Teen Hang Outs in Sugar Land
By: Rachel Long
Sugar Land is a very diverse place with many fun and cool places to hang out. Teens should never be bored with all the numerous activities that could be done in the great city of Sugar Land. Here are a few of these hot spots to try out when you find your regular routine dull.
Town Center/First Colony Mall tops the list with its many shops to browse and restaurants to eat try, from the mall food court to the yummy Cheesecake Factory it has something for everyone. Tons of people chill here so you are bound to see people you know and enjoy a day at the mall.
Starbucks, with its yummy drinks and cool music, everybody loves a good coffee shop. Starbucks is a great place to socialize with friends and meet new ones, and best of all free Wi-Fi!
Raisning Canes’ is a classic favorite with yummy fried food and sweet tea to fun music. Besides, who doesn’t love fried chicken and Canes’ sauce? Canes’ is a great joint to hang out with its lively and modern atmosphere and dynamite food.
Music lovers unite! If you are passionate about music then Guitar Center is the store for you! It’s filled with guitars (electric, acoustic, bass, etc.) , pianos/keyboards, drums (and percussion equipment), and all your music needs. It’s entertaining store where you can jam with your friends and get some new tunes to try out.
Finally, Sugar Land has a wide variety of Movie Theater from the Large Edwards Theater and AMC’s to one screen dollar screens. Everyone can pick a favorite and spend some time watching great movies with its perfect partner…popcorn!
These places and more are fun hangouts for the everyday teen. However, please remember to please be smart and safe where ever you end up and most of all have fun!
2014 Current Must-Need CDs
by Priya Pai
5. Paradise Valley by John Mayer: This album has an organic and cultured feel, kind of making you want to play this on a long and philosophical road trip alone. Mayer collaborated with his former or current (it’s really too hard to keep up) girlfriend, Katy Perry, on this album for the song, Who You Love. The songs are slow yet profound, calming yet raw. This album would be a good buy for people who are fans of Mayer’s genre of rock fused with blues.
4. Bad Blood by Bastille: This new and refreshing great music group has everyone on their toes with their new album, Bad Blood. The album has the hot hit Pompeii on it, which I’m sure everyone has at least subconsciously heard on the radio. But the album includes more obscure, yet great songs, songs that deserve the glory Pompeii has earned so far. With futuristic instrumental interludes and lyrics that hit home, the album is truly one of the best of the year.
3. Pure Heroine by Lorde: Don’t be mistaken by the title; this album is not as scandalous as it sounds. Lorde, only17 (with 2 Grammys!!), shows her musical genius through songs like Team, Tennis Court, and of course, Royals. Her songs are unique and addictive; you can’t just listen to one song by Lorde. This girl is on the rise to becoming a classic, a musician that we’ll look back on in a few years and be glad that we were listening to her from the start.
2. Beyoncé by Beyoncé: Okay, this album is a given. This was notoriously released without any warning, a wonderful and marvelous surprise (like forgetting a present under the Christmas tree, and seeing it after you opened all your other gifts). The album has not only music videos for every single song, but also bonus videos. Collaborating with Frank Ocean, her husband Jay-Z, and many others, the album is just as magnificent as all of her other albums, if not better.
1. Frozen Soundtrack: This CD was number one iTunes for a couple weeks, topping even Beyoncé’s album. Almost everyone has seen the movie and the addicting and enjoyable musical numbers. If you loved the movie, then this album should be an unquestionable buy. Whether it’s grooving out to “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” or the hit “Let it Go,” one thing’s for certain-this album has gripped America by the ears, making it a good buy for people of all ages.
Hottest Summer Trends
by Natalie Sulit
1.) Floral print: Girls everywhere are buying shirts, skirts, crop tops adorned with petals this spring. Floral print naturally gives a feminine and dainty feel to the everyday t shirt.
2.)Maxi Dresses/Skirts: It insinuates the lower half of the body and is sure to compliment your curves. Giving a breezy and carefree feeling while looking effortlessly stylish, maxi dresses are a trend necessary to follow this spring season.
3.)Pastels: Light colors such as mint, peach, baby blue compliments all skin colors and are iconic colors which look classy yet trendy.
4.)Short Hair: Many girls are starting to cut their hair off, like an unconventional way of spring cleaning. In the blossoming hot weather, long hair tends to be more of an annoyance than a pleasure. Cutting your locks off will allow you to enjoy the weather and have a fun time while doing so. You can also donate your hair to organizations like Locks of Love which give your hair to cancer patients.
5.)Statement Necklaces: It can transform any boring outfit to a stellar, high fashion one. Add this to a plain t shirt or a simple black dress and look classy and stylish in an instant.
