Reasons to be the school issue!
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What is your definition of BEAUTIFUL? We asked our Beautiful readers what their definition of beauty is on our Gaia message board . This is what they weighed in!
“I believe beauty is more than just being This lyric is my definition of beautiful: pleasing to the eye. BeWith all my dreams hooked to hospi- ing beautiful means tal machines I think “Let’s try rede- carrying yourself in a fining beautiful.” - Sakura Nashimara classy and tasteful man“Beauty to me is confidence in who you are. Beau- ner while not needing ty is being comfortable enough with yourself that to be the center of atyour mental beauty shines outward, causing you to tention all the time. It’s be truly beautiful on the outside. about being confident in Beauty isn’t clothes or makeup or even pleasing appearance. It’s the natural, the simplistic, and your appearance while the bare naked truth of it all. still being humble. I also Don’t get me wrong, I’m very experimental with believe all the little clothing and makeup products and all but what it all boils down to is the girl underneath. The wom- quirks that make us difan just simply being. Without having to prime and ferent from one another prepare. Perfection and beauty is found in the purest state make us beautiful and of mind and body.” unique. “ - Wishboxx
-Jess
Image by Louise Corcoran
Image by Louise Corcoran
A message to the Young Women of Today
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oung women of today it is time to step up! We, as women, are strong, powerful, and nurturing. As women we are beautiful; inside as well as out. We know that when a door is shut in our face that there is always a window. We have come so far and been through so much and yet, we are as strong as ever. This message is for you as a reminder of your beauty, power, strength, grace, and independence. You are exceptional and it is time you shared that with the world. Young women of today, do not let your dreams be crushed or other people tell you “no” because you are more than capable of achieving anything you want. Do not let someone tell you that you are not beautiful or worth it; because you are.
You are simply lovely and it is time someone told you this; regardless of what society tells you, you should look like and how you should behave. It is time that you showed the world exactly what you are made of! You are exquisite and undeniably able to do things beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. You are an inspiration to the people around you and soon you will be an inspiration to the world. You deserve every little bit of love you receive and so much more as you are a great friend, daughter, sister, niece, and granddaughter. So, young women of today, it is time you held your head high and showed the world your intelligence, drive, beauty, and power. It is time to show us what you are made of!
By Bliss
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Girls’ Cherokee® Turquoise Long-Sleeve Cable Hooded Sweater : Target
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Mascara in Night Topshop.com
Teal Rose Ring, Windsor.com Urban Decay Cosmetics Stardust Eyeshadow
Dr. Martens Women’s 1B60 Boot H&M Shop Online Grijze sjaal
Quick Reflex dress pants, Quick Reflex stretch black pants
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Readers weigh in on the personal questions Are you currently we ask every week on employed? I do freelance/internthe blog... ship (15%) Which beauty Career(5%) product do you use Part-time job(15%) most? Nope!(65%) Lipstick(3%) Blush(8%) Do you drink alcohol? Eyeshadow(3%)
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Mascara(12%) Eyeliner(21%) Foundation(19%) None! Au natural (31%)
Occasionally(35%) Every day (3%) Once (10%) Never! (50%)
...go to the blog to answer this weeks question!
Ymeet the writers Alaina McNeal, 19
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Letitia Marie Pfinder AKA Bliss, 19
Hi there! I’m Alaina, a nineteen-year-old Sophomore studying Art Education. My goal in life is to inspire and positively affect people around me. I’m from a small town in Pennsylvania. I’m now attending a large school in PA, and I love it! My favorite past times are drawing & painting , music, writing, reading, and hanging out with the people I love. I can be a bit obsessive about the things I’m interested in, though. My writing preferences are college life, arts, culture, and reviews!
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from ToI am a 19-year-old o is currenth w o ri ta n O , to n ro st year in ly finishing her la work. Growl ia c o s r fo e g e ll o c ing I could th ry e v e id d I p u ing side shine to let my creative g from muin th ry e v e ; h g u ro th drawing sicals and dance to w up seeing and painting. I gre lso a writa is o h w r, e th o M my er never er, and Grandmoth their hands, in k o o b a t u o h it w love for y m f o t lo a e w o so, I hen I am not words to them. W g, drawing, in d a re m a I g n ti wri g tattoos, painting, designin listening to , s ie v o m g in h tc a w me with ti g in d n e p s r o , ic mus s, boyfriend, my family, friend aughter. -d d o g l fu ti u a e b d an
kwinsturr.com
Kwinsturr is founded by Quynh, the webmistress of this website. The website has been on since June 2010. But this wasn’t her first website. Before this website, she had another domain named: nakmaneelove. That website was for the world to use on January 2009. Her website provides resources and tutorials for other graphic designers to use. She, herself is a graphic designer since she was 11. These resources are provided for anyone for free who’s willing to follow her Terms of Use. The resources varies: Brushes, Patterns, Textures, Stocks, Renders, Color Schemes, Effect, Fonts, Vectors, Wallpapers, etc. Her tutorials mostly covers the basics of Photoshop.
kwinsturr.com
Sleek and simple Beautiful, Simple, and quite ready for autumn Image taken by Louise Corcoran in Paisley, Scotland of Chloe Vandal
advi c e --------------------------------------------------“Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom.” By MaydayKoigo
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he word processor that I am currently using defines honesty as: 1. moral uprightness: the quality, condition, or characteristic of being fair, truthful, and morally upright. No where in that definition do I see the words ‘seen as hurtful.’ yet we will always be upset and even angry by certain truths, why is that? One may say it depends on the specific truth, however, is that really the case? Or is it simply that what makes people so upset by hearing a truth the don’t wish to hear is not the truth itself but the way the truth has been given, how it is said and with what intension behind the truth. Dishonesty is defined as 1. deceitful behaviour: the use of lies or deceit, or the tendency to be deceitful. These rather dark words show that dishonesty is something one should look at as sinful. Though when one sees how hurtful a truth can be sometimes the automatic response is to repress the truth and offer a lie in it’s place, these ‘white lies’ as we have named them are for the sake of keeping the peace. So where oh where is the correct direction to go in when someone asks you for your ‘honest opinion’ on something? What are they actually looking to hear from you when they ask if you think they look fat today, or whether or not you think their painting or photograph was original and brimming with talent? Some people need reassuring words that can only be of the positive nature, some need criticism, but is it possible to combine these people into one group and satisfy their want for comfort as well as their need for constructive evaluation? I say there is a medium…somewhere. We tend to consider honesty in black and white terms: at school we were taught never to tell a lie, but that in itself was a huge lie considering the teacher was probably someone who used white lies regularly, and perhaps even more shameful ones that they wouldn‘t dare ever expose. We were also taught that honesty is always the best policy, but then again honesty can really hurt a person, and there is clearly a difference between honesty someone needs to hear and honesty that one has no need bringing to light, such as randomly pointing to a stranger’s dress and telling them how hideous you think it is. So where is the medium? I say that you don’t have to lie if you truly respect someone, but when I say that it certainly doesn’t give anybody the right to go out and insult their friends, why does honesty have to equal rudeness? Who came up with the idea that to tell the truth you need to use blunt exaggerating words? When one could call their friend’s cooking disgusting they could easily
just as tell them that they have just added too much seasoning, or undercooked the meat, that’s merely constructive criticism, it’s tactful honesty; by getting to the root of why your negative opinion exists in the first place you can point them in the right direction, after all if you were to say ‘yum’ and continue eating undercooked meat just to please them then you could fall ill within hours, but to tell the cook they need to look over the recipe a little more deeply before they cook the meal again is common decency. All it takes is a comforting smile and a kind tone: I mean no offence when I say this hun, but don’t take the roast out early next time; it needs the full hour to cook. However, Some truths hurt regardless of tone if the topic is serious enough, and it’s unwise to hold them in as every time we get hurt we grow a little, the world isn’t a soft place; it may be beautiful and a gift but it’s still harsh at times, we all need to realise that at some point in our life, and we cannot stew on how hurtful a truth may be: whether a publisher has told you your novel isn’t what they are looking for and advise you to go back to your grammar books then all you can do is take that advise and don’t let it anger you, take a step back and fix what needs fixed as you make yourself stronger…with a lie you couldn’t do that, you’d stay stuck where you are. Despite it’s original meaning one could look at the phrase ‘see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil, do no evil.’ as touching on this issue, spoken lies can spread through people’s mouths to the thoughts of others like an evil fog and taint decisions and opinions till there is no real truth, and no facts…so why spread them? It may be an obvious dilemma to write about but my main point here is do not think of honesty as black or white, think of it as a calming shade of grey, find that medium and use it to hold a respectful and caring friendship. White lies can spread naivety, and to sugar coat things for people you care about who are already at an age where they should be seeing the world as it is is just damaging. So go on, advise your friend to carry on her coursework even if she’s bored with it because it’ll help her in the long run, she can’t except everything she has to do to interest her; tell your partner that he or she has hurt your feelings by cancelling your date or forgetting an anniversary, they need to know how you feel, don’t hold it in; and please, don’t lie to yourself when it comes to hard situations, no one ever believed their own white lies after all. Is honesty the best policy? So long as it’s for the best and is spoken with the most tactful words & tones possible, that’s my truth.
