? This was probably a result of wanting his money and since he is going to be in jail for the rest of his life, someone might as well use the money...

Shira, Dahvi. Billionaire, 48, Adopts Girlfriend, 42, as Daughter. 2 February 2012. February 7 2012http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20566900,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines.

The Band Perry Throws First Prank Punch at Paisley

If you are a country music fan or a Brad Paisley fan, then you know the well known stories of the many pranks Brad is know for doing on his tours. After just kicking off his new tour, The Band Perry, who is the opening for the concert, decided to throw the first punch towards Brad. "The trio, asked to join Brad onstage for the dark "Whiskey Lullaby," decided to lighten things up by wearing pointy Spock ears onstage for the song. Brad couldn't help but laugh."

This is just one of the many reasons why I love country music. It is fun to hear about the singers having fun and enjoying the concert that they perform. It's hard to remember sometimes that even though this is partly their jobs to perform in concerts, but to also enjoy themselves while on the road. When Taylor Swift and Kellie Pickler went on tour with Brad, they pulled a prank on him during one of his concerts. While Brad was singing "Ticks", Taylor and Kellie came out on stage in huge tick costumes that Taylor had bought off the internet. It's good to know that the artists are having just as much fun at their concerts. I have personally been to one of Brad Paisley's concerts, and though there were no recgonizable pranks during the concert, it was still one of the best concerts I have ever seen. Brad, The Band Perry, and Scotty Mccreery, all showed how much they enjoyed their opening night for the new tour through the songs they sang and their awesome performances.

Schmitt, Brad. The Band Perry Throws First Prank Punch at Paisley. 31 January 2012. 1 February 2012 <http://www.countryweekly.com/news/band-perry-throws-first-prank-punch-paisley>.