The Top 10 Coolest Applications on Facebook

1.) Compare People - A great application that lets you know where you stand among your friends.

2.) Pieces of Flair - Want to show off your interests with style? Pieces of Flair allows you to do so with high quality graphics and the ability to send pieces to friends.

3.) Honesty Box - For those who can take a punch; and a compliment. Curious about what people really think of you? Add it.

4.) My Sandbox - Another way to show off what you like; this application uses logos, products, etc. that your can display on your profile.

5.) SuperPoke - Poke people with fun actions like hug, go to the beach with, and give chocolates to. You can do this anonymously or leave a message.

6.) Who Has the Biggest Brain? - Those of you with the Brain Academy for Nintendo DS or Wii may be familiar with the format. This application allows you to test your "brain mass" with fun and addictive games. Think you smart? Take the test!

7.) Events - A very practical application that's included automatically with all profiles. If you haven't used it yet, do so! It's an easy way to invite people to parties and other get-togethers, as well as see what your friends are up to.

8.) Likeness - Just answer some short, easy quizzes and this application will let you know who you're most like.

9.) Typing Speed - I've got to say, this one's addicting. You get thirty seconds to type as many words as possible, and trust me, you'll be doing it more than once.

10.) FaceDoubles - Ever thought you looked like someone famous? Use this application to figure out whose your celebrity twin.

The American Mall to be the Next High School Musical?

Not in this lifetime.

The American Mall premiered at 9PM last night on MTV. And what can I say? It bombed. There wasn't much hype leading up to its debut, a surprising factor considering the popularity of both the channel and teen musicals, but I had still been looking forward to the premiere.

First off, the music was awful. At least with the cheesy lines and acting in High School Musical, they managed to leave a few catchy songs. The ones in The American Mall, however, all had the same "bad pop song" vibe. Worst of all, they were all extremely passive; it's the next morning and I still can't remember a single lyric.

The story itself had potential, but the execution just left it hanging limp. This was probably due to poor writing. The scenes never flowed together quite right, and there was never a moment or line that left the audience wowed. The movie might have come together a bit better if the plot hadn't arrived an hour into the movie, but unfortunately, that was the case.

Since the dancing wasn't exactly Broadway level, that leaves only one factor left that could have possibly saved the film: the actors. Now, the acting was horrendous or anything, but the actor choice may have been another downfall of the producers. With a better story and music, they may have been able to pull off the movie with some unknowns starring, but less-than-famous Nina Dobrev (who's only real claim to fame was her role as "Mia" on Degrassi's later seasons) left me even less excited to watch, let alone willing to sit through her squeaky singing.

And I don't know if anyone else but myself noticed, but the entire story seemed to be a mock up of Camp Rock, which debuted in June. Sure, it took place in a mall and the gender roles were switched a few times, but the over all theme, ending, forgiving mean girl, and the "mysterious voice" thought all originated from Camp Rock. And even with all the simliarities, it lacked all the charisma of the Disney hit (which meant that the direction also need work).

Overall, I'd give The American Mall two thumbs down (in fact, I'd give it three if I had that many).

Just an Update

Okay, so I know it looks like I've bailed, but I really haven't. I've just been busy lately. But, I promise to get some posts up soon!

Love,
Anna

How to Make Money Online

Whether you're too young to hold any job other than baby sitting, too busy with college to land yourself an internship, or just want to make a little spare cash on the side, options for making money via the Internet are become more and more available. There are even people out there who are making six-figure incomes with online revenue! All you need is a little bit of creativity, patience, persistence, and some luck.

Paid Surveys

The title says it all: people ask you questions, and you get money for it. So if you have a little extra time on your hands, set up a separate e-mail account (to avoid spam getting forwarded to your real account; no matter what the sites say, they will sell your address to third parties) for your survey-ing needs. However, you probably won't make much cash from signing up for just one company, so sign up for as many as possible. Your 2 Cents is a start, as well as Savvy Survey. (The latter was mentioned in Seventeen Magazine, so I'm pretty sure it's a good one; but then again, Seventeen sells phone sex ads in the back of their issues, so...)

Blogging

That's right, you don't even have to go through all the motions to get published in order to make money off of writing. Blogging is a great way to have fun, express yourself, and get paid for doing so. This is done through Google AdSense, a program you can add to your blog that places advertisements on it. Whenever a visitor clicks on one, you get paid! Try blogging about a specific topic like fashion, fitness, movies, or anything else you may be passionate about. Also, make sure to make your blog known. Traffic = cash! Sites like Blogger have tutorials and templates to get your started, so there's absolutely no HTML knowledge needed.

