Thursday, February 26, 2009




Blogs and Wizards



This Extra Ink was written by Betsy C.

We're looking for Teen Ink Bloggers!
If you're a teen with a talent for writing and a passion for anything at all--or if you know someone who is--you should check out the Teen Ink blogs. Teen Ink is looking for new bloggers who can offer their opinions and expertise in any category that interests them--books, movies, politics, health, crafts, creative writing, sports, or just about anything else you can think of! Serious applicants should be prepared to commit to at least three to four months of consistent weekly blogging for Teen Ink. If you're interested, please send an e-mail with four sample blog posts and a brief introduction to you and your subject to betsy@teenink.com. I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

To give you an idea of the great diversity of subject matter that we cover in our blogs, here's a recent sample from our wonderful Science Fiction/Fantasy blogger, Megan M. Enjoy!

Ever wonder where the legends of great sorcerers and magicians in fantasy come from? Here are three real-life wizards whose stories have survived the test of time:

Myrddin Wyllt: Born in Britain in the 6th century, Myrddin Wyllt soon passed into history as the inspiration for the most famous wizard of all – Merlin himself. According to legend, Myrddin served as a bard to Lord Gwenddoleu, and went crazy after watching his patron be slaughtered by his brother during a battle in 573. Wary of society, Myrddin fled to the Caledonian Forest in Scotland, where he learned to communicate with animals and gained the gift of prophesy. He is said to have predicted Welsh military victories over the English and Normans and his own death by falling, stabbing, and drowning.

John Dee: John Dee served Queen Elizabeth I during the 16th century as a mathematician, astrologer, geographer, alchemist, and general consultant. Both a scientist and a magician, Dee was invited to lecture at the University of Paris about advanced algebra and devised many of the methods of navigation used by the explorers of the time. He also owned the largest library in England. During the last thirty years of his life, he worked tirelessly to communicate with angels and learn a universal language of creation that he could use to unite mankind, which probably led to his later reputation as an eccentric.

Nicolas Flamel: Scribe by day, alchemist by night, Nicolas Flamel (1330–1418) was famous centuries before the publication of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.” According to legend, Flamel was the proud owner of a 21 page book with mysterious symbols that was said to be a copy of the original Book of Abraham. The knowledge in this book purportedly led him to create first silver and then gold out of common metals. After his death, a thief dug up his grave and found it empty, leading to speculation that he had discovered an elixir of immortality. Flamel's house, now transformed into a restaurant, still stands in Paris.

-Megan M.
Please check out all the Teen Ink Blogs, and do consider applying for one of our primary blogger spots. Good luck!

This month's contest: college reviews! Go to FaceBook or MySpace to find it, or e-mail betsy@teenink.com.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

New Moon Movie



"Twilight" fans have a short wait for the next installment of the vampire saga.
Summit Entertainment spokesman Paul Pflug says "New Moon" is following just 12 months after the first movie, opening Nov. 20, 2009, over the same weekend as "Twilight" this year.
Summit has tapped Chris Weitz ("The Golden Compass") to direct "New Moon," based on the second book in Stephenie Meyer's best-selling series about the dangerous romance between a teen (Kristen Stewart) and a vampire (Robert Pattinson) fighting his bloodsucking instincts.
Weitz is taking over the franchise from "Twilight" director Catherine Hardwicke. "Twilight" has shot to $150 million at the box office since debuting Nov. 21.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Whats New At Google

WHAT IS SKETCHUP?
(from Google)
Google SketchUp is software that you can use to create, modify and share 3D models. It's easier to learn than other 3D modeling programs, which is why so many people are already using it.

WHAT CAN YOU USE IT FOR:
Well, if you're a budding designer it is obvious this is the tool for you. It will give you experience in 3D modeling programs that you will need in your future. If you're not a budding designer, think of SketchUp as a really cool toy. If you're looking to redecorate or redesign your room, you can use SketchUp to see the results before you move everything.


Alabama Moon Movie

I just heard that Alabama Moon has been made into a movie starring Jimmy Bennett, Clint Howard, John Goodman and cast. IMDB has it in post-production to be released later this year!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Teen Tech Week

http://www.readsinma.org/cmrls/

Vote for your favorite CD and win prizes!!

Nutmegs are Here

The Winners Are Here!
The Nutmeg Book Award is proud to announce this year's winners:

Intermediate Level: MVP* Magellan Voyage Project by Douglas Evans

Teen Level: Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

Over 30,000 Connecticut children voted this year


2009 John Newbery Medal Winner:

Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book

(Illustrated by Dave McKean and Published by HarperCollins Chidren's Books)

Reserve the book or CDbook at our library today.



Randolph Caldecott Medal Winner:

Beth Krommess' work on The House in the Night

(Written by Susan Marie Swanson and published by Houghton Mifflin Coumpany)

Reserve the book today at our library.


For more information on other awards and Newbery and Caldecott Honor books visit ALA.org

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Can't Get Enough of Twilight


Can't get enough Twilight? Coming in spring of 2009, look forward to the launch of the Twilight Dolls!

Seriously, these dolls look a little weird. Anyone who wants an Edward Cullen figure in their life, apparently only needs to fork up the cash to get him. I find it more then a little interesting that Edward's doll looks so much like Robert Pattinson, while the Bella doll is not really a match for Kristen Stewart.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Mardi Gras Fun




Learn to Decorate Like a Pro





Cake Decorating with MJ
February 21 2:30
Grades 5-12

Bring Home a Mardi Gras Cake

Registration www.biblio.org/newmilford
or vfisher@biblio.org or 860 355 1191 ext 204

See You There