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.