Now, before you start judging me, I’m aware that I’m a tad bit late to the whole Colleen Hoover craze. However, with the It Ends With Us movie adaptation starring Blake Lively as Lily Bloom coming to theaters this year on August 9th, Colleen Hoover’s name has arisen again. Colleen Hoover’s novels It Ends With Us and It Starts With Us were really popular last year, and they spread Hoover’s name. However, I heard mixed opinions about Colleen Hoover during this time. There were those who were infatuated with her books, and then there were those who were repulsed by them. For a while, I strayed away from reading her writing, but then one day, wandering through Barnes and Noble, I decided to buy Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover, and I have since read: It Ends With Us, It Starts With Us, Verity, November 9, Maybe Someday, and - my favorite - Heart Bones. I have formed my own opinion of Colleen Hoover’s writing, and it is not infatuation or repulsion, but something else entirely… I’ll admit that I agree with the general sentiment that she writes one too many unnecessary sex scenes in her stories, but at the end of the day, that’s her choice as a writer, and I’ll happily skip past the pages because… I. Love. Her. Storylines. Every story I’ve read by Colleen Hoover has a unique plot unlike none other. I am a major romance reader, and a lot of times I read stories with similar tropes, but when it comes to Colleen Hoover, I have yet to read a book of hers and think, “Oh this is like [insert name of a book I previously read.” How an author can publish over twenty books and not one of them has a plot resembling another (based on the ones I’ve read) is incomprehensible to me. I have major respect and genuine appreciation for Colleen Hoover and her ability to create unique storylines. My favorite of her writings (so far) is Heart Bones. Now, I don’t want to spoil it completely because I highly recommend it to anyone interested in a meaningful, genuine young adult romance novel. First off, this novel is a young adult novel despite that label often being incorrect. There is one sex scene throughout the entire book, it doesn’t go into explicit detail, and it actually pertains to the plot! Surprising when it comes to Colleen Hoover. And, not only the (lovely) lack of unwanted sex scenes, but the story itself is amazing. Once again, it’s nothing like I’ve ever read before; it holds a deep meaning and conveys a worthwhile message. Plus - one of my favorite things about all her stories that I’ve read - I love the way she incorporates the title into the story. So, once you’ve finished reading this article (because trust me I’ve got more to say) go give Heart Bones a read. I promise you won’t regret it. Now, I’m sure we’ve all been waiting for this (or maybe just me cause I’m excited to share it), but what is my opinion of It Ends With Us? When It Ends With Us was extremely popular, many critics believed it to be overhyped. Even I, as much as I hate to admit it, believed it was way too popular. Poor little ignorant me believed it was just another overly sexual romance novel, but oh my goodness, I was so wrong. It Ends With Us is such a powerful novel that shares such an important message about domestic abuse. Before I continue I want to say SPOILER WARNING! If you don’t want the plot of It Ends With Us spoiled in any way shape or form, stop reading this article and go get your hands on Heart Bones instead (and then It Ends With Us next). It Ends With Us tells the story of Lily Bloom. She grew up watching her father abuse her mother, and she never understood why her mother didn’t leave. Then, Lily falls in love with Ryle Kincaid and as their relationship progresses, she learns that he has abusive tendencies. Lily battles with accepting that Ryle is abusive and she struggles even more to remove herself from the relationship. However, Lily does leave in the end because she wants better for her own daughter. “It stops here. With me and you. It ends with us.”1 The most powerful quote in the book, which is also the title, makes the phrase so much more impactful. It Ends With Us is a heartbreaking story that depicts how difficult it is to leave an abusive relationship, and it gives readers a chance to understand why victims of domestic abuse can’t “just leave.” And, it’s even more heartbreaking - while at the same time heartwarming - when you read the author’s note at the end of the book and learn that Colleen Hoover was inspired by her mother’s own struggles with domestic violence. Overall, Colleen Hoover may write more than the recommended amount of sex scenes in her novels, but that does not take away from the fact her novels are amazing. She not only tells meaningful romance stories, but she conveys deep, thoughtful, and important messages with every one of her stories.

