Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010!!!
Posted by: grltlk on: December 2, 2009
It’s hard to believe it’s been four years already, but the Winter Olympics are just a few short months away from being here once again! The 2010 Olympics will be held in Vancouver, Canada from February 12-28, while the Paralympics will take place from March 12 to March 21. Additionally, the Cultural Olympiad, which will be the final festival in a series of three that began in 2008, will take place from January 22 to March 21, and will feature a variety of diverse artists from Canada and around the world showcasing music, film, dance, art, and theater, and more.
The Olympic Torch for the 21st Winter Games was lit in Athens, Greece (the birthplace of the Olympics) on October 22, 2009, and travelled by plane to Victoria, British Columbia in Canada to begin the Olympic Torch Relay. The Olympic Flame is currently in the middle of its 106-day, 27,962 mile journey through Canada, and will be carried by about 12,000 torchbearers on the way to Vancouver.
The tradition of the modern-day Winter Olympics can be traced back to 1924, where they were held in Chamonix, France. The events included in the games have changed over the years but today include alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, freestyle skiing, curling, figure skating, ice hockey, speed skating, snowboarding, curling, the bobsleigh, the biathlon and more! What events are you most excited to watch? For more information about the upcoming winter games, check out the official website here!
Winter Beauty Tips
Posted by: grltlk on: November 2, 2009
It’s definitely sweater weather now, but just because you’re all bundled up doesn’t mean your skin and hair can’t feel the effects of the cold weather. Cold weather can be extremely drying so here are some winter tips:
-If you can, try to shampoo every 2 to 3 days – shampooing too often can deplete natural oils and dry hair out.
-Don’t forget conditioner! Winter is a good time to opt for a heavier conditioner than you would normally use. Try leaving conditioner on for a few minutes in the shower before rinsing out.
-Avoid styling products with alcohol- they can be very drying and cause static, which is also a result of dryness.
-Try to minimize the amount you use hot styling tools such as hairdryers and flattening irons –they can be additional culprits behind dry and brittle hair
-Use milder cleansers in the winter, avoiding harsher detergent ingredients. Examples of more gentle ingredients to look for are sodium laureth sulfate and cocoamidopropyl betaine.
-Make sure to moisturize skin using a rich moisturizer, which is especially beneficial post-shower. In the winter, an oil-based cream is more effective at warding off dry skin and itchiness caused by cold weather than a lighter lotion.
-Don’t forget to apply a moisturizing lip balm, especially one with SPF (you still get sun exposure in the winter!)
-Drink water to stay hydrated (inside and out)
Happy Halloween!
Posted by: grltlk on: October 7, 2009
Since Halloween is approaching, why not plan to throw a Halloween party with friends? You can never be too old for dressing up and eating candy! Rent some scary movies (depending on how scary or horrific you want to go) – some good picks are The Ring, Silence of the Lambs, The Village or Twillight. Hang up fun, spooky decorations like spider webs, or put in a black light. Have a costume competition and hand out prizes to the winners for different categories like funniest, scariest, most original, etc. Buy (or even pick your own!) pumpkins and get creative with pumpkin carving. Gathering your friends to watch some scary movies and hang out is a fun way to get into the Halloween spirit.
It’s that time again….back to school!
Posted by: grltlk on: September 10, 2009
Summer’s finally over, and it’s time to focus on the brand new school year ahead. With the new year comes new opportunities to try out some activities you may have been considering, and for your old favorite activities to start back up again. With the fresh start of the school year, what activities will you get involved in? Will you stick with a sport or club you love? Give something new a shot?
There are so many different activities to choose from. Getting involved in the student government, trying out for a play, taking an art class, joining the chorus, or working on the newspaper or yearbook are all great options. Trying out new things lets you test out different strengths and can show you new talents you didn’t know you had. At the same time, participating in activities you’ve done for a while, such as the soccer team, or playing an instrument help you develop skills you’ve been working on. Getting involved in activities are a great way to meet new people, and provides a good break from all that school work!
Enjoy the Last Days of Summer!
Posted by: grltlk on: August 13, 2009
Catch a free movie outside!
As summer winds down and the beginning of a new school year approaches, it’s time to get outside and soak up the last days of summer in August! I try to spend as much time outside in the summer as I possibly can.
