Girl Talk

Hi guys! This time for my 5th blog post I’m going to be talking about my three favorite dystopian novels. If you don’t know what a dystopian novel is it is a genre of fictional writing that is used to explore social and political structures through different societies characterized by things like poverty or oppression. For these three it’s going to be 1 being my absolute favorite and 3 being, well my third favorite. I’m also going to rate them by a scale of 1-10. Let’s get started!

3. Divergent 

Divergent is a great book that will hook you in the first 10 pages. It has a very dangerous, action packed storyline that will keep you wanting more throughout all three books! Divergent is set in a dystopian version of Chicago. Their society has divided everyone in 5 different factions including, Dauntless, Candor, Amity, Erudite, and Abnegation. Dauntless represents bravery, Candor honesty, Amity kindness, Erudite intelligence, and Abnegation selflessness. This story follows a teen girl, Tris Prior, an Abnegation who feels conflicted about her upcoming Choosing Ceremony. Tris finds out she is Divergent, but goes into Dauntless. The readers follow her as she has to keep her identity of being Divergent secret in the Dauntless headquarters, while going through the Dauntless initiation. I recommend this novel if you like reading about things that include romance, adventure, dystopia (obviously), and science fiction.

Rating: 9/10

2. The Selection

The Selection series is one of my favorites. This novel is more based around romance, kinda like The Bachelor but dystopian style. In this novel we follow America Singer, a 16 year old girl who lives in the remains of the US, now called Illéa. In Illéa they have a number caste system from numbers One to Eight. Eight being the worst and One being the best. Being a One means you are either royalty or a religious figure in this society. Twos are celebrities like singers, athletes, actors/actresses, models or politicians. Twos can also be military figures or royal guards. Threes are businessman or other jobs like teachers, writiers, scientists, nurses, doctors or lawyers. Fours are jobs like real estate agents, jewelers, farmers or insurance brokers. Fives are artists and performers, this is what America’s family is. Sixes are workers. These include secretaries, waiters/waitresses and clerks. Sevens are manual laborers. Eights are the mentally/physically disabled, homeless, addicts, runaways, etc. Anyways, whenever there is a male heir to the royal throne there is a Selection. This means that all girls that are in the same age range as that Prince are invited to apply for the Selection. Long story short America is selected with 34 other girls to fight for Prince Maxon’s heart. The only problem is that America has a secret lover, Aspen, who is a Six. I totally recommend this book if you like The Bachelor and want a more intense version of it! I read this series in 2 weeks. Oh I forgot to mention this is a 5 book series so you should all read it!

Rating: 10/10

1. The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games became my absolute favorite book and then series immediately after I started reading. It is intense, exciting, it will keep you on your feet, and there’s like a smidge of romance for anyone who needs that in order to read a book. The Hunger Games takes place in again the remains of the US, now known as Panem. In this society they use 12 districts to represent different industries. In Panem where you want to be is the Capital, this is where the wealthiest live, known for having a unique sense of style and living lavish lives. District 1’s industry is manufacturing luxury items for the Capital. District 1 is considered the wealthiest district, they are also home to some of the Careers. Careers train for the Hunger Games and take it as an honor to be apart of it. District 2’s industry is masonry, they also supply the nation’s Peacekeepers. District 2 is considered “the pets” of the Capital because they are the biggest supporters of the Capital. District 3’s industry is general electronics. District 4’s industry is fishing. District 5’s industry is power. District 6’s industry is transportation. District 7’s industry is lumber. District 8’s industry is the production of textiles. District 9’s industry is grain. District 10’s industry is livestock. District 11’s industry is agriculture. District 12’s industry is coal/mining. Katniss and her family live in District 12. The Hunger Games is where each district chooses one girl and one boy, ages 12-18, to compete in a fight to the death in an arena watched by the nation. Only one can win. In this novel we follow Katniss Everdeen as she volunteers for the Hunger Games in order to save her sister. The boy chosen is Peeta Mellark. This series is amazing. I loved every book. I recommend this if you want to read day and night because this book will make you want to. 

Rating: 11/10

Thanks for reading (if you made it to the end). I hope when you’re looking for a new book these come into consideration! 