advi c e --------------------------------------------------love
hope
help
S.O.S :: Signs Of Suicide Are you or a loved one struggling? ome people worry Here is how to cope... about letting their
By Jayna Lee
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child walk home alone from school or who’s going to show up to a party getting out of hand. Not enough people worry about their friends giving warning signs. Everyone gets depressed every once in a while. Most people just shrug it off as a “bad day”, but for some people, it’s not that easy. For those people it’s something that goes much deeper. Suicide. When you’re frustrated with work or your family and you just want a break sometimes you joke saying things like: “I’m better off dead.” or “They wouldn’t miss me.”. A lot of the time, we’re joking around, trying to take the stress off our backs and get loosened up. Sometimes though, people are serious. More common among teenagers and young adults, though there is someone in every age group who commits suicide, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in this group, 1524. Childhood experiences, neglect, negative environments, relationships with family or significant others, low self-esteem and many other reasons result to attempts or the committing of suicide. So how do you spot if your friends, neighbor, son, daughter, co-worker, or anybody is thinking of taking that suicidal path? First of all change. Their sleeping and eating patterns might change. They withdraw themselves from social aspects more than they normally would. Major changes in appearances, looking sloppy or like they aren’t taking care of themselves. Along with appearances, a drastic change in style
or looks, like going from long brown hair to short bleached hair with no real reason, mostly to see if people notice and say something about it. Self-destructive behavior like alcohol, drugs, disobeying traffic laws in a careless or extreme way. Not participating in their favorite activities. Giving away of possessions freely. And one of the last one’s you might see is a very sudden happiness or cheerfulness after a long strand of being depressed, this is generally when they have decided to attempt suicide and believe they have made a “solution”. Don’t get worked up right away, not everyone who is sad is going to commit suicide or even begin to think or attempting it. But some people will, the one’s who need the help. I’ve known my fair share of people who have attempted suicide, some of my closest friends and people I love. When you see all the signs, then what next? First of, don’t get angry with them or ignore them. These are probably one or two of the reasons they are trying to kill themselves and it won’t do one ounce of good. Don’t blow it off as a joke either if you really believe they could be serious.
The best thing to do is to get them someone to talk to: a teacher, counselor, psychiatrist, doctor, or even if that kind of help isn’t available, you talk to them until you can get serious help. Make a bargain with something along the lines of “Hey, promise me you won’t hurt yourself anymore and I promise I’ll help you get past this phase and into a happier self being.” Usually this will give them encouragement that someone really is watching out for them. Sometimes we don’t catch the signs soon enough and everyone is left shocked and wondering what they did wrong. Don’t get wrapped up in feeling it was “all your fault” because that could lead you right down the same path as your friend very easily. It’s all right to mourn, cry, set up a memorial, and reflect on all the good times. But don’t let it take over your thoughts and actions, feeling sorry that they’re gone is one thing, constantly letting it go to your head is another. If you believe in a heaven or God, be happy that they are somewhere they feel accepted now.
advi c e --------------------------------------------------College 101: Note taking By Alaina McNeal
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tarting college can be a huge jump for many. If you’re like me, you didn’t have to work too hard to get A’s in high school. Plus, in high school, teachers cared about individual work and often wrote out notes on the board or gave out handouts. Then comes colleges. One of my lecture teachers flat out told me they didn’t care if we came to class or if we did well. They get paid anyway, he said. He wasn’t heartless. He was great to talk to one-on-one. He just knew the truths of college after years of teaching. Many students weren’t going to come to class and then would be upset later on for not getting the grades they wanted. He just wanted us all to know early on that we were adults now and were responsible for our own work. Sure, every teacher is different .Some do give out handouts. Some do work more one-on-one with individuals. However, if you have to take lecture classes like I have, things are more like what I just explained. One of the most important parts of class is note taking. Whether it’s for a lecture or a reading, you’ll have to take notes for almost every class. It can be tough, but we can do it together.
Print out lecture overviews & Powerpoints beforehand
All the lecture teachers I’ve had have posted their lectures before the class. It’s great to have these all ready and as a reference at hand. You can take all sorts of your own notes right on them. The teacher will generally expand on these topics. Admittedly, some of the less effective teachers might not do a good job at doing so. Use the Powerpoints or overviews as guides to take your notes. I print mine as handouts with extra space around the sides of the Powerpoint so I can just take notes right on them. Otherwise, I could get the notes confused between days. Maybe you’ll come up with a different system that works for you, and that’s great, too! Having them printed will surely make things go smoother and you won’t be frantically trying to draw elaborate diagrams or write entire Powerpoint slides.
Don’t’ try to write every word.
Write a sort of summary of what the teacher is talking about. Get the basics of it and then fill in the rest later. You’ll get behind if you try to write word-for-word and end up missing most of the lecture. Come up with your own system of shorthand and abbreviations to take quick, effective notes. You can always go back and rewrite everything later. Actually, that’s a great way to study, too.
Stay organized Your notes will be worthless if you can’t find them or can’t put them in the right order. I’m a binder person. I like loose leaf paper so I can rearrange notes if needed. Maybe you’re a notebook person? Either way, try to stay organized! This way, notes are in some sort of order and easy to get to when needed.
Don’t multitask
We’re in the age of texting. It’s easy to type a quick text as the teacher goes over something dull. But then, you look up and she’s three slides ahead and you’re suddenly behind. Whoops. Maybe then you’ve missed an opportunity to ask a question on something you were confused about. Stay on task, try not to doodle or text, and you’ll have an easier time.
advi c e Working Girl ---------------------------------------------------
4 Resume Dealing With Frustrating Work Faux Pas by April O
by Jayna Lee
A while back I wrote about job hunting, and some of the easy faux pas to avoid. Today I’d like to give out some simple advise regarding the other half of the job hunt, resumes. While most people know to use spellcheck and make sure their information is current, I’ve seen the following easily avoidable mistakes far too many times.
The two page resume:
while it’s tempting to put all your information on your resume, it’s messy if your resume is more than one page. When a potential employer receives your resume, they’re not looking to read very much to decide whether or not you’re worth an interview. If you find your resume growing over a page, either take some information off or make some of the font smaller. If there’s some information that you think that employer would specifically care about, put it in your cover letter.
Too much information:
I’ve seen a lot of resumes that appear to have every job that the applicant has ever worked on them. Instead of including everything, pick and choose jobs that showcase your best skills. If you’ve had a lot of jobs, list the ones that you worked at the longest. Resumes that list seven jobs that didn’t last more than three months will make an employer raise an eyebrow. Or be sure to list jobs where you had a higher position that needed a more extensive skillset.
Keep your perspective:
as with any piece of writing, it’s important to maintain the same perspective when writing a resume. A lot of resumes consist of merely listing skills (e.g. can type 75 WPM, familiar with Power Point, etc.), but it’s also rather common to write from a first person perspective (e.g. I can type 75 WPM. I’m familiar with Power Point, etc.). A good resume will stay in the same format throughout. In my experience, I tend to start by writing in list form, and finish up writing in first person. I recommend starting with first person, as there are some skills that are difficult to list. No matter which you choose, proofread your resume after writing to make sure that it stays consistant throughout.
Unnecessary information: A lot of resumes I see today will list a person’s age or gender. Remember that it’s illegal for an employer to base their hiring on information like this (unless it’s required to be a certain age to legally work in that place, in which case it won’t matter until after they hirer you). For general help writing a resume, I recommend looking up templates online. Even if the template you’re looking at is for a different type of job, copying the general format can get you off to a great start. Make sure to keep your information current and get a friend to proofread for any errors. Keep your resumes in a folder or binder so it doesn’t get bent or wrinkled. Always have a pen on you when you’re handing out resumes in case they ask for information that you don’t have on your resume (such as availability or how far you can travel). A good resume can be the biggest push in between getting a job or not even getting an interview, so always hand it out with a smile.
