Farmingdale Library Teens

In November, Chef and TV Personality Mary Ann Esposito visited the library. One of our teens attended her visit and here's her report: On November 17, Mary Ann Esposito, a renowned chef who prepares various delights inspired by the irresistible flavors of Italy, made an appearance at the Farmingdale Public Library. She shares her delectable recipes on her nationally televised PBS series, Ciao Italia as well as her 12 cookbooks that fill the shelves of bookstores everywhere. Her most recent cookbook, Ciao Italia Family Classics, features over 200 recipes passed down by three generations of family cooks. Fresh off the presses, her newest treasure was seen in the grip of nearly 300 spectators, all who find inspiration in the traditional Italian dishes she prepares. The sense of nostalgia she offers is accentuated in Ciao Italia Family Classics and transports us back to the old days, when sweet smells diffused through the air from the kitchen, where grandma, clad in her festive apr

I am excited about two movies coming out next year, "The Hunger Games" and this one:

Celebrate the season with Teenreads.com's Sixth Annual Holiday Cheer contest and feature! From now through December 16th, you can enter to win a "Bundle of Holiday Reading and Fun." Five winners each will receive an assortment of books you'll want to read any time of year, along with tons of seasonal goodies: Peeps Marshmallow Snowmen, green rock candy, 12 peppermint candy canes, a Wilton Holiday Peppermint Bark Kit, Lotsa Lites! Flashing Holiday Necklace, and a snowman stocking. All you need to do is fill out the form, you can find it at Teen Reads Good luck!

If you are a student with a passion for improving your community, we would like to help you turn that passion into action. We are looking for leaders who are high school juniors and seniors in the US. As a Student Leader, you will participate in:           An eight-week paid internship at a nonprofit/charitable organization          A week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC (July) to gain valuable civic, social and business leadership skills (all expenses paid as part of the Student Leaders Program) To find out more information and apply, go to Bank Of America's site here .

The Grammy Nominations were announced recently. Here's a sample of some of the nominees: Album Of The Year: 21— Adele Wasting Light— Foo Fighters Born This Way— Lady Gaga Doo-Wops & Hooligans — Bruno Mars Loud — Rihanna Record Of The Year: “Rolling In The Deep” — Adele “Holocene” — Bon Iver “Grenade” — Bruno Mars “The Cave” — Mumford & Sons “Firework” — Katy Perry Best New Artist: The Band Perry Bon Iver J. Cole Nicki Minaj Skrillex Song Of The Year: “All Of The Lights” — Jeff Bhasker, Malik Jones, Warren Trotter & Kanye West, songwriters (Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi & Fergie) “The Cave” — Ted Dwane, Ben Lovett, Marcus Mumford & Country Winston, songwriters (Mumford & Sons) “Grenade” — Brody Brown, Claude Kelly, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, Bruno Mars & Andrew Wyatt, songwriters (Bruno Mars) “Holocene” — Justin Vernon, songwriter (Bon Iver) “Rolling In The Deep” — Adele Adkins & Paul Epworth, songwriters (Adele) Who

Here is a quick movie of the Angry Birds in action:

Last night, a group of teens created their own Angry Birds using yard to make pom-poms. We had a great time making them and then using our slingshot, playing the game. Here are the pictures:

For those of you who may have missed it, here's the official trailer for the Hunger Games movie:

Go to the People's Choice website  here to vote for this year's award. Here are some of the nominees: Favorite Movie Bridesmaids Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 The Help Pirates of the Caribbean : On Stranger Tides Transformers: Dark of the Moon Favorite Movie Actor   Daniel Radcliffe Hugh Jackman Johnny Depp Robert Pattinson Ryan Reynolds Favorite Movie Actress Anne Hathaway Emma Stone Jennifer Aniston Julia Roberts Reese Witherspoon Favorite Movie Icon George Clooney Harrison Ford Morgan Freeman Robert DeNiro Tom Hanks

Now's your chance to voice your literary opinion by voting for your favorite book trailer. The voting period has begun for the second annual SLJ Trailee Awards, recognizing the important role book trailers play in promoting books and encouraging reading. Six judges have narrowed down more than 75 submissions to four finalists in six categories. Check out the amazing trailers here and start voting for your favorites. The deadline for voting is December 16, 2011, 12 PM EST , and the winner will be announced at the American Library Association's midwinter meeting in Dallas, TX , January 20-24 . Enjoy the show!

