I read an article on Kare11.com called Australian couple loses home via Facebook. An attorney in Australia used Facebook to contact a couple with the paperwork claiming that they have lost their home. The supreme court in Australia approved this action because several other attempts at contacting the couple were made. "Australian courts have given permission in the past for people to be served via e-mail and text messages when it was not possible to serve them in person." McCormack said that he found the facebook page by using information that he had like birthdate and e-mail address. He also said that niether had any restrictions to keep them from looking at their page. "It's somewhat novel, however we do see it as a valid method of bringing the matter to the attention of the defendant," said McCormack, who represents a mortgage lender."
Pirates from Somalia and Yamen were captured by the Indian navy after being threatened. The Indian navy were bringing merchant ships into the Gulf of Somalia when they recieved a distress call from men on the MVGibe saying they were being attacked by two boats. A few other boats had been attacked by these pirates previously but no one knew exactly who or how it happened. "It was not immediately clear what would happen to the pirates captured by the Indians, or where they would be taken. The statement said only that the prisoners and their weapons would be "handed over to appropriate authorities ashore."" The pirates were said to have had riffles, machine guns, grenades etc. "U.S. Vice Adm. Bill Gortney told reporters that it is difficult to identify pirates, and the potential for killing innocent civilians "cannot be overestimated.""
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/12/07/boxoffice.ew/index.html Written by Joshua Rich
Post-Thanksgiving weekend is a slow weekend for movie theaters. Four Christmases stayed at the number 1 spot. While the highly anticipated Twilight took a near second making $13.2 million. The top five hasn't changed much recently with Bolt, Australia, and Quantum Of Solace taking the 3rd, 4th, and 5th spots again. Punisher: War Zone took in only $4 million which is a huge drop from when The Punisher premiered a couple years ago. Another new movie, Cadillac Records, took in about $3.5 million only being played in 686 theaters. "Overall, the slow box office was actually up more than 6 percent from the same, even slower frame a year ago, when The Golden Compass produced disappointing returns."
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20244777,00.html By: Charlotte Triggs
The worlds most famous polar bear name Knut turned two recently but instead of celebrating the zoo in Berlin is trying to find a new place for him. The zoo officials say that he is getting to big to stay in his current surroundings. Knut, now weighing 450 lbs is getting close to being too big to stay where he is at. As of now Knut is staying at the zoo but in a couple months he will proabably be sent to a new home. Because Knut brings in a majoraty of the buisness the Zoo recieves it will be a loss but they can't do much about it. They are hoping to keep Knut in the city but somewhere he will have enough room to live.
Two men are suing Wal-mart for injuries that were caused on black friday by the mad rush of people. Not only were many injured, including these two guys, one store employee died when he was unlocking the doors at opening. Some lawsuits are claiming that their injuries were caused because of "carelessness, recklessness, negligence." Others are claiming that Wal-mart could have prevented all these injuries and even death by being more prepared. For example they could have had barriers, and security to help avoid the mosh of people. It is being said that police had come many times throughout the night to help keep all the custumors in order. They had not been called until 5 a.m. when the stampede had already happened. It is said that once doors were opened many fell to the ground, but the store employee was trampeled by hundreds and later comfirmed to be dead, while other workers fought to get out of the way.
In the middle of this book Brett decides to invite Sebastion over to try and help show Bretts boyfriend and his family her families true colors. In the meantime back at Yvonnes apartment, Tinsley gets advice from Jenny to go for Julian and try to win him back. But all her chances Sleigh is there to constantly try and top her. Jenny trys to stay calm and not get attached to Casey no matter how badly she wants to. She ends up saying something stupid and later that day Casey was gone with not even a goodybe. The morning after Yvonnes big party, Tinsley continues to go after Julian and they end up going sledding but unfortunatly for Tinsley, Sleigh joins them. Meanwhile, Callie decides to spend the day with a guy she met the night before, no feelings attached, and go around the city. When they return she realizes she lost the ring that Easy had given her in the envelope with the letter and slowly starts to freak out. It gets worse when she realizes she's late to meet him.
