Blog 7

Summertime for me usually means sleeping in until noon, eating as much as my stomach can fit and more and binge-watching TV shows on Netflix until my head hurts. But not this summer - this summer I have a job. 

I'm working at a small real estate company as an intern, which means I'll spend each day from 9 to 5 entering data in a computer and filing papers, maybe even fetching coffee for my boss. Not exactly exciting stuff, but it's a job. 

My first day is next Monday, and I have to say, I'm a little nervous about going, not because I think the work I'll be doing is difficult or anything, but because I don't know anyone there (except for my boss, with whom I've only had one conversation). I'm going to be that awkward new girl in an office full of older people who have all been working together for a while. 

Yeah, I know that I'll get to know everyone and it'll be okay after the first few days, but I'm still really nervous about that first day on the job. But hey, maybe it won't be as bad I'm thinking it will be. Here's hoping for the best.

Blog 8 - Stephen Proler

For the last blog of the school year, I decided to write about what I will be doing over Summer. I recently got a job at a Law Firm where I will be filling in as a ParaLegal and Law assistant. My hours are from 9 to 5:30 for the first four days, and 9 to 12 on Fridays. Yay casual Fridays! I'll be making good pay and it will lead me to opportunities to meet new people and learn new skills. Everyone asks me because I am working at a Law Firm what I want to do when I grow up, but honestly I have no idea. Why should I be rushed to answer a question that some in their late 40's still don't know. Besides the suits and clients, I have my own desk and a view. The most rewarding thing about my job is that I get to experience what others my age don't. I get to go out in the world early. See what its like to be an adult, work in the corporate environment. Hopefully next year, my blog will be my own critique on my Summer. How fun it was and how rewarding everything was.

Blog 8- Extra Credit Victoria Petty

The Day After College Graduation 

The first inhale of sweet, moist, Washington, DC summer morn titillates my senses.  I smile slowly before stirring at all, enjoying each incremental moment of the curling of my lips.  I am so proud, so thankful, so fortunate, and so happy.  The warm sun begs me to lift my eyelids and into focus comes the bursting, brightly colored fanfare of the florals showered upon me by my friends and family.  Lying beside it the colors of honor bestowed upon all of us who went the distance to strive for excellence in all learning and scholarship.  “Thank you,” I humbly utter to so many and i chill runs through me that seems to make my aura emanate a glow.  

I rise and inhale, stretch, exhale and glance towards my alarm’s daily scheduling holograph. “Merci’.  Close, and please prepare la cafe’.  With a full day planned of fun, photos, and cheer, and an early flight out the next morning, I grab my climate controlled running gear and head out to get energized for the future.  At the table by the door, I see the crisp, textured box of business cards and break out in a grin. Unable to hold it in, I mutter another thank you, this time I glow more fully, for--as Howard alumni--we measure how well we build upon our educational opportunities by how much resulting empowerment there is for all.

BLog 7

Blog 7

Sweet Paris: Foodie Blogger style

Tucked in a side street of Rice Village, Sweet Paris Creperie offers customers a variety of savory and sweet crepes. The place is roomy, with more than 25 tables available throughout the restaurant, plus outdoor seating. Furnished with cutesy, modern décor, ranging from wire-accented crystal chandeliers to brilliant turquoise walls, the restaurant is a quaint French-inspired sidewalk café.

Their menu offers eight options for savory crepes, including some from different cuisines like the Mexican “Chicken Enchilada” and the Italian “Chicken Carbonara,” and each dish coming with a light side salad. In all the dishes, the crepes, which are made to order, are light and fluffy, with flavorful meat or vegetables stuffed inside. Prices range from about seven to nine dollars, which may seem a bit pricey for a crepe, but considering the portion size and the quality, it’s definitely worth it.

As for sweet crepes, Sweet Paris lists several choices on their menu, such as the classic Nutella crepe as well as less traditional recipes like Apple Cinnamon Crème Brûlée and Dulce de Leche. Prices for sweet options are slightly less expensive than the savory ones, ranging from five to eight dollars.

Overall, Sweet Paris Creperie is an excellent restaurant with a quaint ambiance and environment with many options to suit all tastes.

BLOG 7 Victoria Petty

What happened to a time when Memorial Day was about honoring our veterans? How did we regress to Memorial Day being just a summer kickoff and socially acceptable time to begin donning light-colored clothing? This year, I think I have seen more pictures of white outfits and beach vacations than mentions of our veterans.

In the age of social media, we have become very artificial. Instagram is the opportunity to show off your "food porn," "artsy" surroundings, and expensive possessions. Twitter is the perfect avenue to update others on your fabulous life. Facebook the place to brag about your recent college acceptance or any other milestone.

Even getting asked to prom, an intimate moment in every high schoolers' life, is now accompanied by a photographing friend who will immediately post the coveted shot on any and all forms of social media. Of course, these prom pictures will always get at least 100 likes, because how could you not like somebody's prom proposal picture?

This comical series of events are now commonplace, showing how all we care about is the verification that we are beautiful or artistic. But my question is should we view these changes as evolution of social norm or certain doom for the intellectual? 

Fashion 

Editorial Staff 2013-2014

UPDATED May 30 @ 8:51 am.