I saw these surfing the net and thought I'd share for those of you still undecided what you are going to dress up as for Halloween: Halloween Costume Ideas

GRAMMY Camp Grammy Camp is the best summer music program ever. You get to spend more than a week living, breathing, eating, drinking music – with students from all over the country and music industry pros who know how it all works. You’ll meet guest artists, write and record new music, visit cool music sites, and finish strong with a final concert in a professional venue. And you’ll get really great GRAMMY Camp swag. Plus – financial assistance is available for students who need it. GRAMMY Camp 2011 had two summer sessions: GRAMMY Camp NY – August 2-8 – Converse Rubber Tracks Studio – Brooklyn Thirty-five high school students from all over the country descended on Brooklyn on August 2, 2011 for 7 days of total music immersion. GRAMMY Camp NY is hosted by Converse at its brand new “Rubber Tracks” studio in Brooklyn. Each student will come to Camp in a specific career field: Music Business & Production, Singer/Songwriter, or Performance – Instrumental or Vocal. Teams will be

School Library Journal uses teens from around the country (and in this month's case, right here on Long Island) to review books and music. I thought I'd share the latest music reviews: The Rip Tide , Beirut (Pompeii Records) Beirut's latest album, The Rip Tide , made its debut in the in the U.K. before coming to the United States. The well-known indie band made its mark with the 2007 album The Flying Club Cup . The Rip Tide features only nine songs, the equivalent of 33 minutes, and this defiantly small effort can easily go unnoticed. Listeners will sense Zach Condon's talent behind the compositions, but many tracks feel melancholy and at times sentimental. The two tracks that most reflect Beirut's very distinct sound, complete with fading horns and background acoustics, are "East Harlem" and "The Peacock." Other tracks to check out are "Santa Fe," "Goshen," and "Port of Call." Although at least one reviewer ha

The Trevor Project is determined to end suicide among LGBTQ youth by providing life-saving and life-affirming resources including our nationwide, 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline, digital community and advocacy/educational programs that create a safe, supportive and positive environment for everyone. Here's a sample of one of their many "It Gets Better' videos: To find out more about them, here's the link:  The Trevor Project

September 24 - October 1 is Banned Books Week  Banned Books Week is the only national celebration of the freedom to read. It was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. More than 11,000 books have been challenged since 1982. The 10 most challenged titles of 2010 were: And Tango Makes Three , by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson   The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian , by Sherman Alexie Brave New World , by Aldous Huxley Crank , by Ellen Hopkins The Hunger Games (series) , by Suzanne Collins Lush , by Natasha Friend What My Mother Doesn't Know , by Sonya Sones Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America , by Barbara Ehrenreich Revolutionary Voices edited by Amy Sonnie Twilight (series) , by Stephenie Meyer This year, for the first time, readers from around the world will be able to participate virtually in Banned Books Week, Sept. 24 – Oct.1. During this year’s cele

The JFK Library foundation invites US high school students to write an essay on an act of political courage by a US elected official who served during or after 1956. The first place winner will receive $10,000. The second place winner receives $1000. Up to five finalist will receive $500. For contest information, registration, and to submit your essay, go to JFK Library

In case you haven't seen it yet, here's the official trailer for Breaking Dawn Part 1

The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, identifies teenagers with exceptional artistic and literary talent and brings their remarkable work to a national audience through The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The Awards have an impressive legacy dating back to 1923 and a noteworthy roster of past winners including Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Richard Avedon, Robert Redford and Joyce Carol Oates. The Awards are an important opportunity for students to be recognized for their creative talents. Each year, the Alliance partners with more than 100 regional affiliates across the country to bring the program to local communities. Teens in grades 7 through 12 can apply in 30 categories of art and writing for the chance to earn scholarships and have their works exhibited or published. They should be announcing the information to apply for this year's awards soon. To find out more information, go to their website here:  Alliance for

In case you missed the VMA's Sunday Night, here's who won: VIDEO OF THE YEAR Katy Perry, “Firework” BEST FEMALE VIDEO Lady Gaga, “Born This Way” BEST NEW ARTIST Tyler, The Creator, “Yonkers” BEST MALE VIDEO Justin Bieber, “U Smile” BEST COLLABORATION Katy Perry featuring Kanye West, “E.T.” BEST HIP-HOP VIDEO Nicki Minaj, “Super Bass” BEST ROCK VIDEO Foo Fighters, “Walk” BEST POP VIDEO Britney Spears, “Till the World Ends” BEST VIDEO WITH A MESSAGE Lady Gaga, “Born This Way” BEST DIRECTION Beastie Boys, “Make Some Noise” (Director: Adam MCA Yauch) BEST CHOREOGRAPHY Beyoncé, “Run the World (Girls)” BEST VISUAL EFFECTS Katy Perry featuring Kanye West, “E.T.” BEST ART DIRECTION Adele, “Rolling in the Deep” BEST EDITING Adele, “Rolling in the Deep” BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY Adele, “Rolling in the Deep”