South Kaibab all the way down and Bright Angel all the way up. The 18-mile trek has been regarded as one of the hardest hikes in Arizona. Hiking the trails in one day is even harder. On Saturday, May 10, 2024, my dad and I did exactly that. Beginning at 6:30 in the morning, taking a break at 10:00, and hiking out at 6:00 p.m., I set a new record for myself. This was my first time setting foot in the Grand Canyon and it was something to remember. My day began at our campsite with my dad’s alarm waking us up at 4:00 a.m. Our highly nutritional breakfast consisted of Pop-Tarts, bananas, and Slimjims. In the morning, it was about 45 degrees Fahrenheit. As the shuttle stopped at the trailhead, I was so nervous because I had no idea what the trail was like. The good thing is, South Kaibab is a very well-taken-care-of trail. There are no large rocks and it is very hard to lose your footing. Besides the large groups of people, the trail was beautiful and the walk into the canyon is indescribable. I loved hiking this trail because of how easy the downhill was. About halfway down there is a rest area with bathrooms and a beautiful view into the canyon. We got to the bottom at about 10:00. From the Colorado River, Phantom Ranch is a mile walk. There are small campgrounds that you can stay at for the night if you need to. Phantom Ranch is a cute little ranch that has a diner in the middle of it. Unfortunately, you do have to reserve your place before you get to the ranch. Still, there is a little side door that sells food, gear, and refreshing drinks. Phantom Ranch was such a cute rest place. We started our hike up at about 11:00. Before the Bright Angel Trail, there is a 2-mile period where you hike next to the Colorado River. This is a grueling and annoying part of the hike due to the sand and the ups and downs. Eventually, you take a hard left and begin the elevation gain. The Bright Angel trail is said to be a little over 9 miles. This trail mostly consists of switchbacks in the bright sun. Eventually, about halfway, you get to Havasupai Gardens. This is a beautiful rest area with bathrooms and pretty views. My dad and I stayed here for about 30 minutes to refuel with snacks and water. Our final hike up was upon us. At about 3:30, we started the last part of our hike. It was a steep incline with switchbacks that caused an insane amount of blisters. This was by far the hardest part of the hike. My legs were soar and due to the elevation gain it was har to breath. Taking frequent breaks for water is incredibly important on the hike. Eventually, we made it out. Although this hike was gruesome, hard, and insanely tricky, it was so rewarding. I had a great time hiking with my dad and I oved all the beautiful scenery. Afterwards, we met my mom and sister at a hotel and quickly ate burgers and shakes. Overall, I loved hiking these trails. 11.5 hours is crazy long but 18 miles is a great accomplishment.

The way to my heart is through Burt’s Bee chapstick. As a chapstick fiend, I find myself qualified to provide a list of my top 5 Burt’s Bees flavors. Burt’s Bees is an affordable and reliable brand for chapstick. The base for all their chapsticks is bee’s wax. Bee’s wax locks in moisture, has anti-inflammatory properties, and can act as a barrier between your lips and the weather. Burt’s Bees has been rocking the chapstick market for 30 years. Since then, they have expanded into skincare and also have created tinted lip balms for more classy looks. If you're looking to add to your collection, consider one of the following flavors to carry around. 1. Coconut & Pear Lip Balm The Coconut & Pear chapstick is my top chapstick which I use every day. This balm is very tropical and sweet. It has smooth and replenishing properties. This chapstick only uses three perfume extracts and has a total of 16 ingredients. This chapstick uses sunflower seed oil, shea butter, and rosemary extract.¹ The shea butter adds to the soothing and moisturizing properties of the chapstick. This might be why it’s my favorite. There is no color to this balm which means it can be layered on any lip look. 2. Pomegranate Lip Balm The Pomegranate chapstick is my second favorite flavor. This chapstick revitalizes your lips and leaves a tinted look. Some oils used in this balm are sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, and pomegranate seed oil. Although this chapstick has multiple perfume additives, it is alcohol-free and contains many antioxidants.² This chapstick is a great addition to any makeup bag if you feel like needing a sweet flair for the day. 3. Cucumber & Mint Lip Balm Spot three is given to Cucumber and Mint. This chapstick creates a refreshing and cooling feeling which is needed on those future summer days. This chapstick reminds me of the DIY cucumber water epidemic on YouTube in 2016, nostalgic! Again, this chapstick uses sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, and castor oil.³ This chapstick is so nice and smooth, great feeling and it’s not too slick. 4. The Original Beeswax Lip Balm I have to throw in the staple lip balm. With Vitamin E and peppermint extract, this chapstick is the original formula Burt’s Bees created back in 1984. Although this balm has more perfuming additives, it has a nice classic feel and will always suffice if needing everyday chapstick. It's soothing, refreshing, and cooling which helps on the hot summer days in May. It uses the normal oils and antibacterial/antimicrobial properties that all Burt’s Bees chapstick uses.⁴ 5. Vanilla Bean Moisturizing Lip Balm Last but not least, vanilla bean is my 5th flavor. This chapstick reminds me of Christmas with its warm scents. It has a very sugary and sweet taste while still having rejuvenating properties. All of the ingredients used in this product are considered good and healthy which is an improvement from all the others listed above.⁵ There is no color in this lip balm which means it can be used with or without makeup on.

