Roadrunners Volleyball beats UCC

The LBCC volleyball team finished on top after a shaky first set against Umpqua C.C. ending in a 3-1 victory. After a tough loss against Mt. Hood, the Roadrunners were looking to bounce back with a win at home and they did just that.

The first set showed a fierce looking Umpqua side hungry for an away result. LB opened the scoring, but Umpqua answered right back and went on to control the set winning 17-25.

You wouldn’t have guessed LB lost the first set with the amount of cheering from the home side. All throughout the break, half of the crowd would chant “LB” while the other half would respond with a roaring “CC.” The high energy cheering continued well into the game until the end.

The positive vibes from the crowd must have made their way to the team as they started the second set with a seven point opening run. LB lead comfortably for most of the set until the Riverhawks went on a run of their own which brought a seven point deficit to only three. A well called time out from head coach Jayme Frazier allowed her team to catch their composure and halt the away team’s momentum. The rest of the set went back and forth but LB won the set point 25-22. That back and forth theme towards the end of the second set would foreshadow the next.

In an exhilarating third set, both teams traded points and were tied seven times throughout the period.Umpqua took a timeout down a point at 20-19 and came off to tie the game for the last time. LB responded with a timeout of their own and stepped back onto the court with a mission. The defense was incredible and Umpqua just couldn’t get anything over the net as the Roadrunner’s front line swatted and blocked every ball the opposing team had to send. LB went on to win the third set 25-21.

The Hawks looked tired and rattled after the previous set, and the Roadrunners took full advantage of their fatigue. The impressive defensive performance LB had shown continued with some extraordinary blocks and a scoreline reading 8-1. Umpqua would fight back and make an incredible team play to keep an out of bounds ball alive and over the net. Unfortunately for them, the home side caught the Hawks out of position and gained a well fought and emotional point. There was no question  LB was the more dominant team and they completed the set like winners to win 25-13 and claim the game.

Sophomore libero Whitney Hightower was very pleased with the result. “We fought hard in a game with a lot of ups and downs, but we got the win.” There was no hiding her satisfaction but there was still room for improvement. “Our serving was weak at times but we played a good game.”

Teammate middle blocker Teague Teece also added in that “the team communication was great and we managed to stay united.” Teece went on to say “We like to keep a team standard...always play above an eight [on a scale of one to ten].”

A rightly disappointed Umpqua team had little to say about the defeat. “The team came out hard and wanted to win but the finishing and communication just weren’t there,” said one player. When questioned whether the crowd played into the game at all another Hawk player said, “The other team definitely got a boost from the crowd but we just try and tune them out and get in the zone.” “We had a lot of injuries too, that played a big factor for us,” added another teammate.

With a game the next day against Southwestern Oregon CC, sophomore Miah Boeder  was confident in saying “as long as we start strong and come on energetic we can keep winning.” The team would go on to win 3-0.

WLHS Senior Bridges Gap For Those Less Fortunate

Summer is coming into its twilight days of the year and with school looming around the corner students soak in the last rays of sun and ready themselves for the daily routine and a new school year. While kids and parents start their back to school shopping, West Linn High School senior Oliver Muggli is preparing himself for the experience of a lifetime as he ventures to East Africa to the western villages of Tanzania. This trip is no last minute vacation, but more so a mission to better the lives of those less fortunate, all courtesy of Africa Bridge.

Raised in Tanzania, Africa Bridge founder and Purpose Prize winner Barry Childs began this organization after returning to the country only to find the land devastated by HIV/AIDS, something had to be done. From there on, Childs began his mission of starting an economic organization built around the concept of teaching villages to be self sustainable and fight child poverty.

What started as a fun school project has now transformed into a major pursuit for Muggli. In his fourth grade class, Muggli and his peers adopted the Africa Bridge project and went on to raise over $2,000 for the organization and kept in contact with the children, through a pen pal system, with whom the profits benefitted. Since then, Africa Bridge has become an important part of Muggli’s life.

As a student representative, Muggli attends board meetings to discuss new issues and questions regarding the progression of current projects. Simply put, they “assist the villages and communities by solving African problems with African solutions.” All of this is possible through a program of Africa Bridge’s called This Is My Village. The first step, and point of emphasis, in this five year program begins by listening to the children and engaging with the community so that a healthy partnership can be established.

