| !Radiant!
It’s a
SPRING THING
Exclusive:
In touch with
Chris Fedun
Of Jump5 
Spring is here-
Time to start anew!
The Care and Keeping
of your...toes!
Break out the
Bermuda shorts!
Springy fashion for all.
Win it! News, Advice,
And more!
Editor’s Letter
Spring is here! At last! I can already hear the dancing in the streets as we can (hopefully) kiss snow goodbye and look ahead to summer. After a few months of cold weather I know that most of us will be glad to don capris instead of snow pants! Speaking of capris, in this issue we’ll be having some funky fashion, news, and advice on topics you’ve requested, and so much more! So, now that spring is here, it’s a perfect time to start over and get freshened up…but how? We’ll tell you later in the issue but let me personally give you a heads up.
A positive outlook is everything! Whether you’re shoulders are sagging at school, home, or even at your church, it’s time to bring your head back up and put a twinkle in your eye and a spring in your step (no pun intended). When you’re feeling down or not-so-special you know there’s someone who looks at you as if you’re a diamond! You may have already guessed…if you’ve asked Jesus into your heart—congrats! There’s nothing more wonderful. If you haven’t, you’ll definitely want to consider having a God in your life that will love you infinitely. You’ll always have someone to lean on, someone to talk to, someone to cry to, and someone to confide in. He listens and loves unconditionally. This spring—dare to love him back and invite him into your life!
In his love,
~Chelsea Gillman
~The Newsstand~
*Check out the message board and share your thoughts with other readers! http://s4.invisionfree.com/Radiant_Zine
*Send all Submissions (stories, poetry, comments, questions, etc.) to WriteRadiant@gmail.com
*WIN IT! Send a paragraph to the above address explaining why you love Jump5, we'll send you and autographed DreamingInColor pamphlet with Brandon Hargest's autogaph.
Fedun Fun: An interview with Chris Fedun of Jump5
Chances are you’ve heard of the popular band Jump5…the group has had songs featured in movies like The Lizzie McGuire Movie, Legally Blonde, and they did the theme song “Aloha E Komo Mi” for Disney’s Lilo and Stitch. They have six albums out, and two more on the way—“The Best of Jump5” and “Radio the World” will be hitting music stores soon. Chris, 19, the oldest in the group, was nice enough to consent to a phone interview recently. Here is the interview—chock full of new information on the group!
Radiant: I’ve been to three of your concerts and I’m really impressed by the choreography in the show; who does your choreography?
Chris: Funny you should ask, we do it ourselves actually. We have a little help especially with our older songs since we were so young and we didn’t know all the moves…but now as we get older it’s something we all like to do.
Radiant: When you’re putting together a new show to go on tour, how far in advance do you begin rehearsals?
Chris: In the beginning of April we’ll go on tour. We actually started rehearsing yesterday (3/8/05). I think we’re gonna start rehearsing the most two weeks before.
Radiant: What are some of your favorite places that you've been as you've
toured?
Chris: Let’s see I definitely love New York! It’s really; really fun and interesting…that’s a hard question! We actually just got back from Alaska; it was beautiful and very cold! *laughs*
Radiant: Is there a certain place you’d like to perform in the future?
Chris: We’d all love to go tot Japan!
Radiant: I know you all like to play Dance Revolution when you’re traveling…who usually comes out on top for that game?
Chris: I have to say I definitely am the worst! *laughs* Brandon is really good at it; I’m a dancer and I still can’t get the hang of it!
Radiant: What else do you all do when you’re on the go to stay occupied?
Chris: You know, one thing we all have that we can’t live without is our Ipods! That’s our life on the road when there’s so much going on and you need your own time you can put your head phones on and relax…
Radiant: Can you tell us when the music video for “Beautiful World” will be released?
Chris: I know it’ll be premiering on the Radio Disney web site; I’m not sure on the date yet.
Radiant: If there was a movie being made about your life, who would you want to play you?
Chris: Well I’d probably need a good looking guy to make me look better *laughs* That’s a good question; I’d say Leonardo Dicaprio
Radiant: Did you enjoy being, in a sense, homeschooled?
Chris: Thankfully I did enjoy it because I wasn’t the kind of person that liked going to school every day. I had a lot of problems in school; I didn’t like to sit still. It was good for me to have someone to teach me one on one.
Radiant: Who influences you musically?
Chris: There are so many amazing musicians out there right now, I’m really loving Gavin DeGraw I’ve always been a Justin Timberlake fan.
