LA Times writer Susan Carpenter notes the influential progression of Young Adult books in the mainstream. Specifically, Carpenter takes note of the adult public’s interest in literature about and for young adults.

Book series like Harry Potter, Twilight, The Hunger Games, The Lightning Thief, and The Book Thief have become increasingly popular with many adults. It’s usual for librarians, parents, and teachers to have an active interest in what the youth is reading and liking. Nowadays, popular adventure, romance, and fantasy novels about teenagers intrigue just about everybody, attributing intelligent writing and exciting narratives as key ingredients everyone can appreciate.

I personally heard about Twilight from an older colleague who enthusiastically raved about its intense teen vampire drama. I then found out Cayla, (age 12) whom I baby-sit for, had read all 4 books in a matter of two months. In recollection, I can say the same happened with Harry Potter when I realized I had been reading it the same time my mother, boyfriend, and younger cousin were.

What does this all mean? Perhaps we as adults still want to connect with the youth of today, or maybe we have a lot more in common than we think?

By Yasmine Zapp

There has been a recent rash of celebrity lives ending abruptly this year — and it’s only March. Why? What gets into these poor souls heads that makes them think “out” rather than “help” is a better way?

Speaking as a mother of a little boy, every time I hear about another passing, I think about the loved ones left behind. I think of the parents and friends who probably watched them struggle over and over. Each time trying to help, trying to read the signs. Staging interventions and supporting rehabs, trying to do whatever necessary to help. Sadly, sometimes, it’s not enough.

In reflection on today’s news, and that of the past few weeks, my heart goes out to the families of these sons who have gone too soon.

Corey Haim had a successful career that started in the early 80’s (First Born) and continued with hits such as: Silver Bullet, Lucas, and The Lost Boys. He made his struggle with drugs and alcohol known, and took the steps he needed to take to get clean. Sadly, though new information has recently surfaced on a potential cause,  Corey was found dead today by his mother, due to a reported drug overdose.

Marie Osmond’s son Michael Bryan cut his life short in February after a long battle with depression.  He had been in and out of rehab and seemed to be “okay” at the time of his death. His friends and roommates all stated that he was clean and sober the night of his death. The note he left behind said that he had no friends and felt like he would never fit in.

Andrew Koenig (son of Walter Koenig a.k.a. Star Trek’s Chekov) had suffered from bouts of depression off and on for his whole life.  His career started on TV’s “Growing Pains” and it seemed as though this young man had an incredible life ahead of him. His focus changed and he became an activist, writer and director for personal projects that really make a statement. However, somewhere along the line Andrew decided that life was too much. He burned through his money and left for Vancouver. For days he went missing while family and friends searched. On Feb 25th, local Vancouver police found his body deep in the forest…not wanting to be found.

These losses serve as a tragic reminder that if you know someone who needs help, you must try to help them find it.

There are a number of organizations waiting on standby 24/7 to assist in any way that they can at no cost. If you are a family member or caretaker of someone in trouble, please contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). They will get you in touch with local groups and organizations that can help. It’s also good to know that there is always a meeting somewhere near your town. No one ever needs to feel, or be, truly alone.

After the bumpy ride of her latest These Times They Are A- Changin’ Broadway musical based on Bob Dylan’s music, Twyla Tharp has returned with the premier of her newest Broadway endeavor. Come Fly Away, surrounding 4 couples in New York City, features the popular melodies of Frank Sinatra. According to NY Times writer Gia Kourlas, Ms. Tharp has been choreographing dances to Frank’s songs since the 1970’s, and this show will feature several works from her previous work Nine Sinatra Songs.

Most of the dancers working with Ms. Tharp have had a long history with her, whether dancing in her company or from select pieces from her past repertoire. She’s now relying on her deep interest and artistic connection to Sinatra, to fill the stage with colorful movement and diverse characters.

In a recent article, Kourlas identifies: “But beyond choreography the connections between productions are more grounded in characterization than in actual movement. It’s as if the couples in “Nine Sinatra Songs” are showing us what they might look like in the morning. To varying degrees, they let their guard down.”

“When I did Nine Sinatra Songs, I couldn’t have told you who these people were,” Ms. Tharp said. “Nor could I have structured a piece that would keep them all bouncing in the air simultaneously, have their stories evolve, put them in a place, and give you a time frame that starts here and goes there.”

Come Fly Away will open to devoted fans March 25 at the Marquis Theater in NYC.

I don’t think I’m off base when I say that March 26th marks the start of something great. It’s the date of Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution premiere. I’m tuning into and hope you do too. We need to, because our children’s lives depend on it.

If you watch the sneak peek, you’ll see something that horrifying. Reports that the medical community is seeing the first generation of children that won’t out-live their parents. A young girl who, due to her fatty liver, was given a prognosis of six years to live. I don’t even think she’s a teenager yet! How about this for a reality check: We are killing our children with what we feed them — in school and at home.