Here are some fun outdoor ideas:
- Invite friends over for an end of summer BBQ – Fire up the grill and make burgers, hot dogs, and other BBQ staples like corn (also great on the grill!), coleslaw, salad, etc. etc. Or make it potluck style and have friends bring their own cookout favorites. You could even keep the fire going and make s’mores at the end of dinner. Yum!
- Spend a lazy weekend day lounging at the pool- make sure to pack some books, magazines, or music (and of course some sun block!)
- Check out local outdoor concerts or music festivals; also check to see if there are any outdoor movie screenings, which are usually free!
- Go for a run with a buddy or by yourself- it’s a great way to clear your mind and get some good exercise. In the hot summer months you’ll want to stick to early morning or evening to avoid the hottest part of the day
- Organize a game of kickball or softball with friends
Of course, there are endless (not to mention free, or at least very cheap) ways to get outside and catch the last days of summer, so get creative!
Girl Talk Presentation at Julie Foudy Sports Leadership Academy Today!
Posted by: grltlk on: July 29, 2009
Girl Talk is at the Julie Foudy Sports Leadership Academy again today! This is the third and last academy of the summer and The Century Council is thrilled to be a part of it. This week Julie and the girls are in Moraga, California at St. Mary’s College. To get a taste of what the girls do, Julie sends a movie email to the parents each night. Check out the video from the last academy when Girl Talk presented!
Snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler breaks into the fashion world
Posted by: grltlk on: April 17, 2009
Who says you can’t be fashionable and a sporty chick all in one! You can compete for the gold with the best of them and do it all in style. Snowboarding X Games champ and Olympic gold medalist Gretchen Bleiler is changing fashion for female snowboarders and athletes. She is said to be the single most accomplished female snowboarder in the world. She found her passion for snowboarding at age 11, and has been collecting awards ever since.
She accomplished it all while hitting the slopes wearing men’s XS snowboarding gear. Tired of the limited variety, she decided to revamp the women’s snowboarding wardrobe. She teamed up with sporting gear company Oakley to create her ideal snowboarding and outerwear collection. It is currently in stores and the next collection is slated to hit stores in the fall. Her goal was to make fashionable, edgy clothing for females. She spent countless hours constructing the perfect blend of edgy graphics and details in bold and bright colors. The clothing is sporty, yet still feminine. Now you can look sporty and chic while winning a medal or competing.
Check out Gretchen’s interview with Nick Magazine and Ask, Listen, Learn. When she’s not out on the icy mountains, she enjoys surfing, mountain biking, interior design and fashion. She’s active in a number of environmental organizations and helped to create Snow Angels Invitational, a new all-female invitational superpipe competition at Snowmass. You can accomplish anything with a dream and the desire to obtain it!
Go for the gold, ladies!
Girl Talk Event Video
Posted by: grltlk on: April 15, 2009
Check out a cool video of our Girl Talk event in Georgia with Attorney General Baker!
” April is Alcohol Awareness Month”
Posted by: grltlk on: March 25, 2009
April is right around the corner and along with spring beginning, flowers and trees blooming, and April Fool’s pranks, April is designated Alcohol Awareness Month. As youth, you can get involved and create your own ideas to reinforce prevention education in your schools as well as your community. Visit Girl Talk’s Alcohol Awareness cause on Facebook and become a member! To learn more, visit The Century Council’s website and educate yourself about the dangers of underage drinking. Recruit your friends and tell them about the Facebook cause as well. Familiarize yourself with the positions of the cause. Remember to spread the word and join the cause!
2009 Spring Fashion….Bold colors, prints and more!
Posted by: grltlk on: February 25, 2009
When you think of spring you think of bright colors, flowers blooming, and bees buzzing. When you think of spring fashion bright colorful clothes come to mind. Spring fashion is all about prints and bright colors to enhance your silhouette! Tighter budgets this season may keep you from shopping as freely as you please and experimenting with every new style, however there are plenty of new styles to pick and choose from. Spring time evokes a feeling of fresh new beginnings. Bright vibrant colors appear and designers include each of them in their new selections. This season introduces a mixture of bright new colors. Put your navy away for fall, Pantone’s spring 2009 color report names Palace Blue the new “it” blue hue for spring 2009.
