Monday, December 14, 2009

The Top Ten Movie Musicals of the Decade

The Top Ten Movie Musicals of the Decade

By Rebecca Bush

1. Chicago


Director: Rob Marshall


Staring: Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere


Summery: Two murderesses on death row, Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart, fight for stardom and fame which is their only escape from execution. As the two enter the limelight they not only struggle for the attention of the press, but also for the affection of their debonair lawyer, Billy Flynn.


2. The Phantom of the Opera


Director: Joel Schumacher


Staring: Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson


Summery: Set in a famous Paris Opera House, Christine, a young dancer, is vocally couched by a mysterious voice know as the Phantom, helping her to achieve stardom on the stage. However, once the Phantom feels threatened by the romantic competition of Raoul, things start to go terribly wrong at the opera house.


3. Sweeney Todd


Director: Tim Burton


Staring: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman


Summery: After being wrongly accused and sent to jail for many years, Todd returns to Fleet Street to seek revenge on his accuser. He reestablishes his barber shop, and with the help of Mrs. Lovett, he starts to slowly kill off anyone who has done him or his family any wrong.


4. Dream Girls


Director: Bill Condon


Staring: Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé Knowles, Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson


Summery: The film tells the story of three African American pop singers in the 1950’s, and shows the different boundaries they helped to break in the music industry. As it continues, the film reveals the trouble within the group and everything they had to go through once they became famous.


5. Moulin Rouge


Director: Baz Luhrmann


Staring: Ewan McGregor, Nicole Kidman


Summery: Set at the famous Moulin Rouge nightclub, the film tells the story of Satine, a singer, and writer Christian. Socially, the two should never end up together but thru lies and betrayal Satine and Christian’s romance blossoms, while encountering many problems along the way.


6. RENT


Director: Chris Columbus


Staring: Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal, Rosario Dawson, Jesse L. Martin, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Idina Menzel, Tracie Thoms, Taye Diggs


Summery: Based off of the Tony Award wining musical, the movie tells of a group of friends in the east side of New York City. It shows them progress through life, and reveals their struggle with friendships, relationships, family, and AIDS.


7. Mamma Mia


Director: Phyllida Lloyd


Staring: Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Dominic Cooper, Julie Walters, Christine Baranski


Summery: As Sophie prepares for her wedding she realizes that there is only one thing missing in her life, her father. The movie tells the musical tale of Sophie, her mother, and her three possible fathers, when they are thrown together for the first time.


8. Hairspray


Director: Adam Shankman


Staring: Nikki Blonsky, John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, James Marsden, Zac Efron, Amanda Bynes, Queen Latifah, Brittany Snow, Elijah Kelley, Allison Janney


Summery: The film portrays a young curvy girl named Tracy Turnblad, as she tries to break the stereotypes and barrios of the 50’s by trying out for a television dancing show.


9. Across the Universe


Director: Julie Taymor


Staring: Evan Rachel Wood, Jim Sturgess


Summery: This film takes an abundance of Beatle’s songs and sets in the setting of the Vietnam War. It tells the story of two “star crossed lovers,” Lucy and Jude, and of their trials and tribulations in order to be with each other despite war, family, friends, and education.


10. The Producers


Director: Susan Stroman


Staring: Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, Uma Thurman


Summery: After being humiliated after having another flop on Broadway, Max and Leo decide to produce the world’s worst show in order to make a quick profit. Even though it is considered musical, it turns into a slapstick comedy, including everything from a singing Hitler to a Swedish lead who can barley speek English.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Zac Posen hits the Target

Zac Posen hits the Target

As the economy gets worse it is harder to spend a lot of money on designer clothing. As a result stores like Kohl’s and JC Penney are combining designer names with their discount prices. Along with the many other retail and department stores, Target has jumped on the band wagon by having well known fashion designers create lines for the store. The latest designer to join the Target family is American apparel designer Zac Posen. His new line will appear in stores and online at Target on April 25.

Posen received his start in the business by designing a dress that Naomi Campbell wore in 2000. Since then he has shown many collections in runway shows and has had his looks worn by celebrities such as Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Mischa Barton, and Beyoncé Knowles. Lately Posen seems to be trying to expand his brand, first by designing a line for Saks and now for Target, who knows what else, will be coming in the future. Not much is known about his new line but it is sure to live up to his previous standards.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Condé Joins the Digital Age

Condé Joins the Digital Age

For years, Condé Nast Publications has ignored the whole “internet fad” and continued to publish their magazines as usual. However, in the last few months they have come to the realization of the internet’s popularity and have tried to get on board. Not only have they finally created a website, Style.com, but they are now producing an e-reader application for a variety of their magazines.