Radiant: Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
Chris: Last night I was reading, well, as a group we all have a Bible study in first Timothy 4:12, because we started as a group so young and we felt everyone looked at us as really young group. That verse says “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you’re young,” we’ve taken that verse a long way because when we started this group I was 13, now I’m 19. We’ve come a long way and we still have a lot of goals but we’re thankful for the ones we have accomplished and we have that hope with the years we have in the future.
Radiant: I really enjoyed reading your journal entries about your trip with World Vision to Mexico and you had a lot of different experiences there, what was one of the most meaningful to you?
Chris: That’s hard…it’s such an emotional roller coaster. Look at all the things that are going on there, living in America you see things on TV and you hear about it, it’s not real it’s like ‘Oh yeah, that’s so sad.” You don’t really feel it but when you’re there, it’s almost like you’re in a story…you want to believe it, but it’s hard to believe it. I mean you went down a whole street filled with nothing but prostitutes. There were people that looked so young and that was hard. Then you went to houses and you went in and saw kids that couldn’t afford to go to school. It’s hard…If you ever get a chance to go on a trip, don’t think twice! It was life changing experience!
Radiant: Is there anything in particular that you feel that God is teaching you or really impressing upon you recently?
Chris: Well you’re always looking toward that, you’re thinking, “God, what do you want me to know right now?” I’m having a lot of fun being home cause we’ve been off the road for a few weeks, maybe even a few months and we’re about to hit a tour with ZOEgirl and we’re so excited about it, we love ZOEgirl, they’re great girls…but then thinking about going for 30 days and not seeing my family or friends and God is reminding me of why I’m doing this. What we do is a sacrifice but I wouldn’t change it for the world! Sometimes you need that reminder. We want to reach the kids, not only the kids but we want to reach hearts! We’ve done that so far, but we still have a mission. We’re lookin forward to going out and I think God is telling me to be patient and to not get discouraged, and my family and friends are so supportive, I know they miss me but they understand…
Radiant: If you could spend a day with anyone living today, who would it be and why?
Chris: That’s a hard question…I would like to sit down and talk to President Bush.
When you think abut all this stuff this man knows…if we knew everything I’m sure we’d be blown away.
Radiant: If you could choose two words to describe yourself what would they be?
Chris: Different, and outgoing. When I’m with my friends I’m very outgoing.
Radiant: Pranks are traditions on the last night of a tour; were there any pranks on you recent winter tour that you could tell us about?
Chris: Definitely! We’re the prankers! We had a group called Everlife on tour with us and Julia, the youngest, was singing and we noticed she always sang and her microphone would kind of be pressing against her nose. So we decided on the last day we would take mascara and put it all over her mic, so when she sang she had it all on her nose! Then later, Everlife sang into our mics that we wear while we were performing that we wear onstage so we can hear ourselves!
Radiant: Jump5 goes on tour often; is there a certain tour that was your favorite?
Christ: We always have fun on our Christmas tours ‘cause we do Christmas songs. We did a few tours with Aaron Carter that was a lot of fun! Aaron is a great guy, he’s a great performer; his tours are always fun! One thing we did on that tour was they rented out a whole four or five story paintball gun place! It was so unreal!
Radiant: Do you have a favorite song on your most recent album “Dreaming in Color”
Chris: There’s one that I really like, “Beautiful World” which is actually our latest single and video.
Radiant: What’s your favorite movie?
Chris: I’d have to say Butterfly Effect and the new movie “The Jacket”
Radiant: Do you have a favorite book?
Chris: I really like “Rachel’s Tears”. Growing up I didn’t read a whole lot and that’s the book that really got me started reading more.
Radiant: Have you ever injured yourself trying to do a gymnastics move? This is gonna sound lame…*laughs* I twisted my ankle when I was doing a cartwheel!
Chris: What kind of music are you listening to right now? Gavin DeGraw and the new Kelly Clarkson CD is awesome! (*Radiant note: Kelly Clarkson's latest single "Behind These Hazel Eyes" is the current song on the Radiant site!)
Radiant: What is your favorite song to perform in concert?
Chris: I think it’s “Beautiful World”.
Radiant: If you weren’t a singer, what career would you choose to do?
Chris: I’d want to be an actor…that’s something I hope to accomplish…or I’d like to be a writer! *
Radiant would like to thank Chris Fedun for taking the time out of his busy schedule for this interview!
For more on Chris Fedun and Jump5 scroll down to past issues!
New Jump5 Pictures!
