In the book Heaven is For Real the author Todd Burpo tells an astonishing story of his 4 year old son who takes a trip to heaven while he undergoes an emergency surgery due to the rupturing of his appendix. He restates the events his son experienced during his time with God. The author expresses the feelings he and his wife felt about these series of unfortunate events leading up to his sons surgery, and also tell in vivid detail his son’s stories about heaven and what he experienced.

Burpo uses factual information from the Bible in comparison to his son’s statements. When the little boy, Colton, travels to heaven he meets his miscarried sister. His parents never told him about her so using this information the reader can see that Colton could not have made that up.

Todd uses imagery to give the reader a vivid picture of the gates of heaven according to the Bible and to his son. Colton would always say “God loves kids, oh he loves them so much!”. In the bible it states several times how much God loves his children.

I think all of the evidence in the book is convincing and I do not doubt his experience. All of the information is factual and real. The author supports all of the events adequately throughout the book.

This book relates to other books of the same genre in many ways. Heaven is heaven and anyone who has traveled there and back can restate almost the same thing. In the book 90 minutes in Heaven a man “dies” for almost two hours when really during that time he is in heaven. He returns and one of the encounters he talks about is how brightly heaven is lit up when arriving.

Colton also talks about the light and how bright it is. This book gives christians sort of an insight of what life after death will be for us. It gives valuable information as well as strengthening christian belief. Anyone who has concerns and desires to better their belief should read this book to answer any unanswered questions.

Todd Burpo has no background of writing a book but I do not think it is really necessary for him to. He is restating the events that happened in his life leading up to his son’s traveling, which does not require him to be an experienced writer.

The purpose of writing this book was to deliver a message. The message I obtained from it was to never take life for granted and never question the works of the Lord, for He does everything for a reason. You never know what life is going to throw at you and you will not always be prepared. Heaven is for real strengthened my belief and taught me not to give up on life so easily. Down the road the sun will always be shining, just as it is in the book for the Burpo family. This book definitely achieved its goal to catch the readers attention to retrieve a better grasp on life.

Although it was quite a short book with only 145 pages, it gives great insight into the life of Dragon. If you have read the series you know that Dragon is the fencing professor at the  Tulsa House of Night and a world class Sword Master. This book goes back to show where he came from and and to help the reader understand Dragon’s entangled emotions and his recent acts in the last book “Awakened”. It shows his growing relationship with Anastasia, and really expresses a side to him that is not often seen.

I really enjoyed reading about Dragon and feel I know him a lot better and can see why he does some of the things he does in the books.

This is an amazing book and although I recommended reading the rest of the series before starting this one it is not entierly necessary.
Even if you haven’t read the series I would still HIGHLY recommend reading this novella.

During an interview with The Sun (UK newspaper) Chris Martin, the lead singer discussed the meaning of the album title, Mylo Xyloto’. “It is pronounced My-low Zy-letoe… at the moment it seems a bit ridiculous and I accept that. Something about it feels quite fresh,” Martin said. “The title doesn’t have any other meaning… we’re a band with a lot of history now so it’s nice to come up with something that doesn’t have any history at all.”

Mylo Xyloto was inspired by the 1970′s New York graffiti and the White Rose movement and it’s no coincidence that both are about young people embracing art in a time of turbulence. With an upbeat sound through out the album the lyrics tell the story of two protagonist living in an oppressive, urban society and meeting one another through a gang, and falling in love. It’s gritty and aberrant with a danceable vibe and meaningful lyrics. It’s a much needed breath of fresh air from all the songs we’re bombarded with on the radio now days about clubbing and what not.

There current single “Paradise”

Last night, I attended the midnight showing of Breaking Dawn, along with the other three movies starting at 4 p.m.. It was a really long process honestly, but we had like 30 minute breaks in between each movie. We were also free to come and go as we pleased, so it was a very relaxed atmosphere.

There wasn’t any drama about people taking other people’s seats during the marathon because as everyone in the world knows,  Twilight fans are the best. Every time Edward or Jacob came out on the screen for the first time in each film, the girls would go crazy. They would squeal, yell, or whistle.

It was obvious that boys are outnumbered, however, one boy decided to get back. The first time the audience saw Alice Cullen in Eclipse, one boy yelled “Whooo, Alice!” It was a funny moment.

So after we watched all three previous movies, took our potty breaks, and refilled our drinks, it was time for Breaking Dawn.

I was really excited for this movie. It had been awhile since a Twilight movie came out, and I was starting to feel a void. I’m kidding, but I was excited to see it.