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he economy is still pretty low right now, so keeping a job is very important. Sometimes that can be really hard though when work isn’t fun or it’s frustrating beyond your stress level. I quit my last job, at a boutique in the mall, because of poor hours, schedule mishaps, and bad communication. I had worked there for almost a year, working through my senior year of high school. When I first started working there, I gave them a copy of the days I would need off for band (even though school didn’t start for a month or two, better safe than sorry). They were very good about making sure the days I had Pep-Band and concerts I had off. I usually worked on weekends. This really wasn’t too bad. I thought I had a great job. Then things started getting sticky. I started only working one or two times a month for only a couple hours. They would schedule me on the days I needed off for school, but no other stupid day in the month. This was hard. Completely messing up with what I needed to do to graduate high school (Oh, and they scheduled me to work ON graduation). Finally I quit, putting in my two weeks about a month before graduation. It was done. I felt good. Then I realized... I just graduated high school and didn’t really have time to get scholarships while I was in high school. I wanted to go to college. But... I had no job now. So I contacted a family member who owns a hotel and gift shop in Montana, since nowhere in Utah would hire me. But even here, working as a maid, a gift shop helper, and running the hotel desk, can be quite stressful. I have two conflicting bosses and I’m never on the schedule, so I never know what I work until my boss decides to text me back with a guess of when she wants me to work in the morning. Don’t get stuck in a situation like this, and if you do, remember to smile. It’s a job. You’re earning money and even though it is frustrating, you’re doing something with your life. Don’t quit the job unless there is a very valid reason and certainly don’t talk bad about your co-workers even if they make you feel very angry. Enjoy your job until you get the opportunity to go to a better one.
li f e -----------------------------------------------by Bliss
Facebook Gone too Far? Facebook brings people together, passes the time nicely, and allows you to keep in touch with people you otherwise would not be able to. Facebook has really taken off and invaded our lives, not that we are complaining, but with its ever changing features and settings it is hard to keep up.
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ecently I saw a news broadcast about an upcoming Facebook feature that would allow people to see where you were logged in and vice versa; I did not think much of it at that moment and was curious as to how exactly Facebook would implement this in the future. I was surprised to learn last week that this has already been put into place and that it is automatically set so that anyone can see where you are logged in. This has been put into place without some sort of notice or instruction from the web site on what it is exactly, how to use it, and how to disable it if it is not wanted. I have never been one to complain about Facebook privacy issues, although there are certainly plenty of valid ones, but you have to wonder when enough is enough. Personally, I think that this feature crosses quite a few lines. Perhaps if I had, had more notice and was better informed about this from the
site itself I would not have found it to be such a problem; I would have just turned off the application and went on with my life being glad that I was informed and that everyone else knew what they were keeping on or turning off. How I found out about this new change in the web site is what made me stop and think about it; I just happened to see it in someone’s status. My first thought after wondering why Facebook had not informed me of this themselves was how unsafe something like this is. Obviously there are concerns about identity theft with information that is put on the popular networking site but what about our physical safety? Stalking and cyber-bullying are two dangerous trends made easier by Facebook, so, I am sure you can see my concern with someone being able to see where you are logged in on a map. Where will Facebook and other social networking sites draw the line? A line that, in my opinion, has already been crossed.
How to Change the new Application Setting To change this new feature’s settings you need to: 1. Log into your Facebook account 2. Click on “Account” on the top right hand corner of the screen 3. Move your mouse down to “
Privacy Settings” and click 4. Click on “Custom” 5. Click on “Customize Settings” 6. You can now change your settings to what you would like them to be, the new application is called “Places I check in to”.
li f e --------------------------------------------------Fun and sensible activities that one can do with friends during the semester
t: u O g n a H o t ime T e k a M o t How by Sinnto
Summer’s ending and school’s about to start. Does that mean you can’t have any fun with your friends? Absolutely not! There are plenty of things you can do throughout your school year that’ll be just as fun as summertime. But remember, education is important; don’t slack off too much! Just have enough fun. Too much fun is never good for anyone.
When’s the time for fun?!
Ah, the joy of being back to school. There is absolutely no freakin’ time for you to do anything but study and do homework. Or at least that’s what you think. You usually feel like you don’t have enough time because you’re not managing your time well enough.
How do I even manage my time?!
Let’s see what a normal high school student have to manage throughout the school year. School, homework, family, studying, relationships, and of course, sleep. With all of that, where else am I going to get the time to seriously go out and have fun?! Sure I get time to talk to my friends during lunch, passing periods, sometimes even during class, but it’s not like I have enough time to go out. There’s barely 24 hours a day, six to eight hours devoted to sleep, at least eight hours devoted to school. That’s practically half the day already!
- Pick a day, a specific day, to hang out. - - Why? When you’re in high school or even college, there’s a lot of work to be done. You don’t have every day of the week to hang out. Focusing on that one day and making the best and most out of it would have better benefits rather than hanging out everyday. - Do all your work beforehand and at once. Don’t separate it into little pieces, it’ll make the work seem longer and more tiring. - - Why? If you get all your work done before you go hang out, you won’t have to worry about last minute items. Your mind would be able to relax and won’t have to worry about those little bits of problems like: “Am I going to get home on time?”, “Will I be done before 12AM?”, etc. That way, it makes your adventure much more fun. - Know what comes first. - - Why? Even if it’s the day where you’re going to be hanging out with your friends, but you have a big final tomorrow that you absolutely need to study. Don’t just go hang out. You need ace that test, or else you’d regret it, won’t you? But that’s only if you don’t understand the subject or need help. If you feel like you got it by the palm of your hand? Don’t stress out too much. Go for it, hang out with your friends. If you don’t, you better start memorizing and studying.
Shelia is a punkrocker What happens when style evolves?
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Y beauty --------------------------------------------------Shopaholic? It’s time to put a
value in the things you buy. by Sinnto
‘Just one look,’ you tell yourself as you stepped into the posh shop, ‘One look and out’. But the promise flew out the window the moment your fingers caress the straps of that new gorgeous heels, or the rim of that brand new cap that is screaming for your attention. By the time you know it, you’ve walked out of the shop, new bags in hand announcing to the world of your new victories… And you realized, you’ve done it again.
Making A Change; the Battle of the Minds #1: “Do you need it?”
Most of the time we end up splurging on impulse because we have not thought thoroughly about the value of the goods that we’re buying; we choose to buy the latest stock from the store that we deem nice or in fashion. But we often forgot that we actually have a pair of similar tee hanging in the corner of our wardrobe. Or that we don’t really have much outfits to match it up with. Or that simple fact that the poor wardrobe just cannot hold anymore clothes. Really, before you bring the item to the counter in excitement, you might want to run the items you have in your wardrobe through your head before your final decision. Who knows, you might really recall that you actually do have that jacket dress in certain drawer of your poor worn out wardrobe.
#2: “Accessorizing—a little something to spice up everything.” Instead of buying brand new clothes, why don’t you try spending on accessories? Belts, watches, shoes to jewelry, different kind of accessories can mix and match to give you the ideal styles you’re looking for each and every different day! Such accessories can add a little variety to your existing clothes, making them look different each time round. For
example, the same kind of checkered skirts could be worn with a sleeveless tee and boots for a slight punk feel, or an over-sized tee and flats for a cutesy image. Same skirt, different day!
#3: “The cheapest in town—you know you like a bargain!”
If you really want to spend a day splurging…why not save up for it first, and wait for the ultimate discount. Or you can head down to the nearest flea market to check out the market prices. Sometimes, you might find treasures in the place that you least expected it, like a similar design of that dress you’ve been dying to get from Burberry sold at onetenth of the price in the small, brand-less store just round the corner. Besides, looking good isn’t all about wearing brands, but finding clothes that boost your strengths and takes attention away from your least confidence area.
#4: “Choosing classic patterns – a great investment.”
Y beauty --------------------------------------------------The kind of patterns and trends that never seem to die out! Like the classical polka dots is being spotted in New York yet again seemed to promise that polka dots may just arrive in your town before you knew it! Other designs like checkered patterns and classic colours ranging from black to white to cream will never fade from the fashion industry. You will never regret investing in these kind of clothes or accessories, because these trends will just keep coming back once in a while, and you can spot any look with these patterns; classy, sexy, cute, anything!
#5: “Buying and Selling—a probable idea.” If you are the type that just really likes splurging on everything you get your hands on but you really don’t want to wear those old clothes at the bottom of your closet, why not take it out and sell it? You might not likely get back the original price, but you’ll definitely get back something (hey girls, it is 2nd hand and you at least got back part of your money, so no complains there!) that just might help to mitigate some of the huge spending you’ve got for the month. Setting up a blog-shop is really easy, or you can even use twitter101 or facebook to tell your friends that you have something that you want to sell and spread the word out. In fact, this administrative cost is free so what are you waiting for? Time to make space for your closet!
