Ragtime puts on stunning preview

During the Award ceremony, many students were given rewards and honors for the many achievements they have done this year. These students entering their latest year of high school, have really proven why they will be highly regarded among the Cypress Bay Idol Alumni. But last night's ceremony also marked the students with a special preview of their latest high school production, "Ragtime."
Ever since the start of the new semester, our 85 AMT students have been hard at work putting together the most difficult show since Les Miserables. They sent fliers and adds to convince their school why they should come t0 their shows. They even blogged about their show on FaceBook and MySpace. To really persuade our fans, they decided to put on a special preview during the ceremony.
On this special night, the students of AMT performed their opening number, "Ragtime," featuring the entire cast of their new show. The cast put on an amazing performance, apart from certain times when they were off tempo or too early on their lines. None the less, the overall performance was simply stunning. The fans were amazed of the new talent taking the stand in their lead roles. From Damian Barra as Coalhouse, Jake Winn as Tahte, and Sam Salerno as Mother. Our students were even blessed with guest star performances by Dan Suarez as Booker T Washington, Bryce Lucas as J.P. Morgan, Jonothan Yepez as Henry Ford, and Brittany Rossoff as Evelyn Nesbitt.
These kids and dozens more have shown the audienve what to expect for next weeks' opening show. The cast is scheduled to perform tomorrow for a middle school audience from 8:45 to 12 pm. Be sure to tell all your friends and family about Ragtime & come support these hardworking students. Next week their performing four shows for their school & it will be the most challenging performances in their careers. Until then, we wish the entire cast one request: break a leg!!!

American Idol Update

8 weeks ago, there were 13 contestants who gave it their all to make it this far. Now only five contestants remain standing for the covenant grand prize. After 2 contestants sadly left last week, a new challenge was in store for our top 5.
In our eigth week of the competition, our contestants were asked to perform top songs from the Rat Pack era and were guest-mentored by Academy Award winner and musical artist, Jamie Foxx, former comedy actor now music sensation. The results show last night included performances by Natalie Cole, Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks and Jamie Foxx himself. The bottom three consisted of Matt Giraud, Kris Allen, and Adam Lambert. It was a surprise that these contestants would end up in the bottom three, despite all the votes they made for three of these contestants. Unfortunately, the next contestant going home was noneother than: Matt Giraud.
Matthew Scott Giraud, born May 11, 1985, is a dueling piano player from Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was born in Dearborn, Michigan, but was raised in Ypsilanti and graduated Lincoln High School in 2003. He played at clubs at Kalamazoo, where he also graduated from Western Michigan University. He released an album called "Perspective" in 2003 and another in 2006 called "Mind Body & Soul."
Matt Giraud auditioned for the eigth season of American Idol in Louisville, Kentucky. He was considered a judges' favorite in Hollywood, with Randy Jackson naming him among his "top 5" early favorites. During Hollywood week, he performed a Jackson 5 classic as part of a group called "White Chocolate," along with fellow contestant Kris Allen. He did not make the finals initially, but was brought back for the Wild Card show. The judges unanimously lauded his performance and he became part of the Top 13 {along with Anoop Desai, Megan Joy, and Jasmine Murray}. Giraud was also the first and only recipient of the new judges' save for his season on April 15, 2009.
After his Top 13 performance, Kara DioGuardi remarked "I hope we see you for many more weeks." On Top 11 night, his performance provoked Simon Cowell to state "I don't think you've had enough credit in this competition," and compared him to Michael Buble. On the night of the Top 8, Paula Abdul kept her compliments short {due to time constraints} on his performance, simply saying "Two words: Standing O." The next week, however, Giruad received poor reviews from Jackson and DioGuardi. The following night, the results revealed that he received the lowest amount of votes. However, for the first time in American Idol history, Giraud was spared from elimination from the judges utilized season 8's new twist. The consequence of this, for all the constestant, was a double elimination after the second Top 7 night. On that night, Giraud's performance received mixed reviews. Nevertheless, he survived the vote that week and even avoided placing in the Bottom 3. He was eliminated on April 29, 2009.
A new week dawns for the Top 4. Next week is rock week so the contestants really need to bring in their A-game for the next challenge. Both contestants who should be prepared are Kris Allen & Adam Lambert. It was shocking news for these contestants to be sent into the bottom three. Without a doubt it's been a first time for these two. Though Kris Allen put on a seemingly convincing number, he really needs to step up his game to stay in the competition. Fans of Adam Lambert were shock when Adam Lambert was in the bottom 2. Most of the fans were angry and shocked that Adam was in the bottom 2. Adam is without a doubt one of the most impressive contestants on the show & I personally felt he should not have been there. If he wants to avoid being in the bottom again, he needs to put in a stunning number for Rock Week.
Until then, I only have one thing to say for our top 4: break a leg!

