harry potter vs. twilight.

PLOT

Harry Potter: The series have 7 books, which gives them more time to develop an interesting and well-thought plot. Each of the books has their own plot, but they all follow Harry in his quest to defeat Voldemort. The plot is unique and highly detailed; Jo hardly misses a beat throughout the novel, making careful note to tie all the novels together.

Twilight: While the idea of a vampire falling in love with a human and not wanting to suck her dry could have been interesting, Stephenie’s lack of storytelling abilities doesn’t allow that to happen. The books seem to be all about the same thing: Bella and Edward’s rocky and masochistic relationship. There are a few subplots, but even those aren’t interesting enough to make the books bearable.

AUTHOR

JK ROWLING: Jo is one of the best author’s of our generation. It’s not because she has the eloquent language of the classic authors, but it’s because of her ability to tell a story. She created a masterpiece in that coffee shop over ten years ago, by simply telling a story about an orphan boy who becomes a wizarding hero. Her fantastic mind came up every detail of the series; she knows more about Harry’s world than we, as fans, could even imagine. That, my friends, takes talent.

STEPHENIE MEYER: Despite going to college for an English degree, Stephenie obviously didn’t learn a thing. There are many grammatical errors throughout the books, as well as terrible descriptions and dialogue. I will admit, she has the ability to draw a person in, but she isn’t able to keep the attention because of her terrible writing abilities.

CHARACTERS

HARRY POTTER:

-Main Characters: Harry, Ron and Hermione make up one of the best trio’s in literary history. They each bring something to the table, and deliver throughout the series. Harry shows us constantly that just because someone is considered a hero, doesn’t make them any less human. He makes mistakes, he gets scared, but he is still a great hero to all. Ron is “the sidekick”, but shows growth throughout the series and really becomes a hero in a way that’s different from Harry. He’s the comic relief; without him, the readers wouldn’t laugh nearly as much as they do. Hermione is a strong female character, a role model for all the nerdy girls out there.

-Villains: Voldemort is a bad guy. One could argue that he belongs on the list of “Best Villains in Literature.” He doesn’t give a damn about anyone, and is trying to take over the whole freaking’ world! If that’s not badass, then I don’t know what is.

TWILIGHT:

-Main Characters: Bella, Edward and Jacob: literature’s worst love triangle ever. Jacob is the only character with some personality, and the only one with a sense of humor. Bella is a one-dimensional, weak female character that only teaches girls that you need a man; otherwise your life is pointless. Edward, while being charming, is also slightly creepy. Who really wants a vampire watching you sleep, night after night?

-Villains: THERE ARE NONE! You can’t even call the Voltaire villains, because they don’t a damn thing to stop the REAL horror in the story: BELLA AND EDWARD’S RELATIONSHIP! Oh, and James and Victoria aren’t villains. They had the right idea, but a bad follow-through plan.

FANBASE

HP NERDS: Let’s see… Harry Potter has:

-An amusement park

-A musical

-Wizard Rock

-The Potter Puppet Pals

-Awesome charity projects. The Harry Potter Alliance raises money for charity. Jo has written three books for charity!

TWI-HARDS: What does Twilight have? Parodies. A lot of parodies that make of fun of it, because it sucks, not because it’s good.

MOVIES

HARRY POTTER: I won’t argue that the books are the truest book-to-movie adaptations, but they are generally great movies. (With the exception to the 5^th movie. That was just terrible.) The acting is top-notch, and they always manage to get some of the finest British talent added to their ensemble. Plus, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One has been nominated for an Oscar. That’s pretty freaking awesome.

TWILIGHT: I have nothing to comment on about the movie adaptations of the Twilight series, because they don’t even deserve the energy it would take me to type it out my opinion. But, I will mention this: The only awards Twilight has been nominated for worth mentioning are The Razzies. Who cares that the movies took practically every freaking award at the Teen Choice Awards; TEEN FANGIRLS HAVE TOO MUCH TIME ON THEIR HANDS.

LEGACY

HARRY POTTER: The series will continue to live on in the hearts of fans for years to come. And when they have children, they will read Harry’s story to them. And maybe even their grandchildren. His story will continue to affect the lives of people, because his story can speak to everyone, regardless of age, race, gender, etc.