Muggli’s two week trip begins September 29th where he will make his first stop in Tanzania’s capital, Dodoma, accompanied by former superintendent Roger Woehl and wife Jeannie Woehl. After a night in Dodoma, Muggli will travel to nature preserves and plantations, but the majority of his time will be spent in villages, two hours drive from the Africa Bridge offices in Tukuyu, filming the progress and meeting with villagers.

When asked what he was looking forward to the most, there was no hiding Muggli’s enthusiasm. “I’m really excited to see the faces of the kids and the inner workings of the project...to see the impact of our work!”

The journey is planned to end October 11th but Muggli doesn’t plan on this being his only visit. “I want this to be part of my life, I would love to go back regularly.” His parents might not favor the idea of regular stops to Tanzania, as they are still “taking this in stride,” but Muggli says they have been supportive ever since he took on this passion. Hopefully his teachers are as understanding as his parents are with all of the work he will be missing.

          Africa Bride is funded purely by donations which help purchase materials that go towards schools, crops, and healthcare services. Donations can be made through their website at africabridge.org and all amounts are greatly appreciated.

My choice: An Eventful Summer

          Every two years there comes a time for countries to unite and ban together. If you can't figure out what this event might be with that basic description then you my friend have been living under a rock, it's the Olympic Games of course! July 27 will mark the beginning of the 2012 Summer Olympics, which will be held in London, England this year.
          If you paid any attention to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, you might recognize names such as Michael Phelps, Shawn Johnson, Tyson Gay, and Justin Gatlin from our very own team USA. Each Olympian has made a name for themselves and has made several appearances in the media, ranging anywhere from commercials promoting products to taking bong hits on Youtube, who Phelps was recognized for shortly after the 2008 games.
          Unfortunately "Shawn Johnson will not be participating in the games, or any future competitions for that matter. According to USAGym.org, Johnson had this to say. "I still have the heart, drive, and desire to compete and help the USA at the London Olympics...unfortunately, it has become obvious that my left knee is not able to sustain the demands of gymnastics any longer. All I can do now is gracefully retire and thank everyone who has believed in me and my journey.
          Of course the Olympics aren't solely about individual performances, who can forget the 1992 "Dream Team," which was arguably the most talented team to have ever taken the basketball court. What about the inspiring 1980 "Miracle on Ice?" A group of ragtag collegiate and amateur athletes took down the hockey dynasty that was the Soviet Union, who had won nearly every major event since 1954 at that time, and gritted out one of the most historic underdog stories.
          Basketball, Soccer(Football to the rest of the world), and Swimming tend to be the only events people pay any attention to anymore but there really shouldn't be any surprises in these areas.
         Phelps should dominate the swimming events like he did last year, but he might be looking to pass the torch on to the ofter overlooked Ryan Lochte. In men's soccer the US team failed to qualify, which is a big blow for the sport's progression in our country, but the current European champions, Spain, will be favored to win it all. The globally recognized Brazilian team, with five World Cup trophies, will be threatening Spain however, as they look to obtain the top prize that has eluded them for so many years.
          The US women's national soccer team will be participating in the event though and they are surely among the favorites to win it all, along with other great teams such as Great Britain and last years World Cup champions, Japan.
          Gold will be the aim for the US basketball team as they strive to retain the gold after the "Redeem Team" earned the gold back during the last summer Olympics. With the likes of Kobe, LeBron, and Durant on the team, it seems nearly impossible for the team to get anything less than the gold.
          Although it will be exciting to see the national team succeed in the different sports, it will be even more exciting to watch our other Olympians achieve greatness as the underdogs, even if that means fighting to earn a bronze medal.
          Of course the US won't excel in every single event the competition has to offer, especially with the likes of the World's fastest man and current world and Olympic record holder, Usain Bolt, taking to the track. Few could believe the scene of this six foot five inch man blowing past the competition with ease in both the 100m and 200m dash. Bolt's talent is only exceeded by his ego. Ever since his climb to success and fame, he hasn't let anyone forget who he is and what he has done.
          According to the Associated Press, in regards to Justin Gatlin's impressive performance at the Prefontaine Classic, Bolt stated that, "I don't want to sound rude or anything, but I think Gatlin had his chance. I think Gatlin has a few guys to get past before he worries about me."
          These Olympic games are no doubt going to showcase many familiar names but they are also anticipated to pave the way for the next generation of Olympians with names such as Missy Franklin,Jordyn Wieber, and Jordan Burroughs sure to appear. Hopefully the US maintains its strength in these games and ultimately stands a place above the competition at the winner's podium.