According to last week’s Wall Street Journal, Condé Nast has announced that it will come out with an e-reader application for Wired sometime next year, followed later by Vanity Fair and Vogue. Having this product will allow different magazines from Nast to be accessed online, which is said to be different from their GQ application on iTunes.

Condé Nast is a famous publication company found in the heart of New York City. It is well-known for a lot of its publications, such as Vogue, GQ, W, Glamour, Vanity Fair, and The New Yorker. Over the past few years the company has finally decided to join the digital age by creating websites for their magazines, founding an online dating website, and now by creating this application. By allowing this to happen, Condé Nast has joined hundreds of other magazines and newspapers, helping it to compete and stay alive in this new digitally driven time.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

A Guide to a Career in Fashion

Do you want a career in fashion? Do you have no idea where to start? Then the Teen Vogue Hand Book is just what you need.

Released just in time for the start of the holiday season, Teen Vogue has published “An Insider’s Guide to Careers in Fashion.” This three hundred page book gives an insider’s look to the fashion industry with tips, career advice, and interviews with people that work in every part of the industry. The book includes interviews with interns and assistants, who, at the bottom of the industry are working their way up to the top. Also, it includes advice from editors, designers, stylists, photographers, modes and writers who have worked their way up to highly regarded positions. The articles and interviews give information which not everyone is aware of and all of which is very helpful to anyone who wants a job in fashion. Designers, such as Marc Jacobs and Stella MaCartney talk about how they got their start in the industry and give advice on how to start lines. Also, editors like Claudia Wu and Amy Astley talk about the different jobs they have done, and what it has taken to get where they are today. With all of the information provided it is easy to see all of the hard work which goes into having a career in the fashion industry.

As a teenage girl most of us read magazines, watch E!, or have some slight interest in fashion. However, this guide is for those of us who want fashion to be more than a hobby, but an eventual career. Being the first fashion career guide of its kind geared toward teenagers, Teen Vogue bridges a gap and helps the readers of today to become the designers and editors of tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Makeup with Kors

Michael Kors, well-known fashion designer and Project Runway judge, is expanding his brand name line with a makeup collection. Working together with the Estée Lauder brand, Kors is set to release a cosmetics line in January 2010. Estée Lauder Michael Kors Very Hollywood Color Collection is a line of make up which is supposed to be very glamorous and Hollywood while featuring the two tones, Bel Air Beige and Rodeo Pink.

Kors has been designing clothing and accessories since he was 19 and studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology. In 1981 he sold his first line at Bloomingdales and has been a strong designer since then. Recently, Kors has released his own fragrance called Very Hollywood, and he hopes to find just as much success with the launch of his new makeup line. For this collection, Kors worked together with Estée Lauder, a leading cosmetics line that has been in business since 1946.

Together the two companies have produced a makeup line which is sure to make an impression on the beauty industry.

Monday, October 26, 2009

H&M and Jimmy Choo

On November 14, 2009 Jimmy Choo Ltd. is due to release an exclusive line at H&M stores. H&M and Jimmy Choo worked together to create designer clothing and shoes for an acceptable retail price. Jimmy Choo Ltd. is a company formed by Vogue accessory editor Tamara Mellon and couture shoe designer Jimmy Choo in 1966. The company has built its name up and is now a renowned British fashion house, sought after for its clothing, shoes, and handbags. Hennes & Mauritz, later abbreviated H&M, is a Swedish clothing store started by Erling Persson in 1947. It has grown from a small store in Stockholm to a worldwide phenomenon.

Although the line has not yet been released, photographs of the line have been leaked online. The collection showcases shoes, accessories and outfits and features bold, bright colors, and animal prints and is created in materials such as suede and leather. The photos of the pieces that have been leaked seem to have both a late teenage and early adult appeal, including many office appropriate looks. The majority of the line focuses around shoes, showcasing many different styles for the upcoming season. The line seems to be very wearable and its release is anticipated by many anxious shoppers.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

RI Commissioner Visits Cumberland High

Deborah Gist, Rhode Island Commissioner of Education, visited Cumberland High School on Wednesday, September 23, 2009. Her visit was planned so that she could meet with the students and teachers of Cumberland, and converse with them about the different issues happening within the school district.
Ms. Gist first met with a select group of students from the high school, middle schools, and elementary schools. During this session, many different topics were discussed, including teacher quality and NECAP testing. After these discussions, Gist addressed mainly the high school students, asking how they felt about the different opportunities that Cumberland has prepared them for. There was a mixed reaction to this topic, with some students feeling prepared for college while others were more tentative, saying that the school could add more business classes.