Tonight at the American Music Awards Chris Brown won the award for rap/hip-hop artist of the year but couldn't even believe that out of all of the artists nomminated he would be the one to win. Chris Brown said, "I don't know what to say. I would have given it to Coldplay". Another big artist to win was Kanye West. After his big fiasco last year about not losing no one expected him saying, "I want to give this award to Wayne," but is still dwelling on the past adding in, "If it was last year it would have been my award." Kanye later on performed at the end of the award show. Many others won including Taylor Swift, for female country artist, The Jonas Brothers, for breakout artist of the year, Rihanna winning two awards for pop/rock female artist and female soul R&B artist, and many others. The Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, and more, making this years American Music Awards a great one.
In the beginning of this book it is the beginning of Thanksgiving break. Jenny, Tinsley, Callie and the whole gang are all heading home to spend time with their families. While on the train to the airport plans change and they decide to all spend the break at Jennys place. Once they get to there they are in for a suprise when Jenny sees that her dad had a whole group of interesting people and decide that Yvonnes party sounds better than staying. When they reach Yvonnes penthouse apartment old flames rekindle and new flames are ignighted. But you are left wondering what drama will unfold when Tinsley sees Sleigh, her evil roomate from freshmen year, buddy-buddy with her true love Julian. Callie is anxiously waiting to meet Easy again, thanks to his letter she found. While Jenny is trying to not get attached to anyone and just have fun, but when she meets Casey it makes things harder. At the same time Brett is back home having to deal with her family acting abnormal due to her sister, Bree, boyfriend and family staying with them.
I read an article on CMT.com about Taylor Swifts new album. Her new album, Fearless, released November 11, 2008. Taylor talks about how fascinating fairy tales are since they are so different from reality. That you tell yourself that one day your 'prince' will come sweep you off your feet but instead you have to deal with being cheated on, and break-ups. On Taylor's new album her songs talk about hardships in relationships, but also about her best friend, and her mom. On her new album you can find a couple main themes. "Yeah, I'm fascinated by the theme of love and kissing and breaking up and fairy tales and boys. That's what I love to write songs about." Taylor recently had a break-up with Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers and just in time for her album she wrote a song about it, and did a last minute recording session to get it on the CD. In this article she talks about how much of a hopeless romantic she is and how it shows in some of her songs. " I think the perfection of love is that it's not perfect."
I read an article on Kare 11.com by Renee Tessman. Today on the U of M campus a world record was set for the most flu shots given in a single location. They only needed to get over 3,300 but the goal was 10,000. By noon they had given 4,400 and had beaten the world record but that didn't stop them. Thousands of students showed up at the event from hearing about it in many different ways. Some by a facebook event, some by flyers, and even YouTube. Although they did break the record they did much more. This also helped make the U of M campus at much less risk of an outbreak. The U of M had reached it's goal of giving 10,000 flu shots by 4:00pm. Many students had a lot of fun knowing they were part of breaking a world record and knowing they would be in the Guinness Book of World Records.
I read the book Tempted by Cecily Von Ziegesar. This is part of the It Girls Series. The second time i read this book i caught a lot more details. In this book Jenny Humphryey claims she burns down the farm, but someone bribes the Dean and she doesn't get expelled. After all that drama is over, it's not really over. Since she didn't get expelled, Tinsley was not satisfied and tried to cause more trouble for Jenny. At the same time Jenny is trying to avoid Tinsleys messes Callie is trying to find a way to win back Easy since he dumper her after she helped Tinsley get Jenny expelled. It doesn't go well but when Callie is in danger and needs his help he comes to rescue her. While at the same time Jenny and Tinsley attempt to put aside their differences to also help save Callie, but they end up with more problems of their own.