TWILIGHT: Will you read Twilight to your 12-year-old daughter? Do you want her thinking that moaning for some sparkly vampire is the best way to live her life? Yea, didn’t think so.

On a final note, Harry would kick Edward’s ass in a duel. Stephenie Meyer even said so.

the tale of the girl on fire.

I am hearing of more and more people reading, or recommending, Suzanne Collin's hit trilogy "The Hunger Games."
Which makes me so incredibly happy, because after Harry Potter, it's probably my favorite book series.

Let me give you a quick synopsis of the first book!
Katniss Everdeen is a sixteen year old girl who lives in futuristic North America, which is now a country called Panem. The country is split into 13 districts, and is ruled by The Capital. Panem and The Capital were established after a great war broke out. For a while, the Capital was able to rule the thirteen districts. As time went on, the districts grew weary of their rulers and revolted. At the end of the war, District 13 was destroyed and The Hunger Games were established. The Hunger Games is a yearly tournament where a boy and a girl between the ages of 12 and 18 are picked from each district. They are placed into an arena, where they are forced to fight for their lives, while their families and friends back home are forced to watch the bloodbath. After Katniss steps up to take her sister's place in the Hunger Games, Katniss and her fellow tribute Peeta Mellark's lives are forever changed.

I first heard of the series last spring from a friend. She told my best friend and I about them one day while sitting in my car before theatre, and we were both intrigued. I picked up "The Hunger Games" shortly afterwards, and fell in love. I quickly finished the first, and then moved on to "Catching Fire." When I heard that the third wasn't going to be released until August, I was so angry because I wanted to know what was going to happen NOW.
So, as August approached I pre-ordered "Mockingjay", and bought the first two books. Sadly, because Wal-Mart hates me, I didn't get the book until almost a week after it was released. But I finished it in less than a day, and was left speechless.
Then I heard there were plans for a movie, and I almost died.

Whenever people ask me for a good book recommendation, I tell them about "The Hunger Games." My own brother, who hates reading, read the first book for his book report AND LIKED IT. Another one of my friends hates reading, but after I read him (yes, I read it to him. He's really lazy) the first part, he went out and bought himself a copy! I've been trying to get my sister to read them, but she's harder to convince.

So, why do I recommend these books so much?
It's not because the writing is so incredibly skilled and refined, like Shakespeare or Dickens. It's meant for a teen audience, so it's not going to be a difficult read.
It's not because it's a love story and I want to find out if you're Team Peeta or Team Gale. Yes, it has a love story in it, but that is not the main point of the book. (But, in case you guys are wondering, I am totally for the boy with the bread <3) And for the record, The Hunger Games is not the next Twilight. Too completely different plots, better developed characters and much better writing.

Why I recommend these books, is because it tells a story of a world that is so realistic and all-too-possible that it terrifies and fascinates me. The characters are real, and have a way of getting inside of you and making you cry or cheer for them. It leaves you guessing until the very end how Katniss will or will not survive. It's a book about loss, violence, government, power, independence, love, strength, and overcoming obstacles.

So, to everyone who has not read "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins, I highly recommend it. If you decide it's not the right book for you, I have plenty of other recommendations you might enjoy! :)

summer pledge.

I, Tonya Sue Pell, hereby swear that I will complete the following activities before I move back to Central in mid-August. If I fail to complete each one, I swear to sit down and watch the entirety of "The Hannah Montana Movie", and "The Last Song", two movies I have never watched because of my deep dislike for Miley Cyrus. Here is the list:

-Re-read "The Hunger Games" trilogy.
-Re-read "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" BEFORE July 15th.
-Read "Kings and Queens of England," because I bought it a while ago and have not read it yet.
-Read at least three new books.
-Finish my Harry Potter fanfiction, because I am a terrible person and have left it sitting unfinished for almost five months.
-Make adequate progress in all six of the stories I am writing. I'm keeping this goal very open, because I don't want to put too much stress. I am writing SIX stories...

I wanted to make this list, so I can actually have something to do this summer, other than sit on Facebook or watch movies.
Plus, I miss reading and writing. I am becoming too lazy for my liking, so this will be a good kick in the butt for me!

5 reasons why Finn and Rachel are soul mates.

Yes, this is stupid and childish and ridiculous and fangirly of me.
But guess what.
This is my blog and I can do what I want!

