This is a website dedicated to Miriam McDonald who plays Emma Nelson on CTV's Degrassi: The Next Generation

Comments? Drop me a line!
Email me (Jessie): [email protected]

November 19, 2003
I watched Degrassi tonight....and it was pretty good, I guess (no review though). Anyway, I've been thinking a lot and I realize that I've lost interest in doing this site. It's just not fun anymore and I realize that I spend a lot of time on my computer working on this site instead of doing things that I really should be doing (like homework, studying, etc). Anyway, I don't know if I'm going to close it or not. Maybe I'll just give it to someone to maintain instead (note, please don't email me wanting it, otherwise, you know the true answer to that). I'll think about it over the weekend and let everyone know next week, k?
Thanks! Jessie

November 12, 2003
The Tagboard works again, sorry to everyone for that. Also, I created a special section for my thoughts on the episodes and some of their summaries and you can find that link under the "Emma" section. After I watch "Against All Odds" tonight, I'll post my comments there instead of here.
I also got a couple very rude emails from people, who were apparently very upset that I "missed" watching "Whisper to a Scream" last week and had a very immature way of telling me this. I couldn't believe how immature some people can be and I was honestly very hurt by recieving them. All I have to say is, sorry, but I DO have a life outside of this website. Many of you don't know this, but I am no longer in grade school anymore - I'm in university (shock, yes I am that old), so I'm sorry if I don't have time to always update and always watch the episodes. I have exams/papers to write and a personal life to manage, and that will always come before my life on the internet!
I'm sorry I had to put that. It's been bubbling up inside of me for a long time. By the way, don't feel intimidated by the fact that I'm older. I watch Degrassi because it kinda relives some of my high school days and that is something that I'm not ashamed of (although my friends do tend to tease me a bit - ha!)
Jessie

November 6, 2003
A very personal matter came up last night, so I wasn't able to watch Degrassi. Therefore, no review of "Whisper to a Scream," at least from me. I did add some Pictures thanks to Jesi, though. Also, if you guys are bored and are pretty decent at making graphics, over at Ryan Cooley Central, Stacie is holding a blend challenge, the theme being Ryan and his role in "I Was a Sixth Grade Alien." You can check out my entry here (it opens to a new window).
Jessie

November 4, 2003
Hey everyone, sorry I've been really busy with tests and stuff for school. Anyway, I have lots of emails with pictures that were sent in, but I only added a couple of them today (plus I changed around the layout of the Picture section). Tomorrow I should hopefully have time to add the rest of them. Also, "Whisper to a Scream" is going to be on (in Canada) and that should be a good episode (tomorrow).
Jessie

October 29, 2003
Wow. I don't think I could really put it any other way. That episode, "Should I Stay, or Should I Go?" was just....breath-taking. It's amazing what those writers can do......

The Beginning -->Well, it starts off as a study date at Ashley's house, turning into a making-out session. Craig reaches to undo her belt, but then she stops him, thus stopping the kissing. They both sit up on the couch and Ash looks at him and declares that she loves him. Craig goes from cool to klutz and just stares at her, lost. Ashley seems kinda worried that he never said anything back and says they should get back to studying. Craig tells her that it's a really hard thing to say and even I have to admitt he's right.

The next day at school, there is a fundraiser going on, buy a rose for that special someone. After telling his problem to Marco, he suggests to Craig to buy Ash some roses to show her how much he cares for her. Craig goes up to buy one, but then changes his mind and buys a dozen. When they are delivered to the class, Ash looks delighted that she got them....until she reads the card. "Ash, you rock! xoxo Craig."

At least she got some roses. Manny sends one to Sully, but he doesn't bother sending one back. She leans up to kiss him, but he doesn't return the gesture (yeah, he's a jerk, but what do you expect?) He tells her that he's going to be busy the next few days (with friends), thus he can't do anything with her (at the event that I'm just about to mention below). He walks away, leaving Manny hurt and confused.

Ash and Spinner are planning a surprise birthday party for Paige at Ash's house the next day and Craig comes over to find Ash decorating the cake. She tells him that she wants to talk and they do, but Craig still doesn't manage to spit out the three little words. Ash tells him that since he doesn't feel the same way that she does, they should take a break. Craig storms off and goes to his band practice, where he freaks out at the guys and they all leave, except for Marco. Marco tries to give him more advice, but Craig is streaming over the thought of losing Ash just because he can't tell her how much she means to him. Marco leaves him alone with his thoughts and Craig reaches over to grab his guitar and strums up some chords.