I read an article about the Jonas Brothers in the August Rolling Stone called The Clean Teen Machine. This article was written by Jason Gay. In this article it goes through a day in the life of the Jonas Brothers and also goes back and looks upon old memories they have of growing up. In this article Jason Gay talks about how the Jonas Brothers have become huge. Girls of all ages everywhere love the Jonas Brothers. Two years ago they were driving around in a van playing shows for maybe a hundred people, and now they are headlining their own sold out tour. Although they are brothers and are with each other 24/7 they still have characteristics that make then different. Kevin (20) is very social, while Joe (19) is said to be quieter when he isn't on stage, and Nick (16) is the 'boss' of them all. This article also has them talk about their purity rings that they all have, and what they stand for. Throughout their career they have been dropped by Columbia Records but picked up by Disney. Once they opened for Miley Cyrus on the Best Of Both Worlds tour their fame started to skyrocket. Although they are 'today's pop phenom' they realize that not everything lasts forever. They plan on writing music for all their lives and Nick even says that it would be fun to write and produce music for other artists under different names. Since they didn't get their fame handed to them and they have worked hard for what they are accomplishing now, they know what to look out for and how to handle different situations.
I read an article about Ashley Tisdale in the newest Seventeen Magazine. This article was written by Jane Nussbaum. Ashley Tisdale or well known as Sharpay from High School Musical is said to be "The life of the party" by Zac Efron (Troy in High School Musical). Ashley Tisdale has been acting since she was very little and never gave up on her dream. She started her career as a model and then moved on to acting. Even though she has had a great career already there is still so much she would love to do like producing shows and movies. She talks about how all her friends she's made from High School Musical, like Zac, and Vanessa and how she met her current boyfriend, Jared Murillo on set of High School Musical because he was a backup dancer. Ashley also talks about High School Musical 3 and how much fun they had filming the final of the High School Musical series. It's senior year in the movie but she says how it was also liek graduation as a cast from the movie. Ashley is continuing to act in other movies and hopes to keep her career moving.
Superheroes could be defined as many different things. They could be considered someone with superhuman powers. But while that can be said, Batman has no superhuman powers but would still be considered a superhero. Some may also say that superheroes need to have a alter-ego or a disguise of some sort. Most superheroes have amazing abilities such as flying, mind control, strength, speed, x-ray vision, etc. Superheroes also appear in many magazines, music, comics, television shows, music videos, and movies. The first superhero was Mandrake the Magician. He had the ability to make anyone believe anything he would like. Superman followed this superhero four years later. While there are many superheroes there are also evil superheroes or villains. While a villain is trying to accomplish ruining something or terrorizing a town, superheroes are trying to accomplish saving it. Superheroes and villains have always been arch rivals but it makes everything more interesting. I chose superheroes because it's something everyone knows about.
Although there are many songs about superheroes one of the most popular would be "Spiderman" By the Ramones.
Another very well known song would be "Superman (It's Not Easy)" By Five for Fighting. (The official music video could not be embedded)
The Incredibles is a movie by Disney/Pixar about a family of undercover superheroes that had to become a normal civilized family. But when an evil villain is scheming a plan to destroy the world they are put into action to try and save the world from complete destruction.
Another movie that was recently out called Hancock. This movie is about a superhero that is depressed, or unhappy. He continues to save people but in doing so he causes the city to have a lot of money in damages. He doesn't care about destroying other things while he saves the people in need, but the city is getting annoyed or mad with what he's doing. The thing i liked about this movie is that it gives a different view of superheros and that not all are undercover or amazing people.
A poem called Steve The Superhero is about a guy named Steve who says he is a superhero just by being himself. Whether it be his smile or having smelly feet.
Steve the Superhero
I'm Steve the Superhero and you simply won't believe the superpowers I possess by merely being Steve.
My smile can crack a mirror and my breath can make you faint. And when I take my socks off it's been known to peel the paint.
The power in my underarms can make a grown man cry. A single burp can make you want to crawl away and die.
The bad guys know it's hopeless, so they all get up and leave whenever they get wind of me-- the superhero Steve. --Kenn Nesbitt
Another poem about superheroes is called If I Could Be A Superhero. This poem is about a man that wants to be a superhero but his fears keep him from being able to live up to other superheros like Superman and Spiderman.