At a Glance:
Opening Ceremony and games will start on July 27 at 1pm on NBC.
The games will go on to the Closing  Ceremony on August 12.
More information and details can be found on the games official website.
The event listings and dates can also be found under the Schedule & Results page of the official site.
The Prefontaine Classic will also be held June 1-2, results can be found here.
Team USA will also be determined in Eugene at the Olympic Trials, beginning June 21.

Sports shots: Golf

Sean Peterson begins his warm up at Trysting Tree Golf Course,
just off the highway outside of downtown Corvallis,
 by hitting  some balls at the driving range first.

After having warmed up, Sean tees up at the first hole and has a great drive down the middle of the fairway.
The rest of the course would prove to be a bit more challenging as the wind picked up

Following a successful round of golf, finishing only 10, Sean cools down by sinking some putts
at the putting green, much is the routine for golfers

Free Shot: West Linn vs. Wilsonville Lax

The match between the West Linn Lions and Wilsonville Wildcats starts as two opposing players face-off.

Tensions run high and the physicality sets the mood of the game early on as players fight for the ball.

Three West Linn defenders run down the Wilsonville attacker. The Lions went on to hold the Wildcats scoreless 12-0. 

Nelson Brown, Barber profile

         Nelson Brown is a man of his principles and morals, no more and no less. The local barber at Diversity Cuts, previously located in OSU's Memorial Union, has since moved to 11th and Van Buren Ave.
          Nelson has been cutting, trimming, and styling hair in Corvallis for 10 years now, but his experience in this field dates much longer than that, and it really does show through his quality.
          Back in the day barber shops used to be a place of safety and freedom, but like most things in this world, these shops have been industrialized to perform haircuts faster. You used to be able to shoot the breeze with your barber and neither them nor you would ever have to worry about what was discussed, no matter how controversial or sensitive the topic. Now your lucky if can get the person cutting your hair to say anymore than "So what do you want?" Nelson distances himself from that notion and he'll be the first one to tell you that.
          When you first walk in your senses are almost overwhelmed. Immediately, what you might mistake to be a white wolf trots right to you with a friendly greeting. If you somehow manage to walk out of the shop without any of your hair on you this dog will be sure to fix that with some of its own. If this amiable canine isn't enough to make you feel comfortable then the music is sure to. Nelson's own personal music library consists of anything ranging from Led Zepplin, 2Pac, to some good ol' fashion James Brown, whatever you want hes got it, and that's just his music.
          Nelson's upbringing was far from easy, raised in a foster home with several brothers and sisters, Brown learned quickly that race was nothing but a color. "I grew up with just about every skin color under the sun, my father taught me to respect everyone and everything unless they gave you a reason otherwise and I still hold that true to this day." Brown went on to say,"With so many different types of races under that roof we all learned how to cut each others hair, that's why I can cut anything that walks through that door."
          A regular customer, Jeff Russell, had nothing but praise to give to the talented barber and his establishment.
          "A barber shop should be a place where you can shoot the s*** with your friends, barber, and other customers. [You can] talk about your old lady and the problems she's giving you or how the governments screwing us over. Doesn't matter everyone has something to contribute."

          Many were disappointed to see Nelson relocate from his campus shop but many felt that his location was inhibiting him from doing what he wanted to do in his shop. Matt King was one such individual.
          "Some people just can't handle the rawness of a classic barber shop. People swear and might say some things that you don't agree with, but that's what it's all about!"
          If you haven't had the chance to stop by this classic barber shop, anyone of Diversity Cuts' customers will encourage you to stop by for a chat and one of the cleanest cuts in town.

At a Glance
Nelson Brown, Barber, Diversity Cuts
Diversity Cuts' Facebook page
Located at 11th and Van Buren Ave Corvallis, OR 97330, across from the Rice 'n' Spice market
Call in to make an appointment to avoid the wait at (541) 908-3272
Price is $15-$20 or go in on Tuesdays for a discount at $10, with tip of course

Story #3: The Changing Nature of Life

          Change is an inevitability. From the moment we are born, we are thrown into a world that is constantly changing around us. Every creature, by nature, will oppose change because it goes against their daily routine. Many people struggle to adapt to change, not Jane Barton.