How about them Marlins response

It can't be denied that the Marlins happen to be really improving for this season of Major League Baseball. After winning 8-1 over the Ravens, it would seem that the Marlins are merely one step close to winning the World Series. The World Series calls for the top two teams of the season & so far the Marlins seem to fit the bill.

It wouldn't be the first time that the Marlins have made it close to the World Series. They've actually won the World Series when everyone began to doubt them. To some baseball is merely a field of broken dreams. But for these Marlins their dream of becoming champions has been a reality. It just shows that with heart & dedication to the sport of you love, victory is always a rich reward.

Though it is too early to call as to who will reach the World Series, The Marlins clearly have a shot this year. Until I hear more about them, I just have one important thing to say to them: break a leg!

Friends or Not Response

Did you ever here the phrase "it's quality, not quantity, that counts?" A person should never have to feel alone, not while they have a friend who will stay by their side. A friend is someone who you can express your feelings toward & lean on for support. A friend is someone who will listen to you & understand the issue you have gone through in life. When I mean friends, I mean people who I can really count on.

Now this may sound silly, but I have made at least a few friends on YouTube. Like Myspace & Facebook, YouTube is a place where users not only watch videos but can talk to others as well. Most users are big time directors who are glad to listen to suggestions & ideas for movies. For some of my friends on that site they are people I can really express myself too. 

If there are any friends I can really talk to it's the kids of the DanDee Show, as well as Damian Barra. He may not run his own web show, but he's a good kid none the less. I've started knowing him ever since the tenth grade. Not only is he a splendid dancer, but he also has the ability to really get into the stage & visualize his surroundings as the setting of the show. He has been involved in many competitions & I have always stood by to support him. Who says friends on YouTube are hard to come by?

It matters not about how many friends you make on YouTube or any website. As long as they are the people you would be willing to talk to for awhile, then it's the quality time that counts. As long as your willing to take the time to express yourself openly & tell your friends how you feel about something. Friends are just the people you will always treasure in your memories & that's something that will always be saved. Until I hear more stories, break a leg!

Inflating Grades Response

Cypress Bay may be known for it's huge number of students, talented and hardworking, with a huge faculty to match. But no matter which high school you attend, you'll find it's always the same. The end of the year approaches & the kids are supposed to really work hard till the end of the year comes. Yet out of thousands of kids, only a few kids have shown their grades are dropping.

In my English class, none of the kids realize that Stoklosa means every word. The kids just don't focus hard enough & their constantly struggling. Most kids tend to slack off & care less about the work. When we work on our computers, I'll bet half the class don't know what to write so they copy form a person's best essay. The kids are constantly struggling, it's crazy! Even when a handful of kids work hard on their work, they find that no one else is willing to follow their example. It's rather sad but it's true.

If you though inflation in the community is bad, you should see the kids grades. It's like my class doesn't have the motivation to prepare for important dates. They claim they have hard time catching up to reading, only to discover that their not even trying to catch up. It's like the class really needs tutoring like from Sylvain in order to get better. I know not everyone in the class is poor, I just don't know who they are.

The end of the year approaches fast so I can only hope the kids can pull off a miracle before the end of the year. Kids are coming to school everyday with Cs & Ds when they should have As & Bs on their report cards. It's not like the kids are completely dumb; however, they really need to set their mind to the task at hand. Unless they change their ways, they'll be slackers for the rest of their lives. The world is not looking for slackers. We look for kids who are going to change our future, to build a better world & ultimately improve the country. If we can't rely on our new generation of kids, our world is doomed. That's why the kids really must work hard in order to reach the passing grades. Until then, break a leg!