The editorial staff of 2013-2014 is as follows:

Editor-in-Chief Paper

Cari Bonilla
Ridge Liu

Elaine Shen

Copy Editor – paper and online

Manlin Yao

Editor-in-Chief Online

Nathan Hiransomboon

Molly Oretsky (sports)

Manlin Yao

News

Michelle Huang

Tonya Chen
Claire Fisher

Features

Sachi Kamble

Jennifer Wang

Entertainment

Maddie Callen

Alison Elberger

Centerpiece

Jason Weilee

Nicolas Aldape

Profiles

Sophie Daily

Sports

Laurence Zhang

Zean Liao

Sports manager and senior staff writer
Leslie Cundiff

Communications manager and senior staff writer

Daniela Carlock

Photography Editors

Anna Ngo

Alex Luckey
assistant editor - Jasmin Vasquez

Visuals Editor
Anna Ngo

Business Managers

Jackie Wertheimer

Anthea Wilson

BLOG 7 - AMANDA TAYLOR

Houston’s hot spot Rice Village has an abundance of appealing restaurants to offer, but shoppers should definitely stop by one in particular. Instanbul Grill and Deli is a small authentically Turkish restaurant located right off of Rice Boulevard. Hidden away from the more crowded attractions, this restaurant has a traditional feel to it.

Upon first entering, customers will see that the deli is family owned. The cooks, waiters and hostesses all speak to each other in a native tongue, and paintings hang displaying their proud Turkish culture.  Separated into appetizers, sandwiches, entrees, desserts and specialty beverages, the extensive menu may take a while to look over, especially for a first timer. Several unfamiliar Turkish words grace the menu, but luckily a brief description is provided on each item.

The best thing about Instanbul Grill and Deli - everything is perfectly Turkish. No hamburgers or chicken fingers are in sight. This is a strictly kebab, gyro and pile environment. Because the restaurant prides itself on the gyros, I ordered one. The Doner Kebab, which turns out to be a gyro, was delicious. The lamb was cooked perfectly, smoked with Turkish spices. The pita bread was light and the vegetables were grilled to perfection.

Instanbul Grill and Deli may be hard to spot, but once it is, the restaurant is irresistible. A true Turkish experience coupled with a cultural change up. Put this restaurant on the list of recommendations.

Blog 7

This photo shows office workers helping out in the attendance office. It has a setting that shows what they are doing and there is a small-large balance.

Two friends practice playing guitar together. Their expressions show they are enjoying the music. 

A student government member checks a freshman's ID so she can vote for student government. The important part of the photo is the volunteer checking to make sure all voting goes smoothly. 

Blog 7

The school is a buzz with excitement for the summer. Two weeks left of school and we are all looking forward to those sweet three months of relaxation. Many preparations are being made and most of all the seniors know where they are going to college. Plans for housing, joining sororities/fraternities, and class enrollment are being made. Many final senior events are happening as well such as prom, senior surveys, and the senior breakfast coming up during finals week. All of our eldest students look to the future with a smile as they say their last goodbyes. For the ones of us who are staying well we look to another year at Bellaire High School where we will miss our graduating friends. The summer holds lots of opportunities for volunteering, working, and applying for internships. Of course it also provides time for all os us to kick back and enjoy the golden sun and bright water of our pools and the company of our family and friends. One week remains of studying and then one final week of testing and the last school bell of the year 2012-2013 will ring. AP and IB testing is over which allows students in AP classes to finally relax and stop worrying. The newspaper will come out with one more issue which will be the senior issue which will talk about tips for the future, colleges that will be attended by the class of 2013, and funny stories that happened throughout their time at Bellaire. This is a sweet issue that will provide a good memory after graduation. For the class reunion these will all be laid out as well as the yearbooks. This becomes a nostalgic time of the year as everyone spends their last days together with the people they have grown up with. It is also a time filled with panic and excitement.

Blog 7

Summer time means lots of time for baking!  It is one of my favorite things to do when I have free time outside of school.  Today, I made Cinnamon Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies that I thought turned out really well!  I also really enjoy looking at baking blogs to find recipes that I might enjoy cooking in the future.  My favorite baking blogs are Sally’s Baking Addiction, Flick of the Whisk, and Bake Your Day.  Sally has a recipe for Cake Batter Chocolate Chip cookies that I am really looking forward to trying.

My best friend’s sister now has a job at a bake shop in Bellaire, MargieBeth’s Bake Shop.  It is a start-up bakery that opened in Bellaire around Thanksgiving.  As part of her job, she has learned to bake biscottis and scones as well as continued baking standards like brownies and lemon bars.  I am excited to visit her with my friends as soon as school is out!

               

Memorial Day coming up is also a great excuse to bake and eat baked goods.  Pinterest has plenty of recipes for patriotic red, white, and blue treats.  Red, white, and blue popsicles will be perfect to eat by the pool now that it’s warming up!