The next day at school (also known as day of Paige's surprise birthday) party. Ash goes to her locker and finds a note from Craig, saying to meet him in the gym at noon. She goes and finds him sitting on the stage with his guitar. He makes her promise not to laugh and then starts to play a song he wrote about her, ending with "I love you" right at the end. (Paige and Manny walk in halfway through, but just stand and watch). Ash completely melts and hugs him.

Just before the surprise party is about to begin, Ash talks to Craig, wanting to know if he would like to spend the night at her place, after the party. Craig can't believe how much that song really meant to her and tells Spinner about their after-party plans. So, knowing Spinner, he makes a couple stupid gestures with a balloon partway through the party, Ash sees and pulls Craig to the side, wanting to know what all that was about and how come Craig told Spinner. Craig tells her that he was just really happy and needed to tell someone and Ash freaks out and says that the song was really a lie and that he doesn't really love her, he just wants to have sex with her. Craig storms out of the house and Manny (who is alone at the party, seeing as Sully ditched her for his friends) sees him leave and follows him.

Craig and Manny end up talking on the street a bit and Manny tells him that she heard the song and if that had been for her, it would have made her happy for months. Craig and Manny end up back at the garage where the band usually practices and Manny asks him to sing the song for her. Right before he starts to sing, Manny tells him that he obviously cares for Ash, but if she can't see it, she's not good enough for him. She then takes the guitar gently away from him and reaches up to kiss him. He draws back for a moment, but she tells him it's all right, and they start kissing on the couch. He reaches up to undo the button on her blouse and she doesn't stop him.....

The next day at school, Manny runs up to him and tells him that she tried to call him over the weekend and she left a dozen messages on his machine. Craig tells her that he has no idea what happened that night, but then Ash walks up and says that she wants to talk to him alone. They back away from Manny a bit and Ash tells him how she had a long talk with Paige after the party and that she is really sorry because she thinks that she completely over-reacted and wanted to know if Craig would give her a second chance. Craig can't believe his ears and is really happy until he hugs Ash and sees Manny standing a few feet away, a very hurt look on her face.

Okay, that was a lot longer than I thought, but I've been getting emails from people, wanting me to give a more descriptive summary of the plots. On the other side of the story, Simpson is having a heck of a time with his chemo and Spike makes him go out and do some bowling with Joey. Wheels (from the old Degrassi - if you don't know what happened, watch "School's Out" or look for the summary on the internet) meets them there and Simpson confesses that he's really scared and doesn't know how he can keep living after everything he's going through. Wheels basically tells him to not give up and find something inside of him that will help him keep living everyday....blah, blah, blah (it was very heart-warming, but I was zoning in and out).

Terri made an appearance and actually said a couple lines - now we know she's at least still in school (that school anyways!) Ellie wasn't anywhere as far as I could see. Emma made a slight appearence (with one line) and I didn't see the boys (JT and Toby) anywhere. Oh well! <-- The End!

Have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN everyone!
Jessie

October 25, 203
Happy Saturday everyone! Lol! Well, I added a new page called Sound Clips and they are located under the "Miriam" page. I ended up putting the sound page and clips on a whole new Geocities account, because I know that they'll eat up bandwidth pretty quick. I hope everyone enjoys them, as I had fun making them!
Jessie

October 22, 2003
I think you're all used to this by now. Just highlight the blank space below to read my thoughts on "Gangsta, Gangsta." Also, I would like to thank everyone who's been coming to the site - I just noticed, over 1,000 hits in just over a month - amazing! Thanks so much! I added a new section under the "Emma" section and I have some pictures to add, but that may have to wait until later, when I can find space with them, because I'm sure that everyone is getting annoyed with the whole "Geocities bandwidth problem." Have a great evening everyone!