Ragtime Progress

With Cypress Bay's play drawing closer & closer with each passing day, the audience is anxious to see how the play will turn out. About 85 talented kids auditioned for this show & they all got parts for the show. Some have been chosen as historic figures, while others were just negroes, immigrants, or members of New Rochelle. Casting has been long over & now we move to the most difficult part of production: REHEARSALS!!!!

I refuse to lie for Ragtime is without a doubt the most difficult show performed in Cypress Bay since Les Miserables. We're talking about songs where kids really need to push their vocals, dances that require quick timing & precision, and for the kids to stop acting like students & become these important characters. But being in the acting business myself, most kids just don't take it seriously.

Ragtime is probably the most important show in our lifetime & no one is taking this seriously. Most of my cast are either goofing off & talking about something unrelated. Some just babble away with no reason & simply forget a step or two. Heck no one even saves their voice for the real performance! Even Mrs. Lutwin has had a hard time keeping the class together, as the pressure began to get to her.

Unless the kids can get their heads in the game & focus, Ragtime will be harder than it should be. The kids really need the motivation to get into character & get with the program. The cast of Ragtime will need all the support they can give, including theater tips & one-on-one conversations. We know this cast will do a great performance, but they must prove that these difficulties will not stand in their way of greatness. It will be hard, but it may be the only way to insure a grand performance. Until then, break a leg.

American Idol Update "And Then There Were Five"

This latest week of American Idol was without a doubt the most important week for our American Idol Contestants. For the seventh week of the finals, the contestants were asked to perform songs from the "disco" category. Most of the contestants did their songs in their own way. Though not entirely disco, most of the contestants {including Adam Lambert & Danny Gokay} got the highest appraise in the group. 

But performing music from the disco age was not what made this week a big deal. This week, a great change has come to the contestants. 2 contestants with the lowest number of votes will leave American Idol. This action took place after the judges used their "save" to keep Matt Giraud in the competition. But this time, no one will be saved. Unfortunately for our contestants, the two unlucky ones were: Lil Rounds & Anoop Desai.

Lil Rounds once lived in Memphis, Tennessee, along with her husband and three children. Before she entered the competition, a tornado ripped through Memphis on February 5, 2008, severely damaging her mobile home and forcing the family to live in a motel. Her grandfather once worked with the music legend B.B. King . She says her dream mentor would be Stevie Wonder. 

Lil Rounds auditioned in Kansas City, Missouri. Although the judges have praised her vocal ability, judge Simon Cowell has raised concerns that she is brilliant even saying "you were even copying the way Tina Turner walks." After several performances, Vote for the Worst announced that they would support Lil Rounds for the duration of her stay. In the top 7, Rounds was later criticized with Simon Cowell saying, "you are not the artist we thought you were," while Paula Abdul said, "you could not have sung more beautiful lyrics; the road has been too long." However, none of their comments were based on Round's performance or vocals. As with the previous week, Rounds spoke back to the judges, chastising them for criticizing her even after she tried to follow their advice. On April 22nd, Lil Rounds was already eliminated with the lowest number of votes.

During his stay on American Idol, Anoop Desai credited his decision to audition to the death of a friend, Eve Carson, who was murdered. During the broadcast of the wild card round on March 5, 2009, he gave a "shout out" to his alma mater and mentioned Eve, as it was the one anniversary of her death. Desai rose to fame with his participation. He auditioned for the show on August 8, 2008 in Kansas City, Missouri, and was selected as a semi-finalist following his "Hollywood Week" performances. Anoop Desai became the farthest an Indian-American has made it on American Idol. Although he was not one of the three finalists chosen out of his semifinal performance group, he returned as a "wild card." The judges saved Desai for last on the Wild Card night and after announcing Matt Giraud has made it to the top 12, Simon Cowell than revealed the twist of Season 8: that Desai would also move onto the finals, making it a top 13. Unfortunately for the #13 superstar, Anoop Desai {along with Lil Rounds} was eliminated after Disco Week.

Disco week was a momentum of heart breaks & heartwarming performances. Some from the 60s who could still have the rhythm to perform the music that made them famous. The night also marked the occasion that David Archuleta returned for a special performance since the 7th season. 

Now only five contestants remain. With American Idol reaching it's end, who knows what will happen. Be sure to vote for your the artist you think deserve to win. One vote could ultimately mean the difference between victory & defeat. Until then, break a leg!

