Hennepin County Library - TeenLinks: News Flash

Brave New World - News Flash for Nov 4, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:01:59 CDT

Rohit from Teens Online

Brave New World is a chilling book by Aldous Huxley, along the lines of George Orwell's 1984, detailing a dystopic future in which humanity and society as we know it have been turned upside down. The book depicts the world after a catastrophic Nine Years War in which much of the world perished. People desperately wanted security, safety, and happiness, and the resulting society supposedly establishes this, at the cost of mass production of humans, a rigid caste system, extreme conditioning, and widespread drug use. However, almost everyone is actually happy due to the way they have been brought up and conditioned.

The book follows several people who are not happy in their society and are more individualistic then society allows. Conflict arises between them and society, and the result is the amazing and thought-provoking Brave New World. I strongly recommend that people should read this book.

Did you ever read a book for school that surprised you with how good it was? What was the title?

School Spirit - News Flash for Oct 28, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:53:49 CDT

Maddy from Teens Online

Attention Hennepin County Library Teens! How many of you play a sport for your school? How about participating in fine arts activities? Or what about academic activities such as quiz bowl and math team? I bet a vast majority of you can place yourself in one, if not more, of the categories above. Let's face it: schools offer a great variety of entertaining extracurricular activities to choose from. In my opinion, this is so awesome because it allows students to pursue their passions throughout their school career. Because these activities are passions, they often carry a great deal of importance for those who partake in them. Therefore, I think it is really important that each and every one of us make an effort to attend all of these events: soccer games, choir concerts, Mock Trial cases, anything -- and support our fellow students in their endeavors.

Speaking from personal experience, I know how great it feels to be at a competition and look into the crowd, and to see the smiling faces of your classmates cheering you on. They took time out of their busy lives to come and support their classmates. Furthermore, by doing this they also demonstrate a great deal of school spirit. It is really cool to have a crowd or audience decked out in school colors, cheering everyone on.

I was sitting in class the other day and a girl told me she was going to come watch my swim meet that night. She explained that she had set a personal goal of attending one event for every school team and group throughout the entire year. I think this is really admirable, and it shows that she is really involved with our school. To take a leaf out of this student's book, I challenge everyone reading this to consider this example. Make a personal goal for yourself. Maybe you cannot attend every single event, but perhaps you could try to make one or two each month. As a senior, I can assure you that high school flies by. Make the most of it and enjoy all the different events that are offered. Show your school spirit and have fun!

For information about high school activities and schedules, check out the Minnesota State High School League. It contains activity information and schedules for every type of activity offered.

Objection, Your Honor. Overruled. - News Flash for Oct 23, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:05:28 CDT

Minisha of Teens Online

Standing behind the podium, I take a deep breath. Staring down at the note card in my hand, I barely notice the bullet points as I begin to speak. I am in a small courtroom; one that juxtaposes victory and defeat. The three judges sit on the bench, with their pens silently etching words on yellow legal pads. The trial has begun.

I participate in Mock Trial because I want the chance to think analytically with a team of people who share a common goal. Although we must play both prosecution and defense, the two sides compliment each other in order to strengthen our case as a whole.

Upon my first exposure to law, my first conviction was that being a lawyer meant to be the lead. It was a position that required a bold sense of direction along with a demanding and forthcoming demeanor. So the first year I chose the role of defense lawyer and again my second year, I reprised that role. At the time, I thought I'd never have to forget the words "beyond a reasonable doubt."

This past year, however, I decided that I wanted a change. Two years in a row of being a defense lawyer had its perks, but without trying something new, I realized that we would be stuck behind a veil of comfort and routine. Not only did I switch sides, but I also changed roles. Acting the part of the prosecution's witness, the phrase in my mind was now, ironically, "burden of proof."

It was extremely difficult acting the part of an innocent girl accusing the defendant, but it was also eye opening. Not only did the burden of the case rest on my side, but the burden of acting was also swept into my hands. I learned how to act genuinely largely by watching my teammates who had been witness's. We each learned that being a witness demanded greater skill than just learning a character's history. Being a witness was misinterpreted as easier than being a lawyer, who must learn the objections and disclose opening and closing arguments. However, each witness learned that one must know the objections when one's lawyer stands up to the judge, be ready to respond to the oppositions pointed questions about one's whereabouts and actions and be ready to improvise while simultaneously coming across as verifiable.

For three years now, my team has stayed together, exchanging roles and practicing with determination. Each year we have advanced a step further in competition. This year our goal is the same: to tread farther. But advancing will take not only hard work but also character. Now that I carry with me all that I learned about the 'other side', while I will reprise my role as defense lawyer once more, I know that I, as well as my teammates, are the same people having changed in only one way. We can all now take the stand, look at each other, whether lawyer or witness, and understand that we are one.

The 2009-2010 MOCK TRIAL CASE is OUT!

Check out High School Mock Trial and see if you'd be interested. It is an amazing opportunity to improve your reading comprehension, logic, public speaking and analytical skills while still having loads of fun with a group of friends. This was and still is my experience as I enter my senior year, see what it could do for you!!

Fairy Tales: False Hope or Dreams Come True? - News Flash for Oct 15, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:33:44 CDT

Hannah from Teens Online

"And they all lived happily ever after." This infamous phrase has been the ending of many fairytales. Though fairytales have important themes, why are they taught to impressionable children? When putting to bed one of the girls I babysit, I read aloud numerous princess books, all with the same concept: a happy ending for everyone. As I am slowly walking out of the room, leaving her with dreams of becoming a princess and finding a prince, I wonder if I will ever get a happy ending. This idea of a perfect ending is taught to many little girls as they grow up. As I read it aloud, I speculate if it's the right thing to teach na�ve children.

Cinderella, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, and Sleeping Beauty are all classic fairytales with the same notion of a happy ending. These stories are a great inspiration for girls of all ages to not settle for anything less. They could teach girls to go after their dreams, and might be inspiring for them to do anything. But, this concept could also be teaching girls that there will always be a perfect ending. When in reality, what is a happy ending? Is it getting the perfect job? Or is it a big, white wedding? A happy ending might end up being a chase for false hope, never being completely satisfied.

Not only are these stories teaching high expectations for girls, but they are also teaching that a girl needs a boy to be happy. This common factor in fairytales of a happy ending entailing a boy could be considered the wrong thing to teach young girls. This notion of a boy rescuing a girl is also an unfair idea, because a girl does not need to be rescued. These fairytales are teaching girls that they need a man in their life, when in actuality a girl can be perfectly happy by herself. I'm not saying that all fairytales have to be, or are, this way. In fact, some modern fairytales have changed, so that the girl is not always "saved" by the boy. But next time you watch, or read, a fairytale, think about what your happy ending entails. A happy ending could entail a man, or a big, white wedding, but it could also mean eating macaroni and cheese in your pajamas in front of the television.

If you want to read more modern fairytales, check out these books and movies:

The book series Girls to the Rescue
The books Ella Enchanted and Fairest by Gail Carson Levine
The film Ever After

Breaking the Ties - News Flash for Oct 8, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:37:17 CDT

Jenny from Teens Online

As the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus so appropriately sings in their song Seventeen Ain't So Sweet, "Seventeen is just a test, Yeah and I would recommend, that you live with no regrets"

Though you may not be 17 or even close, this state of mind can still apply to you. For me this means that I'm a senior in High School and am starting to apply to colleges. Spent the whole summer living on my own in Hudson WI, and I find that after so much freedom going back to living under my parents' watchful eyes has become suffocating. To me this was a somewhat new feeling. Never before have I wanted to be away at college more than now. So this left me thinking, "Shouldn't I be enjoying my last year of not having to pay for the food I eat? Or to have to wash my own laundry??"

It makes sense that after so long away from home a person would forget what it's like to not live on your own and especially to live with parents who are watchful in nature. As summer ended and school soon started, I found myself becoming angry and annoyed with everything my parents did, thinking that no matter what they did it was smothering me. It took me awhile to come to peace with this new want for space away from anything familiar, but I soon learned that it can be taken and used as something worthwhile.

Being independent can be easy in this day and age, but even so, being under 18 can limit you to a point. What I found helped me best is to go out and be outside of my house, take time to volunteer somewhere, get a job (earning money so you can do things with your friends is always nice!), or take an art class (you know you've always wanted to learn how to draw). I also know that school and homework can be demanding but try and find some time outside of school to do something you love. And lastly, if you are still feeling uneasy at home sit down and talk to either one or both of your parents. They might even understand what you�re going through!

How do you deal with being an independent teenager? Share your experiences with over-watchful parents, and what you find helps to ease the situation.

