Articles
Granite Run Renovation
Grammy Nominations & Thoughts
Halloween (2018) Review
High School Transition to College
Interview with a Classmate
Granite Run Renovation
Granite Run was once booming with success after opening in 1974. Through the 2000’s there was a decline in popularity at the mall location. But two years ago a deal was signed with BET Investments to update the area and make it more current.
BET Investments announced they were going to keep the three anchor stores which are Sears, Boscov’s and JC Penny. However JC Penny announced they will be leaving and a movie theater company bought the lot.
Multiple stores and restaurants have already opened in the area which include Panera, Chipotle and others. Some stores that are new additions include Michaels, TJ Maxx and even Modell’s which is actually a returning store. The construction is still continuing and more stores are looking to be developed.
350,000 square feet will strictly be retail, which include restaurants. Boscov’s has had 3 million dollars worth of renovations done the outside, the Delco Times reported.
The AMC theater is going to leave as soon as the Frank Theaters Cinebowl and Grill is finished development. This location contains multiple movie screens, a bowling alley, arcade games and even a restaurant. It’s mainly going to be used to get people to come to the Granite Run location for fun and entertainment.
Along with the development of retail and restaurants, BET Investments has built many apartment buildings were the former Chi Chi’s restaurant used to be (next to the Acme). Many people have signed on to move in. "The new 820,000 square foot site will feature 400 apartments along with various retailers and offices" (betinvestments.com).
A few companies are staying along with Sears and Boscov’s. Acme, PennDOT and Kohl's are planning to stay as well. They all have received good business even with the decline in popularity of the mall. Renovations will bring another boost to those companies.
With the development of Granite Run there’s something not many people seemed to have thought about. Traffic. There are new apartments and attractions. Many people will be in the area. Along with rush hour traffic, it may be worse as more people will be in the area to cause more of a build up. There are many entrances to the shopping center which may allow for traffic to be better.
The history of Granite Run is mostly positive as it thrived from the time it opened up until the mid 2000’s. Updating the area allows more dining and shopping options for the community.
BET Investments announced they were going to keep the three anchor stores which are Sears, Boscov’s and JC Penny. However JC Penny announced they will be leaving and a movie theater company bought the lot.
Multiple stores and restaurants have already opened in the area which include Panera, Chipotle and others. Some stores that are new additions include Michaels, TJ Maxx and even Modell’s which is actually a returning store. The construction is still continuing and more stores are looking to be developed.
350,000 square feet will strictly be retail, which include restaurants. Boscov’s has had 3 million dollars worth of renovations done the outside, the Delco Times reported.
The AMC theater is going to leave as soon as the Frank Theaters Cinebowl and Grill is finished development. This location contains multiple movie screens, a bowling alley, arcade games and even a restaurant. It’s mainly going to be used to get people to come to the Granite Run location for fun and entertainment.
Along with the development of retail and restaurants, BET Investments has built many apartment buildings were the former Chi Chi’s restaurant used to be (next to the Acme). Many people have signed on to move in. "The new 820,000 square foot site will feature 400 apartments along with various retailers and offices" (betinvestments.com).
A few companies are staying along with Sears and Boscov’s. Acme, PennDOT and Kohl's are planning to stay as well. They all have received good business even with the decline in popularity of the mall. Renovations will bring another boost to those companies.
With the development of Granite Run there’s something not many people seemed to have thought about. Traffic. There are new apartments and attractions. Many people will be in the area. Along with rush hour traffic, it may be worse as more people will be in the area to cause more of a build up. There are many entrances to the shopping center which may allow for traffic to be better.
The history of Granite Run is mostly positive as it thrived from the time it opened up until the mid 2000’s. Updating the area allows more dining and shopping options for the community.
Grammy Nominations & Thoughts
With the Grammy nominees being announced, we have got the public and official opinions on who should win in which category. The Grammy’s are the biggest night for music as they award the biggest and best records of the year chosen from the academy.