Prom Response

The Senior Prom is without a doubt the most important tradition in a student's life. Just before the seniors leave to make their futures, they are gathered on one grandest night to celebrate with a traditional dance. A tradition that has been around since the beginning of time. All the seniors commerate this occasion & arrive to the auditioreum in style. They arrive in dlick limosines, walking down the aisle with their fancy attires, a bougeut of flowers in one hand and their prom date in another. The prom is a time for seniors to come together & celebrate on the most memorable night in their lives.
But the most important tradition of all is the corination of the Prom King & Queen. Undoubtedly, it's the highest honor that a senior student can receive, greater than a class ring or senior portrait combined. The moment the announced seniors walk out that auditoreum, they are leaving in royal fashon. The Prom Night is a moment where dreams are made, love sparks the evening, and the party never ends.
As my senior year draws closer and closer, I can expect such a honored occasion and various senior traditions. With most of my classes already taken and required, my senior year will allow me to experience what makes that year so memorable. To dance in that auditoreum, with the girl of my dreams in my hands, knowing that prom night is the night that always be with me in my heart. The Prom is something that I will first take notice the moment I officially grasp my senior year. Until then, I only have one thing to suggest for myself: break a leg!

Suggestions Response

You know, I'm going to lie. I've always been the one who's spent time making suggestions. Never thought I hear one from another, especially a teacher. A teacher who has shown us a neat way of educating the subject of English. She doesn't just gives us a paper on the changes of America or the Salem Witch Trials. She finds that it would be easy to learn by reading various stories based on the subject we are taught.

By reading the point-of-views from each author, we learn how one particular event changed the lives of the characters, for good or worse. We learn about the hardships they endured, the injustice displayed upon the innocent, and how the road to the American Dream is a difficult quest to follow. Any teacher can give us a list of vocab words to memorize or teach us about literary terms an author uses. But when we read the stories, we're not just learning words or terms. We are reliving the history & the events from each page in the book.

With summer almost near, I cannot lie. This experience was actually a neat one this semester. I've always loved to spend the afternoons reading stories of fantasy & science-fiction. But these stories represent the history of our world. The people who struggle to fulfill their dream, who died for their cause, and the events that memorized the imagination of our ingenuity. The next year in school lies unknown for most students. Some will graduate to create their futures, while others have a few years remaining. Next year is full of possible; no one knows what lies ahead for our minds to face. Until then, for all the students who have worked with Stoklosa, break a leg!

Mister Roberts comes to PPTOPA

If you read the title, you heard correctly. This summer, PPTOPA prepares for it's latest play entitiled "Mister Roberts." Based on the novel by Thomas Heggen in 1946, the title character, a Lieutenant Junior Grade naval officer, defends his crew against the petty tyranny of the ship's commanding officer during World War 2. Nearly all the action takes place on the backwater cargo ship, the USS Reluctant that sails, as written in the play, "from apathy to tedium with occasional side trips to monotony and ennui." 

Heggen based his novel on his experience aboard the USS Virgo in the South Pacific during World War 2 and began the book as a collection of short stories. It was subsequently adapted as a play, a feature film, a television series, and even a television movie.

Auditions for the play is taking place this summer at Pembroke Pines. Anyone unfamiliar with the play, you can find the film at any of your local video stores or even your local library. PPTOPA has been known to bringing the fans the most collaborated stage shows in Broward. Once you set foot on that stage, it will become the adventure of a lifetime. Until then, break a leg!

American Idol Update

This week's episode of American Idol was full of surprises for fans worldwide. In Week six of the Season 8 finals, our 7 finalists came face-to-face with legendary film director, Quentin Tarantino. This award winning film director/actor mentored the finalists in their renditions of songs from the greatest films of all time. Most of the competition pulled off award-winning performances, while others faltered under the pressure. 

Ryan Seacrest, host of American Idol, presented the bottom three to be: Anoop Desai, Matt Giraud, and Lil Rounds. After Anoop was rescued from the bottom three, Matt Giraud was revealed to be the contestant with the lowest number of votes this week. After singing once more, Matt Giraud was surprised when the judges chose to use their 'save' to keep this soulful contestant in the competition. However, tensions rises as we move on to "Disco Week." But this time, 2 contestants will be eliminated next week.

