By Allie Fernandes
It has been an interesting week full of costumes and face paint here at Cumberland High School but if the four days of dress up were not enough for you then you are in luck. Halloween is Friday. Now if you are anything like me and my friends, you probably still are not exactly sure what you are going to be wearing. Whether you are still going trick-or-treating (sixteen years with no sign of stopping!) or going to a Halloween party, you want to have a good idea that does not scream, “I did this last minute.”
If you do make your costume last minute, please do not be that person who gets a bed sheet, cuts our eyeholes and then says he is a ghost. If you are going to do that, at least be creative about it and have one friend wear a striped red shirt and carry a blue blanket and a sign with “Welcome Great Pumpkin” written across it so you can say you are Charlie Brown and Linus. Wrapping yourself in toilet paper to be a mummy or dressing up like a friend who is also going to be wherever you decide to go are also lame ideas.
There are good ideas our there if you look for them. You could always go with the costumes that are sure to be popular this year. According to several different Halloween costume websites, you are sure to see many kids and teens dressed as the Hulk, Ironman, Batman or the Joker on Friday. It is also likely that there will be several Indiana Jones clones running from door to door. Time period costumes are always popular such as a hippy, a gypsy or a Mod fashion girl. Zombies, fairies, angels, pirates and devils are of course always options and the variety with the costumes you can find for those is enormous.
There are always the less seen but really creative costumes. There are a lot of celebrities who do not have real costumes of them but you could easily make them. That also works for costumes for characters in movies and TV shows. Disco dancers, and prom queens are less common than many other costumes on the market as full costumes or in pieces. Disney princesses are also pretty easy to make or buy as costumes and they are well known, getting rid of the awkward explaining-the-costume moments.Whatever it is that you decide to be on Halloween, it is all about how you act in it. Do not do anything stupid and do not stop yourself from eating candy because that’s really all this holiday has come to be about anyways. Most importantly have fun playing dress up! We only get to do it a few days a year.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Article 1
Tim Burton in Wonderland
By Allie Fernandes
Tim Burton is at it again. The famed director of The Nightmare Before Christmas and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has begun work on his latest directing venture due out in March of 2010. If you could not guess from the title, his latest project is Alice in Wonderland, adapted from the 1865 novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Alice in Wonderland (as it is often referred to despite the longer title) is one of a small girl who falls down a rabbit hole, finding a fantasy world full of interesting creatures.
Filming has already started on this film although the release date was pushed back from sometime in late 2009. It has been confirmed that Australian actress Mia Wasikowska has been chosen for Alice and that Matt Lucas shall play both Tweedledee and Tweedledum. As with most movies directed by Burton, his longtime "domestic partner" Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp will both be starring. Depp is to play the Mad Hatter while Carter portrays a merged role between the Red Queen and the Queen of Hearts. Anne Hathaway has recently been reported as cast as the White Queen.
Alice is not new to audiences in that it has been remade for both the silver screen and the small screen many times, beginning with the original 1903 film by Cecil M Hepworth The new film however, which will be part live action and part CGI, is sure to live up to that of most of Burton's movies: amazingly shot with a dark atmosphere to it. Burton's filming style will likely work well with the story which is known to many as a fairly strange story but one that is loved by many due to its play on logic.
Alice in Wonderland may have had to be pushed back to a later opening day but it is still highly likely that Tim Burton's latest project will be one that we are talking about for years to come.
By Allie Fernandes
Tim Burton is at it again. The famed director of The Nightmare Before Christmas and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has begun work on his latest directing venture due out in March of 2010. If you could not guess from the title, his latest project is Alice in Wonderland, adapted from the 1865 novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Alice in Wonderland (as it is often referred to despite the longer title) is one of a small girl who falls down a rabbit hole, finding a fantasy world full of interesting creatures.
Filming has already started on this film although the release date was pushed back from sometime in late 2009. It has been confirmed that Australian actress Mia Wasikowska has been chosen for Alice and that Matt Lucas shall play both Tweedledee and Tweedledum. As with most movies directed by Burton, his longtime "domestic partner" Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp will both be starring. Depp is to play the Mad Hatter while Carter portrays a merged role between the Red Queen and the Queen of Hearts. Anne Hathaway has recently been reported as cast as the White Queen.