6.)Winged Eyeliner and Red Lipstick: Taylor Swift set this trend on fire, having this trend a necessary addition to every outfit of hers. This makeup combination gives your eyes a little flair and adds some red to your lips for an elegant appearance.
7.)Jean Jackets: You can add this article of clothing to give a casual and cute look to any outfit. Add it to a dress, or a nice blouse.
8.)Leggings: Two words. Comfortable and cute. It insinuates your figure and slims your legs. They can be worn casually or formally.
9.)Jesus Sandals: A good use of tan in an outfit, makes these strappy sandals a necessity in every day life. They give a nonchalant flair to the normal flip flops.
10.)Macarons: These cute little French treats are perfect to have this time of year! There are so many flavors that you can choose from like vanilla, red velvet, orange, and mint chocolate. I always look forward to going to The Sweet Boutique to buy my macarons.
Divergent Movie Review
By Ann Johnson
The heroine chic rage has struck again! Divergent, the new film based on Veronica Roth's bestselling novels, fits perfectly into the girl saves dystopian world craze that has taken over Hollywood. Beatrice "Tris" Prior (Shailene Woodley) joins the ranks of heroines that are overthrowing futuristic totalitarian regimes and capturing moviegoers everywhere. The movie is set in a futuristic Chicago.
The society is divided into five factions, each with their own specific qualities and traits. In this dystopian society, faction comes before family. The film begins on the eve of the Choosing Ceremony, in which all 16 year olds decide which faction they would like to join. The day before the ceremony, Beatrice takes an aptitude test, which will tell her what faction suits her best. Her results come back as inconclusive, or rather Divergent. Being Divergent means that Beatrice has shown an aptitude for three factions: Erudite, Abnegation and Dauntless. Beatrice's tester warns to keep her Divergent results to herself.
At the Choosing Ceremony, Beatrice leaves her selfless Abnegation faction in favor of the brave Dauntless. The movie continues with how Beatrice adapts to life in the Dauntless compound, her new relationship with a mysterious Four (Theo James) and her determination to save her former faction from the hands of Erudite leader, Jeanine Matthews (Kate Winslet).
The cast is a big part of the movie's success. Shailene Woodley's role as Tris Prior has many comparing her to Hunger Games's Jennifer Lawrence. Though she lacks Lawrence's star power, Woodley captures the audience's attention as she jumps, fights and punches her way through the movie. The supporting roles are also important. Theo James perfectly portrays a conflicted Four, who has shady past and his own secrets to hide. In the novel, the romance between Four and Tris is a gradual buildup. Onscreen, the chemistry is bit rushed. Kate Winslet also makes an appearance in the film. Winslet, plays a power hungry Erudite leader, who is determined to take over the government with the help of the Dauntless leaders. Winslet portrays Matthews icy personality flawlessly.
Divergent has raked in over $170 million dollars in the box office since its March 21 release date. For fans of the novel, watching the movie is the next obvious step. Readers should join the film and appreciate its closeness to the actual novel. In this writer's opinion, Divergent is good for a one-time watch, but lacks the star power and intensity of other dystopian films. The next film in the tetralogy, Insurgent, is due for release in late March 2015.
Behind the Illusion
A book by Sherrilyn Kenyon
By Ali Brewer
The fifth book in the Chronicle of Nick series, we see Nick, AKA demon in training (good or evil not decided) struggle with this place in the world.
Throughout the series Nick finds out he is half human/half demon, but not just any demon but a decadent of the worst kind ever to walk the Earth. He finds out his best friend is also a demon, his girlfriend was sent to kill him and he is destined to either destroy or save ALL human kind, all at the age of fifteen.
In the fifth book, Illusion, Nick finds himself in an alternate universe where he isn’t the all mighty demon of doom but a normal boy with no special powers.
At first he’s ecstatic and ready to turn his back on the chaos that was his past. He hangs out with Caleb, his normal best friend, plays football with his onetime enemy and shape shifter, as well as gets to know his new father, an old mentor, Bubba.
However, soon he’s faced with the reality that being normal isn’t all that great. He misses his life and friends, wondering why he is no longer the all-powerful demon/human teenage boy. He soon realizes that everyone has a place in the world…even the son of a hated demon and professor of doom.
He realizes that the world needs a champion, and he is the creature with the power and courage to save everyone but how can he do that now? It’s a race against the clock to restore Nick to his reality or spend the rest of his life in a world not his own.