          Last Tuesday night The LaSells Stewart Center at OSU hosted Dr. Jane Barton, MTS, MASM. She is an enthusiastic writer, speaker, listener, and founder of Cardinal, LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to educating people in the hardships of comforting the old, ill, and disabled.

          Barton opened with a simple question for the crowd, "Do you welcome change?" The murmuring crowd was silenced and few nodded their heads. It's amazing how such a simple word is capable of causing such a noticeably discomforting reaction.

          With little response from the now tentative audience, Barton said simply, "In order to achieve continuity, we must be willing to change." The manner in which Barton said this was so matter-of-fact, she made it sound as if it were obvious, very convincing. According to Barton there are four types of change, cognitive, physical, relationship, and spiritual. Each of these changes we experience is just a transition. "The best part about transitions is that they provide opportunities to discover yourself...to integrate change into our lives," said Barton.

          Everyone, young and old, worries about what tomorrow has to offer. Our world seems to revolve around this one concept, adapt to survive, for "change is the norm." Barton understands the changing nature of life as well as how to handle it. Now at age 55, she has seen both of her parents taken by cancer and knows the journey of care-giving.

          Perhaps the most challenging period in time for Barton was the "year of the hard hat,"when she had to deal with a divorce while moving out and caring for her father who had also had a stroke. The most difficult part for her though, was the fact that she hadn't yet gotten over the death of her mother years earlier. The only thing that helped Barton through that year was "the little voice of hope, of a divine." We all find hope in different places but that doesn't change the fact of life, it is the first thing given to us and the last thing taken away.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Barton...
Phone: 865-688-0661
Email: jbarton0829@yahoo.com
For more information visit her website.
http://www.drjanebarton.com/

Simply Edna

Edna Buchanan has lived a life most reports could only hope to replicate at some degree. She faced hardships of having only one parent, being poor, and being a woman. The determination this woman has is unheard of, at least for me it is. To overcome such adversity on a daily basis must have taken its toll on Edna, but never does it ever seem like she lets it bother her. If there was anything I've learned from Edna thus far it would be to persist no matter the cost and to take advantage of what makes you different from the rest. I'm a mild mannered person and I find myself generally going along with the consensus in most situations. Not because I'm afraid of having my thoughts such down or anything like that but simply because it just seems easier to me that way and time isn't wasted. Edna never takes no for an answer, and when it does happen to be the answer, she continues to press until that no turns into a yes. Many people would see being a woman in Edna's position at the time to be very disadvantageous, but she made it work into her favor by taking advantage of men's politeness and lack of detail. For me, my disadvantage seems to be the fact that I stand out like a sour thumb. A tall black guy doesn't just exactly "blend" into the environment. What I have found I can do is part crowds like Moses and water. Not only does this allow me to get to the ideal location, but I can also see things from a much higher view. This was I can show and tell a story to someone in a completely different way than others might be able to. It's been incredibly entertaining reading about Edna's many different stories and I can't wait to read more about them.

Inspirations Dances into Spring

          There's only one reason why you shouldn't have been outside enjoying the beautiful weather this past weekend, and that is so you could see the beauty that was happening inside the Russell Tripp Performance Center.
          Last Friday night and Saturday afternoon LBCC held it's Spring Dance Concert "Inspirations," showcased by students and faculty along with guest performances by East Dream Chinese Dance Group and Downtown Dance. The concert was organized by LB's very own Kathrine Sanders, who is also the artistic director and founder of Downtown Dance.
          "The spring performance is traditionally called 'Inspirations' to represent the inspiration students, faculty, and audience members find through the many dances," according to Sanders. She also stated that, "This year felt like the most successful," due to the many returning student performers.
          The opening night saw the entire Performance Center nearly at maximum capacity but you would've thought it was full the way the audience responded to the the energy of the dancers.
          Student and performer, Summer Veit, had nothing but praise for the audience, fellow performers, and organization of the concert as a whole. "Compared to other recitals I have done, this one was the most organized and professionally put together. There were many different acts that showcased people's abilities and it makes me proud to be a part of them."
          The emotion of each dance was captured perfectly thanks to the technical staff of the concert, who were in charge of music, lighting, and on stage assistance.
          Diversity was the clear theme of the concert with a large array of performances ranging from hip-hop, jazz, and traditional Chinese dance.
          The East Dream Chinese Dance Group performed for its second consecutive appearance at LBCC and was definitely one of the standout acts. Sanders stated that "Special guests are rotated every couple of years to promote diversity through dance."
          One of the great aspects of the concert was "giving the new and experienced[dancers] an opportunity to show what they are all about," said Sanders.
           LBCC is lucky to house such great talent and professionalism and if you didn't have the opportunity to see the performances there is a display at the entrance of the Performance Center and you won't want to miss next year's concert either!