You can expect to see an array of prints this spring season, such as large fun polka dots or tropical and floral unique prints. Geometric lines will surface as well. As far as colors, black is out this season so make way for bright colors. Metallic, silver, and gold will still be prevalent during this upcoming season. Jump suits are one of the hottest items this season. You can wear them baggy or fitted. Cropped trousers in solids or an assortment of prints are in this season. They can be cute for day and night wear. Textured leggings are also carrying over into spring so feel free to try new colors and patterns! New items to appear will be hooded medieval dresses and hooded outfits so look out for them. If you have been waiting to break out your white, the time is almost here. You can substitute your little black dress with a white goddess-like dress for spring. Asymmetrical dresses, blouses, and shirts are a nice look as well.
Open your mind up to new styles this season. Go for the bohemian style or the Cleopatra look with a jeweled neckline. Big bold costume jewelry is a must-have for this season. Huge chains, large textured rings, thick cuffs and stacked bangles will add as a nice accessory to your spring look. Don’t be afraid to add accessories to your outfit – maybe a nice broche, pin, or a feathered headband in your hair.
You can save money by altering clothing you already own such as jean jackets or blazers. A simple push or roll of the sleeve will keep you trendy this spring season! You can also jazz up your outfits with accessories. Big flowers are in! You can head to your nearest arts and crafts store and make unique accessories to make your outfit just that more noticeable. The destroyed denim look will be in so you can easily cut up a pair of old jeans and create a look that best suits you.
Happy fashionable spring!
Your Opinions and Perspectives are wanted for a PSA Contest!!!!
Posted by: grltlk on: February 11, 2009
Would you like to use your imagination and originality to make a difference by communicating with your peers through a Public Service Announcement? You can relate to your peers better than anyone else, so why not do it in a positive way and make a difference! Teens are faced with a number of difficult choices each day. Peer pressure is one of them. There is a constant battle to “try and fit in.” We’ve all been there and we know it’s hard. So why not put these dilemmas on tape?
McDivitt Law Firm and other organizations are sponsoring a PSA contest, inviting high school student’s grades 9-12 to create compelling and creative PSA’s about the dangers of drinking and driving and to encourage them to refrain from underage drinking. This is your chance to express yourself while conveying a positive message to other teens. Your honest ideas, opinions, perspectives, thoughts, and concerns are wanted about this important social issue which greatly affects you and your peers.
Check out the contest website for facts about the contest, rules and regulations, and resources. Also check out the McDivitt Law Firm sponsor page for a few ideas and suggestions on PSA’s. Entries are due by April 3, 2009. If you have any questions feel free to email or check out their blog.
Grab your camcorder, rally up a film crew, and recruit actors.
Happy filming,
Fight against underage drinking!
Posted by: grltlk on: February 11, 2009
Teens all over are lending a helping hand to their communities. Teens are collectively fighting against underage drinking and getting the message around amongst their peers that, “You don’t have to drink to be cool”.
Students of Neenah High School of Wisconsin created a movie depicting the dangers of drunken driving. The video focuses on the consequences of underage drinking. An area judge recently decided to start using the movie to show first time offenders, in hopes that they will learn a valuable lesson. Teen organizations in Vermont teamed up to participate in a sticker shock campaign. The area’s local organizations, Students Against Destructive Decisions chapter (SADD), and The Collaborative and Our Voices Exposed all participated in the campaign. They decided on a prevention message and a design and printed 2,000 stickers. They put the stickers on every alcohol container they saw. The teens enjoyed getting the message around about the dangers of underage drinking.
There are an infinite number of ways to have fun that don’t involve drinking! Try some alternative activities:
1. Get involved in sports. Try out for the school team or just do it for fun
2. Make up games to play amongst your friends in groups
3. Play board games, monopoly will always be a classic
4. Get together and rent movies or go out to the movies
5. Get involved in your community and volunteer for a cause that interests you
6. Pick up a hobby, such as learning to play an instrument
7. Learn a new craft like knitting or crocheting
8. Visit museums or go to local plays in your area
9. Read a good book
The goal is to have safe fun! Get your friends together and throw theme parties that don’t include alcohol. Ask yourself what you can do to help the fight against underage drinking. The consequences are dangerous so let’s help to prevent any negative consequences.
Keep being positive role models!