Laure Cundiff

Three Penny Press

Staff Writer

Additional Blog (Blog 8)

"Israel says 'no proof' its troops shot Mohamed al-Dura" appears as one of the top stories on BBC News. This, to me, is quite strange since a dispute over one supposedly dead Palestinian child would make headlines when over the past several decades, thousands of women, men and children have been killed. Why did this child make the headline of a story? 
A picture of a young boy, Mohammed al-Dura with his father, Jamal al-Dura under fire in Gaza was shown around the world in 2002. Scenes of the child being shot, under the arm of his father, became one of the most prominent photographs of the second Palestinian uprising. "France 2 has stood by the report and sued a French media activist, Philippe Karsenty, for defamation after he said the film was bogus. A French appeals court will rule on that case on Wednesday," BBC reports. 
Initially, Israel apologized the shooting but soon after, Israel became doubtful about France 2's publication of the events. Israelis reported that the child could have been shot by the Palestinians. 
The image symbolized opposition to the Israeli military occupation, which obviously tarnished Israeli's reputation. Thirteen years later, this image is still being disputed over. Is the reputation of Israel really that significant? 
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated "It is important to focus on this incident - which has slandered Israel's reputation." 
Jamal al-Dura contrarily said "The Israelis are lying and trying to cover the truth." Both sides have interpreted the situation quite differently and similarly, both sides will never come to accept each others' version. 
If an image resurfaced more than a decade later because of Israel's doubts and concerns about its reputation, then where is Israel's legitimacy?  



Sara Nabhan
Writer
Bellaire High School

Blog 7

Tumblr, a website that has become increasingly popular among young adults, is about to become a part of another well-known internet service, Yahoo. Yahoo has agreed to buy Tumblr for $1.1bn in cash.

Tumblr combines blogging with social networking as users are able to connect through postings of pictures, "reblogging," "tagging," and commenting, and currently hosts over 100 million users. The growth of Tumblr has led to many companies and agencies' use of the website as a facet for advertisements.

As a once avid Tumblr blogger, I enjoyed and respected Tumblr's independence and ad-free environment. However, recently the website has become a forum for people to sell products and advertise companies.

Now that Tumblr will be integrated into Yahoo services, Tumblr users question to future prosperity of the website. Will Yahoo help bring more users to increase traffic or will Yahoo cause its downfall? Yahoo has been eclipsed by Google, Facebook, and Twitter, so can it really increase Tumblr's popularity?

News Corporation bought MySpace but sold it for a fraction of the price paid. As of now, Tumblr users can only await the future of the blogging forum where they spend much of their precious time.


Manlin Yao
Staff Editor

Blog 7

The countdown to June 9th begins. 

College acceptances. Completed AP Exams. Yearbooks. Prom. After all of these major events, seniors anticipate the last final event: graduation. After four years of hard work and dedication, seniors are set to begin the next chapter of their lives. While some may be attending the college of their dreams, others plan on pursuing other goals, like enlisting in the army or volunteering abroad. Whichever path, each senior will accomplish something magnificent. 

Although course material has been covered and lethargy is kicking in, students are still maintaining their focus.    The option of getting to socialize with friends during class is great, too. Memories have been created and all that we have learned is innumerable, but we will take all of our experiences with us and that will help us grow. The first year of college might not be easy and the obstacles may be harder than expected, but we all came from the same place, and we are destined for success. Once a cardinal, always a cardinal. 

We will be representing our college mascots, but all that we have learned from Bellaire has already shaped us into the person we are today. No one can take that away. 

We can only move forward with good and leave the bad behind. We owe it all to our wonderful family and friends, teachers and staff. 

And with that, we will be the graduating class of 2013. 

Sara Nabhan

Writer

Bellaire High School

Blog 7

With prom just around the corner, seniors girls can not contain their excitement. Senior girls are posting last minute decisions on prom dresses and picking up their newly tailored dresses. However, there are a few girls making the last minute decision to go or being asked last minute who do not have dresses prepared and may be on a budget.

There are many options. Houston Premium Outlets in Cypress, TX is approximately 30 minutes from Houston. This outlet mall contains many options for gowns like a BCBG outlet.This outlet mall will allow for discounted prices on still in style gowns. For those able to make a trip to San Marcus, the San Marcus Premium Outlet Mall has top-notch designers at a discount. Included at this outlet mall a Francesca's outlet, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th outlet, and an Armani Exchange outlet. Other than outlet malls, Dillards in the galleria offers stylish dresses at a low price.

Although prom is two days away, there is still time for those needing a dress last minute! With many options in busy city full of clothing stores and boutiques, any girl can find the perfect dress for her senior prom at a discounted price.

Katie Martin
Entertainment Editor
Three Penny Press

Blog 7

Testing. A very relevant topic, as most of us have just finished AP testing. The different variations of testing brings endless acronyms: ACT, SAT, PSAT, ISEE. It's ridiculous how so much of our life depends on and consists of answering questions, chosen from a large pool that adults from another generation compile. The questions they brainstorm are supposed to adequately measure our skills that we've sharpened in our years of learning. The numbers that dictate our life depends on the small bubbles we fill out on a scantron; much of our stress comes from pressure from our grades. Are students losing interest in something that can be potentially "their calling" because they are forced to go through the same dull process of memorizing facts and regurgitating them on paper? Does understanding a subject have any value in a place where it is more time-efficient just to memorize material?

Although the modern testing system can be criticized, there is no other adequate method that can measure how well a student can learn and process material. Until then, we will just have to bear with a system that relies too heavily on mechanical learning and sometimes even the luck of the draw.

News Editor
Michelle Huang

Blog 7

William Ball and band perform at Bellaire's Annual Earth Day Festival.

I took this photo at earth day because it showed the atmosphere of the festival very well. The band looked very laid back and comfortable, while still having fun.

The annual Bellaire Earth Day Festival takes place in the courtyard, transformed by art posters of nature.

I took this photo because it showed how well the courtyard was decorated for earth day.