Of Course, Of Course
There is nothing wrong in splurging, actually. I know some girls do it to relieve stress, others just a little pampering for themselves. Sometimes, splurging is good too, because you girls know that it is nice to give yourself a well-deserved break. However, remember never to fall into the trap of credit-debts and find yourself struggling to pay your rental or food at the end of the month just for the sake of fashion. If you really do, it’s time to re-consider your shopping habits and make a change, because I certainly do not think that fashion is worth dying for, literally. There is no need to compromise fashion for money and vice versa, so fellow shopaholics, look good, look sharp and you’re on your way to saving some moolah and yet attracting attention to yourself, in a positive way of course.
Please feel free to leave a comment if this has helped you, or give any other tips on saving money. General comments and criticism on the writing is much loved too! If you have any other enquires or requests, please feel free to drop me an email at musicpained@ gmail.com.
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Jackets
Autumn brings the cold weather so, you might want to get yourself a nice jacket. I suggest, a Peacoat for those harsh days ahead. They look stylish whether you going out or going to school. Plus, they never go out-of-style.
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Shirts
Shirts for Fall means long sleeves or cuffed. That’s why I always suggest a Nice Button-Down Plaid shirt. They are stylish and cozy. Plaid is always a great pattern and never goes out-of-fashion. You can either roll up the sleeves or leave them down, so you are always comfortable and look great.
Cardigans
Cardigans are always a favourite of mine! They are always cute and comfy. Get a nice patterned one and wear it with a cami or get a plain one and wear it with a cute Tee-Shirt. Either way you will look more fit for school and maybe even feel better. .
Shoes
Whenever Fall comes around, I suggest a pair of clogs or moccasins. They are really nice and stylish. They look good for any outfit and the keep your feet warm and toasty.
Bottoms
by Caitlin
You have the cute shirt now, what should you wear with it? I say wear a nice pair of jeans. They always look nice and they go with anything in you wardrobe. “What if I don’t want to wear jeans?” Then, wear a moderate skirt. Skirts can be for fall if, they are a bit longer and have a plaid or small print.
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Bags and Accessories Since school is here, I say a Tote bag or a Messenger bag to carry everything in. Other than that, you can math your outfit with a Necklace, Scarf, or Hat. It is all up to you. Be different and unique.
dati n g ---------------------------------------------------
by broken_bleeding_angel
. l l a F r o f s e
t a d Fun
So now that Summer is near it’s end and the colder seasons are approaching, it’s time to start warming things up. Your love life included. Summer is over so that means no more bon fires on the beaches while you snuggle up to your date. A lot of you are probably thinking, “Oh no!” because you either hate the cold or you’re thinking of school. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Apple Picking:
I know it seems silly or lame, but this can actually be quite fun and a great couple’s skill building project because it involves team work. And the pay off is well worth it. With those apples you can make apple pie and apple cider and eat and drink both as you cozy up to one another afterwards.
Nature Walks:
This is when the tree’s are at their most colourful point in time. So taking a walk through them with your date should be fun. You’ll get to see the wildlife running around and the exquisite scenery this time of year before it is all covered in snow.
Fall Fairs: Pumpkin Picking/ Who doesn’t love a fall fair? The ride’s, the games, the shows...did I mention the Carving: rides? It’s a great atmosphere for a date. The most fun is actually going to a farm and getting these from your local farmers. There will be an entire field to choose from so no worries about each of you finding your own pumpkin to carve. After bringing them home and washing them, you can always gut them out and roast the seeds with a little salt’n’pepper as a nice snack, or cut one up and turn it into pumpkin soup or pie.
There’s plenty to do and lots to see. And at the end of the date, you can always ride the Ferris Wheel together. Ah how romantic!
If you have any idea’s yourself feel free to post them in the comment section below, or even better yet, do them yourself and tell us how it went! We’d love to hear how your dates went after trying some of these out!
dati n g --------------------------------------------------How to Cope with that Time Apart
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eginning your post -secondary educat ion is a huge leap forward but when you factor in your high school love you ofte n have to take a st ep back. You are young and in love and headin different schools… g off to . Oh, great! Now wh at? You are about to he ad off to some of th e most fun, stressful, challenging, an d life altering times of your life. And yo both chose the path u s you wanted to trav el but unfortunatel they went in differe y nt directions. What do you think is best for you and your relationship? Now is the time to decide what you wa nt and to talk to yo partner about what ur they want. If you decide that you tw would like to cont o inue on, on you wo nderful life togeth here are some tips er, to ease the upcom ing time apart:
Keep in touch. Make sure that you two set dates via webcam. MSN and Skype are perfect for this. Texting and phone calls also help nicely
Keep it personal. Send cute little love e-mails back and forth. Let your love know that you miss them and care about them. Another way to keep in touch is to send your love letters the old fashioned way- yes ladies, Snail mail! Not only is it more personal than e-mail but you can also do sweet little things like kissing the paper or sending a long that cute necklace you saw at the mall that would look amazing on your man!
by Bliss
Y e v o L ylist Pla
by Jayna Lee
Keep it together. Being apart can be more than difficult, so, it is important not to stress about it too much. You certainly do not want missing your cutie to put a damper on your grades.
Keep on trucking. It is also important to see one another when possible, even if you are just limited to the holidays. That time apart may be hard but you just have to keep on going until you get to see them again! And boy is it ever worth it when you do finally get that one-on-one time together!
1. “I Wouldn’t Mind” by He Is We. “Forever is a long, long time, but I wouldn’t mind spending it by your side.” 2. “Happy” by Nevershoutnever. “You make me happy, whether you know it or not, we should be happy that’s what I said from the start, I am so happy! Knowing you are the one that I want for the rest of my days.” 3. “Cute” by Stephen Jerzak. “You’re as cute as a button, the things you do sure are something. Are you running out of breath from running through my head all night?” 4. “You Found Me” by Kelly Clarkson. “You found me when no one else was lookin’, how did you know just where I would be. Yeah you broke through all of my confusion, the up’s and the down’s and you still didn’t leave, I guess that just shows what nobody could see, you found me.” 5. “According To You” by Orianthi. “But according to him, I’m beautiful, incredible, he can’t get me outta his head. According to him I’m funny, irresistible, everything he ever wanted.”
dati n g ---------------------------------------------------
d n u o R r a Ye thearts e e w S
Transitioning your summer love into your true love can certainly
be worth it. The time you spent together and the fun that you had is a true testament to that. The most important thing to remember is that people do act differently when faced with stress and a busy schedule, so it is quite possible that he will change a bit but so will you.
feeling the pressure
When the two of you start it is a good idea to take some time to relax and go out with one another. Try something relaxing like dinner and a movie or a long stroll through the park.
remember and redo some of the things
It can be fun to that you did during the summer but you don’t want to bask in it. Your relationship needs to be based on more than what you shared during the summer, though; it is obviously a good start. The hardest part of transitioning a summer love is that first bit of time
when the
magical beauty of summer has disappeared. When this happens it is best to take a deep breath and think about where this relationship is going and keep in mind that you are both not the care-free souls you were for those few months. Summer romances can be amazing and they can certainly teach you a lot. It is best to take them as they come, like everything else in life. Go with the flow and think about what is best for you. A summer romance does not have to last only one season, why not try to make the love last all year long?
if it does not work out, there is always next summer. And
Y Y Y
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h, summer love! It is fun, romantic, and unforgettable. You spend days on end at the beach, going for sweet evening walks, laughing about the silly thing you did, and enjoying long intimate dates; the kind that makes your head spin and your heart pound. But before you know it summer is over and the reality of the school year and life starts to sink in. What happens to your summer romance? Well, many people just let them fade and leave them be because they think that, that is all it could be. Well, dear reader, it does not have to be.
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How to be:
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by Bliss
dati n g --------------------------------------------------How to:
by Ms. Caitlin
Enjoy Being Single!
I
and absolutely love it!
am currently single and loving it, but some of you guys have just been through a big break-up and you don’t know what to do. The majority thinks you grab another boyfriend and there is no other option, but there is another option. Being single! Most people relate singleness with loneliness. Most singles are happy and they are enjoying life. Here are my tips on being single and loving it.
