Kate Nash

London is coming back to America, especially by music. Many british artists and bands are growing in popularity in the US and with good reason. Artists like Kate Nash and M.I.A. have some good tunes to them, and are worth checking out. Specifically, Kate Nash has been heating up the charts with her 'Merry Happy' song. Nash has cool Pop groove to it, bringing the hip 90s English bands back into groove. The British Bands are hotter now than ever, and have a great sophisticated fun vibe to them. She is seen to them almost as a British Regina Spektor. Nash's new album Made of Bricks is a good thing to have on your iPod, for when your just in the mood for listening to something bop around to.

For fans of:

- M.I.A.

- Regina Spektor

- Ingrid Michaelson

- Tegan and Sara

- Rilo Kiley

Information:

> Wikipedia Kate Nash

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kate_Nash

> Listen to Made of Bricks

http://www.last.fm/music/Kate+Nash/Made+of+Bricks

> Kate Nash Fan Site

http://katenash.fan-sites.org/

Action of the Week: Plan a Party

Now that you are all back in the loop with your friends, plan yourselves a get together! Theres no better way to bond than a little party. Make it easy: don't invite the whole world and plan something that everyone will enjoy. Have a sleepover! A swim-party! A movie viewing bash! Anything, be creative. Group parties are fun and everyone will be very thankful to the host. Be sure you have plenty of snacks and back up entertainment before this all happens. Plan it a little in advance, so people can work out their schedules. It may be summer but people still may have things going on. You want to make sure that everyone can come. You will seem really friendly for doing such a fun thing, and actually living up to the expectations of summer fun. It'll be great, and be sure you bring your camera so that you can take pictures to remember it by later. Just have a blast!

Information:
> How to throw a party
http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/party-planning-tips6.htm
> Party City (supplies)
http://www.partycity.com/

Flying Teens

It is summer: parents are taking you on trips. Chances are you're going to have to ride on an airplane to do this. You need to know how though. On your carry on, pack your wallet, your phone, your iPod, a magazine, a notebook, a book (if you have one), a small pillow, and a dry snack. Don't get tied up during security, and be ready. It would help if you wore shoes that can be eaisly taken off and a zip-up jacket. Wear comfy clothes and an easy hairstyle; do not complicate things where they could be simple. On the other side of security, buy another snack you usually have and a new magazine. During the flight keep yourself entertained by switching up what you are doing. If you can fall asleep in a car you should be able to take a nap on the plane. Don't drink to much, and do what you can so you don't have to go to the bathroom. Come prepared with new music on your iPod and relax. Flying can be really easy if you are calm and collected throughout the process. Chill out! It is fun, and think of the vacation to come with an open mind. You'll be really excited when the plane starts to land and you are almost to the destination. It can be a very fun experience if you don't let yourself get bored and socialize with the people in your row.

Information:
> Transportation Security Administration

(what you can take on the plane)

http://www.tsa.gov/

Teen Choice Awards 2008

Teen Choice Awards is always one of the best parts of summer. Mix together our favorite actors, artists, and comedians and you have one fantastic show. Teen Choice Awards 2008 will be no exception. Airing August 5th, Teen Choice will be hosted by the infamous Miley Cyrus. The nominees for each category are fabulous choices, and I encourage everybody to vote. It is a really fun event filled with many live performances and bursting with celebrities. Chances are, something you love is nominated to get out there and vote. In fact you probably know everyone attending too! Nominee examples are Ugly Betty, Lost, Michael Cera, Matthew Fox, Leona Lewis, Tyra Banks, and Ryan Sheckler, to name a few. They deserve to win it, so give them your vote everyday! Be sure to catch it when it airs too, to see who wins! This event is huge and cannot be missed.

Information:
> Teen Choice Site (voting)
www.teenchoiceawards.com

Tye Dye

Summer is PRIME tye-dying time. Tye-dye is such a great activity that everyone can enjoy. Its all very unique and fun as you create a new masterpiece. First, you need the dye, which you can pick up in any arts and crafts store. Second, you need as many large buckets as you have colors. Lastly, pick out what you want to dye, like white tees, a tote bag, or anything else you may think of. Select a large, open outdoors space where you will set this all up. Fill the buckets with some water and squirt the dye in as necessary. Tie rubber bands in twisties all over the shirt to create the design. Dip in the water and squirt the dye directly on-for a darker shade. When done, hang out to dry, then you can wear your shirt as much as you want. You can honestly tell people you made the shirt yourself. Don't wash it with any other clothes, especially the first time, because it fades and sometimes dye leaks. It really fun if you invite over some friends so you can be like, "We made that together." Make it a party!