Gabriel Byrd participates in the Annual Bellaire Earth Day by completing quizzes on earth conservation information.

I took this photo because it was a very good example of a different way that some students interact at Earth Day.

Kirkland Schuessler

Blog 7

The up and coming Houston Rockets gave the Oklahoma Thunder all they could handle by taking the series to 6 games. The Rockets lost the first three games but due to a major injury for the Thunder, Russell Westbrook had to have surgery. Due to the shift in the momentum, the Rockets lead by James Harden were able to to win the next two games. James Harden was traded from Oklahoma City at the beginning of the year. Harden lead the young upstart Rockets all year. Another player traded to the Rockets this year, Francisco Garcia from Sacramento,  helped out the Rockets with bench scoring and energy. The Rockets were not expected to make the playoffs at the beginning of the year but surprised the league with an up-tempo offense. To improve for the next year the Rockets need to add another scoring option to go along with Harden and Parsons. This will probably be addressed in Free Agency with lots of cap space available. Possibly Josh Smith or Chris Paul could be added. The defense needs to be improved in Kevin Mchale's second year. The future is bright for the Houston Rockets.

BLOG 7

BLOG 7

At Bellaire High school, a group of girls performed their cultural dance at Holika as they competed for cash prize.   

I took this photo because the green and yellow semicircles gave a unique contrast against the red background. Also, it showed symmetry for each pair of girls as they leaned in opposite directions.  

Keila shows off her colorful nail art after class.   

This color of her nails (green and white) pops out against the color of her pale skin. Therefore, the focus of the picture is her nails which was the purpose of the story. Also, the hand in front of her face shows an unique personality that corresponds with her nail art. 

A group of students design a poster for Earth Day in the courtyard. 

This photo depicts teamwork as they all work really hard on the poster. Not only does it show teamwork but it also shows their positive attitude towards Earth Day as they raise awareness. 

Blog 7

1. Emma Bryce
Bryce continues to write about issues concerning wildlife and the environment. She often discusses the impacts that human actions towards these two areas have on the world as a whole. Her style is to-the-point and precise. She makes sure to get good interviews with the right people and focuses her stories on what they have to say.

2. Jerome Solomon
Solomon has been covering the Houston Rockets as they faced the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs. His writing style is more personal, and offers more commentary and wit than Bryce's. I feel makes readers respond more to what he writes. His writing doesn't feel empty nor generic. Now that the Rockets season is over, Solomon will focus more on the Houston Texans and how they are preparing for the new season.

Laurence Zhang
Writer, TPP

Blog 7

     Isabella Rossellini's new line of clothing, "Creature Moms", cannot be called anything but weird. The once respectable designer has got all out, creating an entire line of insect inspired clothing. Rossellini modeled a spider inspired outfit herself, complete with a multitude of eyes. This is the first of many outfits that will go on to include a hamster and bird with an attached nest. She plans to debut the outfits in a series of shorts to be broadcasted on the Sundance Channel.
     Has Rossellini gone to far? She wouldn't be the first designer to draw inspiration from nature and other living things, but where do we draw the line between inspiration and outright foolery? What Rossellini has done is, in my opinion, an insult to her position and to the entire fashion industry. She has opened a door for mediocre designers to claim themselves her equal. The fashion industry will suffer because of her choices, and in the meantime, she will continue to roll around dressed as a spider.

Blog 7

3 things I loved This Week:

1. Sunday was ILPC

My head was resting on my shoulder, body slouched in the cabaret-red chairs, legs spread out comfortably (classy as always), when they announced "the Three Penny Press" as Bronze Star winners. My head jolted straight out of my seat and the background coos and 'ah!' from the Carillon jolted my attention. The purple shirts didn't move. We remained seated. I looked from left to right and noticed that everyone had a look of "holy crap" on their face. HOLY CRAP WE WON AN AWARD. No one was prepared for this. None of the running chiefs, none of the running editors, none of the business managers, no one. 

2. My mother moved to the Meyerland location of Kelsey-Seybold
Okay, it's not the most exciting news for most, but for me, having my afternoon commute back to an air-conditioned environment decreased by 10 minutes is a truly happy event. Having various food and clothing venues to spend my mother's hard earned money, so close to her job, also makes me extremely happy. I can now stop by Chick-fil-a, Starbucks, Berrypop for a snack on my way home. Granted my introspective walks will be cut down, but at least my stomach will be satisfied!

3. SECRET releases their Yoo-Hoo MV
There's no booty-bouncing or endless hip thrusts in this one- the dance is more of a mini-flail, but the song is so addicting. It does resemble Lovin' You by SISTAR, and I'm sure that with the recent success SISTAR had the past year, TS Entertainment wanted to emulate the same concept to get a better result for SECRET. In my opinion, SISTAR only has Hyorin and Soyou as trump cards. Dasom and even Bora are black-holes, who only provide the prettiness for the group. SECRET on the other hand has two amazing vocals, although neither have the vocal prowess of Hyorin, one pretty decent vocalist and a damn good rapper (who's talent doesn't show in their title songs). SECRET can definitely surpass SISTAR in 2013.