He fights enemies and few ones, wins back his girl and learns new skills in this fast paced, funny story of a boy on a twisted journey. Read the beginning with Infinity and find out if Nick will save the world or be its eternal damnation…
Summer Fun
By Rachel Long
Well, it’s the time you have waited all year for……SUMMER! In just a week you will be sleeping late, sipping lemonade by the pool, and hanging out with your friends without a care in the world. And with that, here are some ideas on how you can spend your summer….
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There is nothing better than true friends. So take advantage of your time off and spend time with the people you care about. When you hang out with your friends, get creative and try something new! Start a band, bake a cake, go to the park, just try something new and interesting.
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Summer jobs may not be the most exciting thing in the world but the extra cash for college or to buy a car is pretty awesome. Plus it’s a great way to meet new people.
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Get adventurous this summer and go on a road trip with your family or friends. Get out of town and explore!
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Read a book. With all the tumult of the school year and lack of free time, it can be hard to read that wonderful thing called literature. If you aren’t going anywhere this summer, don’t fret; you can travel down the river with Huck Finn or travel to England with Jane Eyre.
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On a scorching hot summer day, there is no better place than the beach soaking up some sun. Because after all, sand, sun, and smiles all around is what the beach is about. And summer isn’t complete without ice cream. The perfect way to keep cool is a lovely scoop of ice cream.
Whatever you decide to do this summer, just be grateful you don’t have to wake up early and go to school. Have a great summer everyone.
TECHNOLOGY: WHO ELSE WANTS A NEW iPHONE? (AND A WATCH?)
by Patrick Paguio
iPHONE 6 and iPHONE PLUS
On September 19th, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus slammed the store shelves.
The most talked-about smartphone in Earth’s history has once again explained the reason
for its immense popularity, but in the form of numbers—and not to mention—the letter S, Most of all, the new iPhones have new features.
iPhone 6, measuring 4.7 inches, kicks off with 16 gigabytes of storage costs $199. As for the iPhone 6 Plus—which measures an impressive 5.5 inches— it has the same gigabytes of memory, but costs $299.
Just like the previous iPhone 5S, both iPhones come in the following colors: silver, space gray, and gold. Both phones still include the fingerprint sensor. The iPhone 6’s display measures 1334x750 of resolution; on the other hand, the iPhone 6 Plus has a display of 1920x1080 of resolution. Also, the iPhone 6 has an A8 chip installed, and an M8 motion processor—which basically means more juice to the device. The iSight camera is also the new feature, including the Focus Pixels, which is a newly built sensor. Both iPhones have 8 megapixels.
Apple will also begin aiding customers in paying more securely to rid the threat of criminals stealing customers’ money. October is when Apple Pay will launch in the new iPhone devices. Essentially, what Apple Pay is that it lets users pay in a secure fashion, by first having an encrypted ID to be hidden somewhere in the smartphone. In other words, any stores will not have to view the customer’s credit card. However, this new paying system only applies to the new iPhones.
APPLE WATCH
The Apple Watch, Apple’s new and modern twist on the traditional watch, will be hitting the shelves in 2015. The new device will include a touch screen and a sleek design.
With the price at $349, the Apple Watch does have smartphone-like features. One example is the Taptic Engine. Now, the Taptic Engine’s purpose is to alarm the users of any notifications by tapping once. Besides the emoticons and the ability to get—and analyze—text messages and calls, a walkie talkie also headlines the Apple Watch, as sending voice messages is now possible. Next, WatchKit is also making its way to the market, as its purpose is to provide the users the chance to make third party apps. Of course, WiFi, maps, Apple TV, Apple Pay, iTunes are also featured in the device.
Interestingly enough, simply by raising one’s wrist causes the device to be switched on, or users can cover their hand if they do not want to answer a phone call.
Image by Google Images
Book Reviews
By Stephanie Nguyen
The Chronicles of Nick: Infinity
We all have the same problems when it comes to school and our social life. Grades, friends, popularity, video game induced zombies terrorizing your city. Ok, maybe not all the same problems.
Nick Gautier discovers that the lovely city of New Orleans has more than a few little secrets hidden underneath the food and festivals, like a hidden society filled with shape shifters, demons, ancient gods, and other things that goes bump in the night. Not only that but after breaking his arm, a schoolmate makes a video game that somehow turns the players into zombies. As if high school wasn’t bad enough with bullies, a principal who hates your guts, and an unrequited crush on “the most perfect girl in the world”, now Nick has to figure out if he can stuff a chainsaw into his locker.
Stephanie’s Personal Opinion:
I absolutely love this book! The main character is so sarcastic and funny, just reading the first sentence makes you automatically hooked, as well as burst out laughing. It’s entertaining as well as fast paced. I literally finished the novel the day I got it, and then had to wait to get the second one.
Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Eighth Grade Bites
At age thirteen, there are so many things beginning in your life. You’re finally a teenager, you're almost in high school, and you just found out you aren't the only bloodsucking vampire in existence.
Vladimir Tod is many things: sarcastic, social outcast, victim of bullying, but he is not human… well at least not fully human. Vladimir has it hard enough desperately trying to somehow get the attention of one of the prettiest girls in school, without the fact he snacks on O positive on his down time. As Vlad’s English teacher disappears, Vlad realizes that the new substitute is as normal as he was. Soon secrets from his past starts to arise, and his life as well as others hang in the balance for something his father did years ago… creating the first half vampire half human in existence.
Stephanie’s Personal Opinion:
First and foremost, I would like to say, excellent book! The plot is well thought out, the characters are well developed, and it has the right amount of sarcasm and teenage angst for it to be funny as well as sad. The novel was a fantastic read, and even better for it is almost All Hallows Eve.
Images by Google Images
10 Money-Saving Halloween Tricks
By Patrick Paguio
October 31st is that time of the year again where all children and teens rumble through those cold aisles in the store to purchase those sweet candies, eye-catching costumes and decorative baskets.
However, there are ways to still have a fantastic Halloween, without cutting half of your wallet down to size.
1. Watch those Halloween-themed movies on TV
ABC Family has a special called 13 Nights Of Halloween (October 19-October 31). This is where they air all Halloween-themed movies like Casper and Freak Out.
2. Have an eye-catching front door
Use those art supplies and make a grotesque monster out of it! That would grab those trick-or-treaters’ attention.
3. POSTERS!
If you have a Halloween-themed poster (it can be from a horror movie, now would be a time to bust them out, and place them on the wall!)
4. Get a pumpkin that is less costly
Grocery stores have them at a lower price
5. Trade costumes with your friends
Just make sure they are not ruined when you return them
6. GLOWSTICKS!
You should get one because safety is #trendy
7. Tell ghost stories
How about some heart-throbbing tale of terror with a chilling music? That could be something.
8. See if you can find materials in your own home
Specifically, you never know what you might stumble upon. Even a duck tape can get the job done!
9. Instead of pricey candies, how about giving them something else?
You know those creepy-looking, stretchy tarantulas you see at the dollar store? How about a stash of them? Halloween-themed pencils can be a great alternative too.
10. Create your own baskets
Be creative! Take out a stack of white paper and colored pencils, and begin creating your own spooky-themed basket!
Images by Google Images.
Distress for the New Year: Stress Management Tips
By Priya Pai
In our frenzied, over-active lives, stress seems to be one of the only constants. However, there are ways to ensure that it doesn’t dominate your life and emotions.
In lieu of any hair-pulling, nail biting this semester, try some of these stress management techniques:
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Organize and plan: Whenever you feel like your anxiety over an upcoming test or an overwhelming schedule is getting out of hand, sit down in front of a nice, clean sheet of paper (or even your cell phone), and organize your thoughts.
Writing down what you’re stressed about allows you to see all the “daunting” ventures you have coming up, and face them head on.
Make a list of all the things you need to do, and make a plan of how you’re going to accomplish those tasks. Stick to the plan! Laziness and procrastination contribute to stress overwhelming you in the future.
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Breathe: In the middle of running from activity to activity, we sometimes forget to take breathe. It’s actually proven that inhaling and exhaling slows down your heart rate and helps your anxiety levels fall. Take deep breaths, in and out, slowly.
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Take away distractions: When you have a job to get done, put all your social media, text messaging, and any other objects that will deter you from the path of completing your task aside. Contrary to common belief, texting and homework are not analogous. Often, attempting to “multi-task” can make an assignment last much longer than it would have if you had been only focusing on the work.
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Push yourself but know your limits: It’s crucial to challenge yourself in high school, and put yourself in situations out of your comfort zone. Go ahead and study a little longer than you normally would, skip an episode of TV and get ahead on your reading. However, everyone has a breaking point, so be careful not to spread yourself too thin. Testing your limits daily can be extremely harmful to your mental health.
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Don’t forget to take of yourself: Despite an intense work load and all the other activities taking up space on your calendar, self-care is extremely important. Whether it’s as simple as watching your favorite TV show for 30 minutes, or reading a portion of a book that makes you happy, or even eating a favorite snack, do something that makes you happy, even in the midst of your stress.
Stress can push you to be a better student and a more motivated person, but it’s
important to not let it get the best of you. Work hard this year, but focus on what makes you happy.
Here’s to a happier, more stress-free 2015!
