Archive for January, 2010
American Idol All-Star
Friday, January 29th, 2010Iconic Author Passes
Friday, January 29th, 2010
Yesterday, J.D. Salinger, author of the popular novel Catcher in the Rye passed away. Many middle and high school English classes assign this classic fictional tale because of its relatable voice and style. The book was written in 1951 but is still popular because of its accessibility and when reading you become a sort of “friend” with the main character.
The plot follows the fictional main character, Holden Caulfield, after he gets expelled from a college prep school. The story follows Holden as he goes on various adventures to discover his identity. The story deals with the issues of not only finding ones identity but other issues that many teenagers face like finding a sense of belonging and feeling connected to other people and places.
We loved this book growing up. Have YOU read it? What did you think of it?
Salinger wrote many other popular short stories and proved to be a highly influential author. Salinger was 91 years old when he died. He was orginially from Manhattan in New York City; yesterday he passed in his home in New Hampshire.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
xoxo
So, What’s the State of the Union Address?
Friday, January 29th, 2010
You may have noticed that Wednesday night, President Obama was on every major channel giving a speech. The President was giving his annual State of the Union address to members of Congress and Americans tuning in to their TV’s at home. Congress is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives. This group of people oversees the United States budget, proposes laws and bills and is in control of military action.
During the State of the Union address, the President not only talks about the current “state” or condition of the country, but also lays out his plans for how to make the country even stronger. This year, President Obama talked a lot about the economy. For example he explained how he would create more jobs, reduce the amount of money the U.S. owes and adjust certain taxes. Other topics he discussed were healthcare, export of goods and decreasing childhood obesity. He also talked about the importance of education and making sure every American can afford to go to college.
President Obama has two tween girls of his own, Malia who is 12 and Natasha who is 9. We’re sure he understands what’s tweens care about. We at JAM know that both being healthy and getting a good education are really important. You can read more about WHY it’s important in the My Life book in the My Tween Lifestyle Collection.
President Obama made a lot of good points and seemed to make the country feel hopeful for a positive future.
Feel free to post your questions in the comments section if you want to learn more on what the State of the Union address is all about!
xoxo
Taylor’s New Gig
Thursday, January 28th, 2010
Not only is Taylor Swift a worldwide sensation and a best selling recording artist, she’s now trying out a new gig, making greeting cards! Taylor has partnered with American Greetings to put her way with words to work for an adorable line to hit stores mid-February.
Taylor explains, “My idea of a great song is a song that says how I feel, better than I could… I feel the same way about cards.” Above is one of Taylor’s designs; you can see more, here! Not only will Taylor be designing cards, but stationary and gift packaging as well.
We think the cards are super cute! What do you think?
Greeting cards can be a great way to celebrate holidays, keep in touch, or just tell someone you’re thinking of them. For more tips on building and maintaining great relationships check out My Self: A Guide to Me and the Self-Esteem section of the JAM site!
xoxo
JAM on the Web!
Thursday, January 28th, 2010
Recently some great media sites have been recognizing JustAskMarlene and the My Tween Lifestyle Collection.
News 15 in Charlotte, NC did a story about Marlene and her book series. Find out more on what Marlene had to say about the series and read the full story, here.
Another blog we love, My Tweendom, did a great review of My Self: A Guide to Me in the My Tween Lifestyle Collection. The author highly recommends the book as a great read for tweens and teens looking for life advice. We think Stay Dillion did a great job, check out the full review… here!
For more tips on self-esteem or to purchase the books in the My Tween Lifestyle Collection at www.justaskmarlene.com.
As always, send us your questions and comments to justaskmarlene@gmail.com and let us know what you want to learn about! Now, get JAMming!
xoxo
New JAM VIP!
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
Hey JAM girls,
Be sure to check out our newest JAM VIP, Mark Cutler. Mark’s an interior designer and has some great tips on how to turn your room into a sleep sanctuary.
Check out his interview, here!
You can also check out My Life: A Guide to Health and Fitness to read more about Mark and how to make your room gorgeous!
xoxo
Fashion Goes Interactive!