Families - News Flash for Sep 29, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:51:38 CDT

Victoria from Teens Online

It is Christmas morning at the Johnson home. My grandmother sleeps in the spare room in the basement, my sister and I wake her up "kindly" at seven a.m. sharp, jumping on her bed, screaming "It's Christmas! Wake up!" We wake up my mom and dad soon after, and spend a day opening presents, singing carols, and attempting to get gifts out of rigid plastic packaging around our coffee table in our festively decorated living room. After a day of fun family time, we head back to bed, exhausted, along with millions of other families celebrating.

Now, close your eyes quick and picture my family. Did anyone picture a multiracial family? I am my parents' birth child and the three of us are the same race; my older sister Elizabeth, however, is of a different race and joined our family by adoption.

When my sister and I were little, many children could not grasp the idea that we were sisters. "But you don't look like each other," they'd say, or, "But she was born far away, she isn't your sister." My mom would always smile and explain things. She said it was great teaching opportunities for children to learn about the many ways families grow.

As we got older, things changed some. The innocent curiosity gave way to, at times, an insulting superiority that somehow my family wasn't as valid as ones that grew only through birth. "Do you have any 'real' brothers and sisters?" they would ask Elizabeth. "Why didn't your 'real' parents want you?" "Don't you wish you had a sister of your own?" they would ask me. "Does she know her 'real' parents?" "Your parents must have been happy when they had you, a kid of their own." Elizabeth and I would get so angry. Why did so many people seem to insist that our sisterhood and my parents' parenthood weren't as "real" as everyone else's?

And don't think it was just kids talking and thinking like that. Trust me, they only got the attitudes from the adults in their lives. My mother can tell tons of stories of some of the really astonishingly insensitive things adults have said to her. One time, when she was pregnant, someone asked her since she was now expecting, if she was "going to give Elizabeth back!" My advice is to engage the brain before you make a comment or ask a question. You don't know how your words might hurt.

So, look, families grow all sorts of ways. You can get a brother because your dad marries his mom. You can get twin little sisters because your parents take in foster children. Take a look around; tons of families, all a little different, all very, very "real."

If you're interested in reading and learning more about adoptive families, go to Adoption Club House and Adoptive Families.

Homework Help - News Flash for Sep 25, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:42:59 CDT

Jody, mentor for Teens Online

Need help with your homework? The Library provides all sorts of resources for you. Check out Do Your Homework on TeenLinks to find databases and selected websites that will help you find the best information for your assignments. Can't find what you need? Ask a Libarian via live chat 24/7, through e-mail, by phone or in person.

Stuck on a particular problem or homework assignment? Use Homework Rescue online tutors from Brainfuse. These free online tutors are available daily from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. and you can request a Spanish-speaking tutor if you need one. Their specialties are math and science, but they can also provide help with language arts and any other topic you may get assigned. They even have a Skills Building section where you can practice problems with a tutor and a Writing Lab with a 24-hour turnaround where a tutor can give you feedback on a paper.

We also have Homework Hub in-person tutoring at 9 library locations if you find it easier working with a person directly. Check the calendar to find out when tutors are available, usually just 2-3 days a week. Hopefully these resources will help you out in this coming school year. If you need help, just remember the Library!

Freedom to Read - News Flash for Sep 17, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:14:02 CDT

Jody, mentor for Teens Online

Do you know about challenged and banned books? Concerned citizens approach libraries about material they feel is too controversial or mature for readers, especially younger readers, and ask the library to limit access or remove titles from their shelves. The American Library Association talks about Banned and Challenged Books here. You might be surprised to find out what books are Frequently Challenged, including Classics such as To Kill a Mockingbird and The Grapes of Wrath.

Many libraries celebrate Banned Books Week which is from September 26 to October 3 this year. The goal is to educate people about the challenges libraries face, and to encourage them to decide for themselves what is and is not appropriate to read and whether others have the right to access this material. Take a look at the Challenged and Banned Books in our library and think about why someone was concerned about these titles. What do you think about challenging and banning books?

Video of John Green at the Ridgedale Library - News Flash for Sep 11, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:42:41 CDT

Jody, mentor for Teens Online

Author John Green (Paper Towns, An Abundance of Katherines, Looking for Alaska) visited the Ridgedale Library last year. Watch this series of video interviews from Penguin's YA Central Screening Room to catch glimpses of our library and the local teens who attended this program.

Potter vs Twilight - News Flash for Sep 4, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:17:30 CDT

Jody, mentor for Teens Online

Hennepin County Library is hosting two live events called The Ultimate Debate: Harry Potter vs Twilight. Which team would you join, Team Potter or Team Twilight? Or do you just want to cheer everyone else on? Watch two teams of fans go head-to-head, then cast your vote for the winner. Event kicks off with a trivia contest, open to all. You won't want to miss this literary smackdown! Come in costume to support your favorite series.

Central Library event is Tuesday, October 20 at 5:00 p.m.
Ridgedale Library event is Tuesday, October 27 at 6:30 p.m.

Think you have what it takes to be on Team Potter or Team Twilight or do you just want to help out at the event? Come to an informational meeting.

Thursday, Oct. 1, 6 p.m. at Central Library. For more information, call Christy at 612-630-6124.
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m. at Ridgedale Library. For more information, call Amy at 952-847-8832.

Lois Langer Thompson, Library Director - News Flash for Aug 28, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:04:24 CDT

Sarah of Teens Online

Teens Online members brainstormed a series of questions for Hennepin County Library's new library director, Lois Langer Thompson. Sarah took these questions to Lois. Here's the result of that interview.

"I recently talked with Lois Langer Thompson, the director for Hennepin County Library. One of the first things I asked her was what is her favorite book, since she obviously spends some time with books. Lois said she liked memoirs and legal thrillers. I also asked her why she became a librarian. She said that she really liked being at libraries and it also seemed like fun. In fact she loves libraries so much that she goes to libraries even while she's on vacation. Also, like any other person, Lois reserves books and browses.

Because she enjoys her job so much, I was curious what she would be doing if she wasn't a librarian. She said she would probably be trying different things like volunteering or working with children. Lois also mentioned she definitely would not be in the medical field.

We also talked about her point of view and opinions on libraries. Lois' favorite thing about library services are that it's a free library system and the libraries are open to everyone. One of her favorite parts of working at libraries is all of the different people she works with and meets.

I was also wondering what she thought a library should be like. She said that the library is for the community and it isn't a "one size fits all" situation. The library should fit the needs of the people that use it. Also, times have obviously changed, so I wanted to know if Lois thinks that the roles of libraries have changed in the 21st century. She felt that the library is still about connecting people to information. But how they get the information is different. She also said that when she was a teenager, teens weren't really involved with the library. But now teens are becoming more and more involved.

Everyone knows that the United States is having some economy issues, but how have our libraries been affected? Lois said that the libraries have been affected by some budget cuts. She said that they are trying hard to offer the same core services. But they're doing small things, like using less copy paper, to save.

With the time I had with Lois, I wanted to learn a little more about her. She said that her best personality trait is that she is open to new ideas and likes to have fun. I asked her what her goal for the summer was. Her goal was to enjoy the summer before winter came back.

When my interview was coming to an end, I asked Lois a few final questions. I asked her what she wanted people to know about her and her job. She said that it's a fun, enjoyable, and rewarding job. And also that it's an honor to work with the amazing staff at HCL. I also wanted to know what the best thing that has ever happened to her at her job was. She said her best day was when a young boy came to her and told her that he read his first chapter book. She loves it when people come back and are successful. So it's no wonder why she says her personal mission is to help people find strength and be successful."

TCF Bank Stadium - News Flash for Aug 7, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 08:47:42 CDT

Maddy from Teens Online

If you have been on the campus of the University of Minnesota -- Twin Cities lately, you surely will have noticed the new football stadium that has been shaping up over the last three years. The new TCF Bank Stadium, slated to open with the first football game of the 2009 season, will surely be a distinctive landmark on the U's campus. Construction workers broke ground for the $288.5 million project on September 30, 2006. The bulk of the construction, however, has been steadily underway since summer 2007. This stadium has been made possible in part by University funding, as well as through the sponsorship of several corporations, the most significant being TCF Financial Corporation. Other important donors include the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC), Dairy Queen, Target, and Best Buy.

The TCF Bank Stadium clearly possesses the amenities and features that will usher the Minnesota Golden Gophers into a new era of Big Ten Football. For example, this stadium will provide University students with a real on-campus home field. No more Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome for these Gophers! Furthermore, the stadium is innovative and modern in its commitment to sustainability. This is demonstrated by the fact that 97% of the steel used in its construction is recycled. Another facet of this stadium is its accessibility for large numbers of spectators -- it currently has open-air seating for 50,000 fans, not to mention the capabilities to expand by adding an additional 30,000 seats. All of these Gopher supporters will be able to quickly and easily access the Stadium via the Light Rail station nearby in Stadium Village.

