So....about Yesterday

So, yesterday we had an enthusiastic group of you who came out to talk about Scott Westerfeld's One Book NJ teen book, So Yesterday. Some of you came with your signed copies from "you know when" we heard him speak in Elizabeth. This added some extra excitement - it was almost like he was here with us! Almost. There was no pizza.

We missed those of you who had other commitments - like being honored at your school for your awesome accomplishments. Congratulations! We are proud of you. Why did the rest of you miss? Huh?

I will share some of the highlights here and attempt to post the Powerpoint "Identify that logo" quiz that we played. See if you can do as well as we did. I made up the quiz (with help, of course) and even I missed one!

Some questions we asked each other....

Who decides what is cool? Is it really the Innovators? Who helps them spread the word? The media? Big corporations? What sells cool?

What is planned obsolescence of a product? This was fascinating to me. At first you think - who would want their product to become obsolete?
The answer - anyone who wants to sell you a new and improved product to replace the one you have. Think about some of those. I bet you can think of at least 3.

What is total MOR? Hunter listens to it. We had to look it up. Tell us what you think. If you need a hint it's okay to use www.urbandictionary.com on this one.

What is the MBWF? Scott refers to The Mod Squad. Do you even know who they are? I do. Love them. I had Michael Cole's photo hanging on my wall. I cut it out of Tiger Beat :) Ask your dad who they were - see if he remembers Julie. What are some modern examples of MBWF? We thought of a few.

After when and before when are you not "supposed to" wear white pants? If you never heard that one, ask your mom. She'll know but she may break the rule anyway. If she does, is she an Innovator?

I thought the SHIFT movement was a riot. What was it? One of my favorite lines...."Agnostic? You mean you're not sure if capital letters exist?

On page 201 - what game is he referring to?

What works for you in an ad? Humor? A short story?

What doesn't work for you in an ad? What was the one you mentioned? Apply directly to forehead? Was that it? It was annoying - we saw it on Youtube. First to tell me gets a prize.

Your favorite ad?

In fashion, what is trendy now? How about 10 years ago? What fashions have come back into style?

Rebeccca hates those jingles that pop into your head when you least expect - or want - them to. Know what she means? I bet one popped into your head right now. Ha!
Can you finish this one - I am stuck on band-aids...
Do you know the Highland Park trivia on that jingle?

How popular is your name? Go the Social Security Administration website to see the most common names by decade. We had a lot of fun with this.
http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/

Did you notice how many shots he took at NJ? Hmph.

Last thought?
If, like Sophia, you object to being labeled - skip this question. Do not pass go, do not collect your $200. In fact, none of you should try to collect $200.
Think about the Cool Pyramid. Where are you? Remember you can be an innovator when it comes to fashion and a lagger when it comes to technology - or any combo.

Innovator
Trendsetter
Early Adopter
Lagger
How about the Jammers?

I hope you enjoyed this "post"-discussion. Please POST if you'd like to join in.

Next month - Private Peaceful. One of my favorites. Thomas is spending the night in a foxhole during WWI. Why would he possibly want the night to last forever? What does the morning bring? Read it and come out and discuss it with us. We're fun. Really. All are welcome.

Michelle