Information:
> Basic Tye-Dye-ing
http://www.ritdye.com/Tie-Dyeing.46.lasso

Sarah Dessen

For some time now, teenage girls have been in love with the author Sarah Dessen's novels. The most popular one, Someone Like You, captured our hearts and soon we were reading all the ones written by her. This includes That Summer, This Lullaby, Dreamland, Keeping the Moon, The Truth About Forever, and her most recent addition, Lock and Key. Each story has her classic voice to it, but each story has a different issue to face with a different lesson. "Life is an ugly, awful place not to have a best friend." chants Someone Like You. If you have not at least tried out one of these books, you are really missing out. Don't be worried, they are an easy read and each has charachters you will never forget. A Sarah Dessen book is an anytime, anywhere book, perfect during a plane ride or road trip. You will want to read all of them over, and over again until you have it memorized. Yeah, its that good. It really doesn't matter what kind of reader you are: if you are a girl that's enough. You can be a horrible reader, or hate to stick you face near any kind of book, but will enjoy opening a Sarah Dessen novel. For a while, fall into somebody else's story, taking a break from your own. Its fun and you might even love it.

Sites for information:
> Sarah Dessen's Website
http://www.sarahdessen.com/?q=home
> Buy it! At Borders
http://www.borders.com/online/store/Home

Messenger Bags

Messenger bags have become one more essential item for everyone's closet. The classic, over-the-shoulder bag have become a necessity, being both practical and fun. If David Beckham has one, why shouldn't I?
They hold everything you need with ease, meaning only a comfortable pressure on your shoulders. No awkward pains or anything, just ease. You can find them in many, many, many sizes and colors to fit your personal style.

They are great and simply for school as you can easily get from class to class with it hung on your side. Usually you can spy many on the shoulders of college-students, being most efficient for short trips. When traveling they are great as carry-on bags and as the kind you keep with you at all times. Feeling smart is a side-affect of owning the bag, because they make everything easier. Just ask Cameron Diaz, who sports them on many occasions when traveling around town and across the globe. Perfect for the upcoming-fall season, this is one item you won't want to be without when September rolls around.

Suggested Items:

> American Eagle Women's Sateen Messenger
http://www.ae.com/web/browse/product.jsp?catId=cat90052&productId=0427_7853

> American Eagle Men's Messenger Bag
http://www.ae.com/web/browse/product.jsp?catId=cat1060005&productId=0501_4252

> Harajuku Lovers Fan Messenger Bag

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=311543&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results

Information:

- About.com > Messenger Bags

http://shoes.about.com/od/shoesforteens/a/messenger_bags.htm

Jack's Mannequin

Jack's Mannequin has been a band of epic porportions to die-hard fans for nearly three years. Now, the fans are buzzing again as a second album, The Glass Passenger, is going to be released in early September. In June 2005, the lead singer, Andrew McMahon, struggled with about with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and received a bone marrow transplant. As a survivor, his is a big inspiration to others around the world with leukemia as he fought it back for the love of his music. Their big break for most fans was when they were featured on hit-show One Tree Hill, and their track The Mixed Tape was featured in The One Tree Hill Soundtrack Volume 2: Friends with Benefit.

The excitement is not only for the new album, but the future tour with Paramore. In early May singer Haley Williams announced on The Sauce that the two bands had scheduled a tour together in August and September.
When it gets to an area near you, there's no doubt it'll be a show worth seeing. Both are great performances in themselves, together simply dynamic.
Don't miss out on it.

For fans of:
- One Tree Hill
- Paramore
- Yellowcard
- Boys Like Girls
- Jimmy Eat World

For more information see:
> Fan Community http://www.jacksmannequin.tickets.musictoday.com/JacksMannequin/calendar.aspx
> Jack's Mannequin/Paramore tour
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Final_RIOT%21_Tour
> Free Download of One Tree Hill Vol. 2: Friends With Benefit
http://melon-mp3.blogspot.com/2007/09/va-one-tree-hill-vol-2-friends-with.html
> Jack's Mannequin store
http://www.zambooie.com/stores/?st_id=96

Action of the Week: Reconnect

Our action of the week this week is to reconnect with all those school friends you've been missing all summer. When school was in session you were cool, chatting in the halls and texting nearly every night, but summer rolls around and... now what? You gotta stay connected, and the more you try the better relationships you will have in the year to come.

So keep it simple: leave them a 'hey miss u hows ur summer' text or message them on the internet; whatever works. It doesn't have to be complex, just show them you care and are not ditching them completely in these hot months. More likely than not, if you really are good friends then they will be glad you did. And even in if your not, it'll show how nice you are. And well, that'll win votes when you run for class prez.

So don't be afraid or shy; those are weaknesses. You have to be open to new ideas: its summer for crying out loud. If your not going to be spontaneous now, then when will you ever?


Make some plans for a little party full of games and stuff. Bring a camera and the pics will become your immediate defaults, memories you'll love forever! Find something fun like guitar hero or swimming and get everyone to join in. Just because schools out doesn't mean you should lose certain people.