After meeting with the students, the commissioner met with the faculty and staff of Cumberland. Commissioner Gist also went into detail about certain things she had planned for the district, and opened the meeting up for teachers to ask questions or make comments. Many teachers had the same comments as the children, complaining about the lack of business classes. Also, many commented on professional development, graduation requirements, and service learning approval paperwork.
During this meeting, she discussed the five priorities on her strategic agenda: education, family, students, leadership, and community. Although Gist did not go into details on her agenda, it is posted online at the Rhode Island School District website. Overall the Commissioner’s visit was very successful for both herself and the students and staff of Cumberland, where everyone learned something about the other.

Paris Fashion Week

While Fall is in the air here at CHS, fashion is in the air over in Paris. This past week numerous designers and fashion fans migrated to Paris for its annual fashion week. Since 1973, fashion week in Paris has been one of the most anticipated events of the fashion year. Numerous designers release a first look at their spring line, and once a designer shows at Paris Fashion Week, they become a well known name in the industry. Every year, notorious names such as Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Chanel preview their spring lines, lettings girls and women everywhere know the fashion necessities for the coming season.

This coming spring, there are many new looks to look forward to. During the week, all of the designers had very diverse and eloquent shows, while revealing many trends which they believe will become a hit. Some designers, such as Chanel, followed the current trends of light pastels, flower prints and lace. While others, such as Stelle McCartney, showcased vivid tropical-like patterned sundresses and minidresses with lots of giant ruffled tops. Other looks to appear were Alexander McQueen's water wonderland, Galliano’s dark bohemian glamor, Prada’s virginal vampire look, and Roland Mouret’s South African safari.

In order to emulate these looks you only need to remember a few things. Wear lots of sundresses and skirts, dress in bright colors and pastels, remember that ruffles are your friend, and all the designer looks from the runways can be translated into realistic outfits. Even if you can not afford designer names, many of the looks can be found at more affordable stores such as Forever 21, H&M, JC Penny’s, Marshalls, and T.J. Maxx.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Donald Fisher, Gap co-founder, dead at 81

Donald Fisher, co-founder of Gap Inc, passed away Sunday September 27, at the age of 81 after a long fight with cancer. He died at his home in San Francisco early Sunday morning, surrounded by his friends and family.
Fisher co-founded the Gap Inc with his wife Doris in 1969. He was originally a real estate developer who had trouble returning a pair of jeans. Donald and Doris realized that there was not a single store in the city that carried all sizes, so they decided to create one of their own. Together they revolutionized the clothing industry but selling stylish yet affordable clothes. They started with a small line and turned it into a casual wear empire, later acquiring companies such as Old Navy and Banana Republic.
Throughout his life Donald Fisher, he supported many charities including the Boys and Girls Club, while he tried to help out those less fortunate. During his life he also was an art collector and went to many shows with his wife. He is survived by his wife; sons Bill, John and Bob; brothers Jim and Bob; and his ten grandchildren.

Monday, September 28, 2009

WWWWWH Donald Fisher & Gap

Who- Donald Fisher

What-passed away at age 81

When-Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009

Where-at his home in San Francisco

Why- he was fighting a long battle with cancer

How-he finally lost his life to cancer on Sunday morning

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

What Pique’s Your Interest?

Generating Ideas
What Pique’s Your Interest?

What have you liked lately? If you need some help here, ask yourself these questions:

Do you have a new favorite Hobby, TV show, book, type of music, film, website?

· Fashion, Acting and singing, Gossip Girl, Pride & Prejudice, Pop, The Princess Bride, Facebook

What are your pet peeves?

· Having the volume on an ipod really loud, having notes be really messy

What makes you really angry?

· When people lie to my face, and I know they are not telling the truth

What things in the world do you really wish you could change?

· Pointless wars between countries, random murders and crimes, government coverups

What people, places, and ideas are in the news at the moment?