Inspirations dance rehearsal

Yaling Fan flashes a beautiful smile during a short solo with the East Dream Chinese Dance Group
at the Inspirations dance performance.

The Zang Zu Folk Dance is fluently performed shortly after a short intermission
for a first look at the EDC Dance Group.

Artistic Director, Katherine Sanders, gives her feedback on the first round of dress rehearsal
 just a night before the first performance.

Tyga Gets Corvallis Roaring

You wouldn't have the slightest idea it was a Monday night with the incredible turnout and energy at the Benton County Fair Grounds earlier this week.
Hip hop sensation, Tyga, made an unscheduled stop in Oregon in several locations for his Careless World Tour, named after his second studio album. There was a crowd of roughly 1,300 individuals all gathered inside the fairgrounds to see one of hip hop's hottest artists along with his crew consisting of Honey Cocaine, and Lil Twist.
Tickets sold fast! Almost as fast the performance seemed to have gone by said concert attendee Josh Knoll.
"Everyone was having a great time and you never wanted it to end, but it did. Way quicker than expected," Knoll said.
Tyga played many of his hit singles such as Rack City, Make it Nasty,and The Motto.
Brennan White was lucky enough to meet the performer in person after the concert had ended, and he had nothing but good things to say about the rapper.
"He really was a great guy. I always expected rappers like him to be stuck up or self absorbed but he was really chill,"White said. "[He was] a lot shorter than I was expecting but he even made some jokes about his height."
For those that had a busy Tuesday morning and were unable to attend the concert can visit Oncloudn9ne's Facebook page to view pictures of the event or you can visit Ticketmaster to view other locations he will be performing at.
If the concert caught you by complete surprise, you might want to visit Tyga's official website to learn a bit about what this young rapper is about.

At a glance
Future performances by Tyga
April 18th, Beaumont Club, Kansas City, Montana at 8pm
April 27th, WVU Coliseum, Morgan Town, West Virginia at 7:30pm
April 29th, University at Buffalo - Alumni Arena, Buffalo, New York at 6:30pm

First Photojournalism Photos(Medium, Overall, Close-up)

Tiffany Harris pictured holding her prize after winning the raffle.



The Frisbee-golf club practicing throwing techniques.




A newt captured in the Fishery and Wildlife club.



Hunger What?

Hunger Games! Hunger Games! Hunger Games! What the hell is this book and why the hell is everybody talking about it? The first book of the trilogy was published in September of 2008 and has  has received multiple awards, one including Publishers Weekly's 2008 Best Books of the Year award, so why all the hype now? There seems to be a trending theme of dystopian young-adult books going around and with all the myths of the world ending this concept doesn't look like it's going anywhere. Sudden interest and popularity of this critically acclaimed novel can also be linked to it's similarities to both Harry Potter and Twilight. One similarity being it's film adaptation, which is to be released in theaters next month.

Jennifer Lawrence will be playing the role of Katniss Everdeen
in the upcoming film adaptation

Having no prior knowledge to this series I would like to find out what makes this book so attractive to the masses. What better place to start than with the author, Suzanne Collins. Collins' name may not be all that unfamiliar to you as she is well known as a children's television writer for the popular television network Nickelodeon. Among other things, she is also the author of the Underland Chronicles. Collins seems to gather her ideas and inspiration from ancient mythology, other pieces of writing, and lifetime experiences. From what I've gathered from multiple websites and acquaintances, the plot goes something like this. The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic North America nation now called Panem, which is divided into thirteen separate districts, twelve in which are all living in poverty and a wealthy district known as Capitol. Due to a previous rebellion against the Capitol, the Capitol now forces children ranging between twelve and eighteen years of age to participate in an annual event known as the Hunger Games. A boy and a girl are chosen, at random, from each district in an annual lottery to participate in these games where all participants or "tributes" must fight to the death until just one of the twenty-four remains. The winner's district will then be rewarded with enough food and medicine to last the year, until the next games. Katniss Everdeen, a sixteen year old girl, takes the role of the main protagonist in this story. As I'm sure you've probably already guessed, Katniss finds herself a participant of the 74th annual Hunger Games. Katniss must now do whatever she can to survive this lethal and ever changing event by means of sympathy, betrayal, and deception.