There was a problem with screen, but they fixed it in a matter of minutes. Then the previews started!  Most of the previews were disappointing to me except for the new Snow White movie (also starring Kristen Stewart) and the new tear-jerker The Vow. Finally after having so many butterflies and extensive amount of screaming, Breaking Dawn began.

I’m not going to tell you what happens in the movie. This isn’t a spoiler!

Just know that it follows pretty closely to the book. The wedding was absolutely beautiful. I found myself smiling through most of with how the lovely setting and the humorous jokes told at the reception.

The honeymoon scene had to be toned down to maintain the PG-13 rating, but those scenes won’t let you down.

And the child-birthing scene, it’s graphic. It’s not nasty or anything, but there is blood. A lot. My friend’s mom and I all enjoyed the movie and are eagerly anticipating the next one. However, I have talked to a lot of people who weren’t happy with it.

They have said things like “it’s really far-fetched” or “too unbelievable.” Um, hello? The whole series has been about vampires and werewolves and you’re deciding this now? Whatever, negative Nancy.

I think anyone who has been a fan of the series all along will enjoy this movie. Anyone might find themselves get a little restless toward the end because things get kind of scary. The most important thing to remember is just to enjoy yourself while watching it.

And don’t leave after the movie is over. Stay for the credits because there is a little surprise for everyone!

So for those of you looking for ideas for something new and fun to do during your vacation time,  there are many points of interest in East Texas. Many families will enjoy spending quality time traveling the roads, learning backgrounds on little towns and cities, or just experiencing the adventures that East Texas has in store. Sites such as historical markings, Indian reservations, resorts, and many other places could be a chance to draw families together as they proceed onto their traveling journey.

As far as outdoor activities, there are several national forests located in East Texas. The Sam Houston National Forest has been rated as the top national forest in Texas. Hikers and bikers are free to travel through this site where features such as birds, many endangered species, and vivid action from wildlife that inhabit through out the forest.

Anyone interested in playing water sports, fishing, swimming or just cruising down miles of lake water can visit the most popular East Texas lake – Sam Rayburn which is the largest reservoir in Texas that is renowned for the entertainment of fishing and boating. And compared at normal pool, this huge lake is perfect for a cruise to enjoy the scenery and also a good cove for anchoring. There are also a couple restaurants on the lake where you can enjoy varieties of food. If you love the game of golf, there is also an excellent golf course at Rayburn’s Country Resort, which has 27 fun yet challenging holes.

Being the oldest town in Texas, Nacogdoches is a small town that is suited for walking tours but is also a common point of interest. There are many activities around for you and your family to enjoy time in this historical landmark. The Sandyland Bluegrass Reunion, always the 2nd weekend in May and the 3rd weekend in September, is a lovely treat for locals who love the enduring culture of dance. There is also a well know azalea garden, the Ruby Mize Garden, which has been proven to be the largest in Texas. Walking through the refreshing air you can enhance the acres of beauty with 6,500 azaleas and 180 different species of gorgeous butterflies.

Although most of these visit require a great amount of walking, overall it’s very well worth it to cover all of these exciting thrills. East Texas has a huge number of outstanding views, activities and adventures offered. Of course there is no other feeling like being at home and that is the exact warm feel that you will embrace as you travel the heart of East Texas.

The Book Club meets once a month where members express their opinions about the current book being read, turn in their individual assignments about the overview of the book, and receive their book for the next meeting.

Each member is allowed to keep the book they are given and all that is asked is $10 due upon joining the club. The club is sponsored by local businesses and book charities who purchased the books and provide snacks. Although members are allowed to keep the books, the librarians and some students decide instead to donate them to the library for others students to enjoy.

Currently the Book Club is reading The Dark Endeavor , a book about the life of Dr. Victor Frankenstein explaining his reasons and wants for building his monster.

“The books so far have opened my mind to branch out and try different kinds of books outside my comfort zone,” Tidwell said.

In April of 2010, a clip of a 12 year old Greyson Chance performing Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” at a choir event, had a mere 10,000 views on YouTube. A month later, on May 11, 2010, the video had caught the attention of a producer at the “Ellen Degeneres Show”, and created a spark that eventually became Dengeneres’ new record label, “eleveneleven.”

The now infamous performance went on to become YouTube’s #3 most popular video of 2010 and has recieved over 40 million views to date. It was only after Chance’s second guest appearance on “Ellen,” that Degeneres announced that she has signed Greyson as her first artist on her newly formed label(eleveneleven).

“Without Ellen, none of this would have happened,” Greyson said in an interview, “She’s been so supportive of my music from the very beginning, and has also become an amazing friend!”

