Newsletter

Over Spring Break, I, motivated by reading the "Idiot Nation" chapter in Michael Moore's Stupid White Men, decided to compile a newsletter that I'm going to "distribute" around my high school. By "distribute", I of course mean tape to walls and keep underground for as long as possible. I named it after this blog and filled it with information about the TEA Party, the earthquake/tsunami in Japan and where to donate money, Project H2O, our dependence on oil, and a book that I love reading called The Gospel According to Larry.

The Constitution allows me to do this, as long as my material isn't too vulgar or controversial.

This means ANYONE can start an underground newsletter or website! ..

Magazine Analysis IV coming soon. I have the next issue; I've just been slacking off.

And in case anyone actually reads the newsletter and comes here because he or she is curious about the author's identity:

I won't be signing my name to the newsletter for the same reason I chose to remain anonymous when the Tribute to Emily Dickinson poem was published in the Mustang Corral; I want the focus to be on the message and not who wrote it.

Courtesy in the Midwest . . . and everywhere else

There was just a story on the news about a man in Minnesota who dropped to the floor in the store due to a heart attack. The only other customer began applying CPR. She called and alerted two people from a store across the street, who took over when she got too tired. They notified more people, and eventually there were over two dozen people in line waiting to administer CPR when the person in front of them became too tired. This continued for over 90 minutes before his pulse returned. The paramedics arrived, the man was taken to the hospital, and is now healthy.

When Gabby Giffords was shot, people worked together to pin the gunman to the ground and wrestle the gun out of his hand.

A while ago, a woman attempted to whack the gun out of a person's hand with her purse when he was holding school administrators at gunpoint.

And at school a few days ago, a girl dropped her binder and some guy immediately retrieved it and handed it to her.

Change is happening!

By the way, what do you think about Scott Walker's attempts to balance the budget?

Magazine Analysis III

March 2011 issue of Seventeen magazine

Trends that I would never see at school: 0 (Again with Katy Perry's ad)

Items $100-$199: *3 prom dresses from Macy's for $129*, 1 necklace by Lenora Dame for $162, 1 tote by LeSportsac for $125, 1 pair of Sperry shoes for $165, 1 pair of Frye shoes for $108, 1 pair of Asos shoes for $160, 1 jumper from Rachel Rachel Roy for $129, 1 pair of Dr. Martens shoes for $110, 1 pair of Rachel Rachel Roy shoes for $139, 1 Lenora Dame pearl necklace for $105, 1 Morgan dress for $130, 1 Colette Malouf hair clip for $105, 1 Pono bangle by Joan Goodman for $150, 1 Stoney Clover Lane bracelet for $100, 1 flatiron for $130 and *prom dresses from Dillard's; 3 for $189, 2 for $159, 2 for $169, 1 for $199, 4 for $179, and 1 for $119*

Items $200-$299: *Dress from Dillard's for $219*, 1 Jessica McClintock dress for $236, and 1 Laundry dress for $270

Items $300-$399: 1 Xcite dress for $308

Most expensive item: 1 Black Label dress for $398

Total number of pages: 180

This magazine also had an ad to "be nice being someone's back" which was sponsored by a Facebook group called "meanstinks" and an ad to stop saying "that's so gay". It also had DIY hair tricks and a new cover layout. The cover model was Miranda Crosgrove, whom I believe to be a very good role model.

* = these items were found in ads

Due to the overwhelming number of expensive items found in ads, they will be exempt from the count.

Total items $100+ not counting ad items or the flatiron: 18
Total with: 38, but this numer will not be used for the final evaluation

Average: 1 item $100 or more every 10 pages

Last issue: 1 item $100 or more every 6.55 pages

Improvement over last time? YES

My Letter to the Incoming Congress

To the 112th Congress:

Welcome to the White House! No doubt you are as excited to finally arrive at Capitol Hill as the majority of voters are to see you there. With your arrival the House will be controlled by Republicans and we will also have a Republican Speaker of the House. Also, for the first time in history, members of the TEA Party will be able to further make their voices heard. So many of you have never held an elected office, and I think that is a breath of fresh air among so many career politicians.

In reference to your two-week agenda, I believe that the successful completion of those items will lead to a brighter future and major changes. That fact that you have a plan of action is impressive in itself, but for items such as "cut spending" to be on it is that much more rewarding. Like many Americans, I have watched a few of your interviews with Diane Sawyer. The way you conducted yourselves is highly commendable and your ideas represent the middle-class viewpoint that gets lost so often in political "business as usual".

I would like to encourage you to pursue some matters that also require immediate attention. Granted, I do not expect change tomorrow, but they are things that I would change if I were given the opportunity. First, I will offer the idea that a new bill should be created preventing Congress from spending money it doesn't have. Second, I would appreciate removing over ninety percent of our troops from around the world. Someone appears to have convinced us that we are the "World Police", and this is simply not the case. Finally, a plan of action fighting against obesity should be created. One in three Americans is overweight, and this reflects poorly on our ability to educate people. I propose that commercials encouraging healthy foods be implanted, gym memberships be made more accessible and affordable, and nutritional standards be created for every major fast food restaurant.

