In 1982, the American Library Association began an annual event Banned Books Week. It’s a week-long event, held during the last week of September (September 25 through October 2) that raises awareness of freedom of speech through celebrating challenged books and especially the value of free expression. The list of books banned by American schools and libraries includes many of the classics such as "Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury, “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck, “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne and the "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling. J.K. Rowling's series included witchcraft, sorcery and rebellion against authority. We all have a right to express our intellectual freedom through our creative works, even if the information is unpopular or unorthodox; thus, providing the foundation for Banned Books Week. One of the primary functions of Banned Books Week is to stress the importance of ensuring the availability of unpopular viewpoints for all who wish to read and access them.
According to news service reports, Oprah Winfrey has forgiven Jonathan Franzen. It was nine years ago that Oprah picked Franzen’s book “The Corrections” for her book club. The author canceled his appearance on her show after he showed ambivalence after her endorsement, but all is forgiven and Winfrey has chosen his new novel, “Freedom”. The book “Freedom” was released back in August and was canonized by critics before publication and has been a best-seller even without Oprah’s approval, which is without a doubt unbelievable since everyone knows that if you go on Oprah, your book is almost guaranteed to be number one.
Speaking of best-selling authors, Nicolas Sparks is an internationally best-selling novelist of 16 books. Six books so far have been adapted to film, including “Message in a Bottle,” “A Walk to Remember,” “The Notebook,” “Nights in Rodanthe,” “Dear John” and “The Last Song,” released on March 31. Two other books are in the process of being made into film adaptation, “True Believer,” is scheduled for release in 2011, and “The Luck One,” is expected to be released in 2012, starring Zac Efron. We had the pleasure of meeting this amazing novelist Nicolas Sparks on September 20. Sparks is currently on a book tour with his latest novel “Safe Haven.” We spoke to Nicolas Sparks, and he answered a few questions for his fans:
Q: What is your favorite Author?
A: "Steven King."
Q: How do you write women so well?
A: "I received inspiration from my mother and sister; I also get along better with women than with men."
Q: Where do you find your characters?
A: "Mostly from people I meet and know."
Q: Of all the novels you have written, what is your favorite?
A: “Three Weeks With My Brother.”
Nicolas Sparks spoke of his marriage of 21 years to the same woman and his five children ranging from ages 9 through 19. His love for dogs, all 12 of them, in his home in North Carolina. His charming, witty and open personality shines not only on paper but in his caring attitude toward his fans. He spoke of his latest novel “Safe Haven,” which is somewhat structured and has an element of danger. “Safe Haven” will be adapted into a film, snapped up by Relativity Media. Sparks's successful writing career has made him one of the most-respected novelists of the century.
Joining the world of books, The Kardashian sisters are writing a book on relationships.We also have, Rihanna, and “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro planning on releasing books.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Awards and Fashion!
The much-anticipated MTV Video Music Awards show on September 12, was somewhat disappointing. The show was hosted by Livingston, N.J. native Chelsea Handler, who had the audience in stitches. The music was entertaining, but needed a bit more pizazz. We were all waiting for the shocker of the evening, like the Brittany and Madonna kiss, or just something else spontaneous. It seems that the only duet that came to fruition was Eminem with Rihanna. The anticipated duet with Justin Beiber and Ludacris didn’t happen so he performed a medley of “U Smile,” “Baby” and “Somebody to Love.” Usher performed his new hit “OMG.” It would have been nice to see a performance with Pitbull. How many more times are we going to hear about Kanye West and Taylor Swift? It’s time to bury the hatchet.
All eyes were on Lady Gaga who snagged a record of eight moonmen trophies. Lady Gaga stole the show with her outrageous outfits including the infamous meat dress. It seems that her dress was made from cuts of raw meat, including her shoes and bag. She even wore, what seemed to be a piece of flank steak on top of her head. Meanwhile, Beyoncé, who was also nominated for many awards including “Best Video of the Year,” had the sense to skip the VMA’s and instead made her own fashion statement by modeling in NYC during Fashion Week. After his triumphant performance rap legend Eminem departed to LAX to jet back to New York to headline with Jay-Z at Yankee Stadium. The new Yankee Stadium, was host to the largest hip-hop show audience on September 13, an estimated 100,000 fans attended. The twin event was scheduled for September 14. Some of the most famous guests included Dr. Dre, D12 and 50 Cent.
