Ohio teen wears 'killer' shirt to trial

Seventeen-year-old T.J. Lane was convicted of killing three other teenagers at Chardon High School. First he was put through a juvenile court.  Then he was moved to an adult court and sentenced to life in prison with no parol. At his trial he wore a button up shirt which he unbuttoned showing a white shirt with the word "killer" written on it. After exposing his shirt, he then began smirking. He also cursed to the families of the young men that he shot. The parents of the victims were very opinionated in saying that they wanted him to die and that he was a coward. I think that he was very immature in this situation by wearing that shirt. It was very insulting to the families. The families were going through an emotional time and I think that the court should have put a stop to the situation. What do you think about this? To find out more click here.

Bar fight leads to a Dow City man dead

Friday night and into Saturday early morning I was coming home from Omaha and I saw there was a car that was sticking out of a trailer house so we called one of our drivers and asked him about it who lives in Dow City and he told us that there was a man shot and killed. According to the new's the two of them were sitting in the bar all night and then they got into a fight and and so Larry decided to give up and he left but then Wingrove didn't think that the fight was over and he and his buddies chased him down highway 30 and Wingrove was standing besides this house and Larry was being chased down the rode when Wingrove fired multiple time into Larry. In the mean time some neighbors herd all this went out and broke Larry's back window out of the car and pulled Larry out of the car but he was dead. Then Wingrove went to the ladies house that the car was sticking in and told her to call the cops but she already did and when the cops showed up Wingrove turned himself in. Wingrove is held on a one million dollar bond. So my question is why did Wingrove have to take this so serious and kill him and why did he have a gun with him when he was just sitting in the bar drinking? Anybody that is in the bar at 2 o'clock in the morning shouldn't probably be driving or have a gun on them anyways. Nothing good will happen at 2 in the morning.

Bar Fight Leads to Man Hit by Car

I recently read an article in the paper called "Bar Fight Leads to Man Hit by Car" for Contemporary Issues. Honestly, this was article was quite interesting for its size.

Two men were sitting in a bar. The article never suggested that they were drinking. After a while, the men began to talk to each other. One thing led to another, and they began to argue. I personally think that there had to be witnesses leading them on, or they would have stopped at the arguing. But as you can probably guess, they began to fight. Punches were being thrown, the whole deal. After a while of this childless fighting, one man decided that it was time to give up. He walked out, and took off for home. The other man was going to have none of that, so he took off after him... in a car. He followed the man walking, and ran him over. The man was taken to the hospital, and found that he was suffereing from no severe injuries.

The man who ran him over on the other hand, was convicted of attempted murder. As I said before, there was no suggestion whether or not it was alcohol-related, but he was not convicted of drinking and driving, so...

What do you think? Personally, I believe that this is nonsense. Why did the bartender allow them to go out like that? Why didn't he call the cops when they began fighting in the bar? Leave your opinion!

Former TSA chief backs 'knife' decision; suggests axes and machetes, too

I just read an article on cnn.com by Mike M Ahlers.

The TSA has made it legal to carry small knives (up to 2.6 inches in length) onboard planes with you. This new policy will take effect in April of this year.

In this article, the former head of transportation said he supports this new policy, but said "it does not go far enough, and should include instruments such as 'battle axes (and) machetes'."  He says that he believes the TSA should make the policy to include ALL sharp and pointy objects onboard airplanes. He says that sharp and pointy objects, like knives, can't take down an airplane, they can only harm people. "They ought to let everything on that is sharp and pointy. Battle axes, machetes ... bring anything you want that is pointy and sharp because while you may be able to commit an act of violence, you will not be able to take over the plane. It is as simple as that," he said.

I don't know about you guys, but I COMPLETELY disagree with what this guy is saying. He is saying that is doesn't matter how many people can be harmed or killed by the knives, as long as the plane doesn't go down.  If he thinks that people can be KILLED by allowing these little knives onto planes, WHY ALLOW THEM?! I don't know, I just don't get it. What do you guys think? Do you agree with what this guy said? 

To read the whole article, click HERE.

Titanic II To Set Sail 2016

I recently read an article online about the idea of creating another Titanic ship.  Australian billionaire, Clive Palmer, is trying to recreate the famous Titanic ship for people to cruise on once again.  The ship will cost around some $2-4 hundred million dollars to recreate.  As of right now, they plan to have the Titanic II set sail in 2016 from Southampton to New York just as it did back in 1912 when it struck an iceberg and sank.