Again, I welcome you to the White House and appreciate the changes that your arrivals have brought to Capitol Hill. I look forward to observing your actions and the steps you take to correct the crumbling state of our country. You surely have the right ideas.

Best regards,

Katheryn

Magazine Analysis II (Happy New Year)

February 2011 issue of Seventeen

Trends I would never see at school: 0 (Although I did make a disparaging face at Katy Perry's advertisement for her "Purr" perfume)

Items $100-$199: 1 pair of shoes from Laundry for $119, 1 jacket from Guess for $108, 1 pair of sneakers from Nike for $105, 1 jacket from Buffalo David Bitton for $100, 1 necklace from Sequin for $128, 1 pair of sneakers from Skechers for $109, 1 pair of shoes from Jeffrey Campbell for $134, 1 Pono necklace by Joan Goodman for $165, 1 pair of jeans from Adriana Goldschmeid for $159, 1 bracelet by Marc Jacobs for $198, 1 pair of boots from BBCGeneration for $169, 1 shirt from Topshop for $180, 1 pair of shoes from Sam Edelman for $170

Total: 13

Items $200-$299: 2 pairs of boots from Boutique 9; 1 for $200 and 1 for $225, 1 Coach bag for $228, 1 See sweater by Chloe for $275

Total: 4

Most expensive item: 1 bag from Rebecca Minkoff for $330

Total number of items $100 or more: 18

Number of pages: 118

Average: 1 item $100 or more every 6.55 pages

Last issue: 1 item $100 or more every 7.42 pages

Improvement over last time? NO

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I also have an addition to the list of Things I Would Do If I Were President.

11.) Sign a new law: Any runway model's BMI must be within the healthy weight range. Exceptions will be given if it is apparent that the extra weight is muscle.

I don't know about you, but I'm tired of seeing models who look like they haven't eaten in two weeks. Are they TRYING to encourage teenagers to develop anorexia? From now on, if a model is not an accurate representation of a healthy person, then he/she cannot be in the show.

P. S. "Curvy" and "overweight" are vastly different. "Curvy" people can be in the show. Again, the aim is to represent HEALTHY people.

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Happy New Year! I've got a good feeling about 2011. First, the last episode of the last season of "Hannah Montana" aired last night. Finally! Little kids will stop watching completely unrealistic shows and educate themselves about the real world!

Second, Demi Lovato has landed herself in rehab. That means Disney can't air her show, either. "Sonny With A Chance" is almost as bad as "Hannah Montana". Little kids don't need to be dying their hair black and wearing gaudy makeup.

Third, the newly elected officials start working on Monday! Change is imminent!

And lastly, I've got some great resolutions for anyone who wants to contribute:

1.) Print out these stickers: http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/must-read/spread-the-word-capitalism-did-this and put them in front of any foreclosed buildings.

2.) Search around the Internet, find some thought-provoking quotes, cut them out, and paste them around your school. I was able to find such gems as: "Everyone thinks of changing the world but no one thinks of changing himself", "Get involved! The world is run by those who show up", "World first, self second", "You get what you give", and "No one is free when others are oppressed".

3.) Start a club at school. Could be about anti-egotism, anti-materialism, anti-consumerism, pro-vote, community service, free speech, etc. Or start a feminist club! The possibilities are endless here.

4.) Get involved in your school or community. Have the Book Club read "Dude, Where's My Country?", write letters to the editor of your local paper, suggest that your pastor have a second collection for children in Africa . . . anything you can think of!

5.) Get the word out! Web sites, blogs, Facebook posts, and Twitter posts are golden opportunities to do this. Posts about anti-egotism, links to such web sites, and suggestions to improve the quality of life in this country can travel a long way in cyberspace.

Feel free to contribute more ideas!

Good luck! Keep spreading the message!

Katheryn

P. S. I dare anybody to do an analysis of Cosmopolitan magazine ;)

Things I Would Do If I Were President

1.) Sign a new law: The government (and its representatives) are not allowed to spend money they don't have. You either get your money from the treasury, set up an installment plan, or pay for it out of your own pocket.

This means that spending billions of dollars for a bank bailout when the country is already $13 trillion in debt would be illegal.

2.) Sign a new law: If someone is not old enough to vote, they shouldn't have to pay taxes.

3.) Sign a new law: Every presidential candidate will receive the same amount of money to fund their campaign. No one gets more, no one gets less.

4.) Sign a new law: Buying votes is now illegal.

5.) Sign a new law: State representatives MUST vote according to the people.

What's this business of Al Gore losing to George W. Bush? The former got more votes from the PEOPLE and yet the latter goes to the White House because of politicians voting according to their own agendas. I thought representatives were supposed to represent the PEOPLE.

6.) Pull 99% of the troops out of Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam, and wherever else we are.

