Special Friend Post - "And It Was Friday" by Melanie Dionisio

I have been featuring a lot of my friend's work on my blog lately: there was Nick Guss' submission for the Heinz commercial, Tyler Scrima's video, and of course, Ryan's blog.

The next piece of work I'm featuring is by Melanie Dionisio. The story is a project from our teacher Mr. Snyder's class, currently unfinished. It's written from two perspectives; I will be adding the chapters once a day.

Here is the first chapter:

Erin has a Diary

Christina has a Blog
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(Early) Friday morning.

April 7th, 2006

Dear Diary,

It’s me, Erin. I am so exhausted. It is 2 o'clock in the morning, just got back from Christy's house. She called me over around ten and said that it was an emergency. When I got to her house, I noticed there was no car in the drive way, assuming her parents were not home. I walked into her house finding a bright light leading up the stairs. Everything else in her house was dark. I walked towards the light where I found Christy in her room crying. She told me that Jude had left the house just a while ago to the 24/7 drugstore. I asked her what for? She didn’t answer.

I looked around and all I could see was tissues scattered around her bed and asked her what’s wrong. She told me it’s been a little over a month and she did not get her period yet. I thought she was just over reacting because of the exams we've been getting lately and her activity during softball.

Jude came back from the store. He looked miserable... like he hasn’t been sleeping for days. He handed a box to Christy, then immediately left the room. Christy headed into the bathroom and closed the door shut.

Twenty minutes passed and I could hear Christy crying from the other side of the door. I knocked on the door and asked to come in. She slowly opened the door and as I walked in I could see the pregnancy test already thrown into the bath tub.

I tried to comfort her but she couldn't stop crying. She kept repeating over and over again "I can't believe this is happening".

Picking up the pregnancy test, I put it back into the box and put it on top of the sink. I brought Christy back into her room where Jude, back from down stairs, was nervously pacing back and forth. While Christy was crying, I told him the news.

Jude paused for a moment and just yelled, "I can't do this anymore... I mean this can't be happening!"

That was when I told Jude “Calm down. Things are going to be alright, just relax.”

"Things are NOT going to be alright Erin!” Then he began to stutter, “I...I... I can’t be here... This is just too much.... are you sure it said positive?”

I walked back into the bathroom, picked up the box with the pregnancy test inside and handed it to him. He took the test and started reading the directions on the box, then back at the test.

“We're only 16 years old..... You just can't be pregnant! This can’t be happening!" He yelled.

I told Jude he has to help her, but he refused to. He said he wanted no part of her and the baby… and so he left the house.

Christy started crying hysterically. I had to calm her down so I stayed for a while till she was able to sleep. I told her I’d stop on by in the morning because it was already too late.

I left her lying in her bed and left the house, with the stereo on to keep her company.

And now I am home.

As her best friend, I am always there to support her. But to be having a baby at a time like this; during our high school year is unimaginable. I mean, if she keeps the baby, will she finish high school?

Well it is too much to think about at 2 in the morning, really late, and I have school tomorrow.

More to come soon.

-Erin

Consider a soap opera, brought to you by Brandon Lewis. If you have any constructive criticism, just leave a comment and I will pass it to Melanie.

New Blog Features!

As I get more acquainted with blogging (I'm doing pretty good for a high schooler, huh?), I'll be adding a lot more features to the site.

The latest in my "Music of the Moment", where people can stream my current favorite songs. Unless I go nuts, it will always be at the top of the page.

For the first run, I chose "I Stay In Love" off of Mariah's latest album and "Run", a Snow Patrol cover done by Leona for Radio One Live Lounge!

Enjoy

(Any comments, questions should be directed to brandonsbestworst@blogspot.com!)

A Special Friend Post (#2)....

Something funny from a friend....

I'm On FeedBurner!

The Best, The Worst, and the UNbelievable is now working with FeedBurner!

You can subscribe to BWU feeds using anything from MyAOL to Google Reader!

Thanks again to everyone who's been reading!

WORST of the Week: David Letterman's Pregnant Man Jokes

Today on Oprah's show, she had on Thomas Beatie, an Oregon transgendered man who is 6 months pregnant. Last night, David Letterman got a crack at the story, and fashioned a special "Top Ten" list about him.

Now, I'm not going to pretend that the story didn't shock me, because it did. I'm also not going to pretend that the story didn't weird me out at all, because it definitely did. However, something should be said for someone who is putting themselves on the line to help open people's eyes and hearts into being more tolerant. That is commendable.