Already 40,000 applications have been submitted to be part of the maiden voyage.  The estimated cost for a ticket to ride the Titanic II will probably be somewhere from about $50,000 to $100,000, but for the first ride across the Atlantic, the first tickets may very well cost $1,000,000 each.  It will have a crew of 900 looking after some 2,500 passengers.  The rooms, decorations, and even meals will replicate the original ship.  They are even going to have a First, Second, and Third Class just like 1912, where the passengers are only allowed to converse with passengers of the same class.

I think it's a really cool idea that they are trying to recreate the ship.  I think it would be really neat to see what it was like with all of the decorations and meals exactly the same as they were before.  I certainly wouldn't, and couldn't, pay $50,000 to $100,000 for a ticket.  I can't believe some people are willing to pay one million dollars! Do you think it's worth it to recreate and build the Titanic II?

Mariano Rivera to Retire After Season

ESPN.COM

     After 18 years of pitching for the New York Yankees, also known as the Bronx Bombers, Mariano Rivera has decided that he will retire after the following season. At the age of 43, Mariano is considered the greatest closer to ever play the game. He will exit as the games all-time leader in saves with 608 already and another season to rack up saves. 

     This year he will be returning off of a complete ACL tear last year. Many speculated that he would retire this off-season but since the Yankees have reported to spring training he is rumored to be in the best shape of his career, even at 43. 

     I think it will be sad to see such a great player step away from the game but he is what inspires people to continue to play the game. There is nothing that inspires people more than a player that is playing the best of his game at this point in his career. For him it is the right thing though, because for years now, Rivera has struggled with his desire to be home with family and devote even more time to his work with his church. I'm not the biggest fan of the Yankees but to see someone have such dedication on his part towards the team is what I like. The best part to know behind the fact he has developed into a top player is that he was signed for only $3,000 as an undrafted free agent in 1990.

     What do you think about his decision to step down after the year? Do you think the team can go out on top one more time as World Champions for him?

If you want to read more you can at: http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/9027790/mariano-rivera-new-york-yankees-retire-season-sources-say

U.N. Imposes Tougher Sanctions on North Korea

The U.N. Security Council imposed its fourth and most stringent set of sanctions on North Korea in response to its latest nuclear weapons test, a vote preceded by heightened Korean threats of an attack against the U.S. The new measures, adopted unanimously by the 15-member council, require nations to crack down on North Korean financial transactions and check cargo suspected of containing nuclear and missile-related contraband, among other actions that before were only voluntary. The resolution, aimed at forcing North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program, calls for Pyongyang to return to the table for international negotiations. It also threatens even harsher sanctions if North Korea continues with its banned nuclear and ballistic-missile programs.     Hours before the U.N. vote on Thursday, North Korea threatened to launch a nuclear strike against the U.S. North Korea doesn't have the capability to reach U.S. territory, military analysts say.With the U.S. conducting annual defensive military maneuvers with South Korean forces this week, North Korea also threatened to turn its neighbor to the south into "a sea of flames." 
     I think its about time we tighten things up on North Korea. I also think we need to be harsher to Iran and its nuclear ambitions. 
     To read more click this link http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324128504578346181542545790.html

Surrogate Mother offered $10,000 to Abort Baby

I have recently read an article on the CNN web site called "Surrogate offered $10,000 to abort baby." In this article, Chrystal Kelley explains everything that went down between her and a couple that Chrystal was carrying their child. The parents asked to be remained anonymous throughout this situation. Chrystal's pregnancy was as normal as every other pregnancy. Until the day she went in for her six-month ultrasound. The doctor was having trouble finding the tiny baby's heart. She then suggested that Chrystal come back in a week when the baby would be more developed. When Chrystal came back the nurse then again told her that she was having trouble finding the baby’s heartbeat. She then directed Chrystal to go to the Hartford Hospital. Before Chrystal could make it to her first appointment at Hartford Hospital, she got an unexpected call from the baby’s biological mother. The mother had told Chrystal that the nurse from her previous hospital had discovered that the baby had a cleft lip, cleft palate, a cyst in the brain, and complex heart problems. The biological mother was terrified, she the offered Chrystal $10,000 to abort the baby. When Chrystal declined the mother took legal action, forcing Chrystal to either have the abortion or to hand over the baby at the time of birth so the biological parents cold give it up for adoption. Chrystal fled the state so they could not follow up on her and demand the baby back. The baby girl was born and has been given two adoptive parents who love and care for her every day even though she has these medical issues. Chrystal Kelley is still being attacked by others saying that she should have listened because it wasn’t her choice to keep the baby.