If I could be a Super Hero By: Steve Lazarowitz
I don't think I could be Superman I'm sort of scared of heights I'd sort of like to be Spiderman But I'm afraid of spider bites
I suppose I could be Wolverine But I'm afraid people would stare I'd consider being the Incredible Hulk But radition's bad for your hair
The fantastic four, now there's a thought But I'm not sure that's for me Ben's too ugly, Johnny too hot And Sue I just can't see
Maybe though I could be Reed And lead the other three Well maybe Reed's a bit of a stretch I can barely take care of me
Captain America, him perhaps I love his mighty shield But I fear I'm not brave enough When things get rough, I yield
If I could be a superhero I would wonder which I'd be Or maybe it's time I tried to find The hero inside me
Another song that not many people know is Superman by Joe Brooks. In the song he is talking about how he wishes he could read her mind or that he could be superman for his girl, but he's not and hopes that she will like him for him.
Conclusion
I have learned that to be a superhero you don't have to have superhuman powers. You can be a superhero by being yourself and using your abilities to help friends and family. You don't have to have a alter-ego or an arch rival evil villain. I also realized how many songs and movies there are about superheros. I've learned that there are many different types of superheroes and you can find something about or having to do with superheroes everywhere.
I read an article on OKmagazine.com about driving without a proper license. Britney Spears was on trial because she was driving in California for a long time with a Louisiana license. The article states that the charge is a $1,500 fine or up to six months in jail. Britney's lawyer states that her house is in Louisiana and should not have to switch to a california license because of that. Her dad also stated that she was planning on moving back home last year but because of the child custody deal that happened things arent going exactly as they had originally planned. In my opinion i think that Britney should not have to go to jail. Since her home technically is in Louisiana she did not break any law. I feel that because of Britneys past people are trying to put her down and find reasons for her to mess up when they have nothing else to say. Britneys two day trial is coming to an end and all thats left is for the jury to decide.
I read an article in Cosmo Girl about text messaging while driving. To most teens text messaging is 'Addictive'. Doctors have recently said that there has a been more injuries to teens cause of text messaging. Not only is it dangerous while driving it can cause injuries by texting while walking, biking, riding a horse, cooking food etc. As a teenager I wouldn't ever think that texting while walking would be dangerous, but in this article they share incidents of text messaging injuries. For expample, a guy got a concussion by walking into a telephone pole while texting, a girl got first-degree burns by texting while cooking pasta, and so on. Things as simple as walking to more serious things like driving while text messaging are all dangerous. Many people have been killed because of teens texting while driving. Some states, including Minnesota have banned text messaging while driving while others are working on getting texting while driving banned still.
I read the an article in Jonas Brothers Life Story : Share Every Minute Of Their Incredible Rise To Fame! The Jonas Brothers consist of Kevin (20), Joseph (19), and Nicholas(16). Some may think that the Jonas Brothers had an easy, overnight rocket to fame but it was anything but that. Originally Nick was signed to Columbia Records to do a solo project, but they all wrote a song together and once Columbia heard them together it immediately became a group project. They started out playing shows in small clubs and malls with an audience of maybe 10 people. As time went on they recorded their first CD, It's About Time and gained more fans. During their school tour on the East coast Nick was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. It was a tough obstacle but they got passed it and Nick told himself that it wasn't going to slow him down. They continued to tour opening for many people like the Backstreet Boys, and Jesse McCartney. It's About Time didn't do as well as Columbia Records had hoped for and the Jonas Brothers were dropped from the label. After this they werent sure what was in store for them until Disney's Hollywood records found them and they were signed. They made their second music video to Poor Unfortunate Souls and it was aired on Disney Channel. After that they instantly gained fans faster and faster. From then on they released their second self-titled album, Jonas Brothers and opened for Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana on the Best Of Both Worlds Tour, Appeared on MTV's TRL a number of times, Appeared as guest stars on Hannah montana, starred in Disney Channel's orignial movie, Camp Rock, which has premiered in the United States and Europe. They also opened for Avril Lavigne in her european tour, released their third album, A Little Bit Longer, were on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, gone on two headlining tours, the Look Me In The Eyes Tour, and the Burnin' Up Tour. Recently they have started production of their new television series, and plan to begin a world tour sometime in 2009.