 Brittany Hargest gets a call from the President...maybe to schedule another performance at the White House!
 "Put Me In the Picture" Jump5 Smiles for the camera.
We think the focal pont of this picture are the shoes...and the smiles!
The group catches up on their geography, not like they need a review, they've traveled all over!
Practicing for a show in style
Brittany seems a little "tied up" by her bandmates!
Where in the world is...Jump5?
From left to right: Chris Fedun, Brandon Hargest, Brittany Hargest, and Lesley Moore
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 NEWS
Twenty-one year old singer-songwriter Michelle Branch is pregnant with her first child, People Magazine reported last week. She and husband Teddy Landau, 40, are expecting the baby by early August 2005. Landau, Branch’s bass player, and she were married last May. The two are scheduled to launch a 23-city tour next week with other artists from the WB’s “One Tree Hill” soundtrack.
 One of entertainment’s cutest couples, Katie Holmes and Chris Klein, have called off their engagement. The couple had been engaged since December 2003, and had been dating for nearly five years before the engagement. According to Us Weekly, the couple decided to go their separate ways two weeks ago, but both Holmes and Klein plan on remaining good friends.
 Funny-man Will Ferrell is currently in talks with New Line Cinema to work on the sequel to 2003 Christmas movie Elf. The sequel, Elf 2, would earn Ferrell $20 million for his starring role. The production chief for New Line told Variety magazine that they would not make the sequel unless Will Ferrell signed for the part.
Jessica Simpson was reportedly rushed to a Chicago-area hospital last week for what was determined to be a nasty stomach virus. She was in Chicago at the time shooting an Oscar-related segment for Oprah when she had to be taken to the hospital due to stomach pains. She was later released and is now feeling much better back in Los Angeles.
 Orlando Bloom and Kate Bosworth recently declared their relationship over due to conflicting work schedules, but they were even-more-recently spotted getting close again on Oscar night! Bloom and Bosworth were seen smooching at the post-Oscars bash thrown by Vanity Fair, reported The Insider earlier this week. The two apparently tried to keep a low profile at the party until shots of them kissing were broadcast on several overhead monitors.
Napoleon Dynamite star Jon Heder received a standing ovation from a star-studded crowd for his participation in General Motors’ fourth-annual Ten Celebrity fashion show. Wearing a suit by British designer Ozwald Boateng, Heder incorporated some of his infamous Napoleon-style moves into his catwalk strut. Some of the famous faces that loved his act: Ashton and Demi, Good Charlotte’s Joel Madden, Jimmy Kimmel and Nick Cannon. The show reportedly raised $100,000 for charity.
Sister Act
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Primping for Day and Night by Jasmen Davis
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Sisters Aly and A.J. Michalka know how to get great makeup looks, day and night. While the sisters wait for their album to hit stores this summer, they’ve enjoyed the popularity of their single, “Do You Believe in Magic” that has held the No. 3 spot on Radio Disney Top 30, (you may also know Aly as Kiely in “Phil of the Future” on Disney Channel!)
GL sent the girls off to play in the newly-opened Sephora in Manhattan Beach, CA. Read on to find out what looks they chose and how to get them!
Day by Day
 On Aly: She chose natural tones for versatility. Aly says she’d sport this look in the recording studio, out shopping and hanging out with friends.
Get Aly’s daytime look: Smooth a tinted moisturizer over skin then add cream blush (try Stila’s Convertible Color in Petunia) and pinky lipgloss. “I am addicted to eyeliner and mascara, but I always make sure that I don’t overdo it,” says Aly.
On A.J.: She really wanted a sun-kissed feel for her day look to wear out to lunch, to the mall, or hanging with her dogs in the park.
Get A.J.’s daytime look: Try a champagne shadow over entire lid then add a shimmery gold shadow on the crease. Add white eyeliner to the inside of lower lids to make eyes sparkle. A.J. then used Stlla’s bronzing powder on cheeks, chin and forehead and topped lips with a peachy gloss.
I Love the Nightlife
On Aly: “For my night look, I decided to go for something dramatic,” says Aly. “I felt like a total rock star when I put it on!” Aly says although she doesn’t usually rock a nighttime look, it’s perfect for when she hits a premiere, a concert or playing a live gig with her sister.
Get Aly’s nighttime look: On eyes, sweep Urban Decay eye shadow in Mildew over lids, then blend a charcoal shadow into crease. Line inner rims of eyes with black liner, then coat lashes with Dior Show mascara. Aly played up her eyes with the Sephora Glitter Palette by adding glitter to the inner corners of her eyes. Pick an extra shiny lipgloss for lips.