1) They make beautiful music together. For example: "Faithfully", probably the best duet on Glee. Personally, I think all Finn/Rachel duets are on the list of best duets ever. Oh, and "Borderline/Open Your Heart" is definitely on the list of best mash-ups.
2) Finn is one of the few guys who can put up with Rachel's diva attitude.
3) Quinn has treated Finn like crap throughout the series, therefore she should NOT be with him.
4) Rachel has changed for the better, and I think it's because of Finn. Yea, she's still a diva and can be selfish sometimes, but at least she never lied about being pregnant with Finn's baby.
5) Finn also pushes himself to be a better person, because of Rachel. He steps up to be a leader, because he doesn't want to disappoint Rachel, and ultimately himself and rest of the Glee club.

I have always been a Finn/Rachel fan, even when Finn was going through his jerk stage, and when Rachel was being an uber-diva. Basically, it comes down to the simple fact that I think they both are better people when they're in a relationship with one another.

I will leave on this closing point:
If Rachel doesn't take Finn...
dibs.
He's mine.
This means you, Jessica. You can have Sam.

monday afternoon update.

1) Being home is weird. I haven't decided if it's a good or bad weird yet. It's definitely an adjustment from Calkins Terrace. I miss my dysfunctional family. There will be moments in the day that something will happen and I'll think "Oh! I have to tell Ash and Cynthia about this!" Then I remember that I will have to text or Facebook them... Don't get me wrong, I LOVE not having to worry about homework, tests and grades. But living at home is harder than I remember.

2) I had the immense pleasure to go to my old theatre company's play on Saturday, and celebrate 35 years of our (now retired) director's accomplishments. What a wonderful night! The play was FANTASTIC, and I was able to talk with my old friends from the company! Plus, it was a really moving night. Throughout the evening I was flooded with memories from my time in theatre. It was so wonderful to be surrounded by people with a common pride and love for the company.

3) I need a job.

4) It hit me a few days ago that in approximately 1 year and 3 months from now, I will be in London. Wow....

5) Pink lemonade doesn't mix very well with gum.

end of year one.

Well, I'm no longer a college freshman.
This year has been one of the fastest years ever. I honestly can't believe that I've lived in Calkins 008 for roughly 9 months. I know my family hates it when I call 008 my home, but it is. I have established a family here, a dysfunctional family, but a family nonetheless. I have loved living in Calkins more than I ever thought I would. I wouldn't change this year for anything.

Dear Ashley,
I am so happy that you made the decision to come to Central. I know that you feel overwhelmed sometimes here, but I really think that you made the right decision. We have both had to grow up this year, but I am fairly certain we have maintained our childish attitude! I could not have asked for better roommates than you, Cynthia, Pam and Anelisa. Calkins 008 will always hold a special place in my heart, and it's because of you!
Let's be best friends forever, k?
And seriously, you can visit whenever you want next year. I'm going to need some serious Ashley/Cynthia/Tonya time. :)

Dear Cynthia,
When I first heard we were getting a new roommate at the beginning of the year, I was really hesitant. I didn't want some freak or crazy partier living with us.
And then you moved in, and you weren't at all what I imagined!
You are one of the craziest, thoughtful, caring, and intelligent friends I have. You are one of the best people to have a deep conversation with at 2 AM, and the best person to make crazy videos with. I am so grateful that you moved in with Ashley and I. Without you as a roommate this year, I would have a lot less memories and one less best friend.
I will miss you a lot this summer! Whenever I see a cat (KARL!), listen to crazy dance music or watch The Big Bang Theory, I will think of you :)

Dear Anna,
Gurl, you crazy.
Thanks for being there when I was ready to pull my hair out. Thanks for telling me the truth, even when I didn't want to hear it. Thanks for always listening to my insane ramblings about the stupidest things ever. And thanks for that one night when I just needed some encouragement, and you helped me through it.
Let's make sure we make a lot of time for adventures this summer, okay?
:D

Dear Meagan,
Fabiano 208 will be the place to be next year!!
Safari might have sucked sometimes, but I'm glad I got a really great friend out of it. You are the craziest person I know, but also an awesome friend! Don't go too crazy over the summer, okay? :P

Dear Corbin,
You will always be my favorite son. Thank you for giving me a hug when I needed it this year. You are one of the sweetest friends I have, and you better believe that I will be visiting you and that roommate of yours next year!! :)

Dear Andrew,
Despite what I have said before, I don't hate you.
Even if you are a Slytherin... But anyway, thanks for being the loud and obnoxious friend this year. :)
And I promise not to put hot sauce into your drinks anymore!!

