One Pimple is One Too Many - Keeping up with the Jonases

Hello hello hello!

How are you this fine Monday? Good? Glad to hear!
Today I want to talk about something everyone deals with: envy.

We've all heard about keeping up with the Joneses... but today it's more than just keeping up with your neighbors or the people around you. Today, it seems more people want to keep up with celebrities... or the Jonases.

I saw a documentary not too long ago about a group of teenagers in Los Angeles who became so consumed with becoming or acting like the celebrities that they started robbing their houses! The media dubbed them the 'bling ring' and it opened the eyes of parents all across America.

We live in a celebrity obsessed world. There's no other way around it. There are millions of blogs, social networking sites and publications dedicated to telling us about the daily happenings ((and drama!)) of celebrities. It's become a part of our culture. Is it a good thing? Probably not. But I don't see it changing anytime soon.

We all have our "favorite" celebrities. We all are guilty of talking about the Hollywood relationship gossip. It doesn't make it right. I'm not saying we should all stop -- since realistically, that doesn't seem possible -- but maybe we should reevaluate how much time we spend on talking about people who don't affect our day to day lives.

I'm definitely not one to point fingers. I love reading through various magazines to see all the cool fashions and new things celebrities are trying. And I'll admit, I like to see whose dating who.

BUT, I'm reminded that reading about the celebrities and actually being one are two different things. Unless you are a part of their daily lives, you really don't have a say in what they do, what they wear, who they date etc. etc.

There's nothing wrong with seeing a cute dress and wanting something similar ((especially if it's really cute!!)) but remember that you don't have to dress or act a certain way to be accepted. You are awesome just as you are! When fandom becomes obsession, you cross into some dangerous territory. Look at the kids from the 'bling ring'. All they wanted was to be just like the celebrities and are now facing jail time.

Just remember: you are special, beautiful ((or handsome!)) and accepted just as you are. Why try to be a celebrity when you get the distinct honor of being YOU? There's no one in the world quite like you. Man! You are a prize! :)

Hope you have a great week!

Ariel <3

One Pimple is One Too Many - Teen Pregnancy

Hey Everyone!
How are you doing today? Last night were the Academy Awards! Congratulations to all the winners! ((Especially Kathryn Bigelow who made history as the first woman to ever win Best Director!))
Last night was also the first 'official' Jonas Brothers concert of 2010 which I was blessed with the chance to attend! It was a great show, Demi Lovato was their special guest, and they even covered Keith Urban's "Somebody Like You".

Today though, I want to talk about something very serious.
Teen Pregnancy.

• Every year around 750,000 teens will get pregnant this year
• More than 2/3 of all teenagers who have a baby will not graduate high school
• Billions of dollars are spent taking care of teenage and their children and they are more likely to be in the poverty bracket

The only 100% proven-effective way to prevent pregnancy ((as well as STD's)) is ABSTINENCE.

Please realize that sex should never be used by a boyfriend or girlfriend as a tool to "make you closer". Sex is a wonderful thing but only when it's at the right time. Every time you have sex, ((regardless of whether you use birth control, condoms or contraceptives)) you are opening that door to the possibility of becoming pregnant. Even the most secure and reliable birth control can fail.

Talk to your parents and keep an open communication with them. It may seem embarrassing to talk to your parents about sex but they love you and want the best for you.


All statistics taken from pregnantteenhelp.org

Have a great week everyone!

Ariel <3

One Pimple is One Too Many - The Academy Awards

Hello all!

How are you this beautiful Monday? 

First I want to convey my deepest sympathies to any and all who were affected by the earthquake in Chile. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you! UNICEF, the American Red Cross and World Vision Disaster Relief are just a few organizations that are donating their time and money to help the people of Chile (and around the world)

((Haiti still needs our help as well! Yele Haiti is my personal favorite but there are many organizations you can give to that is giving Haiti the help it needs!))

On a lighter note: the entertainment world is buzzing with excitement because the Academy Awards are this Sunday! Now you may be asking, Ariel... how exactly do the Academy Awards relate to being an advice columnist? I'll tell you how -- for 82 years we've seen hope and dreams fulfilled. 

An Academy Award ((informally called an Oscar)) is the highest level of honor a filmmaker can achieve. While winning is incredible, simply being nominated is an honor and leaves a lasting and permanent effect on his or her life. 