If anyone should be worried about elimination, it's the bottom three contestants. The judges can only use their 'save' once in the competition. Because they used their 'save' for Matt Giraud, they can no longer save any contestant facing elimination. These three superstars must find the right music & a song that will give them the most votes. There is more on the line next week, so our contestants must prepare for the funkiest, disco weeks of all time. 

This week's show also brought in Grammy award winner & former American Idol contestant, Jennifer Hudson, and television/music youth, Miley Cyrus. Both artists put on a smashing performance that night. Most of the appluase granted to Jennifer Hudson, who starred in the hit musical "Dreamgirls." Big things are happening this season & who knows what we can expect during disco week. Until then, break a leg.

American Idol Update

Last week's episode of American Idol called for something unique for our 8 finalists. Each contestant would perform a song from the year they were born. Most of the songs came from the late 80's, to a standing ovation from the crowd. Some have made the grade, while others took the fall. The bottom three that night were revealed to be Anoop Desai, Scott MacIntyre, and Lil Rounds. Out of the 8 contestants that night, these three were the most disappointing during the performace. Unfortunately, Scott MacIntyre received the lowest number of votes and was not saved by the judges.
Scott Douglas MacIntyre {born June 22, 1985 in Scottsdale, Arizona} is an American singer, sognwriter, and pianist. MacIntyre is visually impaired, and while not completely blind, he suffers from tunnel vision and has only a two-percent field of vision, both due to Leber's congenital amaurosis.
It is later revealed that Scott produced his first CD when he was eleven, and he has recorded five more CDs since then. In 2000, at the age of fifteen, he made his orchestral debut as he performed with the Phoenix Symphony as a guest piano soloist. In 2002 he competed in, and won, the Butterfield Young Artist Competition at ASU. In 2008, Scott won the VSA Arts 2008 Young Soloists Award. He recently has been accepted to both Oxford and Cambridge University for further graduate-level education.
Scott MacIntyre auditioned for the eighth season of American Idol in Phoenix, Arizona. As of this year, MacIntyre is the first visually-impaired finalist on the show to get to Hollywood. Scott MacIntyre was eliminated on April 8, 2009 becoming the eighth place finalist of American Idol. We give him our best wishes in the music industry. He may not have won this year; however, big things are happening for him.
This week, our seven remaining finalists have a big task ahead. The two contestants who should really be prepared are Anoop Desai & Lil Rounds. Anoop Desai has been in the bottom 3 2xs in a row. He has been in the bottom 2 TWICE in 2 weeks. If Anoop doesn't improve this week, he's only one step close from being eliminated. Last week marked the first time Lil Rounds has been in the bottom 3. The fans are letting her know what they really thought of her performance. She really needs to step up on her game & find a song that will work to her advantage. Becuase she's not exactly the best singer out of Jennifer Hudson & Fantasia.
Until tonight's episode, all I can say is: break a leg!

HIdden Picture Response

Remember when I mentioned writer's block in my last blog? I've been scrolling through several blog sites looking for something to respond, until I found this picture in one of my searches. According to the guy who posted the picture, it's a way of relaxing for the holidays especially Spring Break.

Spring Break is only 24 hours away and already students are planning a full week of chilling out and having fun. I haven't seen kids this excited about no school time, since last summer. Spring Break is that time of the year to hunt for Easter eggs with your families, going out to parties,  go over a friend's house for the afternoon, or just lie in bed and read a book. You can even spend the evenings blowing bubbles, like in the picture.

A picture speaks a thousand words, but I see two words in that picture: SPRING BREAK!!! Even guys like myself look forward to a little vacation every now and then. At least with all the free time for a week, it will give me a chance to find new ideas for blogs. I can spend afternoons watching a few movies or hanging out with my pals. On evenings, I can spend family night and do stuff together in our most joyous of moments. Spring Break will give us a chance to get together and just chill out {at least until Monday of course}. 

A word of advice for all students. Time flows like an ocean in a storm, it never stops moving. So spend your time wisely and start making plans. No one likes to hear students talk about how they spent their vacation bed-ridden {it's very boring}. At least now and then, plan something exciting in your life. Get out of the house and do something fun. The greatest moment in your life you refuse to forget. Until monday, break a leg.

