2305 East Main Street League City, TX 77573
Miami Heat pg. 10
Women of Troy pg. 5
New Pope pg. 4
March 2013 Volume 89, Issue 6
New bill proposed to raise federal minimum wage By Rachel Wolfe Reporter
President Obama asked Congress to look at a bill that would raise federal minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $9.00 an hour while adjusting the wage with inflation to further help the low-wage earners in the future. The logic behind the proposal suggests that raising the minimum wage would not only put more money in people’s pockets, but would also help stimulate local economies, as people would be willing to spend more if they earned more. This, plus the fact that the additional $1.75 an hour would help millions of families buy food and other necessities, gives the bill a huge popularity vote. “Even with the tax relief we’ve put into place, a family with two kids that earns the minimum wage still lives below the poverty line. That’s wrong. Let’s declare that in the wealthiest nation on earth, no one who works full time should have to live in poverty,” the President said in his State of the Union address. The bill would see the minimum wage rise gradually until 2015, where it would hit $9. The minimum wage would also be tied to inflation, meaning it could rise along with the cost of living. If passed, about 15 million low-income workers would benefit
from the raise, according to CNN. not economic uncertainty. Recent increases, However, the proposal is facing stiff such as the 2007 rise from $5.15 to the opposition. Many companies that hire current $7.25, happened when the economy low-wage workers argue that increasing was seen as expanding, and republicans minimum wage will did not oppose the increase the cost proposal. of running their Even with the business. This would strong opposition, discourage them many continue from hiring new to support the employees, adding to proposal. the already high level “A higher of unemployment in minimum wage is the United States. key to getting the A l s o , economy back on conservatives argue track for working that higher minimum people and the wage jobs would middle class. The further burden job President’s remarks creators, who are also cement the already under stress growing consensus Photo by HiLife Staff due to the poor on the left and right economy. that one of the best way to get “Conservatives worry about the the economy going again is to put money unintended consequences, that you hurt the in the pockets of people who work,” people you want to help,” James Sherk, a Christine Owens, the executive director senior policy analyst at the conservative of the National Employment Law Project, Heritage Foundation, said in a public said in a statement regarding the bill. statement. The federal minimum wage is not In the past, raises to the minimum wage necessarily the minimum wage for the occurred in times of economic prosperity, whole country. States may set the minimum
wage higher, but may not pay employees under the required amount. The minimum wage has already started to rise in many states. Starting January 1, minimum wage earners in Washington State earned an additional 15 cents more, continuing to give them the highest minimum wage in the nation at $9.19 an hour. Other states raising their minimum wage in 2013 include Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont. Of the ten states that raised their minimum wage, nine did so automatically to adjust for inflation. Currently, there is no information regarding Texas raising its minimum wage in the near future. Texas does not have a state-specific minimum wage, and therefore adopts the federal minimum wage. This means, unless an employee or their employers are specifically exempt from the minimum wage law, employers may not pay employees under $7.25 an hour. Of course, if the President’s new bill is passed, Texas employees will then be entitled to the new $9.00 per hour. Though the bill has much public support, the strong conservative opposition may delay, or even stop, the bill from having any federal effect any time soon.
School board approves raises and tablet computers By Valerie Hellinghausen Editor-in-Chief
On March 25, 2013 the Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD) Board of Trustees approved several important decisions for faculty and students of the district in a board meeting at the Education Support Center. Of the 18 action items listed on the agenda, a first reading of TASB Local Policy Update 96 was discussed as a part of the board’s consent agenda. In response to a long-range compensation plan outlined on March 5, the school board unanimously approved a three percent raise for all employees in the upcoming school year at the March 25 meeting. By approving the compensation plan, the district can remain a competitive area in terms of salaries. In addition to a raise in salaries for CCISD faculty, the board has also unanimously decided to increase the District’s contribution to employee health care premiums. The contribution will raise the current contribution of $225 per month by nearly 18% to $265 per month. These additional funds are expected to help offset the increase in Teacher Retirement System
of Texas Active Care (TRS-ActiveCare) benefits. “We asked our employees to do more with less and forgo a well-deserved salary
unspent general funds from previous years according to a news release by The Guidry News. The three percent salary raise and increased health care contribution is
Photo courtesy of CCISD
increase for two years. While they selflessly rose to the challenge and helped us weather the financial storm surrounding public education, we also recognize that we must improve our salary structure if our community wants to retain the very best in education,” Superintendent of Schools Greg Smith said in a Guidry News press release. Over the past two years, the district has since then cut $12.8 million in expenses, and successfully rolled forward
expected to cost $6 million according to the compensation plan. Aside from faculty benefits, the board also talked about Contract 2013.506 to discuss district technology and accessories. The school board has decided on the tablet computers that will be included in the upcoming bond package that was approved in late February 2013. Should voters in the May 11, 2013 election approve the 2013 Bond Referendum, the school board has named the Dell Latitude 10 as the tablet
the district would purchase. While the board’s decision does not commit any funds towards the purchase of these tablet computers, the proposal from Dell will help to expand the district’s goal of establishing a 1:1 student to technology ratio in grades 4-12 if the bond receives voters’ approval in May. However, the board also allocated a portion of the meeting to recognize several achievements made by the district, its students, and its staff. In addition to all of the newest budgetary changes approved by the board, the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) recently awarded the Meritorious Budget Award (MBA) to CCISD for the district’s 2012-2013 budget. This award is given to districts that have shown exemplary budget presentation and surpassed the MBA’s strict criteria. This is the seventh year in a row that CCISD has been presented with this prestigious award that ASBO. For more information and press released articles on the award, updates on the board’s decisions, and upcoming board meetings visit the district website at www. ccisd.net.
Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the papamobile during his inauguration mass at St Peter’s square on March 19, 2013 at the Vatican. World leaders flew in for the inauguration mass for Pope Francis in St Peter’s Square on Tuesday where Latin America’s first pontiff received the formal symbols of papal power. (Maurizio Brambatti/Ansa/Zuma Press/MCT) The Chicago Bulls’ Carlos Boozer scores over the Miami Heat’s Chris Bosh in the first quarter at United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Wednesday, March 27, 2013. (Scott Strazzante/Chicago Tribune/MCT)
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Opinion u want yo g in th e on s t’ a h W s! k ee w It’s the last 9 l year? oo h sc e th of d en e th e or ef b o to d
SENIORS
FRESHMEN “I want to do well on my Human Geo graphy AP exam.” -Erisa Met-Huxha
actual senior “I want to have an titti prank.”` -Rachel Pe
time down.”
my mile “I want to get n -Sarah Wilso ff.” my braces o “I want to get o oy -Camila Arr
“I want to fi nally figure out what college I’m going to !” -Jackie Koo nce
“I want to get my letterman in Debate.” -Sahar Jiwani
“I want to actually get an “A” on an APES exam.” -Alexis Skipper
“I want to get my GPA up to a 5.0” -Mikala Groshong
for ake it to State “I want to m Hamilton golf.” -Anna
HiLife Staff
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binatio y locker com m n ar le to t “I wan lcombe -Reghan Ho
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meanin gure out the fi to t an w “I n Breaux of life.” -Sea nse.” y driver ’s lice m et g to t an “I w rove -Peyton Musg e.”
gam to a baseball “I want to go t -Joshua Wan
JUNIORS s Algebra II.” “I want to pas uma -Kaliq Kok
2013 e a Class of “I want to hav elson N s iu e.” -Mar Harlem Shak
2012-2013
SOPHOMORES
mpus.” isit LSU’s ca v to e k li ld “I wou es -Libia Bardal
“I want to climb a water tower before graduation.” -Blake Poole
ip.” o on a road tr “I’d like to g ez -Nicole Alvar ute
stit isit the Art In “I’d like to v of Houston.” alfin -Brianna Ch
Principal: Scott Bockart Advisor: Wynette Jameson Proofreader: Jan O’Neil Editor-in-Chief: Valerie Hellinghausen Design Editor: Hannah Brinsko Management Editor: Madison Williams Features Editor: Leticia Suarez News Editor: Madison Williams Teen Interest Editor: Kristina Koonce Sports Editors: Greg Brotzman Dylan Hill Around Creek Editor: Jenan Taha Lisa Nhan Advertising Manager: Jasmine Garza Photo Editor: Gabrielle Renwall Online Editor: Monica Jackson Arlen Addison Audree Hall Sydney Matthews Justin Behrens Breanna Jeffcoat Jessica Sieling Mallori Flanagan Lilli Lara Natalie Steele Hannah Gellman Shelby Lyles Rachel Wolfe
Published at Mirror Publishers in Texas City Visit us at: http://clearcreekhighschool.ihigh.com
Editorial Valerie’s Voice
By Valerie Hellinghausen Editor-in-Chief As the Lenten season comes to a close on the Liturgical Calendar, it is absurd to think about all that has changed in the last 40 days alone for the Catholic Church. Being raised in the Catholic faith, Lent often meant forty days of sacrificing some miscellaneous part of my life. This year, while the Catholic Church changed popes, I have started to change the way I view religion and faith in general. Ironically, in AP Literature and Composition, the senior class was required to read Barbara Kingsolver’s Poisonwood Bible throughout this Easter season. At first, reading a novel that shines a harsh, skeptical light on Christianity seemed like a morbid assignment to complete in a season that is often associated with life, rebirth, and celebration for my faith. However, this novel and the questions it poses have rattled my brain and my own beliefs over the past few weeks. In the Poisonwood Bible, the Price family leaves their home in Bethlehem, Georgia in 1959 to serve as missionaries in the Belgian Congo amidst the Congolese Revolution from European colonial rule. While patriarch Nathan Price is hell-bent on baptizing and converting the Congolese people in their village to Christianity, mother Orleanna Price and her four daughters find that the superstitious religion practiced by the villagers emphasizes some of the same values as the Christian faith. With all denominations, sects, and practices of religion aside, reading this novel has made me realize that no matter your beliefs, often the best religion is kindness. No matter what you believe, if someone (even if they are of a different religious group) opens a door for you, sends you a thank you note, or offers up some kind of compassion when you are having a bad day, that kindness is still kindness and is still appreciated. For the Price family, kindness came to them in strange ways sometimes unknown to them, such as their neighbors leaving extra chicken eggs in their hen house, sharing fish from a plentiful catch, or a bowl of bones outside the Price’s Congolese home left to protect
the family from the angered spirits or gods that the villagers pray to. In such rudimentary living conditions, the Prices struggled to survive in the Congo having no prior experience without a fully operating kitchen, medicine, and other appliances and objects we often take for granted. Nathan, in his attempt to start up a demonstration garden, found that all of his American crops failed to grow in the stubborn, red earth of Africa. His housekeeper, Mama Tataba, secretly fixes his garden at night using methods implemented by the Congolese people. Nathan, in a fit of stubborn frustration, “fires” Mama Tataba of her duties and refuses her African methods in spite of their effectiveness. This rejection of kindness made me realize a concept that is often lost to the void between religions, specifically the various denominations of religions such as Christianity. More often than not, we find ourselves labeled by our differences in a negative light that leaves us with more meaningless names than the ones our parents gave to us at birth. In the Poisonwood Bible, a Congolese boy named Nelson explains to one of the Price daughters the importance of a concept called nommo or names. For the Congolese in this story, each part of creation whether living or dead has a name that is given to them for their specific purpose or niche in life. This concept made me realize that the differences in our names, religious practices, and choices in life are beautifully diverse. Whether you believe a god predestined that we were put on this earth for a specific purpose or not, our differences and individuality are what allow us to survive. With an on-going war against terrorism and growing gap between religions or even the denominations of one religion, I have started to believe that the only way we will successfully come to terms with our differences is to start searching for our similarities. The Dalai Lama once said “all major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness.” With this in mind, I have great hopes for my own church’s new pope, Pope Francis I, and the return of the Catholic Church as a church for and of the people. After spending over half my life in and out of Catholic Church Education (CCE) classes on Sundays, I was taught that “Catholic” means all embracing. After reading the Poisonwood Bible and forty days of reflection, and not superficial sacrifice that could never amount to the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for me, I only hope that I myself can start to live my life as an “all embracing” Christian, and show greater compassion for the world around me and its inhabitants.
“This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.” -Dalai Lama
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Madison’s Musings
By Madison Williams Management Editor
As an owner of a very spunky Shi Tzu named Pepper whom I am overly attached to, I find it very hard to sit back and watch the slaughter of innocent animals for the sake of “housekeeping” in shelters. No kill shelters are becoming more abundant in the United States but there are still a number of kill shelters to be had. Through adopting pets rather than buying and the support of the community kill shelters can be completely resulting in thousands of lives saved. According to w w w. n o k i l l n o w. com as many as 250,000,000 pets were slaughtered in American shelters during the last decade. That figure is equivalent to the United States’ population in 1991. In many cases kill shelters have a time limit to “sell” a dog to a patron. If that animal is not adopted within that time limit then the animal is euthanized. “Euthanasia is a product of love for animals who have no one to love them,” said Amanda Schinke, a spokesperson for PETA justifying the killing of pets. Euthanasia in shelters is controlled by Federal Law, seldom monitored by Federal agencies due to lack of funding and the method of execution is ultimately determined by the individual pound or shelter. Some shelters have even been reported to kill their animals through means of lethal injection, decompression chamber, gas chamber, electrocution and methods listed as “other.” According to www.animals-pounds. com, lethal injection is the most-preferred method to euthanize cats and dogs since it causes the least stress for the animals and minimal stress for the humans involved. The decompression chamber has recently been considered inhumane under the AVMA guidelines but entailed a spinning unit with animals’ cages inside that prevented the animals from breathing, causing them to
lose consciousness and eventually die. Various kinds of gas chambers are still used today. A typical gas chamber has multiple cages so that more animals can be gassed at the same time. Electrocution has not been addressed by the AVMA guidelines but generally involves a metal clip on the animal’s lip and a metal rectal electrocution probe. After the death of the animals disposal becomes the next obstacle. In some communities, the bodies are stored in a shed and ultimately buried or in larger communities the bodies are kept frozen until removed from the facility. Different methods of disposal include, cremation, rendering plant, and burial in a landfill. Cremation is the most-expensive and not considered typical due to the cost. Sending bodies to a rendering plant is the least expensive. Truckers pick up the bodies for no fee and they then get their payment from the rendering plants that they bring the bodies to. At the rendering plants, the bodies are destroyed to make tallow, meat and blood byproducts, and hair byproducts which are included in everyday products that the average American uses. If you are using products that contain hydrolyzed animal protein, blood meal, bone meal, meal byproducts, and tallow it could have come from a rendering plant like the one described. Animal bodies can also be disposed in a local landfill if allowed in that county. No Kill sheltering models have become more prevalent in the United States in an effort to save these abandoned animal’s lives. Based on innovative, non-lethal programs and services, no kill shelters have already saved the lives of tens of thousands of animals. 150 years ago, societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals and other humane organizations were founded in an effort to establish humane treatment of animals, to promote their rights, and protect them from harm. Today as we integrate pets into our homes as a part of our families we struggle with what is and is not humane anymore. The killing of pets in shelters has become personal to many as they imagine their beloved member of the family sentenced to the same fate had they not been adopted. With the support of the community, shelters are willing to switch of to a no-kill policy but they will require more funding. With the help of the communities around the United States, and more federal funding, no-kill shelters will become the only shelter option available in the US.
“Owners of dogs will have noticed that, if you provide them with food and water and shelter and affection, they will think you are god. Whereas owners of cats are compelled to realize that, if you provide them with food and water and shelter and affection, they draw the conclusion that they are gods.” - Christopher Hitchens
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News
First Jesuit priest elected in history of Catholicism By Jenan Taha Around Creek Editor
For the first time in modern Catholic history, the Pope is voluntarily stepping down from Papacy. Pope Benedict XVI announced that he would be resigning on February 28th, due to health issues. So began the long, idiosyncratic process of appointing a Pope to rule all of Catholicism. The journey begins behind the secretive doors of the Sistine Chapel, where 118 cardinals engage in the tedious voting process for several consecutive days. Technically, any Catholic male without a notorious background is eligible to become the next Pope, but for the last several centuries, all Popes were previously cardinals. The cardinals meet in what is called a conclave. Every day, the bishops meet to cast their votes for the next pope. Each bishop votes for one of their fellow cardinals on a rectangular slip of paper, which at the top reads Eligo in Summum Pontificem, meaning, “I elect as the most high pontiff.” The bishops secretly fill out their ballot, then fold it twice and make their way to the altar at the front of the room. One at a time each cardinal holds up the folded piece of paper at the altar, then repeats the words “I call as my witness Christ the Lord who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one who before God I think should be elected.” After this pledge, they place the slip of paper on a plate, also called a paten, and slide it into a large chalice, which
is similar to a wine glass or goblet. Next, the chimney appear black to citizens and the slips of paper are mixed up and then city-goers on the outside of the chapel. If a read aloud by one specially appointed Car- new pope has been chosen, the ballots are burned in the same dinal. As the names way, but instead, are read out, another the smoke appears Cardinal tallies the white. scores. Once each When a pope ballot is read, the pahas been elected, per is pierced through the conclave is disthe word “eligo” and missed and the electput on a string. After ed Cardinal is taken every vote is checked into a private room. and double-checked, The cardinal dean, percentages are calor master of all carculated. dinals, then asks the One Cardinal Cardinal if he accepts needs to get 67% or this responsibility. If more of the votes to he answers yes, the become pope, but this new pope is stripped usually does not hapof his cardinal garpen after only one ments and changes conclave. At the first The newly elected Pope Francis I stands on the conclave, cardinals central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica on March into the white papal robes. The dean also 13, 2013, in Vatican City, Vatican. Argentinian are allowed only one Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as asks by what name vote. Then, if more the 266th Pontiff and will lead the world’s 1.2 than one day is need- billion Catholics (Maurizio Brambatti/Ansa/Zuma he would like to be addressed. The Ring ed for one person to Press/MCT) of the Fisherman, get 67% or more of a ring worn by all the votes, two conpopes of history, is placed upon his finger. claves are held each following day. After He is then led to the balcony of the Siseach conclave, the hand-written ballots are tine Chapel, where millions of Vatican City immediately burned in the chapel fireplace. citizens await to see their new leader. If the voting was inconclusive, the paper The cheering crowd was stunned as the is burned with a certain chemical addinew pope of Vatican City, Pope Francis I, tive, which makes the smoke wafting from
stepped out onto the balcony. “Habemus Papam. We have a Pope,” announced the senior cardinal. Jorge Mario Bergoglio, now addressed as Pope Francis, is the first South American in history to lead the Catholic Church. He is also the first Catholic in the Jesuit order to be elected. Pope Francis, who is from Argentina, believes that the focal point of his work should be in Latin America, where most of the faithful Catholic reside. This is a very important step for South America, which has been somewhat neglected by Popes in the past. Not only will this involvement encourage more pious behavior by the Latin American population, but it will also help to develop necessary, yet lacking institutions, like schools and hospitals. A Pope as a Jesuit is also a paradox, since the “Society of Jesus”, as they are called, are not supposed to live luxuriously or at high ranks in the church hierarchy. The main objective of the Jesuit order is to spread Catholicism through missions and to help the poor. But throughout history, Jesuits have challenged the Catholic Church’s decisions and have sometimes defied Church decrees. Now that the Pope is both from South America and a Jesuit, this means a great deal for his followers. Jesuits are known for getting things done effectively and humbly, and with the Pope’s blessing, Latin America can begin a new chapter.
Around Creek 5
The Women of Troy shows off the strengths of actors By Lisa Nhan Around Creek Editor
In the midst of all the UIL competitions, Clear Creek’s theatre department has turned their one act play into an impressive competitor. In The Women of Troy, the Clear Creek actors played off each other’s strengths to create a wonderful performance. The Women of Troy is a Greek tragedy written by Euripides taking place after the Trojan War. All of the Trojan men have been slaughter, but the young eightyear-old prince, Astyanax. The women struggle to accept their fates as they are left alone to mourn. The play opens on the ruins of a temple and follows the surviving women on their last day in their homeland. A life of slavery and suffering awaits them as they learn how the aftermath of war will take away all they had previously known. Of all the theatre performances I have seen this year, this one has stood out the most. The plot line was touching and very well conveyed. I found myself empathizing with the ill-fated women as they came to accept what had happened to them. The take on the losing side of a battle is not always heard, and with The Women of Troy, the human struggle is clearly illustrated through their suffering. For these women, whose fates were the faults of others, war wasn’t something they had participated in themselves. To watch
them have to face the aftermath alone and powerless made me care more about these characters than any other play this year. In most ancient Greek stories, it
Woman of Troy really reminds the audience that with one person’s gain is another’s loss. In that aspect, the plotline revealed itself to be unique and thought provoking.
Photo by Clear Creek Den Staff
involves elements of magic and allpowerful beings. While this play had some aspects of that at the beginning, this Greek tragedy focused on the people. It was the first Greek story I have ever seen like that. It was not a hero’s story. The play has a very anti-war tone, a characteristic most well known Greek tales do not have. The
Acting wise, the play exhibited some of the best I have seen all year. All of the actors were well suited to their parts and depicted them well. Senior Carina Monteleone, who played the lead of Queen of Troy also known as Hecabe, was amazing. Before the play, I had an interview with her in which she was describing the troubles that came with
the role. Seeing her on stage as Hecabe, I had no doubt that she had overcome those troubles. Her hard work was well worth it and for her final performance at Creek, it certainly was a great way to end her career here. A character that I was not expecting to like so much was Talthybius played by Alex Aguirre, 12th. Talthybius was the messenger for the Greeks and alone brought all the bad news. Aguirre brought a side to the character that made him seem more realistic than the other characters in the play. The empathy he brought helped give the story more dimension. I was not the only one to find the play impressive. After competing at the UIL One Act Play Zone, The Women of Troy was selected as the Alternate Advancing Play with ten cast members receiving awards. Sarah Timmons won a Technical Award. The following actors received Honorable Mention; Justin Gibbons, Savannah Beatty, Ashley Doran, Ashley Haas, Kelsey Harlan, Madi Kiekel, and Nicole Nelson. Both Carina Monteleone and Mikayla Ford were placed in the All-Star cast. All of the honors were well deserved for this impressive cast. To catch the play one last time, the Clear Creek Theater Department will be performing it on Saturday, April 6, 2013. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. and admission is free.
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Teen Interest
Review: Austin Mahone’s new song fails to impress By Valerie Hellinghausen Editor-in-Chief
Texas native Austin Mahone has partnered with pop artist Flo Rida in his latest single Say You’re Just a Friend. While the track has marketable characteristics, overall the single and music video leaves audiences with a flat, forgettable, and superficial performance that is more likely to give you a headache than an enjoyable music experience. Like many others, Mahone’s rise to pop stardom started with an interest in music at an early age when he begged his mom for a drum set one Christmas. After roaming through music stores in his hometown, La Vernia, Texas, Mahone started uploading his own covers of songs by artists such as Drake, Justin Bieber, Ne-Yo, Bruno Mars,
and more. As his covers gained interest online, Mahone established his own fan base with 1.9 million Facebook fans, 1.7 million Twitter followers, 600 thousand YouTube subscribers, and over 99 million views, all without a record label, marketing team, or industry support. After selling 100 thousand downloads of his independently produced single 11:11, Mahone has moved on from YouTube videos to sold out high-profile shows such as a concert at the Best Buy Theatre in Times Square in New York City to live performances on Access Hollywood, E! News, VH1 and more. However, in Mahone’s latest single Say You’re Just a Friend, his identity has clearly not matured from the Justin Bieber sound-alike covers he recorded for his YouTube fans. This new single offers no recognizable, tangible sound or image for listeners to sink their teeth into. All that aside, Mahone’s new single for Chase Records and Republic Records offers a set of catchy lyrics that with enough radio air time will likely be the new buzz stuck in teenagers ears like an annoying mosquito that simply refuses to go away. In addition, the song has a distinguishable beat that could be danced to if it was not skipped over because every other radio station was playing commercials and nothing better was on. After the single has its time on the charts, it is not likely to be remembered let alone become the new anthem of any generation of listeners. While I appreciated the hand signs built into the dance choreography in the single’s music video, listeners really do not need sign language to understand Mahone’s message. Say You’re Just a Friend tells the washed up story of a boy who likes a girl who is giving him mixed signals about where their relationship stands. While the plot is relatable or some, it is also unoriginal and more likely to bore audiences than encourage them to download the song. While Mahone’s teenage heartthrob image will be enough for some audiences to
Rida’s bridge strain did help round out the vocal range of the song, there was no saving this sinking ship of a music video. Needless to say, the video and single will not be winning any Grammys or MTV awards any time soon. Even if Mahone and his label’s targeted audience is young teenage fan girls that will buy into any baby-faced heartthrob that graces the airwaves, they still have not struck gold with Say You’re Just a Friend. Though the single is somewhat balanced in sound with Flo Rida’s lower range complimenting Mahone’s higher voice, the track is easily forgettable and lacks even a hint of original substance Austin Mahone attends the Washington DC Jingle Ball concert at the Patriot Center for listeners. The in Fairfax, Virginia on Tuesday, December 11, 2012. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/ single may contain MCT) relatable content, but check out this single’s music video, I can- the overall performance is unoriginal and not foresee it topping any of MTV or VH1’s flat. In addition, the worthless music video music video playlists. The video features is a complete bore and headache waiting Mahone and his would-be girlfriend if she to happen for viewers. If Mahone wants was not playing hard to get. Between a few to continue his short-lived success, then repeated dance clips, close ups on Mahone he needs to tap into his own individuality and a break out strain featuring Flo Rida, and find an original sound in order to avoid the video lacks any memorable moments. being pinned as another wannabe Bieber In addition to its unoriginality, the video’s whose pretty face and catchy lyrics are not flashy light show of neon lights, a lit dance enough to stand the test of time in the mufloor, and cheesy hearts on top of Mahone’s sic industry. already high-ranged voice are enough to give any viewer a headache. While Flo
Features
9
Tour de Houston brings profits to the city’s parks By Leticia Suarez Features Editor
support. Despite the precautions, a tragic incident occurred during the race. A cyclist On Sunday, March 17, the charitable donated more than 3 million trees to cities suffering some type of medical emergency Tour de Houston took place around the throughout the United States. Of these, passed away. Officials refused to give out Houston City area. It was presented by over 100,000 trees have been planted in any information about specific reasons Apache Corporation with the other than it was not caused by purpose of fund-raising for the a collision with another rider. reforestation efforts through “Despite a phenomenal Tour their non-profit partner, de Houston with great ridership Houston Parks Board, dedicated and extraordinary weather, we to creating, improving and are deeply saddened by the protecting parkland in the loss of one of our riders,” said Houston region. This year’s Susan Christian, director of droughts have increased the the Mayor’s Office of Special need to protect our City’ parks, Events and producer of the ride. so taking a part in the Tour “Our thoughts and prayers are would make a difference in the with his friends and family.” restoration of the surrounding Three other people were nature. Participants had the taken to the hospital during the choice to participate in a 20, 45, ride, and a man is in intense care and 70-mile bike ride, making unit after suffering from a heart this event the perfect activity attack. According to the event for all cyclist levels, including history, it is the lowest number that of kids. of accidents they have ever had. Tour de Houston was The ride finally culminated cancelled on 2011 for lack of with a post-ride party for sponsorship, but the year that participants and volunteers followed, Apache Corporation with music and lunch for all stepped up and allowed the registrants at City Hall provided event to proceed. They agreed by Michelob Ultra and My Fit to sponsor it for a second time, Foods. which led to the success of this “This annual Houston year’s Tour. tradition has become a staple “Apache is honored to in our city, thanks to our public be the title sponsor of Tour and private partnership with Photo courtesy of The City of Houston official site, tourdehouston.org. Produced by the Mayor’s office of Special Events. de Houston,” said Roger Plank, Apache Corporation,” said Mayor Apache’s president and chief corporate Houston parks.” Sunnyside and past Reliant Stadium before Annise Parker. “Semi-professional riders officer. “This event not only supports a Mayor Parker and State Senator turning around at Hobby Airport. The long as well as families and leisure bike riders healthy lifestyle but benefits the city’s Rodney Ellis, who participated in the race route kept going past Ellington Field to will continue to enjoy the city’s premier reforestation efforts, which is a perfect link among 5,000 others, gave a big send-off a turnaround at Clear Lake. Along these recreational biking event while replenishing to Apache’s commitment to help restore to the first wave of riders, those riding routes, riders were able to find fully-stocked our city’s trees.” Houston’s incredible parks to their pre- 70 miles, when they left at 7:30 a.m. The rest stops, mechanical support provided drought glory. Since 2005, Apache has riders on the 45 and 20-mile courses then by Sun & Ski Sports, police and medical followed that group at half-hour intervals. The short route passed through River Oaks, West U, and turned around at Westwood. The 45-mile route continued through
10
Sports
Heat expand streak and look to make NBA history By Justin Behrens Reporter
Usually after the All Star break, teams sometimes have a slump, but that has not been the case for the red hot Miami Heat. They won 27 games in a row. Their great play and teamwork almost resulted in breaking a record that many people believed to be un-breakable. Ever since LeBron James decided to take his talents to South Beach, it is safe to say that the Heat have been a dominant team in the NBA. Before LeBron’s arrival, the face of the franchise was Dwayne Wade. Now the team has got a number of all star players including Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Ray Allen. With all these big names, the Miami Heat have been the top seed in the Eastern Conference. But as of late, the Heat have been playing at an even higher level than before. Since Super Bowl Sunday (February 3rd), the Miami Heat have managed to put a little winning streak together. They have won 27 consecutive games in a row. They just passed the Houston Rockets for the second longest winning streak in NBA history. The Houston Rockets previously held the record by winning 22 games in a row in the 2007–2008 season. But this hot winning streak has not been so easy. There have been multiple close games, including some that have gone into double overtime. For example, to beat the Rockets streak of 22 games, the Miami Heat had to go into TD Garden in Boston and play the Celtics. The Heat don’t generally have a lot of luck against the Celtics. Before the game, the Heat were 0–10 when playing the Boston Celtics at home in the regular season. Many of the analysts believed that the Heat would not be able to win and the
Miami Heat foward LeBron James, left, and teammate Chris Andersen, right, celebrates after a play in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida, Friday, March 22, 2013. The Heat defeated the Pistons, 103-89. (David Santiago/El Nuevo Herald/ MCT)
streak would be over. But after trailing the Celtics the whole game, the Heat had their first lead in the last few minutes of the fourth quarter. And once LeBron hit a long jumper, it was all over from there. The Heat beat the Celtics 105-103 to keep the winning streak alive. Even though they won many games
in a row, this did not even get in the same rea lm as the best winning streak in NBA history. The longest winning streak is held by the Lakers where they won 33 games in a row. In the 1971-1972 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers managed to win 33 consecutive games, a lot of teams do not even get 33 wins in a whole season. That
was a big accomplishment back then and one the the Heat had their sights set on. The winning streak shows the attitude of this team and their will to win. They are the number one seed in the East, and probably should be resting their starters for the playoffs. A lot of other teams will start to do this soon, but not the Miami Heat. They want to prove to every other team in the NBA that they are the best. A lot of the “experts” are predicting that the Miami Heat are going to repeat and win the NBA Championship for the second year in a row. The Heat are still hoping the carry the momentum that the winning streak gave them into the playoffs, and hopefully have it help carry them to another NBA championship. Just recently, the Heat traveled to LeBron’s old team in Cleveland to face the Cavaliers. This looked like it would be an easy win for Miami, but in the NBA, you can’t just show up and expect to win. In the first half, LeBron and the Heat found themselves down by 27, even though Cleveland’s star player wasn’t even playing in the game. But after halftime, the Heat came out strong and ended up with a great comeback win. They beat the Cavaliers 9895. After 27 games the Heat’s streak finally came to an end agaisnt a scrappy Chicago Bulls team that was playing without its two star players, Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. As the streak ended many of the Heat players spoke of the relief they felt to get the burden of it off their shoulders. Despite the streak falling short of the record, it shows the Heat’ true potential when they are on top of their game, which is something any NBA fan would desire to see come playoff time.
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