Which made me realize, life's a lot like the Academy Awards...

We're all apart of this crazy award season called life. 

Some of get top honors time and time again, winning 'Best' in nearly every category that it seems predictable.

Some of us are the underdog, winning despite the odds and what the critics say.

Some of us win, but only in the small//unknown categories or the ones that people don't pay attention to.

And some of us never win at all, constantly being passed over. 

But what if we instead of focusing on winning and losing, we're honored that we were even able to participate in the first place?

Life's too short to worry, to complain or to live unhappily.

Everyday, take the opportunity to be grateful -- for the people who love you, for the air that you breathe and for the chance to start fresh. 

We are all winners. :)

Have a great week everyone!

Ariel

postscript: This Sunday the Jonas Brothers & Demi Lovato will be performing at the Houston Rodeo! I've been blessed with the chance to go and I'm so excited!

I'll be livetweeting ((@arielsmiles)) from the concert for all you Jonas//Demi fans! :)

<3

One Pimple is One Too Many - Music

Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul. - Anonymous

Music. One of the few things on earth that can connect people instantly.
What do you think of music?
What are your some of favorite bands/singers/songs?

Donna (@teddy_dunn) says her favorite song is Morning Light by Truman because:
it's so inspiring to me... it talks about how she thought her life was horrible, but now she's on top of the world...

@IsabellaAnna says she doesn't have a favorite song. When asked why she says:
I can't pinpoint a song that's my favorite just because there's so many great songs out there. They mean something different to me at different times.

Jen (@jeng2008 - & one of our column writers) says:
music defines my life. having me choose my favorite song is like asking me to pick my favorite sibling, it can't be done. i could come up with a few good choices, but just one, near impossible.

my favorite song ever would probably be "i want you to want me". i think the first time i heard it was when i first saw "10 things i hate about you"...the original with heath ledger & julia stiles...there's something about the lyrics that are just so raw, and, in my opinion, what ever girl thinks when she has a crush on a guy

I want you to want me
I need you to need me
I'd love you to love me
And I'm begging you to beg me

I want you to want me
I need you to need me
And I'd love you to love me
in John Tucker Must Die, Kate (Brittany Snow) says (paraphrased) "why can't love be like an old pop song? "i want you to want me"...that's it..." or something along those lines, it's been awhile since i've seen the movie...it's just one of those songs that every time you hear it, you grab your hairbrush & belt out the lyrics...or at least i do. :P

favorite song right now? this is the hardest to answer because i like soooo many different songs. anything that inspires you to make a difference or be a better person is what i would say. i think that's why i like the song "Send it On" so much.(My note: Send it On is by the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato & Selena Gomez) if you really listen to it & take apart the lyrics, there's so much meaning to the song. be a better person, create a better planet...the possibilities are endless...it's like a Pay It Forward program...one act of kindness can become 2 & 2 becomes 4...all the way down the line until the one little thing that you did has created a movement without even trying...

~ ~ ~
I asked Labanya (@lalalabanya - our resident music expert) 1. Who do you think is the most popular band/singer in 2009? 2. What band/singers would you say have been the most influential and have the most staying power? 3. What traits would you say that gives them that staying power? 4. What are some of your favorite bands? 5. What is your favorite song and why?
Here's what she had to say:
Hmm..most popular band/singer. I don't know if I could choose just one. Taylor Swift, Demi Lovato, and Jonas Brothers (of course :P), Coldplay are doing really well right now. I do think that all having staying power, if they play their cards right. Black Eyed Peas is another one. Most influential-again, JB, Miley Cyrus, in some ways, Demi. I think they're influential because the songs they write, a lot of people can relate to and a lot of the lyrics definitely help some get through their day, just by listening to a particular song. Jordin Sparks is someone who I can definitely has staying power. The lyrics in her songs are relatable to teens/tweens.A lot of artists also have nice personalities so, I think people can look at them, not only as an artist, but also as a friend or just someone who can empathize. Favorite bands: JB (:P, music is extremely catchy and I love their lyrics), Honor Society (same reasons), Jordin & Demi (I can definitely relate to their music), Green Day (again, relatable lyrics), Carrie Underwood, Paramore, Shakira. I'm a dancer, so I guess you could say any artists who have catchy music catch my eye lol. Favorite song? Wow, that's difficult. Um. I really love Let it Rain-Jordin Sparks. The message is beautiful...basically, don't be afraid to say what you mean and let it all out <3. Another one The Climb-Miley Cyrus. Again, I love the message. And 1 more, Black Keys. That one definitely helps me get through my toughest days and sometimes, I almost feel like it was written for me.