Running to Fashion Week in New York from L.A. was Kanye West, who was spotted at the Marc Jacobs women’s store during the boutique’s "Fashion Night Out” festivities with former "Pussycat Doll" Melody Thornton, according to reports. It’s also reported that West, 33, and Miss Thornton, 25, are an item, dating for about two weeks.
The fashion industry loves a comeback almost as much as Hollywood does, and the fall 2010 runways heralded the return of the camel coat, ranging from Michael Kors to Oscar de la Renta. Now, the royal purple is officially back by Marc Jacobs in his New York Fashion Week Spring 2011 collection. The big tote bags by Marc Jacobs are also a hot item valued at under $200. Many college students are sporting them with books inside. Another definite must-have is the tote by Longchamps. Designer Carolina Herrera on the other hand produced more floral prints in the usual glamour for a dash of Asian chic.
Sample Resume
All eyes were on Lady Gaga who snagged a record of eight moonmen trophies. Lady Gaga stole the show with her outrageous outfits including the infamous meat dress. It seems that her dress was made from cuts of raw meat, including her shoes and bag. She even wore, what seemed to be a piece of flank steak on top of her head. Meanwhile, Beyoncé, who was also nominated for many awards including “Best Video of the Year,” had the sense to skip the VMA’s and instead made her own fashion statement by modeling in NYC during Fashion Week. After his triumphant performance rap legend Eminem departed to LAX to jet back to New York to headline with Jay-Z at Yankee Stadium. The new Yankee Stadium, was host to the largest hip-hop show audience on September 13, an estimated 100,000 fans attended. The twin event was scheduled for September 14. Some of the most famous guests included Dr. Dre, D12 and 50 Cent.
Running to Fashion Week in New York from L.A. was Kanye West, who was spotted at the Marc Jacobs women’s store during the boutique’s "Fashion Night Out” festivities with former "Pussycat Doll" Melody Thornton, according to reports. It’s also reported that West, 33, and Miss Thornton, 25, are an item, dating for about two weeks.
The fashion industry loves a comeback almost as much as Hollywood does, and the fall 2010 runways heralded the return of the camel coat, ranging from Michael Kors to Oscar de la Renta. Now, the royal purple is officially back by Marc Jacobs in his New York Fashion Week Spring 2011 collection. The big tote bags by Marc Jacobs are also a hot item valued at under $200. Many college students are sporting them with books inside. Another definite must-have is the tote by Longchamps. Designer Carolina Herrera on the other hand produced more floral prints in the usual glamour for a dash of Asian chic.
Sample Resume
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
What a surprise!
There is nothing like the smell of a bakery in the fall. While celebrities count their calories, they still know that the best bakery around is “Helena Wirth Cakes.” If you live in Los Angeles, you have heard of this amazing bakery, where you can treat yourself to some heavenly red velvet cupcakes, or order that special wedding cake. Well the Grammy-winning group Black Eyed Peas ordered a birthday cake there, and a wedding cake was even featured on “Desperate Housewives,” according to their website.
Now on the East Coast, some people can’t get enough of Carlos Bakery, in Hoboken, N.J. The popularity of this family-run business can be seen on the TLC hit reality show “Cake Boss.” Buddy Valastro is a polarizing, accomplished master baker, talented cake decorator and star of the reality show. He has baked cakes for Oprah Winfrey, Dylan Lauren, Rachel Ray and many more celebrities. He has been featured on "Good Morning America," "The View," "The Today Show" and HBO’s hit series "The Sopranos."
Even on Labor Day the line to enter the bakery wrapped around the block. People were in line from as far away as Florida to Seattle, Wash. Is it the popularity of being on a reality show that draws crowds? Or are the pastries that decadent? A combination of both is the answer. A variety of decadent pastries fill the trays from Italian cookies to lobster tails to the infamous cannolis. Then the possibility of seeing stars, even reality stars, draws curiosity-seekers. The bakery doesn’t post prices on the pastries, at least we didn’t see them. As far as the merchandising goes, they have Carlo’s Bakery mugs, water cooler bottles, T-shirts and even DVD’s from the reality show.
Everything was flying high, until the shocker came when one of the cast members of the TLC show “Cake Boss” was charged with allegedly sexually assaulting a minor. Buddy Valastro’s brother-in-law Remy Gonzalez, 32, was taken into custody on August 18, and remains behind bars since nobody has posted his bail of $300,000. Remy is married to Buddy’s sister, Lisa, and the couple have a daughter, Isabella. According to a report in the Daily Record, a local newspaper of Morris County, N.J., an arrest affidavit filed in the case claims that Gonzalez had relations with a 14-year-old unidentified minor. According to the affidavit, he broke down and cried while confessing to the assault after being told the victim was going to be examined by a physician who would report any evidence of sexual abuse to the authorities. My source told me the minors name. Hard to believe someone is capable of doing such a despicable act. His first court date was on September 7, where he appeared wearing the yellow prison jumpsuit with his hands cuffed and his feet shackled.
One of LA’s best kept secret is the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, about 30 miles from downtown Los Angeles. This tranquil, secluded and private piece of heaven embodies the classic California lifestyle. Dining at the Cliffside restaurant Nelson’s could be enchanting, the name was taken from Lloyd Bridges’s character Mike Nelson from the classic television series “Sea Hunt,” which was filmed at the Terranea’s location.
Now on the East Coast, some people can’t get enough of Carlos Bakery, in Hoboken, N.J. The popularity of this family-run business can be seen on the TLC hit reality show “Cake Boss.” Buddy Valastro is a polarizing, accomplished master baker, talented cake decorator and star of the reality show. He has baked cakes for Oprah Winfrey, Dylan Lauren, Rachel Ray and many more celebrities. He has been featured on "Good Morning America," "The View," "The Today Show" and HBO’s hit series "The Sopranos."
Even on Labor Day the line to enter the bakery wrapped around the block. People were in line from as far away as Florida to Seattle, Wash. Is it the popularity of being on a reality show that draws crowds? Or are the pastries that decadent? A combination of both is the answer. A variety of decadent pastries fill the trays from Italian cookies to lobster tails to the infamous cannolis. Then the possibility of seeing stars, even reality stars, draws curiosity-seekers. The bakery doesn’t post prices on the pastries, at least we didn’t see them. As far as the merchandising goes, they have Carlo’s Bakery mugs, water cooler bottles, T-shirts and even DVD’s from the reality show.
Everything was flying high, until the shocker came when one of the cast members of the TLC show “Cake Boss” was charged with allegedly sexually assaulting a minor. Buddy Valastro’s brother-in-law Remy Gonzalez, 32, was taken into custody on August 18, and remains behind bars since nobody has posted his bail of $300,000. Remy is married to Buddy’s sister, Lisa, and the couple have a daughter, Isabella. According to a report in the Daily Record, a local newspaper of Morris County, N.J., an arrest affidavit filed in the case claims that Gonzalez had relations with a 14-year-old unidentified minor. According to the affidavit, he broke down and cried while confessing to the assault after being told the victim was going to be examined by a physician who would report any evidence of sexual abuse to the authorities. My source told me the minors name. Hard to believe someone is capable of doing such a despicable act. His first court date was on September 7, where he appeared wearing the yellow prison jumpsuit with his hands cuffed and his feet shackled.
One of LA’s best kept secret is the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, about 30 miles from downtown Los Angeles. This tranquil, secluded and private piece of heaven embodies the classic California lifestyle. Dining at the Cliffside restaurant Nelson’s could be enchanting, the name was taken from Lloyd Bridges’s character Mike Nelson from the classic television series “Sea Hunt,” which was filmed at the Terranea’s location.
Nadal Won!
I don't have to tell you, it was the summer of Spain. Rafa Nadal won the Men's U.S. Finals making it a grand slam career.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Are you kidding?
Rain, rain, go away! What is going on with the weather. We would like to see who wins the Men's U.S.Open. You would think that the stadium would have pre-planned, in case of rain. We are still waiting if the U.S.Open will resume.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
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