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Smoking is America’s favorite  pastime. You love smoking and you know why you do it. It’s the reason why you get out of bed in the morning. It’s the reason you sit outside in -20 degree celsius temperatures. It’s the wedge of cheese at the end of long day at work. It’s also the stuff that you dream about. Who cares if it causes cancer, you’ve smoked it since you were 13.
pastime. You love it, you know you do.

On that note, let’s take a look at the top 10 reasons why teenagers choose to light up.

1. Peer Pressure:

Has a friend or classmate has ever pushed you into doing something you don’t want to do? If yes, you’ve experienced  what is known as peer pressure. This is how many kids start smoking. If a popular kid offers you a cigarette, you might think that you’ll become popular if you do what he or she says. When a close friend starts smoking, you many worry that you’ll lose the friendship if you turn your buddy down.

2. Cool:

Smoking a cigarette or a joint is seen as cool in high school. There is always a small group or a crowd that loves to hang out during smoke breaks. Others join in to fit in.

I remember how one of my friends tried to impress with me with his French inhale. This is a very “cool” technique that will prove you are a pot-smoking pro. Simply take a nice hit and then open your mouth (letting the smoke flow out slowly). Then, lightly inhale that smoke through your nose. If done right, the smoke will gradually flow out of your mouth and directly into your nostrils.

3. Parents smoke:

Teenagers are likely to smoke if they see their parents smoke. I’ve seen situations where parents would buy cigarettes for their kids or children steal cigarettes from their parents.

2,800 of  premature deaths were linked to low birthweight, the result of mothers smoking while pregnant. Approximately 2,000 of the deaths were due to sudden infant death syndrome caused by secondhand smoke. Another 1,000 are due to lung infections. 250 die from burns caused by cigarette-produced fires. 14 children die from asthma.

4. Others do it

I’ve heard of the expression where it is alright as long as others do it as well. It is wrong when you’re the only one doing it. This applies to both cigarettes and joints.

5. Addictive

Teenagers begin by having one cigarette and that’s all they plan on having. The nicotine in the cigarettes is addictive and that causes them to smoke daily.

When buying a car for teenagers, parents look at the safety, cost effectiveness and fuel efficiency of the cars. Furthermore, the look and appeal examined by the teenagers determines whether the transaction is made. Here are the top 10 cars for teens based on 3 criteria: safety test results, cost effectiveness and fuel efficiency.

1. Ford Fiesta:

It’s a small car which will be a good starting point for teenagers. It has excellent stability control and crash test results. The cost starts at approximately $13,000. It is very fuel efficient, consuming 4.9L/100km on the highway and 6.8L/100km in the city. Ford is now developing a strategy for electrification slated to start in 2013.

2. Toyota Scion:

This car was specifically made for teenagers. The price for a basic car is around $16,000. The new edition is fuel efficient, consuming 9.7L/100km in the city and 7.2L/100km on highway.

SAB crash ratings are 5/5 for both front and side. It also has side, front and head airbags as well as a 4 wheel ABS system. The car just entered into Canadian markets in 2010. It has been successful so far.

3. Honda Civic

This car is fuel efficient, reliable and has an attractive practicality. It is one of the best selling cars. 16.5 million Honda Civics were sold as of 2007 worldwide, 7.3 million of them were in the United States. When driving on the highway, the latest edition (8th Generation) takes 5.7L/100km and 8.2L/100km on the city roads. The price is also ideal as the base car costs around $15,000.

4. Toyota Corolla:

This is a perfect car to buy for teens. Many instructors utilize this car to begin teaching lessons to first time drivers. Take a look on the road and you will see what I am talking about. The car is very basic, simple and comfortable. One can easily adjust to the system, especially when it was their training car. All cars are equipped with airbags and stability control. You can definitely find the car at a low price around $15,000.

5. Ford Focus:

This is an excellent car for starter drivers who do not have experience with the road. It has a SYNC system which allows the voice to control the Ipod and cellphone commands. It is cost efficient, pricing at around $18,000. It also has a 6 speed and dual clutch automated system.

On the highway it takes about 5.88L/100km.

The follow top 10 influential TV teenagers are excellent role models. They may have some faults, but work to better their lives. They are usually portrayed as bring protagonists who struggle similarly to real life teenagers. Many teenagers love watching them as they clearly connect when necessary.

1. Miley Stewart/Hanna Montana:

Hanna Montana is a comedy which ran from 2006-2011. It centers on a teenager, Miley Stewart, who is a school girl during the day and a pop singer named Hanna Montana by night. Only her close friends and family know about the double life Miley Stewart (Aka. Hanna Montana) lives. Miley Stewart is a great role model for all teenagers as she tackled bullying and social scenes in high school. Many could easily relate to a character who needs to adjust to a new lifestyle and school when moving into a new city.

