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Meet the
Author
Deb Carpenter
"Nature's Beauty Kit"
hosted by Joanne Spataro
 interview & FREE beauty tips
  Deb
Carpenter’s book, "Nature’s Beauty Kit," offers many wonderful, beauty
recipes that can be made right from our own backyards. She’s appreciating
nature’s gifts ever since she began collecting recipe clippings from newspapers, and
from her grandmother’s own stash. She completely filled a drawer with these recipes.
So Deb thought it was time to make a book out of her collection. And I’m so glad she
did! "Nature’s Beauty Kit" includes tons of clever recipes, like homemade
hair rinses, facial masks and shampoos. Deb thinks hair rinses will be a winner with
teens, since it gives hair natural highlights!Hot! Hot! Hot!
Jennifer Lopez’s Rise to the Top
by Joanne Spataro
  Jennifer Lopez made a splash last year in her plunging Versace hot
green dress. Her first love has been dancing, taking lessons and learning new techniques.
The young Puerto Rican girl from the Bronx has finally made it to the big time. But,
Lopez’s rise to the top has been bumpy. Read how she started as a "Fly
Girl," her relationship with Puffy and more. Join in the discussion on our TeenVoices
discussion group.
Going Up In Smoke?
Do you know a teen who smokes? Is she slowly going up in smoke? Major reports released in
1998 showed a dramatic increase in the smoking rates among American teen-agers and college
students.
Latin Sensation
Ricky Martin - "He Bangs"
by Joanne Spataro
celebrity profile & FREE
downloadable MP3 clips
 Last year, we were
"Livin’ La Vida Loca" for Ricky Martin. This year, Ricky still
"bangs." The Latin pop sensation has the whole world talking again. His new
song, "She Bangs," will blow your mind! Ricky is still experimenting with new
cultural sounds. He’s infused lots of percussion, catchy rhythms, and sex appeal,
into his new Latin-flavored songs. Find out more on this FreshAir Teenzine celebrity
profile of Ricky Martin with pictures and FREE downloadable clips.
 Joanne's
Movie Reviews:
"102
Dalmatians"
hosted by Joanne
Spataro
Charlotte Observer Movie Critic
 "102 Dalmatians" is
a double dose of family fun! A sequel to "101 Dalmatians," this new Disney flick
will have parents and children howling with laughter. Glenn Close returns as the
deliciously evil Cruella De Vil. "102" starts where the last movie left off.
This is the perfect movie for the whole family. It has enough excitement and humor for
adults and children to enjoy alike. See more about this film along with pictures and other
fun ideas for the kids.
Faces of Home Education Profile
"A plucky
homeschooler!"
The making of a
professional musician
hosted by Joanne Spataro
 interview
& feature story
  Josh Layne has been playing the harp for over a
decade. He was homeschooled by his mom, Marty Layne. He learned how to play at age 13,
inspired from listening to harp music. Now in his early twenties, Layne has become totally
devoted to this instrument. Why? "Some people are addicted to chocolate, I'm addicted
to harp playing!" he reveals. Find out more about Josh's homeschool journey and how
he has become a professional musician.
The Latin
Explosion
A Close Up Look
at the Phenomenon
by Joanne Spataro
article & music cuts
from Ricky Martin's new album "Sound Loaded" & more
  The "Latin Explosion"
seemed to happen overnight. It was like a sizzling heat wave of exciting new sounds that
swept across America last summer. But Latin music has actually been around for years! Find
out more as we explore the music of Santana, Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony and, of course,
Ricky Martin.
Meet the Author
Diane Warner's Big
Book of Parties
interview & "Amateur Night" FREE excerpt
hosted by Joanne Spataro
  In her newest book, "Diane Warner’s Big Book of Parties,"
you’ll learn everything, from party etiquette to making the invitations! Diane also
reveals what makes the perfect party, and her answer may surprise you. She also tells us
what are the top five party no-no’s, and how to avoid falling prey to them!
