Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, Part 2

 Today, it all ends. Today the last installment of the Harry Potter series premieres and I am going to cry like a baby. Why you ask? Because this premiere is pretty much the ending of my childhood; it's kind of a smack in the face with adulthood. Harry Potter has been a part of my life since I was in first grade. I saw the movies with my mom, I got the books for Easter and Christmas, I pretended to have duels with my cousin. I waited for my own letter of acceptance into Hogwarts. The characters were so real sometimes I felt like they were my own friends. So, yes I am going to dearly miss anticipating the nexty chapter of Harry's life. What I love most about the films is that they're almost exactly like the books, which is extremely rare for films adapted from books. So when you go to your local movie theatres and see people dressed as Hogwarts students or like notable characters, don't laugh, because they aren't just some silly fandom; they are celebrating good literature and genius and childhood and magic. And their costumes might have cost them. In case you've been living under a rock in the middle of the dessert here's the trailer.

"Whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home."

-J.K.Rowling

Happy birthday Courtney Love!

In honor of Miss Love's birthday, here's a little fashion inspiration for all you grunge-revival, kinderwhore, 90s kids out there.

credits to: hole-lotta-love, yourmilkturnstocream, and isabel-england from tumblr and cleofromfivetoseven from  blogspot.

"I want every girl in the world to pick up a guitar and start screaming."  

-Courtney Love

-Assata xx

Art Review: cRAEtions

Art is one of my favorite things in the whole world. Recently, I was asked to look at an art blog run by someone I follow on twitter and I'm glad I took up her offer! cRAEtions is a blog full of art done by Rae, 17 years old, from Marin, CA, though she currently lives in Utah. Below are three of her favorite pieces, which are all featured on her blog!

In addition to her own art work, she posts other artists'  work too! She works with many different mediums, so you never know what you're gonna get. For the most part, she does a lot of still-life drawings or drawings from memory, which could be either a good or bad thing, depending on personal opinion. She uses a lot of color and the pairings are always really good. Rae posts a new piece  every Monday, so go to her art blog and check her out...maybe even leave her a comment! http://craetions.tumblr.com/

-Assata xx

P.S. Tell her I sent you!

Things That I'm Really Excited About

So far this summer has been pretty BORING and disappointing. So to cheer myself (and maybe you?) up, here's a list of some of the things that I'm really excited about this summer.

1. Tonight's episode of Pretty Little Liars
Pretty Little Liars season two started back up last Tuesday and it was awesome! PLL is one of my favorite shows, seriously. I fell in love with the books sophmore year and was so excited when I found out it was becoming a show. The show and the series actually have a lot of differences, but it's still really good, so I don't mind. Now its like two versions of the same story! I just can't wait to see what happens.

2. Summer movies
SO many awesome movies are coming out this summer that I'm excited for. I read about Emma Roberts' new movie, The Art of Getting By, and I knew I would want to see it. It came out a couple of days agao, so hopefully this week I'll be able to go see it. Freddie Highmore is in it and he's a really interesting person; also he was in Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and August Rush. Definitely, going to be a new favorite of mine haha. And of course Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows part two comes out in 24 days! It's sad because it's I'pretty much the end of my childhood. I've been watching the movies and reading the books since first grade! It's pretty crazy. But hopefully, J.K. Rowling will hear the hearts of children all over the world breaking, and continue the series or something...just saying. There are SO many more...but not enough time/space to write about them here.

3. Vans Warped Tour
Vans Warped Tour is a music festival that runs all summer long. It usually hosts pop punk and rock bands, as well as some ska, reggae, and rap groups. I went for the first time last year and it was so amazing. It lasted all day and I didn't get home until almost two in the morning. It's a great festival to go to even if you don't listen to alot of the bands going, because the people are great too.

4. NEW YORK CITY
I'm applying for schools only in New York and hopefully I will be going up there to visit schools and learn the city more. It's one of my favorite places in the world! Maybe even get to take some classes to help prepare me for all that is the fashion world.

What are you excited about this summer??
-Assata xx

Joe Jonas "Gone Solo?"