If our planet becomes uninhabitable where would we go? NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration has already got to work on that. They believe it is possible to live on the moon! "Some people view it as ‘Space migration is essential to human survival,’” but what are the ups and downs to this plan?¹ This plan to migrate humans to the moon would cost over 100 billion dollars! Some see this plan as “A fantastic money waster that diverts resources from more practical research projects.”² That may seem a little dramatic, but remember just to get people up it costs millions! Not to mention that every pound of delivery cost 25,00 dollars!² Also, the moon isn't the safest place for human life to be. It can be as hot as 270 degrees or as cold as -22 degrees.¹ There is also no air outside the spaceships, radiation, and cosmic rays deep from space fly around out there! You also have to think of your mental and physical health, like the Space Adaptation Syndrome, (SAS), also known as space sickness, including nausea, dizziness, and headaches.¹ It’s hard to be safe so far from home. Although space seems so terrifying, there are some good things about space migration; there are many, many, things in space that we do not know of! Also if the Earth becomes uninhabitable, we would need somewhere else to stay! Space migration seems crazy, but in reality, in 50 years it could be a real thing!

When most young people wear makeup nowadays, nobody says anything. But is it right? Should kids under ten wear makeup? In my opinion, this is a strong topic; kids are the young ones who shouldn’t have stress or worry about anything, especially their looks. Yet, it is quite common to see an eight-year-old wear makeup or use an excessive amount of skincare products. Is it healthy for them? Do they feel insecure, or do they do it for fun? 219 out of 312 seven-year-olds wear makeup.¹ Some kids' makeup products are proven to have toxicity and can cause dangerous outcomes. This could harm them in future years of their life. Why would they even wear makeup and skincare products in the first place? “It’s never too early to begin good skincare, but beyond a good cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, there is little need for 10-year-olds to invest in a plethora of skin-care products,” explains Washington D.C. dermatologist Tina Alster, MD.¹ Though it may seem like a horrible idea, proper skincare actually has great side effects! Kids can have organized planned routines, and it can keep them stress-free. Kids need attention, and sometimes the guardians are busy. Skincare is a great way for kids to keep themselves entertained. Though it may cost a lot, kids can do chores or get great grades to earn a little money. Then they learn how to save their money for important things they want. Skincare is a great way to connect with other kids and have more friends! Aside from that, it is not my opinion that kids shouldn't be allowed to wear makeup, but they should learn that they are beautiful and what others say shouldn't matter!