We are not the world police. Plain and simple. Plus, war is expensive. If a country is being terrorized by Osama and needs help, THEN we'll fight. Not before.

7.) Repeal the Patriot Act at once.

The Patriot Act basically says that, once a "national security letter" has been received, the FBI can openly search your e-mails, medical records, banking records, tap your phone lines, track your consumer records, and even go into your house, search through your stuff, and are not required to tell you that they have been there.

Since when is the ordinary citizen the enemy?

8.) Sign a new law: All of the fine print at the end of ads for credit cards, diet pills, insurance companies, etc. must now be presented in large, highly visible text and left there for at least 5 seconds.

Now, the person who would've called a company for help paying his/her credit card bills will be able to see the "Starting interest rate of 90%" that would've been hidden in the fine print.

9.) Sign a new law: It is now illegal for the media to make up news reports.

That is not to say that the media cannot make comments about the story. The purpose of this law is to promote truth in the media. For example, I heard a story about a gun "misfiring" and killing someone. However, any marksman knows that a "misfire" is when a bullet is NOT fired when the trigger is pulled. This law would ensure that all of the so-called "facts" are accurate.

Sattire shows like "The Daily Show" would still be legal since they only make up stories for comedic purposes.

10.) Sign a new law: If you want to join the military and are able to pass the necessary tests and requirements, you can serve. It doesn't matter if you're black, white, male, female, gay, straight, rich, poor, or what race you are. The military will now be open to everyone.

Other matters I'd look into:

1.) Research solar power
2.) Research and perfect stem cell transplants (in case you haven't heard, they can cure HIV/AIDS)
3.) World alliance against al Qaeda/Osama . . . good idea or not?
4.) Research any methods available that could provide clean drinking water to everyone in the USA. Then teach other countries what we've learned.
5.) Biological weapons . . . okay or not?
6.) Research any methods that will discourage people from eating fast food on a daily basis
7.) Research any methods to further promote racial, ethnic, gender, etc. diversity in schools
8.) Debate topic for Congress: If someone leaves his/her home unlocked and it gets burglarized, should the insurance company be required to reimburse those lost items?
9.) Meet with everyone in charge of MTV and have them promote shows that show realistic situations and promote free thinking, diversity, common sense, responsibility, etc.
10.) Clamp down on factory farming

What do you think? What would YOU do?

Merry Christmas!

P. S. On Dec. 24 (yesterday) all of the news reports on Good Morning America were positive. Kudos to you, GMA!

Magazine Analysis

Wouldn't you know it; I've got another little experiment. Well, not so much "experiment", as it's only a one-time thing, but still.

Let's call this "an inspection".

I've been subscribed to Seventeen magazine for a while now. My new issue arrived a couple days ago, but something had changed. The clothes actually looked presentable, the advice columns were valid and believable, and all of the silly IM talk (i. e. OMG, TTYL, deets, totes, etc.) was at a minimal level. I made it through the whole magazine without laughing in disgust and/or scoffing in disbelief!

So let's do some investigating, shall we?


Analysis of the Dec/Jan 2011 issue of Seventeen magazine

Number of pages: 141

Items/trends advertised that I would never see people wearing at my school: something called a "sweetheart jumpsuit" and a trend that involves gluing rhinestones underneath the lashline of your eyes for "instant sparkle".

Items $100-$199*: 1 pair of topshop booties for $190, 1 necklace from Kay's for $130, 1 Lord & Taylor jacket for $158, 1 pair of over-the-knee boots from Jessica Simpson's clothing line for $169**, 1 pair of Annona boots for $119**, 1 pair of booties from Rachel Rachel Roy for $169, 1 cardigan from topshop for $160, 1 pair of earrings from Ben-Amun for $120, 1 bar from Diesel for $170, 2 silver bracelets from Lee; one for $110 and one for $100, 1 watch from tommy Hilfiger for $115, and 1 pair of topshop heels for $135

Items $200-$300: 1 Whitney Eve skirt for $200, 1 pair of shoes from Report Signature for $225, and 1 pair of cargo pants from J Brand for $231

Most expensive item advertised: a pair of shoes from L.A.M.B for $245

*One item was a gaming console and those are usually expensive, so it's exempt from the count. Another item was a curling iron for $160.
**These items were found in ads for Macy's.

Total number of items $100-$199: 11, not counting the items found in ads, the gaming console, or the curling iron.

Total number of items $200-$300: 4


I've got to say, those numbers aren't too bad! I went paging through an old issue of Seventeen and easily found a pair of shoes for over $300.

My main problem with these prices are: Magazines like this are targeted at teenagers. Normally, we don't make enough money to be spending it on expensive clothes! We shouldn't spend it on expensive clothes to begin with, but we dont need magazines encouraging us to do it.

I'm not sure what it is, but somebody's doing something right and there is evidence of change in a lot of places. First my chair experiment, then the outcry over the full-body scans at airports, and now this, not to mention the election results.

Whatever you guys are doing to minimize egotism, materialism, and greed, keep doing it!!