Personally,
My favorite band is Switchfoot. They're one of the few bands that I will purchase the entire album without having listened to any of the songs before. However, my favorite song is Fix You by Coldplay. (It is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful, touching songs I've ever heard. If you've never heard it before, take a listen) I couldn't possibly name all of the bands that I consider amazing (or the songs) but usually what I'm listening to now can be found on my blog's playlist.

What does music mean to you? What are some of your favorite bands/artists? How about the questions I asked Labanya? What would your have been?

Remember:
The music is all around you, all you have to do is listen. - August Rush

Have a happy Monday,

Ariel

One Pimple is One Too Many - Blogging/Vlogging

Hey Everybody!

How are you doing today? Wonderful I hope!

Today I want to talk about blogging and vlogging.

Blogging
I've had my blog account since the beginning of time. (Otherwise known as December 2004.) Originally, it was a place for me send out random thoughts/quotes/poems etc into the blogosphere. The summer of 2007 I created a new blog with the specific purpose of keeping in touch with friends that I had met over the summer. Over time it evolved into a wonderful place to voice my ideas, thoughts, dreams and aspirations to the world. In blogging I've found not only a great outlet, but the chance to review books for two different publishing companies! (I've even had the opportunity of interviewing an author and having multiple authors read my reviews of their book!) The best thing is: anyone can be a blogger! You don't have to pay any money or have an extensive knowledge of grammar and vocabulary: all you need is a valid email and an idea! There are many different blog sites to choose from: Xanga, LiveJournal, Tumblr and of course Blogger. Choose the site that's right for you!

Here a few blogs that you might find interesting:

Face Replace - it hasn't been updated since April but the idea is intriguing enough! (The idea was co-started by Charlieissocoollike! More on him in the vlogging section :))
Yetton Adventures - Joy Williams used to be one of my favorite singers in middle school and I enjoy your music to this day! This is a blog chronicling her married life and her music
Weeno Photography - I just happened across this site one day and have been a faithful follower ever since. If you love quirky photography and a witty photographer to boot, you're in for a treat!

(Psst! Don't forget to check out the personal blogs of all our Column Bloggers! :))


&

Vlogging

Since the dawn of youtube in 2005, there have been vloggers (which in internet speak means: Video Bloggers) Basically, instead of writing an entry about what you did that day - why not talk about it? And with the extra help of cool graphics and editing, you can make a unique contribution to the vlogging world!

Some of my favorite vloggers are:

Charlie is so cool like - a British teen talking about his world and taking you along for the ride. (I'll be honest, I'd watch even if he was boring - I absolutely LOVE British accents! :))
Meekakitty - is a formal model living in New York. She is random, a little crazy and a whole lot of weird - but I think that adds to her appeal :) (My personal favorite? Toys Rus Adventure. Check it out! :))
Jonas Brothers You knew it was coming :) Usually used as a tool for promotion, you can catch the latest details on what's happening in the JB's busy schedule. Sometimes though, they post a video just for fun. (Joe's single ladies dance/JB&Demi's "Soap Opera"/Nick J Show to name a few)
Taylor Swift Taylor's videos have actually encouraged me to make my own videos. She's directed two of her music videos (The Best Day & I'm Only Me When I'm With You) and makes a habit of putting together a video compilation of what she's done recently. (Her newest video is about her upcoming trip to London, touring with Brooks & Dunn and hanging out with Demi Lovato! All set to the fabulous song known as One Time by Justin Beiber :))


IMPORTANT NOTE
While I believe that being honest with your readers/viewers is important, I would strongly recommend you don't post/talk about your personal information (your last name, address, where you attend school, email etc.) As always, I would suggest keeping an open communication with your parents when it comes to blogging/vlogging. Encourage them to read your blog/watch your vlog and even create an account for themselves! Not only will they appreciate you for including them into your lives, but you gain trust with them as well.


Stay safe and happy blogging/vlogging!


Ariel

One Pimple is One Too Many - the Jonas Brothers

I've been a JB fan since 2006. To say the past 3 years has been a whirlwhind would be an understatement. However, seeing their dreams come true has been an amazing experience.