Cast of The Hunger Games movie which will show in theaters March 23rd

The Hunger Games, like the Underland Chronicles, takes place in a war-like scenario where friendships are made and broken in the blink of an eye. Collins often draws from imaginative places like Wonderland, from Alice in Wonderland, and mythical beings like Theseus, the founder-king of Athens, for ideas. Collins' books typically take the perspective of children and makes them her main characters. While both series are filled with large amounts of action, The Hunger Games series also includes a romantic subplot.

Collins has a ways to go before her series can even touch J.K. Rowling's blockbuster Harry Potter series or even Stephenie Meyer's record breaking Twilight series, but comparisons are being made already and The Hunger Games certainly have the potential to sell millions. What The Hungers Games has that Harry Potter and Twilight series doesn't is its balance of action and plot, which makes for an excellent movie that is sure to attract many day one fans as well as band-wagoners.

The Harry Potter series has
sold over 450 million copies

The Twilight series sold one million copies in just over two years, breaking the previous record held by the Harry Potter books

I believe the emergence of this foreign yet familiar series is paving the way to a new generation of world wide best-sellers. The plot is eerily realistic as it reveals the economics, psychology, and politics of a world not too unimaginable if it experienced Armageddon. The idea of "The Apocalypse" fascinates us, so it's no wonder this book is so popular. However, with all this talk about a worldwide catastrophe the concern is that the series could inadvertently add to the pandemonium in this already fragile world.

Ranked #5 on the list of 2010 most frequently challenged books
The list of the top ten most challenged books can be found on the
American Library Association(ALA)
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/21stcenturychallenged/2010 

One of The Hunger Games' strong points is its diverse audience. Technically this series is classified as a young adult novel, but kids as young as ten and adults as old as seventy can't put these books down. In 2010 The Hunger Games was given the title of fifth most frequently challenged books. Because the audience of this book can be so young, challenges have been made claiming the book is too violent and sexually explicit for the age group.

As I mentioned early, The Hunger Games has everything in a book you could ask for. What has really impressed many readers is the setting in which this brilliant plot is brought into and how Katniss Everdeen's fate unfolds. The more I read about this series the more I want to experience this printed adventure. The Hunger Games is no doubt Suzanne Collins' best work yet and many will be waiting anxiously to see the film adaption and the possible continuation of the trilogy. If this series lives up to all its hype then it could very well be remembered right there with Harry Potter. The era of supernatural and magical themed books is slowly coming to a halt while the era of post apocalypse is on the rise.

Suzanne Collins, author of The Hunger Games series.
Learn more about Suzanne and her works on
the official Hunger Games website.
http://www.thehungergames.co.uk/

The Hungers Games has received many positive reviews from other writers like Stephenie Meyer who, on her website, gave praise to the book. "I was so obsessed with this book...The story kept me up for several nights in a row...I've been recommending it to total strangers in Target. And now to everyone who reads my website. The Hunger Games is amazing." Even the great Stephen King had great things to say about this book in Entertainment Weekly on September 8, 2008. "Collins is an efficient no-nonsense prose stylist with a sense of humor. Reading The Hunger Games is as addictive (and as violently simple) as playing one of those shoot-it-if-it-moves videogames..."


With everything I've read about this series I am more than convinced to obtain every book and read through quickly so I can watch the movie. Unfortunately I share many of the same problems of every college student and couldn't possibly find any time to start this series anytime soon. I have seen multiple trailers for the upcoming movie as well as some parody videos that make me want to see the movie even more! My friends all hopped on the bandwagon late last summer so they all have a book or two on me, but there doesn't seem like any better time to start some light reading than this coming Spring Break. They can't stop talking about it so it looks like it's about time for me to hop on this "Hunger Gamewagon."