Print on Demand Sites

Sites like CafePress offer a unique opportunity for those of you who are more artistically inclined: creating custom t-shirts and other products. The beauty of the process is that you don't have to deal with the mess of actually making the stuff. Instead, the site does it for you. All you have to do is create and upload the designs. Zazzle and Printfection are also good companies to try.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

SEO Marketing - It's a confusing concept at first, but if you can master SEO advertising, generating traffic becomes a cinch. And for most sites, traffic is the only way you're going to make money!

IRS Form 1099 - Yep, taxes don't just shrivel your real-life income to 2/3 of it's worth, but they also take a chunk out of any large revenue you make online. Many websites such as CafePress and Savvy Survey will ask for your social security number, since they're required by law to file a form 1099 for any income generated by their sites over $600 in a given year (that's like making $50 a month). These sites might also ask for your address, credit card number, or Paypal information in order to send you your monthly check. Because of this you should make sure that you have your parents look over the site before using it; giving away important personal information to any old site may lead to identity theft, so do some asking around beforehand!

Fall Fashion Trends for 2008: Your Exclusive Shopping Guide

Now that the fall fashion shows of 2008 are done and over with, it's time to get a good look at what's tiptoeing off the runway and sneaking into the wardrobes of women everywhere. Want to look hot for back to school? Here's what to look for in every area.



Jeans: Just about every style imaginable is making a debut this fall, with high wasted and skinny styles still bearing strong.

• Skinny
• High wasted
• Boot cut
• Wide legged
• Bright, bold colours

Colours: The emphasis will be placed on rich, warm colours, as well as neons and other brights.

• Purples, burgandys, and navys
• Neons
• Rusty colours (oranges and browns)
• Black and white
• Jewel tones

Outer Wear: Vests are still hot!

• Windbreakers
• Vests
• Pea coats
• Trench coats
• Cardigans

Dresses: If you haven't already, update your wardrobe with a couple of dresses; they're here to stay!

• Maxis
• Minis
• Flapper dresses
• Animal and bright floral prints
• Baby dolls

Shoes: Shoes for this fall are meant to make a statement and stand out.

• Bold colours
• Ankle boots
• Slouchy boots
• Flats
• Vans and Converse styles
• Gladiators

Accessories: You know the drill, they can make you or break you. Stay updated by adding lots of crazy prints and bright colours.

• Chunky jewelry
• Animal prints
• Scarves
• Socks over tights
• High socks
• Totes
• Big purses
• Studs
• Waist belts
• Leg and arm warmers
• Big sunglasses
• Large bows

Themes for Fall: Anything that falls under these themes is fair game at the rack.

• School girl - Menswear and plaid both have staying power this season; combine them both with cute school girl attire! Plaid mini skirts, cuffs, collars, knee high socks, vests, ties, suspenders, etc.
• Fur - Splurge on the real stuff or keep it green with faux pieces. Either way, anything fuzzy will keep your look updated through winter. Furry hats, coats, etc.
• Motorcycle chick - Make a statement at school by looking like you just walked off the runway and a Harley. Think leather, studs, metal, zippers, etc.
• Ballerina - For a sweet and feminine feel, use those tutus as inspiration! Elastic flats, ruffles, lace ups, etc.
• Knits - Knitwear is making a comeback, large and bulky. Knit Uggs are especially cute, and will help you to embrace the everlasting Ugg trend without looking like a classic-tall-chestnut clone. Knit boots, hats, coast, etc.
• Prints - Prints, prints, prints! Go either safari style, floral flower child, or embrace bright abstracts.
• 1920's - Go way vintage with fall's new utilization of the 20's. Flapper dresses, jeweled sandals, etc.

And don't forget the golden rule of shopping: if you don't like it, don't buy it! Fashion trends should be used as guide lines, not rules. Besides, if you genuinely adore something, you'll be more likely to wear it even when it goes out of style (which will save you some cash in the long run by keeping your closet from thinning out too quickly).