Blog 7

In the style of Texan Talk by Stephanie Stradley, Houston Chronicle:

First of all, I'd like to welcome the new swimmers to the 2013 team. Welcome! This year is anticipated to be better than any other. With a new coaching staff, a remodeled pool, and a batch of talented rookies, the Cardinals are gleaning with strength in numbers and innate talent. It is my hope that this year will be even more successful than the last, and that the Cardinals will take it all the way to State, with a winning District Championship.
To gauge this year's potential, I must highlight a few of this year's all-stars:
Logan Schiller: Height-5'7"; Stroke-200 IM/100 Freestyle
Schiller is a force to be reckoned with. This agile and slim swimmer has taken the State championship for the 100 Freestyle at the TAGS championship.
Hannah Sumbera: Height-5'8"; Stroke-100 Breastroke
Sumbera teams up with Schiller in one of the Houston Swim Club's fastest all-star relays. Sumbera is well known for her powerful stroke and finish in her specialty stroke, breaststroke.
Caleb Zhang: Height-5'6"; Stroke-100 Backstroke
The Cardinals need to fear no more with this speedy asset. Zhang holds the record at HSC for the 50/100 Backstroke.

With this talented crew, the Bellaire Cardinals are expected to have the strongest season yet.Can anyone smell success?

Cari Bonilla
Staff Editor

Blog 7- Claire Fisher

Wake up. Go to school. Go home. Do homework. Check Facebook. Cry. Scream for your mother. Call your friends. What started as a normal soon became one of the worst days of my life when I discovered from a Facebook post, that two of my best friends had been run over by a car.
On a warm day in September, the Lanier Middle School cross-country team went running around the Montrose area for their after school training. Two of my overachieving friends decided they would lead the group and jogged ahead with one of the coaches. They came to an intersection, waited for the light to change, and went on again. Soon, ambulances and news helicopters arrived at the seen and the trio was sent to the hospital. An old man, temporarily blinded by the sun, was rushing to get a pizza, when he almost killed the three pedestrians.
My friends' lives became a whirlwind of doctor's appointments, pity, and elevators. One of the friends, Matt, received brain damage and internal bleeding from the blow. My other friend, Kyra, was run over and the bone in her left thigh started to degenerate. She had surgery once she entered the hospital, but this was ineffective and she had to receive an experimental surgery at Duke University months later. The coach hit the windshield and flew over the car. She only fractured her tibia.
I remember seeing Kyra for the first time after the accident. She was sitting up in bed, eating a large burrito. Any bystander would think she was there for a routine check up. Before the accident, Kyra was my small, spunky friend, who was your run of the mill band kid. Since the accident, Kyra is my strong, unyielding friend, who can take on anything and come out better than before.
Kyra was in a wheel chair for nine months and on crutches for two. Most would complain and lose hope of getting better. Everyday for those eleven months, Kyra did exactly as she was told and was even able to dance a little at our 8th grade dance, with the permission of her doctor.
The second surgery was a huge success and Kyra is not limited by her leg. She is my reminder that life goes on and nothing can stop you.

Blog 7

Phillip Corbett writes for the "After Deadline" blog in New York Times, which  discusses the grammar and usages encountered by writers and editors of The Times.  In some of his posts, he even includes critiques and mistakes the journalists have made. 

Why do we find it so hard to read Shakespeare? Where art thou for.. What does that even mean?!?! The romantic and metaphorical old English has long fled the conversations of modern times. We like our literature short and to the point. And as an effect, our minds work to cut out the details and focus on the meat. 
The new technologies have not helped this either. I for one always type my work if it involves anything over a paragraph and rely on Spell Check for proofreading. The invention of Spell Check may seem like the life raft of those kids who lose the spelling bee during the first round, but it may actually be what drowns them. To this day, I still do not know how to spell "restaurant". On Word, the trustee red line will always be there to point out my mistakes; the reliable right click will always be there to fix it.

Tonya Chen
Staff Writer  

Blog 7

(In the style of Beth Kissileff, blogger for NY times and writer of "Rejection Is a Process". She taught at Carleton, Smith and Mount Holyoke Colleges. Kissileff is also the editor of "Reading Genesis")

Success Doesn't Always Come Easy

Life would be so much easier if we were all guaranteed success the first time we tried. Getting up from bed every morning would be more encouraging, because of that assurance that the day will be a happy, successful, and promising one. As well as the morning after that.

But of course life doesn't work that way and as humans, it is inevitable that we will all make mistakes. Mistakes which allow us to grow for the better, and become better people in general. If I could speak to my own future children from experience, I would tell them that the most important thing in life is that they tried. To try is to succeed. Making an effort every single day, and trying again when all has failed is the key to success. The only time we can say we failed is when we realized we stopped trying.

Failure isn't exactly a bad thing. Life would be boring if we got everything we wanted first time around.
I don't think people understand the importance of building an unbreakable character. People who fall at times, must always get back up, because life may throw unbearable things at you- however you cannot let it beat you.

It took me 18 years to finally figure that out. Getting depressed over a failure only makes that failure seem unbeatable. Nothing is unbeatable because it all lies in your own hands. Simply try and try again. That's all that matters at the end.

Lara Hattab
Features Writer
Bellaire TPP

Blog 7

Mimicking the blog eatocracy

            A food trend that has been rising in the last few years is the trend to eat organic. The term “organic” refers to the way the food is grown which pollution and promotes soil conservation. Organic foods also do not have pesticides or fertilizers making them a more natural alternative. However a downside is that organic food is more expensive. Is organic food really worth it or has it just been hyped up?