Lethal Company is a multiplayer horror game, it's newer, having been released in October 2023. The creator, Zeekers has previous work on the popular platform, Roblox. The game started to gain popularity on Steam on November 19 when people were looking for a game to play during winter breaks. This will be my review of the game. Lethal Company is an indie game whose creator is an independent worker. Indie games are typically known to focus more on the game's art style, rather than the graphics. The graphics I think are supposed to add a scary effect to the game, like static, and other aspects that create anticipation and fear. In a horror game, background music and sounds are very important, they can add dramatic, horrifying feelings to the game. Some noises are better than others, for instance, some monster sounds can easily be compared to others. One of my favorites is the slime, it sounds very realistic to what I believe a live slime could. Another good example of the sounds in the game is when the player is looking for scraps, I like the sound effect it gives to other players, giving the game a more real feel. When looking at the maps in Lethal Company, it's comparable to Minecraft with the random seeds they give you. I like that it has different maps because it gives you something every time, combating boredom, instead of if the setting was constantly the same. Some maps have more or fewer monsters than the previous, and the maps have different habitats, which adds a nice variety. When facing monsters what can you do? With the company credits you can earn, you can get tools to help you with this like weapons and flashlights. The flashlights help a lot for the game to be scary. The jack in the box is an expectation for the weapons, and the only option is to run away. I haven't met a lot of monsters yet, but so far I think the eyeless dog is the scariest. There is a total of 19 monsters, all are different and have some very cool ways of attacking you. The scanners are a big help with this though when you can see in the dark it helps a lot with finding scraps and monsters. However, the scanner doesn't work with the ghost girl. In general, the game is not very hard. They don’t give new players a very good explanation of what to do. But I think it's best to play with other people, you can very easily join a public server and play with new people. The reason I think you should play public or even with friends is cause it makes the game a lot less scary and it's easier to unlock new moons to go to. I like this game and think it's worth downloading. So far it's only available on PC, but it's on the reliable game engine: Steam.

For book readers, a movie or show adaptation of their favorite books sounds great, seeing the book characters they imagined come to life, and being able to compare the book to a movie or show, while already having insight on the adaptation. But, my question is: What movies came out and will be coming out in the years 2023 and 2024? The first example is the new Percy Jackson show, it came out quite recently, with the two-episode premiere releasing on December 20th, 2023.¹ There was a previous movie series from Percy Jackson, but based on popular vote the new show is truer to the books. Many people believe it's based on the author Rick Riordan's involvement with the two being different, with the new series getting more attention from the author. George R. R. Martin who’s most well known as the creator of the Game of Thrones has other works. This includes his book The Three Body Problem and it was translated by Ken Liu. It's a book about the earth being in danger from an alien invasion. People are divided into groups on whether to fight against or join the aliens. It will be released on March 21st, 2024 on Netflix.¹ The best-selling book, It Ends With Us, is coming out with a movie adaptation very soon on February 9th, 2024, It is expected in theaters first, and is very anticipated, with Blake Lively staring, it’s a very polarizing subject within reading communities.¹ The author Colleen Hoover based this romance book on the relationship between her mother and father, making this one of the hardest books she has ever written. On the topic of romance novels, Bridgerton is already a popular series and has been renewed for a third season. The author Julia Quinn is very popular she is a best-selling author in historical romance/fiction. Her works have been translated into 41 different languages. She is even in the romance writing Hall of Fame.¹ Wicked, which is a very popular Broadway musical, was once a book, then a musical, and now is being adapted into a movie. If you aren’t sure what Wicked is about, it will “tell the story of the Wicked Witch of the West as she tells her perspective of the Land of Oz” It will be out in theaters on November 24th, 2024.¹ Lastly, Oppenheimer is a popular book that has been made into a movie that came out alongside Barbie. American Prometheus is a biography of the man, J. Robert Oppenheimer, who is also known as the father of the atomic bomb.¹ The movie is very faithful to the book, which was amazing for fans who were looking forward to the movie. Many more books will come out in time. So, if these books aren’t interesting to you, there are many more out there for you to discover. As well as book-based media to consume along with already-released works.

Imagine flipping a quarter and it lands tails up, but instead of an eagle you see a turkey. The turkey is the new national bird. “Why are turkeys so important?” you may ask. Well there's many reasons, but the main question you should be asking is, “why are eagles so important?” Who decided that it would be an eagle? ”Continental Congress appointed a committee made up of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin to select a design for an official national seal. The three patriots had different ideas and none of them included the bald eagle. They finally agreed on a drawing of the woman Liberty holding a shield to represent the states. But the members of Congress weren't inspired by the design and they consulted with William Barton, a Philadelphia artist who produced a new design that included a golden eagle.” ¹ So why is a turkey important? Well it does have red, white, and blue on its head. It also is important to our nation because when we first settled here, they were the first bird we saw. Why are bald eagles on money then? Well they symbolize strength, courage, and freedom. The eagle is also holding on to an olive branch and an arrow in its talons, which means “denote the power of peace and war.”² Yet, turkeys are quite strong and courageous. I think they deserve a chance to be on money and be the national bird.