I thought that everything on the list up until the "androgynous freak show" thing was fine, and quite funny. I thought Letterman's joke was rude, offensive, and unnecessarily hurtful. I can see how easy it is to poke fun at something as outrageous (in our minds) as this situation. That doesn't excuse him from having some kind of respect and sensitivity. He took it way too far, and he only made himself look like an ass.

Mariah Carey: The Road to 18 (Part 3)

Here is the third installment of the Mariah Special:

"Heartbreaker" (1999) - The song was perfect for summer; it was a fun groove of a song with an expensive video. The song debuted Mariah's latest vocal style; breathy verses before a full-voiced climax. It was a nice song, but like her last #1, it wasn't a memorable song for her. It was, however, for Jay-Z, whose rap in the song helped carry it a bit. Rating 7/10

"Thank God I Found You" (2000) - Despite the employment of 98 Degrees and Joe as vocal collaborators, the song was very uninspiring. The original received very little airplay and the remix was released to save it. The string of sub-par #1 singles ended with this one, as her new singles released in the next 4 years would barely chart at all. Rating: 6.5/10

"We Belong Together" (2005) - After 5 years of no chart-topping singles, "We Belong Together" was truly a return to form. Her last two albums Glitter and Charmbracelet were utter failures, and many deemed her career over. Thanks to this song, faith was truly restored. The passionate song brought Mariah back to vocal power that disappeared after Butterfly. The song employed the MOR pop of her early 90s success with her R&B flavor of the late 90s. The fusion worked amazingly. The song stayed on top for 14 weeks, her longest run as a solo artist. Rating: 10/10

"Don't Forget About Us" (2005) - It was fairly obvious that this song was a follow-up to "We Belong Together". Although not as inspired, it continued her resurgence as the premier pop diva. It was her first ballad that was completely influenced by R&B, and it worked well. It was the first #1 of 2006, and helped the release of Mariah's comeback The Emancipation of Mimi sell an amazing 6 million copies in the US, and 10 million worldwide.

BWU Recommends - Vision of Love, We Belong Together, One Sweet Day, Always Be My Baby

Mariah Carey: Road to 18 (Part 2)

Here is the second installment of my Mariah Carey special post:

"Dreamlover" (1993) - For many reasons, "Dreamlover" is a favorite of many Mariah Carey fans. It is one of her most creative efforts (the choir piano being worked in was a stroke of genius), and for the first time, her vocals were not the focus. She had fun with the song, not worrying about how many high notes she can hit. Fans were able to tell, and rewarded her for it; it sat atop the charts for 9 weeks. Rating: 9/10

"Hero" (1993) - Her first chart-topping ballad since "I Don't Wanna Cry", this song is one of her signature songs. Again, Mariah sang with a conviction and passion that had surprised the critics who accused her of doing the exact opposite. The inspirational song is a perennial favorite of mine, and many more, selling 3 million copies worldwide. Rating: 9.5/10

"Fantasy" (1995) - This song marked a transformation for Mariah. In place of her conservative look and MOR Pop style, the diva sailed into the #1 position with this upbeat R&B song. It became the second song in history to debut at #1 and sat there for 8 weeks. The inspired song revitalized Mariah's music and help the album Daydream sell 25 million copies worldwide. Rating: 9/10

"One Sweet Day" (1995) - Her duet with Boyz II Men was a hugely  successful song. It debuted at #1 and stayed there for a mind-blowing 16 weeks, becoming Mariah's 10th chart-topper. It is a beautiful song that gave comfort to those who lost their loved ones. Wisely, Mariah restrains her vocals to match the R&B supergroup, creating a stunning vocal. Rating: 10/10

"Always Be My Baby" (1996) - It's with this song where I noticed a vocal change with Mariah. During the verses, she employed a softer tone than many of her full-voiced singles. The new technique really fit this song. The song had a smooth groove than her songs in the past, furthering her shift into R&B. It, again, is one of her best (with the catchiest chorus). Rating: 9/10

"Honey" (1997) - "Honey" was a breaking point for the diva. Gone was  the ballads and uptemo pop songs of the past. Here, a stronger, sexier Mariah burst out with this hip-hop influenced jam. The overt vocal power that propelled those songs also began to dim, making the songstress even sultrier. The change was welcome; the song debuted at #1 and stayed there for three weeks. Rating: 8/10

