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February 27, 2007

Usher's engaged-Yeah!

Technologically gifted from eonline.com 

From eonline.com: 

It looks like Usher's got it bad for the altar.

Much to the lament of his female fanbase, the R&B superstar with the six-pack abs will be leaving his bachelor days behind after getting engaged to his girlfriend, stylist Tameka Foster,  sources confirmed to E! News.

No word exactly when Usher, whose full name is Usher Raymond, popped the question or when the twosome will tie the knot. A rep for the 29-year-old singer has declined to comment on various media reports that the two decided to get hitched on Valentine's Day.

Read the rest of the article here.

If you need to soothe your broken hearts, check out Usher's CD's and movies at the library.

Posted by Katie at 11:23 AM | | Comments (0)

Coming In May: Forza Motorsport 2

photo courtesy of gamespot.com

If you enjoy racing simulations, and who doesn't, you have undoubtedly played Forza Motorsport on the XBOX. Forza 2 is scheduled to release this May and has received a multitude of improvements both graphical and technical. To find out more, check out this Forza Motorsport 2 interview and look for the simulation on the XBOX 360 at your library.

Posted by Lance at 10:21 AM | | Comments (0)

February 25, 2007

Are you ready to ROCK: Guitar Hero 2 playlist

From the Guitar Hero II website, you can listen to selections of some of the songs, but if you really want to ROCK, check out these songs from the library’s CD collection. I added links directly to the library catalog for all of the Guitar Hero 2 songs that TSCPL owns. Speaking of which, I need to go practice, since the only song I can 5-star is Cheap Trick (and only on easy)…

Opening Licks
Danzig--"Mother"
Cheap Trick--"Surrender"
Motley Crue--"Shout at the Devil"
Wolfmother--"Woman"
Encore: Spinal Tap--"Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight"

Amp-Warmers
Kiss--"Strutter"
Nirvana--"Heart-Shaped Box"
Police--"Message in a Bottle"
Van Halen--"You Really Got Me"
Encore: Kansas--"Carry on Wayward Son"

String-Snappers
Alice in Chains--"Them Bones"
Foo Fighters--"Monkey Wrench"
Iggy Pop and the Stooges--"Search and Destroy"
Pretenders--"Tattooed Love Boys"
Encore: Black Sabbath--"War Pigs"

Thrash and Burn
Butthole Surfers--"Who Was in My Room Last Night"
Mathew Sweet--"Girlfriend"
Rolling Stones--"Can't You Hear Me Knockin'"
Warrant--"Cherry Pie"
Encore: Guns N' Roses--Sweet Child O' Mine

Return of the Shred
Primus--"John the Fisherman"
Rage Against the Machine--"Killing in the Name Of"
Sword--"Freya"
Thin Lizzy--"Bad Reputation"
Encore: Aerosmtih--Last Child

Relentless Riffs
Allman Brothers--"Jessica"
Heart--"Crazy on You"
Stone Temple Pilots--"Tripping on a Hole in a Paper Heart"
Stray Cats--"Rock This Town"
Encore: Jane's Addiction--"Stop"

Furious Fretwork
Anthrax--"Madhouse"
Lamb of God--"Laid to Rest"
Living End--"Carry Me Home"
Reverend Horton Heat--"Psychobilly Freakout"
Encore: Rush--"YYZ"

Face-Melters
Avenged Sevenfold--"Beast and the Harlot"
Dick Dale--"Misirlou"
Megadeth--"Hangar 18"
Suicidal Tendencies--"Institutionalized"
Encore: Lynyrd Skynyrd--"Free Bird"

If you can’t play, watch -- some fun videos of people playing Guitar Hero 2, or this stop-motion animation of plastic action figure toys playing Guitar Hero.

Posted by Lissa at 03:30 PM | | Comments (2)

February 23, 2007

Yu-Gi-Oh

12-18 years

Attention Yu-gi-oh duelists! Sign up for the opportunity to duel other Yu-gi-oh players. Walk-Yugiohins are allowed if there are open slots, but a reservation guarantees a seat! REGISTRATION REQUIRED – call 785-580-4565.

Monday

Feb. 26

3:15-5:15 pm

Lingo Story Rm

Posted by Gayle at 01:54 PM | | Comments (0)

February 20, 2007

The grass is always greener….

The Teen Edition section at the Harold Washington Branch of the Chicago Public LibraryHere are some of the fun books I discovered while browsing at the Teen Edition section of the downtown Chicago Public Library a few weeks ago.

The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy & Goth Girl by Barry Lyga

Are We There Yet? by David Levithan

First Impressions by Marilyn Sachs

The Hoopster and Hip-hop High School by Alan Lawrence Sitomer

Downers Grove by Michael HornburgAstonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth GirlAre We There Yet?Downers Grove









I wrote down all of those titles while I was there, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that our library already owns them. I think it is fun to go “shopping” and “browsing” at bookstores, video rental places, in catalogs or online for books I might want to read, remember what looks new and cool and interesting, and then come back to check them out of our library!