On A.J.: She had a glamorous look in mind to wear to a party, premiere or a nice dinner. “I usually don’t wear my night look that much,” says A.J., “but it’s fun to dress up and go crazy for a night!”
Get A.J.’s nighttime look: Violet looks great on green eyes like A.J.’s. So she used Urban Decay eye shadow in Crash with lots of black eyeliner and mascara. On nails, A.J. picked a funky color, Urban Decay nail enamel in Freakshow, which was an iridescent swirl of purple and green. To match the palette she had created, she put on some sheer plum lipgloss.
Sister, Sister
Alyson-“I think that my sister and I have very similar tastes when it comes to fashion, make-up and even boys,” says Alyson. “We are always finishing one another’s sentences…it’s like a telepathic thing that only sisters have. It seems like we’re usually on the same page.”
Amanda-“It’s so funny how my sister and I think so much alike. We like to make choices on our own, and then we think it’s fun to see how much of the same things we both liked. I would have to say when it comes to eyeliner, I think my eyes look better with less, but Aly’s eyes look great with more.” *
Michelle Branch
Since entering the pop music scene in 2000 with her acoustic-based, self-released album Broken Bracelet, Michelle Branch has been a leader in the new pop music movement. Her major label debut, The Spirit Room sold over 2.5 million copies, won the teen star a Grammy Award & MTV Viewers Choice Award and earned Michelle an invitation to tour along side country music divas the Dixie Chicks this summer. With her new release Hotel Paper, Michelle hopes to create new opinions and a deeper appreciation for her singing and songwriting skills. "I feel like I've grown so much as an artist, as a writer, as a musician, as a vocalist." It's been two years since we last heard from this guitar-strumming gal. Here GL takes a look back to when we first met Michelle with excerpts from our December/January Spotlight on the then rising star, then we fast-forward to the present and give you the dish on the older and bolder pop star.
That was then...
Age: 18. Hometown: Sedona, Ariz. Why you might know her: Her song "Everywhere" is on major radio play ,"It's a love song about when you first like someone and you see them everywhere so everything reminds you of them." Her debut album The Spirit Room Is: A combo of pop rock and folk. "It has personal lyrics and some acoustical moments. People my age can bring it home, and their parents can listen to it." Her life- changing event: Michelle knew she wanted to be a musician after winning New Kids on the Block tickets. "I used to want to be a pop star, being in commercials and everything. When you're dreaming about something, you dream for the most unattainable things. Now I've found out who I am as an artist, and songwriting is what makes me happy." Her big break: "Around my 14th birthday, I asked for a guitar. Then I started writing songs constantly and had already been taking voice lesson for a while. It came to a point where I wanted to play in front of people. My parents kept an eye out for places I could play. My voice teacher and guitar teacher helped me record a demo, and I started playing festivals. After my first gig, I started getting others." On being famous: "I haven't changed, but my surroundings have. Instead of being home and waking up at 10 on the weekends, I wake up and hang out with Lifehouse." On guys: "I'm very shy and write about guys I could never go up to. I was hoping they would listen to the songs and get it. They didn't." Her worst heartbreak: "Luckily, I've never had heartbreak very badly. I hope in a year or so I can say the same thing."
This is now...
Age: 23 Home: Hotel rooms across the world. Why you love her: Michelle is the real deal. She's super-talented and doesn't feel like she has to compromise herself or her image to seel records. You gotta love (and respect) that! Go girl! Mystery Man: Michelle's first single off Hotel Paper is the aggressive rock track Are You Happy Now?, which is about a relationship that took a surprising turn. "Anyone who has been stomped on can relate," says Branch. But when asked to dish on who the "you" is, Michelle's lips are sealed
Dancing Queen? "If anyone saw me dance that would be the end of my career! I was really lucky when Maverick Records found me. I played with my acoustic guitar and I was kind of like, "Here I am, take me as I am." And they did, and I was fortunate that it ended up that way, because what you see of me is what you get," said Michelle to Launch.com. Must-See TV: Michelle's music has been used on the WB hit Gilmore Girls. Branch doesn't watch much TV but every Tuesday at 8p.m. whatever she's working on comes to a stop. She even wanted Jared Padalecki to be in one of her videos but he was too busy shooting for Gilmore Girls! (for more see celeb news above)
Spring Fling Fashion
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Spring 2005 fashion season has the potential to be really funky and fresh. Look forward to really bright colors, and girlie pieces. Here's a list and breakdown of some trends that you can expect to be seeing this Spring 2005.