Personally I think that Chrystal did the right thing. I think it is totally absurd for parents to pay someone $10,000 dollars to abort their tiny, unborn child. I feel that abortion is wrong, no matter the circumstances. These parents would definitely NOT receive the ‘parent of the year’ award in my book.

Woman born without arms is both a black belt and a licensed pilot

I recently read an article about a 30 year old girl who was born without arms is a black belt and a licensed pilot! Jessica first became noticed when Guinness World Records recognized her for becoming the first person to fly an airplane who doesn't have arms. And now she is the subject of a new documentary, “Rightfooted,” which Cox says she hopes will serve as an inspirational and teaching tool to disabled youth around the world. Her documentary has already passed 

She has learned to do many many more things...all with her feet! With the help of her family and friends, putting faith in herself, she went through high school and college typing papers with her toes. She even got her drivers license and then even her pilot's license. She says her current goal is to become a motivational speaker for other children born without arms. But she says she believes her message can reach millions of youths working to overcome a variety of different disabilities.

Her next step has her going to Ethiopia. She has been invited by Handicap International to work with disabled students.

On the Hunt in the Bronx

On Feb. 18 in the late afternoon two men followed an old man into his apartment complex and frisked him up and stole the cash out of his pockets said a Metro article. The article provides a tip line to call if you have any information. The picture will probably make the search for the suspects much easier. If this crime had occurred years ago the police would most likely not made an arrest at all. Personally I think police officers have come a very long way with all the new technology and tools they have. Now they have DNA testing, facial recognition programs, and computer backed-up files. With DNA testing now they have had several cases obtain appeals and be exonerated. It is scary to think that when we didn't have DNA testing some criminals were still roaming around and some innocent people went to jail. I hope they find these suspects and all the other crooks out there. Do you think about being a police officer? What would you do to catch the criminals?

Pretties by Scott Westerfeld

I recently read the book Pretties by Scott Westerfeld.  This book is a sequal to the book Uglies.  The main character is a young girl named Tally Youngblood.  In her society, at the age of sixteen they have an operation done to become “pretty”.    In the book Pretties, Tally finally becomes a pretty.  Now she has beyond perfect looks, her clothes are awesome, she has an amazing boyfriend, and she’s completely popular.  She has everything she ever wanted.

Even though Tally’s life is nonstop fun and parties, high-tech luxury, and total freedom, there is a sense nagging at her that something is very wrong.  And it seems that it is something very important that she is missing.  Then, a message from her past arrives.  In reading it, Tally remembers what is wrong with her new pretty life, and the fun stops instantly.  Now Tally has to choose if she wants to fight to forget the what she knows or fight for her life because the authorities won’t let anyone with the information Tally has survive.

I thought that Pretties was a really great book.  It is full of nonstop adventures and excitement.  I would recommend it for everyone to read, but you have to read the first book Uglies before you read Pretties to understand what is happening in the book.  Overall, I thought it was worth reading as well as the rest of the series!  If you read the series, I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

U.S.D.A. predicts growth in demand for crops

I recently read a article on KTIV.COM that demand for crops and livestock will contiune to rise due to the steady increase in population all over the world.

 

The USDA said Monday that American farmers will have to find ways to boost what they harvest out of each acre, and farmers overseas will have to expand production. This is very important, espically because of the increase in population and the steady acres we have to farm.

 

USDA economist David Stallings says he believes agriculture will be able to continue what it has done for the past 100 years and expand production enough to satisfy demand. I agree with him I think it can be done I just really hope it rains. This is not only bringing down our yields, but it is also stressing our ground out.

 

The report is most useful in identifying long term trends, and the government uses it to assess the impact of new policies. But the report is based on lots of assumptions, including normal weather patterns, steady economic growth and no big surprises are expected.