The Beginning -->Well, I knew right off the bat that this episode was going to feature some major Sean/Emma interaction. In the beginning, they featured Sean home alone, frusterated with nothing on tv and trying to call Emma, but only getting her answering machine (after one ring *BEEP* "You've reached the Nelson-Simpson residence...."). I felt kinda bad for him, especially when his older brother came in with a girl and asked Sean why he was still here and not at "his girlfriend's house." When Sean replied that he hadn't been over there in a month, I thought that was pretty harsh. Even with the complications of baby Jack, Snake's chemo and Spike's long working hours. Well, the next day, Sean invites Emma over to his house for after-school pizza and a movie. She agrees, but then Snake says she has to be home right after school because she needs to baby-sit. Totally unfair, but you can't really blame anyone. I have a feeling that Sean may have blamed Emma though, despite her protests to her step-father.

So yeah, Sean ran into the "tough crowd." I kinda saw this coming, though, ever since I saw the new Degrassi Season 3 cast pictures, I thought he looked more rebellious than last year. I thought they were pretty cruel to be taunting him when he went to help "clean the ravine" with Emma and the rest of the helpers. And yes, they did start to "make-out" as some people call it while everyone else was cleaning. Knowing me, I was very "awwwwwww"-like, until they were discovered by Kendra (yes, she made an appearence!). I didn't see what the big deal was, but Emma seemed to be pretty embarrassed.

Yeah, so in the end, Sean joins the gang and suggests them to steal Snake's laptop for money for car parts. Right when Sean's taking the laptop off of Snake's desk, ready to put it in his bag, he sees the school pictures of Emma out on the desk and we get a "guilty conscience" kinda feeling. Still though, he takes the laptop. Emma tries to talk to Sean right when they were getting the new parts out of the trunk, holding her school picture ready for him, but because they rest of the gang was listening, he wouldn't say much to her and she ends up walking away, crumbling the picture in her hand as she leaves. When she goes to talk to Snake, he says he can't find his laptop and wonders if the chemo is making him "stupid" enough to misplace things. As Emma looks up, she sees Sean leaving the school and they make eye-contact. That's when she realizes that maybe the laptop wasn't misplaced after all.....

On the other side of things, JT has a "wet dream" about Liberty (in a very cute beachtype scenario) as he spends the night over a Toby's house. Toby is a little annoyed that JT would rather spend lunch with Paige and her friends than him and the rest of the chess group (I forget their fancy club name, but it was still funny. The highlight of it was Kendra totally kicking Liberty's butt in a chess game!). I didn't see what the big deal of the dream was, but then again, I'm not a guy, so I don't really know about those kinds of things. Anyway, Toby decides to use the info as blackmail so he could sit with JT and the rest of them at lunch. JT comepletely insults him when he tries to sit down with everyone, so Toby spills the beans and JT gets humiliated. (Although I wish that Liberty would have found out - that would have been price-less to see her reaction!) In the end, Toby realizes that he will never fit in with the "cool kids" in grade 10 and that depresses him and JT realizes that he hurt his friend and tries to make it up by sitting with him the next day at lunch. <---The End!
Jessie

October 18, 2003
I'm up bright and early to update the site! I was very ambitious because I made a TON of new features. First off, there is a Tag-Board, where you can post comments about the site, about Miriam, about Degrassi, anything you want! The Tag-Board has it's own button along the left-hand side and opens into a new window. Be sure to read the rules too!
The other big thing I made is a page I called, "Degrassi Games," which is an exclusive only to this site. It features some home-made games you can play (all with either an Emma Nelson/Miriam McDonald theme or Degrassi: TNG theme). If the games turn out to be a hit, I'll be adding many, many more.
Have fun and don't forget to leave comments on the board!
Jessie

October 16, 2003
NEW LAYOUT, as you can see. If not, just try refreshing a couple times. Yeah, I was kinda sick of the blue one - it looked a little depressing, plus I wanted to use a bunch of the newer pictures that have been sent in. I got great comments on the little "pictures" I made, so I decided to add a couple more in this layout as well. Feel free to email me with comments or you can leave them in the guestbook!
Jessie

October 15, 2003
I'm updating a little early tonight, since right after watching tv, I know I'm gonna have major homework to cram in! Well, thanks to *Jamie* for sending in a bunch of cool new Pictures from the-n website. I put them up for your viewing pleasure. Have fun!
Jessie

October 14, 2003
I'm going to remember, Degrassi is on again tomorrow. The second part of Pride and it looks pretty good too. Added some new Pictures that were cluttering up my email box and also changed the format of that page. Not much else, but remember to watch it tomorrow!
Jessie

October 9, 2003
I just want to take the time to wish everyone (in Canada) a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!! I'll be going away this weekend, so I hope everyone has a great holiday!
Jessie
PS - I changed the Affilates section. World of Degrassi has changed to Planet Degrassi. Check it out!