1 - Circle skirts
These could be one of the biggest items this season. They're so sophisticated. Some of the best one's can be found at Anthropologie.com look for ones that will hit about knee length, in bright colors.
Tiered skirts
Tiered skirts are already big, and are probably going to continue being big. This style creates a really feminine look. If you're slim, wear a long to the floor one, if you're curvy, choose one that hits at the knee.
Aviators
Sunglasses are always in when it comes to spring and summer, but this Spring 2005 fashion season, the sunglasses of choice are going to be aviators.
Grecian Sandals
Grecian may be a huge look this year, and not just in sandals. Grecian is a look that is based in the looks that were worn in ancient Greece... long, flowy materials, most of the time with metallic detail, and flat sandals with string ties. When shopping for Grecian inspired sandals, look for leather (or leatherette) string ties, they usually tend to add a bit of authenticity to the look. Note: These look great paired with tiered skirts.
Layered necklaces / Charms
This is a fabulous look. Do it right-- pair up to 3 necklaces, all with similar chains and tones (as in all gold or silver), all different lengths. Have fun with your charms – they can add a really cute touch, and can pull together an outfit. Example, if you're wearing a tiered skirt, with those Grecian sandals, you've got a really earthy, bohemian outfit going on. The perfect accent would be a pretty leaf charm on a necklace, layered with say, a heart. Have a blast with it!
Other trends:
· Sequins :have these on shoes, or shrugs.
· Gold and other metallics : Do these everywhere, just one at a time.
· Bohemian earrings : Think big hoops, loads of charms
· Turquoise, Corals, and Blues : Ther new Spring Palette
Leave These Trends!
· Trucker Hats : Don't be a fashion victim!
· Jelly Bags : No one wants to see what's in your bag anymore.
· Script Tees:T-shirts with sayings/logos are gone. This year it's not what your shirt says.
· Dirty Jeans: These are way out, but destroyed is in! |
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Nail it!
1. In the red: Nails shouldn't stray too far from how you wear them the rest of the year, Red nails are always a good bet for two reasons: They perfectly accessorize the little black dress and they command respect. Red is one of fashion's most powerful and strong colors," she says. "Glamorous, rich and dark red polish leaves an impression of confidence and is always in style."
2. Shape up: 'Short, `squoval' nails are the trend right now. That means maintenance. Keep a couple of good files on, eh, hand in your purse, drawer and around the house for touch-ups. Work in one direction, from the edges to the middle, never back and forth, she says.
Forget emery boards. Crystal nail files are fabulous; these new files are designed to never wear down and can even be put through a dishwasher.
3. Colors: Confused about colors? Or maybe you don't want your nail shade to clash with your constantly changing wardrobe. A French manicure is always chic and elegant. Instead of the classic light pink polish used in French manicures, think different undertones, maybe one with shimmer. Cover each nail length-wise by using three strokes -- one down the middle and one on each side. Let dry. Apply a second coat, the same way. Let it dry.
For the tips, apply from the middle out to the edge. Do one side, then the other.
4. Rush hour: Nails take roughly 20 minutes to dry in the air. But you should probably wait at least an hour before picking the lint off your clothing. |
Duff Stuff
A review of her latest: Hilary Duff
Just her name is controversial. Some dig and some don’t. But Hilary is cool with that, it’s just the “Haters” she won’t tolerate.
Her latest cd, simply titled “Hilary Duff” is a mix of good, the norm, and wanna-be rocker.
In her new cd, Hilary made it clear she wanted to move more to the rock side than pop…and she succeeds…sorta. Songs like “Underneath This Smile”, “Shine”, “I Am”, and “Jericho” are blatantly pop. Out of the 17 tracks there are only about nine or ten worth listening to. Some of the poorest choices on the album are “Mr. James Dean” and almost frightening attempt to add “rock edge.” It doesn’t do justice to Hilary’s voice as she struggles to sound even just alright. “Haters” written by Hilary and her older sister Haylie seems like it’s just another type of Lindsey Lohan’s “Rumors”—we really could do without a petty song defending one’s self. “Dangerous to Know” seems like a different version, in a way, of “The Math” on her previous album “Metamorphosis”.