Alice is not new to audiences in that it has been remade for both the silver screen and the small screen many times, beginning with the original 1903 film by Cecil M Hepworth The new film however, which will be part live action and part CGI, is sure to live up to that of most of Burton's movies: amazingly shot with a dark atmosphere to it. Burton's filming style will likely work well with the story which is known to many as a fairly strange story but one that is loved by many due to its play on logic.
Alice in Wonderland may have had to be pushed back to a later opening day but it is still highly likely that Tim Burton's latest project will be one that we are talking about for years to come.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Mock Article
Three Great Acts, One Place, So Many Reasons to Go
By Allie Fernandes
By Allie Fernandes
Tonight three great bands are playing at the Worcester Palladium tonight in Massachusetts. Will I be there? No. Will I sit at home thinking about how much I want to be there? More than you could possibly imagine. Wondering why? Three main reasons: Rise Against, Alkaline Trio and Thrice. To add a fourth reason, the openers, The Gaslight Anthem. Now I myself cannot admit to listening to the Gaslight Anthem but even if they were to be the worst band ever (they are not, I can almost guarantee I have heard worst) the three headliners would more than make up for it. If you are a fan of any of these bands, you need to be at this show because the lineup is just impeccable.
To give a brief synopsis of what this concert is going to be like tonight, the show will open with The Gaslight Anthem, a New Jersey punk band who have toured with fellow punk band, Against Me!, and are known for their love of Bruce Springsteen. Then Thrice will take the stage. Thrice is a band once know solely as being a hardcore band who has since transformed themselves into highly respected musicians, due to the release of their third album, The Artist in the Ambulance. Alkaline Trio will then take over, providing the audience with music of a darker theme while retaining a catchy chorus. Finally Rise Against’s politically driven lyrics delivered by the phenomenal Tim McIlrath is sure to blow you away.
This show is set up to be a memorable one from opening through to the final chord. If you plan to attend, prepare yourself for some amazing punk music with a real message. Don’t be that guy and remember that I will be envious of you beyond belief tomorrow. Tickets are available at the door.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Is Freelancing Right for You?” Questionnaire
Having read “Is Freelancing Right for You?” piece fromMediaBistro.com’s Get a Freelance Life by Magit Feury Ragland, youwill answer the following prompts in short answer form (3 – 4sentences / Paragraph form) and post on your blog.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of working independently?
You can be your own boss and work whenever you want which is good. However, you do need to motivate yourself and make sure that you meet your deadlines or else you may not get a paycheck. If you work too much you will also lose your social life entirely so you need to make sure that there is balance.
How does your occupation/ position/ or status affect your potential opportunities or career direction?
If you know a lot about your field already then that is very beneficial to you because publishers will feel more comfortable hiring you as an expert. Also, if you have connections to people in that field already then it will be easier to find a publisher.
How does the frequency or infrequency of payment from freelancing affect t the budget of a writer?
Freelancers do not always have a steady paycheck so they need to make sure that the money they do have can last them for a while incase they do not get a check for a while. If they just go out and spend their money, they may have a problem paying their rent or mortgage as opposed to if they had saved their money.
How do flexibility, organization, and discipline affect a freelancer’s capacity to research, generate and produce quality work?
If they are organized it will be easier to write their piece because they will have everything in one place and will be able to figure out a good order for it. If they hand in sloppy work that is completely unorganized then the publisher will belive that they are unprofessional and are not likely to hire them again. They also have to make sure that they work on their projects and get them done in time instead of procrastinating and missing the deadline which does not look good for them in the publishers eye.
How does one’s expertise or ignorance affect a freelancer’s choice of assignment?
If they know a lot about their assignment they article will come out better. It will also be more respected because the information in it will be from a trusted expert. If you don't know anything about the field you are trying to get into its better to ease yourself into it so that people will hire you.
Should you say no to an assignment? Why or When (at what point)?
Yes, if you take on too much work it is likely that you will become overwhelmed by it so it is usually better to not take too many assignments just because you think you can. If you need the work then its probably a good idea to take the assignment.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of working independently?
You can be your own boss and work whenever you want which is good. However, you do need to motivate yourself and make sure that you meet your deadlines or else you may not get a paycheck. If you work too much you will also lose your social life entirely so you need to make sure that there is balance.
How does your occupation/ position/ or status affect your potential opportunities or career direction?
If you know a lot about your field already then that is very beneficial to you because publishers will feel more comfortable hiring you as an expert. Also, if you have connections to people in that field already then it will be easier to find a publisher.