2. Malcolm Wilkerson:

Malcolm in the Middle’s protagonist Malcolm Wilkerson is an excellent role model. He struggles through life to come to terms with his ingenuity. His perseverance especially in tough times is an example of a character trait all students should exhibit. He usually is seen as a decision maker in the family, providing support and advice to adults, parents and siblings.

3. Carly Shay:

Carly Shay in the TV show iCarly is another great role model on television. She is everything any teenager could ask for to be brought on television. She has a great mind, is always kind and generous. She hardly shows her rebellious and altruistic side. She is a great role model as she shows good character (optimism, perseverance) to high school children around the world. My 8 year old brother loves to watch her shows and often looks up to Miranda Cosgrove (the actress) because she is always the ‘nice’ one.

4. Lizzie McGuire:

The TV show, Lizzie McGuire starring Hilary Duff was viewed by many adolescents and preteens between 2001 and 2004. The events Lizzie goes through are part of everyday life for teenagers. She is a perfect example of someone struggling in school and having authority seeking parents. However, her behaviour is not in any way role modeling.

5. Zack Morris:

Those who grew up in the 1990s still remember Zack Morris from Saved by the Bell. He was a loveable character, literally connecting with his viewers by breaking the third wall. He usually is seen interacting with viewers and giving them advice. He stands to show others a perfect example of consequences for those who defy rules. Throughout high school, Zack did not want to study. He almost did not graduate because of his egoism.

Many parents increasingly wonder if they are raising future serial killer with growing gun incidents in schools and mounting murder cases committed by teenagers and preteens. They try to assess their own parenting skills to get to the crux of their children’s problems and anger. The mother of Dylan Klebold (Columbine Shooter) wrote an essay in O Magazine where she described her shock and horror over her son’s actions. She never believed her son would be capable of hurting more or less kill innocent bystanders.

The truth of the matter is that many children, especially teenagers, are getting a hold of illegal firearms and other weapons. Many city streets and schools are becoming increasingly unsafe as gun and weaponry laws are becoming too lenient. Furthermore, many parents are overlooking signs of depression, rage, harassment and abuse in their own children. Here are 10 cases where teenagers and preteens became premeditated murderers.

1. Tim Kretschmer:

A 17 year old teenager went into his former high school in Winnenden, Germany on March 11, 2009 and fatally shot and killed 9 students, 3 teachers and 3 bystanders before pulling the gun on himself. He was recovering from psychiatric treatment for depression when the shooting took place. The day before the shooting occurred, Kretschmer announced his plans on an internet chatroom. His failing grades which prevented him from pursuing an apprenticeship was the probable trigger of the horror.

2. Jeffrey Weise:

On March 21, 2005, Jeffrey Weise (16) killed his grandfather and his grandfather’s girlfriend. He proceeded to enter his school in his grandfather’s police car where he fatally shot and killed 5 students, 1 teacher and 1 security guard before turning the gun on himself. The cause of his actions was mainly bullying and taunting.

3. Dylan Klebold & Eric Harris:

Dylan Klebold along with Eric Harris went into Columbine High School on April 20, 1999 and fatally injures 12 classmates and 1teacher/coache. 21 others were injured in the shooting; many of whom are scarred and damaged by the events to this day. Both Harris and Klebold were clearly disturbed and depressed individuals. They were bullied throughout his high school. Videos of both students illustrate that the event that transpired at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999 were deliberately planned for months. Diaries and belongings recovered from their rooms also illustrate dissatisfaction with life and school.

4. Kelly Ellard:

14 year old Reena Virk was often ostracized and bullied by others in her school. She often desperately sought to be accepted by others. She smoked marijuana, drank alcohol and disobeyed her family to look cool. On November 14, 1997, Virk was invited to a party near the Craigflower Bridge where she consumed too much alcohol. While there, she was swarmed by a group of 8 teenagers who resorted to bullying and to taunting her. Kelly Ellard and Warren Glowatski, two members of the group of teenagers, proceeded to follow Virk as she walked away. Both Ellard and Glowatski beat Virk and forced her to take off her shoes. Ellard, who was 15 years old at the time, forced Virk under water and subdued her until she was dead. During trial, Ellard was noted for her sarcasm and tantrums. She failed to realize the brunt of her actions. After 3 trials, Ellard was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2005 with chances of parole in 7 years.