I read an article that was on OKmagazine.com. I'm sure everyone has heard of O.J. Simpson and the many things he has done. He used to be an athlete and was on T.V., and also was in court in 1994 for the death of his ex-wife and friend. O.J. Simpson is now back in court, facing charges for stealing sports memorabilia, and collectibles from a place in Las Vegas. Early this morning the trial began to discuss all the count's against him. If O.J. is convicted he could end up spending life in prison. "The prosecution claims he and five associates stormed into a Las Vegas hotel room last year and made off with thosuands of dollars in memorabilia after brandishing guns at the collectibles dealers in the room." O.J. claims that he didn't know that they were carrying guns and all he wanted was what belonged to him back.
I read an Article from the September 22nd, 2008 People Magazine called The Real McCains. When you think of the president you don't expect them to mess up. But this article shows that the McCains are just like any other family. John Mccain has 7 kids of all ages. From 48-17 years old. John McCain didn't have a perfect life. He served for the Navy and was Captive for 5 years. Also, as he was off at war his wife was overdosing on painkillers and 4 years ago she stopped taking her blood pressure medication and had a stroke. Even when John McCain would work in washington, his wife and kids would live in Arizona, with John McCain coming home on weekends and holidays. The McCains are a typical family. He's gone to war, gone through divorce, adopted a daughter from Bangladesh, and now is in the running for presidency.
Even though Codi and Hallie are sisters they are very different. Hallie is more adventurous and independent, while Codi is still trying to figure out her life. Throughout the book Codi is trying to find who she is, and where she belongs. At the same time Hallie is traveling to Nicaragua to help families grow crops. "No. Hallie? We're chalk and cheese. Somebody ought to do a study on us, if they want to know how kids in the same family can turn out totally different. She was born with her own mind." (31) Hallie is a lot more confident about who she is and what she's doing in her life. Codi is more cautious and lost. She doesn't know who she is, or what her purpose in life is yet. "She would just be catching up when I'd go again, swimming farther out into life because I still hadn't found a rock to stand on." (8) Even though they have their differences there are also many things that they do have in common with one another. They are both very tall. They are both also very caring, and helpful. They love to help others in need of it. With their differences they still are sisters and they fight and also try to help each other out when needed. Codi and Hallie are very caring. They worry about others just as much as they worry about themselves. They have a strong relationship together even though they aren't by each others sides all the time.
The most recent book that i've read is called Tempted by Cecily von Ziegesar. Lucky is the sixth and most recent book in the IT Girl series. When your surroundings change and people change all you want to do is fit in. That's exactly what Jenny Humphrey is doing in this book. Throughout her years at her new boarding school, Waverly Academy, she has made many new friends but at the same time, many new enemies. When one of her enemies gets jealous, Jenny gets accused of a crime that she didn't commit. All Jenny wants to do is fit in. have friends and have a good time. But nothing is ever that easy. She has to go through obstacles to get the people she wants and while doing this she has to figure out how she's not going to get expelled. I love reading these books. I have read all the books in the series and I'm waiting for the next book of the series to come out in November. I always get really into reading these books because the way that Cecily von Ziegesar writes makes you feel like your at the boarding school involved with all the action that's going on.
Optimistic: disposed to take a favorable view of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome. I am very optimistic. Being optimistic could be considered a good or a bad trait. I always expect the best things to happen for events. Being optimistic is a good trait because I'm usually never negative about things that are going to happen. I always hope and expect the best! At the same time, being optimistic is a bad trait because at times I'll expect the greatest things to happen but they won't turn out how I hoped for and then I'll be disappointed. For example, when I was getting up early to go to the target center to purchase tickets for the Jonas Brothers concert, I kept saying how I was going to get front row because of the wristband lottery system they were using. My mom kept telling me not to get my hopes up. But since I'm so optimistic I expected the best outcome. And in the end I did end up getting front row tickets and it was the time of my life. But I have also had many times where I will be disappointed because things don't turn out how I hoped for them to. I love that I am always optimistic. I like looking on the bright side of all situations.