How does the frequency or infrequency of payment from freelancing affect t the budget of a writer?
Freelancers do not always have a steady paycheck so they need to make sure that the money they do have can last them for a while incase they do not get a check for a while. If they just go out and spend their money, they may have a problem paying their rent or mortgage as opposed to if they had saved their money.
How do flexibility, organization, and discipline affect a freelancer’s capacity to research, generate and produce quality work?
If they are organized it will be easier to write their piece because they will have everything in one place and will be able to figure out a good order for it. If they hand in sloppy work that is completely unorganized then the publisher will belive that they are unprofessional and are not likely to hire them again. They also have to make sure that they work on their projects and get them done in time instead of procrastinating and missing the deadline which does not look good for them in the publishers eye.
How does one’s expertise or ignorance affect a freelancer’s choice of assignment?
If they know a lot about their assignment they article will come out better. It will also be more respected because the information in it will be from a trusted expert. If you don't know anything about the field you are trying to get into its better to ease yourself into it so that people will hire you.
Should you say no to an assignment? Why or When (at what point)?
Yes, if you take on too much work it is likely that you will become overwhelmed by it so it is usually better to not take too many assignments just because you think you can. If you need the work then its probably a good idea to take the assignment.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
What Pique’s Your Interest?
music and pop culture
What have you liked lately?
hanging out with friends, watching TV and movies, listening to music
If you need some help here, ask yourself these questions:
Do you have a new favorite Hobby, TV show, book, type of music, film,website?
lately I've become more obsessed with It's Always Sunny in Philidelphia (my new favorite show, its just awesome), the Twilight series, Nick and Norah's Infinate Playlist (it's not out yet but I desperately want to see it), and the website http://www.slacker.com/ which will make a free radio station of artists you like and other artists like them.
What are your pet peeves?
obnoxious people, overly cocky people, being left out of conversations, people screwing up rides home so that i get back past cerfew and my mom yells at me, fake people, and COOOOOOOOOkie crisp!
What makes you really angry?
see above + arguing about politics, George Bush (and Republicans with similar ignorence)
What things in the world do you really wish you could change?
we would be out of the war, I would be able to go vegitarian without a problem and people would get off drugs
What people, places, and ideas are in the news at the moment?
Barack Obama and Sarah Palin are always in the news these days
Travis Barker is in the news because he was in a plane crash but is doing well.
Are there any events coming up in the next six months or in the nextyear that are sure to be newsworthy and that you can get the jump on now?
hmmm well theres always TV shows premiering, new CDs coming out, new movies, concerts, dances, and the elections (obviously).
What’s new in your city?
There was an election not long ago but not much changed because McKee is still the mayor.
What’s new in your school?
the rededication ceremony and the tours to show off the new and immproved highschool are definately big for us.
What’s new in your immediate neighborhood?
someone my brother is friends with is now moving into the house behind mine
What’s new with your family?
My dad's birthday is coming up and im going to be making my Confirmation (finally!) in October.
Is your generation, ethnic group, or racial group facing changes,hardships, or freedoms that have not been addressed in the past?
Yes, the graduation requirements at our high school are a subject of much complaint from the student body.
music and pop culture
What have you liked lately?
hanging out with friends, watching TV and movies, listening to music
If you need some help here, ask yourself these questions:
Do you have a new favorite Hobby, TV show, book, type of music, film,website?
lately I've become more obsessed with It's Always Sunny in Philidelphia (my new favorite show, its just awesome), the Twilight series, Nick and Norah's Infinate Playlist (it's not out yet but I desperately want to see it), and the website http://www.slacker.com/ which will make a free radio station of artists you like and other artists like them.
What are your pet peeves?
obnoxious people, overly cocky people, being left out of conversations, people screwing up rides home so that i get back past cerfew and my mom yells at me, fake people, and COOOOOOOOOkie crisp!
What makes you really angry?
see above + arguing about politics, George Bush (and Republicans with similar ignorence)
What things in the world do you really wish you could change?
we would be out of the war, I would be able to go vegitarian without a problem and people would get off drugs
What people, places, and ideas are in the news at the moment?
Barack Obama and Sarah Palin are always in the news these days
Travis Barker is in the news because he was in a plane crash but is doing well.
Are there any events coming up in the next six months or in the nextyear that are sure to be newsworthy and that you can get the jump on now?
hmmm well theres always TV shows premiering, new CDs coming out, new movies, concerts, dances, and the elections (obviously).