What is your favorite place to browse new books or movies?

Posted by Lissa at 10:11 PM | | Comments (4)

February 16, 2007

The end of Audioslave?

Technologically gifted from msnbc.comFrom msnbc.com:

LOS ANGELES - Chris Cornell is leaving rock group Audioslave, citing "irresolvable personality conflicts as well as musical differences."

"I wish the other three members nothing but the best in all of their future endeavors," Cornell said Thursday in a statement.

An after-hours call to Audioslave's music label was not immediately returned.

Keep reading here.

What do you guys think?  Would you listen to Audioslave without Chris Cornell?  Let everyone know in the comments below.

Posted by Katie at 09:59 AM | | Comments (0)

February 15, 2007

Be Careful What You Show & Tell

Hallie Skinner, a senior at Topeka High, admits she is addicted to facebook.com. However,Hallie Skinner courtesy of cjonline there has been some controversy over the pictures and subject matter that have been posted to Facebook. Teens from Topeka West High School posted pictures of themselves participating in illegal drinking. These same pictures, somewhat altered, ended up in the school newspaper, The Campus View. Hallie can’t comprehend why teens of the “digital generation” would put incriminating pictures on the internet. Coaches, employers, sororities & fraternities use personal online profiles to recruit and make hiring decisions. To read more.

 

Posted by Gayle at 03:19 PM | | Comments (0)

February 14, 2007

Sometimes Love Bites

TwilightIt’s that time of year again when singles everywhere cringe: Valentine’s Day. So if you are in that category, maybe it’s time for a new approach. Forget the fluffy traditional romance stuff; let’s devour some paranormal romance in which love can really bite. So here’s a list of books that abandons traditional romance and seeks the interest of vampires, werewolves and other creatures of the night!

Twilight and New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
The first two books in a planned trilogy featuring Bella, a teen who falls in love with a vampire named Edward. While Edward has rejected the drinking of human blood, he brings danger into Bella’s life when she’s hunted by other vampires.

Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause
The book, of course, is better than the movie! A beautiful, female werewolf falls in love with a human teen much to the horror of the local townspeople.

Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Leavitt
A village teenager wanders into the woods and becomes lost. Death comes to take her away but Keturah barters to win some more time in the hope of saving her village and finding true love. Death grants her the opportunity because he has fallen in love with her.

More Vampire Choices:Wounded
Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber
Sweetblood by Pete Hautman
Got Fangs by Katie Maxwell
High School Bites by Liza Conrad
Thirsty by M. T. Anderson
Peeps: A Novel by Scott Westerfield

More Werewolves:
Wounded by Stephen Cole
The Blooding by Patricia Windsor
By These Ten Bones by Clare Dunkle

Post a comment if you have another paranormal romance book or author you want to recommend!

Posted by Michelle at 12:07 PM | | Comments (0)

February 12, 2007

What Happened to that Freakin Game?

photo courtesy of IGN.com

Have you ever been waiting for that amazing video game? You know, the one that was promised by a huge game developer. The game that will end all games. The sure to be a killer app, cannot fail, in the works for more than three years video game that you have your heart set on. Then, no freakin game! So what’s up with that? Find out with Missing in Action: The Lost Games of XBOX.

Posted by Lance at 03:35 PM | | Comments (1)

February 11, 2007

A Book of Mystery, A Book of Magic

Endymion Spring by Matthew SkeltonEndymion Spring

Skelton’s novel embodies the belief that reading an absorbing book is a magical thing. Two stories of two boys intertwine as they try to understand and protect a powerful, magical book. It is an enchanted book that appears blank to all but the most deserving and pure. The first boy, Endymion, lives in 1452 and works with Gutenberg (who is credited with creating the first viable printing press). As Gutenberg’s apprentice, he meets Fust who may or may not have made a deal with the devil to uncover the book of magic. Endymion tries to save the book by running away with it and hiding in Oxford. In present day England, Endymion speaks to Blake in riddles through the book. Now it's Blake's turn to try to protect the book from the mysterious Shadow who threatens him.

The publisher, Randomhouse has created a cool interactive website for the book. And strangely enough, so has Penguin, Skelton’s British publisher. Compare the sites and tell us which one you like better. Or post a comment about another favorite magical book you loved!

Posted by Michelle at 01:49 PM | | Comments (0)

February 07, 2007

Curious Creatures and Daily Monsters.

Artist Stefan G. Bucher brings you a new monster daily. Write your own stories explaining the monsters and read the blog for other takes on these curious creatures!