Visit The Hunger Games official facebook page and join the community
https://www.facebook.com/thehungergamesmovie

It seems to me we are on the brink of a new generation of fictional book series but do not fear the change. We will always have the memories of the magic we experienced whilst reading Harry Potter. What we need to do is see the good in this new breed of books. Maybe the population will finally get past its undead obsession of vampires! I hope this information was as helpful for you as it was interesting to me. If there's a book on the rise and people are suddenly finding an interest in it, it's usually for a good reason. Go out, buy The Hunger Games, kick back and enjoy the fictional roller coaster that is The Hunger Games!

Let's Get Cookin'

(Cast from left to right: Walt Jr, Walter White, Skylar White,
 Marie Schrader, Hank Schrader, Jesse Pinkman)

          By now you must have heard about a little show called Breaking Bad. This critically acclaimed show has won numerous awards for the acting ability, writing, and cinematography. Breaking Bad is a series drama shown on the AMC network on Sundays at 10pm eastern/7pm pacific. To give a brief summary of the show without giving away too much, the show takes place in New Mexico following the life of an underachieving high school chemistry teacher by the name of Walter White, who is played by Bryan Cranston, which you may recognize from Malcom in the Middle. Walter lives with his wife Skylar and son Walter Jr. who has had cerebral palsy since birth. Walt(Walter) is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and finds him self in a position of needing money to provide for his family but does so through the manufacturing of methamphetamine with a former student, Jesse Pinkman. During commercial breaks luxury car commercials are usually shown such as Audi, BMW, and Lexus.
          The show is very sporadic in its filming. One scene can be filmed in the safety of Walt's house but immediately shift to a shootout in the middle of a desert. The diversity of characters makes the show appealing for all with a large array with the likes of a druggie young adult, determined father, hard ass DEA agent, gossipy wife, and a troubled mother. There are few shows that are even somewhat similar to Breaking Bad, but it has been called a more action packed or hardcore version of the television series Weeds, in which a mother is also forced to toil in the drug business. A side from this show there really is no other to compare to. Breaking Bad is a one of a kind show that has you so wrapped up in the plot you almost forget you're watching a show. It finds the perfect balance of dialogue, action, and drama.

Season 4 ran from July 17 to October 9, 2011

          Jesse plays a very stereotypical role of a disrespectful high school dropout with a drug addiction who's sentences are usually heard ending with "bitch." All Hispanic roles are depicted as thuggish drug gangsters, but there is purpose behind this because the show takes place near the Mexican boarder. I'm a bit confused with the advertisements during the commercial breaks. They seem to be targeting a wealthier audience but from what I've gathered the audience tends to be between the age of 18-30. Mixed assumptions of the US could certainly come from this show if a foreigner were to watch it. The show makes the use of hardcore drugs look very common and makes Americans out to be frequent liars.

Season 5, the final season, will air 16 episodes

          All an all I couldn't find a single problem with this show if my well being depended on it. Being a television series, you're obviously going to be lost if you jump in the middle of the series but you'll enjoy the characters nonetheless. The plot is especially believable and I could easily see some average Joe having attempted what Walt is in the process of doing currently. When a man finds out he doesn't have long to live I think it only natural to want to make sure you prepare your family for life after your departure so they won't have to suffer.It is also very easy to side with a character at any given time during the show, so if you find yourself rooting for one character oppose to another, don't feel strange at all! My roommate and I watch this show religiously and discuss matters in the show at least once a day, either making predictions or telling each other of scenarios we hope for. The Facebook page for the site can be found at the bottom of the post, which I am a part of, not that there is much interaction with the page.
          I feel very satisfied with my first blog and I hope my words were enough to convince you to to start watching the show! Each show brings a new twist and leaves you with more questions than answers. I'm never disappointed by this show and I would highly recommend it to anyone! Links to the official Facebook page, website, and for a taste of the first episode can be found below.

https://www.facebook.com/BreakingBad-Facebook
http://www.amctv.com/shows/breaking-bad-Official website
http://www.amctv.com/breaking-bad/videos/ep-1-pilot-highlight-minisode-Season 1 Episode 1 teaser

Welcome to the greatness that is my blog! I hope to keep you up to date on going-ons that I've found particularly interesting such as musicians, TV shows, sports, and nearby events. These are just simply my interests but I do hope you can take something away from this page and discover a new interest of your own.