Visit the University of Minnesota's official website for the Golden Gophers to learn more about the TCF Bank Stadium. Come September, don your maroon and gold and see you at the game!

Book Review of The Last Olympian - News Flash for Aug 5, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:08:06 CDT

Rohit of Teens Online

The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan is the fifth and final book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. The book is aimed at a young teenage audience, but is perfectly readable for older people as well. I started reading this series a while ago and it is amazing. Riordan cleverly entwines Greek Mythology into his stories and sets it in the modern world. Several of my friends have also read this series and recommend it. If you haven't read this book or the first book, The Lightning Thief, you should go to your nearest Hennepin County Library and read it immediately!

Official summary:
All year the half-bloods have been preparing for battle against the Titans, knowing the odds of victory are grim. Kronos's army is stronger than ever, and with every god and half-blood he recruits, the evil Titan's power only grows. While the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typhon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it's up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop the Lord of Time. In this momentous final book in the New York Times best-selling Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy's sixteenth birthday unfolds. And as the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate.

Flying Cash - News Flash for Aug 5, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:57:19 CDT

Minisha from Teens Online

What was once called flying cash in the 1920's now has become buying on credit, and many times buying for more than credit -- no credit! For consumers it is so easy to flip out the piece of plastic, swipe it through a machine, sign our names on the line, many times not even realizing that we literally ARE signing on our lifelines! Think about it. The cash you make off of employment (after taxes) can either go directly to you or deposited in the bank. If you have a credit card account, the money that you have there has been your life savings. Everytime you buy something, is it worth the material satisfaction if it was labled with a price tag of "$144.00 of your life"? Is your life worth it?

Like it or not, President Obama has signed the Credit Card Bill. The bill, which is scheduled to go into effect in 9 months, places restrictions on who can get credit cards, guidelines for banks charging interest rates and sending notifications, and consequences for unpaid monthy payments. All in all, Obama states "So we're not going to give people a free pass, and we expect consumers to live within their means and pay what they owe -- but we also expect financial institutions to act with the same sense of responsibility that the American people aspire to in their own lives."

The Pink Panther Series Movie Review - News Flash for Jul 30, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:00:03 CDT

Rohit from Teens Online

The famous old Pink Panther movie series, featuring the bumbling Inspector Jacques Clouseau, was finally revived in the 2006 and 2009 "remakes," The Pink Panther and The Pink Panther 2. Interestingly, they both received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics but were commercially fairly successful. The first remake was particularly successful, and even topped the Box Office the weekend after its release.

Steve Martin replaced Peter Sellers as Clouseau, yet most still regard Sellers as the definitive Clouseau and have panned Martin's performance as untrue to the original. Personally, I thought Martin was very funny and was an excellent clumsy Clouseau.

I highly recommend both movies to anyone who wants a good laugh. The old Sellers' Pink Panthers [The Pink Panther (1963), A Shot in the Dark (1964), The Return of the Pink Panther (1975), The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976), and Revenge of the Pink Panther (1978)] are also very good. However, I actually prefer the new versions to the old.

What do you think of these movies?

The Story of My Nose - News Flash for Jul 23, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:13:03 CDT

Minisha from Teens Online

I wrote this first part when I was about 14*

Ever since the day I was able to look into the mirror and fully appreciate the haggard beauty that stood before my eyes, I have always found deficiencies in my appearance. Weather it be the pimples disseminated across my cheeks or the elongated shape of my head, perfection has not been my strong suit. But there always has been one body part attached to me that I would most like to dis-attach and replace with a better one. The answer? My nose.

The story of my nose is not that interesting. It has been there my whole life, shaped nice and plump in the middle of my face and until recently a petty and minute element. There is really nothing wrong with it, other then the fact that it is not perfect. During my early teens, I would unwillingly look in the mirror sideways and place a finger over the slight bump that was bone. I would imagine what it would look like had I had a straight nose. Then my glasses would look fine, my goggles while swimming would not bury itself and leave its visible red mark and I would be much more comfortable with people look at me from the sides.

And so as I grew, I would lament my unfortunate circumstance. And as little as this episode interfered with my life, it was enough to make me more observant. I realized, with the mind of a tween, that all the celebrities and models had perfect, straight, sharp and smallish noses! I couldn't believe the esoteric discovery I had just made. In all my ecstasy my logic became childish. I concurred that even those who had big noses had cute noses as well and those with crooked noses (dangerously similar to mine) noses had straight noses as well.

There is a video "Seeing Red Cars" which explains the phenomena of seeing the very thing that you learn of everywhere. True to its word, I suddenly became much more aware of others' noses. My friends', my brothers, the newscasters' and just about everybody. Noses it seemed, where much more intricate then they had seemed.

Reflection written at 17 (currently)*

Overall, the fascination only lasted a year or two, simultaneously with the subsidence of the red dots that also used to plague my nose. And although I still examine the body part, it is much more with a casual glance and a quick judgment rather than a scrutinizing examination and thorough analysis. This experience has taught me a number of facts, many that I already knew. They mainly deal with being confident about who you are and the idea that everyone is beautiful in their own special way. A person is not defined by their uncontrolled outside appearance but by the golden spirit inside.

How do you feel about how you look?

Movie Review of the new Harry Potter - News Flash for Jul 17, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:17:25 CDT

Rohit of Teens Online

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince was finally released in movie theaters Wednesday July 15 at midnight, after having been delayed from November of last year. The movie has done exceedingly well, breaking all records for midnight showings, and doing extremely well for the first day. The movie has also been well-received by critics.

For those of you who need a refresher on the novel, please see this Wikipedia article.

I personally thought the movie wasn't great. To me it felt like the makers cut out the framework of the book that tied everything together, as well as overempashized the romance and underemphasized the book's seriousness. However, I have to say that the performance of Hero Fiennes-Tiffin as the child Voldemort was excellent and amazingly creepy. I don't want to get into more specifics because I'm sure many people haven't seen the movie yet.

For those of you who have seen the movie, what did you think?

Do you Tweet? - News Flash for Jul 8, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:19:14 CDT

Rohit of Teens Online

I'm sure you've heard of Twitter, the most popular "micro-blogging" website on the internet. The popular service allows one to "tweet" what you are doing/thinking/feeling in 140 characters or less. To give you a hint of just how few characters that really is, the first two sentences of this blog post are themselves almost 200 characters.

Twitter has been embraced by news networks as well as politicians. In fact, CNN and Barack Obama are both in the top 10 list of twitter users. However, in addition to its many fans, Twitter has also attracted a non-trivial amount of criticism. For example, "tweets" have been satirized as "shouts into the darkness hoping someone is listening." The Daily Show's Samantha Bee also satirized the service, saying, "there's no surprise young people love it -- according to reports of young people by middle aged people."

What do you think of twitter? Do you use it or do you think that all of its users are "twits"?

Express Yourself! - News Flash for Jun 30, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:14:07 CDT

Jody, mentor for Teens Online

Explore the Express Yourself Teen Topic on TeenLinks to find great resources on writing, dance, music, performance, visual arts and more! The Twin Cities has lots of cultural resources to help you discover your inner artist for fun or for passion. There's also a ton of online resources to help you discover your muse as well. Check it out today!

Guantanamo Bay - News Flash for Jun 23, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:25:35 CDT

Minisha from Teens Online

What to do with the "enemy combatants" at Guantanamo Bay? The area, long ago claimed by the US as territory has up until now been the site of many controversies and policies regarding the rights and status of persons held within its confines. As it reigned over the headlines during the end of the Bush Administration, during Obama's first few days in Office, he signed a bill closing the prison to a overwhelming majority vote in Congress.

The question lies now on what exactly to do with the remaining prisoners. Some have been taken by other countries such as France and Belguim (largely based on superficial agreements) and the 250 detainees there to date remain not knowing their future.

Upon arrest and arrival, prisoners in Guantanamo immediately lose all rights. This is wherein lies much of the controversy. Should the prisoners be granted a right to fair and speedy trial by jury as slated in the Constitution? Or is ad infinitum, keeping them in prison indefinitely, because of their "status" right? Much lies on ones morals and ethics. However many, like Dick Cheney, believe it is in the interest of the US in order to keep America safe and its border's safe from another 9/11.