Posted by Meghan at 10:28 AM | | Comments (2)

February 06, 2007

A 'Jackass' gets married

Technologically gifted from cnn.com

You would think Bam might have learned something from fellow MTV reality show couples, Nick & Jessica, Dave & Carmen and Travis & Shanna, whose marriages all bit the dust after being filmed for various shows for the network.  (Though, there are rumblings of a reconciliation of sorts between Travis & Shanna.)  Hopefully, Bam’s marriage will last a long time, really if it lasts more than 3 years, he’s got the rest of the MTV couples beat.

From cnn.com:

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (AP) -- Bam Margera -- professional skateboarder, prankster and MTV star -- just earned himself another title: husband.

Margera, 27, who became a punk hero on the shows "Jackass" and "Viva La Bam," married childhood friend Missy Rothstein, 26, in downtown Philadelphia on Saturday.

The couple wed in front of about 350 friends and family members -- and an MTV crew.

Margera is making his path to marriage into a nine-part reality television series called "Bam's Unholy Union." The wedding itself will be shown in the final episode in early April.

Keep reading about Bam here.

Posted by Katie at 12:24 PM | | Comments (0)

February 05, 2007

Texas Hold’Em Tournament

Cards, poker chips and strategy! Learn the basic skills needed to play the wildly popular card game, Texas Hold’Em. REGISTRATION REQUIRED – Call 785-580-4565.

14-18 years
 

Marvin Auditorium   

Thursday, February 8      

2:00 to 4:00 pm

Posted by Gayle at 05:19 PM | | Comments (0)

ACCEPTED: the movie or the reality?

Accepted, the DVDI just watched the movie Accepted on DVD and loved it! The film’s website let’s you create your own fake college. Even now, several years later, I can clearly remember my panic that I wouldn’t be accepted at the college of my choice, and in this movie the hilarious antics of Bartleby and his friends have an important underlying message – but I can’t tell you any more about it, because I want you to go check out this movie….



Admission deadlines for regional colleges are approaching -- so don’t wait – apply today!

Washburn University in Topeka
Application and admission items must be turned into the Office of Admissions no later than February 15 for the student to receive any Washburn University scholarships for the upcoming academic year. 

University of Kansas in Lawrence
There are two ways to apply: You can fill out your application online, or you can download an application and mail it in. Remember, new freshmen and new transfer students can apply for admission or admission and first-year scholarships in this one application. The deadline for the Fall 2007 Term for new freshman applications is April 1, 2007.

Kansas State University in Manhattan
K-State accepts admissions applications all year. If you’re a senior, you should apply for both admission and scholarships by November 1 to be considered for all scholarships available. For the College of Architecture, Planning, and Design, and the interior design program in the College of Human Ecology, send your application and accompanying materials by February 1.

Learn more about Kaw Area Technical School in Topeka, Allen County Community College in Iola, Baker University in Baldwin City, and other Kansas schools.

What about you? Are you nervous about applying to colleges or taking the ACT or SAT exams? Where are you applying? And what will you do if you don't get in?

Posted by Lissa at 12:46 PM | | Comments (0)

February 03, 2007

Because I Said So! Joseph L.

for teens, by teens

The End by Lemony SnicketJoseph L., age 13, thinks you should:
Read this!  A Series of Unfortunate Events, Popular Science  
Watch this! Larry the Cable Guy Health Inspector
Click this! www.popsci.com, www.yahoo.com, www.miniclip.com, www.caws.ws
Listen to this! Weird Al Yankovic

Posted by Lissa at 10:17 AM | | Comments (0)

February 01, 2007

Chess Tournament at David J’s

Jonah Freed, a student at Topeka Collegiate School, was the uncontested winner of thechess board & pieces Young Adult Chess Tournament, Jan. 31. Ten local teens took on the challenge of testing their chess skills against each other in David J’s Place. Jonah received a $10 gift certificate to the Millennium Café. Max Haverfield, also a student at Topeka Collegiate School, was the second place winner and received a $5 gift certificate to the café.

Posted by Gayle at 03:23 PM | | Comments (0)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows out July 21st!

Book 7 (photo courtesy mugglenet.com)I’m so excited, I can barely type! The last installment of the Harry Potter series has officially been set for release on July 21st. Start your speculations now and get to re-reading the entire series in preparation for this magical event!

From CNN.com:

LONDON, England (AP) -- "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," the last of seven installments of the boy wizard's adventures, will be published July 21, author J.K. Rowling said Thursday.

Rowling announced the publication date on her Web site.

Bloomsbury, her British publisher, said it would publish a children's hardback edition, an adult hardback, a special gift edition and an audio book on the same day.

Scholastic Children's Books, the U.S. publisher, said it would offer a hardback edition at a suggested retail price of $34.99, a deluxe edition at $65.00 and a reinforced library edition at $39.99.
Continue reading this article here.

Posted by Meghan at 09:14 AM | | Comments (0)