Details April 2011 Issue

              It may be a while before another Jonas Brothers album drops, but this Jonas Brother is still very much on the music scene. Joe Jonas has officially launched his solo career with his single "See No More". Co-written by Chris Brown, "See No More" is the tale of a young man who is struggling with a harsh break-up. (Could he be hinting at his previous break-up with Twilight star Ashley Greene?. It's a possibility.) "See No More" was released June 13 on iTunes, and is quickly climbing the charts. (Personally, I am loving the new sound. It is reminiscent of the original up beat Jo Bro albums that are still getting plenty of radio time on my iPod).

              Contrary to Nick Jonas' blues and classic soul album, Joe Jonas has turned towards a more uptempo and electronic sound. Despite these creative differences, Nick Jonas remains supportive as usual towards his older brother. Nick said to MTV News: "Joe's record's really coming together nicely. It's been kind of a process for him to create it, and he's taking his time, which I think is important. But it's really a quality record. I listened to it in the car, and I was just loving it." (aww, Nick Jonas always was the sensitive sweet brother).

              So what can we expect in the future from Joe? People magazine reports that his solo album will be released in September of this year. However, Joe Jonas has recently been debuting some of his new tracks in concert. In Chicago, during his very first solo performance, Joe Jonas played never before heard tracks "Fast Life" and "Love Slayer". According to concert goers, these songs were very well received! Joe Jonas also made a "Jonas Brother first" when he had female dancers join him on stage during his performance. (*jaw drop*)

             Could there be another Jonas Brothers album in the future? Yes! (thank the Lord above) 
Last Friday on The View, Nick explained the guys were all "just taking some times to do some individual projects and enjoy that journey that each of us are on. We'll come back and do something together soon." In the mean time, the true Jonas Brothers fans will wait patiently and reminisce on the good ole' days.


                                                                            - Jazz

Songs on My Summer Playlist

Hey guys, summer is just starting and its the PERFECT time to make playlist for longs drives or for that time in the middle of the afternoon when you've got the house to yourself, or just for hanging with your best friends. Here's some songs that are on my summer playlist...

Island in the Sun - Weezer

 This song is so sweet and suttle. Its the perfect example of summer: too short, isolated, and soon to be a distant memory. This song is literally summer in three minutes and twenty seconds. The melody and the music is so sweet, but the message is very sad; just like summer, the sunshine and the time to relax is really nice, but its depressing because you know its going to be over way too soon and you'll be back to reality.

Best lyric: "On an island in the sun, we'll be playing and having fun. And it makes me feel so fine, I can't control my brain."

Summer Hair = Forever Young - The Academy Is...

This song is so infectious! Its  a song that I'm always going to connect with feeling young. Words cannot express. It's one of my favorite TAI songs and I could (and have) listen to it over and over again.

Best lyric: "Don't you wonder why, suddenly we're all running out of time?"

Summertime - DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

 This is pretty much the ultimate summer song for EVERYONE! Its so relatable to anyone's summer experience: chilling out with your friends, being with family, summer romances, the list goes on. And the video reminds me of my past summers because I did always play outside with my friends and dress nicer because I didn't have to wear a uniform, and spend more time at family gatherings and just didn't have a single care in the world.

Best lyric:"School is out and it's a sort of a buzz, but back then I didn't really know what it was. But now I see what have of this, the way that people respond to summer madness."

Summertime Clothes - Animal Collective

It's a very fun and kind of silly song. It reminds me of playing around with my cousins in the yard all day long and being content with the fact that that's all I would be doing. Despite the unbearable heat, we'd be ok with playing until it got dark and then going back in the house and continueing to play and be silly. This song is amazing because it reminds us each of the best times of our lives.

Best lyric: "Walkin' around in our summertime clothes, know where to go where our bodies go."

No Such Thing - John Mayer

This song most reminds me of summer because I listened to it on repeat during the summer after freshman year. I got the cd from the library and I was suprised at how much of the album I knew. While at home by myself, I would play this cd on repeat. Then when I when to Europe, I played in on my ipod over and over.

Best lyric:"I just found out there's no such thing as the real world, just a lie you got to rise above." 

What's on your summer playlists??

-Assata xx

Albums I've Been Listening to Lately

Hi, we aren't all dead or missing! School has been a little hectic and crazy for ALL of us, so sorry for the major lack of posting. Anyways, we'll all be back and ready to blog soon enough. But since we're on easter break, here's a little music update from me!