Recently, although Guantanamo Bay is officially closed, proceedings there are far from over. In order to close it, money must be spent. In order to spend money, it must be approved by the Senate, which just the other day, it did not do. The Senate, even from the Democratic Majority overwhelmingly vetoed a bill that appropriated money to close Guantanamo because Obama did not have a plan of attack.

So, here is the question that is flying back and forth in the media these days:
Will this change in policy and closure of Guantanamo and possible trial (and acquittal) of these suspects hinder or help the national security of the United States?

Read Advanced Copies of Books for Free Online - News Flash for Jun 17, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:33:44 CDT

Jody, mentor for Teens Online

From the Pulse It website, "What's Pulse It, you ask? Only a way to read amazing teen books for free online, and have your voice heard as a reviewer, trend-spotter, and all-around expert. So if you want early access to great books and earn points, join this community of fellow readers and become part of the "it" thing! "

The site is from Simon & Schuster who publishes authors such as Cassandra Clare, L.J. Sheff, Neal Shusterman, Holly Black and more.

Need to Volunteer? - News Flash for Jun 12, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:52:16 CDT

Jody, mentor for Teens Online

Looking for things to do this summer? Check out TeenLinks' Teen Topic, Get Involved to find volunteer opportunities, leadership and cultural organizations, and ways to become an activist about issues you believe in. Have fun exploring a world of possibilities this summer!

Summertime is Finally Here - News Flash for Jun 5, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:41:36 CDT

Lewin from Teens Online

FINALLY the best time of the year is finally here! Summer. Lots of time to chill with friends, relax, sleep in, shop, or just be lazy. This is our reward for all the hardships and stress that school brings. There's only one hitch: the end. I know it's way too early now to look toward the end of summer, but one must have foresight, or at least a little bit, right?

We all know that just as the summer is heating up -- it's over. Oftentimes it is out of nowhere that your mom announces, "It's time to buy school supplies." And we are completely unaware that June had even ended yet. So before you start the summer relaxation make a little plan on what you should do over the summer.

Don't go all nerdy and plan to study for 5 hours everyday, but maybe you could touch up on a few things. Worse are obviously we sophomores who have the SAT and ACTs to look forward to in junior year and then maybe we shouldn't completely shut down. Not only studying but also volunteering and just being productive is a good plan for your summer. I remember that last year I kept thinking that I would exercise more often and turn my twiggy arms into, well, acceptable arms at least. Sadly without a plan I never followed through and turned up with my same weak arms at the end of the summer. So make a plan and do something with the 3 months that you can show, other than your tan.

That�s not to say don't have fun. In fact I think that the first week should be totally carefree, a reward for the end of school. We made it through the 9 grueling months so we definitely deserve a reward. I know my summer plan. I will rest the first week and then it's time to pick up a book and maybe study a little bit. Yeah it sounds like the worst thing to do over summer vacation, but what's worse -- 30 min everyday to brush up on your vocab or cramming it all in right before the SAT in April? I would definitely prefer the former no matter how painful it is right now, the long-term gain is worth it. So remember have fun, be productive and visit your local library often over this summer vacation!

Marijuana Debate - News Flash for May 29, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 29 May 2009 09:03:28 CDT

Minisha from Teens Online

Governor Pawlenty has just vetoed a bill legalizing marijuana for use to treat terminally ill patients. Those in favor of the bill advocate its use in a controlled, federally controlled environment, so what is the issue? The problem is behind those who believe legalizing marijuana for one purpose could cause drug use to race wildly out of control. While opponents generally sympathize and understand the benefits the drug is capable of giving, they see first the rampant burden and dangers of setting a precedent that could greatly affect the population of Minnesotans of all ages. For, could legalizing marijuana create greater efforts to legalize a number of other illegal drugs, citing their beneficial use to certain symptoms and diseases?

However, something to think about is the fact that currently we already have a drug that is legal, widely used, and federally regulated: Alcohol. Many do not think that it is a drug, but indeed it is as classification (and health class!) tells us so. Perhaps we should learn from the Prohibition era, where bootleggers and flappers abounded in light of alcohol�s "illegalization". Alcohol is now commonplace, with set guidelines and restrictions and no one causes much of a ruckus.

Should Minnesota and its legislators choose to continue the fight to success, Minnesota would be the 13th state to recognize medical marijuana if the bill had passed. It is already law in Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

Interlibrary Loan - News Flash for May 21, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 21 May 2009 11:02:57 CDT

Rohit from Teens Online

I'm not sure how many of you know about the library's AMAZING service, Interlibrary Loan. For those of you who haven't heard of it, it allows you to request materials that another library owns but Hennepin does not to be transferred to your library temporarily. They check whether your book is available in many Minnesota libraries, and will have it transferred to your library. While this may not sound very helpful, it can be a great boon if the library doesn't have something you really want to read.

However, before you jump straight into using it, PLEASE check whether the Hennepin County Library has the item you are looking for first, as it costs the Hennepin County Library system money for each item you check out.

Happy reading!

Tips on Using MnLink

Battle of the Books - News Flash for May 15, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:44:06 CDT

Jody, mentor for Teens Online

School Library Journal hosted an awesome blog series in April and May called Battle of the Kids' Books. They had authors' judge two books by other writers, and the insight into why the book is cool and the craft of writing behind them is fascinating reading. Sixteen titles duked it out for first place, with 15 celebrity author judges. Lois Lowry had the tough job of picking which book would be number one, The Lincolns by Candace Fleming or The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Turns out there was an avid reader following this whole thing. Check out this YouTube hip-hop song she wrote about it!

Spring Fever - News Flash for May 8, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:53:24 CDT

Maddy from Teens Online

Lately, there has been something in the air. It pervades the lives of many people, especially teenagers. It strikes with little warning and many different symptoms. And no, it is not the swine flu -- it is spring fever! Now that May has officially arrived, kids in school everywhere are distracted, restless, and prone to both daydreaming and procrastination. I too have succumbed to these behaviors. While doing homework-- if I even get to it in the first place-- I find myself skimming instead of reading, jotting notes and bullet points instead of actual sentences. I can more or less make it through my morning classes, but after lunch I am completely checked out. It takes a lot of effort to focus during fifth and sixth hour, and my seventh hour study hall is devoted to chatting with friends, going online, or dozing instead of doing homework. Every afternoon when I get home from school, my uniform is swapped for shorts and a t-shirt in less than five minutes. People at school are all talking about prom and their plans for the summer, whether it is a job, vacation, or camp. My stops at Caribou or Starbucks now involve smoothies and iced mochas or frappuchinos, compared to my winter staples of apple cider or hot cocoa.

If you realize that anything the same as or similar to what I have mentioned above applies to, it is clear you too are probably experiencing spring fever. How does one cure spring fever, you ask? For me, I have a few simple tricks. First, make a list of what you have to do. This will help you feel less frazzled and frantic, and you will love the feeling that each time you cross something off -- it means that you are that much closer to summer. Second, spend as much time as possible outside and satisfy your desire for sun and nice weather. Do your math problems or literature readings while sitting on a bench or under a tree. Play a game or go for a bike ride on the weekend. Finally, remind yourself that you are almost done. Don't waste a whole year of hard work for a few weeks of fun when you will soon have an entire summer. If you can buckle down now for one last month of school, summer will be that much sweeter when it arrives. That's it! Good luck in your last month of this school year, and best wishes for a great summer!

Audio Books - News Flash for Apr 30, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 CDT

Rohit of Teens Online

In today's world, iPods and other music players are everywhere, and it's hard to go anywhere without seeing someone wearing earbuds. This rise has somewhat been accompanied by a rise in audiobook usage. Audiobooks are spoken versions of books, usually by professional voice actors/book readers. Many people enjoy the flexibility to "read" books on the go, or while doing boring household chores. However, comprehension with audiobooks is generally less than with real books, especially because of the difficulty in skipping back. I personally can never manage to concentrate on listening to an audiobook, and have extremely poor comprehension with them.

What do you think? How do you like audiobooks?

Links:

Wikipedia article on Audiobooks
Dowloads from Hennepin County Library

Books and e-Books - News Flash for Apr 24, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:00:03 CDT

Rohit from Teens Online

Many of you have probably heard of Amazon's e-reader, the Kindle (now in version 2). The Kindle, other e-book readers, and e-books in general have started a huge controversy and conversation amongst book lovers everywhere. Many people feel that no electronic device can possibly replace the feel of a book, or still allow a reader to "disappear" within the novel. Many e-book reader proponents argue that e-book readers allow abilities impossible with books: one of the Kindle's main selling points is its ability to instantly download many books from Amazon's store.