 

Overall I think that this was a very good article to ready I hope I summerized it well, but this is where we live and what our town does to make our livings and I felt that it was necessary for everyone to read. Do you guys agree with me? Also do you think we should be concerned?

Video Games May Aid Children With Dyslexia

I recently read an article called Video Games May Aid Children With Dyslexia. This article is about how playing action games may help dyslexic students with reading. They did a small study with two groups. One group played action video games for nine sessions of eighty minutes. The other group played video games, but they played non action video games. In the beginning of the study the two groups IQ's, ages, reading speeds, error rates, phonological skills were similar. The researchers measured the reading and attention skills of the children before and after game session. Then they compared them. The group that was playing the action video games scored a significant higher score than those that played the non action video games. Their various measures, such as, combined speed and accuracy, recognizing pseudo-words made of random letters, and reaction time were similar. The group that played action video games scored higher scores on tests that measured attention by inserting distractions as the children tried to finish various visual and auditory tasks. “The correlation between attention improvement and reading improvement was very high,” said the co-first author of the study, Simone Gori, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Padua. “The change in attentional abilities translates into better reading ability.” When I read the title of this article, I didn't think playing video games would actually work. I think its cool that studies actually found things that actually work with dyslexia people. I hope everyone gets the chance to read this. If you know someone that has dyslexia, tell them about this and see if it helps them. What do you guys think about this article?

Boy Suspended For Making Pretend Gun Out Of Pop-Tart

One morning, 7-year-old Josh Welch was eating a pop tart when he noticed it looked like the shape of a gun.  Being a little second grader, he imagined he was shooting something and said "bang, bang!".  A teacher heard him and thought it was a threat.  Josh was sent to the office and suspended for two days.  Josh's dad was called and every kid in the class was sent home with a note saying that Josh had made an "inappropriate gesture with food".
I think this is a ridiculous story.  The poor kid was just playing around.  In my opinion, the school authorities should be worrying about the actual bullying and threats that are probably going on in the school rather than a harmless second grader and a breakfast food.  I feel sorry for the little kid because he was probably really embarrassed for doing something that every little  boy does at one point in their childhood.
Read the article here: http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/03/04/watch-boy-suspended-from-school-for-making-gun-out-of-a-pop-tart/

It Costs More to Take the Metro

The cost of taking the Metro has risen slightly but a quarter today really adds up. In New York the cost of taking the Metro was originally $2.25 to $2.50 per time and the unlimited cards rose from $104 to $112. These new prices will go into affect Sunday at 12 a.m. The people riding the subway are beginning to protest this by creating their own boycott. The people with the unlimited cards are swiping for other people. They say the swiper is boycotting by swiping for someone els. I think that the prices shouldn't have gone up because if work rates are still low then it will just make it harder for people to make enough money and keep it. On the other hand, with the talk of the possibility of raising minimum wage it could be that they are thinking of the normal percent people spend already to take the subway. Personally I can understand why the people who take the subway would be angry with fare charges. The people who most likely take the subway take it because they are looking for a cheaper way of transportation and don't want the fares to rise like gas prices are. What are your thoughts on changing prices? Do you think they are just overreacting?

Judge Taking a Look at Michigan Gay Marriage Ban

Two nurses in Detroit, Michigan have filed a lawsuit in order to have to ability to overturn restrictions on adoption by same-sex partners. These two women, April and Jayne, have lived together with three children whose parents were unable to raise them. Now April and Jayne would like to adopt them but are unable to because of legal restrictions. What started out as the fight to remain with their children has now turned into the challenging on Michigan's ban on gay marriage. The court will hear statements on the state's request attempting to demolish the lawsuit, but Michigan's gay marriage bean could be decided by the Supreme Court. I feel that these people deserve to keep the children with them in their home. They were kind enough to accept these people into their home so they should be able to become their legal guardians. No matter what gender I believe that people should be able to have a family to raise and call their home. In my opinion, April and Jayne have done something that will make a substantial impact on their lives and many other lives to follow, including their children. What is your opinion on same-sex marriage and those couples being able to legally adopt children? To read the full article click here.