Mumford & Sons - Sign No More

They are just so awesome and brilliant. Want evidence? They released their album in the UK in 2009 and in the US in 2010...and they're still winning awards for it. I'd been hearing about them for awhile and had heard their singles, but I'd never listened to the full album, so I thought I'd check it out. I was in no way disappointed. I'm really happy that I did listen to the full album because they've got alot of gems hidden on there. They play with mostly acoustic instruments and they're voices are very..I don't know...folky. And they write amazing lyrics. Some of the songs just blow me away. I really wanna see them live; I know they'd be amazing.
Favorites on the album: "Awake My Soul", "The Cave", "Little Lion Man", "Thistle and Weeds"

Adele - 21

Seriously..who hasn't been listening to her new album? It's just amazing! The music is very bluesy and it just works perfectly with her deep, soulful voice. And she co-wrote almost all the songs on this album in contrast to "19" where she wrote everything by herself. I'm really happy for all the wonderful reviews she's been getting about it, because she totally deserves it.

Favorites on the album: "Rolling in The Deep", "Rumor Has It", "Set Fire to The Rain", "Someone Like You"

30 Seconds to Mars - This is War

To be completely honest, I really only got into this band because the lead singer, Jared Leto, used to be on one of my all-time favorite tv shows, My So-Called Life. Nonetheless, I really like them. Their songs just punch you in the face with energy and they use a choir in many of their songs. You can feel their passion for music just seeping into you as you listen to the album. They're just a really classic-sounding band; one of those bands that is still going to be super successful in twenty years.
Favorites on the album: "Kings + Queens", "This is War", "Closer to The Edge", "Stranger in a Strangeland"

Kid Cudi - Man on The Moon II: THe Legend of Mr. Rager

This record is just awesome and rad and all the good things in the world. This album, lyrically, is really personal because he talks about numerous personal battles and things that have been going on with him, like drug addiction and relationships with the people in his life and I think that's why I like it so much. He shares so much of himself on this record and I appreciate that as a fan. And he has the best collaborations ever, like Mary J. Blige, Kanye West, GLC, and Chip the Ripper. Also, I really like the fact that he uses rock-style beats in his music instead of the normal bass-heavy beats used on most rap records. And his flow is just really unique to him and it makes me wanna party.

Favorites on this album: "REVOFEV", "Erase Me", "The End", "Wild'n Cuz I'm Young", "GHOST!", "Mojo So Dope", "Marijuana"

Sixteen Candles soundtrack

I've been listening to this so much because I've been watching the movie so much. In the last couple of weeks or so I've watched it like six times. I went through a heavy 80s phase (and am truthfully still quite in it) when I was little so I was always watching this movie. And Jake Ryan is a babe.
Favorites from the movie: "16 Candles" by Stray Cats, "Gloria" by Patti Smith, "Ring Me Up" by The Divinyls, "Young Guns" by Wham!

-Assata xx

Japan In Crisis

Car Displaced on a Rooftop

Japan Air Defense Force

Japan has been through a lot in the past few days. A massive 8.9 earthquake shook Japan on Friday and so far there have been over 275 aftershocks, all measuring over 5.0 on the Richter scale. This earthquake was so powerful, scientists say that the coastline has actually shifted 8 feet and the Earth's axis has moved anywhere from 4 to 10 inches. (WOW) Following this massive earthquake, a tsunami then rocked the coast line. This massive tsunami has left entire cities underwater and over 10,000 people missing. The current known death-toll is well over 1,000. To make matters worse, over 170,000 people have been ordered to evacuate an area around the nuclear plant in Fukushima near Iwaki. This is the site of a partial "meltdown" currently underway. A meltdown occurs when a collapse of the nuclear power plant systems prevent the plant from managing temperatures. A complete meltdown would release Uranium into the air and pose serious health risks to humans in the area. While Japanese authorities tried to calm citizens, they have made preparations to distribute potassium iodide pills, and are urging people to stay inside and to cover their mouths if they must go outside. 


Video of Smoke in Fukushima Powerplant

Pictures of the Damage

Natori City in Miyagi

Nick Jonas Says It All...

