On Friday, November 13th at 6pm, Appalachian Bluegrass Shoppe in Catonsville, Maryland is hosting a Taylor Guitars Roadshow.

Taylor Guitars is one of the leading acoustic guitar makers in the U.S. and every year they have roadshows to show and demonstrate their new guitars and let people sign up to win a custom Taylor guitar.

The roadshows are very informal. The demonstrator plays a few guitars, answers questions, and then lets people play the Taylor guitars he brought. Near the end of the roadshow, the Taylor representative gives away free Taylor products and guitar strings.

The roadshow is a great way to learn about and play guitars. I hope to see you there.

What's that saying about people who have not sinned casting the first stone?

Oh right, we've all sinned, therefore no one gets to cast stones.

Well, we here at the Daily Record feel the same way about acts of stupidity.

Everyone has done something that makes those around them question how far removed from an amoebae they really are. And since we're all swimming around the same pool of sub-cerebral sludge, who are we to judge extreme acts of idiocy?

So, instead we'll celebrate those moments that make Darwin cringe about the future of our species.

Like, for instance, the time I left a plastic bag of frozen beans to melt on top of a stove burner. Or, for instance, the time I left a plastic bag of frozen broccoli to melt on top of a stove burner. Or, maybe the time I left a plastic grocery bag to melt on top of scented candle (note, apple cinnamon and burning plastic are not a pleasant combination).

You get the point.

To kick off the celebration, we asked members of our Teen Takeover staff members to share the dumbest thing they've ever done.

Read their responses here, then share your own stories of stupidity.
-- Susan Jennings

7.08 seconds is the world record for solving a Rubik's Cube. Why is this little toy cube puzzle with six colors on it initially so enticing to everyone, only to quickly be thrown aside in frustration? Why is it always assumed that people who can solve a Rubik's Cube are geniuses? All they are doing is following a bunch of algorithms (sequences of moves) that come in the package with the puzzle. Still, even though it may seem like cheating to follow the algorithms they are hard to learn, so solving the puzzle is still pretty difficult. I can solve the 3x3x3 cube in about ninety seconds. It took me a very long time to get there, but it was very satisfying. If you have a long car ride coming up, bring a Rubik's Cube with you and repeat the algorithms over and over until they become easy. Who knows, maybe by the time you step out of the car everyone will think you are a genius.

So last night I made my own fried rice from scratch. Basically, it contained the following:
2 cups of cooked rice
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup diced carrots
2 eggs, scrambled and chopped up
1 tsp garlic
1 cup lightly browned tofu (firm)
2-3 tbsp soy sauce
First you cook the vegetables and garlic with a little bit of olive oil for about three minutes.
Then, put the already cooked rice in a pan just to brown it, next throw everything into the pan
and stir over heat. Enjoy your delicious vegetarian creation!

By KIERSEN HOFFACKER
Spring Grove Area High School

Elizabeth Kyde,18, started lighting up when she was 10 -- just a few years after teachers begin to drill into the minds of their students the message that smoking kills.

A Spring Grove Area High School senior, Kyde is addicted to cigarettes.
She's among the 20 percent of all high school students who are smokers, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Youth.

"(Students) obviously know the health consequences (of smoking), but it doesn't seem to affect them enough to make them want to stop or not start," said Vicki Bortner, Spring Grove Area High School health teacher.

Vanderbilt University, located in Nashville, was founded in 1873 when "Commodore" Cornelius Vanderbilt, one of the country's richest men at the time, gave a million dollars to start the university. After the Civil War, Vanderbilt wanted to establish a school in the South to help unite the country.

The university is right in the midst of Music City, USA, so there is always something going on around Vanderbilt. In fact, my dad wants me to attend school there, just so he can visit Nashville.

With Vanderbilt University's 10 schools, it has something for just about everyone. The Peabody College, Owen Graduate School of Management, and Blair School of Music are just a few of Vanderbilt's prestigious institutions. Vanderbilt has also had several Nobel Laureates.

The ability to take a regular piece of paper and turn it into an extravagant work of art without using paints, pencils or charcoal is an easy way to wow friends.

Paper folding, also know as origami, can trace its origins as early as the sixth century in Japan. One of the most recognizable figures is a swan. Here is how to make one:

1. Take a square piece of paper. For beginners, the bigger the square, the better. Lay the side you want showing face down on a hard, flat surface.