Moving on to the good, some of the songs worth a listen are “Fly,” “Weird,” “Do You Want Me,” “Hideaway,” “Who’s That Girl?,” and “Getaway”. If you listen to the whole album, you notice Hilary does her best when songs are in an altol vocal range—and leaning towards pop and not rock. Some lyrics are catchy and creative while others are as dull and overused as dishwater. At times Duff’s voice is flourishing, then others you can’t wait to press “Next.” Overall, the album is worth giving a listen—maybe even buying, if you’re willing to spend on a cd that only has a certain amount of worthwhile songs. Overall the album is fair...but the next album of Hilary's she should take heed to stick to her pop roots and we know she'll "Fly" into the number one spot on the charts.
Rad Rating: ** ½ stars out of four
Perfect Pedi
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(Highlight letters if they don't show up on your screen)
 Beauty Basics
Picture Perfect Pedi
By Shannon Yospa
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Step One |
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Remove all traces of your old nail polish. Fill up a pan with warm water and add foot-soak. We love Totally Nutty Coco Butter, $5. Soak for ten minutes then remove and dry your feet.
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| Tis the season to show-off those toes. Do your feet need some proper primping? Follow these quick and easy steps to get your toes in tip-top shape! Bonus Tip! What's the best way to top a perfect pedi? Totally cute toe rings! From left: Silver spiral, $6.25, Claire's. Green jewel flower, $5, MB Jewelry. Rhinestone flower, $4, My Generation. Silver twist with blue stones, $3.25, Claire's. |
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Step Two |
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Using toenail clippers, cut your nails straight across. We love Dr. Scholl's Pedicure Essentials Toenail Clippers, $4. To get your toenails ultra-smooth, take a nail file and file the rough edges. | |
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Step Three |
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Bye bye roughness! Apply the foot scrub to your feet and scrub away with your pumice foot brush. We love Spa H2O+ Pumice Foot Scrub. | |
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Step Four |
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Again, dry your feet really well and now apply the moisturizing lotion and rub away... We love Burt's Bees' Coconut Foot Creat, $9. It is totally awesome and smells like the beach!
GL | |
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Step Five |
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Put nail polish remover on a cotton ball and wipe toenails free from lotion. Weave a tissue between your toes to keep them separated and free from smudging. Ready...Set...Paint! We love Essie Quick-e Drying Drops ($15). | |
Laws of Geography
Here are some wacky state rules that are just too weird!
Pennsylvania:
In Morrisville, women need a permit to wear cosmetics.
Rhode Island:
In Providence, it is illegal to sell toothpaste and a toothbrush to the same customer on a Sunday. It is illegal to throw pickle juice on a trolley.
South Carolina:
No horses are allowed into Fountain Inn unless they are wearing pants.
South Dakota:
It is illegal to lie down and fall asleep in a cheese factory.
Tennessee:
It is illegal to use a lasso to catch a fish.
Utah:
Birds have the right of way on all highways.
Vermont:
It is illegal to whistle underwater.
Virginia:
In Richmond, it is illegal to flip a coin in any eating establishment to determine who buys a cup of coffee.
Washington:
It is illegal to pretend that one's parents are rich.
1. Einstein couldn't speak fluently when he was nine. His parents thought he might be mentally slow.
2. In Los Angeles, there are fewer people than there are automobiles.
3. About a third of all Americans flush the toilet while they're still sitting on it.
4. You're more likely to get stung by a bee on a windy day than in any other weather.
5. An average person laughs about 15 times a day.
6. Research indicates that mosquitoes are attracted to people who have recently eaten bananas.
7. Penguins can jump as high as 6 feet in the air.
8. The average person is about a quarter of an inch taller at night.
9. A sneeze zooms out of your mouth at over 600 m.p.h.
10. The Neanderthal's brain was bigger than yours is.
11. Donald Duck comics were banned from Finland because he doesn't wear pants.
12. The average bank teller loses about $250 every year.
13. In 1980, there was only one country in the world with no telephones—Bhutan.
Groovy Greenhouse
Flower Arranging 101
By Erica Fullington 
Want professional looking flower arrangements without spending mucho muala? Get the low-down on how you can turn your favorite spring flowers into a floral bouquet for your room, a friend, or anything else you dream up.
Tip 1: Forget the rules!
If you want your flower arrangement to be a representation of you don't follow a bunch of rules. Go with your gut and have fun!
Tip 2: Group small flowers together.
Small flowers can totally get lost in a large flower arrangements. A small group of your favorite flowers can make a really BIG impression especially when bundled with ribbon.