· President Obama and the Healthcare bill, London Fashion Week, Grad Student body found in lab wall, Anti-tax march in D.C

Are there any events coming up in the next six months or in the next year that are sure to be newsworthy and that you can get the jump on now?

· Whatever happens with the war in Iraq, the 2010 Olympics, possible candidates for 2012 elections

What’s new in your city?

· They are paving all of Nate Whipple High Way, the teachers contract is being settled, new classes are being offered through the town

What’s new in your school?

· The education commissioner visited, spirit week is coming up, a blood drive will be happening, the homecoming game is coming up

What’s new in your immediate neighborhood?

· They are putting up sidewalks around the block

What’s new with your family?

· My grandmother and my dog both just passed away

Is your generation, ethnic group, or racial group facing changes, hardships, or freedoms that have not been addressed in the past?

· Most of what we are facing has happened before, although it might have been slightly different.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Freelancing

What are the advantages and disadvantages of working independently?

The advantages to working independently are that you can create your own hours, be your own boss, work more than one job at once, and you can write about whatever you want to. The disadvantages of working independently are that you could go for weeks without a steady income, you would always be by yourself, never having co-workers, you would have to separate your home life from your work life, and you would have to be your own boss.

How does your occupation/ position/ or status affect your potential
opportunities or career direction?

My career now is a student. It is both an advantage and a disadvantage to having a career as a journalist. I still have time to finish school and go to college before I need a job. However, as a student, I can still write for a school paper, on a blog, or even for a publication if they accept student work.

How does the frequency or infrequency of payment from freelancing
affect the budget of a writer?

When a writer does not know when they will receive their next paycheck, it is difficult to budget their lives. They will have to be very money conscious and live only off the bare necessities if they are not sure when they will receive their next payment. Only once a writer receives a full time, steady job should they go out and splurge on items.

How do flexibility, organization, and discipline affect a
freelancer’s capacity to research, generate and produce quality work?

The more flexible, organized, and disciplined a freelancer is there is probably a better chance of them getting work. The ability to focus and keep your mind clear will help a person to concentrate on their work, producing a better overall quality.

How does one’s expertise or ignorance affect a freelancer’s choice of
assignment?

A freelancer normally chooses the topics that they write about in articles. The more they know about a certain topic, the better chance there is that they will write about that topic. The more ignorant that a writer is on a topic, the less chance there is that they will write on it.

Should you say no to an assignment? Why or When (at what point)?

If a writer is a freelancer, they have the option to turn down jobs if they are offered them. If a writer is starving and not being offered jobs, I believe, they should take a job even if they do not like the topic. A writer should only turn down a job if they are very opposed to the topics of the article and would rather live without money than write it. In addition, if a freelancer is making a very steady income from their work they probably have a steady enough life to turn down a job.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Who, What, When, Where, Why, How

New ipod Nano
Who- The Apple Company
What- A new version of the ipod nano
When- It was released September 9th
Where- Throughout the world, in countries that have Apple stores
Why- They updated the old ipod nano with new features, hoping to attract new customers
How- They took the old version and added in a camera and a fm radio feature

New Moon
Who-Chris Weitz (director) Stephanie Meyer(author)
What- The next film installment of the Twilight saga
When- November 20, 2009
Why- The book series was very popular and the last film did very well
How- The movie has been filmed over the last few years and received approval to be released

Patriots season opener
Who- The New England Patriots football game
What- The team’s first football game of the season
When- Monday September 14 at 7:00 pm
Where- Gillette Stadium
Why- Football is a form of entertainment to watch
How- The Patriots play the game of football by the rules and a television company broadcasts it

Ellen Degeneres and American Idol
Who- Comedian and entertainer host Ellen Degeneres
What- She will be the new judge on the show American Idol
When- It will return January 2010
Where- Auditions are all over America but the show is filmed in Hollywood, California
Why- The show lost former judge Paula Abdul and Ellen auditioned and won the spot
How- Show producers liked Ellen’s audition and felt she was right for the job

Facebook Lite
Who- The creators of the original Facebook
What-A new version of Facebook due to be released in the near future
When-The start of August new of the new Facebook was released
Where-It was invented in America but it is currently released to a select amount of people in the U.S and India.
Why-The old version of Facebook is crowded with adds and runs slowly sometimes, often having system errors.
How-The current version of Facebook is currently being updated so that all of the applications are gone and you will only be left with status updates, wall to wall comments and photos.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

First Blog!

So this is a test.....and my first blog......so test?!