Chelsea Staub Changes Her Name

Say goodbye to Chelsea Stuab and hello to Chelsea Kane. The 21 year old actress has officially changed her professional name. She says that friends and family call her Chelsea Kane, and now seemed like a perfect time to make the switch. You may recognize her as Joe Jonas's love interest from "Jonas LA". However, she has been cast in the next season of "Dancing with The Stars". Other stars included in next years lineup include supermodel Petra Nemcova, used to be rapper Lil' Romeo, playboy model Kendra Wilkinson, the original "karate kid" Ralph Macchio, talk-show host Wendy Williams, former boxer Sugar Ray Leonard, and the hilarious Kirstie Alley.

- Jazz

Its official: Jelena

I think it's pretty obvious and official that they're a couple.

KISSING :OO

picture credits: tumblr

Justin Bieber: Publicity Stunts?

Hello Readers(: It's Lizzie, the mysterious blogger.  Just kidding I'm not mysterious.  At all.  I share everything.  But it's my first blog post for American Minor, which is super exciting(:  And I thought I should sort of introduce myself!  Anyways, my first blog post is totally going to be about Justin Bieber, because let's face it, he's taking over girls' hearts the world!  Anyways enjoy the read, and no worries I won't be doing an intro every time!!  Sorry to break from the norm!!

Justin Bieber

The boy famous for almost everything he does may be guilty of publicity stunts.


He's famous for his hair, his girl voice, his hair flip, his looks, his movie, his brief acting career, his YouTube videos, his Twitter, his Vanity Fair cover and his tattoo.  So why is the boy that has it all still doing publicity stunts?  Who knows?


Over the years, Justin has been known for how chill he is.  He's been down-to-earth, easy going, and super nice to fans.  So are his publicity stunts really to boost his publicity or give his fans a laugh?


Don't get me wrong, I love the Biebs!  His movie was AMAZING and I totally respect him.  I love that he has water gun wars with his fans, wears purple sunglasses, gets hit with a water bottle, and tweets back his fans.  But, does he really need to preform little stunts to boost his hits on Google?  He's not Charlie Sheen.


So are his stunts, publicity stunts or his personality?


1. Justin Bieber's Tattoo:

So I didn't know about this publicity stunt until I was watching TMZ the other day.  It was when he wasn't as big, but it's still a stunt.  Justin Bieber's tattoo is totally real, which is absolutely crazy for a sixteen-year-old.  But why does when you search "Justin Bieber Tattoo" only this day at the beach surface?  We've all seen Bieber half naked in Never Say Never, so why only these pics?  What is so meaningful that a sixteen-year-old needs to ink himself for?  Who knows, but the tattoo parlor is verifying that it's real.  


All I have to say is that I love the man who did this:

2. Justin Bieber wears a mustache to the Critics Choice Awards:

I'm all for bold and crazy moves, but this is slightly ridiculous.  Justin Bieber wore a mustache to the Critics Choice Awards and interviewed people.  I love the boy to death, but seriously?  If it had been anyone else, they would have been shunned from society, but this teen heartthrob is staying in girls' hearts.  You decide: cute or crazy?



3. Justin Bieber "Goes Bald":

It's the day I saw Never Say Never.  When my Bieber Fever was sky-high, I come home to my best friend's dad saying: "Oh I was on my email and I saw that that Bieber kid shaved his head."  I nearly died!  How dare he!  The boy infamous for his beautiful hair flip shaves his head?!  So when we look closely, we realize it's totally fake.  Nice.  Relief and annoyance totally wash over me.  This publicity stunt was totally on edge.  So was his bald cap for fun/his personality or a total claim to fame?  I dunno, but I don't really approve.


4. Justin Bieber dating Selena Gomez:

Tabloids are so quick to speculate that Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez are dating.  They are absolutely convinced.  But, can two young, hot celebs just be friends in Hollywood?  Well, either way this courtship is sucking up major space all over mags.  The fact that Selena is 2 years older than Justin gives a lot of Beliebers much potential for jealousy (Really any girlfriend Bieber has brings jealousy).  But, Bieber has to earn some one's respect for scoring Selena, the new Miley Cyrus.  Justin has been seen serenading Selena (New Year's Rockin' Eve), holding hands with Selena, and kissing her.  So maybe there is some truth to this rumor, or maybe it's another Taylor and Taylor publicity stunt.  You decide.