Taylor Swift is a renowned artist, known for her multitude of albums, jaw-dropping concerts, and iconic moments. She has released ten albums, plus four live albums. Swift started with country and “then moved into pure pop… and her latest eras have seen her experimenting with rock and alternative sounds.”³ From her albums, she has had multiple songs appear on the Hot 100 Hits list.⁴ She has also “won the Grammy for album of the year three times… [making her] the first woman to win that prestigious category three times.”⁴ To regain the rights to her music, Taylor has begun re-releasing her first six albums: Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989, and Reputation. So far, she has succeeded with “Taylor’s Versions” of Fearless, Red, Speak Now, and 1989, leaving only Taylor Swift and Reputation – which people theorize will be next. With each re-release, fans grow more excited and proud to see Taylor being the successful woman she is. Millionaire at eighteen, billionaire at thirty-three, Taylor Swift is a role model for women and girls worldwide. But, when it comes to her impact on the world, people have differing opinions. Is she helping the world, or is she hurting it? “[Taylor] Swift has a mind of her own, and she’s not afraid to use it. Her approach to philanthropy is no exception.”¹ USA Today explains how Taylor Swift is a generous person who uses her money on causes important to her. There have been instances where Taylor had friends who were struggling financially, and rather than ignore their struggles, she helped them out.¹ Not only does she help those close to her, but she also donates to foundations supporting causes personal to her. Taylor has experienced harassment, so she donates to the Joyful Heart Foundation, “a nonprofit that helps counsel sexual assault survivors.”¹ She also supports those battling cancer – a cause that hits close to home since both her parents have battled with cancer. A major discussion among fans is topics such as climate change, global warming, and carbon footprints – environmental impacts that Taylor Swift is not exempt from. She has one of the highest “carbon emissions from traveling in private planes.”² “‘Her total flight emissions for the year come in at 8,293.54 tonnes,’” which is “1,928 times the global average.”² It is noted in various articles that Taylor Swift has one of the highest carbon footprints amongst celebrities. She is an inspiration, she gives back to important causes, yet, no one is perfect. Even Taylor has her flaws. So the question remains, is she really all that?

Pumpkin, cinnamon, caramel and more, these are some fall scents almost everyone adores. This fall has a plethora of baked goods to enjoy! Whether it’s pies, cakes, cookies, donuts, bread, or even tarts, all of these treats in mind are good reasons to bake this fall season. If you want to bake anything, I must say, you’re going to need sugar! Of course, sugar won’t be the only thing you’ll need: butter, flour, and eggs will be some other necessities for baking any of these treats. (There is also a list at the end of this article for potential ingredients you may need.) For any tools you might need, they will also be at the end of this article. These fall treats will be sure to warm your house up with the autumnal atmosphere it deserves. “How?” you may be asking yourself, well, fall treats are like no other! They have much more variety than any other seasonal baked goods, which is why now is the best time to bake treats for your loved ones! Fall, baked goods make your household feel more welcoming, rather than baking during the summer or even spring. Some baked goods require some more advanced techniques, but that’s what makes baking enjoyable! When a baked good is finished, it is best to leave your masterpiece at a windowsill or in a cooled room to make sure that the treat is available to be devoured. Thankfully, the warmth won’t dissipate, rather fill the room with a blissful, sweet smell. Many people enjoy the scents that fill autumn households, baking any treat will benefit your house to get you in the autumn mood it deserves! Potential Ingredients You May Need: Cinnamon Apples (Full or Sliced, no stem) Canned Pumpkin Maple Caramel Whipped Cream Peanut Butter Toffee Bread Marshmallows (Liquid, Melted, or Fluffy) Eggs Butter Pears Cranberry Sauce Cranberries Sweet Potatoes Chocolate Mousse Nuts (Peanuts, Walnuts, Hazelnuts, Almonds) Sugar Honey Filling (Main Fall-Scenter) Oats Potential Tools You May Need: - Whisk - Beater - Measuring Cups - Rubber Spatula (Super Handy!!!) - Rolling Pin - Wooden Spoon -Kitchen Scissors -Pastry Brush - Anything else you find useful