            Recently, a health trend has been popular among many Americans who choose a healthy active lifestyle. Whole Foods has become a growing grocery store packed with healthy alternatives for a better lifestyle. According to a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine, a study with 200 pages, organic food was not proven to be in any way more nutritious than regularly grown food. This study reveals to millions of Americans that a seemingly common belief upon additional research may actually turn out to be false.

            Even though one study has shown that organic foods have no additional benefit, it is more than likely that Americans will continue to purchase organic foods. As organic foods grow in popularity more research will be conducted by scientists to figure out whether there are benefits or not.

Jennifer Wang

Staff Writer

Blog 7

Fran Blinebury writes for the NBA Hangtime Blog. He uses a lot of metaphors and syntactical tools and has a clear viewpoint in his blogs. Blinebury talks about anything that relates to basketball.

Down 0-3.
It's never been done before, but who knows? Maybe they can do it.
Down 0-3.
No, they don't have a chance. Their season is done.
Down 0-3.
Why are we watching this? Change the channel. The Rockets don't have a prayer.

Houston, we have a problem. Nobody believes in us. Nobody expects us to win. We're too young. We can't close games. We aren't ready.

And yet, here we are sitting at 2-3. What were they saying? What happened to everyone saying we would have been swept 4-0? Where did they go?

Houston, we have a problem. We have an addiction. We're addicted to proving people wrong. We're addicted to making the best out of situations we were never supposed to be in.

Never in the history of the NBA has a team gone on to win a playoff series after giving up the first three games. It just hasn't been done.

And yet, here we are sitting at 2-3. We're still alive. We have been shown mercy. We have a chance to go down in history.

Just 2 more games, and the Rockets will move on to the next round in the playoffs. It is very unlikely, but it is very possible. This years' Rockets are one of those teams that miracles can happen too. We have shown tremendous fight in not wanting to go down. Even if we don't make it out the first round, this is a good learning experience for a young team.

Game 6 is tonight. If we win, it's Game 7, with the series evened at 3 games apiece. One game at a time. Houston, you are cleared for take off.

Zean Liao

Blog 7

(This is in the style of Alexander Lobrano from the NY Times blog called "The Moment")

A flow of fresh, new additions are coming to Houston's Highland Village, bringing exciting stores, shopping, and experiences. 

Highland Village has taken the same-old classic shopping that has been around for years and has reinvented its look and shopping experience. This happening spot, home to restaurants such as Ra Sushi and Smith and Wolinksys, has recently renovated and added multiple stores. This area of Houston is now the destination for the high end but slightly price conscious shopper. Much of the renovations center around the movement of Anthropologie to the area where the now closed down store, Tootsies, used to be located. This renovation seems to have sparked a new wave of eye-catching shopping to beautify Highland Village. The popular clothing brand, Splendid, has opened in a brand new location just around the corner from the new Anthropologie. Best of all is the new J Crew that has opened right next to Anthropologie, also taking the place of Tootsies. Highland village is now the home to many relaxing days of shopping, eating, and much more. 

Alison Elberger

Blog 6

"I don't even know what I don't know,"

Oh Ha Ni from the popular k-drama Playful Kiss whines. She gives up trying to prove trigonometric identities and falls asleep, mid-exam. 

Sigh...

Just my luck. While I'm trying to relax on a Sunday afternoon, I'm reminded of my AP Chemistry exam looming just around the corner-next monday to be exact. I pushed the hot laptop off my stomach and groaned as I lifted my limp body off my couch. Scheduled group-study sessions, mock exams and free response practices, all skipped for to fuel my addiction to these dramas. It's not that I don't care about my exam score, or what college's will think of me; I do, a lot. I've somehow amassed this idealistic point of view that makes me feel like everything will be alright. I can get a perfect 5 on the AP sans studying and still bawl over Lee Min Ho's ridiculous curly locks in Boys Over Flowers. 

I picked my laptop back up, plopped it back on my stomach and re-opened Netflix with the mindset of "I'll start studying when the laptop gets too hot for my skin to handle."

Maybe then...

Blog 7

In the style of Ray Matteson

When you think of summer, you automatically think of freedom, as in laxity from school. You think of fun in with friends, spending day in and day out in the sun with friends. You think of the late nights. What you do not think of is preparation for your senior year of high school: college applications.

Graduated juniors see the summer as a break from the nightmare that junior year had been. Between the athletics, academics, and intensive testing, the list of things to do seemed to be at the back of every student’s head relentlessly.

At the beginning of summer, juniors are carefree and happy and think that summer will be relaxing and enjoyable. They know it is early in the summer, but they need to give more thought to working ahead on college applications, giving extra thought to the fact they will have to accommodate summer academics with their ever busy schedule.

Their summers are being held together by late nights, hot days, and cold water to relax in. They will eventually point their fingers at the mirror and tell themselves they should have gotten more serious sooner.

This is not your typical relaxing and carefree summer, even though it is a typical summer for the junior concerned about his or her college experience. Writing essays, making lists of colleges, deciding possible majors, thinking which dorm to live in, finding your room mate composes just a few of the tasks with  making the college experience as good as it can be.

There are still a few questions to be answered before students decide exactly how to lay out their lives. Do they want to go to public or private school? Which scholarships do they need to apply for? Is athletics something that could heavily influence their choice of school? So many questions, so many things to do in the application and decision process.