2. Fold the paper in half like a card. Unfold, and fold in the other direction. The creases should look like a plus sign. Fold the paper diagonally both ways. The creases now should look like an asterisk. Lay the paper flat and unfolded on the table.

November is a month that, until recently, didn't really mean that much to me.

I have discovered that this wonderful month stands for two things: No Shave November and National Novel Writing Month. No Shave November is pretty self-explanatory.

National Novel Writing Month is when aspiring, young authors write a novel from Nov. 1-30. The goal is to write a finished novel of at least 175 pages (For more information, go to nanowrimo.org).

Hopefully by the time December rolls around, I will be a hairy man with a novel under his belt.

I like to think of myself as someone who does not watch a lot of television, but that's not really true.

One thing that I noticed recently is that I watch most of my favorite shows on DVD, rather than on TV.

Two of my favorites, "Arrested Development" and "Monty Python's Flying Circus," were canceled, while "Flight of the Conchords" is on a channel my family does not pay for and I wanted to catch up on the earlier episodes of It's "Always Sunny in Philadelphia."

It's also fun to look for cheap deals at Target or bring the DVD's to a friend's house. Sometimes it's just good to know that I can watch my favorite shows whenever I want to.

Recently I got to see "The Godfather," "Citizen Kane," and "2001: A Space Odyssey" for the first time.

A lot of people claim that these three movies are some of the best ever conceived, and I must say I have trouble disagreeing.

They are not necessarily my absolute favorites, but let's just say they are all really good and worth seeing for yourself.

I've been to Borders twice within the last week and I must say, its one of my favorite locations.

Both times, I spent at least three hours there. I love being surrounded by books. I love getting to walk a few yards and have the books change from literary classics to political commentary.

Maybe this all roots back to my love of reading, but I think it's a fabulous place even if you don't read that often. My friends mock me for being able to stay silent for three hours, just buzzing from book to book like a bee.

I just can't help myself, I feel completely at peace reading about the political climate of the sixties, renaissance queens, the fall of Edie Sedgwick, and the musical genius that was the Beatles. The atmosphere of a Borders is reason enough to go.

It smells like a mixture of fresh toner and black coffee. There are college kids sipping caffeine in the cafe, old men playing chess, little kids begging for picture books, and people carefully examining tall shelves of books.

If there is a utopia for everyone, I've found mine, and it is Borders.

5. Coca-Cola Classic - Forget Pepsi, Coca-Cola is where it's at.
4. Root Beer - Mug Root Beer to be precise. It's the one with the bulldog on the can.
3. Surge - A green caffeine-filled drink that puts Mountain Dew to shame. Available at most Chuck E. Cheese's.
2. Dr. Pepper - Neither Pepsi nor Coke owns Dr. Pepper, so it is available in most beverage-serving locations, regardless of cola affiliation.

By no means is being a teenager an easy task. With conflicting emotions, constant drama and concerned parents, kids are often left feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

In today's world, teens are in an ongoing struggle to maintain grades, friendships and juggle as many activities as they can fit into their schedule. Apparently, it has become unacceptable to be anything less than perfect.

From personal experience, I can testify that there are many days when I don't get to start working on homework until 9 at night because I've been on-the-go since waking up at 6 that morning. Society has developed the unspoken idea that everything must be done as fast and efficiently as possible. While this might be ideal when it comes to fast food and texting, this way of thinking only leaves teens feeling burnt out.

A combination of pressure from both parents and peers to compete both academically and athletically can only add to the stress, which accumulates over time. Now, more than ever, kids are being pushed to excel and expand their knowledge and skills in numerous areas of expertise. Teens have become so goal-oriented that, at times, it seems their only drive is to beat their peers in as many things as possible.

More often than not, teenagers lose sight of realistic goals and instead, extra stress is added because we fail to live up to an impossible standard. But what happens when the pressure becomes too much to handle? Often, breakdowns and rebellion can be associated with the idea that teenagers are simply overworked and are looking for an outlet in which to find comfort.

At the end of the day, the solution to this stress is to just step back and take a break from it all. Watch a little TV, update your Facebook profile, eat some carbs. After all, being a teenager should not only be about growing up and taking on responsibility but also having fun.

Unfortunately, this idea is often forgotten when it comes to trying to plan out your future. Although prepping for a higher education and a successful career should take precedence over watching the latest episode of "Gossip Girl," the reality is that everyone has limits. The question then becomes, how does one find a happy medium between their breaking point and success?