At the beginning of the Summer Readinb Club, I challenged whoever joined to read 350 books in the 6 weeks. Well, 143 of you read over 700 books. So, as promised, here's my pink hair:

I just came back from the end of Summer Reading Party and I wanted to share how it was. Eight girls joined me for delicious pizza at Bellagio's Pizza. After we filled up, we walked across the Airport Plaza Shopping Center for a radio station tour. There are four stations that operate out of this Plaza. 94.3 (94X), 98.3 (KJOY), 103.1 (B103), and 1100 AM all are aired out of this one building. The Promotions Manager Frank gave us a full tour of the stations, including a peek into a studio to see exactly how a radio station was run. We learned about the many jobs one can have working in a radio station and got to see all the offices and studios. It was a great tour and I want to thank Frank for having us and showing us around.

YALSA's challenging teens to create a photo version of their favorite books, and they could win a prize pack from Penguin or an e-reader preloaded with teen books! Entries will be judged by Jay Asher, 2011 Teen Read Week spokesperson. Any teen, or group of teens up to three, can enter the contest now through Oct. 31: Select a YA book Come up with a creative image expressing the book's title and ensure it meets the contest guidelines (PDF) Upload the photo or illustration to Flickr and tag it TRWcontest11 Enter as many times as you'd like! Five finalists will have their photos featured on the YALSA website and win a prize pack from Penguin Books for Young Readers that include signed copies of Jay Asher’s 13 Reasons Why as well as Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler’s The Future of Us. A winner will receive an e-reader preloaded with teen titles and will be featured on YALSA's blog and in a press release.

The 2011 Teen Choice Award aired on Sunday night. Her are some of the winners: MOVIES Choice Drama: Black Swan Choice Comedy: "Bad Teacher" Choice Romantic Comedy: "Easy A" Choice Horror/Thriller: "Paranormal Activity 2" Choice Action Adventure Movie: "Fast Five" Choice Sci-Fi/Fantasy Movie: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" Choice Villain: Tom Felton, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" Choice Liplock: Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" Choice Hissy Fit: Ed Helms, "The Hangover Part II." TELEVISION Choice Drama: "Gossip Girl" Choice Comedy: "Glee" Choice Action Series: "NCIS: Los Angeles" Choice Actress, Action: Linda Hunt, "NCIS: Los Angeles" Choice Sci-Fi/Fantasy: "The Vampire Diaries" Choice Animated Show: "The Simpsons" Choice Reality Show: "Jersey Shore" Choic

When J.K.Rowling’s new website launched a few weeks back, the press release promised that a limited number of fans would be granted early access to the site. Pottermore isn’t due to launch until October, but a contest was started on Sunday to let people win that early access. The contest is called Find The Magic Quill , and it’s fairly simple. A new trivia question will be posted every day this week on Pottermore, and the first few who find the answer and append it to the website address quill.pottermore.com/ will get a chance to sign up for Pottermore. The triva questions are posted once a day but they’re not posted at the same time everyday. Check out the site now: Pottermore

Voting is still open, so be sure to voice your choice and vote. You can vote once a day per category and you can vote for your favorite nominees until Friday, August 5th. Here's the link:  Teen Choice Awards

The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, commonly shortened to the Eisner Awards, and sometimes referred to as the Oscar Awards of the Comics Industry, are prizes given for creative achievement in American comic books. The winners were recently announced at this year's Comic-Con in San Diego. here are some of the winners: Best Single Issue (or One-Shot) Hellboy: Double Feature of Evil , by Mike Mignola and Richard Corben (Dark Ho Best Continuing Series Chew , by John Layman and Rob Guillory (Image) Best New Series American Vampire, by Scott Snyder, Stephen King, and Rafael Albuquerque (Vertigo/DC) Best Publication for Kids Tiny Titans , by Art Baltazar and Franco (DC) Best Publication for Teens Smile , by Raina Telgemeier (Scholastic Graphix) Best Humor Publication I Thought You Would Be Funnier , by Shannon Wheeler (BOOM!) Best Anthology Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard , edited by Paul Morrissey and David Petersen (Archaia) Best Digital Comic Abominable Charles

http://www.sonypictures.com/previews/movies/theamazingspiderman/clips/3638/ What do you think?