5. Joshua Phillips:

Joshua Phillips was convicted for murdering his missing 8 year old neighbour, Maddie Clifton in 1998. His mother found the body taped to Phillips’ bed seven days after the Clifton went missing. Phillips was sentenced to life imprisonment without chances of parole. He never stated why he committed the murder.

If looks could kill, these hottest guys in Hollywood would be guilty as sin. They have everything from charm to good looks to the way they model themselves and their image for those who look up to them. Sit back as I take you through the top 10 Hottest Guys in Hollywood.

1. Justin Bieber:

Bieber was born on March 1, 1994 in London, Ontario, Canada. Throughout his childhood year, he was very interested in hockey, soccer and chess, as much as he kept his musical ambitions to himself. Coming from a low-income family, he was raised solely by his single mother. In 2008, Scooter Braun (current manager) found youtube videos of Bieber. He arranged for Bieber to meet with Usher and to sign up with the record label, Raymond Braun Media Group. Youtube videos as well as Bieber’s bowl cut hair made him popular amongst teenagers. It was a new cultural phenomena that teenage girls adored. He now does tours around the world and is often featured in Teen Magazines such as Tiger Beat. Just the debut single, “One Time” was charted within the top 30 in over ten countries.

2. Taylor Lautner

When the name Taylor Lautner comes to mind, Twilight, model, actor and martial artist pops into fans’ heads. Born February 11, 1992, Lautner rose to become a sex icon and symbol in the late 2000s. His physique and muscular proportion were part of his preparation for the role of Jacob Black in the Twilight movie series’. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Lautner is one of the hottest guy celebrities in Hollywood. He ranked 2nd in Glamour’s “The 50 Sexiest Men of 2010″ list and 4th in People’s “Most Amazing Bodies” list.

3. Brody Jenner:

Born August 21, 1983 to Bruce Jenner (Olympic decathlete) and Linda Thompson, Brody Jenner also tops the hottest males in Hollwoood. He has starred in various television series’ such as Princes of Malibu and has appeared on reality shows such as The Hills and Bromance. Recently, Jenner has modeled for Guess’ clothing, Agent Provocateur underwear and for Cosmogirl. Ranking # 30 in Fox News’ Hot Dudes under 30 and # 10 in Teen magazine’s teen list of 50 Hottest Guys in Hollywood, this socialite has definitely won the hearts of his fans.

4. Scotty McCreery

Born October 9, 1993 in Garner, North Carolina, Scotty McCreery is one of the hottest males in Hollwood as well. When he was younger, he would love to impersonate Elvis and play the guitar. It was only in the sophomore year that McCreery began to sing bass. This deep bass and sexy country voice sparks the hearts of American Idol judges and fans around him. According to FMReality.com, McCreery produces the country’s greatest hits with a mature, seasoned veteran voice that most adults would die to have. Currently he is in the top 5 finalists wishing to become the next American Idol.

5. Nick Jonas:

Born September 16, 1992 to a sign language teacher and singer/songwriter, Nick Jonas deserves to be placed on the list of top 10 hottest males. In 2005, he formed a band called the Jonas Brothers with his two brothers. He continues his career starring in various reality shows such as Jonas Brothers: Living the Dream and Jonas LA and series’ such as Hanna Montana. He not only charts at # 22 on Glamour Magazine’s 50 sexiest men of 2010, but acts as a role model to those who have type 1 diabetes. He started a charity foundation called Change for the Children Foundation to raise awareness and money for the disease.

Most teenagers like to watch movies about teenagers because they can relate to the characters. Even though the following movies will be liked by people of all ages, they will be adored by teenagers.

1. Fast Times at Ridgemont High

The plot of this film revolves around high school students in California. The main characters are looking for relationships. Their respective friends help them out and a boy named Jeff Spicoli is a major part of the movie as well

2. Elephant

Even though this film created a lot of controversy, it is still among the best by Van Sant. It basically deals with the problem of students carrying guns to school. The actors were not too well-known but the story was powerful and the cinematography was stunning which is what made the movie memorable.

3. To Sir with Love

This film stars Sydney Poitier who plays the role of a congenial teacher. It is set in London against the backdrop of poverty and the problems surrounding racism are brought up as well. A song with the same title gained instant popularity after the film’s release and was sung by Lulu.

4. Y Tu Mamá También

This film is about three people who decide to go on a road trip. The two boys are in their teens while the woman is about 28 years old. Certain economic realities are brought to light as the movie progresses. The two protagonists share a special relationship and elements of homosexuality are introduced as well.

5. American Graffiti

American Graffiti talks about four teenagers who discover themselves right before they go off to separate universities. Set in the 1960’s, it features all those aspects of the good old life that we all miss including drive-ins and racing. The soundtrack only adds to the overall quality of the film.