I do love Justin Bieber.  I'll be seeing his movie more than once, but is he trying to boost his already huge fame or is he just being Justin Bieber?  Many Beliebers will say he's being Justin, but who would seriously wear a mustache to the Red Carpet.  At least he's still cute(:
XOXO --Lizzie(:

Rough Week for Kanye West

   Kanye West
                      VS
                           Lily Allen
                          



Kanye West has had quite the week. Amber Rose, Kanye West's Z-list ex-girlfriend, has confirmed her relationship to rapper Wiz Khalifa. (The United States government likes to refer to him as Cameron Thomas; who was arrested last November for possession of 60 grams of marijuana). You may remember him from his hit "Black and Yellow". Amber and Wiz confirmed their relationship to FADER magazine and even posed for a few pictures.

Kanye West is not taking this news too gracefully. He tweeted, "Exes Will Be Exes". But later decided to throw more fuel into the fire... He tweeted, "An abortion can cost a ballin' n***a up to 50gs maybe a 100. Gold diggin' b*****s be getting pregnant on purpose. #STRAPUP my n****s!" 

 (Translation for those at home: Amber is a gold digger who likes the occasional visit to the baby doctor.) Lily Allen, who has suffered 2 miscarriages in the past, was very vocal about her disapproval towards this outburst. She tweeted, "@kanyewest never has a tweet put me in such a bad mood. This is wrong on so many levels," 

Does it seem like Kanye West is always putting someone in a bad mood? My thoughts, he's actually not completely wrong. Manipulative women who are in pursuit for money frequently target high powered men. Through sex, pregnancy, and marriage they hope for a big payoff. While few women fall into this category, this category of women is alive and well.  Mega millionare Kanye West would probably be an expert in women trying to use him for money. In regards to Lily Allen, go away. No one asked. 

PS- Kayne West did NOT offer an apology to Lily Allen.

- Jazz

HERE IT IS: JUSTIN'S NEW HAIRCUT plus MVP AT ALL STAR GAME!

Hm. this is different. 

Was it a painful moment i wonder?

Just 3 days ago at the 2011 BBVA All-Star Celebrity basketball game, Bieber's hair was in tact!

i think hes too small to catch.

 congrats on MVP!

credits: google images, tmz

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KURT COBAIN!

Yesterday, February 20th, we celebrated the 44th birthday of the late and GREAT Kurt Cobain. For those who don't know, he was the lead singer and guitarist of the 90s band, Nirvana. They put the angst in teenager and they are one of my favorite bands. It saddens me sometimes to think of what Nirvana could have come, had he not died, but I am comforted when I think of what we all have been blessed with: amazing music and sweet memories of the beautiful soul that was Kurt Cobain. Rest in peace, on this 44th of birthdays Kurt.
-Assata xx

Rihanna - Good Girl Gone Bad

Lately I have noticed that Rihanna has been showing a little skin... (a lot of skin). I mean seriously, we don't all need to know whats under her umbrella-ella-ella-eh-eh-eh. At first I just thought "o.k. this girl went through alot, she's allowed to express herself". But honestly, I haven't seen her wear clothes since Pon De Replay was "the Jam". Seriously, take a look at "Classic" Rihanna and "New" Rihanna...

May 2008 - Photo shoot

2009 - "Hard" Video

Honestly, this is not good for girls to see. Her video for "S&M" was banned in 11 countries. (I've seen the video, and she was definitely not trying to sell her "music"). Obviously kids aren't buying this whole "Sexy-Monster" image. Her album "Rated R" (appropriately named), released November 20, 2009, only sold 181,000 copies in its first week. To give you a idea of how that stacks up, Eminem's "Recovery" sold 741,000 copies in its first week.

      Lets look at the bigger picture. Is anyone else concerned with the fact that the leading female super stars have to sell something other than music to get noticed. Lady Gaga sells her "monster" image. Nicki Minaj sells her "crazy alter ego's". Rihanna sells sex. Whereas, a man can get up on stage, sing - and people will respect his music. It sends a horrible message to girls. I think its up to women in entertainment to be the bigger people, the day I see Rihanna in a dress that covers her thighs or chest is the day I support her career. For now... we are left with the "All of The Lights Video".... Take note, Kanye West - fully clothed.

- Jazz

Designer Spotlight: Nicole Miller

NICOLE MILLER 

credits: NICOLE MILLER