Tip 3: One's the magic number.
A single stem flower in a pretty vase is just as beautiful as a dozen roses. Don't have a vase? Float a small bloom in a glass cup, bowl or teacup.
Tip 4: Be cool.
Sure a beautiful vase full of flowers looks great on a sunny windowsill, but keep in mind those flowers won't last long in that warm environment. If you want your buds to blossom, select a cooler location.
Tip 5: Watch the water.
Now this is a toughy. It's so easy to become a slacker when it comes to arrangement up-keep. But, if you want your flowers to stay bright and beautiful, you gotta keep an eye on their water. A good rule of thumb is to change the water every two days, that way, your fun flowers stay looking fab!
Volunteering 101
Tired of doing the same old summer scene seven days a week? Why not fill your days by doing something worthwhile— like Volunteering! Simply pick what volunteer job you want to do.. And if you absolutely don’t love it, you can always pick another one (but make sure to give proper notice). Here’s some tips on how to pick the best volunteer job for you, like…
Animal Lover — that describes it all! So why not help out at a local animal shelter. Places like this depend on volunteers to feed, clean and play with potential pets.
Babysitting — Allergic to cats but love babysitting the neighbor kids. Then try volunteering at a daycare center or an after-school program. Kids can be a real handful, so ask if they need any help entertaining or watching the kids.
Hospital Helper — You like being a kid yourself, not entertaining them, right? No prob! Volunteering at your local hospital is a great way to spend your days. You could read to the patients, help answer phones or help out in the cafeteria.
Student Government — Can’t stand that hospital smell. Well, if running for class treasurer is more your thing, try volunteering at your mayor, governor or even local sheriff’s office. They can always use some extra hands to help make and distribute important newsletters to voters.
Rad Radiant Find: Be a Creation Concerts Volunteer! If you love music (and free concerts!) Go to www.creationconcerts.com for more information.
Plenty of Choices — Don’t worry if none of these choices appeal to you. There are tons of other places you can help out at: homeless shelters, churches or, retirement homes, YMCA, park clean-ups and so many more.
Once you decide which one is for you, it’s time to find out who or where to call about getting the job. Try flipping through your phone book under “volunteer” or “charities” or ask your friends, family and neighbors for some contact numbers. Look on bulletin boards at your church or synagogue or try searching the Web. Once you get the digits, don’t be afraid to call and speak with the volunteer coordinator. Most likely they’ll accept any “free” help that’s offered. But be prepared to answer a few simple questions:
Why do you want to volunteer here?
How many hours a week do you want to work?
Do you have a way of getting here (like car rides from the ‘rents)?
And it’s always good to ask your own questions in return, too:
What will be expected of me?
Will I receive training?
How many other volunteers are there?
For more help pick up The Big Help Book: 365 Ways You Can Make a Difference by Volunteering by Alan Goodman and Fiona Smyth. You can find it at most bookstores for only $3.99. Good Luck on your new volunteer job. And remember volunteering is not only a worthwhile job— it’s fun!
At A Glance
The Best of Jump5
Released on March 15, with three new songs, The Best of Jump5 is a hot new album that will have you dancing with all your favorite hits, including Spinnin' Around, We are Family, Beautiful World and more! Also, a special version of Do Ya, and a re-make of the Michael W. Smith hit Friends are included!
Radiant's Positives-All your favorite classics, new songs, and a cool cover! Order your autographed copy at www.musichristian.com
Radiant's Negatives-This is not a completely new studio album, only three new songs.
Track Listing
1. Spinnin' Around
2. Throw Your Hands Up
3. Don't Run away*
4. Beauty and the Beast
5. Beautiful to Me*
6. All I Can Do
7. God Bless the USA
8. Do Ya
9. We are Family
10. It's a Beautiful World
11. Friends*
*New songs
Sports Savvy
I have always loved watching gymnastics, and three years ago my sister and I got a trampoline for Christmas. My parents also enrolled us in gym classes to learn how to flip safely. I was learning lots of new tricks and loving my classes. About a year into the sport, I tried a back flip at home without using a spot (safety person). I did it, and I was so excited! I talked my friend and sister into doing it. I was a little nervous about doing my back flips and back hand springs without a spot, but I finally got used to it. By the next day I had taught myself how to do several back flips in a row without stopping. Then I fell. I was on back flip number three, when my feet slipped and I fell onto my neck on the trampoline. I landed pretty hard, but I was alright! I had a mild case of whiplash, but no serious injuries. The only part of me that didn't recover was that little bit of fear in the back of my mind that said if I ever try a back flip again I will land on my head and break my neck.