-Quinn

Hi guys, for my fourth blog post I’m going to use my space to talk about something that is a little different from my regular topics, but one that I care about very much. Climate change continues to make changes to our Earth and unfortunately a lot of us keep on sitting here doing nothing. This is not intended to be calling people out for their beliefs or what you think. Yes, I know many people are aware of this happening, but not actually realizing the true damage and danger that it is bringing to our Earth. Today I’m going to be spreading some much needed awareness about this topic. 

Evidence: First, I think that the reason people like me think it’s so crazy how people keep dismissing this issue is because of the amount of evidence this has. For one, the global temperature rise. According to NASA’s Global Climate Change News, Earth’s average surface temp has risen about 1.62°F since the late 19th century. This rise is mostly from the large amounts of carbon dioxide and other human-made pollution released into the atmosphere. Particularly, the last 35 years have had the most warming occur. Infact, 2016 was the warmest year to date. Second, the warming oceans. Oceans have been the target for this newfound heat, with the oceans absorbing most of it. The top 700 ft of the oceans are showing it to be warmer by 0.4°F since only 1969! Third, the shrinking ice sheets and glacial retreats.

It is sad to say but between 1993 and 2016 data shows that Greenland lost about 286 billion tons of ice per year. Antarctica coming in second with 127 billion tons lost. Along with that, the rate of Antarctica’s ice mass loss has tripled in only the last decade. Glacier retreats are happening faster and faster around the world with places including the Alps, Himalayas, Andes, Rockies, Alaska and Africa. A few more pieces of evidence that has proved climate change to be happening is the decreased snow cover, the declining Arctic sea ice, the sea level rise, the ocean acidification, and the alarming amount of extreme events and natural disasters. 

Causes: To put it simple, climate change is happening because of things called Greenhouse Gases (gases that contribute to GG’s are Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Water Vapor,  and Nitrous Oxide) are being released too rapidly into the atmosphere. Before, the greenhouse gases were and still are good for us and we need it, but we are now producing too much. Which is ultimately causing the climate to change. 

Solutions: Yes, there is still time, we can stop climate change, but we need to act fast. Almost everyone is capable to do and try these solutions. Commit and start a routine for our future! Here are a few I suggest. 

• Educate people about the topic: SPREAD AWARENESS!! 
• Try to use your energy wisely! (Turning off faucets and lights when you leave a room blah blah.)
• Push for more renewables!
• Try to use less plastic!
• Support or join youth-led movements. Ex. Fridays for Future or School Strike for Climate
• This is for the teachers out there: get and stay politically active and vote!

Again, sorry this isn’t my usual topic but I think this should be talked more about so we can educate more people to save our future! To try and start fixing our mistakes with climate change we all need to put a hand in and work together. Thanks for reading!

-Quinn

Hello, I am back for the third time and this time around we’re going to be talking about the absolute BEST places for teens and adults to go on vacation in the United States. I have been to a few of these places, but a few I haven’t. Don’t worry though because they all are super cool and I’ve done my research. The reason I’ve decided to write about vacations is because right now, as I am writing this, I am on a vacation in Colorado! These places are perfect for building memories and having a great time. Anyways, I am going to be writing about 5 different amazing spots in the US for teens and adults! Ok, let’s get started.

1. New York City, New York

New York City, the city that never sleeps. Here are three insanely important reasons why you should totally go to NYC at least once in your life: 1.) the culture 2.) the experience 3.) the food. Ok so culture, the city’s theatre, art, cuisine, literature, music, dance, and art are all a mix of traditions and customs brought there from millions of immigrants. The experience might be an obvious one but this is huge! From simple things like riding the subway to seeing something on Broadway. Anything can impact your day, having it be either good or bad. For the food, since we already know about the many cultural diversities, any type of food you could really imagine is available in NYC. NYC is a host for the top culinary experts from all across the world, so yeah they are probably gonna have some good stuff. A few places you would HAVE to go if you went to New York City would be, the Met Museum, Times Square, the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, or go and see a Broadway Show.

 

2. San Francisco, California

San Francisco has a never ending vibrant culture. It offers a mellow West Coast vibe, with things to do that can apply to anyone. Everywhere you look there is colorful street art and murals, and a variety of different foods everywhere you turn. Of course a huge thing that everyone knows about is the Golden Gate Bridge which is a necessity to see if you come to San Fran. A few more popular places to go see are Alcatraz, Chinatown, Cable Cars, the Twin Peaks, The Castro, and Baker Beach. San Francisco is a great place to go if you and your family are looking for a happy, upbeat, and lively trip. 