Anything Response

Do you ever had this feeling when you write a blog or an essay? You have a topic of what you want to write about, but you can't describe it well? That's a typical problem in writing papers: WRITER'S BLOCK!!! It's a curse when kids try to write a paper. They have the idea, they just can't plan it out.

Even guys like me get that feeling every now and then. I have about a million topics to write about for a blog, but I never seem to find a way to put it together. That's why I always write my ideas in little notebooks, so I won't let writer's block affect me. If I never need an idea, I just flip through the book and scroll down the list. It's a simple way of fighting writer's block, especially for students looking to get into journalism. The minute you have an idea, jog it down in a journal or whatever notebook you have. That way, even if you can't remember, the book will.

So remember, every curse can be broken. Writer's block is easy to control, as long as you never forget your ideas. There's always going to be a lot of editing with your ideas; however, the topic never dies. As long as you got that idea strong, there is nothing you can't imagine. Until I hear another story from you, break a leg.

Relaxation Response

Someone one mentioned that we don't seem to relax enough. Take me for instance. I know most of the time on weekends and holidays, I'm never the kind of guy who likes to settle down. I'm always getting off my feet with an urge to get out and do something. It's not that I wouldn't enjoy lying down in bed for awhile; I just always feel like doing something.

Even when there's nothing to do or nothing planned, I'm always trying to do something. Instead of just laying around staring at the wall, I can be reading a book or walk on a tread mill. Play on my Wii system once in awhile or even blog on my computer. At least I'm doing something or at least make plans for myself. In fact, just one phone call and I would be over at a friends house having fun.

But someday, maybe there will come a time to settle down. It's not the most exciting course of action for any day, I hardly enjoy it. But just kicking back and relaxing is like allowing a computer to charge or a cell phone. Instead of overworking the system, give it time to charge and just relax. 

Mrs. Stoklosa is right about relaxation, we don't have enough of it. Let nature take it's course, chill out for awhile, and even fluff that pillow a bit. take a chance to reboot, and you'll be well rested for a new day. Just don't spend your time like a couch potato because that's just being lazy. Until next time, break a leg.

American Idol Update

This week on American Idol, our top 9 finalists had to sing one of Itunes top 100 songs. Our contestants did a fair job performing some of the songs, though most of the competition didn't really pull through at all. Our bottom three contestants that same week were Anoop Desai, Allison Iraheta, and Megan Joy. While their performances weren't exactly terrible {except Joy's}, their songs failed to impress the judges that same night. Ironically, this wouldn't be the first time Allison has ended up in the bottom three. But the contestant going home that night with the lowest number of votes was: Megan Joy.

Megan Joy Corkrey is a singer from Sandy, Utah who came to American Idol as a graduate from Taylorsville High School in Taylorsville, Utah. Joy auditioned for the eighth season of American Idol in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is known for her good looks, strange dance moves, quirky personality, unique voice, and a fairytale sleeve tattoo. Judge Kara DioGuardi  has described her as "having a way of putting her signature on everything she does." DioGuardi mentioned on an appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" that Megan Joy was one of her two favorite singers in the competition, and Simon Cowell has also expressed numerous times that she is one of his favorites.

Megan Joy was voted off on the April 1 show. Upon being sent into the bottom three before being eliminated, Megan squawked like a bird as she made her way into her seat, prompting laughter from the other contestants. As an aside,  she also stated that she didn't care that Simon Cowell had not liked her performance on the previous evening. Cowell later announced that the judge's panel would not save her and thus her encore performance of "Turn Your Lights Down Low" would be her "swan song" on the show. Joy had never been in the Bottom 3 prior to her elimination. 

Now another contestant has left and then there were 8. These 8 finalists have now made it to sing for at least another week. There's no guarantee that their luck will hold since the show votes based on audience.  But if any contestant should be more prepared next time are Anoop Desai and Allison Iraheta. In order to stay in the competition they must pick the correct song, a song that they will feel most comfortable. Otherwise, the next time they are sent to the bottom 3, neither of them will be lucky. For luck is like a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a chocolate coating, sprinkled with mint, and topped with strawberries... it don't last forever. Until next week, break a leg.