February 14th
Posted by: grltlk on: February 2, 2009
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, are you left wondering what you’re going to do to celebrate? Here are some creative ways to enjoy that day with your friends, a boyfriend, or your family. It can be a fun day to share with those you care about.
1. Try planning a Valentine’s Day party or sleepover, invite your closest friends and ask them to wear reds or pinks for the occasion.
2. Play a game with your family such as Valentine Bingo!
3. Create homemade Valentines for your sweetheart, crush, friends, or family.
4. Make treats, like candy hearts, to share at school.
If those ideas don’t do it for you, check out this site for more great ways to spend your Valentine’s Day! Even if you don’t have a particular Valentine in mind just remember to have fun!
Let’s Aim to Stay Healthy This Winter!!!!
Posted by: grltlk on: January 28, 2009
No matter how many times you try to quickly avoid people sneezing or coughing, you always seem to catch at least one cold during the winter season. Whether you are home with your family, at school, or out and about, germs are everywhere. But avoiding germs is not the only way to prevent the common cold. First and foremost, you have to take good care of your body. Start your day off with a well-balanced breakfast. Wash it down with a glass of orange juice to ensure that you are getting a decent amount of vitamin C. It is important that your body has the necessary amount of energy and nutrients that it needs to fight off germs and viruses.
Here are some tips and suggestions to keep you as healthy as possible during the rest of the winter season:
<!–[if !supportLists]–>1. <!–[endif]–>Exercising is important. Try a moderate exercise routine at least 3 to 4 hours a week. This helps to generate endorphins, which strengthen your immune system. Aim towards breaking a sweat without pushing yourself too hard.
<!–[if !supportLists]–>2. <!–[endif]–>Try to at least get 8 hours of sleep. A good night’s sleep is extremely important in keeping your body and mind in tip-top condition.
<!–[if !supportLists]–>3. <!–[endif]–>Wash your hands thoroughly. Wet your hands with warm water and lather soap for 20 seconds before rinsing them.
<!–[if !supportLists]–>1. <!–[endif]–>Make healthy eating choices. Make sure to eat a well-balanced diet so that you get all of the vitamins and minerals you need each day.
<!–[if !supportLists]–>2. <!–[endif]–>Enjoy spending time with your friends and family. Spending time with the people you care about will lift your spirits and help to avoid stress.
<!–[if !supportLists]–>3. <!–[endif]–>Make sure you are getting plenty of sunlight.
<!–[if !supportLists]–>4. <!–[endif]–>Keep your head, neck, and feet covered to stay warm.
<!–[if !supportLists]–>5. <!–[endif]–>Keep hydrated! Drink plenty of water. A nice hot alternative is warm water with lemons or tea..
<!–[if !supportLists]–>6. <!–[endif]–>Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible. Keep those germs out
It’s not fun staying home from school with a runny nose, sore throat, or fever. Avoid those miserable colds. And in the event that you do get sick, make sure you have lots of tissues, soup, hot teas, and warm pajamas!
Happy healthy winter season everyone!
Barack Obama makes history and inspires many….
Posted by: grltlk on: January 21, 2009
Dreams turn into reality when you work hard to obtain them. When you speak your dreams and ambitions into existence they will come true. Whether you choose to be a doctor, athlete, psychiatrist, entrepreneur, humanitarian or the president of the United States, you can do it! Barack Obama has inspired youth like no other president or role model. He gives a sense of hope with his popular campaign slogan, “Yes We Can”! And yes, Barack Obama did.
Yesterday Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States. Millions congregated from all over the world to witness the inauguration of the first African American president of the United States. As Obama moved forward and placed his hand on the bible, it was apparent that his dreams became a reality. He broke barriers and overcame struggles to achieve a status of greatness that has millions believing that now is the time to begin a change for the better. President Obama gave a rousing speech offering hope to the American people, letting them know that the road may not be easy but change will come.
Throughout his campaign he influenced many but none like the youth! The youth turned out in record numbers at the polls to vote for Barack Obama. Even those whose age prevented them from voting found ways to lend a voice or a helping hand to the campaign. No matter your age, creed, or color, remember you can make a difference and you can achieve your goals through hard work, dedication, and determination. Go after your dreams and make a positive difference in the world.
Yes You Can!
Best Wishes,
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