CollegeSource Online database

Database:  CollegeSource Online
URL:  http://www.collegesource.org

Copyright:  CollegeSource, Inc., San Diego, 2011

Company Information:

CollegeSource began with producing an annual microfiche collection of United States college catalogs, thereby saving the education institutions thousands of dollars in printing costs. CollegeSource's next step was to create a CD-Rom with the entire catalog collection. Once the digital plain became the medium of information retrieval, CollegeSource then made their collection accessible online via the Catalink digital catalog. Their mission continues to be providing awareness of educational and career opportunities for students and citizens.

Annotation/Content: 

CollegeSource Online is an online database that provides students and parents with a wealth of information about 58,782 colleges in the United States and worldwide. Users can search for colleges based on keywords, alphabetical index, specific criteria, or geographic location. CollegeSource provides a complete digital catalog link for every college. Additional information includes a PDF link to the school's transcript key, a direct link to the school's website, and a Google Maps link to the school's location. Lastly, there is a comprehensive profile page with contact information, degree levels, tuition and fees, accreditation agencies, and other pertinent information.

The site also provides a list of resources and links for assistance in college research and planning under its "Resources" tab. Students can gain free access during the trial period. After that, users can only access detailed information with the purchase of a subscription. Lastly, there is a tab that allows users to add their institution if it's missing from the database. 

Critical Evaluation:
This excellent resource provides a huge amount of information for those researching colleges. The website interface is easy to use because of the simple and professional design. Icons representing informational links are explained clearly in a descriptive key, further simplifying navigation of the site. There are no advertisements riddling the pages, minimizing distraction to the user. The site is both comprehensive and wide ranging, providing students with access to a very comprehensive database of  information. Additionally, CollegeSource is an established company and accredited by Better Business Bureau, therefore reliable and credible.

Genre:  Subscription Database

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15+

Challenge Issue: none

Why I chose this item:  I felt it was important to include a database in my collection. This one speaks particularly to high school juniors and seniors who are searching for information on colleges for their future.

Wii Fit Plus by Nintendo

Title: Wii Fit Plus   Manufacturer: Nintendo
ASIN: B000VJRU44   Media: Video Game
Console: Nintendo Wii
Release Date: May 21, 2008

Product Features:
Every Wii Fit Plus user has the ability to create a 'Mii' profile that tracks their progress, measures their BMI and weight, and checks their balance. Wii Fit Plus comes with a specialized electronic balance board, and a standard Wii Remote and Nunchuk. This board is similar to an aerobics step board in style, but actually reads the movements of the user wirelessly during game play. Up to eight members can create user profiles in Wii Fit Plus.

There are five different categories of exercises. The first category, "Training Plus", includes new balance and exercise games, an update from the first version of Wii Fit. Some of those games are 'Juggling' and 'Snowball Fight'. The second section is "Strength Training", which includes muscle building and toning exercises like 'Torso Twists' and 'Rowing Squat'. The third category is "Aerobics", which includes heart rate increasing exercises like 'Super Hula Hoop' and 'Basic Run'. The fourth section is "Yoga", which includes balance and stretching exercises like 'Sun Salutation' and 'Palm Tree'. The fifth and last category is "Balance Games", which includes exercises to perfect balance like 'Tightrope Walk' and 'Ski Slalom'.

Critical Evaluation:
Wii Fit Plus offers a variety of new and old exercises and games to help users stay fit. There are higher impact exercises, and less intense slow activities. This collection allows users of all ages to play this video game, and also presents different choices for the user based on strengths and weaknesses. For users looking to seriously lose weight, there is a daily weigh-in and progression chart to track improvement. Additionally, there is a calorie counter to assist in portion control, and a 'choose your own training plan' for localized exercise work. Wii Fit Plus also keeps track of the time users spend exercising, as the animated balance board cheers on the participant. In the "Strength Training" and "Yoga" categories, animated personal trainers demonstrate the movements for users to imitate, allowing users to feel like they are attending an actual class at the gym. The huge assortment of games and exercises provide something for everyone.