Ignore Ignorance
This means you ignore what the market is putting out there. Most TV shows, movies, magazines, and others think that being single is wrong. Brace yourself for this type of ignorance and be ready to defend yourself. Just say “I pefer being single” and change the subject. It’s basically like you are defending yourself from a bully.
Focus on Friends and Family Being single doesn’t mean you have to cut off all of your relationships. Friends and family are the closest people you could ever have. You have a lot of time when you are single so, strengthen the relationships you have and make new ones. Be little social butterflies...
Cherish your Freedom
All of this freedom give you the time to do whatever you want. There is nobody standing there saying, “No, you can’t do that.” If you want to go rock climbing, then go ahead. Be spontaneous and bold.
It’s a Lifestyle Choice Being married, engaged, or in a relationship are all lifestyle choices. Therefore, being single is a lifestyle choice and not a “default option”. There are advantages and disadvantages to everything so, be aware of all of them.
Wise words from the notorious Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City
“That’s the thing about needs. Sometimes when you get them met, you don’t need them anymore.” “Maybe the best any of us can Do be grateful for what you have in life because most peo- do is not quit, play the hand ple don’t have those things. we’ve been dealt, and accesDo be social butterfly. sorize what we’ve got.” Do look in the newpaper for events, clubs, and organiza“Being single used to mean that tions that you can join or help out with. nobody wanted you. Now, it Invest in yourself. Save some money means you’re pretty sexy and and go to a spa for a day. you’re taking your time deciding how you want your life to be and who you want to spend it with. “
Do’s and Dont’s
dati n g --------------------------------------------------Something is wrong here...
by Bliss
Perfection at its Finest t seems as though no matter how hard you try or how much you put into a relationship something always goes wrong. Yes, it is inevitable that something or another will go wrong in your relationship, I mean, why not? Why wouldn’t something go wrong? Why shouldn’t it? We all make mistakes and get under each other’s skin, that is bound to happen, especially when you spend so much time together. Frankly, I would be worried if a couple had never had some sort of issue. So, why do we always strive so hard for it to be perfect? I would really like to know who gave mankind this notion that a few problems here and there were unacceptable. As complex and intense as our feelings, thoughts, and emotions are, shouldn’t we be allowed to make a couple of mistakes and say the wrong things every now and then? Or, are we all just too caught up in the idea of perfection to realize that to be human means to be flawed? So, I ask; on this winding, bumpy, ever-changing road that we call life how are we not suppose to get a little lost along the way?
Communication is Key Communication is the single most important component in a relationship. Without proper communication skills a couple will certainly have some bumpy patches that could have been avoided. We take precautions for everything else that is important to us, so, why not do the same for our relationships? Being able to communicate will not only benefit you and your partner but also every other relationship in your life: friends, family, teachers, peers, etc.
A shoulder to Take the time. cry on. Take the time to sit down and
Talking can be a way to share more intimate and special moments with your love. Let them know that you are always there for them to talk if they need it. We all need someone, make sure your special someone knows that you are there for him or her.
Do not ignore.
If you let things bother you or push them to the side, they are bound to come up some other time and then you will be dealing with more then one problem at a time, which is not exactly an easy feat and is likely to cause more problems and blow small ones out of proportion. Now do not go and complain about every little thing that will just cause a problem in itself but if something is bothering you; speak up.
talk to your partner when it is possible for the two of you. Starting off with just simple, everyday things can help you with this. Opening up the lines of communication are the first steps to being able to sit down and talk through things. “ Hey, baby! How was your day?”
Chill.
When you do have to speak to your partner it should be in a calm manner. Communicating is a positive thing and should be done in such a way. Try taking this route next time you feel an argument coming on.
culture --------------------------------------------------y r lo G ’s n m u t u p i A r ll Fall T In A around Asia By Animeuver
r special on uys e m m su e th d e y jo n o have e this is another one for you g For those wh ots, summer Asia’s hotsp an end, to enjoy! ot and humid summer comes to hanging of When the h breeze of autumn and colour ckn w it, it’s the cooling ecome apparent, before you I wo bring the leaves bady. So for this issue’s special, a ill to view autumn alre a trip to South Korea and Chinfolia ge. you guys on-taking scenic view of autumn their breath
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A
South Korea: Jejudo Jeju Island
volcanic island off the coast of South Korea, the entire island was created from volcanic eruptions approximately 2 million years ago. Having a humid subtropical climate, Jeju Island has four distinct seasons. Besides the numerous waterfalls as well as it’s crater lake (the only one in South Korea), it has a rich ecology and a distinct and unique culture pertaining to their own due to its relative isolation from the mainland of South Korea. Tourism has been a huge contributor to Jeju Island’s income, with its numerous tourist hot spots, home to many myths and legends that created this mysterious veil on this beautiful island, as well as its unique diets. In fact, tourists flock to the island all year round. So why choose Autumn as a time to visit? Because in Jeju Island, another unique thing is its autumn foliage; instead of the usual shades of earth colours (red, brown, orange, yellow), the shade of the season is actually silvery white. During late autumn to early winter, the flowers of Eulalia are in full bloom and the silvery white carpeting the island is a beautiful view from the top of the mountains. Moving gently with the wind the fields create a captivating scene, inviting one to join in the nature and just lay amongst the plants and enjoy the peace one normally find hard to find amongst the noisy roads and city skyscrapers. Besides the Eulalia, the wild flowers on the craters of Jeju are too in full bloom, creating a harmony of violet and silver, not to mention the contrasting colours from the orange tangerines, giving off a warm and yet cooling feel to the stunning autumn view of Jeju Island.
iyaluo Red Leaf Scenic Area in the Lixian County isone of the largest red leaf scenic area in China. Famous of its red leaves, autumn is the most beautiful season of it, with tourists flocking to the place during October to see its autumn glory. “Miyaluo” means ‘an amused place’ in Tibetan language, and paints a picturesque scenery with its continuous mountains, flowing rivers and autumn foliage during October. In the district small buildings of Zang and Qiang heritage decorates the place; their houses displays their life and simple customs, and one can experience their life by immersing in their unique diets, clothes and folk dances. Having done a long term project about the Qiang heritage and culture, I can assure you that it is a beautiful and amazing culture, having long history, and thus a rich culture with their language, lifestyle and religion. Oh right, before I forget, the place is famous for its majestic Gu’ergou Hot Spring, allow one to take a warm dip during the cooling autumn breeze and take in the scenic view at the same time. The isolation of the place allows one to fully immerse in nature and be away from the crowded and fast-paced feeling of city life. Though, be prepared for drastic temperature changes. Pack enough for a hot morning and warmer inners for a cool night!
China: Miyaluo
culture ---------------------------------------------------
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Falling For A Song by MaydayKoigo
What songs do you listen to during the bronzed season of Autumn? I personally think the perfect Fall tune is something I can describe in one word as being musty. Though sometimes when you find a song that fits the season there is no reason for it to sound like a festive song, it just does. When I listen to songs during the Autumn, whether I’m walking down a leafy path smelling the waxy scent of chestnuts, I always have a play list in mind. Today I’ll describe a couple of songs that I feel are Fall songs.
The Best Day by Taylor Swift This song is so beautifully nostalgic of the warmth of childhood and how family are always there for you - regardless of whether or not Taylor’s experience mirrors your own or not - that it made me yearn to be tiny once again. The soft tone of the vocals that sound almost like spoken words rather than sung lyrics match the soft and repetitive guitar plucks that make up the song’s tune. “I don’t know why all the trees change in the fall, But I know you’re not scared of anything at all, Don’t know if Snow White’s house is near or far away, But I know I had the best day with you today.” The sweetly clichéd imagery such as pumpkin patches and leaves changing have stuck with the singer all these years, the vibrant yet natural sights that Autumn gives us are comfortingly subtle, just like the song itself.
Never Ending Story by Within Temptation
Hey There Delilah by Plain White T’s
Within Temptation have a folksy element to many of their rock songs, but this is more of a pop song and comes from their album ‘Mother Earth’ which is exactly what this song is about. It is light yet slightly bouncy, and gives a positive outlook on the circle of life. Autumn after all is the decay of the year, just like in this song everything must fade away for new life to form. “The Earth is our mother, She gives and she takes, She puts us to sleep, In her light we’ll awake.” This song really paints the picture of mother earth and how blessed we are to have been born on this land, I for one imagine the earth and it’s natural side when I listen to this song, every leaf and every weather cycle.