The homecoming dance was a wondrous experience! There were many things to do in order to pass the time such as the following: dancing, singing, taking pictures, eating, hanging with friends, or a combination of the given activities. The person I went to homecoming with didn’t go to Gilbert High School, so I had to sign the green paper that would allow them in. After that process was done, we had to pay at the door. In my opinion, even though it is ten dollars more, paying at the door was more efficient and worth it. We got to spend the maximum amount of time at the dance and had lots of fun doing so. There was an impossible amount of snacks that my friends and I could take without penalty, as well as songs until 10 p.m. to dance to! Even though none of my friends and I danced, we had fun nonetheless. I even got to make some new friends because I was sociable. There were some things that had changed, for the better, from last year’s homecoming. The things that had changed were pretty major and changed the dance’s vibe by a substantial amount. I saw fewer people worried about the dance, even the freshman! There were tons of different noises coming from the lunch area and the two pits. Everything was decorated with tons of shiny and eye-appealing decorations. The school really outdid itself for this year’s homecoming dance, which is a nice change to see. The school implemented a new rule in which bags were not allowed and identifications were mandatory. These security measures were really nice to see, considering what happened last year. Alongside the amazing time, I asked several people if they were enjoying themselves, including a mixture of people dancing, not dancing, and taking pictures. Most said yes, while others were iffy in their responses. With this year’s homecoming dance being a huge success, this 2023-24 school year looks like it’s going to be a great one. That was my personal experience with the homecoming dance. I believe it was better than last year’s, and I am hyped that it was enjoyable for most people who decided to go to the dance. I had a great time with my friends and can’t thank Gilbert High School enough for hosting such an amazing event!

Graffiti has been a source of intense debate for many years, with opinions varying greatly on whether it should be considered a form of art or an act of vandalism. I firmly believe that graffiti is a legitimate art form that deserves to be celebrated and recognized for its unique and powerful qualities. One of the key reasons why I hold this view is that graffiti provides a platform for self-expression in a way that few other art forms can match. The artists behind graffiti use walls and other surfaces as a canvas to express their innermost thoughts, feelings, and emotions. They use their work to convey messages and ideas that might not be possible to express through other mediums, such as painting or sculpture. In essence, graffiti is a way for these artists to tell their stories and leave their mark on the world. Another vital aspect of graffiti is that it adds vibrancy and character to the urban landscape. The colorful and intricate designs of graffiti can transform a dull and unremarkable wall or building into a stunning and eye-catching piece of art. When done well, graffiti can bring life and energy to a city, making it a more visually interesting and exciting place to live. A third, crucial part of graffiti is its’ artists. An interviewed artist was asked about their view on graffiti. They said that they love graffiti because they love that the world is their canvas and that they can express themselves in a large painting. They also said that they love the thrill of creation and that they love the “17 different styles,” of graffiti.¹ On that note, graffiti is an art form that has been around for centuries, and it has evolved in many different ways over time. There are many different styles of graffiti, each with its unique characteristics and aesthetic. Some of the most popular styles include tagging, which involves writing a simple signature or symbol in a bold, eye-catching font. Another popular style is wildstyle, which involves complex lettering and intricate designs that are often difficult to read. Other styles include throw-ups, which are quickly executed pieces that often feature bubble letters and simple designs, and stencil graffiti, which involves using stencils to create precise, detailed images.² Regardless of the style, graffiti is a powerful form of self-expression that can have a profound impact on the communities in which it is created. Finally, graffiti can also be used as a powerful form of social commentary. Many graffiti artists use their work to comment on important social and political issues, raising awareness and sparking important conversations. By using their art to highlight important causes and problems, these artists can make a real difference in the world around them. In conclusion, I firmly believe that graffiti is a form of art that deserves to be celebrated and appreciated. It allows for powerful self-expression, adds vibrancy to the urban landscape, and can be a powerful tool for social commentary. By embracing graffiti as a legitimate art form, we can enrich our communities and inspire the next generation of artists to create and innovate in exciting new ways.