Now, this is not to say there aren’t very healthy families out there who’ve got it together. For most of us, however, (me included) convenience has outweighed common nutritional sense.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve gotten caught up in my career and the hustle and bustle of a life based on achievement — you kind of have to in today’s economic climate. Sometimes whipping through the fast food line is, well, fast and easy. While I may catch a quick meal a couple of times a month, there are many people who do it daily — and for their children as well.

I know some would argue that processed food is more affordable for a family on a tight budget; but is it really when compared to the medical costs of obesity? To that argument, I ask if they’ve checked out the many recipes for affordable meals and snacks you can easily make at home? Again, I’m not pointing any fingers that aren’t pointing back at me, too.

That’s why I’m so psyched Jamie Oliver it taking our food issues on. He was instrumental in reforming the school lunch program in England, and now he’s here to apply his talent to help us thrive. Seriously, I can’t thank him enough for caring so much.

From the looks of it, though, he’s got his work cut out for him. I know, here on SweetTalk, we’ve touched on how unhealthy attachments to food impact our health, but I’m hoping that Jamie’s graphic illustration of his fight to save the lives of our children and those in the West Virginian town he targets, will be just the thing many of us need to see to start a new trend: One of health through delicious and nutritious foods.

Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution is set to premiere on March 26 on ABC. I encourage you to check your local listings and set your DVR!

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve watched the Oscars. I love the glitz, the glamour, and (thanks to my Grandmother) the gossip!

As in the past, this year’s award winners aren’t an exception when it comes to bits of scandal. Whether it’s the upset some feel over the message behind the message of “The Blind Side”, or that both Bea Arthur and Farrah Fawcett were left out of the memorial highlights — which totally ticked me off — the gossip is flying all over the Internet.

Stand outs for me would be the buzz around:

The Hurt Locker: Not only did it knock Avatar to the curb to win for both Best Director and Best Picture, but it made history by awarding Kathryn Bigelow the first Oscar won by a female director. It’s also the subject of a lawsuit, in which real-life Master Sergeant Jeffrey S. Sarver claims that screenwriter and producer, Mark Boal, based his screenplay on Sarver’s personal experience and that the film is “… nothing more than the exploitation of a real life honorable, courageous, and long serving member of our country’s armed forces, by greedy, multi-billion dollar ‘entertainment’ corporations.” Boy, what a mess this has turned out to be. I hope it gets resolved in the best possible way for everyone concerned.

Monique’s open marriage: Though I’m now guilty about talking about this too, who cares. She’s happy. She won the Oscar for her brilliantly brutal and amazing performance. She’s also a grown woman and, as we’ve discussed, some people differ on the boundaries they uphold in their personal relationships. Let’s not belittle Monique’s talent by trying to stir up gossip about her. She’s awesome — let’s leave it at that.

Avatar: I love this movie for its creativity and innovation. I love it for its special effects and deeper message that we’ve heard many times before and still seem to gloss over. I love the fact that it has awakened the inner geek in all of us: Even Sam Champion isn’t immune to getting super excited about learning Na’vi. So what’s the hub bub? Many think that the movie didn’t sweep Best Director and Best Picture and didn’t earn a Best Supporting Actress nomination for Zoe Saldana because it wasn’t based on real acting performances. I disagree, but I don’t give out the little gold statues, now do I?

All gossip aside, I thought those who won this year deserved their Oscars. I’m still really glad I watched — despite the awkwardness of the show itself.

Now, I guess it’s time to sit back and watch next year’s contenders emerge. I wonder who they’ll be.

photo by Staff/Getty Images - 2010

By Yasmine Zapp

The 82nd Annual Oscars came and went with a bang. And, in my opinion, not only were there winners and losers on film, but they also donned the red carpet. So, let’s break this down, shall we?

On the plus side…

Sandra Bullock nailed the vintage Hollywood look by stunning us with her metallic lacy sheath dress by Marchesa.

Queen Latifah looked very regal and glamorous in her lavender satin, one shouldered gown that was paired with diamonds. For a full figured girl she managed to look simply elegant.

Helen Mirren dressed like a gracious lady in her silver satin Badgley Mischka gown. What a vision at 64. Whatever she’s doing, it’s working.

On the so-so side…

Jennifer Lopez wore a pink Armani gown that reminded me of iridescent bubble wrap. The more I looked at it, the less I liked it.

Kate Winslet (always a personal favorite of mine) chose a neutral colored dress by Yves Saint Laurent that was one part bustier and one part prom skirt. The length was off and it looked like she might trip. Kate I’ll always love you…just not in that dress.

Penelope Cruz wore a deep red Donna Karan gown that was lovely except…for the amount of fabric. Sometimes less is more. She is a gorgeous girl with a smashing figure. This dress just seemed to swallow her up.

Charlize Theron (another one of my favs) wore a beautiful Christian Dior dress in lilac (Purple and all of it’s many shades is the “it” color in fashion this year). She had my full support until I noticed where her rosettes were placed. On her bustline. It kind of reminded me of those hawaiian dolls with the coconut bras.