A very optimistic song about young love surviving distance and responsibility. You can hear the love in the warm vocals for the girl the singer is singing about, or rather singing to. The simple guitar makes the lyrics take focus point. Though this song is both loved and hated by many for it’s repetition and strong sentimentality it’s a tune that will probably be heard everywhere for a very long time. “Hey there Delilah Don’t you worry about the distance I’m right there if you get lonely Give this song another listen.” A friend of mine suggested this song reminds her strongly of the first few weeks back at university, which of course starts in the fall; many of the songs we love we find ourselves falling for because we associate them with fun and happy times, after all. The other fall element to this tune has to be the warmth in the singer’s voice; despite the coldness that comes with the distance between them.
Shoot The Moon by Norah Jones
This definitely is a song to round off a warm Autumn day with, to me it’s set in early September when summer is gradually fading away. It speaks of moving on and how the year dies and is born again just like the moon circles the earth and how plants are grown only to be picked. “The summer days are gone too soon, You shoot the moon, And miss completely.” The soft vocals and powerful piano notes create a hopeful tune that matches the lyrics. I’ll always think of this song when someone fires off an imaginary bullet at the moon above them.
culture Book Central ---------------------------------------------------
Semester’s Read. Read it! by Sinnto
This Semester’s read. These are just some of the awesome books you need to at least read a chapter of the book in your life. So why not put it on your list of “to-read” this semester. I know as a student in High School, we a required to read and write a journal about it. Reflecting. And I also know how damn hard it is to just find a book that matches my likings. So why don’t you just give these books a glance or two. Who knows, maybe you’d end up enjoying it more than I did.
Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott This book kept me up at night just to finish it. And guess what? Earlier that day, I was on page 40-ish. And I managed finishing a 300 page book in one day. Well... techinically it wasn’t one day, but you get what I mean. It was amazing. And no, it doesn’t quite fall in the normal cliche you would think. Unfortunately, this book does have a somewhat sad ending. It just tells you that, “Nothing is 100% perfect in life.” And no, the title doesn’t have to do with any characters. It is actually a type of pill. A pill that destroys a family and put them in somewhat a proverty stage.
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No, I do not recommend a person that’s scared of ghost, unnature things, scary stuff to read this book. This is The Grudge. In book form. It freaked me out so much I was afraid of sleeping after my parents went to bed. And sadly, I’m a fourteen year old. Even though it doesn’t sound so big, it’s still an embarrassment. Oh, and I couldn’t read it without someone near me. They even include a chapter you, second point of view. Don’t know what it means? It means they’re talking about YOU. And it creeped me out, a lot. Yet... it was a good book because of this.
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Almost all Sarah Dessen books
Ju-On by Kei Ohishi.
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen. This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen. Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen. Dreamland by Sarah Dessen. Technically, I enjoy most of Sarah Dessen’s book. Her book is cliche but still decent to read. Her books all relates to romance, of course. But she always add an unknown twist to it. I really do suggest you pick up if you’re always looking for some dark twist yet still a PG or PG13-ish genre. So far, the darkest book, and the best book that isn’t that known by Sarah Dessen is Dreamland. This book threw me into a whole loop. I was not expecting anything. And it caused me to shred a few tears too. You have got to pick this book up. This book was sadly way too short for my liking. This is a full on romance book. Everything in here is like, a girl’s dream to a love life! I swear, it will not disappoint you. But sad thing? I can’t seem to find the second book to the series. Sigh.... this book was amazing, in terms of romance. Just grab and read it if you’re a romance lover like me.
This book consist of no romance, yet I really liked it. It’s the history mixed within a story. I’m not sure if it’s a real story, I’m pretty sure it isn’t, but it felt like it. The book was based of real life facts and events that happened in China during the revolution. It’s quite a sad story, made me want to cry sometimes in class. Oh lord.
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Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party by Ying Chang Compestine
Diary of a Crush: French Kiss by Sarra Manning
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culture --------------------------------------------------Review: by Ms. Caitlin
Toy Story Tears... Nick & Norah’s One writer’s journey of self discovery Infinite through the toys of the big screen. Playlist By MaydayKoigo
I
’m sure I was not the only one who cried when watching ‘Toy Story 3’, the film was so moving that I assume even those who don’t usually find their eyes dampening during sentimental movies would still find a little spark of warmth in their hearts. Though personally - and I’m sure this is the same for many of you out there - I was not just crying due to the sentimental dialogue, the splendid art direction & sheer effort put into it, and sad yet hopeful moments of the story; I was crying mainly out of nostalgia. This is not a movie review but a review of why Toy Story 3 made me literarily close to sobbing. I heard sniffs all round the theatre so this article is for everyone of those criers who will understand how the Toy Story trilogy has affected our lives. I was taken to the cinema to see the brand new film that was Toy Story: the graphics were and still are spectacular to look at and it was something that hadn’t been done before, the story itself was something that I’m sure every kid thought about…do my toys come to life when I’m not looking? For adults this film was not simply a story about toys running around when no one was there to catch them, but it was a tale of being there for someone even if they don’t know it: the toys just wanted to make Andy happy even if it meant that they had to hold still while he played with them, and through all 3 films they had to learn to accept that Andy wouldn’t always be there to play with them…they just had to be there for him even if it meant they’d stay in a hamper all day and remain a happy memory. I was exactly Andy’s age in the first film when I went to see it, I related to him in many ways I didn’t realise until my childhood faded away from me, by the time Toy Story 2 came out I was still of a similar age to him and going through the same stages, and now as Toy Story 3 is brand new in the cinema I sat watching it at the age of 20, sure Andy is only 17 but the same messages are still there; Andy and I are both heading off into new realms, specifically academically, and we have to learn to move on from our childhoods. So when I was watching Toy Story 3 in magnificent 3D I couldn’t help but feel sad that this was the last of the trilogy, essentially the end of Toy Story. Not only was I seeing human characters that were my age grow up and broaden their horizons, but I was seeing fictional and ageless characters hold the same morals and feelings that they had always held, but both set of characters had learned to move on from the past, this progression could only be gained by the passive of time…time that had passed over me as well as the story. I also thought about how I was watching it in 3D, it’s true that 3D existed when I was 8 but it’s still something I didn’t expect to be part of; that thought brought me back to the futuristic thoughts we had when we were kids; when oh when would we be watching films in hologram form? So as I watched this brilliant mix of old and new on the screen I thought to myself for what felt like the first time…time is beautiful, usually I think of time as rather scary: mortality, change, age are all things that we tend to fear but we shouldn’t. As I watched this film I saw myself as an old woman looking back on them, remembering how wonderful a child’s innocence is, and remembering the feeling of playing with favourite toys thinking that ‘this is what life is for.’ Looking back on my words ‘this is the end of Toy Story.’ I find that the words are wrong, as it’ll never be the end; that is the point in the story itself, the toys will never leave Andy’s heart and never will his family but times are changing and he has to move on with his life to discover new things…which is exactly how this film has impacted everyone who has enjoyed it. Just because the final film has been made and no new movies are to come doesn’t mean the story has ended! We as viewers will show the 3 films to our kids, our grandkids and they will watch hopefully the way we watched it, and perhaps continue to pass it on. We even at an old age can re-watch the trilogy - arguably Pixar’s greatest creation - and still enjoy it, cry through the nostalgic and sentimental parts we love, and think to ourselves…I used to be like that when I was young, part of me will stay that way as long as I live despite everything I have experienced and achieved. We grew up with Toy Story the way Andy grew up with his toys, and now that the story is complete we can forever hold it to our hearts as it’s not just a family film…it’s a film for the child within the adult…who never ends.
Did you know the famous indie, New York based movie was actually a book? That’s right Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist was a book and it is great! Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist is a book co-written by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn. These two writers are some of the best for Young Adult novels. They do use some strong language in this book so advise you to be mature when you read it. Since this book was co-written, it is told in alternating chapter. The odd number chapters are from Nick’s point of view and the even number chapters are told from Norah’s point of view. This gives you a great idea of what they were both thinking. Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist is about love and music. It is about Nick, a straight bass player in a gay band, and Norah, a Jewish girl who’s dad is an Executive Producer. They meet up at this club were Nick has to show his ex that he has a new girlfriend. Nick asks Norah if she can be his girlfriend for five minutes. Soon, five minutes becomes the whole night, as they get to know each other better and better. Before I read this book, I saw the movie and I was expecting things like Caroline getting lost, but none of that happened. Then again, movies just aren’t like the books. The novel is way better than the movie and it is hard to believe that this all happened in one night.
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What is your Autumn Attitude?