How to Tell if You Have a Mental Disorder

It's surprising how often teenagers will consider themselves to have a mental disorder, and never look past that first thought. Or maybe, they just don't have the research skills and resources to tell just how existent, or nonexistent, the condition may be. But whatever the case, most of you will probably be relieved to hear that there's some sort of treatment available for nearly every mental disorder. The first step on the road to help, though, is first figuring out whether or not the thoughts and behaviors that have been toying with your head have a name attached. For this sole purpose, I had spent a great deal of time researching for and creating a quiz to help narrow down the possibilities. Unfortunately, I'm no quiz guru, and I was disappointed to see that I couldn't get the results to come out quite right. Instead, here's one that was made on Go To Quiz:

http://www.gotoquiz.com/what_mental_disorder_do_you_have

Of course, no Internet resource could ever give you a true diagnoses. The only purpose of the quiz is to give you a general idea of what you might have. There are probably plenty of conditions that weren't included (Most people do have a life after all). If you're seriously considering that you may have a mental disorder and the quiz contradicts your gut feeling, you should still consult a doctor as soon as possible.

50 Things Every Freshman Should Know

Having made it far enough to summer, I'm pretty proud to say that I survived through my freshman year with all my limbs in their correct places. I've always been an advice giver with my friends, especially the ones a grade younger. Because of this I keep getting the question, "Have any tips for my first year?" Well, I can tell you one: it's not what you expect. For some reason, most eighth graders have have this idea in their head that high school will be exactly like they see on TV. Well...it's not. The mean girls don't have a group of girls in matching clothing that follow them around like lost puppies, and the kids with the pocket protectors don't get thrown in the dumpster near the cafeteria. In fact, high school's a little bit like middle school on steroids. Same kind of teachers. Same cafeteria food. Same dress code. The only difference is that every one's got a big head their first year and you've got to work a hell of a lot harder if you really want to achieve something. (That is, if you were like me and ended up treating the eighth grade like a walk in the park; if not, you probably won't have to shift your strategy too much.)

So for all you incoming frosh out there, I've compiled a list of what every one of you should know. Of course, it doesn't even begin to touch the surface with the amount I could right on the topic, but it should be enough to get you ahead of the game a little (and some tips even last through your senior year).

1.) Don't act like you know everything. You don't.
2.) Use a condom.
3.) Yes, studying IS necessary.
4.) Karma's a bitch.
5.) Your dog can no longer eat your homework.
6.) Everyone hates a cheerleader. Always have, always will.
7.) Word gets around. Fast.
8.) Yes, sweetie. Drugs, sex, and alcohol DO exist.
9.) And yes, you won't be "cool" if you don't participate.
10.) That doesn't necessarily mean you should do it.
11.) No one is "out of your league".
12.) Tough times don't last. Tough people do.
13.) 4:20 is not just a time of day.
14.) Confidence will get you everywhere.
15.) Be kind to everyone, do wrong to none. (Refer to #4))
16.) Enemies are bad. Very bad.
17.) But no matter how hard you try, there will be people who don't like you.
18.) Smile.
19.) Your friends can make or break you. Choose them wisely.
20.) Nothing is permanent, and nothing lasts forever.
21.) Pantsing is a suspendable offense.
22.) You are who you associate with.
23.) Everyone is a potential backstabber. (Yes, everyone.)
24.) Don’t stereotype yourself or anyone else. You'll just end up looking stupid. (This includes “I’m so aZn!”)
25.) Whatever your expectations for high school are, well, forget about them.
26.) You don't "owe" your boyfriend anything.
27.) Don't get a pair of Uggs. Guys hate them and they shatter your individuality.
28.) Someone will always make a sexual pun every time you say that something sucks/blows/bites.
29.) Wikepedia no longer counts as a citation source.
30.) No amount of Advil will ever cure a hang over. Not getting one in the first place will.
31.) A guy's shoe size does not correspond to anything.
32.) You have a better chance of finding a word that rhymes with purple than varsity football actually winning state.
33.) You probably won't like your schedule.
34.) Upperclassman will always think that they’re better than you. To avoid complications, let them believe it.
35.) No matter what anyone says, the work really isn’t that much harder.
36.) Take an elective that you’ll enjoy. It’ll help to maintain your sanity.
37.) The campus really isn’t as big, scary, or confusing as when you see it on the first day.
38.) Make as many friends as possible. The more connections, the better.
39.) Don’t make fun of the geeks/nerds/braniacs. They’re your boss in ten years.
40.) Organization.
41.) Organization.
42.) Organization.
43.) If you learn to be organized, you can tackle anything.
44.) Be mature.
45.) Put all excessive amounts of money in a savings account.
46.) Get a locker. Then use it.
47.) Looks alone won’t get you very far.
48.) Showering will.
49.) Don’t tick off people with power. (I.E. Teachers, the popular kids, anyone twice the size of you, etc.)
50.) Enjoy it. Really.