I personally have never used an e-book reader, so I can't comment on their practicality, but I find it hard to believe that one can truly "forget" that one is reading on a device. I do feel however, that the ability to be able to instantly get books on the go is amazing, especially if paired with some sort of paid rental system.

What do you think? Do any Kindle-lovers or Kindle-haters have comments?

Peep Time! - News Flash for Apr 16, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:54:50 CDT

Maddy from Teens Online

Spring has sprung! For many people, this means sandals, Easter, and sun. In Saint Paul, MN, however, some Minnesota residents have another spring going on that, while very quirky, is also very sweet. For a number of years, the Saint Paul Pioneer Press has sponsored a Peeps Diorama contest. Yes, a contest involving the bright, squishy, and almost sickly-sweet marshmallow candy Peeps. Contest entrants labor to build a creative and innovative diorama centered on these marshmallow animals. The results are amazing. People produce a myriad of colorful and highly amusing creations.

The winners from this year's competition focused on events or themes that included the recession, the Franken-Coleman Senate race, and the "Miracle on the Hudson" landing of the US Airways flight. The Peeps used in the contest are most often the Chicks and Bunnies, both of various pastel colors. However, the Just Born Inc. candy company recently released a new type of Peep. Now there are chocolate mousse teddy bear Peeps. This year's contestants were certainly resourceful in utilizing this new addition to the Just Born Inc. family.

Surprisingly enough, Peeps are much more popular than one may think. Even though the springtime chicks and bunnies are the most well-known Peeps, there are in fact Peeps for a variety of holidays and seasons, such as Christmas, Halloween, and Valentine's Day. Also, Saint Paul is not the only city to host such a diorama contest. Other cities and newspapers, such as the Washington Post, host their own annual Peep contest. To find out more about these contests and the Peeps that make them possible, check out the Official Peeps website, as well as the websites for the Saint Paul Pioneer Press and the Washington Post.

Cyber Threat - Are Our Computers Safe? - News Flash for Apr 10, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 08:40:16 CDT

Richard from Teens Online

We like to think that our computers, with a little protection from firewalls and anti-virus software, are safe and reliable. However, hackers can turn even the most secure computers into deadly machines, capable of espionage and destruction. According to the Associated Press, the researchers at the Information Warfare Monitor have recently discovered a vast cyber-spy network which has infiltrated and hacked important computers, stealing classified files from governments and private organizations in 103 countries.

The IWM researchers are a coalition group that began to investigate reports of Chinese espionage on the computers of the exiled Tibetan Government, including computers from the private office of the Dalai Lama. After 10 months of researching, the IWM released its report last month, uncovering the massive cyber terrorism network. Based mainly in China and Russia, this network has reportedly hacked into over 1,295 computers, many from the embassies of important countries including India, Iran, Pakistan, Germany, and South Korea (BBC News article).

The computers are hacked by malware programs which are hidden in fraudulent e-mails as attachments. The hackers, whose identities remain unknown, went to great lengths to make the e-mails look legitimate and seem to be from friends or colleagues. When the unsuspecting user clicked on the attachment, the malware would download onto the computer and infect it with hidden programming designed to seek and install certain types of malicious software. This software is capable of hearing and, with the help of webcams, actually seeing the users of the host computer. The computers have been used to spy on many important e-mails and files.

A similar network has been reported to have infiltrated key computers in the United States, leaving behind software capable of shutting down our power grid. According to the Homeland Security secretary Janet Napolitano, software has been left in the United States that is able to shut down sections of our power grid, capable of leaving entire cities without power (BBC News article). Although this software has been present, the government reports that it has not yet been used. However, during times of war or heightened tension, this may change, and hostile countries could potentially cut our power.

This kind of cyber warfare has been used successfully on more than one occasion. According to CIA reports, a glitch shut down the Browns Ferry nuclear power plant in Alaska on August 2006, overloading the recirculation pumps and forcing administrators to temporarily shut down the plant (Popular Mechanics). Scary, huh? It blows my mind to think that someone out there is capable of not only hacking into my computer, stealing my files, and watching me, but also able to shut down power to entire regions our country. Luckily, the government has taken immediate steps to counter this. President Obama is set to review a "bottom-up" review of cyber security and enact measures to counter cyber terrorism. I hope that private companies and organizations will also take initiative to combat this threat.

The New Frontier: LASER WEAPONS - News Flash for Apr 3, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:43:37 CDT

Minisha from Teens Online

Once upon a time during WWI somebody perfected the machine gun. A little bit later in WWI came the might of the Air Force. Prepare for WWIII with the Laser -- kidding. But seriously.

Laser weaponry is now only in its infancy but when available may become a raging adult with the possibility of rendering damage beyond belief. A laser is an extremely concentrated beam of light. The energy created ranges from your harmless laser pointers used to confuse teachers in class to powerful rays of energy used in LASIK surgery.

The effort to seek a new frontier in military technology are part of the Pentagon's Joing High Power Solid State Laser (JHPSSL) program. The defense contractor Northrop Grumman reported a solid-state laser to fire a beam with a potency of 105.5 kilowatts, stating "[that] even though 100 kilowatts has long been the 'proof of principle' sought for weapons systems__in fact, many militarily useful effects can be achieved by laser weapons of 25 kW or 50 kW, provided this energy is transmitted with good beam quality, as our system does."

As soon, as the coherence is perfected, the military will begin testing lasers beamed from air craft to test the accuracy of targets on the ground. If successul, it could lead to an extremely effcient (and deadly) form of warfare. It will definitely not be your ordinary game of LASER TAG.

Recently, this has caused quite the controversy. What do you think? Do you think that it is a waste of resources? Or is it a necessary inevitable step in the innovation of our world?

Resource(s) Used:

Cnet News Article

How Lasers Work

So You Want to Be a Wizard - News Flash for Mar 27, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:44:29 CDT

Rohit of Teens Online

So You Want To Be a Wizard is a not very well known book, the first in the Young Wizards series by Diane Duane. The book follows Nita Callahan and Kit Rodriguez as they understand their new wizardly powers they obtained after reading "The Wizard's Oath" in a mysterious book. After Nita's favorite space pen is stolen by a bully, the two young wizards accidentally pull in a white dwarf star from a distant portion of the universe while attempting to retrieve the pen. The book then follows their exploits while they try and retrieve the pen, and as they are forced to confront the very source of evil itself.

The book has won the ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers award, and is often recommended for what to read after reading the Harry Potter series.

For more about this book, check out the Wikipedia article about So You Want to Be a Wizard and this article about the Young Wizards series.

So have your read this book? What do you think?

Vegetarians - News Flash for Mar 20, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 08:43:33 CDT

Sarah of Teens Online

Is vegetarianism truly a healthier way of life or just radicals trying to deprive us of our right to eat meat? A vegetarian diet is a healty way of life. Most people think that with a vegetarian diet you can't possibly get the nutrients you need. Also, people think it's acceptable to eat meat and kill animals, most vegetarians think differently.

Some people don't completely understand what a vegetarian is. So, what is a vegetarian? Vegetarianism describes a group of voluntary diets, loosely characterized by a reduction or elimination of animal products. Types of vegetarians are often classified by what a particular person will eat. Vegetarians that eat seafood are called pesca-vegetarians, that eat eggs are called ovo-vegetarians, and that eat dairy products are called lacto-vegetarians. There are also more strict vegetarian diets such as veganism. I personally am a lacto-ovo-vegetarian. That means I include eggs and dairy in my diet.

Being a vegetarian has many health benefits that most people don't consider. Did you know that animal products are the major souce of saturated fats and cholesterol? By eliminating animal products and having a well planned, varied, not too restrictive vegetarian diet you would be healthier. Many vegetarians are proud to claim to have a lower cholesterol level than meat eaters. People who consume a vegetarian diet are known to have a reduced chance of chronic degenerative diseases including coronary artery disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, obesity, and some forms of cancer. Also, people don't really like to think about harmful toxins building up in their colons or in their arteries but it's often a by-product of a carnivorous diet. Becoming a vegetarian is a natural step for many of us who are concerned about weight loss, long life, and health. The national obssession with this is so strong that it is almost impossible to ignore. Part of the reason is that many companies are making a lot of money selling us ways to live healthy and lose weight. What the companies don't want you to know is that you don't need pills or expensive programs. You can live a healthier life, naturally, by simply being a vegetarian.

One of the other main reasons people choose to become a vegetarian is the thought that killing animals is not morally acceptable. For most people, they eat meat without thinking about it. They don't think about the animal that was killed so that they could have a meal. Some animals are treated badly and then killed. For example, in some places animals have their legs cut off just so they could fit in a cage. Others are killd inhumanely. I personally don't think it's right. You wouldn't eat your pet dog, so why kill a cow, chicken, pig, or some other animal?