Tall Grass, A Novel

I recently read the book Tall Grass, A Novel by Sandra Dallas. In this book the Japanese were sent to internment camps. In the book Susan Reddick ends up getting raped and murdered and everyone was blaming the Japs for it. Why everyone was blaming the Japs is because nothing like this had ever happened until the Japs came to Ellis. Then Mary Stroud hired a girl named Daisy to help her with the house. Daisy had been pregnant. Mary and Rennie who is Mary Stouds daughter were driving when they got stuck in the truck so they got out and started walking back to there house. When they had gotten home they new something was up when they saw the sheet pinned to the close line by one close pin. Daisy was suppose to put the clothes out on the line. But when Mary and Rennie got back to there house the clothes were on the ground in the dirt and the clothes basket was flipped over. At this time Daisy had her baby and she named it Amy Elizabeth. So when Mary and Rennie got home they went down to the barn. When they got down to the barn they saw Daisy holding Amy Elizabeth closer and closer to her chest because Danny Spano was holding a beet knife up to Daisy. Danny Spano kept saying that he wants his baby and if Daisy wouldn't give it to him she was going to kill her. So Daisy killed Danny Spano, and Mary told Daisy and Carol to go ahead and go home so they did. Mary took the blame for Danny Spano's death. The ending of the book is the best part. I thought that this was the most amazing book i've ever read. I would recamend that you read this book; I would give this 5 stars.

Carl Edwards Wins Subway 500

Just this last weekend Carl Edwards won at Phoenix International Raceway. But what is crazy about this all is it was the Subway 500. That may not mean much to you, but to those who watch Nascar might know. Carl Edwards drives the number 99 car sponsored by Subway. So I bet he got a nice bonus for winning the Subway 500 while driving the Subway 99 car. Carl Edwards didn't do so good in Daytona so the win in Phoenix was huge for the number 99 crew. Of course after Edwards won he did his traditional backflip of the side of his car. I personally don't like Carl Edwards, but thats because I like Jeff Gordan. Do any of you like Nascar? If so, who do you like?

Fans Injured At Nascar Race in Daytona

Two weekends ago in Orlando Florida at the Daytona International Speedway there was a big wreck during the Nationwide race causing a racecar to get lifted into the fence protecting the fans from getting hit by any debris, but the fence couldn't stop what was comming through it this time.  On the very last lap of the race the number 32 car lost control and was lifted into the air almost like a rag doll.  There was over 20 people injured leaving 2 in critical condition. The driver of the car had no injuries.  I happened to be watching the race on those very last laps and it was a very intense moment. There was absolutly nothing left from the front of the windshield to the bumper. The motor was even left right by the front row of seats. If i had been at this race I would have felt bad for the people sent to the hospital. Have any of you seen or heard about this? If so, please comment.

Ibaka fined $25,000 for hit on Blake Griffin

Serge Ibaka is a player for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA, and he seems to be in a little bit of trouble. The Thunder were playing the Clippers the other night and Blake Griffin was boxing out Serge and he didn't like that. Serge then got upset and reached around and punched Balke Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers in the groin area. Ibaka is being fined $25,000 for this malice action.
       Blake Griffin then dropped to the ground as if he got hit in his private area, and for all we know, he did get hit there. The Thunder did go on to win this game 108-104.
    Although Serge Ibaka did get fined $25,000, people  are not satisfied. Fans and coaches think that he should have been called with a technical foul, and people also think that Serge should have been ejected from the game. The NBA executive vice president for basketball operations, Stu Jackson, announced the fine on Tuesday. The league also gave Ibaka a flagrant foul on Tuesday.
    People think that Serge should be suspended for a couple games, but I think that that would be a little too harsh on him. With the NBA standings heating up, him not playing a coulple games could cause some problems for the Oklahoma City Thunder! I feel like the NBA handled the situation just right and that everything will be okay. I sure hope so anyways!
         For more information, check out http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ibaka-fined-25-000-hit-220645239--nba.html

Seventy-six year old does Crossfit

I read an article in Fitness Magazine about a seventy-six year old lady named Annemarie McKay. She lives in Halifax, Massachusetts, and she has five kids, nine grandkids, and three great-grandkids. When she went to her doctor for a checkup, he said she would need to start taking medicine soon for her high cholesterol. So she decided to start doing the Crossfit program.
The first two weeks was an introduction to mastering the proper form with lightweight PVC pipes in place of barbells. The coaches had to change the exercises so Annemarie could finish the workouts with her classmates, who were between the ages of twenty and fourty. Now she attends Crossfit twice every week and lifts a seventy-five pound barbell that she says doesn't even feel heavy anymore. A few months ago she also bench pressed thiry-nine pounds. Then next time Annemarie went to her doctor he said her cholesterol was lowered and she didn't need to take any medication. Her new challenge is climbing a rope to the twenty foot ceiling.
I love working out but I don't think I could do what Annemarie does. I would like to but don't think I could at seventy-six years old. Would you do it if your health depended on it?