What to get:

- popcorn

- sunscreen

- charged camera

- m&ms

- tye dye

- lemonade

Mamma Mia!

Tomorow Mamma Mia! The Movie hits theaters, starring the classy Amanda Seyfried and Meryl Streep. Instead of burning up on the sidewalk, take a trip to the local movie theaters and grab some popcorn. This movie is a great summer flick, perfect for spending an afternoon with your friends.


Most fans are dying to see Amanda Seyfried's performance as Sophie, waiting for the return of their beloved Karen from Mean Girls. The bubble brain plastic with ESPN in her head or something returns, but this time with a very different charachter than before. Others may know her as Lilly Kane from the show Veronica Mars, where she played the murdered outgoing best friend to Kristen Bell, as Veronica. In Mamma Mia! we see more of her talent as she takes a new step and plays, not an airhead this time, but an engaged girl searching for her father, in a very musical manner. Complete with the songs from ABBA, she proves her singing skills yet again, as we all remember the classic Jingle Bell Rock dance in Mean Girls.

There is no doubt that Seyfried's performance will be at the least satisfactory for everyone. She is a model for young Hollywood and aspiring stars everywhere. Mamma Mia! should be a great summer thrill, even if the Broadway production is said to be merely mediocre. Make some time to get out of the house and have some fun.

If you are going through a rough time right now, take my advice and go see it, because you cannot leave the theater with a broken heart after listening to the peppy, up-beat tunes of Mamma Mia and Dancing Queen.


For more information, see:

- www.mammamiamovie.com/
- www.imdb.com/title/tt0795421/

Twilight Series

Let’s be honest: hardly anyone reads because they want to anymore. On occasion a special series will come along you are convinced to read you end up loving. Yeah it’s rare, but it has been known to happen. For everyone bored out of their minds this summer, there is the fresh and epic Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. They have become a #1 bestseller according to the New York Times. The series is commonly called, "The hottest series since Harry Potter." , and its easy to see why. Any teenage girl could fall in love with the story line, maybe get addicted, and please their parents by reading the over 300 pages first installation. Interested?
Bella is your average, awkward, semi-pretty 17-year old girl. Her parents are divorced and for the past few years she has been living with her mom in sunny Phoenix, Arizona. Recently though, her mom has found a new love, and wants to travel with him, but is afraid to leave poor Bella behind. So being the helpful soul she is, Bella moves back to the ever-rainy Forks, Washington to live with the her Dad, Charlie. She enrolls in the local, boring high school and goes into the first day not expecting anything good to come from this. Little does she know that the mysterious, irresistible Edward Cullen is to become her new lab partner, stirring up her boring life. The Cullens have a big secret, oh, I don’t know, like they are all vampires or something. Yeah don’t worry though; they are totally civil, although they are constantly resisting the urge to drink people’s blood. You may hate such things, but you’ll love this. It’s adventure, romance, high school, and horror all in one.
Anyway I don’t want to give away much more so I’ll just tell you now: there are currently 3 books in the series, each ranging from 300-600 pages. Here’s stuff you’ll want to know:
- the fourth book called Breaking Dawn comes out on August 2nd
- the movie Twilight, based on the first book comes out December 12th
Here are some sites for more info:
http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/
www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20211840,00.html
www.imdb.com/title/tt1099212/

Example

As I'm sure most of you know, on July 11th Apple released the third generation iPhone to the public. This highly anticipated technology was awaited by thousands of longing owners, and I'm guessing that roughly 45% of them already have had an iPhone. There's no doubt about it though; the little thing is amazing. With blazing internet, a cell phone, an iPod, touch screen, GPS and more all swirled into only device, how can it not be? However, the wait for one is staggering. Last Saturday I was at the Northridge Fashion Center and the line for the new iPhone was being regulated by security from the door extending about 50 people back. People going in and leaving had to pass through the security guards, giving the meaning of 'craze' a whole new level. My friend and I walked along the line, looking at the people waiting and trying to fathom the desire they must have to own the best of everything. One group was playing Uno, another woman knitting, and almost all the rest were, of course, on their cell phones. It was pretty funny.

The verdict for now is that if you don't need it right now, be patient for a couple more weeks. There's gotta be something better to do than wait in a line for an average of 3 hours for a new phone. Even if it is pretty sweet.

For more information visit www.apple.com

{the above article is an example of what you have to look forward to on this sight}

Introduction

This is Hannah's blog where she talks about new discoveries (ex. cool music, food), the current news (ex. have you seen Hannah Montana's hair?), and whatever else so that we can all stay in the loop, basically.
Then again, things have a funny tendency to turn into something else, but for now, it is what it is. An empty site. So lets fill it!


yours truly,
hannah