QUIZ D
by MaydayKoigo
o you know what your favourite season is? Perhaps, or perhaps not, it’s not that easy to decipher our opinions and attitudes, but Autumn is upon us now and before we assume anything let’s find out what you really think about it, and what you think of yourself during the fall as you take this quiz:
Fashion
1.) You wake up and look out of your window as you get ready to start the day, it’s a chilly fall morning, what do you wear to match this day? [a] I select a cotton jumper and woollen trousers, browns and grey colours will match this lovely day! [b] I don’t want to match the day outside, I’d rather look good. [c] I pick the brightest colours I can find; left over summer clothes…though I’ll have to layer them so I don’t get cold. [d] I don’t think about it and just grab the first clothes I can find, whatever is comfy.
The Weather
2.) The wind is whistling, there is frost on the ground and you can smell the scent of rain in the air. How do you feel? [a] I feel alive, the chill is refreshing and the scent makes me feel one with nature. [b] It’s miserable weather, and the smell makes me feel like I’ve swallowed metal! [c] I miss the sunshine personally. [d] I don’t mind, as long as I’m wrapped up warm and have an umbrella then I’m comfortable.
Education/Work
Parties
3.) Will you be celebrating these holidays during the fall season? [a] Of course! With Hallowe’en comes old fashioned tales of folklore and wonderful decorations, with Guy Fawkes Night comes beautiful fireworks and cosy sittings round a bonfire, I can’t wait for the marshmallow roastings and campfire songs! [b] Oh god no, that’s just kids stuff! [c] Yeah it’ll be fun, but I’ll probably just stay in and watch a movie instead of going out into the cold night. [d] If someone invites me to a party or whatever then I might go, I don’t really celebrate those things.
3.) It’s time to go back to your studies or your job after the end of the summer break, how does this make you feel? [a] It’s nice to move onto new projects again, just like the year decays in Autumn my Summer break must too. [b] I’ll prefer to be indoors now that the weather is so groggy. [c] I don’t want the summer break to end! I wasn’t finished celebrating it. [d] I welcome new starts, the year must continue after all.
Nature
5) What is your perfect day out in the countryside? [a] Taking a long stroll through a glen or through the woods, bird watching and hill climbing. [b] When I’m not in the countryside. [c] I’m more of a beach person but picnics in the country sound fun, so long as it isn’t cold that day. [d] I’d rather do something more productive but I suppose visiting some monuments or some ancient buildings/landmarks would interest me.
Friends and Family 6) A friend or family member is down in the dumps due to Seasonal Affective Disorder, it just so happens that this season is their most depressive. How do you cheer them up? [a] I show them all the season has to offer, that it needn’t be a cause of sadness. We‘ll find something with the Fall that they‘d like. [b] I agree with them entirely, and we change the subject to get his/her mind off of it. [c] I remind them of happier times, like during the summer, we plan a holiday for next June to cheer him/her up. [d] I suggest they go to the doctor, and we talk about how they are feeling and what they’d prefer to be doing right now. What season it is, is irrelevant.
Hobbies
7) Would you say your Autumn hobbies are mainly… [a] Active and old fashioned, I hike and knit jumpers for when the season gets colder. [b] Null, it’s too cold to really do anything, it gets dark too early; what’s the point? [c] I really wish I could swim, surf etc but it’s too cold…my hobbies only really suit the sunshine. [d] Same as always, I don’t change my hobbies due to the season.
Time
8.) The year is moving steadily along to it’s end, how do you feel about what is to come and what has been? [a] I’m going to miss autumn so much, but I can still wear my fall clothes for a while. [b] I don’t care, but I’ll be glad the Autumn is over with. [c] I’ll be happy when spring and summer
comes back! But Winter is coming soon and it’s going to be horribly cold and dark. [d] I’ll gain new experiences and such but I don’t really think about the year ending, it’ll be the same next year.
Food
9) What do you generally eat during the Autumn? [a] Hearty stuff, and I love the fact that it’s chilly enough to go back to hot chocolate! [b] Whatever, what annoys me is when restaurants try to class up their menus by having a Fall theme to their food. [c] It sucks I can’t have ice cream anymore, but I really like snuggling up with hot chocolate and warm cups of tea and coffee. [d] What I always eat every day of the year, normal food.
* See results on the next page!
Now add up a tally of how many [a]’s, [b]’s, [c]’s and [d]’s you scored and select which letter you have more of, if any of the letters hit a tie then read both descriptions and interpret a mixed result.
*
QUR IZesults Mostly [a]’s:
You have a magnificent attitude towards Autumn! You truly appreciate the season in all it’s glory. However, remember not to wear yourself out with all the fall themed projects you have going on, and don’t try to force it upon others who don’t share your Autumn optimism, just use that optimism to share with them things they will enjoy. Don’t be sad when Autumn ends, as the other seasons bring with them many elements you can appreciate just as much as Autumn. You have a very sentimental view about what the Fall represents and bring that sentimentality with you when you do Autumn activities and think about how the year progresses, stay as optimistic as you are!
Mostly [b]’s:
You should try and adjust your attitude a bit, it’s okay not to adore Autumn and dance up and down whenever the season is upon us but it’s better to find something you like about the seasons rather than let what you do not like bug you. Don’t be afraid to try new things you originally feel like you’ll dislike, you ay be surprised and find yourself a new hobby! If the weather gets you down then make sure you have plenty of warm and waterproof clothing, There’s nothing wrong with appreciating Hallowe’en and other fun holidays - so try not to judge others for it - or themed foods: just try them and you may be surprised, if it’s just not your thing then fair enough but nothing ventured; nothing gained, try and find something that is your thing instead.
Mostly [c]’s:
You have a wonderful attitude towards the warmer seasons Spring and Summer but you don’t fully appreciate that there is so much you can do with the Fall season. Fall fashion can be both warm and chic, the food can be both fruity and filling and just because it is chilly does not mean you can’t have fun! You may not be able to sunbathe in a bikini but there are plenty of fun hobbies for you to do, who knows, you may like hiking! You haven’t lost your longing for fun, but remember that Autumn can be just as fun as Summer. You have a good attitude to the change in time as you’re well aware your favourite seasons will come back again, but just appreciate the season in the present before it ends! Take your optimistic attitude for Spring and Summer and place it with Autumn, snuggle up warm and watch the fireworks!
Mostly [d]’s:
You have an attitude that can only be described as neutral and there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s good to avoid complaining about things you have no interest in and it’s healthy to admit when you just don’t appreciate something. However, the saying ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’ also applies here, you should try mixing up your routine a little and you may find yourself replacing indifference with excitement, but if you try new Autumn activities such as sailing; knitting; bird watching etc and still find you have no interest then just concentrate on what you do find important in life, it may be nice to be enthralled by the fall but it’s also nice just to be comfortable!
A Reason to b Y
by Kiyene
eaves were falling like giant flakes of snow as I strolled through the local park. I never thought of it as a park; more of a forest, with the towering maples that had stood there for as long as I could remember. A flash of black caught my eye and my mouth quirked into a nostalgic smile as I recognized the tyre swing I had found when I was eight; trailing through the park, running my hand along the trunks of the trees. The maple was the shortest in the park, but its branches spread the widest. With every step I took towards this tree there was a crunch as the leaves crumbled beneath my feet. I stood awkwardly at the tyre, staring at its weather-beaten surface, shiny and warped with age.
L
high cheekbones and a tapering chin. His bronzed skin shone dully in the faint sunlight that pierced weakly through the sunset-coloured leaves. But his eyes were what shocked me the most. They were huge, a beautiful bright green that radiated a hard curiosity, laced with thick, dark lashes that matched his dilated pupils. “What are you doing here?” he asked, not unkindly. I was so startled at his reaction, as if he knew me, that I spluttered, “Well- well, I live here, don’t I?” The boy’s slow, raking gaze around our immediate surroundings made me blush furiously. Eventually he fixed his gaze on me again and said, “Not here, surely?” “Of course not,” I snapped at him.
His eyes softened and glinted with slight humour, There was a soft crunch behind me. Just a few feet “What’s your name then?” away stood a boy. I’d thought I’d seen him before, but I didn’t know where. I took a step towards him, but he “Ebony,” I reply warily, all too aware of his piercing didn’t move; I wasn’t even sure he saw me; he was star- gaze as his opaque eyes raked me. ing intently at the ground. I thought he was around my age, broad-shouldered with ashy hair perched gracefully “That’s a nice name,” he said, drawing closer “mine’s on his head. I took another step. Snap! A twig broke un- Blaine. Blaine Adrian Greene.” He winked as if we shared der my foot and his head shot up. I gave a little gasp a secret, though I hardly classified his name as one. He as I saw his face. It was beautifully sharp-angled with drew closer still. I wanted to move away but I found I
be Beautiful fa Y
couldn’t; I stood, entrapped in those opaque eyes that glistened, reflecting the light of sun. I found myself in a clouded daze as he slowly picked his way through the leaves, and I shook myself mentally. Get a grip, I told myself, he couldn’t be interested in you.