With the first day of August will come the first serious thoughts of college and the fact that seniors will in less than a year be making huge life choices. I know it seems awful to associate junior summer with all the hard work after spending the previous nine months battling through the school year, but with all the work required, it is kind of hard not to. 

Leslie Cundiff

Sports Writer

Bellaire TPP

Blog 7

Blog 7

Paul Miller is a lead writer for The Verge, is extremely opinionated, and loves movie trailers. He reviews consumer technology and where electronics are headed in the future. 

During the summer of 2012, I was selected to participate on a mission trip to Cambodia, where I experienced the culture of the country and learned what composes a good global citizen. While I was there, I taught children about American culture and the English language. Though teaching the Cambodian children was something that changed my life, I was expecting to do that before the trip even started. What I was not expecting to do was teach a working father of five. While staying at a small, 4-bedroom homestay in rural Chi-Phat, I brought out my dictionary to teach the young children how to say a simple greeting in English. While the children and I were sitting around my dictionary, I sensed someone behind me. I looked around to discover that it was the children’s father, nicknamed Chre. Intriguingly, he looked over my shoulder as if he wanted to learn the words as well. I was not expecting this because most Cambodians learn English while in secondary school, but he did not know a single word in English besides “hello.” He sat next to me as I taught him words such as “family,” “happy” and “farmer.” The experience is a situation that I will never forget because we established a solid, genuine connection. The day after I taught him those words, he began to repeat them every time he saw me.

When I am reminiscing about my past trip to Cambodia, I like to think about the time Chre and I spent going over those English words. I would like to imagine that he is still saying them, halfway across the world, on a regular basis.

Johnnie Sinclair

Blog 7

On April 7, country music icons from around America gathered at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada for the 2013 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards hosted by country superstars Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton. From Record of the Year to Entertainer of the Year, there were plenty of awards for country superstars, and the winners were quite deserving of their respected wins.

    Hosts Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton began the opening dialogue with comedic banter including hits at Bryan’s tight jeans and Shelton’s wife, Miranda Lambert. Bryan and Shelton also included jokes about Carrie Underwood and other music icons. The opening dialogue ended quickly as award presentations and performances began.

    Nominees for Male Vocalist of the Year included Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Toby Keith, and Blake Shelton. Shelton held the 2012 title of Male Vocalist of the Year, but Jason Aldean won 2013 Male Vocalist of Year. Aldean’s major hits include “Don’t You Wanna Stay”, “Church Pew or Bar Stool”, and “Just Passing Through”. Although Shelton did not win Male Vocalist of the Year, his wife, Miranda Lambert, won Female Vocalist of the Year and Record of the Year with her song, “Over You”.

    As the night continued, more awards and honors were awarded to various artists and vocal groups. Thompson Square won Vocal Duo of the Year. Eric Church won Album of the Year for his popular album, “Chief”. Florida Georgia Line won New Artist of the Year, a major honor in music awards. Little Big Town won Vocal Group of the Year. “Over You”, written by Blake Shelton and performed by Miranda Lambert, won Song of the Year.

    With only one award left, all performers were focused on one title: Entertainer of the Year. The deserving nominees included Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, and Taylor Swift. Swift held the 2011 and 2012 title for Entertainer of the Year, and everyone awaited to see if lucky number three would also be in favor. The 2013 Entertainer of the Year award went to male country superstar Luke Bryan.

    Between the laughs and awards, the 2013 Academy of Country Music Awards was a major success. Two and three time title holders passed their titles down to the up and coming music stars, and even those who did not win a title or award still had an enjoyable laugh or two throughout the eventful evening.

-Mimicking Entertainment Weekly blogger Mandi Bierly

Sophie Daily

TPP staff writer

Blog 7

This is in the style of Jonathan Tilove, a writer for the Austin American-Statesman. He writes in a lightly cynical style and uses cliche/cheesy expressions in very smart ways.

I have some trouble with my favorite band. Or should I say former favorite band, as they don't exist yet.

Sonic Youth, the inventors of indie, has broken up after 30 years due to irreconcilable differences. However, these are not between all members. Frontman and guitarist Thurston Moore and bassist Kim Gordon separated in 2011 after 27 years of marriage, and the details of the separation are now coming out two years later.

Gordon explained to Spin Magazine that Moore had been seeing another woman outside the marriage. He continued to see the woman even as he and his wife were going through marriage counseling. Gordon said that the affair reached the point of a double life, and describes her husband as a "lost soul." Gordon and Moore have a 20-year old daughter named Coco. Gordon and Moore are both 60 years old.

From my personal take, a cheating scandal this late in life is a true shame. In my opinion they had something special, both musically and through their chemistry - touring as a band often strains interpersonal relationships. They managed to get through all that. My heart goes out to them, and I can only wish them the best despite how much I miss them.

Blog 7

For the past week, I have been thinking about quotes. I don't know why I have this sudden urge, but each time I read another one it infatuates me to think about what's going on in my life. Besides the classic movie quotes like, "You had me at Hello," quotes can come from the most unlikely of places. How do people come up with these saying that twist you mind and make you think? Is it random or do they have a gift of just making words flow well. I have attempted making my own quotes because I wanted to represent myself in a phrase that would describe my life. My first one created was, " you must learn the feeling of loss, before you can accept the feeling of winning." Think about it. How do you know what it feels like when everything you have worked for comes true, when you haven't even discovered what really matters when you lost it. I know that sounds confusing, but only a person's true desires come after they have lost. My other quote is one of motivation which is always helpful. " If you give up, then what have you really given." There is no point of quitting unless you succeed. Quotes change people, and they also are a representation of us. However, only the few can dissect them and understand their true meaning.