October 8, 2003 - again
K, I completely forgot that Degrassi TNG was on tonight...my bad. Well, I'm typing this over halfway through watching the episode: Pride Part 1. I feel kinda bad for Marco, he must have it real rough. I also noticed that Ellie doesn't seem to wear her hair the same, you know the two ponytails thing. It looked cool last year. Well, it's on again, see you all later!
Jessie
PS - last note, did Terri and Kendra transfer schools or what? I haven't seen them in any of the new episodes yet. Weird...

October 8, 2003
I know, I haven't updated in a while. The truth is that nothing too exciting has been happening. I haven't got any new pictures or anything to put up, but that's okay. Remember that you can always check out my Affiliates section to find more cool Degrassi-related websites!
Jessie

October 1, 2003
Just finished watching "U Got the Look" and it was great! You'll have to highlight the blank space below to read my comments. I don't want to spoil it for the fans who are yet to watch it!

OMIGOD, it was so,ooo funny, much better than "Father Figure." JT was so,ooo adorable and he seemed to develop a cute "friend"-crush on Manny when he saw her new look. I nearly peed myself when he walked right into the door dividers - priceless! I wanted to slap her for breaking his heart though and in my opinion, Sully wasn't much of a nice guy. I think the camera crew had way too much fun though - way too many close-ups of her thong. Didn't need to see that close! Also, it was kinda funny, the next day after Manny was told she shouldn't wear clothes that reveal undergarments (Liberty tattled, go figure), she went complete commando (no underwear) and their science class almost got more than what they bargained for when she learned down to feed what-ever-it-was that was in the tank (don't worry, it wasn't important). JT saved that scenario though, although it must have been hilarious to film.

Emma was there, although she didn't have much of a big part. Just getting mad at Manny for acting like a different person and completely blowing JT off. Their friendship is gonna suffer this season. And I was kinda mad at the ending because it cut off, but I keep forgetting that Degrassi episodes do that - nothing in real life can be solved in 30 minutes of tv.

No sign of Terri again, or Kendra for that matter. Oh well. The second part of the story (Craig and his band) wasn't too interesting, so I kinda zoned in and out as they showed it. The next episode is about Marco and we got a quick glimpse of Paige's brother (whom I can't remember his character name). I'm thinking that Marco may come out of the closest to Spinner because it seemed like Spinner was pretty mad, something about blowing off a date with a girl for his mom's (??) cooking. I dunno, but it sure looks interesting.

Catch you guys all later! I got homework still to do!
Jessie

September 29, 2003
Hey guys, sorry I'm feeling a bit lazy today. All I added was a new Affiliate. Also check out SPIRIT (A Lauren Collins Fansite) because there's an awesome new layout up. The Official Degrassi site posted some info on "U Got the Look:"

While one character (obviously Manny) pushes the limits of the school rules in an attempt to seem older, another tries to reclaim past glory from days gone by (possibly Joey, because Craig and the guys start up a band). Will either character learn to act his or her age?

Oooh, sounds good - can't wait to see it - (October 1st!)
Jessie

September 25, 2003
Added some new Pictures that were sent in. Don't expect too many updates this weekend as I have a couple exams to study for in school. Later,
Jessie

September 24, 2003
I only have time for a quick update today. Thank you goes out to *Sam* who sent in a new Picture for the site. Peace out!
Jessie

September 23, 2003
Stupid homework!! Ah well, my day's already been made. This site has been registered as a fan-site under Miriam McDonald on Imdb.com, so hopefully they can attract more visitors. I added a couple Pictures that were sent in. They are just screencaps of the flashing images on the Official Degrassi Site and I'd like to thank *Rita* who sent them in (thank you Rita!). Also, Cassie Steele (who plays Manny), her official site is up and running and despite the fact that there is no content at the moment, it's still pretty cool to look at. I don't believe Miriam has an official site of her own yet. Out of complete boredom, I typed in http://www.miriammcdonald.com and up came a site about a woman with the same name and something to do with selling real estate. Ah, oh well. Someday, hopefully she'll have an official site.
Jessie