The release of Chance’s new album, “Hold on ’til the Night” was recorded in Los Angeles with famed producers such as The Matrix (Christina Aguilara, Avril Lavigne, Jason Mraz, Britney Spears) and Billy Steinberg (Enrique Iglesias, Katherine McPhee, Miranda Cosgrove).

“Writing and recording this album has been such a fun and exciting journey!” Chance said, “I’ve put so much hard work into it and I can’t wait for the world to hear it. Its about overcoming fears but always powering through, I think it’s a message my fans will really relate to.”

Though Chance’s undeniable talent and theatrical voice will easily charm pre-teens and younger audiences, he will not catch the attention of older generations. His appealing lyrics about being in love and heartbreak (Unfriend You) are probably not anything he’s ever experienced in his lifetime. So if he can’t relate to his music, how does he expect his tween fans to? Chance has a unique voice that highly differs from that of Justin Bieber or Cody Simpson, but will need to step up his image and grow with age appropriate music before he catches an older audience.

I waited in line for 45 minutes at midnight just to get the newest installment in the Battlefield franchise, Battlefield 3. The game was released today at 12:01 and I’ve already had a good amount of time with the game.

Battlefield 3 gave me mixed feelings. The multiplayer is deep and engaging, but the campaign is short, linear, and it takes it self way too seriously.

It’s not that I didnt enjoy the stunning visuals, and the bone chilling sound of a bullet whizzing past my ear, but when I finished, I didn’t find myself missing the characters and longing to experience them again.

I finished the campaign, jumped into multiplayer, and never once thought back to the single player. That’s becuase the multiplayer in Battlefield 3 is one of the deepest and most engaging online experiences I’ve had since Call of Duty 4.

In fact, this may just be the best fps online experience I’ve ever played. The online is bigger and better than its predecesor Battlefield 2. Rush is by far my favorite game mode. In Rush, the objective is to capture (or defend) two objectives. Once you have captured these two objectives, another part of the map is opened up and two more objectives are available.

I really don’t know what to say about this newest Battlefield. The graphics are mind-blowing, the multiplayer is deep, but the campaign is slow and forgetable. But Battlefield is all about online, so a lacking campaign is not a huge deal. If your looking to pick up Battlefield and plan on playing multiplayer along with the campaign, then this game is well worth the $60 price tag; however, if you don’t have access to online, then you should probably pass on this game.

Over all I’ll rate this game 8.9/10 for it’s lack for a strong campagin.

Although time was running short, the Game of Gold struck gold this weekend after months of work and preparations.

“The kids did really well,” director Mark Keith said. “Time was running short, but they held in there and got the job done.”

Keith said that the nerves and pressure the audience provided really helped give the kids the extra motivation they needed.

“Everything changes as soon as an audience is present,” Keith said. “And the kids handled it really well.”

“I’ll admit I was pretty nervous,” Renkerna said, “But aside from the problems we had, it all came together in the end.”

Although this production  just ended, preparations for the next show have already begun.

“I wish all of the hard work was over,” said Keith, as the clashes and bangs of deconstruction and the looming thought of the upcoming musical auditions loomed the near feature.

“I’ll have a week to rest,” he said. “Then it’s right off to working on the musical.”

A record-breaking 122.4 million votes were cast for Scotty and runner-up Lauren Alaina, and the final show gained 29.3 million viewers while 38.6 million people tuned in to see the winner’s name announced.

Though the 17-year- old country singer always dreamed of having a career in country music, he never thought it could happen.

“I had never really given myself a chance.” McCreary said in an interview, “Idol gave me the chance and I ran with it. It’s what I wanted to do and I’m making a career out of it.”

Even at 3 years old, Scotty, who was born in Raleigh, N.C., and raised in Garner, N.C., was singing “The Muffin Man” to anyone willing to listen. And a few years later he was singing and repeating any spoken word he heard.

When McCreery was in pre-school, his gradmother introduced him to Elvis Presley with a book on The King’s music. His mother listened to artists such as George Straight, Reba McEntire and Lee Ann Womack, which all influence his sound.

“ “My music is obviously country and it has some old influences in it,” he says. “I grew up with Hank Williams and Conway Twitty. I listened to other artists like Tim McGraw and Josh Turner too, but I love a contemporary feel with an old soul in it.”

His debut single, “I Love You This Big,” earned the debut for a new artist’s first single on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart since at least 1984. The song hit the Top 20 in seven weeks, is one of the fastest-rising debut singles for a new country artist in history.