Elaine Shen blog #7

Local University's golf club transports staff to Austin to compete in annual sports competition

University of Houston is using a new solution to provide its students with a 24-hour service,. Rather than hiring more workers or switching current staff to the overnight staff, Houston-based Metro has offered to transport some of the students to a part of Houston to save costs.

Metro, which serves more than one million Houstonians a year, came up with this idea after studying the processes used in colleges in Chin, the DDE reports. The staff has since driven a trial group for 10 students to Dallas, where they took over another busing company. The staff works in shifts of four days in order to travel around the region.

Journal/Blog 6

Picture by: Adam Elmakias

Taken by Elmakias, this is Asking Alexandria, a Metal band from England. On their recent tour in the states, Elmakias toured with them taking pictures of their lives on and off the stage. This image provides an example of what the lights at AA's live shows are like and provides a creative shot that looks like a sun.

Another image taken by Elmakias of one of AA's live shows. This show cases the view that the band sees every night and the pyrotechnics that go into their performances. The colors are great and balances with the purple on the stage ground and the vibrant yellow and orange of the fireworks shooting over the crowd.

Picture by: Adam Elmakias

Pierce the Veil is a post core rock band originated out of the state of California. Like Asking Alexandria, Elmakias toured with PTV on their recent "Collide With the Sky" tour. Setting up a white backdrop backstage, this is a picture of the lead singer Vic Fuentes. Although Fuentes looks like he is fixing his jacket, this image is posed. With that being said, there is a great balance between white, grey and black levels and nothing is over or under exposed. A very casual picture for a heavy style of musician.

Blog 5

Naomi

http://www.anywhere-but-home.com/

Sweltering weather, crowded streets, delicious food - just a typical summer's day in Shanghai, China. I wandered around the streets aimlessly, observing the locals' daily routines as I passed by, and I visited all the famous landmarks around the city. It was incredible to see such a modern place, full of bustling streets and sleek buildings, when I'd just been staying in my parents' rural town where wide stretches of farm fields were abundant. It was a city full of life.

At night I wandered toward the famous Bund, where colorful lights illuminated all of the historical buildings, reflected in the clear waters of the Huangpu River. There I was, with every other tourist in Shanghai, admiring the stunning view, yet I felt right at home.

Blog 6

Last summer, I went to France as a part of an exchange program, and I stayed with a host family who lived on a farm in a city that only had a population of around 400. It was different, obviously, than what I was used to, having lived in a big city like Houston all my life, but it was a great experience nonetheless. I was somehow able to become friends with my host sister, who didn't speak a word of English, with my broken French. I grew close to her, and the rest of her family, in those three weeks.

In a few years, when I'm in college, I'm definitely planning on coming back to France as a part of a study abroad trip. I want to go back with my improved French, and see if it's possible for me to get by. And, of course, I want to visit my host family and see how they're doing. I'm really excited for all the opportunities that lie ahead, and I can't wait until the time comes when I can finally travel again.

blog 5

maryam nabhani
blog 5

written in the style of Laila Lalami

Book Review: Daisy Miller

Capturing the essence of the clashing old and new worlds, old money verses new money, Henry James' Daisy Miller expresses how the uncouth, un-classy Nouveau riche try to blend into the realms of the elegant Western European world. James' himself is an American-Born, European-transformed man; his essence is reflected in that of the active character of Winterbourne, another European-made gentleman who finds himself lost in the wonder of the titular character, Daisy Miller. Daisy exemplifies a brash, bold American teenage girl; she's of "new money" and finds herself trying to prove her identify in the sophistication of Europe, though ironically unintentionally tarnishing her own reputation.

Blog 6 Claire Fisher

I had band practice until 4:30 after school. I went to the band hall, put my cellphone on the music stand, and put my clarinet together. Practice was normal, and when it was over, I got a ride home with my friend. I walked through my front door, reached in my pocket, and realized something very important was missing.
Over 225,000,000 cellphones are used in the United States. Smart phones are nifty devices that can be extremely helpful are extremely dangerous. Most adults keep a banking app on their phone which contains their account information. This is helpful if someone steals your wallet, but deadly if someone steals your phone. Luckily, the good people at Apple have a solution this: the "Find My iPhone" app.
The find "Find My iPhone" app can wipe your phone of all data, lock it remotely, play a sound, send a message to the finder of your missing iPhone, and even show you where your phone is. This app can be used on any other Apple device, so if your device goes missing, you can borrow a friends to find it.
I am glad I have the app because if I didn't, my phone may have been lost forever. When I arrived home after school, my phone was not where I thought it was. I called my friend to ask if it was in his car; he didn't see it. I went back to school and scoured the band hall; it wasn't there. Then I used the "Find My iPhone" app and saw that it was on Fifth Street and Grand Lake Street.
My mom and I rushed to the listed location. We knocked on doors and searched lawns, remaining unsuccessful. Our next move was to go to the police station.
Arriving at the police station, I called my friend one more time and played a sound through the "Find My iPhone" app. It was in his car.
Technology is one of the most useful tools, but losing my cellphone made me realized that I am too attached to it.