Billboard, who run the music charts for the United States, have released their thoughts. A few newcomers in the music industry were mentioned as to be nominated such as Cardi B and Post Malone.
Ariana Grande, The Carters, Drake and others were thought of to be win in multiple categories including album and record of the year. Those two categories are two biggest of the night.
When Album of the Year was mentioned, Cardi B, Drake and Ariana Grande all came up from Billboard and among fellow classmates. However Cardi B and Ariana Grande are both in the lead according to multiple articles to win this award.
The Record of the Year is a mixed bag. Childish Gambino, Camila Cabello, Ariana Grande and more were nominated in this category. It seems as if multiple collaborations are thought of being nominated as well like “Meant To Be” from Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line. Fellow classmates Sasha and Nicky have both shown light on Camila along with Bebe to get nominated.
“Ariana and Cardi B I think are going to be big winners at the Grammys” says a Nicole Hartman. “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper from their hit movie “A Star Is Born” was nominated in the music/film categories. With the Oscar buzz, a Grammy could be added to the list for Gaga and Cooper. This wouldn’t be Gaga’s first however as she is no stranger to the Grammy stage.
Best New Artist is another major category as it showcases in coming artists in the music industry. Some previous winners were Sam Smith, Meghan Trainor and Alessia Cara. Billie Eilish, Hayley Kiyoko along with others are high contenders for this award as they have grown this year in popularity.
Multiple artists have got snubbed and have received no nominations. Two of them are Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift. Many took to twitter to express their opinions saying Minaj and Swift should get nominations for their albums as they are both extremely popular this year.
There are usually multiple performances through out the night because it is of course a music award show. No line up for performers have been announced yet. But some predictions are Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper, Post Malone and maybe even Cardi B.
Many songs and albums have been submitted to the Grammys for consideration to be nominated in multiple categories. But only a few are nominated into each. Who will win? Watch the Grammys this January!
Billboard, who run the music charts for the United States, have released their thoughts. A few newcomers in the music industry were mentioned as to be nominated such as Cardi B and Post Malone.
Ariana Grande, The Carters, Drake and others were thought of to be win in multiple categories including album and record of the year. Those two categories are two biggest of the night.
When Album of the Year was mentioned, Cardi B, Drake and Ariana Grande all came up from Billboard and among fellow classmates. However Cardi B and Ariana Grande are both in the lead according to multiple articles to win this award.
The Record of the Year is a mixed bag. Childish Gambino, Camila Cabello, Ariana Grande and more were nominated in this category. It seems as if multiple collaborations are thought of being nominated as well like “Meant To Be” from Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line. Fellow classmates Sasha and Nicky have both shown light on Camila along with Bebe to get nominated.
“Ariana and Cardi B I think are going to be big winners at the Grammys” says a Nicole Hartman. “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper from their hit movie “A Star Is Born” was nominated in the music/film categories. With the Oscar buzz, a Grammy could be added to the list for Gaga and Cooper. This wouldn’t be Gaga’s first however as she is no stranger to the Grammy stage.
Best New Artist is another major category as it showcases in coming artists in the music industry. Some previous winners were Sam Smith, Meghan Trainor and Alessia Cara. Billie Eilish, Hayley Kiyoko along with others are high contenders for this award as they have grown this year in popularity.
Multiple artists have got snubbed and have received no nominations. Two of them are Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift. Many took to twitter to express their opinions saying Minaj and Swift should get nominations for their albums as they are both extremely popular this year.
There are usually multiple performances through out the night because it is of course a music award show. No line up for performers have been announced yet. But some predictions are Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper, Post Malone and maybe even Cardi B.
Many songs and albums have been submitted to the Grammys for consideration to be nominated in multiple categories. But only a few are nominated into each. Who will win? Watch the Grammys this January!