To anyone who has been a fan for as long as I have, you've seen the band grow not only as people, but in their music as well. From It's About Time to their newest release Lines, Vines and Trying Times they have put out music that grows with their fanbase.

The success and love that they've received has been nothing short of incredible. Some may get annoyed that they repeatedly (and predictably) thank the fans any chance they get but for those of us who've seen just how far they've come - it's wonderful to see their wild success hasn't changed them as people and their appreciation for those that support them.

Three guys who couldn't be more deserving are living out the dream of millions - all the while keeping their faith and family at the forefront. Their family (Dad, Mom and younger brother Frankie, often referred to as the "Bonus Jonas") are on the road with them wherever they go. Their family values and upbringing has made them into the gentlemen they are - which in my opinion - sets a great example for other girls and guys out there.

And that's what it really gets down to - being an example to other tweens and teens. With any celebrity, it's very easy to get wrapped up in their personal lives (be it their fashion choices or their love lives) when we should really be focusing on their work and the example that they portray to others. For the Jonas Brothers, their hard work and determination through adversity shows that no matter what tries to get you down in life - you shake the dust off your shoulders and keep on going. Even if everyone tells you can't, if you have the desire and perserverance, your dreams are never out of reach.

Remember: If you can dream it, you can do it.


Keep on dreaming everybody!


Ariel

Jonas Brothers Announce New Album Release date of June 15

The Jonas Brothers will be releasing their fourth album on June 15th, but they are keeping the Title top secret. The album has been partly inspired by The Zutons, Neil Diamond and the brothers' fellow rocking siblings, Kings of Leon. The album will be followed by the U.S. kickoff of their wold tour June 20.

The Jonas Brothers have made their 2nd Stop

Hey V.I.T.s,

The Jonas Brothers have made their 2nd surprise visit of their theater tour invasion. They stopped at the Palisades Mall in Nyack, NY. They used to enjoy watching tons of movies there. They said the crowd went crazy, duh!!! Now they are getting on another plane to surprise more fans at yet another theatre. Where will they be next?

Have fun Jonas Brothers!!!

Jonas Brothers 1st appearance

The Jonas Brothers made their first stop at El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Jonas Brothers 3D Movie begins at 12:00 A.M.

Get your tickets, don't miss out!
Fandango



Who is going?
Are you going on a bus?
Tell us all about your movie experience!!!

Jonas Brothes 3D Movie is selling out!

The Jonas Brothers 3D Movie Experience is selling out. If you buy your tickets from Fandango, you’ll also get a free download of the Jonas Brothers music video, tonight from iTunes! The movie is going to be awesome!

Jonas Brothers 3D Movie Premiere Tomorrow

The Jonas Brothers will be in Los Angeles tomorrow for their 3D Movie Premiere. If you are in Los Angeles stop by at the El Captain in Hollywood, California.

See you there!!!

Jonas Brothers Live Chat

Hey V.I.T.s,

Dont forget in 45 minutes the Jonas Brothers will be chatting live on JustinTv. 11:00 Pacific Time! We will be there, will you?

The Jonas Brothers want you to join the FanFamily Experience

Did everyone get this in their email?  We did...The Jonas Brothers
are asking for all of their fans to join them on their new website.
Click here

Hey everyone! Today kicks off our official Community FanFamily
Week. We want to know you better and want you to know each
other better. One of the ways to do that is to encourage your
friends to join the FanFamily Experience and build groups with your
friends! We would love it if you would invite your friends to be a
part of the FFE community! We will continue to check out
everything you are doing online this week and are excited to get
to know you better.

Have fun! - JB Kevin, Nick and Joe

Jonas Brothers Chat Live

Kevin, Nick, and Joe and even their little brother Frankie chatted it up with fans across the world to answer any and all kinds of questions.

The Jonas Brothers Chat Live this Sunday!!

The Jonas Brothers Live Chat!

The Jonas Brothers are really excited about their Fan Family and are taking things to the next level.

The musical trio - Nick, Joe and Kevin - are inviting all their fans to a live chat THIS SUNDAY!

The brothers write in their MySpace, “We had so much fun with our first FanFamily Experience. We spent almost 5 hours commenting to all of our fans. It was awesome! Our next FanFamily Experience is going to be this Sunday!!!! Sunday, January 18th at 5PM EST. Join us for our first live video chat in almost a year and a half!!!”