AGREEMENT KEEPS PBR WORLD FINALS IN LAS VEGAS THROUGH 2015

The Professional Bull Riders announced it has signed a three-year extension with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, ensuring the PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals will remain in Las Vegas through 2015. The event brings an estimated 70,000 attendees and generates an estimated economic impact of $15 million in non-gaming revenue for Las Vegas. The partnership includes inclusion in the 20th Anniversary World Finals logo and press conference backdrops, in-arena and chute signage, PA announcements, and video board spots."Nearly 20 years ago, many of the world's best bull riders came together to create something special, and we are honored to have been a partner from the very beginning," said Tom Collins "The excitement and energy of Las Vegas combined with the proud heritage and rich competition of the PBR creates a winning formula for the bull riders and the fans. This one-of-a kind event features huge prize money and wild bull rides." Finals drawing almost 70,000 fans, advance ticket purchase is encouraged to avoid missing the adrenaline-soaked action when the Top 35 bull riders in the world risk it all against their four-legged opponents that can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds. The 2013 Built Ford Tough Series season again opened with capacity crowds at Madison Square Garden in New York, and will make 26 stops in 18 states. The season will conclude at the Built Ford Tough World Finals in Las Vegas on Oct. 24-28, 2013. The PBR World Champion will receive the coveted Championship buckle, a $1 million bonus and a new pickup truck from Ford, the title sponsor of the Built Ford Tough Series. The PBR is celebrating 20 years of competition in 2013. PBR broadcasts reach more than half a billion households in 50 nations and territories around the world, and more than 2.5 million fans attend PBR events each year. PBR has awarded more than $120 million in prize money over 20 years of competition, including a $1 million bonus to the PBR World Champion each year. We went to the Built Ford Tough Series Finals a few years ago and  I had the greatest time ever. You will never see any better action then at the finals with many of the top bull riders!  I hope that they keep it in Vegas because I don't think that it would be the same anywhere else.

Florida calls off search for man swallowed by sinkhole

Authorities in Florida ended the search Saturday for a man presumed dead after a sinkhole opened beneath the bedroom of his family's Tampa home.  They stopped because the hole is still expanding and the house could collapse at any time.  This all started Thursday night when the Bush family was going to bed and they heard a very loud noise.  They ran to the room and everything was gone.  Jeremy Bush and four other people including a 2-year-old child were uninjured.  Nearby houses were told they had 30 minutes to get belongings and abandon the premises.  The sinkhole is about 20 feet to 30 feet across and may be 30 feet deep said emergency workers.

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

I recently read the book Uglies by Scott Westerfeld.  The story takes place strange society in which everyone is turned extremely attractive or a “Pretty” by a special surgery at the age of sixteen.  This operation also makes changes to your brain.  It makes you carefree, and takes away your want to be difference, your creativity, and your anger.  The idea was to prevent war and anger. 

The main character in the book is named Tally Youngblood.  Tally is an “ugly” who is about to turn sixteen and is really looking forward to becoming a pretty.  Before Tally becomes a pretty, she becomes friends with another ugly named Shay.  Shay has contact with a group of people that are against the operation and stayed ugly.  They are hiding in a place called the Smoke.  Before Shay turned sixteen, she tried to get Tally to join her and run off to the smoke, but Tally refuses to join her.  Shay leaves alone, but left Tally with clues as to how she can find her.  When Tally finds out that she will not be able to become a pretty until she tells the secret police organization about Shay, she changes her mind and decides to follow Shay to the smoke.

I thought that Uglies was a really great read.  It is full of action and exciting adventures.  Also, it is followed up by three more books, Pretties, Specials, and Extras.  I have also read the rest of the series and they were great too!  I would recommend these books to everyone! They may seem a little confusing at first but they are definitely worth the read!