"My All" (1998) - Just like "Honey" was, the single was accompanied with a very sexy video. However, that and the Latin-tinged background couldn't help this song from being a disappointment. Her last 5 or so songs stayed on top for multiple weeks. This one only charted for 1 week, before slipping to #2. Honestly, it was her weakest song since "I Don't Wanna Cry". Rating: 7/10

Mariah Carey: The Road to 18 (Part 1)

In commemoration of Mariah Carey's impending 18th #1 single, I have decided to examine her past 17 #1's, from her debut "Vision of Love" to "Don't Forget About Us". Here it is:

"Vision of Love" (1990) - It was with this gem that a star was born. Her debut single was everything a debut should be, bombastic, affecting, and memorable. From her powerful vocal flourishes to her unbelievable whistle register, "Vision of Love" made the desired impact; her self-titled debut album sold a staggering 9 million copies in the US and she received two Grammys. It is still, even today, one of her best songs (if it was re-released, it would definitely be a "Download of the Day". Rating: 10/10

"Love Takes Time" (1990) - The follow-up to her blockbuster debut was a great ballad for sure, and once again, that impeccable voice got a proper showcase, but it seemed like a step-down for the diva. 18 years after it was released, it's song you have to dig deep in your memory to recall. Rating: 7.5/10

"Someday" (1991) - This song was Mariah's first foray into the upbeat style of music. It's one of my personal favorites, mostly because it's an example of the passion and conviction critics say is lacking in Mariah's voice. Plus, its a really fun song to listen to. Rating 8.5/10

"I Don't Wanna Cry" (1991) - Mariah returned to ballads with "I Don't Wanna Cry", a song about giving up a love that is broken. This song is another perfectly fine ballad, with an amazing climax that truly wowed listeners. Yet again, however, there are far more memorable songs than this and her second #1, which makes one wonder whether Carey Fever drove this single to #1 instead of actual desire to buy.

"Emotions" (1991) - Mariah's first single from her second album Emotions was another dip into the dance genre. The song served two purposes: two prove Mariah wasn't a dreary balladeer and she could hit those stunning high notes like a pro. Both goals were met greatly. Rating: 8/10

"I'll Be There" (1992) - After "Can't Let Go" and "Make It Happen" failed to top the charts, there were worries whether or not Carey's popularity was dropping. Then, there were those pesky critics who claimed Carey's voice was fake and studio-influenced. To silence them and to prove her vitality as an artist, Mariah went on MTV Unplugged. When she performed the Jackson 5 classic, there were so many request, her record label released it as a single. It became her biggest international success worldwide at the time, and solidified Mariah's career. Rating: 8/10

Happy 1 Month Anniversary!

It's really hard to believe, but it has been exactly one month since I created this blog anD made my first post.

Since then, I have received 1,500 visits from nearly 50 countries all over the world. I have made 150 posts, 1 poll, and tons of sidebar features. It's been a lot of fun, and I am grateful to everyone who has read so far!

I hope everyone continues to enjoy my writing and comes back for more!

Thanks,

Brandon

(P.S., don't forget to check out my favorite links for some great websites!)

An Interesting Read....

http://jcole77.wordpress.com/2008/03/26/payola-chart-rigging-or-both-you-be-the-judge/

This blog post is about how Mariah Carey's record label "bought" next week's potential #1 "Touch My Body". I love Mariah, but John makes some good points.

I suggest reading it.

Special "Download": "Better in Time" by Leona Lewis

This separate "Download of the Day" is for a friend of mine who is going through a really rough time.

I think the UK press undersold this song. "Better in Time" is a great, uplifting song about recovering from a break-up. Sure, it may not have been the best choice for the "Sport Relief" charity single, but its a perfectly fine song. As usual, Leona is at her vocal best here. In fact, her chest voice is more apparent here than it is in "Bleeding Love". I have read things saying this song wouldn't be strong enough for an international follow-up to Leona's monster first single. Once again, undersold.

For US fans, the song will be available for download when the album is released on April 8th. If yo haven't pre-ordered your copy, please do so!

Rating: 8/10

To see the music video, Click Here

Here is a live version from UK show Dancing on Ice:

Congrats SOF Bulldogs!

As a special shout-out, I want to congratulate New York high school School of the Future's baseball team The Bulldogs on their first game and first win against the High School of Health Profession and Human Services yesterday. The Bulldogs won 8-0, with Tyler Scrima pitching a shut-out.

Sorry I couldn't make the game, but going from school to Inwood is WAY too far for me! See you guys at the next game on Wednesday!

A Special Friend Post

Here is a video made by one of my friends to be entered into the Heinz Commercial contest: