Lil Wayne

I recently read a magazine article about how Lil Wayne became a superstar in the music business. The articles states that he just recently recorded the hit single "Lollipop" which was the number one song on Billboards Top 100 and has broken the "fastest-selling ring tong in history" record. Lil Wayne got to where he is today because he never stopped recording new songs even when he had enough money that he wouldn't need to continue working. His manager said that the three years that Lil Wayne could have afforded not to work at all, he spent most of his time in the studio recording more songs. Also, his new CD, "Tha Carter III", is anticipated to be the largest label release of the year. Overall, I enjoy listening to Lil Wayne's music because he has a kind of futuristic sound and a good beat.

Serpick, Evan. "Lil Wayne." Rolling Stone Magazine, 26 June 2008: 15-16 .

Character Comparison from "Animal Dreams"

In Animal Dreams, Hallie and Codi are the two children of Doc Homero. Although they are sisters, Hallie and Codie differ in many ways but they are also alike in some respects. First of all, they are similar because they are both very tall [p. 8 "...because I'm tall like my father and Hallie."] and they both despise wearing orthopedic shoes (which their father forces them to wear due to the possibility of developing fallen arches). Both of them are smart and they do well in school. Hallie is a very selfless person, [p. 88 "She might as well not have had skin, where emotions were concerned. Other people's hurt ran right over into her flesh."] unlike Codi, who cares more about herself than others. Hallie has an adventurous spirit and is well liked by others. [p.49 "...somehow Hallie thrived anyway - the blossom of our family..."] On the other hand, Codi is socially unstable at school, but she does manage to get good grades. After college she ends up going to medical school to become a doctor, but she never graduates because she realizes quite late, that she never truly wanted to be a doctor. This was really her dad's desire, not hers. Hallie is a very accomplished student as well. She decides to study agriculture in college and eventually uses her skills in Nicaragua to help poor families grow crops more efficiently. Her work is effective in helping the Nicaraguan people produce more food for their villages. Hallie is a happy person, content with herself and comfortable in her own skin. She enjoys being surrounded by people and being invloved with the community. On the other hand, Codi has a low self-esteem. She views herself as unattractive [p.15 "What would these kids make of me? My shoes were pointed and my, as magazines would say, personal style leaned toward apologetic punk"] and unworthy of anyone. She lacks confidence and often feels lost and afraid. [p.16 "I felt disoriented and disgraced, a trespasser..."] She doesn't really know what she wants to do with her life. [p.13 "I must have sensed the lack of cosmic order in my future, early on."]

Travis Rice: Producer/Star by Melissa Larsen

In this article the author describes the unique talents of snowboarding champion Travis Rice, including his recent endeavor to produce and star in his third movie "That's It. That's All." The author relates that Travis is such a powerful snowboarder that in all of his movies he makes it seem as if other amazing riders are just beginners. She says that after filming Travis, she doesn't find that filming anyone else in the industry is even interesting. He overpowers every other professional snowboarder in the films. The amazing thing about Travis is he can ride just about anything you throw at him without even flinching. If he truly wanted to, he could take backcountry snowboarding to a whole new level. Overall I agree with this author's viewpoint because I have seen Travis Rice's movies and they far surpass any other snowboarding movies to date.

High School

My name is Swen. This is my first year at the high school. As a person, I like to think of myself as being humble. For example, I usually try not to interrupt others while they are talking and I also try not to brag or fight with others. In general I do not like to be the center of attention. Overall I think I'm going to have a great first year in the new school.