 Meet the Author:
Nell Minow
author of "Movie Mom's Guide to Family Movies
Interview and FREE excerpt
hosted by Joanne Spataro
interview & FREE excerpt
 Nell
Minow is an avid movie fan, so writing "The Movie Mom's Guide to Family Movies"
was great fun. She wants to give hopeless parents an informative, friendly guide to help
them choose appropriate movies for their children. It covers over 500 family-oriented
movies that even teach children about courage, growing up, and values. What better way to
teach your children life lessons with yummy snacks and great movies? See the interview as
well as a review of the movie Titanic.
Faces of Home Education Profile
 "Hitting the Right Note"
My Piano Experience
by Joanne Spataro
Homeschoolers do much more than book assignments for school.
See how music can be a fun and enriching part of home-education - and doesn't even happen
at home!!
See our gallery of
pictures and more.
Joanne's Movie Reviews:
"Chicken
Run"
hosted by Joanne
Spataro
Charlotte Observer Movie Critic
movie
review
 "Chicken Run,"
with its refreshing wit and action-packed fun, will delight audiences of all ages.
Produced by Aardman Studios, who specialize in "clay-mated" features, succeed
with its exceptional story set on a chicken farm in England. It is well-written and
sophisticated. It’s a real treat for the whole family. Its dryly witty script keeps
the film energized the whole way through. The movie returns to the basics; a good plot,
excellent characters and a beautifully-crafted story. Find out more.
Meet the Musicians
The
Wilkinsons
hosted
by Joanne Spataro
interview
& photos
 The Wilkinsons’ new hit single, "Jimmy’s Got a
Girlfriend," will make you smile until the very last note. The rest of their new
album is a winner, filled with a truck load of catchy tunes that everyone will enjoy. Here
and Now, their sophomore CD, is a real milestone for the family act. The talented musical
trio includes brother and sister Tyler (16) and Amanda (18), and proud dad, Steven. In
this interview, we get to meet Tyler and Amanda as we get some backstage gossip on the
shooting of their video and a lot more.
5 Easy Bathing Suit Shopping
Tips
Summer screams warm days filled with plenty of
hot dog eating and swimming. Homework and school is a distant memory until the fall. But,
there’s one little trip you probably dread to make, especially dread to try on. I
think you know what I’m talking about: it’s bathing suit shopping. Find out more
about the best way to find that special suit and more.
Meet the Author
Cynthia Leitich Smith
"Jingle Dancer"
 hosted by Joanne Spataro
interview & Native American resources
Cynthia Leitich Smith has written "Jingle Dancer," a children’s
book celebrating Native American culture. People who read this book with savor the
enchanting rhythm of her words, and learning about Native American traditions. It’s a
wonderful book for all ages. The young girl, Jenna in "Jingle Dancer,"
participates in a powwow. A powwow is a Native American social and spiritual event that
may include dancing, drumming, singing, eating, and sometimes camping, trading,
storytelling, rodeos, or film and art shows. As the author says, "It's my hope that
children will see themselves in Jenna, who like Bat from a traditional Mvskoke story, can
make a difference even though she is small." Find out more
 Joanne's Movie Reviews:
"Star
Wars Episode 1
The Phantom Menace"
hosted by Joanne
Spataro
Charlotte Observer Movie Critic
movie
review
& Now get the film on video
 Twentieth Century Fox and Lucusfilm presents "The Phantom
Menace". The long-awaited prequel to "Star Wars: A New Hope", explains how
generous Anakin Skywalker became the greedy Darth Vader. Young Obi-wan Kenobi (Ewan
McGregor) and his master Qui-Gon (Liam Neeson) are Jedi knights. Find out more.
Meet the Author
Jo Kittinger
hosted by Joanne Spataro
see the interview
  Jo
Kittinger is as curious about rocks, minerals, cats and dead logs as any of the other
inquisitive children she writes for. She enjoys incorporating rocks and minerals into her
everyday crafts, or to marvel at the breathtaking stone structures on earth. What makes
her books so fun and informative is the spark and passion for what she writes. I think
children will sense that same exuberance and will love her books.
Profiles in Black History
by Joanne Spataro
 Who were the most
influential people in Black History? Find out as more as we lead up to Black History Month
with a new series of biographical sketches. You are also welcome to submit your own essays
about Black History which can be included in this new and exciting resource.