After that I was terrified of even thinking of going backwards. I even got a little freaked out about doing a simple, little back roll. After about a year, I had worked myself back into doing back rolls and back bends. I even did back handsprings and back flips with a spot. Another year later and I have finally been able to do my back flips and back hand springs without a spot again, and can almost do them on the ground. But somewhere in the back of mind is that little bit of fear and panic-and the same thing starts all over again. The difference? I have learned that you can't live your life in fear. If you are afraid of everything that could happen to you, you won't have a very pleasant life living in fear. Some things are okay to be afraid of, but just remember, that you are not the one in control here. God will always protect you, and if you do get hurt, it might take some time to get back to normal, but you’ll get right back on track!
--Taylor Smith
Ice Princess Picks
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Actor:
Al Pacino. To say he's brilliant is an understatement. Book:
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. Celebrity crush:
Johnny Depp. He's the perfect mix of a bad boy and a sensitive artist. Designer:
Marc Jacobs. His clothes are unique, girly, and fab. Bag:
My new turquoise Ferragamo tote. Jeans:
Citizens of Humanity. They're great jeans for the butt. Fragrance:
Marc Jacobs' perfume. It's the best all-year-round scent. Beauty product:
Armani shine lip gloss #6 and #10. Car:
I love the "boxiness" of the Mercedes G Wagon. Game:
Scrabble. Sometimes I try to get away with making up words if the game lasts for more than two hours. Animal:
Cats—I have two of them. Holiday:
Halloween. I like any excuse to wear a purple wig. Project:
I'm producing a movie that I'm also starring in. Alternate career:
A fashion editor. If I could be Anna Wintour's apprentice, that would rock!
-TV
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Ask the Editor
So some problems and questions are hard for us to answer, luckily there’s someone who is willing to give her advice to your questions: the Editor of Radiant—Chelsea!
So go ahead and ask anything…writeradiant@gmail.com
This month’s questions:
Q: I've liked this guy; let’s call him Bob, in my biology class for about 6 months. And lately I've started to get to know another guy, let’s call him Larry. And I think I'm starting to like Larry. And I don't know what to do. I really, really like Bob. But he has a girlfriend. And I don't want to sit around and wait for him to get over her. But at the same time, I don't want to start a relationship with Larry, and then find out Bob wants to start one and then drop Larry because I've liked Bob for longer. Confused? Yeah so am I. To make it even more complicated. I don't know if Bob likes me. But Larry does. Please help.
Confused
A: Dear Confused,
Talk about a tough situation! Only time will tell but until you’re thoughts are totally clear let’s try to get you less confused!
So, Bob has a girlfriend? That’s a sticky situation! Chances are, Bob will break up with his girlfriend (sadly, almost everyone has to eventually) but that could take a while and he most likely won’t be ready to jump into another relationship right after that. Advice: Try to get to know Larry more. If you decide you like him as more than a friend, that’s great! It’ll most likely save you some trouble. Liking a guy who’s already taken can be painful—and time consuming. So don’t wait for Bob and his significant other to split, get to know Larry, it complicates things less because you already know Larry likes you—so go for it! And remember: if it doesn’t work out, there’s always a guy who thinks you’re super special just the way you are!
~Chelsea
Q: I can’t get my younger brother off my back! It seems like he’s always following me. It’s really difficult to do my school and I get fed up all the time…it’s really hard for me to keep my patience!! Any advice for some “pest control?”
--Exterminator Wanna-Be
A: Have no fear, pest control is here!
I think that many of us deal with…energetic younger sibs. Here’s the way to exterminate your problem. Sit down and have a talk with your brother, and I do mean talk, fighting won’t solve anything except make things worse. Calmly state that you’d like to spend time with them but need some space—and more time for school. If they’re old enough—they’ll understand and respect that. If they’re too young and they persist, it’s time to take it to the ‘rents! Again, calmly explain your situation and chance are—your parents will sympathize and help to keep your cool by restraining your younger brother. And don’t forget: little siblings look up to you, maybe that’s why he wants to spend so much time with you! Try to make some time just for the two of you so he understands he’s loved by his older sister!
~Chelsea
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The Away Message
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We hope you enjoyed our SpringThing issue and had as much fun reading it as we did writing it! Don't forget to send all submissions to writeradiant@gmail.com
We look forward to hearing from you!
-The Radiant Staff |
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