Vegetarianism is a good way to go. It's healthy and animals don't have to suffer. What is your opinion on being vegetarian?

Stress! - News Flash for Mar 12, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:22:13 CDT

Shelby from Teens Online

This time of year most high school students are feeling the pressure. What with all the finals, report cards, standardized tests, GPA's, and (oh geez) AP tests. Most everyone who cares about college prep, myself included, is freaking out. If this seems like you, would you consider the question, does school ask too much of us?

With all the community service projects, mission trips, leadership roles, and other extra curriculars colleges like to see, how are any teens supposed to have time to eat? Plus, on top of that, school piles on homework, projects, speeches, and tests that all have rapidly approaching deadlines. Is it possible to do it all? Maybe for the all-star student, but for many it can be overwhelming. So, how can you do it all when skipping school would only put you farther behind? The answer is simple and yet easier said than done: time management.

This term is especially hard for the practiced procrastinators to grasp, and equally challenging for the lazy. If you are either of those, you may have to give a little more effort. However, if you are proactive, you should be fine.

Write yourself a schedule. Block out a time of the day strictly for school work. I know, that seems the opposite of fun, but sometimes we have to do things we don't want to do.
Prioritize. Write a list of all the things you have to do in order of what needs to get done first. This way, you can always just turn to your list to see what you should be doing instead of Facebook.
Don't procrastinate. If you finish things early, then the projects won't pile up as much close to the deadline. Plus, this cuts back on all-nighters which, while fun, can be tiring for days following.
Get enough sleep. If you're only half awake, you can't really do well. Plus, sleep is pretty much the best part of the day!
Eat breakfast. I know you may think the whole eating in the morning thing is a bad idea, but trust me. The better the beginning of the day, the better the day.
Don't stress! Everything will get done eventually, even if it does get a bit frantic. Take any free time you have to just let yourself relax. Listen to music; hang out with friends, whatever. Just don't burn yourself out.

Basically, if you take the time to organize your schedule and assignments, you'll be good to go! Just make sure you don't go crazy with the planning, because then you won't have time for the work. Happy resume building!

Teen Tech - News Flash for Mar 6, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 13:13:26 CDT

Jody, mentor for Teens Online

The library's a great place to explore new technology. March is Teen Tech Month, based on the Young Adult Library Services Association Teen Tech Week, an initiative to reveal the programs and collection available to you at the library. Check out local library events here.

What kind's of technology do you like to use?
Can you recommend anything to other teens?
What would you like to see more of at the library?

College - News Flash for Feb 27, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:43:16 CDT

Maddy from Teens Online

For many high school students, college seems like a large target, looming in a far-off future. This is true for many people I know, except for all those seniors who have finished with their applications. Even though college may seem light-years away, one should consider beginning to prepare now. There are a myriad of simple, stress-free steps that all students, even freshmen, can take that will help in the long run.

Grades

These are one of the most important factors that influence college admission. Make sure you are working hard at school in challenging classes. If they are available and you can handle them, take as many AP or honors courses as possible.

Standardized Tests

These include the SAT, ACT, and AP test. While there are many people who think that your score determines your college future, the truth is that, while it is important to do well, these tests are only one part of a larger application. Take the test that will exhibit your strengths -- many schools require only one or the other of the SAT or ACT. AP tests are a great option. If you do well, some colleges will give you course credits or allow you to test out of basic classes in a given subject.

Activities

Extracurricular activities are an integral part of any college application since they help show a complete picture of the student. The major rule for activities is to pursue what you love. Admissions officers do not want to see a laundry list of activities someone joined just so they could put them on a list. They want to see commitment and activities that reflect a teen's passions. So, choose something you love and stick with it.

All of these tips are something that any student of any age can work on. It will not hurt to get a head start if you are young, and making sure that everything is in order is good if you are already a sophomore or junior. Above all, just be yourself in high school and the rest will fall into place. For more information, check out these websites:

The College Board offers information on schools, financial aid, the SAT, and AP courses and tests
US News and World Report Rankings offers detailed rankings and profiles of many schools
The ACT Website offers information on the ACT

Speak Out! - News Flash for Feb 19, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:28:27 CDT

Lewin from Teens Online

What is the number one fear people have in America? Amazingly enough it is not death but rather public speaking. Why is giving a speech in front of others so frightening to so many people? Public speaking is just communicating, like talking to your friends. Often times when we are giving a presentation it is to our peers whom most of us hopefully consider to be our friends.

In fact there are actually some of your peers who participate in public speaking competitions. To most of us those people are crazy. Speech is a necessity of every day of our lives yet we hide in fear every time presentation day comes around the corner. It is however very apparent when someone is speaking whether or not the person speaking is good at it. We often associate a good speaker by varied tones, good volume, appropriate gestures, but the most important feature is confidence. The good speaker displays an air of poise around him. We can see by watching him speak that he knows what he is talking about and he is comfortable to watch. Many of the best public speakers hold these characteristics, including President Barack Obama or Bill Clinton.

To be more feared than death is definitely a special role for any activity. It is speculated that the reason we have such a large fear of public speaking may be that we feel we are unprepared. That is why many times during presentations the speaker will use a note card. But from an audience member's point of view the note card definitely appears a hindrance and will not help the speaker either, as having a note card often makes a speaker reliant on it. Another reason we sometimes feel scared is that we are the center of attention. Although many people claim that they crave attention most dislike having so many eyes focused on them. It is believed that while we are up there we feel emotionally naked. But how can we also cure our fear of public speaking and be one of those speakers that we admire?

To be able to conquer our fear we must first realize that there is no cure for the phobia that hurts many of the people in our nation. First we must, like most fears, accept that we have the fear. Next we must practice our speech multiple times before giving our speech. When they say "practice makes perfect," they aren't lying. The better you know something the better off your presentation will be. Finally, the last step is to remember that the people that you are presenting for know you. Other then that evil person in the back row they all want you to do well. The audience is your friend. Act like you're talking to a bunch of friends and the speech will be much easier. Follow these steps and you too can start to not have a complete phobia of public speaking.

What do you Love? - News Flash for Feb 15, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 13:28:00 CDT

Jody, mentor for Teens Online

What do you love to do? What's your passion? Are you into sports? Music? Reading? Knitting? Learning a foreign language? Something else?

The Library has an amazing collection of books, magazines, music CDs, films, databases and other online resources. You want to learn how to do something, chances are you can find something in the collection to learn how to do it or more about your interest. You want to try something out to see if you like it, check out that new author's book or new artist's CD or that weird film everyone keeps talking about.

Search for the things you love or think you might grow to love here at the Library!

The Facebook Craze - News Flash for Feb 5, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 12:35:43 CDT

Maddy of Teens Online

Today (February 4, 2009) the social network site Facebook.com turned five years old. Originally a somewhat obscure network that was originally intended for college students, Facebook has become an international phenomenon, with over 150 million members worldwide, according to Facebook. I think that is amazing --150 million people is roughly half of the U.S. population. Facebook is extremely popular among young people in the United States. Go to a high school, junior high, or college, and chances are that the vast majority of students have a Facebook account. But what about those few who don't have one? I currently am not a member of Facebook. GASP! When people learn that I am without a Facebook, I am bombarded with shocked expressions and torrents of questions. How do I live? By what means do I stay updated of the events and news in my social circle? And ultimately, Why don't I have one? The answer is simple: I don't want one.

I admit, I tried it out for a few months my freshman year of high school. For a while it was fun. I enjoyed being able to send messages to friends, seeing what everyone was up to, and being notified of fun events. I became so excited every time someone wrote on my Wall, or posted new pictures. I found myself spending more and more time on my account, just waiting to see updates and notifications. Each time I turned on my computer to do homework, it was as if the Facebook link was a magnet -- my mouse cursor was drawn to it, and I was powerless to resist clicking on it. I would tell myself, "Okay, just ten minutes online and then I will start typing that English paper." But ten minutes turned into thirty, and then into an hour, and before I knew it I had just wasted away two hours staring at the computer like a zombie. It was official. I was hooked on Facebook.

Fairly soon after I realized this, I deactivated my account. The time lost just wasn't worth it. In my opinion, Facebook also depersonalized some aspects of friendship by conducting relationships over the computer. I had survived before Facebook. Surely I could continue to survive after it. When I wanted to talk to a friend, I called them. If I needed to know about the next party, I would chat about it at the lunch table. Granted, Facebook has some good to it. The website is a very convenient way to stay in touch with people if they live far away from you. But for me personally, I disliked how easy it is to while away the time, and also how it made some of my friendships feel less personal. In short, the novelty of Facebook wore off for me, and I realized I did not want an account.