September 21, 2003
Like I promised, the Interview and Video Interviews sections are both up and running. You'll need Windows Media Player in-order to watch the clip and it's kinda tiny, but it's better than nothing!
There has also been a post of the new episode airing on October 1. I guess it's involving Manny and Emma and their friendship being on the edge again. On the grade 10 side of things, Craig and the guys start a band. If you saw "Take My Breath Away," last season, you can tell that Craig can indeed sing (Manny's daydream), so I can't wait to hear them. If you did miss that clip, you can watch it *here*! (Warning: you'll need Quicktime to watch it!)
Jessie

September 20, 2003
NEW LAYOUT!! If you can't see the new layout for this site, or some of the old images from the last layout are still popping up, just hit REFRESH a couple times. Hopefully that should do the trick.
So, yeah, a new layout. It's smaller (!!) and before I'm brutally sacrificed for doing such an evil thing (I know some of you are gonna complain about not being able to see it . . . ), I'll explain. Geocities only gives me so much bandwidth at a time and I noticed how HUGE (!!) the layout image was, so I re-vamped it. Plus I think this version is cuter and not so depressing-like (black can do that!)
The only thing I changed was the "site" section. I found a really good video interview (many of you have probably already seen it) when Miriam was interviewed for the 2nd season premiere. I'll try to get it up before the weekend is out.
Tired. Going to bed . . .
Jessie

September 18, 2003
I'm now accepting Affiliates, so feel free to email me with your link button and/or site url. Also feel free to send in pictures (not ones with writing please) that I don't have or other bits of media concerning Miriam McDonald. Thanks!
Jessie

September 17, 2003
K, I just finished watching Degrassi. I posted my comments below. In order to read them, you'll have to highlight the text because I made the text the same color as the background as to not spoil the fans who have to wait until October to find out what happened. I warn you . . . spoilers are below!

K, I have to admit I was slightly disappointed with the episode. Maybe it was because I hyped myself up too much. Anyway, I didn't watch the old Degrassi, so it was kind of a shock to find out what really happened to Shane McKay. Emma's character sure has to be brave because I was really freaked out by him, but then again, I felt sorry for him at the same time. Spike had her kid, it was a boy. Jake or Jack, I can't really remember. The important thing was that it was a boy.

And about the other characters . . . where the heck was Terri? Plus I didn't see Manny, but then again, I was busy finding my remote to turn the tv louder, so she may have been there for like a second and I missed it. Kendra was also MIA too (missing in action) and that's too bad since she's my second favourite character (after Em of course!) The new character, Chris, seemed pretty cool. Man, is Spinner ever whipped! I have to admit, I never would have imagined him dating Paige (I missed a couple episodes towards the end last season - so sue me!) Craig and Ashley seem pretty cosy. Marco seems to be very open with his gayness now, what with the totally new fashion sense and wicked hair-do. Speaking of wicked hair, JT became HOT over the summer! Hehe, oh and was it just me or did Ellie go blonde? Weird. Still, it was a pretty cool first episode of the season.

K, that was fun, all the ranting and raving. I didn't add anything new to the site (I'm sorry, shoot me!), but I'll be looking for some new stuff soon! Ciao!
Jessie

September 16, 2003
K, I finally added the Guestbook. Feel free to sign it and drop your comments. I also added more pictures, including the one that everyone's talking about (it's a thong you guys, grow-up). Also, I posted my new email addy above, so feel free to drop me a line and if I have time, I'll try to reply.
Cool Note of the Day: Degrassi starts up again tomorrow - it's cool to be Canadian!! :)
Jessie

September 15, 2003
K, this site has officially opened and I am the creater - you can call me either Jess or Jessie. I haven't posted my email address yet, just because I haven't decided whether I want people to send in stuff or not. Well, so far only the links "Miriam," "Emma" and "Pictures" and "Site" work, but I'll be sure to add more stuff as I have the time. Dunno when I'll put the Guestbook yet.
ONLY 2 DAYS UNTIL THE SEASON PREMIERE OF DEGRASSI . . . YAHOO!!
-- Jessie