What’s new in your city?
There was an election not long ago but not much changed because McKee is still the mayor.
What’s new in your school?
the rededication ceremony and the tours to show off the new and immproved highschool are definately big for us.
What’s new in your immediate neighborhood?
someone my brother is friends with is now moving into the house behind mine
What’s new with your family?
My dad's birthday is coming up and im going to be making my Confirmation (finally!) in October.
Is your generation, ethnic group, or racial group facing changes,hardships, or freedoms that have not been addressed in the past?
Yes, the graduation requirements at our high school are a subject of much complaint from the student body.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Assignment #1
1. Who: Kanye West
What: arrested
Where: LAX
When: Thursday
Why: he fought with photographers and smashed a camera
How:
http://www.google.com/reader/view/?tab=my#search/kanye%20west%20arrested/3
2. who: Apple
what: releasing "interactive albums" application offering artwork, lyrics, and behind-the-scenes images for iphones and the ipod touch
where: everywhere
When: within the next month
Why: they wish to continue to offer more reasons for people to get the iphone and the ipod touch
How: the interactive albums can be reached through a downloadable application
http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/01/apple-set-to-release-interactive-album-applications-for-snow-p/
3. Who: Tom Brady
What: out for the remainder of the season dude to an injury
Where: Foxboro, Massachusettes
When: from this past Sunday through the remainder of the season
Why: he tore his ACL after being hit in Sundays game
How: he was hit during Sundays game
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=456693
4. Who: Kim Jong Il
What: did not attend a military parade
Where: Pyongyang, North Korea
When: Tuesday
Why: he may have suffered a stroke
How: his health has been speculated recently already
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-kim10-2008sep10,0,7264304.story
5. Who: Apple
What: releasing new iTunes 8, ipod touch and ipod nano
Where: announced at the "Let's Rock" event
When: recently
Why: to offer updated versions of their popular products of the past
How: by selling new versions of them
http://gizmodo.com/5047948/the-complete-story-on-apples-lets-rock-event
What: arrested
Where: LAX
When: Thursday
Why: he fought with photographers and smashed a camera
How:
http://www.google.com/reader/view/?tab=my#search/kanye%20west%20arrested/3
2. who: Apple
what: releasing "interactive albums" application offering artwork, lyrics, and behind-the-scenes images for iphones and the ipod touch
where: everywhere
When: within the next month
Why: they wish to continue to offer more reasons for people to get the iphone and the ipod touch
How: the interactive albums can be reached through a downloadable application
http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/01/apple-set-to-release-interactive-album-applications-for-snow-p/
3. Who: Tom Brady
What: out for the remainder of the season dude to an injury
Where: Foxboro, Massachusettes
When: from this past Sunday through the remainder of the season
Why: he tore his ACL after being hit in Sundays game
How: he was hit during Sundays game
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=456693
4. Who: Kim Jong Il
What: did not attend a military parade
Where: Pyongyang, North Korea
When: Tuesday
Why: he may have suffered a stroke
How: his health has been speculated recently already
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-kim10-2008sep10,0,7264304.story
5. Who: Apple
What: releasing new iTunes 8, ipod touch and ipod nano
Where: announced at the "Let's Rock" event
When: recently
Why: to offer updated versions of their popular products of the past
How: by selling new versions of them
http://gizmodo.com/5047948/the-complete-story-on-apples-lets-rock-event
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
links
http://cnn.com
http://cspan.org
http://www.capitalnews.org/
http://msnbc.com
http://npr.org
http://foxnews.com
http://projo.com
http://bbc.co.uk
http://nytimes.com
http://wpri.com
http://turntoten.com
http://wgbh.org
http://fox64.com
http://usnews.com
http://abc.com
http://nbc.com
http://cbs.com
http://itn.co.uk
http://motherjones.com
http://reuters.com
http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/
http://cspan.org
http://www.capitalnews.org/
http://msnbc.com
http://npr.org
http://foxnews.com
http://projo.com
http://bbc.co.uk
http://nytimes.com
http://wpri.com
http://turntoten.com
http://wgbh.org
http://fox64.com
http://usnews.com
http://abc.com
http://nbc.com
http://cbs.com
http://itn.co.uk
http://motherjones.com
http://reuters.com
http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/
Sunday, September 7, 2008
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