The count as of today is: 241! Read 109 more books and you've won the challenge!

The trailer for the movie Hugo Cabret was just released. Check it out:

The 2011 Primetime Emmy Nominations were recently announced. Here are some of the Nominees:  Drama Series: "Boardwalk Empire," "Dexter,"  "Friday Night Lights,"  "Game of Thrones," "The Good Wife,"  "Mad Men." Comedy Series: "The Big Bang Theory," "Glee,"  "Modern Family,"  "The Office,"  "Parks and Recreation,"  "30 Rock,"  Miniseries or Made-for-TV Movie: "Cinema Verite," "Downton Abbey (Masterpiece)," "The Kennedys,"  "Mildred Pierce," "The Pillars of the Earth," "Too Big to Fail,"  Actor, Drama Series: Steve Buscemi, "Boardwalk Empire,"  Michael C. Hall, "Dexter,"  Kyle Chandler, "Friday Night Lights," Hugh Laurie, "House," Timothy Olyphant, "Justified," Jon Hamm, "Mad Men,"  Actress, Drama Series: Connie Britton, "Friday Night Lights,

If you haven't joined the Summer Reading Club yet, you still can! I am challenging you all to read this Summer. If you read 350 books in the six weeks of Summer Reading, I will dye my hair pink for two weeks! As of today, the numberof books you've read is: 105! You are well on your way to meeting my challenge!!!!

The Teen Choice Award Nominees were recently announced. Here they are in case you missed it: Choice Music: Male Artist Justin Bieber Jason Derülo Cee Lo Green Enrique Iglesias Bruno Mars Choice Music: Female Artist Adele Lady Gaga Katy Perry Rihanna Taylor Swift Choice Music: Group Black Eyed Peas Far East Movement “Glee” Cast Selena Gomez & The Scene The Script Choice Music: R&B/Hip-Hop Artist Eminem Lupe Fiasco Nicki Minaj Pitbull Kanye West Choice Music: Rock Group 30 Seconds to Mars Foo Fighters Linkin Park OneRepublic Paramore Choice Music: Rock Track “Rope,” Foo Fighters “Waiting for the End,” Linkin Park “Sing,” My Chemical Romance “Good Life,” OneRepublic “Monster,” Paramore Choice Music: R&B/Hip-Hop Track “Run the World (Girls),” Beyoncé “Just Can’t Get Enough,” The Black Eyed Peas “Don’t Wanna Go Home,” Jason Derülo “I Need a Doctor,” Dr. Dre featuring Eminem and Skylar Grey “All of the Lights,” Kanye West Choice Music:

Draw & Create your own Transformer for a chance to win a poster & t-shirt Deadline is THIS Friday, June 24. Drop your creation at the Children's Desk. Come to the library on the 24th at 3:45 pm when a representative from paramount Pictures will be here to promote Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon.

Sparked is the world's first microvolunteering network. WHY MICROVOLUNTEERING?  At Sparked, it's our goal to offer *convenient* online volunteerism to you. We're driven to fit volunteerism into the same kind of time that you might normally spend on Facebook, Farmville, or Twitter. It's volunteerism for the digital age. We call it microvolunteering. WHAT'S IN IT FOR VOLUNTEERS? Sparked makes it easy for busy people to give back. It's an entirely *online* form of volunteering that allows you to lend your professional skills whenever and wherever you have time. Whether you've got 10 minutes at the bus stop or an hour after work - we've got a nonprofit "challenge" for you. Get started!

It's a bit late, but her's some info I've found about the recent E3 Conference: Sony's new portable PlayStation Vita game system offers unique and new features for a mobile game console that will take some getting used to. But once you get acquainted with the PlayStation Vita unique hardware and play games optimized for the console the game play is awesome. The successor to the PlayStation Portable looked promising -- a lush display, potent hardware, and a $250 price tag cemented its place as serious potential competition in the portable gaming space. The PlayStation Vita is a bit larger than expected. Taller than the PlayStation Portable it's replacing, the Vita is packing a 5-inch OLED screen, serving up bright, gorgeous color. On to the features: there's a gyroscope, a microphone, an accelerometer, a pair of cameras, two analog thumbsticks, a touchscreen, and a touch pad on the rear.  It was a bit disorientin

Due to some accidental deletions of e-mail, our former blog has disappeared and as of now, there's a slim chance of it getting retrieved. Trust me, I am more upset about it than you guys are! I wanted to let you know the new address and I'll be posted some fun stuff from the E3 Conference soon!