Halloween (2018) Review - 40 Years Later and the Hype is Still Strong
The date is October 21, 2018. Sitting in the theater, I sit beside my friend Kaitlyn preparing to watch the new Halloween movie as we both are big fans of the franchise. We both had high expectations and it seems as though those expectations were met.
Jamie Lee Curtis reprised her role as the iconic Laurie Strode. Her family are the supporting characters and they show how she came to be herself and where her life went from the first movie and her first confrontation with Michael Myers forty years ago.
The film takes a little bit to get going because like in most films, the directors and scriptwriters have to set up the plot and introduce the characters. Halloween has great character development where I actually cared for Laurie Strode just like I did when watching the original. “I liked Laurie more in this one than Halloween II” Kaitlyn said.
Knowing that David Gordon Green directed this film, I had decent expectations because he is known for directing comedy films and Jordan Peele who is the director of “Get Out” did the same thing with a successful horror/suspense film. Kaitlyn made a comment to me saying, “The movie was very well done, Jamie Lee Curtis has returned.” A good director can successfully help create a movie in any genre if they know the story inside and out to make it good, which David Gordon Green has done with this film.
In other reviews of the film, people talk about lack of Halloween atmosphere. Personally I think the atmosphere is at the best it could be because there are Halloween decorations scattered everywhere, colorful leaves, and you can see character’s breath when they talk so you know it is chilly. It gives the movie a specific feel because everyone recognizes the time of year and gives it a real Halloween holiday feel.
Most other critics seem to feel positive about the movie however others think it does not contribute to the original. It does contribute to the original because they have scenes intertwined and phrases if you listen that relate this movie back to the first original.
Opening weekend earned just shy of eighty million dollars which is the second highest opening weekend for a horror movie. The people have spoken with their mouths and their money as many have flocked to their local theaters to watch this film. It does hold up to the original and is a great sequel to the first with a solid plot and storyline.
Jamie Lee Curtis reprised her role as the iconic Laurie Strode. Her family are the supporting characters and they show how she came to be herself and where her life went from the first movie and her first confrontation with Michael Myers forty years ago.
The film takes a little bit to get going because like in most films, the directors and scriptwriters have to set up the plot and introduce the characters. Halloween has great character development where I actually cared for Laurie Strode just like I did when watching the original. “I liked Laurie more in this one than Halloween II” Kaitlyn said.
Knowing that David Gordon Green directed this film, I had decent expectations because he is known for directing comedy films and Jordan Peele who is the director of “Get Out” did the same thing with a successful horror/suspense film. Kaitlyn made a comment to me saying, “The movie was very well done, Jamie Lee Curtis has returned.” A good director can successfully help create a movie in any genre if they know the story inside and out to make it good, which David Gordon Green has done with this film.
In other reviews of the film, people talk about lack of Halloween atmosphere. Personally I think the atmosphere is at the best it could be because there are Halloween decorations scattered everywhere, colorful leaves, and you can see character’s breath when they talk so you know it is chilly. It gives the movie a specific feel because everyone recognizes the time of year and gives it a real Halloween holiday feel.
Most other critics seem to feel positive about the movie however others think it does not contribute to the original. It does contribute to the original because they have scenes intertwined and phrases if you listen that relate this movie back to the first original.
Opening weekend earned just shy of eighty million dollars which is the second highest opening weekend for a horror movie. The people have spoken with their mouths and their money as many have flocked to their local theaters to watch this film. It does hold up to the original and is a great sequel to the first with a solid plot and storyline.
The Transition from High School to College - Professor Insight
Everyone goes through changes in life. Moving places, getting a new boyfriend or girlfriend, or moving schools. For example, transitioning from high school to college. Dr. Stephanie Jeffers is here with me today to shine some light on the subject. Also to show students what the process is like, where you can get help and other useful information. Since most students intend to go to college after high school, tips of moving onto college could enhance student’s knowledge on the subject. I ask if Dr. Jeffers is ready and she gives a nod for me to begin the interview.
