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BangaLore #4: India's 9/11

By Sonalee Rau | Nov. 30, 2008, midnight | In Lifestyle Blog »

The Indian metropolis of Mumbai is home to over 12 million people. This week, they bear witness to a terrorist attack that left 195 dead - including several police officers, American tourists and at least two journalists - and over 300 injured. On Nov. 25, terrorists disguised as students held victims hostage in two famous hotels, the Taj Mahal and the Oberoi, then set fire to the former. Shots were fired and explosives set off around several other Mumbai landmarks. The tragedy lasted for three days as captives remained trapped in the city and the death toll rose seemingly without end.


BangaLore #3: Check "IT" out

By Sonalee Rau | Nov. 26, 2008, midnight | In Lifestyle Blog »

This week I finally got to, and I'll never look at IT the same way again. There's been a lot of buzz about the information technology (IT) boom, call centers and outsourcing in India lately. I had heard a great deal about the India-based software and technology company Infosys in the past, but hadn't realized until now the extent to which companies like it are revolutionizing the face of India.


Giving thanks

By Sophia Deng | Nov. 25, 2008, midnight | In Lifestyle Blog »

We're frantically counting down the days until no school, but Thanksgiving is more than just "a half a day away." Thanksgiving is a day to ponder the people in our lives. True, after arriving to high school - where it's all work and no play - there's not much time or energy to give thanks to people or fortunes, but maybe we should.


The end of an era

By Katie Sint | Nov. 14, 2008, midnight | In Lifestyle Blog »

I remember where I was when I heard the news. It was a Thursday afternoon. I was doing math homework and sitting in the living room with the TV on in the background. Over all the shrieking and bubblegum pop music I heard it: "Total Request Live" ("TRL") would be airing their last episode ever in a matter of weeks.


BangaLore #2: Seeking doctor groom

By Sonalee Rau | Nov. 12, 2008, midnight | In Lifestyle Blog »

Well, not me in particular, but a surprising number of people are. Allow me to explain. The other day I was reading an Indian magazine and two pages of tiny print after all of the main articles caught my eye. It appeared to be a classified ads section. Upon closer examination, I realized I had been right. The ads were all classifieds…for people.


Holiday hoopla

By Lauren Kestner | Nov. 8, 2008, midnight | In Lifestyle Blog »

I walked into the store last week looking for the perfect low-cost Halloween costume – I was thinking a checkered shirt, jeans, shiny gold badge and boots for the classic cowgirl look – when a glimmer of red, green and gold diverted my attention. The adjoining aisle was flooded with winter holiday decorations: festive white lights wrapped around a massive fake Christmas tree, red ribbons festooned the shelves and an inflatable plastic Santa Claus towered over electric reindeer with noses lit bright red.


BangaLore #1: 'Tis the season

By Sonalee Rau | Nov. 6, 2008, midnight | In Lifestyle Blog »

All the usual signs of the holiday season were visible in India last week. Fairy lights were strung along houses, roads were congested with seasonal traffic and ancient television specials were being aired over and over. The fire marshal limit had long since been exceeded in most gift shops. I almost believed it was December instead of the middle of autumn.


What hinders Halloween

By Julia Wynn | Oct. 29, 2008, midnight | In Lifestyle Blog »

It's almost Halloween night. Kids will be crowding the doorways of every house yelling "trick-or-treat!" in various silly, frightening and unusual costumes, enthused about the prospect of free candy. But a group of adolescents will spoil the excited and spirited atmosphere, approaching houses in everyday jeans and t-shirts, expecting to fill enormous garbage bags with free candy.


Why children's television should be more like "Arthur"

By Sophia Deng | Oct. 25, 2008, midnight | In Lifestyle Blog »

I proudly admit that I am a sixteen-year-old who still watches "Arthur," on PBS weekdays at 5 p.m. The lovable PBS children's television show is incredibly witty and offers valuable insights into life. But "Arthur" doesn't stop there. The new fall season will have an election year theme, informing kids about the presidential and local elections.


A plastic problem

By Lucas Alvarado-Farrar | Oct. 6, 2008, midnight | In Lifestyle Blog »

Going green is in. The new environmental friendly label has become the hot new item in American industry. From cars to meals, everyone says their product is helping create a sustainable planet. But despite all this feel-good tree-hugging, society has failed to end one of its most damaging practices.


SCO writer seeks new footwear

By Sean Howard | Oct. 6, 2008, midnight | In Lifestyle Blog »

Hello all! Welcome to this new exciting experience that is my "blog." As Humor and Food Editor, I'd like to talk about something safe the first time so that my editors don't hurt me. With that said, I'd like to talk about my shoes.


Spores of fun

By Monica Wei | Oct. 6, 2008, midnight | In Lifestyle Blog »

On a Friday evening (or night, depending on your sleep schedule), after a long week that included an incredibly long math test, convoluted procedures for college app paperwork and memorization of a monologue, I am hit with a sudden urge to sit on my butt in front of the television with a big bowl of chips and salsa.


Let our pep rally go

By Susie Branson | Oct. 6, 2008, midnight | In Lifestyle Blog »

An explosion of red and white. Pom-poms flying through the air. Face paint. These activities are what I think of when envisioning the perfect pep rally. With one fall sports pep rally already under our belt, every Blazer has experienced the excitement of either attending or participating in these rare yet spirited events. With this being said, each Blazer has also therefore experienced the balloon of disappointment when walking out of the stadium back to a car or bus after being forced to endure another pathetic outdoor pep rally. Although my notions on these school-sponsored rallies are somewhat based on cheap TV shows and the media, why can't the Blair administration just let us experience this clichéd high school tradition? For the first time in what seems like a million years, Blair sports are taking off and finally making a name for themselves in the county. However, the administration's compulsions for unnecessary changes are damaging the already-diminishing school spirit within Blair.

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