As a junior in high school, I am beginning to think about college. The thought about reactivating my account once I leave for school has crossed my mind. My friends and I will be scattered across the country, and in that case I can understand how Facebook would be useful. For now, however, I choose to remain Facebook-free. To read about another person who has chosen to not use Facebook, check out this Newsweek article called "Why I'm Quitting Facebook".

Homework - News Flash for Jan 30, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:16:20 CDT

Rohit from Teens Online

Homework. We're all familiar with it. But what's its purpose? Generally, it is to reinforce material that is being learned and to provide practice. Generally, homework does accomplish this goal, but it also accomplishes something less positive: it makes people hate school. Often, teachers give homework for the sake of giving homework (busywork), or give homework on material that everyone understands. This leads to time wasted without any purpose. A further problem is that not everybody needs the same amount of practice: a student who didn't fully understand the material would benefit from doing the problems, but a student who has done the material before and understands it would not feel the need to do the extra practice. Thus, in my opinion, the problem is not homework, it is mandatory homework.

I believe that optional homework is the best solution. It allows people who feel the need for extra practice to get said practice, and it does not force people who feel they don't to do busywork. In addition, the teacher can still recommend to people who are studying that they do the homework.

What do people think? Is homework a good thing? Is optional homework a good idea? See link to Time's "The Myth about Homework": http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1376208,00.html

Books to Movies - News Flash for Jan 22, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 11:10:56 CDT

Maddy from Teens Online

The middle of January: this means first semester finals for a lot of high school students. As this was the case for me, I buckled down earlier today and headed out for the Edina Library to get some studying done. I was walking in the library's inviting door, with Spanish verbs and math formulas swirling in my head, when a colorful display caught my eye. I stopped walking towards the tables and couches, and veered off in that direction.

Sitting in the case were a number of books, DVDs, and boxes of movie candy. Being a book fiend and avid movie-goer, as well as possessing a sweet tooth, I was intrigued. The display was about all sorts of great books, short stories, and other literature that has been adapted to film. Some of them were obvious, and I recognized them right away: J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter, Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code. My eyes scanned more titles, finding some of my own favorite books and movies (The Devil Wears Prada, The Chronicles of Narnia, Pride and Prejudice, and The Bourne Identity) as they moved across the shelves.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized how much books pervade the movie industry. Granted, there are many fabulous original screenplays, but there is still a great deal of movies adapted from a previous source. One of Hollywood's most popular films, Forrest Gump, is even based on a novel which was written by Winston Groom in 1986. After research, I found that one of this winter's box office bestsellers, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, was adapted from an F. Scott Fitzgerald short story of the same name. Come to think of it, lots of this holiday season's movies came from books: The Tale of Despereaux, Marley and Me, Revolutionary Road, and Twilight.

To delve further back in history, film adaptations of books have been happening for a long time. The 1939 Oscar winner for best picture, Gone With The Wind, is based on Margaret Mitchell's novel. Going way back, Shakespeare wrote plays that have been turned into movies: She's the Man (2006) is from Twelfth Night and 10 Things I Hate about You (1999) is from The Taming of the Shrew.

Looking at the display, I wished I could put off finals to go find a great movie/book combo. Unfortunately, I could not -- vocabulary flashcards were waiting. Finals will be over soon, however, and then I will be left to peruse great movies and books to my heart's content. You can, too. One of Hennepin County Library's TeenLinks' suggested reading lists details book-to-movie adaptations. There are some great ideas listed there. Maybe after looking at it you will find a new favorite book or movie, or both!

Finals Mania: Good or Bad? - News Flash for Jan 16, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:33:22 CDT

Richard from Teens Online

It's the end of the semester, and that means the dreaded final exams. A week full of studying, reading, homework, and cramming. Personally I have had so far, four unit tests, and quiz, two finals, and several days of pulling all nighters and cramming this week. Can this stress be possibly good for the body?

Recent studies say no. In order to understand the link, the scientists have examined how a major exam at the Karolinska Medical Institute affects feelings of stress, stress hormone levels, the immune system and lung function amongst students taking the test. There were two tests the first with the students during a calm period of study with no exam in sight, and then shortly before a major exam. Twenty two students participated.

Scientists showed that a group of cells that are central to the human immune system known as regulatory T cells increased sharply in number in response to mental stress. A regulatory T cell is a kind of white blood cell that controls the activity of a number of other types of immune cells. The study also showed that blood concentrations of a group of inflammation products called cytokines had changed and shifted against a pattern associated with allergic inflammation, leading to a weaker immune system. [Science Daily] Science Daily reported "It is hardly surprising that important exams are stressful for students---Research now shows that this mental stress also affects the student's immune defense systems, particularly amongst those suffering from allergies."

Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in the body. It can raise blood pressure, suppress the immune system, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, and speed up the aging process. Long-term stress can even rewire the brain, leaving you more vulnerable to anxiety and depression. So, do are finals too much? Is it smart to put so many tests together in a short amount of time? How has stressful tests affected you?

Palin Addiction - News Flash for Jan 7, 2009

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:31:13 CDT

Lewin from Teens Online

A quick browsing among the most popular articles in the Associated Press show a stunning trend over the past few months -- something about Governor Sarah Palin has always shown up. Starting from John McCain's announcement and the large boost in the polls to today the discussion on whether Palin's daughter and her fianc� are dropouts. The country has been I think stunned at this politician who seems to be lacking on an intelligence basis compared with other politicians. Also another notable event may be the election of Tina Fey, who portrayed Palin on Saturday Night Live, as AP's entertainer of the year.

At first the selection of Palin seemed to be the best possible thing for the Republican party, she really energized the party base and gave McCain a huge boost in the polling. But then she opened her mouth. During the Republican convention right here in Minnesota, Palin gave her famous Hockey Mom speech, which was not criticized at the time. Her other rousing speeches seemed to deem her as the perfect match for McCain, and people even began talking about it becoming Palin - McCain instead of McCain - Palin. But then came her interview one on one with ABC's Charlie Gibson, and then with CBS's Katie Couric.

First when Couric asked her about McCain's acts to reform Wall Street, Palin couldn't list any, and after constant pressuring said that "I'll try to find you some and I'll bring them to you." Later came talk about foreign policy and this. "As Putin rears his head and comes into the air space of the United States of America, where do they go? It's Alaska. It's just right over the border--"

Palin also did not know what former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger actually stood for on terms of negotiations with Iran. Palin claimed that he did not believe that meeting Iranian officials without preconditions was the right thing to do, while the direct opposite was true. Of course no one can forget Palin's Russia quote that was actually "They'e our next-door neighbors and you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, from an island in Alaska." However most remember Fey's version "I can see Russia from my house!" which I can personally see Palin herself saying. After those few interviews I remember the Palin part being taken off of the McCain political ads, from Palin - McCain to just McCain.

Now after the election the country is still in a Palin craze. I remember that some political analysts thought that if former senator Ted Stevens, indicted on falsely reporting large sums of money that helped renovate his home, were to win and resign upon being elected Palin could run in the special election. Think about it Palin you stopped her once, but just a few weeks later she might try to come to Washington again. Now with the controversy with her daughter, something people used to be able to associate with, now being viewed as a disappointment on her daughter's behalf. Also with all the jokes starting with the Russia quote to all the other ones questioning her intelligence I have to wonder is Palin the new Bush? The only thing anyone loved about Bush with how easy it was to tease him, is Palin the next politician to fall into this infamous category? Only time will tell.

America and Americans - News Flash for Dec 29, 2008

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 10:23:52 CDT

Minisha from Teens Online

A quick glance at the front page of the Star Tribune or the St. Paul Pioneer Press and one is by now resigned to the daily news of some business or multi-million dollar "Ponzi scheme" and if its not the economy, its crime or tragedy. A murder that killed 5 people by the ex-boyfriend of a former lover or the suicide of the man who inadvertantly set of a fire in the woodlands.

I have often times wondered why the news is filled with such pessimism. Surely, society isn't characterized by negative news. Or is our inherent curiousity with what is not status quo overpower our intuition that tells us to participate for the greater good and follow our morals and display ethical behaviour? Whatever the case, it is interesting to note the daily interactions between people and the myriad of different things they come in contact with in life. Whether it's their homes, family, land, the government, their nation, their jobs, everybody is unique.