-- By MADISON SUMMERS, Susquehannock High School

Last week on the way home from a wedding in Penn State, my Dad and I saw an unusual site. As we were waiting for the light to turn from red to green, I looked behind me and saw a car with some unusual passengers...Clowns!

I'm not sure if the circus was in town or if they were headed to some crazy Halloween party but either way look out 'cause there are Clowns on the loose!

Trick or treat!

Those three words fill the streets once a year on the last day of October. Kids of all ages walk through neighborhoods decked out in all sorts of costumes from vampires to superheroes. No house is left unchecked as children run from street to street ringing door bells and lugging bags or candy; that grow increasingly heavy as the night progresses. But at what age should the magic fade- if any? When should kids grow up and leave trick or treating to a younger generation? For many teens that question still has no answer as they continue to go out with friends and ring doorbell after doorbell in search of candy.

But is that right? While it may not impact the lives of people in the community it is still an issue worth pondering. It may be great to see teens having fun and running around but at some point the illusion dies and all that's left is grown "kids" in too tight costumes. It's kind of like the Dad that tries to be young and "hip" and buys himself that muscle car that he's convinced will make him look 20 years younger. The reality is that no one's fooled. Whether it be a car or a costume, objects don't hide your age- they only emphasize it. Eventually the costumes just don't fit. Even though it may be fun to pretend to be 10 again and run around in a Cinderella costume, at some point everyone needs to make the transition from getting candy to handing it out.

1. Save Energy. It's true, smiling uses fewer muscles than the number it takes to frown. You can use the energy you saved to focus on something more important.

2. Smiling is contagious. Most have heard it over and over again, but that doesn't make it a lie. People are more likely to smile if they see someone else smiling, says Mark Stibich, Ph.D., on About.com

3. Lift yourself up. Even forcing your lips to smile can cause you to be happier. Your brain detects the smile, and it enables you to think you feel better, whether it be true or not.

4. Make friends. Others are generally more attracted to a smiling person. They think that if you can manage to be pleasant, maybe you can help to make them feel happier as well.

5. Be healthier. Smiling aids your immune system to keep you healthy. It helps the immune system run more smoothly because, when you smile, you often become more relaxed. The relaxation then helps you to fight off disease, Stibich also reports.

I was watching Degrassi: The Next Generation on TeenNick the other day when I came across an interesting commercial.

These two girls where at a boutique trying on clothes. The girl asked her friend, "Do you like this top?" And the other replied , "That's so gay." Then Hilary Duff stepped out and told the girls that they really should not say that and that it's offensive to say "gay" when you mean "bad". The commercial ends with this question and statement:
When you say, "That's so gay."
Do you realize what you say?
Knock it off.

Now, I don't get to watch TV that much anymore, so maybe this commercial has been around for awhile but, this is the first time I've seen it.

I am so happy that this issue has been addressed this way. The whole issue of "thinking before you speak" is important. We always say thing without thinking about them. We say mean and offensive things without the intent of being offensive because we say them without thinking. Thinking before you speak is essential.

I'm human, definitely not perfect, so I'll admit I've said this before. I've said stuff like, "That's retarded." I never really thought about how offensive it would be. One day someone really just opened me eyes. How would I feel if I was someone with a mental retardation and people said, "that's retarded."

I have a very diverse group of friends. They are all important to me and I love them no matter what. I know for a fact that I would never want to hurt or disrespect them by being inconsiderate and offensive. If everyone could have this type of mentality to everyone, and not just their friends, maybe there would be more peace.

For complete information go to: ThinkB4YouSpeak.com

Check out the commercial here:
http://www.thinkb4youspeak.com/psa.asp?play=tvspots&video=TV_FittingRoom_30

The original "Planet of the Apes" was released in 1968. This wonderful film has truly stood the test of time.

NBC's hit show "The Office" is now in its sixth season and has never been more popular. However, if the season premiere is any sign of things to come, I think the show is taking a turn for the worse -- and really, it has been since season four.

I cannot call this a review of the show, but rather my commentary on what the show once was, where it is now and where it is going.

The first three seasons of "The Office" were brilliant, but after season three, the show hit its peak and has gone downhill. The performances have lost their subtlety. The writing focuses on outrageous, over-the-top comedy -- for instance, in the season premiere when Stanley was very uncharacteristically smashing his car in anger -- and it needs to return to its roots: social awkwardness.