3. Breckenridge, Colorado 

Breckenridge is a hotspot for anyone who likes to ski or snowboard. It is the perfect town that has all activities if you like to be active, outside, and chilly. There are many, beautiful shops that look like something taken out of a Hallmark movie. Everything in Breckenridge just seems like you really are living in a cheesy, romance film. A few things you have to do there is obviously check out the slopes because that is what they are known for, go snowmobiling, go ice skating, check out an oxygen bar, try winter horseback riding, go ice skating, go snow-tubing, and last try dog sledding! Breckenridge is filled to the brink with winter activities you, your family, and your friends could try! Just remember to pack some snow pants and coats!

4. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

If you are looking for a crazy, fun, and energetic vacay Wisconsin Dells is the place for you. Also known as the Waterpark Capital of the World, there are an insane number of things you could do and try! All ranging from going to the biggest waterpark in America (Noah’s Ark) to a Haunted Mansion. This place exudes happiness and great memories for families alike! Places to put on your to-do list while you’re there would be the Bigfoot Ziplining, Mount Olympus, Kalahari, Noah’s Ark (as I already mentioned), Chula Vista, Wisconsin deer park, and The Palace Theatre. Wisconsin Dells is an amazing place to go with your family or close friends.

5. Orlando, Florida

When I think of Orlando, one word pops into my head. Disney. Yes, Disney is a huge part of Orlando but this place has so much more to offer that we usually overlook. A few things you can expect if going to Orlando is the world class theme parks, the fantastic shopping options, the hundreds of dining places, and the exhilarating nightlife. We can’t forget all of the beautiful beaches either! Florida in general is always a popular hotspot for family vacations and it’s not hard to find why. Things to think about maybe doing if you’re there is going to Disney World, Epcot, Universal Studios, Seaworld Orlando, and ESPN’s Wide World Sports Complex. There are things that everyone would like in Orlando, no matter who you are. Going there is a magical experience for children to even seniors every single time! 

Thanks again for the people who read through all or that and got to the end! I hope you could put this list to use a time in your life because these places are an unforgettable experience that will have you thinking about it for years to come! Also before I forget, happy New Year! 

-Quinn

Hey guys I’m back again and I decided to do a winter bucket list to give you a bunch of cute/nice/amazing things to do when you are bored. I mean it is basically winter now that it snowed right? Anyways I think this will be a great way for you to relax while also doing something completely essential during the winter season! So get ready for some pretty cool things to do during winter yayaya!! Also I’m gonna do only 5 to really narrow down the best!!

• Build a snowman!

If you don’t sled or build a snowman during winter/Christmas I think it’s safe to say a part of your childhood is coming to an end. Building a snowman is so fun to do (but only when the snow is packy of course) even though it can be somewhat of a challenge if you don’t have an extra pair of hands when stacking it’s snow-body.

• Sledding! 

As I mentioned with numba one up there if you don’t do this, part of your childhood is almost over. So anyways sledding is one of the more fun activities you can do outside during winter. Even though the trek up the hill feels like you are climbing up Mount Everest the ride down feels like you are basically on a super cold roller coaster. Sledding is especially fun with friends but you can do this one alone too, well obviously, but it’s still fun even if you’re alone. 

• Make Christmas cookies!

Making Christmas cookies is one of my favorite Christmas activities! You can go many ways when making Christmas cookies such as gingerbread, sugar cookies, snickerdoodles, spritz, and peanut butter blossoms. This is a great thing to do when you want something super fun and eventually yummy to work on! In my opinion it was the most fun with my family and friends involved because we all go crazy!

• Watching Christmas Movies!!

Watching Christmas movies is my ABSOLUTE favorite thing about winter/Christmas! Especially when you grab some cocoa, popcorn, and turn on a fireplace! It is the coziest thing ever! 10/10 recommend this if you just want to be happy to be completely honest. Anyways some of the best Christmas movies in my book are shown up there, including: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Home Alone, and A Christmas Story! Those are the best, that’s really it. 

• Go Ice Skating!!