Dr. Jeffers went to college studying nursing. The first year was exciting. She met new people and is still friends with a few of many after many years later. Meanwhile at the same time it was tough. Studying alone was something new. Courses seemed harder because obviously she’s higher up in school so courses will be more tough. After college she first went to being a nurse in various hospitals. She then later went back to college to get her PhD and knew that she wanted to leave the hospital and transition to teaching what she loves most, nursing. Dr. Jeffers applied to West Chester University and Widener University. Widener responded quickly. It ended up being a good match because she knew others there.
A question I emphasized was why she decided to teach college instead of lower grades. And her response was that nursing is really only something you can learn in college. There are many other courses in college then in high school because you’re older and know how to understand more. Teaching older students has benefits as she told me that they know the basics on what to expect when entering college. Dr. Jeffers along with her fellow teachers informed me that freshmen are expected to know the basics of what to do and how to behave in the classroom. No talking is a major one except for certain times. However some students may be disorganized and will need help with assignments.
The first week back to school can be stressful for people. I asked how freshmen students act on the first week in college. “They’re all shell shocked.” She says. Many are lost and looking around to find classes. Meanwhile at the same time trying to find friends. Students are developing time management and seem to improve throughout the year. Not many are good at listening as observed in the classroom. Many classes are more different than others when it comes to being responsive in class. The freshman are alright at it, as Dr. Jeffers has told me. “They seem that all of them are used to it from high school.” She tells me. Seniors know and respond more because they have had college experience before.
I lead to the question if the students need to talk to teachers outside of class for non educational reasons, the response I got was, “Absolutely!”. The teachers may act as guidance counselors as well because we all need to talk to someone sometimes. Cliques seems to be everywhere. I asked if there are any of them in freshmen classes. And the answer was yes, there are some people who are just doubles or someone sitting alone. Dr. Jeffers’ colleagues approved of this statement because students haven’t seem to have found their friend group yet or other instances. After the first semester in college, the students are “exhausted” as Dr. Jeffers told me. They’re happy about being done with the course and moving onto the next semester knowing where to go and more about the school along with having more friends. Multiple teachers at Widener backed up this statement. College can be a tough transition time after high school. But everyone gets through it one way or another.
Interview with a Classmate - Journalism Thoughts
Sitting in a desk and angled as if ready to talk, Caitlyn is ready to give us some feedback about her personality and the journalism world. Caitlyn is a positive person overall. She enjoys the writing aspect of journalism. The main reason Caitlyn has signed up for the class is because she loves writing and expects to learn more and dive deeper into the journalism world. A great strength she has academically is english. Writing and reading made their mark in Caitlyn’s brain. Within the english world, quality is a topic that has been brought up. Caitlyn described quality as “well done”. And that she is striving to put quality in all her works. Even if it’s school work or outside activities.
The future is a big motive for her. Volleyball is a large part of her life outside of the classroom. Fashion and clothing combinations are another idea she is passionate about. Along with writing as a third. These could all be bright ideas for her future as she told me that in ten years Caitlyn sees herself in California. So those three ideas listed above could follow her to California to become a job or stay as an extra activity for her. Throughout Caitlyn’s mind she is thinking about future. This is used as a motive for her to strive to do great things and to generate good work from the classroom.
Independence lives inside everyone. Even if you’re a social butterfly. Caitlyn described independence as, “Having the power to do something alone”. I then asked if she thought of herself as a more or less independent person. Not taking too long to think, she says both. She is independent but at the same time is less and still cooperates with many people. The topic of team players came up so I then asked her to describe a team player. Her response was, “To work with everyone well and to be cooperative.” Caitlyn would know because she is a part of the volleyball team and has to cooperate and communicate with the other players on her team. Independence and being a team player are both crucial to a writing piece. Just depends on the type of piece, the topic, and the situation. Or even if you’re co-writing a piece with someone else.