And that is what the show used to be about. To put it simply, it was a show about people. Of course it was hilarious, but the drama that occurred was exceptional. It was a show full of tension-filled, awkward conversations. At times it was almost impossible to watch, because you felt so terrible for the characters. As a person, you felt their insecurities and feelings about life. Like life itself, it was full of happiness and sadness.

This is when the show was still bold and fresh. It was about people finding a way to work together, and that's why the documentary aspect worked so well. Now the documentary concept fails and is seemingly absent from the show. Or, when it is present, it is merely a gimmick.

The characters and storylines feel bloated. Although there are some major storylines that have yet to be wrapped up, it seems as though the writing for the show has been stretched thin, as if there is not much more about the characters and their lives left to tell.

Of course, with all this said, "The Office" is still easily the best show on cable television. It might not be at the level of entertainment excellence that it once was, but it is still a great watch. Truthfully, it is one of the few shows that I will actually make time to see.

Furthermore, even at its weakest moments, "The Office" still has the power to make Thursday nights relevant again. I just wish -- and know -- it could be better.

-- Reviewed by ANDREW PATTERSON, Susquehannock High School

Whether you're trick-or-treating, handing out candy, or going to a party, Halloween is the time of the year where you can look absolutely ridiculous and still have everyone comment on your outfit. Here are a few tips on getting a unique, inexpensive costume this year.

Go as something completely the opposite of you. For example, Tall people can try safety pinning a soft shoe at the knee of any regular outfit, so when they kneel, they look really short. Try finding your opposite using your looks, interests, or hobbies.

Brianne Good, 16, is a home-schooled high school junior, who spends much of her spare time involved in theater activities. She is most involved at DreamWrights Youth and Family Theatre, but she has done some touring shows with York Little Theatre.

Her favorite thing to do is act. In 10 years, she has been in 24 plays. One of the main reasons she enjoys the theater is because she gets to be with people.

"I enjoy interacting with people who are all working for one common goal," she said.

The place she likes the most in the theater is the green room because, "I get to spend time with my friends there relaxing before a show."

But Brianne isn't just an actor; she does just about everything that needs to be done at the theater, from her favorite crew position (lights) to being production stage manager to being on the Membership Volunteer and Special events committee.

"(On the MVS committee) I calculate all the volunteer hours for the organization. We compile information on teens, and what teens want. We schedule all events at DreamWrights that aren't shows."

She is also one of the teen representatives on the DreamWrights board. They plan teen special events such as the teen movie nights.

"I try to keep the interest of all members in mind when bringing ideas to the board," she said. "I enjoy it because I get to help DreamWrights try to continue to grow as an organization. "

Brianne has taught numerous DreamWrights Creativity Camps, which are theater camps for young children.

"I enjoy working with kids, and I think it's important for kids to learn about theater," she said. "I (continue to teach the camps because I) want to be a teacher when I finish college, and I think it's good practice and a very important program."

She said every school year, she spends about 300 hours at the theater, even though she doesn't see herself pursuing acting in the future.

"While I do enjoy theater, I don't enjoy it enough to do it as my career," she said. When asked about who should get involved in theater, she promptly answered, "Everyone."

Today, October 23, is the most exciting day of the year for a chemist because today is Mole Day. Mole Day is not about the furry animal but Avogadro's Number.

Named after Amedeo Avogadro, Avogadro's Number is 6.02x10^23 things per mole and is a very important number in chemistry.

Every year on October 23, from 6:02am to 6:02pm, chemists celebrate Mole Day. The day also helps get students interested in chemistry.

REACH is a play that was started at Central York High School three years ago. I am privileged to be apart of the original cast.

I was a 15-year-old sophomore when REACH was created. In tenth grade, for me, things were so complicated and such a mess. REACH helped me with that mess.

REACH has had such a profound affect on me. REACH opened my eyes to the world around me and helped me learn so much about myself and others. I realized that I am not alone and there are people here for me I can turn to. Most importantly, it helped me find my voice.

Ever since the creation of REACH I've wanted to contribute to the script. I wanted to share my story. Eventually, after one year I found the courage and voice to do so. I co-wrote the scene Letting it Go with Mr. Hodge, my acting teacher and the co-creator of REACH.

Writing this scene was one of the hardest things I had to do, but I needed to do it. After I wrote this scene I felt such relief, such a release of something I had been holding onto for so long.

REACH is truly one of a kind. I can honestly say that REACH has touched and changed my life. Everyone needs to hear the message of REACH. You may never know just how REACH will affect you. I know that REACH has made a huge impact on me.