Dear Katie,
You basically became our fifth roommate, didn't you? I guess that's okay, since you are living with Cynthia and Ashley next year...
You are one of the few Honors students I can actually talk to! :P
You are going to make one of the most kick-ass music teachers ever! Even if you do decide to occasionally drink in class... Thanks for being an awesome friend, Katie! Without you, I wouldn't have "opened my mind to see that maybe Harry Potter isn't as feminist as I thought" or whatever you were trying to prove...

Dear Marquerite,
WHY DO YOU HAVE TO GO TO STATE NEXT YEAR?!
Stupid Central with your crappy Chinese program...
I will (hopefully) be visiting MSU next year, because of my sister, but the real reason will be to see you!!! I will miss you and your random craziness and stories. Thanks for being a wonderfully awesome friend :)

Dear Headmaster Scott,
You are the best RA. Hands down. You have helped make my first year a memorable and fantastic year. Thank you for everything, and if I ever visit North Campus next year, you can bet I will stop by your room to say hello! :)

Dear Pam,
I really hope that you enjoyed your first semester at Central! You are such a great roommate. You are sooo intelligent, and I know that you are going to go so far in life!! :)

Dear Brian,
You taught me that crazy colored hair is perfectly normal. So is playing WoW all day long! :P And don't worry, I'm sure we will make trips up to North Campus next year! As long as you promise to come on down to visit us!

Dear Kosta,
Your passion for music is truly inspiring. I think it's awesome that you are going after your dreams, and I wish you the best of luck! :D

If I haven't mentioned you in this note, I'm really sorry, but there are simply too many people to write to! I truly LOVE Central, and I know that I made the best decision when I came here.
I can't wait to see you all again in August! ((Hopefully I will see you before then too!! :D))

<3

believe in music.

A list of Tonya's favorite songs. (In alphabetical order by artist.) 
"Hero/Heroine" by Boys Like Girls http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYNznNBeDnQ
"Marry You" by Bruno Mars http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xDZ_YI8I9Y
"Loser Like Me" by Glee http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB9m2mdg1cs
"Forbidden Friendship" from How to Train Your Dragon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CJ96LGGP6w
"Inseparable" by Jonas Brothers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36NfqUOM2Oo
"Our Kind of Love" by Lady Antebellum http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaOKbvpxnTo
"Bad Romance" by Lady GaGa http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbPCtwIQ63I
"Haven't Met You Yet" by Michael Buble http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AJmKkU5POA
"Jai Ho" from Slumdog Millionaire http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRC4QrUwo9o
"Sparks Fly" by Taylor Swift http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tcfaf3Rk28Y
"Hey, Soul Sister" by Train http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVpv8-5XWOI
"Skyway Avenue" by We The Kings http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4mPBmBg7DQ
"Closer to the Edge" by 30 Seconds to Mars http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tekrQmo5EyA

I am not a musician, but I love music.
Each of these songs mean something different to me. I'm not going to delve into their meaning, because that would be extremely personal, but just know that most of these songs have a special meaning to me.
I think lyrics make a song. The song doesn't have to have a wicked guitar solo, or a new and interesting sound.
If the lyrics tell a story that is real and beautiful, I like it.
In the case of the two songs off soundtracks on my list, they are my favorites because of the story related to the song. Like in "How to Train Your Dragon", that song is played when Hiccup and Toothless first break the barrier of prejudice between their different groups, and decide to give friendship a chance.
That is my favorite part in the whole movie.
With "Jai Ho", I don't need to understand the lyrics to love the song. The song itself is a representation of "Slumdog Millionaire" and the meaning behind that fantastic movie. Whenever I listen to it, I'm swept back into the world of Jamal and Latika, and the struggles Jamal had to endure before he finally found what he had been searching for.
Seriously, if you haven't watched that movie, do it. Fabulous. 


Music is SO powerful, and I'm reminded of that fact every time I listen to one of my favorite songs.

As a closing note, find your favorite song and listen to it. Be reminded of why you love it.