Movie Review:
Galaxy Quest
by Joanne Spataro
Movie Critic, the Charlotte Observer
"Galaxy Quest" is a new
out-of-this-world comedy for the whole family. The cast of a canceled sci-fi television
series have a close encounter with their biggest fans - real aliens! The sci-fi television
series, "Galaxy Quest", filmed its last episode eighteen years ago. But it's a
cult favorite with hard-core, Trekkie-like fans, who still flock to the conventions.
 Movie Review:
"Anna & the King" (1999)
by Joanne Spataro
Movie Critic, the Charlotte Observer
How could one woman shake the very
foundation of a Siam monarchy? "Anna and the King" is a powerfully mature film
based on an English schoolteacher's experiences in faraway Siam. In 1862, widowed Anna
Leonowens (played by Jodie Foster) visits Siam with her son, Louis (Tom Felton). Find out
more and see the official site, hear the soundtrack and get the original book written by
Anna.
 Meet the Critic
Lawrence Toppman
hosted By Joanne Spataro
Larry has been writing for the Observer for twelve years, and twenty-three
years in various publications. He has loved movies ever since he was a little kid. I
learned about what qualities make a good movie to him, how he finds his job rewarding, and
what he snacks on in the theater (the answer may surprise you).
 Meet
the Author:
Lisa Williams Kline
author of "Eleanor Hill" - a novel
Interview and FREE excerpt
hosted by Joanne Spataro
Lisa Williams Kline, who lives in Mooresville, North Carolina, paints a vivid
picture of life in Eleanor’s small fishing village, called Atlantic Grove. Eleanor
Hill, her first ever book, is loosely based on Kline’s grandmother, Eleanor Hill
Verra. Eleanor Hill, in the book, is a strong character that will inspire other young
girls to shoot for the stars.
5 Best
Tips for Homework Dilemmas
Many students hate homework, but that's not
saying you can't try harder. If you just get organized and feel confident that you can
tackle algebra, etc., you can complete the task at hand; without the usual tears or dread.
Find out more
 My little Bookshelf - a poem
by Joanne Spataro
Do you have "hidden" poetic talent? Well stop hiding it and send us a
poem! In the meantime, enjoy my "My Little Bookshelf. I submitted this poem to a
local competition; and won a prize. Tell me what you think of it.
 Fresh Air Skincare
The Dirt on Clear Skin
Plus: 4 fun and free
homemade facial mask recipes
by Joanne Spataro
Learn more about your skin in this skin care story that gives you the
"dirt" on clear skin in a funny story with some practical recipes to improve
your skin. Find out more.
Fresh Air Q&A
Your first period
 PMS is
what every woman gets before her period. She may experience irritability, cramps, bloating
(water retention), and cravings for chocolate. They are some of the side effects of the
menstrual cycle. If you are unfamiliar with these changes, are you bewildered. Find out
more.
new FreshAir Articles
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Nature's Beauty Kit by Deb Carpenter
ABC of Natural
Beauty Recipes
 FREE beauty tips from
author Deb Carpenter
4 fun and free
homemade facial mask recipes
Eleanor Hill
by Lisa Williams Kline
 
It's 1912 - brassieres are replacing corsets, suffragettes are agitating for the
vote, and women are wearing their hair startlingly short. For Eleanor Hill, 12 years old
and growing up in an isolated fishing village with her older sisters and widower father,
these developments in the outside world provide a fascinating respite from the drudgery of
her everyday life, which is made up of housekeeping, cleaning fish, and - for six months a
year - attending school. Find out more inour interview with the author and FREE excerpt Lisa Williams Kline
Ricky Martin
 see "The Latin Explosion"
Puerto Rican superstar Ricky Martin's self-titled first English-language album is
a triumph of an omnivorous world-pop sensibility--but more important is that at its best,
it's a real kick. The first single, "Livin' la Vida Loca," employs a revved-up
ska tempo to praise a girl whose "lips are devil red [and] skin's the color of
mocha."
Reviving Ophelia:
Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls
by Mary Bray
Pipher
Clinical psychologist Pipher turns her attention to female adolescence in
contemporary America. Pipher examines not just the girls themselves but the society they
inhabit, which she terms ``girl-poisoning.''
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