All you have to do is sign up at Justin.tv and when Sunday comes around, just log in and chat away with the JoBros. This will be the brothers’ first live chat of the new year!

We can't wait, Deko and Posh will be there! Join us!!!

Source: JustJaredJr

People Watching Column by Posh-Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers perform at the Kids' Inaugural

Posh is People Watching Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers

Miley Cyrus will reunite with former co-stars The Jonas Brothers on Monday night in more way than one.

The 16-year-old teen sensation will premiere her new music video “Let’s Get Crazy,” moments before the Kids’ Inaugural: We Are The Future celebration on Monday night. Miley will also premiere the official trailer of Hannah Montana: The Movie.

The Jonas Brothers are also set to premiere their new video for third single, “Tonight.” You can expect to see scenes from the upcoming Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience in the vid.

Be sure to tune in on Monday, January 19th @ 8PM ET/PT on Disney Channel!

Source: JustJaredJr

Jonas Brothers will perform at The North American International Auto Show

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) has announced the Grammy nominated Jonas Brothers will play a special concert at Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena on January 18, 2009 to help raise funds for the annual Charity Preview.

The 2009 Charity Preview will take place at Cobo Center on January 16 from 6-9 PM. Since its inception in 1976, Charity Preview has raised over $77 million for children’s charities in metro Detroit—over $32 million of which was raised in the last five years alone. Medical treatment, clothing and support services for local kids in need all are made possible through the purchase of Charity Preview tickets. The annual event has delivered more than $6 million to children’s charities in Southeastern Michigan.

Metro Detroit area beneficiaries of the Charity Preview include: Barat Child and Family Services; Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan Boys Hope Girls Hope of Detroit; The Children’s Center, Judson Center, Children’s Services of Northeastern Guidance Center Assistance League, The Detroit Institute for Children, Think Detroit PAL, Easter Seals – Michigan, March Of Dimes, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, and the DADA Charitable Foundation Fund – a fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.

The Jonas Brothers join a growing list of celebrities that have attended Charity Preview in years past to help raise funds for children in need. Previous attendees include Céline Dion, Aretha Franklin, Kid Rock, Kevin Bacon and Jay Leno. Through their Change for the Children Foundation, the Jonas Brothers raise funds to support programs that motivate and inspire children to face adversity with confidence, determination and the will to succeed. Their first fundraising initiative – You Decide. You Donate. – launched this past summer and through the generosity of their fans, was able to donate to charities including NothingButNets.net, American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Camp, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Summer Stars.

“We couldn’t be more pleased that an act as large as the Jonas Brothers have offered their support to Charity Preview,” said Joe Serra, senior co-chair of the 2009 NAIAS. “Not only will attendees be supporting local children’s charities in this time of dire need, but they will be able to provide the kids in their life with a ticket to the hottest concert in town.”

For every Charity Preview ticket purchased, patrons will receive one free ticket to see the Jonas Brothers live in concert on January 18, 2009 at Joe Louis Arena. There are a limited number of Charity Preview tickets that are tied to the Jonas Brothers concert. Tickets must be purchased between December 23, 2008 and January 5, 2009. Proceeds from all ticket sales will go to benefit Charity Preview. Charity Preview ticket holders who purchased prior to December 23 will be contacted and given the option for Jonas Brothers tickets as well.

Source: Look to the Stars

Jon Jonas and Taylor Swift are Dating

deko and posh here...Joe Jonas from the Jonas Brothers and Taylor Swift are dating. They make such a sweet couple. I know, you wished they were still single but let's all be happy together for them! Perfect match hookup! Tell us what you think!!

L8R...deko and posh

kids choice awards

deko and posh here...

the kids choice awards were RAD!!

If you missed them here are some of the winners:

Favorite Music Group---Jonas Brothers
Favorite Actress---Jessica Alba
Favorite Female Singer---Miley Cyrus
Favorite T.V. Show---Drake and Josh
Favorite Male Singer---Chris Brown

Also, we really liked what Cameron Diaz (wannbe award) had to say...
"People need to be inspired"
Then she had all the V.I.T.'s scream out "We are the future and the future is bright" that was awesome!!

Leave us a comment and let us know how you liked the Kids Choice Awards and the Host, Jack Black---he was very cool too.

L8R...deko and posh