And on the “me no likey” list…

Sarah Jessica Parker opted for a citrus-colored (on the lemony side) Chanel gown that was weighed down with too much detail up top. My eyes didn’t know what they were looking at. Was it a strapless? Is it a wrap? Did someone not comb her hair? I dunno.

Diane Kruger (a lovely girl) chose a creme and black Chanel piece. I say piece because it looked like it was pieced together. Smooth then ruffles then draped then bunched. What? Why? If you’re an attractive girl don’t play down your figure.

And finally our little Miley Cyrus (she’s 17 years old) wore a champagne colored Jenny Packham gown that seemed like a good idea. Unfortunately Miley is a huncher and did great injustice to this (could have been) beautiful dress. Posture Posture Posture!

In retrospect of this year’s red carpet fashion picks, I feel we’re seeing less figures and more ball gowns. Full skirts and less risque choices. Glamour (old time glamour) is making it’s way back on the red carpet.

The snow is starting to melt and the sun is peeking through. Spring is coming (March 20th) and you know what that means: It’s time to lighten up our wardrobes and break out the dresses.

As those who celebrate Easter know, your “best” for the holiday is usually something that makes you look super girly.

If you’re 2 years old, chances are that you’ll look cute in anything. If not, you might have to look a little harder.

Here are some basic tips when shopping for that new spring dress:

Pear-shaped goddess? Choose a solid-colored dress that skims over the bottom half of your body — avoid pockets or draping at the hips.

Sporty with broad shoulders? Try going with an asymmetrical neckline. If you dare to bare, go for the classic one shoulder look.

If height is not on your side (petite) choose the clean lines of a sheath dress.

If a busty endowment is your challenge, consider a V-neck or square-cut neckline. Wrap dresses are another beautiful option.

If you’re on the other side of the spectrum a have a small chest, try to pick a dress with embellishments across the bust line. It draws attention to the details of the fabric.

If you’ve got a little something fleshy going on in the arm department, simply match a square-cut neckline with a wrap or cardigan.

If you are too thin…eat something (LOL)…and then pick out a dress that is flowing with multiple layers and ruffles.

Just remember, no matter what shape you are, there is a dress out there with your name on it. Solid colors always work best with problem areas, and you can always pair your dress with some funky shoes and accessories, to pull it all together. Last tip: Remember to smile — it dresses up every outfit.

Enjoy your Spring!

Stock up on the popcorn and get ready for the new NBC hit show “Who Do You Think You Are?” The family focused series leads seven celebrities on a journey back in time to discover their family history. Lisa Kudrow, is the executive producer of the show and she as well as Sara Jessica Parker, her husband Matthew Broderick, Susan Sarandon, Emmitt Smith, and Brook Shields will be featured in the episodes. Ancestry.com is a partner with NBC on the show.

“Who Do You Think You Are?” has been popular and a very successful show in the UK since 2004, and they expecting it to be a hit here in United States as well.

I have often wondered where my ancestors originated from, as I am sure a lot of us do. It would be interesting to see just how far back we could trace our roots. I bet we would be just as amazed as seven celebrities featured in the series.

So don’t forget to tune in. The Series will air on NBC Friday nights 8/7c beginning March 5. You can find out more about the show at  NBC Who Do You Think You Are.

Image: www.shopbando.com

By Christiénne Miller

Sometimes I just don’t have the time to style my hair, you know what I mean?

It’s due, in part, to my current lifestyle as the mom of a very active 3-year-old, in addition to my hair being a bit curly and crazy, making it hard to tame.

That’s why I’m forever on a quest to find hair accessories. The one pictured here just took my breath away.  I wish I would have had this on my wedding day. How elegant and understated with just the right bit of pizazz. Totally visually yummy!

This as well as other fabulous finds live at Ban.do — a current favorite accessory hub of celebs like Zooey Deschanel, Taylor Swift, and Lea Michele. They inspire me to want to dress up and dazzle.

But, when glam isn’t my M.O., I turn to tried and true friends like Knotheads or a hair kerchief. Is there anything out there you love to wear that I don’t know about? Do tell!

Since mineral make up has become all the rage lately, you may be wondering just what really makes this type of make up appealing? Are there any reasons not to use it?

Since the makeup is made of minerals and does not contain chemicals commonly found in foundation makeup, the mineral make up has always appealed to me because it tends to sooth, irrational skin. But with so many different brands on the market, choosing the right one can be difficult.

I recently discovered RAW Minerals  and I must say am loving it!  Some ingredients used in RAW Minerals  not found in other products include ActiveSilk, Natural Corn Extract, Soybean Extract and VitaFirm Complex.

No more running to the bathroom every couple hours to blot my shiny face. It goes on flawless and truly blends away fine lines and wrinkles. For sure looking good has never been so easy!