Y l l l o Y sto ve comp ry e t winneition r
Now staring into my eyes, he said “Your eyes are beautiful,” brushing a loose strand of hair out of them. I never thought my eyes were beautiful; dark brown, almost black, surrounded by lashes that paled in comparison to his huge ones. His clouded gaze suddenly turned sharp, as if he were awakening from a dream. “Do you have a ing black hair, I knew; I couldn’t look at you, couldn’t boyfriend?” he asked with surprising abruptness, so much meet your eyes, because you were too beautiful, and now you’re saying that I’m the one you can’t be with? so that I was shocked into answering. Ebony, if you don’t want to be with me, I’ll understand. “No,” I replied, then immediately realised the implica- But don’t think for a second that it’s because you’re not good enough,” his gaze softened. “I love you.” tion and asked suspiciously, “why?” “How can I be beautiful?” I whispered, my eyes plead“Because you’re beautiful,” then he gathered me into his arms before I could protest and he kissed me. His lips ing, searching for an answer in his. were warm and soft and he tasted slightly of salt. I was Instead he leaned forward and kissed me again, lightly unwilling to draw away, and he obviously took it as a sign of encouragement and deepened the kiss; parting my lips this time. “Because you have a reason to be beautiful.” with his. I felt myself float dizzily in the darkness and his hands holding me gently but firmly. I put my arms around him and held him against me, entwining my hands in his hair and feeling his warmth through our clothing, seeping into my skin. Cold flooded my veins as I realised what I was doing. I drew away so quickly that I stumbled back into the tyre swing and fell over. I backpedalled as he reached out a hand to help me up. Tears stung at my eyes as I whispered, “I don’t even know you.” His eyes pooled with tears as I drew away. “And I don’t know you and- and... Did you ever think I did this because I don’t know you?” “That doesn’t make any sense...” I replied, my voice shaky with tears. “I don’t know you, and you probably live far away, and I’m not beautiful or anything, and you’re standing there like an angel and-” I broke off, realising by the look on his face that I had said what he never would’ve thought. He walked over in a few confident strides and picked me up. He held my face between his hands and gave me a wondering look. I shook as sobs wracked my body and tears stained my face, and Blaine put his forehead against mine, still holding my face. His eyes closed and his voice was husky as he said, “You don’t understand. You are beautiful, and I’m not an angel; far from it,” he opened his eyes again and looked at me with a fierce intensity. “When I walked up the hill and saw you standing there, I thought I had climbed to heaven. You’re the angel, Ebony. And when I saw you up there with that flow-
“I never thought my eyes were beautiful; dark brown, almost black, surrounded by lashes that paled in comparison to his huge ones. His clouded gaze suddenly turned sharp, as if he were awakening from a dream.”
Clocks by xGuitarGirlxForever
F
ive forty-five am. She stood at the sink washing the dishes trying hard to place the bowls carefully on the china draining board so they wouldn’t clunk and disturb his sleeping. The soap suds made her hands slippery and the large mixing bowl fell, pushing the plastic child’s drinking beaker off the edge of the draining board. She rammed her hip against the counter and arrested its fall. She looked up; he hadn’t stirred. She exhaled, a long silent breath she hadn’t realized she had been holding.
Y fall lo ve s t secon ory d winneplace r
was anxious they finish soon. Her eyes kept darting between the clock and the rustling curtains. He was near the end pages now, so they wouldn’t have long.
Five fifty. She didn’t want to call down to them to hurry up, not yet anyway. Sure was sure they would finish on time. A bead of sweat broke out on her upper lip and she wiped it away on her sleeve. Her top smelt musty and damp, as did all her clothes. Her wardrobe was against the outside wall; a dusting of green mould the only decoration on the wall behind it. The lavender bags she made and hung up inside didn’t seem to make much difference. Sometimes they too molded Her hands were cracked and sore and tiny rivulets of blood and gave off a sickly sweet aroma that made her gag. spiralled upwards in the hot water each time she immersed He cleared his throat and the sudden noise made her jump. her hands. The stinging was almost unbearable, but she bit her lip and carried on. It would not do to fuss. She wrung the She looked again at the clock. Two minutes to six. Squeals of cloth out in the water and misted the surfaces with an anti- laughter came from downstairs, but she couldn’t hear their bacterial spray, then began to wipe, making sure she reached tread on the stairs. The soft sound of the Shostakovich conthe edges where the mastic was coming away. She would need certo was drawing itself up to its finale. to use a toothbrush on that later and get out all the dirt acShe filled the kettle with enough water for two cups of tea, cumulated underneath. The mastic edge was black and puckered like a ribbon; she was surprised he hadn’t noticed it. She lit the gas and placed it on the range to boil. Her hand hesipicked at it with her ragged nail then stopped, afraid that he tated over the whistle. The water would take two minutes to might be watching her. She turned to see him sitting on the boil. Only two. The sound of the whistle may camouflage the pips on the radio. She decided to take the risk. She folded couch reading the daily paper. the dishcloth and hung it over the range rail to dry. Her arms She squeezed a jet of white cream cleaner onto a yellow reached behind her to undo the bow on her apron. She made and green sponge and scrubbed the sink of stains. Careful to it into a neat square and hung it next to the dishcloth. She turn the tap on and off between rinses. The water wasn’t as smoothed her long hair away from her face and twisted it into hot now. She had used too much. Would there be enough for an untied ponytail, so that it hung in a loose corkscrew down the children’s bath, she wondered? She looked at the dial un- her back. derneath the boiler. Now it was officially springtime he had The newspaper slapped onto the table in a crack and his cut the hours the boiler was on. There wouldn’t be enough shadow crept over her. She hung on to the rail for support. water. She quickly shut her eyes. The window began to sweat with She took a linen dishcloth out of the drawer and carefully the steam. The piercing whistling hurt her eardrums and aldried the drained dishes. She placed each item individually most drowned out the laughing and squealing coming from on the counter careful to place it gently, so the noise of its downstairs. Come up quick! Don’t come up yet! She couldn’t impact on the granite would be quieted. Once everything was decide. dry she opened each cupboard and put each item in its correct Her front tooth felt loose and through the slits of her eyes place; turning the bowls so the pattern faced her front. Before closing the cupboard and drawer doors she checked the she could see it was the linen dishcloth that covered her face. little discs of felt were still in place. They would absorb any She wanted to spit, but swallowed instead holding back the wave of nausea by counting backwards from ten. The floor banging noise the doors made on closing. needed sweeping under the range. There was the pen she had Downstairs she could hear the children cleaning up their lost.She heard the news end. Three minutes past six. Time for toys. She had told them to do it at least ten minutes ago and her was over.
First Love
T
he one thing that can combine that carefree giddiness that begs him for a hug after school every day, and the apologetic sorrow that punches walls and brings unbidden tears when he abandons you for a LAN part with his friends, or the newest expansion pack for World of Warcraft, without even a single goodbye. This emotion that invites nostalgia after riding home in his truck so often meets the ignorance you plead at not being able to navigate your way to his house by yourself. An offense that is pardoned only by the fact that every trip your attention was focused entirely on the driver, rather than the destination. They say the first love is the love you remember the best, but probably because it is the love that hurts you the worst. By the second love, you are already on your guard. But the first love isn’t about surviving the heartache; it is about creating the memories. Memories and lessons that will help you build a stronger love the next time around. Little things, from a harmless tease about the gravel in his voice that you love to reminders he should
Y fall lo ve s t third ory winnpelace r
by Master_Marquise
pick up a razor more often. Each moment more precious than the last, weaving together to form a strong bond from a loose attachment. More often than not, the words ‘I Love You’ are worth less than showing them you actually care. Answering his phone calls to hear his voice when you can’t see him in person goes a lot further than refusing to answer the phone because he hasn’t called in three days. In most cases, your first love is not your true love. Chances are, you will meet many people who will form relationships with you; and whether they are friendships that will last a long time or brief romances, you will always carry a piece of those people in your heart. Hearts change, but they still retain that memory and warmth of the love you share with other people. Your first love holds a special place in your heart that you can’t erase, or replace with something else. But if you use it to help your love grow, rather than trying to push it aside or cast it out, your next love may be even greater than your last. Falling in love is beautiful… but the only thing more beautiful is falling in love again.