Going ice skating is extremely fun mostly when you’re with your friends. Even though it might take a few tries to get the hang of it, it’s a great skill to have and it’s a great activity to bond with your friends! I really recommend this if you want a cool, challenging activity (unless you do hockey) to do with your friends or family! So if you do this good luck! I hope you don’t fall over too many times!!

Thanks everyone reading who got to the end! I hope you do some of these this winter/Christmas season! Just remember to get your cocoa, watch some movies, and have a great winter/Christmas! 

-Quinn

 

Ok guys, get ready for the absolute best shows that you can ever watch on Netflix. These shows, whether you’re alone and bored (usually me hehe), with some friends and need something to watch, or trying to come up with something to watch with your family. This list will literally save your life when it’s taking you hours on hours to find something you wanna watch. Now let’s start. Ooh also these shows are all unique with different genres, so you will get a good variety, plus I’ll also review them 1-10 just so you can get my absolutely amazing opinion.

TV Shows

1. Grey’s Anatomy-  Yes, yes I know almost every single girl in our grade has watched this, but this is always a must (if you’re into a little bit of blood here and there). So basically this show is a medical drama where we follow Meredith Grey and her path to becoming a top notch surgeon following in her mother’s footsteps. In this show you will see a ton of romance (yesss), friendship, sadness (this is actually like the saddest show I’ve ever watched), and great emotional acting. Grey’s Anatomy has absolutely everything you want if you are looking for a good drama show and you want some nice looking doctors. And I promise that even after one episode you will be hooked.

Rating: 9/10

2. Criminal Minds-

Oh Criminal Minds, I literally watched like two seasons in a week. Yes it’s that good. This is a crime show (if you didn’t get it from the title), but there is a bit of drama occasionally. This show you are following the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (the BAU) a group of the top criminal profilers as they try to solve a number of the nation’s most dangerous cases using nothing but their brains and bits of evidence they uncover throughout the episode. If you’re watching this show prepare for some adrenaline, mystery, and lots of moments where you’re going- “Oh my god!”

Rating: 8.5/10

 3. American Horror Story-

I’m just going to start with, this show is the absolute best thing ever and you have to watch it. American Horror Story does not get enough credit where credit is due. This horror/thriller is a series where you’re not really following the same set of characters, story lines, or locations each season (except we mostly get the same actors and actresses). So far the seasons have taken place at a house with a disturbing past, an insane asylum, a witch coven academy, a freak show circus, a haunted hotel, a possessed farmhouse, inside a cult, an apocalypse, and a frightening 80’s slasher summer camp. As you can see this show is kinda all over the place, but a few things that always stay the same are the absolutely amazing acting, the thrill you get while watching, the laughs, tears, and incredibly disturbing parts throughout this show.

Rating: 10/10

4. Gilmore Girls-

Gilmore Girls is something to watch when you’re just feeling bad, like when you wanna watch a show that will make you feel good and will make you laugh/cry happy tears. This feel-good show is all about the relationship between a single teen mom (now in thirties) and her teenage daughter. What you will get out of this show is fun, a bit of romance, and some school drama (like we need more of that). If you want a show to binge and want to watch constantly this is the show for you!

Rating: 8/10

5. Stranger Things-

This sci-fi/fantasy show will keep you on your toes the entire time you watch. During this show you follow a group of outcast boys, a police chief, a scared mother, their siblings, and a random guy named Steve as they have to solve and fight terrifying supernatural forces in order to save their friend and town. This show will bring you through a course of emotions including a bit of romance, some jokes, a few jump scares (they’re pretty weak though), and some thrills. I totally recommend this show if you want something to fly through and then have to wait like 8 years until the next season comes out. But other then that it’s very good!

Rating: 7.5/10

6. The Office-

 

The Office is the funniest show I’ve watched in my entire life. I’ve seriously watched this entire show 11 times. Anyways, this show is a mockumentary (mock documentary) of the day in the life of a paper company. Usually, for this company the workday consists of little to no actual work, a few inappropriate jokes, pranks, and some pretty severe ego clashes. If you want to see something that will make you laugh till you cry or something that will make you fall in love with the characters, this show is for you. Bottom line is, great acting, great actors/actresses, amazing script, and 9 seasons of straight comedy.

Rating: 10/10

Thanks for reading if you made it through the whole thing! I hope this helps you next time you wanna find a good show!

-Quinn