New Year’s Resolutions
By Rachel Long
Say good bye to 2014 and hello to 2015. As the New Year approached, many looked back on 2014 and the memories that were made.
Some look back fondly and others not so much. In efforts to make a change in their lives, they set up New Year’s resolutions.
The Romans started the tradition of making resolutions or goals at the beginning of the New Year. They saw it as a chance to make themselves morally better.
Nowadays, most people terminate their resolutions by February or March. Holding fast to their resolutions is a difficult task.
But if your goals for the New Year are beneficial to you and you desire to see them through, here are a few tips to help you on your journey:
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Plan ahead and make sure your challenge is realistic.
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Set smaller, more manageable goals for yourself daily that will contribute to your final resolution.
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Have a friend do the goals with you.
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Set a reminder on your phone to help you stay focus and remember your goal.
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Tell someone that will hold you responsible for your resolution and will motivate you to continue your challenge
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Remember why you started your resolution.
If you are having trouble deciding what your New Year’s resolution should be, here are the top 5 New Year’s resolutions:
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Be healthier (losing weight by exercising and eating right)
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Getting organized.
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Spending less and saving more.
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Helping others live their dreams
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Spending more time with family
This 2015, try to improve your life and stick to your New Year’s resolutions!
Images by Google Images
Images by Google Images
A Night to be Remembered
A review of Night at the Museum 3: Secret of the Tomb
By Alexandria Brewer
Have you ever wanted to go back in time, talk to dead presidents or play with Dinosaurs? This movie brings to life our society’s biggest fantasy.
This movie, the third movie of the series that started over 6 years ago, came out Christmas Day, 2014. The series of movies has a simple, but captivating premise: A middle age man named Larry Daley takes a seemingly boring job as the night guard of a museum, in efforts to prove himself to his young son, only to find that when night hits, odd things start to happen. Museum displays come to life, from a wax Teddy Roosevelt to a wild slapping monkey and even the miniature toy cowboys and roman soldiers, characters of all sorts are invigorated as soon as the sun sets.
The latest movie starts out in the New York museum, as it’s the main setting of the movie. It is soon revealed that the magic tablet that fuels these moving displays is giving out! Larry goes all the way to London to meet with past pharaohs who made it with some familiar faces and some new ones!
We see some of our favorite characters from the past movies such as Teddy, Sacagawea, Attila the Hun, and the miniature figures cowboy, Jedediah and Roman leader Octavius. Also some new display characters such as Sir Lancelot, “Trixie” the triceratops and Laa, a Nathanael version of the night guard make their debut.
With many ups and downs, from the crazy antics of the display figures to an evil knight who goes onto a live play of Camelot, there is never a dull moment in this film.
This movie, the last of the series, provides a satisfying conclusion to the humorous and now classic trilogy. The characters are vibrant and full of life, and keep the audience laughing from each mischievous act to the other.
So while we can’t actually relive the past, the Night at the Museum movies certainly let us try. It’s obvious that these movies have earned a memorable place on our shelves to be played many more times throughout the years to come.
Speak Review
By Thomas Bonsey
Lessons to be learned, circumstances to think about, that is what Speak is all about. Through the whole book more and more gets revealed about the story up until the very end of the book.
Melinda, the main protagonist, starts the book off being extremely introverted, but throughout the story she grows and reveals more about herself to the world. “I stand in the center aisle of the auditorium, a wounded zebra in a National Geographic special looking for someone, anyone, to sit next to.” This demonstrates how Melinda is at the beginning of the book.
“The tears dissolve the last block of ice in my throat. I feel the frozen stillness melt down through the inside of me, dripping shards of ice that vanish in a puddle of sunlight on the stained floor. Words float up.” This is an example of how much she evolves from the beginning of the book. Watch as Melinda sprouts into the tree that she has the potential to become in this heartfelt book.
The stereotypes combined with the extreme sympathy that you develop for Melinda make this book a definite read for any fiction loving bibliophile.
Melinda goes through a very traumatic experience in the beginning of the book which she struggles with throughout the story. As Melinda tries to shed the parts of herself that are holding her back, you get to see the heart and soul of a character that you fall in love with, come to life. Melinda will always be a memorable character in my mind and the mind of everyone who reads Speak.
I would give this book a four out of five star rating, this book is a definite read. I give this a four because some parts of the book are really uninteresting (I.e. the beginning). It starts off really sad, she just complains about how melancholy her life is throughout the first few chapters.
This book is definitely geared towards younger crowds and high school students. They talk a lot about many things you begin to experience in high school; this makes the book both entertaining and applicable to our lives as high school students.