Genre: Sports, Video Games

Curriculum Ties: Physical Education

Interest Age: All ages

Challenge Issue: none

Why I chose this item: Teenagers should be encouraged to lead healthy lives, and this video game is a great tool to help someone keep fit. Additionally, this particular game is extremely popular.

Wii Fit Plus game trailer

Smallville: Season 9

         

Title:  Smallville, The Complete Ninth Season   Format:  DVD, Color, Dolby 
Actors:  Tom Welling (lead actor), Allison Mack, Erica Durance, Justin Hartley, Cassidy Freeman
ASIN:  B002JVWRDQ   Running Time:  1012 minutes 
Studio:  Warner Home Video, 2010   Rating:  TV-PG

Annotation:  
This season of Smallville has Clark Kent fighting his Kryptonian nemesis Zod, and his Kandorian army.  New adventures await the emerging Superman, as he discovers more about himself and his true feelings for reporter Lois Lane.

Actor Information:

Thomas John Patrick Welling was born on April 26, 1977, in New York City. Tom has two older sisters and a younger brother. Graduating from Okemos High School in Okemos, Michigan, Tom played on the varsity soccer team. He skipped college and initially worked in the construction business. Subsequently, Tom did some modeling before landing acting roles in movies such as Cheaper by the Dozen and Cheaper by the Dozen 2, and in the hit television series Smallville.

Although Welling turned down the role of Superman twice due to low self-confidence in his acting abilities, he eventually took the job in 2001. He went on to become an acting director, and is currently an executive producer for the tenth season of Smallville. Tom is also the producer for CW Television Network's new show, Hellcats. Presently, Tom lives with his wife Jamie White in Los Angeles.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0919991/bio

Plot Summary:

Based on the DC Comics hero Superman, the Smallville television series follows Clark Kent from his adolescence into his adult life. It begins during his first and awkward year in high school, continues on through his college years, and then to his career as a journalist. This season finds Kent taking on his role as Superman, but with a different name - "The Blur". One major story arc involves Clark's relationship with his old enemy Zod. Zod, from the planet Kandor, amassed a large army before coming to earth. Upon arrival, they find that their powers have vanished without a red sun. Zod looks for ways to permanently change the yellow sun with the help of cutthroat Tess Mercer, head of LutherCorp. Throughout, Clark must battle Zod's corruption and total disregard for mankind. A corresponding story line involves Clark's attempt to save his close friend Oliver Queen, who is extremely depressed. Oliver, who is also known as the Green Arrow, is determined to give up his life of heroics. Lastly, Clark Kent and Lois Lane develop a more intimate relationship as the season progresses.

Episodes: Savior, Metallo, Rabid, Echo, Roulette, Crossfire, Kandor, Idol, Pandora, Disciple, Absolute Justice, Warrior, Persuasion, Conspiracy, Escape, Checkmate, Upgrade, Charade, Sacrifice, Hostage, and Salvation.

Critical Evaluation:

Although in its ninth year of production, Smallville continues to intrigue it's audience with compelling story lines. This season's DVD brings recurring characters along with fresh faces, combining comfortable familiarity with exciting change. For comic book fans, there are some new heroes and villains debuting, including Hawkman, Dr. Fate, Stargirl, Perry White, Metallo, and the Justice Society of America. While some episodes are hair-raising and nail-biting, others are gut-wrenching and tear-jerking. In all, the actors perform their parts convincingly and professionally. The viewer can't help but feel truly involved in the story. The question of destiny and fate continues to play a role in this ninth year, where the characters wrestle with the choice of controlling their destiny or fighting their fate. The script keeps to Superman lore, while simultaneously creating new story elements to keep the audience captivated.

Genre:   Adventure, Drama, Science-Fiction

Curriculum Ties:  English - American culture of heroes, and comic book action figures

Interest Age:  14+

Challenge Issue:  none

Why I chose this item:  My sister-in-law loved this show as a teenager. Since Smallville is approaching its tenth and last year, I decided that including the ninth season would be a great addition to my collection. Additionally, this hit television series speaks to both male and female adolescents who are either comic book fans, or who want to believe in heroes.

Smallville Season 9 trailer