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
Comic books have a stigma of being just for boys, but the fashion world is giving the industry a run for its money with chic new superheroes. Just last fall, Marvel comics released a mini comic book series entitled, Models, Inc. The series shows the adventures of models as they attempt to escape villains during fashion week. Even Project Runway’s own Tim Gunn appears as a superhero called, “Loaded Gunn.” We’re thinking he comes to “make it work,” and save the day! You can purchase these comics on Marvels site, here.
One of our favorite it-girls, Taylor Swift will be immortalized into a comic book character in the upcoming graphic series, Fame. This series will chronicle the lives of some of today’s biggest pop culture icons. Lady Gaga, Robert Pattinson and David Beckham are just some of the celebrities being animated for the series. The first issue of Fame will debut on May 5th of this year. (Via)
The fashion world is even contributing to the video game industry with two new interactive games all about fashion, design, modeling and industry events. The hit Lifetime series, Project Runway, is set to debut this fashion design themed game on March 2nd of this year for the Wii system. The game will take players through the design process as they pick out fabrics, sketch their designs and create beautiful garments. Heidi Klum, Michael Kors and Tim Gunn will all be lending their voices to the show’s electronic reincarnation. (Via)
Yet another fashion themed video game is said to be in the works, this time focused on Fashion Week. Fashion Week is a fashion industry event where fashion designers debut their newest clothing and accessory lines to the public. Some of the most popular fashion weeks are held in Milan, Italy; Paris, France and New York, New York. The video game will allow players to experience firsthand what it’s like to participate in Fashion Week. For those interested in fashion, the game offers a fun way to learn the ins and outs of this fabulous event. (Via)
For more fun JAM games, check out the JustAskMarlene site, here!
xoxo
You’ve Got Mail
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
Isn’t it fun to look back at old pictures of yourself and wonder what you were like then? Even when we look back at some of our old school work or journals, we think, what WERE we thinking?! Now with a new website, you can write a letter to yourself today… and get in in the future!
At FutureMe.org, all you have to do is fill out your email address, write yourself a letter and set a date for when you want it to arrive in your inbox. Two, three, ten years from now, you can get a letter from yourself from 2010. Maybe you’ll write yourself a letter about what was going on in your life now, what you hope you’re doing then… or maybe its just a cute note to make yourself smile! It’s always fun to see your progress over the years and see how much you’ve grown.
Keeping an actual written journal can also be a good way to “archive” your thoughts and get creative. Recording your experiences in a journal can also help you sort out your emotions and learn more about the fantastic person you are!
For more tips on keeping a journal or boosting your self esteem check out My Self: A Guide to Me in the My Tween Lifestyle Collection.
xoxo
Teens for Jeans
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
If you’re in the Los Angeles area today, donate your jeans for a chance to meet Nick Jonas! From 2:30-4pm today, he Aeropostale store in L.A’s Westside Pavillion Mall will be teaming up with DoSomething.org to help the Haiti relief effort.
The Teens for Jeans program allows you to collect jeans for homeless teeens all over the world. The first 100,000 pairs of jeans the organization recieves will be donating them to those in need in Haiti.
For every 10 pairs of jeans you bring in today at the Aeropostale in L.A., you will be entered into a drawing to win two tickets and a meet and greet with Nick at his show at the Wiltern on Wednesday, January 27th. For every 10 pairs you bring, you’ll increase your chances of winning… so if you bring in 20 pairs of jeans, that’s two entries in your name!
You can still participate in the Teens for Jeans program, even if you’re not in L.A. by bringing your gently worn jeans to any Aeropostale location from now until Febuary 14th. For every pair you bring in, you’ll get a 25% off coupon toward a new pair of jeans! Not only will you be donating your jeans to those in need, you’ll also be entering for a chance to win a signed pair of jeans from stars like Kellan Lutz, Kelly Clarkson, cast members of 90210, Glee, Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill and many more.
So if you’re thinking of cleaning our your closet, get moving and help a great cause!
For more ways on how to care for yourself and others, check out the My Self: A Guide to Me in the My Tween Lifestyle Collection.
xoxo
Glee Tour!
Monday, January 25th, 2010