To cap off 2008, if you are need of some enlightenment, I suggest you read America and Americans by John Steinbeck. They are a set of extremely profound essays that explain the relationship of American people to their society. Every single detail and analysis included in the essays resonate in our lives today. I hope that after you read it, that you will never see society the same way again. I hope that everything you do, or read, or see will have some connection with a part of that work because it is truly a classic that will never stop emanting the spirit of a society.

If you are like me and have little patience with the nosy reporters that inundate Barack Obama every second, you will find Steinbeck's words very reassuring:

Sample Excerpt:
"The relationship of Americans to their President is a matter of amazement to foreigners. Of course we respect the office and admire the man who can fill it, but at the same time we inherently fear and suspect power. We are proud of the President, and we blame him for things he did not do. We are related to the President in a close and almost family sense; we inspect his every move and mood with suspicion. We insist that the President be cautious in speech, guarded in action, immaculate in his public and private life; and in spite of these imposed pressures we are avidly curious about the man hidden behind the formal public image we have created. We have made a tough but unwritten code of conduct for him, and the slightest deviation brings forth a torrent of accusation and abuse," (Steinbeck 343).

The Two Miracle Foods - News Flash for Dec 23, 2008

Hennepin County Librarians — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 09:27:31 CDT

Jenny from Teens Online

Ranch dressing and peanut butter: what food you can't put on one you could most likely put on the other.

It was only a year ago that my brother told me about one of his friends who had set up a challenge he was sure he would never have to defend: to find one food that you can't put either Ranch dressing or peanut butter on.

Amazingly enough this was harder then it sounded. We came up with some combinations that I would not necessarily call delicious, but were still quite edible.

As many hours as my family has spent trying to come up with a food that would challenge my brother's friend, we have yet to succeed! So I say to you with the utmost hope that you can imagine, the next time you are in the grocery store or looking through your kitchen and come upon a bottle of Ranch dressing or a jar of peanut butter to stop and think for a second, if you can name one food that does not go with the two miracle foods.

Let It Snow - News Flash for Dec 19, 2008

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:00:05 CDT

Maddy from Teens Online

Minnesota has recently been hit with a deluge of fresh, fluffy, pristinely white snow! To get specific, the city of Minneapolis, according to the National Weather Service, has received 11.0 inches during this month to date (12/17/08). That is 5.9 inches more than the average for this time in December.

While some may grumble about traffic jams and cold temperatures, many loyal Minnesotans are excited with the prospect of a fun, beautiful winter. There are so many entertaining activities to partake in -- if one is more adventurous, one might attempt skiing, a snowball fight, or sledding. A step more tame brings ice skating, snowman building, and snow-angel making.

If being cold is not your cup of tea, it is also a great deal of fun to get cozy inside with hot chocolate and a good book, and to enjoy the sight of falling snow through a window. Need a snowy movie idea? Try Frosty The Snowman or White Christmas.

While snow can be lots of fun, like in the activities above, there can be times when it is a bit dangerous. If you are a lucky teen with a license and car, DRIVE CAREFULLY! Also, make sure you are dressed properly for cold weather. You do not want frostbite! Ladies, this is a great opportunity to accessorize -- hats, scarves, and mittens-- all very cute! With this in mind, go have some fun with the new snow, and take advantage of the winter wonderland we live in.

We're almost there - News Flash for Dec 10, 2008

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:52:31 CDT

Lewin from Teens Online

It's almost that time of year again, the days before winter break where everyone one has his or her calendar out. People are sharing vacation destinations, gifts, and places to hang out over break.

However it is also this time where students blank out about their school subjects and go on "break mode". Remember we are almost there, don't zone out just yet, there are only a few more weeks until break and then freedom! At least freedom until January and then the tests after break, oh joy.

Until then, though, here are a few tips to stay awake in class:

Schedule for a pop quiz right before break, even though there might not be one it's always good to prepare
Reward yourself for every good grade you get; it might not be Christmas but it's something
Remind yourself to look at the board; one the most common ways to get sidetracked is to look out the window at the pretty white snow
Don't go to the bathroom every 15 min; if you need to go that often you might want to see a doctor
Try to not text everyone in your contacts about how boring school is; everyone knows and you aren't helping them by reminding them
Have fun with your teachers but remember it's not their fault, at least not completely; but if you want to dress up as the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come and foresee death in your teacher's future, go right ahead

Twilight - News Flash for Dec 5, 2008

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 08:46:37 CDT

Maddy from Teens Online

A few weeks ago, the long-awaited movie adaptation of Stephanie Meyer's bestselling novel Twilight hit theaters. Twilight, the love story between a mortal girl and a vampire, has captured millions of fans. Many hypothesize that it arrived at the perfect time, filling the void left by Harry Potter.

Readers everywhere are obsessed with the captivating plot and characters, such as Bella, to whom many girls find they can relate, and Edward, who is unimaginably handsome. Reactions to the movie were mixed. Some raved, and others were disappointed. In my opinion, the casting was incredible. Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson starred as Bella Swan and Edward Cullen. Each looked the part, and the personalities matched perfectly. The Cullen family was also cast very well, as were the antagonists (evil vampires) of the story. The acting was at times awkward, but the script was well-written.

The movie experienced enormous success. It was number one at the box-office the weekend it was released, raking in more than $70 million. Hoards of people camped out at movie theatres across the country to catch the midnight showing; one such person was my younger sister, who waited at the local mall for seven hours. All sorts of magazines and newspapers had articles and reviews about the movie and its stars. Many Twilight lovers were concerned as to whether or not the film adaptation would do the book justice. My advice? Head out to your local Hennepin County Library and read the book (it looks long but moves very quickly), then see the movie and decide for yourself.

Web Oddities - News Flash for Nov 26, 2008

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:10:29 CDT

Jody, mentor for Teens Online

I'm fascinated by websites that talk about the cool, the obscure, the weird, and just plain odd things that people do and create. Here are some of my favorites:

BoingBoing is "a directory of wonderful things" including technology, pop culture, the arts, and whatever its writers stumble upon.
Fabulist talks about music, art, fashion, pop culture and more.
TED truly is a site of "ideas worth spreading". Watch the world's leading thinkers and doers talk abou their passions.
Roadside America guides you to some of the strangest tourist attractions in the U.S. My goal is to see as many giant statues as possible.
Stumble Upon websites on topics that interest you by setting up a profile here and letting it guide you through the web.

What are some of your favorite websites?

Golden Compass Book Review - News Flash for Nov 18, 2008

Hennepin County Librarians — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:04:25 CDT

Rohit from Teens Online

The Golden Compass, the first book of the His Dark Materials series, is a controversial book by Philip Pullman. The book was recently made into a movie, inciting a storm of protest by some religious groups who claim that the book negatively portrays the Church and religion. However, other church leaders have endorsed the book, saying that it only portrays oppression and religious dogmatism in a negative light. I strongly encourage everyone to read this book, which is a great read and also makes you think.

Just to give you a teaser, here is a summary of the beginning of the book: Set in a fictional version of earth, each person has his/her own "daemon", a sort of animal representation of themselves with its own body. The story begins with one Lyra Belacqua, a girl who does not know who her parents are and who knows little of her past, who resides at Jordan College in Oxford. One day, she witnesses the attempted assassination of her uncle, Lord Asriel, and her world will never be the same�

Have you read the book? What did you think of the movie The Golden Compass?

Barack Obama - News Flash for Nov 13, 2008

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:43:48 CDT

Jeff from Teens Online

On November 4th, 2008, Barack Obama was elected the 44th president of the United States of America after prevailing against John McCain in a grueling election race.

Well, what will this mean for you, me, or anyone else? To begin, I would like to list some of his views that would most probably affect you or me.

Barack Obama is working for a higher minimum wage, bumping it up from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour. For those of you who have jobs, you might be paid more.
Obama would like to increase wages for teachers. This COULD mean higher quality education, but it really depends on the teacher.
Obama proposes reducing U.S. oil consumption by 10 million barrels a day, or 35% by 2030. He is also intent on changing our automobiles to run more on electric power to provide cleaner and cheaper fuel.
Barack Obama is planning on a tax cut so that no family making an annual income of more than $250,000 a year would see their taxes rise. Middle class families could possibly receive over $1000 in tax relief.

These are all big issues, and big proposals. My concern is if he will be able to pull it all off, but his ideas sound very promising. His decisions will shape America in the next four years, and America is in an undoubtedly bad economical situation. If Obama can create reform, and turn the crumbling economy around, he will not only make history for being the first African American as president, but he will also be remembered as a leader who brought change. On the other hand, if he fails, America will sink into a deeper depression, and it will depend on the next President to reverse that.

What do you think about President-to-be Barack Obama? Is he good enough to become President?

Source: Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia