You'll never guess what landed Harris County jailer Branden Paez on the other side of the bars. Paez was accused of bringing inmates special treats such as Cool Ranch Doritos, candy and cigarettes. He also allegedly gave an inmate access to his mobile phone to contact outsiders (for a $25 fee). Although
Author: Christine Vanderwater
Glen Campbell’s Alzheimer’s is Getting Worse: Country Music Legend Moved toTreatment Facility
Country music artist Glen Campbell, who announced that he has Alzheimer's in 2011, has moved into an Alzheimer's facility. The 78 year old singer, guitarist and TV host has been battling the disease for the past three years. A family friend told CMT that Campbell's permanent plans were unknown at the
The joys of being a second semester senior
Right now I feel like graduation is just around the corner. Unfortunately, though, I still have almost two months left of high school. I cannot wait until I am free from petty assignments and classes. With the pressure of actually graduating dwindling (it's highly unlikely that I am going to fail
Reflections of a Teenage Drama Queen
This past week was Spring Break, which is of course the best time to make important decisions. I did just that: I committed to the university that will be my home for the next four years. Making this decision, however, has caused me to realize how much I will miss high
The Bachelor Recap
This season of ABC's The Bachelor was probably the most unpleasant and uncomfortable of any Bachelor season. Not only was Juan Pablo Galavis the least popular Bachelor in the history of the show, but the finale didn't even end with a proposal! To recap the finale, Juan Pablo was, at the beginning of the episode,
RodeoHouston Review: Jason Aldean
Jason Aldean has been a favorite performer of RodeoHouston since his first appearance there five years ago. And for good reason. His stage presence is such that if he started singing the Yankee Doodle, he would still have the entire audience singing along. He has enough hits to last hours and everyone
RodeoHouston Review: Jake Owen
Jake Owen is a performer who likes to shake things up. His March 12 performance at RodeoHouston definitely shook up the idea of what a performance at the rodeo should be. He stood out amongst other performers from the very first minute when, instead of being brought to the revolving stage
RodeoHouston Review: Chris Young
For his second appearance at RodeoHouston on March 8, Chris Young wanted to come with a bang. The 28 year old Tennessee native brought excitement to fans young and old with his crooning, powerful vocals. While playing both old and new songs (Young performed his most well-known hits, "You," Tomorrow," and
RodeoHouston Review: Eli Young Band
Eli Young Band, born and raised in Tomball, came back for more Tuesday night as a RodeoHouston act. "It's good to be home!" Lead singer and acoustic guitarist Mike Eli quipped. And it certainly was. In honor of RodeoHouston's Military Appreciation Day, the band brought out their "close, personal friend of 20 years" Navy
RodeoHouston Review: Brad Paisley
f there's any rodeo concert that will separate the die-hard country fans from the rest, it's Brad Paisley. Paisley's often hilariously candid lyrics and twangy voice are sure to get any female swaying. As he took charge of the revolving stage for the eighth time, fans waited impatiently until the chords
Winter Weather Woes
Who wants school today? With a winter weather storm warning, Houston ISD cancelled school today. To be honest, I have mixed feelings about this snow day. For one thing, I really do enjoy school. Sort of. I mean, during the week I have a routine that I am great at sticking to.
Student Involved in Shooting at Purdue University Arrested
West Lafayette, Indiana, updated 7:05 pm - A man pulled out a gun in Purdue University's electrical engineering building today, killing a man and causing others to flee. According to the school's police chief, the suspect had only one target in mind. He left the building just after shooting the man
Time Management, Late Nights, and Chocolate Ice Cream
This morning my alarm went off at 6:00, which is the time that I normally wake up so that I can get ready for school. The only problem? I didn't have school today. Although I kept putting off all of my homework that was due Tuesday, I ignored my alarm and went back
A Blog About How to Write a Blog
This one's for all of my fellow bloggers out there. Here's just a few tips about how to write a well-done blog. Be relevant to your audience. This one might sound obvious, but sometimes it's not. You need to know who you're blogging for. If you blog about quilting and crafting, you are
Downton Abbey Shocks Viewers
On Sunday night, while millions of people were watching the Golden Globes, plenty others were glued to their television screens watching the second episode of Downton Abbey's fourth series on Masterpiece PBS. Fans watched in horror as one of the show's most beloved characters, Anna Bates, was brutally raped by a
Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf?
Today has caused me to think quite a lot about what I'm afraid of. Perhaps it was the email that my mom received about rattlesnake sightings in Galveston (very close to our beach house) or the fact that many of my friends are just now learning to drive, but either
Knitting Isn’t Just For Grandmas
I've recently picked up a hobby that I hadn't considered since I was younger: knitting. Not only is it fun, but it's also a great stress reliever. I can't wait to be skilled enough to be able to knit my friends a scarf or a sweater for Christmas. To be honest, there
Unexpected Talents
This evening I had the option of staying at home and watching television or going with my little sister to her choir practice. I chose to go to choir practice because I haven't gotten to spend much time with my sister recently because I have been so busy with school. Unsure
Study Sessions
If, like me, you are a high school student preparing to take finals soon, you are probably looking for a study method that works for you. I love listening to music while I'm studying. It ensures that I don't get bored while studying, but it isn't distracting enough that I can't
Nelson Mandela Dies at Age 95
Nelson Mandela has passed away at the age of 95 in his home in Johannesburg. Mandela was known throughout the world for his accomplishments toward ending apartheid in his native South Africa as President. He worked around the world as well, acting as a mediator during the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing
Holiday Cheer and Fun Traditions
Tomorrow is a very important day. It is Ugly Holiday Sweater Day at my school! I know this sounds silly, but to be honest, it is exactly what I need right now. I cannot wait any longer to get excited about the upcoming holidays. Besides, wearing Ugly Christmas Sweaters is a very special
The Insanely Huge Significance of Dirt
Why did I just spend three weeks learning about dirt? This is not a question many people have the fortune to ask. I wish I could consider myself so unlucky. I spent a historical three weeks not very long ago learning about dirt and all of its properties in my Environmental Science class.
A Brief History of Thanksgiving
The first “Pilgrims” left Plymouth, England in September of 1620 on the Mayflower with 102 passengers. The passengers were religious separatists who desired a home where they could practice their faith in peace. Other passengers wanted wealth and success in America. The Mayflower’s voyage was uncomfortable and treacherous, lasting a total
Why McDonald’s Employees Still Deserve Respect
I am sick of going to a fast food restaurant and seeing a customer be rude to the employees. This is ridiculous. Aren't the people working at McDonald's or Whataburger just trying to earn themselves some money, just like everyone else? What should it matter what their job is? Beyond the every-so-often